Edible Crafts Kids’ Cookbook by Charity Matthews

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: 1 – 2

Publisher: Rockridge Press

Publication Date: September 28, 2021

Children learn to make 25 eye pleasing recipes that are made from healthy foods. There is a note to the adults, a note to the children and a getting ready section which includes tools needed to cook and create. Each recipe includes a Did You Know? section which adds facts and additional science information to these artsy recipes. Great for year-long cooking. Perhaps some of these recipes will inspire a Mother’s Day concoction. Enjoy!

Not My Hats by author Tracy Gunaratnam and illustrator Alea Marley

Reading Age: 4 – 9 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Maverick Arts

Publication Date: March 2, 2021

In this rhyming picture book Hettie the polar bear will share many things with Puffin but not her hats. Finally Puffin has something that Hettie can use and they both wear the hats. This is a fun book to read and listen to as a determined polar bear is convinced that she will not share her hats. The repeated words will assist those learning to read. Patterns and bright colors are attractive.

I Love Strawberries by author Shannon Anderson and illustrator Jaclyn Sinquett

Reading Age: 4 – 8

Grade Level: 1 – 2

Publisher: Feeding Minds Press

Publication Date: April 5, 2022

Julie enjoys eating strawberries. She wants to grow them. Jolie shows her parents that she is responsible. She earns money to buy the seeds and grows a strawberry patch. She diligently tends to her garden, documenting her experiences in a journal. Is she prepared for strawberry patch invaders? Illustrations are warm with a touch of red on pages. Diverse characters are shown. Readers and listeners will enjoy learning about how to grow this scrumptious fruit. Backmatter includes information about growing strawberries and pest control.

One Good Night ’til Easter by author Frank J. Berrios III and illustrator Ramon Olivera

Reading Age: Baby – 3

Grade Level: Preschool and up

Publisher: LB Kids

Publication Date: February 8, 2022

In this rhyming board book, diverse children and their families get ready for Easter. There are treats to make, cards to create, eggs to decorate and to find, chocolate to taste, guests to welcome and new outfits to wear. The illustrations are bright and leave readers and listeners feeling happy. A fun read.

Jayden’s Impossible Garden by author Melina Mangal and illustrator Ken Daley

Reading Age: 4 – 9 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing

Publication Date: March 5, 2021

A boy named Jayden lives in the city. He enjoys nature and sees it around him in the weather, his collections of stones and branches, and by observing birds and squirrels. Jayden discovers that his neighbor, Mr. Curtis, also enjoys nature. Spring arrives and the two neighbors spend time together listening to each others stories, building a fort, and planting flowers in reusable materials. Their garden attracts other neighbors who are glad to see nature sprouting.Illustrations are attractive. The book includes author and illustrator notes, information about insects and animals displayed in this book and information about recyclable crafts to make. My Book Eyes enjoyed seeing a warm relationship between a youngster and an older person with a disability and the emphasis on common interests.