The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster by Mo Willems

Reading Age: 4 years – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

One pigeon. Many anxieties and humor! Pigeon is going on a roller coaster ride for the first time. Readers and listeners learn the sequence of events leading up to and including the ride. A good book to discuss waiting on a line, patience and feelings about trying new things. Illustrations capture the bird’s hoopla throughout this picture book. My Book Eyes doesn’t know who will roar with laughter more, adults or children.

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better by author Glenda Armand, author Kim Freeman and illustrator Keith Mallett

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

At 12 years old, Augustus Jackson left his family in Pennsylvania and travelled to Washington D.C. where he became a kitchen helper in the White House. At 17 years of age, Augustus became a cook and made cold puddings. He created a version without eggs which is the dessert we know as ice cream. At 22 years of age, Augustus returned to Pennsylvania and opened an ice cream parlor. Also he sold ice cream from a cart. He devised a way to make his ice cream in less time and freeze it so that it could be shipped to customers. My Book Eyes enjoyed reading this picture book biography about a person who rose from meager beginnings to become an entrepreneur and inventor who made a delicious treat that so many people enjoy. The realistic illustrations are beautiful and transport readers to the times of Augustus Jackson. An ice cream recipe is included.

Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun! by author Valerie Bolling an illustrator Sabrena Khadija

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Publication Date: October 4, 2022

The school year is over and children are frolicking everywhere in this rhyming children’s book. They enjoy skateboarding, biking, chalk drawing, basketball playing, hopscotching, jump roping, playing hide and seek and tag to name many. Diversity abounds. Illustrations of characters are large. Counting items and people and seeing bright colors could reinforce math and color concepts.

I Love My Daddy by author David Bedford and illustrator Brenna Vaughan

Reading Age: 1 – 6 years

Publisher: Parragon Books

Publication Date: August 20, 2019

A young squirrel is growing up and proud to show his father his skills. Every time Little Squirrel performs his abilities fall short of what an adult squirrel can do. For example, when he jumps, he doesn’t jump far enough and lands in mud. Daddy Squirrel realizes that Little Squirrel still needs time to develop and invites the young one to accompany him as he performs tasks as an adult. The tables turn. Readers and onlookers learn that dads are not perfect and Little Squirrel demonstrates increased maturity. Illustrations appropriately show setting and emotions for this picture book. A good book to read about the give and take of relationships.

Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth by author Tonya Abari and illustrator Tabitha Brown

Reading Age: Baby – 5 years

Grade Level : Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Mudpuppy

Publication Date: April 11, 2023

In this rhyming board book, young children are introduced to Juneteenth with activities that can be done to celebrate being free from slavery in the United States. Activities mentioned are ones that youngsters can relate to such as going on a picnic, having a parade, shopping at Black owned stores to name a few. In the back of the book is a detailed description of Juneteenth. Illustrations are attractive and will appeal to this age group.

Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down by author Kate Dopirak and illustrator Christopher Silas Neal

Reading Age: Baby – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2020

In this rhyming picture book, the main character is always rushing whether it is going to school, being in school or returning home. When the hustle and bustle becomes too much to bare, the child slows down and learns to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. Illustrations are vivid and depict transition from stressful times to calm times. This book could generate a discussion about what children like to do to relax.

Soon by author Libby Gleeson and illustrator Jedda Robaard

A child mouse wants to know when her sibling will arrive. The mother mouse responds, “Soon,” throughout this picture book. Viewers watch the little mouse help mom by washing baby clothes, painting baby’s nursery, sorting toys and shopping. One day the child mouse wakes up and sees mother mouse cradling baby mouse. Very endearing story with illustrations that portray a calm yet anticipating time in the lives of this mother child pair. A sweet book for preschool through first grade children.

When You Can Swim by Jack Wong

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Orchard Books

Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Possibilities of what one can do when he or she learns to swim are explored in this poetically written children’s book. The book begins with a parent and child going to the beach and enjoying time in the water. It continues showing adults and children of varied race and ethnicities relishing aquatic activities in lakes, oceans, pools etc. Illustrations are beautiful depicting nature from a variety of angles.

Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize by author Brittany Mazique and illustrator Sawyer Cloud

Reading Age: 4-8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: AW Teen

Publication Date: January 1, 2022

An ambitious girl named Delphine Denise and her friends enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans every year. This year, there will be a crown given to the person who has the best float in the Mardi Gras Parade. Delphine Denise enlists the help of her friends to build a float. Unfortunately too much decoration weighs the float down and her friends decide to ditch the float idea and ride their bikes instead. Delphine Denise perseveres with the float. Her ride breaks down. She decides to make a Mardi Gras treat for her friends to mend their relationships. Her friends make something special for Delphine Denise. My Book Eyes perused items and read words associated with Mardi Gras in New Orleans i.e. gold, green and purple colors, coins, costumes, crawfish, beads, masks, float, instruments, music, king cake, beignet. Illustrations are vivid with many on white backgrounds. Diverse characters debut. Included is an author’s note and information about Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

I Love You Like Yellow by author Andrea Beaty and illustrator Vashti Harrison

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Publication Date: March 29, 2022

LOVE is demonstrated through a variety of activities through good times and bad. Love is for all ages and for a diversity of people. Readers and listeners will enjoy this rhyming picture book with a vast array of illustrated scenarios to view. A book to read anytime of the year.