The Bubble Gum Blob (15) (Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol) by author Andres Miedoso and illustrator Victor Rivas

Reading Age: 5 – 9

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4

Publisher: Little Simon

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

A student named Marquis Chase sells candy at Kersville Elementary School. He introduces the school population to a new kind of gum. Unfortunately this gum comes to life. This early reader chapter book keeps the action rolling as Desmond Cole and his friend Andres Miedoso try to get rid of the Bubble Gum Blob. Illustrations are plentiful which makes this a quick and enjoyable read. Diverse people shown.

Boo Stew by author Donna L. Washington and illustrator Jeffrey Ebbeler

Reading Age: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Peachtree

Publication Date: September 7, 2021

The author uses elements that readers can equate with a familiar story yet appreciate the inventiveness of the text that makes this an exciting and new experience. In a locale called Toadsuck Swamp, a girl named Curly Locks likes to concoct foods reminiscent of witches brews. No one in the neighborhood enjoys her cooking except the Scares. The adults cannot get rid of the havoc creating beings called Scares. Curly Locks devises a plan to bring order and peace to her town. Listeners will love icky recipes, repetitive words and the ability to chime in to repeat those words during a group or individual reading. Illustrations will intrigue eyes as they search the detailed scenes. Diversity included. Such a fun book to read all year but a must if searching for something new to read during the Halloween season.

Everybody in the Red Brick Building by author Anne Wynter and illustrator Oge Mora

Reading Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: October 19, 2021

On a quiet street, in an apartment in a red brick building, Baby Izzie wakes up with a loud cry. Her cry travels to another apartment and wakes a parrot that squawks and talks. Noises continue careening to different apartments within the building. Three boys wake and make noise on the floor while playing. The story continues using words that sound like sounds (onomatopoeia) throughout the book until the story reverses and everyone and everything goes back to sleep. Children will delight in hearing and saying noisy words. Diverse characters shown. Creative collage patterns in illustrations are a must to see. This book won multiple awards including an Ezra Jack Keats Honor.

A Grand Day by author Jean Reidy and illustrator Samantha Cotterill

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books

Publication Date: July 5, 2022

Spend time with diverse grandparents and children this autumn in this rhyming picture book. There is so much to do like sleeping over, reading a story, planting, cooking, picnicking, making art, exploring the attic, exercising and more. Illustrations are vivid and infused with collage that stands out.

This is a School by author John Schu and illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: March 29, 2022

This picture book recognizes all that a school represents. It is a place where people come together either in person or virtually to work, play, discover, fail, make mistakes, be silly, be loud, be quiet, share and help to name many as children and staff grow. Text includes much that people experience by being part of a school community. Illustrations depict a plethora of examples that convey the meaning of the text. Variety of characters are seen throughout the book. Pictures and words will hit home to anyone involved in a school environment. A book to be read anytime of the year to reinforce the meaning of school. A poster is included.

The Queen of Kindergarten by author Derrick Barnes and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Reading Age: 3 – 5 years

Publisher: Nancy Paulson Books

Publication Date: May 24, 2022

A young girl named MJ Malone wears an imaginary tiara as she embarks on her first day of kindergarten beginning with her getting ready for school routine and ending with her return home. At school she impresses with her independence, willingness to help, takes on responsibility, learns and has fun. My Book Eyes loves seeing the King of Kindergarten cheering in the background of one scene. Another wonderful book for children beginning school. Illustrations are colorful with delightfully textured designs. Text and illustrations exude positivity. A must read.

The King of Kindergarten by author Derrick Barnes and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Nancy Paulson Books

Publication Date: July 2, 2019

A young boy wears an imaginary crown as he embarks on his first day of kindergarten beginning with his morning wake up routine and ending with his return home. At school he learns the daily routine, makes friends, is kind and shares. He cannot wait to return to school the next day. Wonderful book for children beginning school. Illustrations are colorful with delightfully textured designs. Text and illustrations exude positivity. A must read.

Busy Little Hands: Food Play!: Activities for Preschoolers by Amy Palanjian

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: November 10, 2020

This cookbook is great for the youngest chefs. There are recipes for breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks. Each recipe shows photographs of diverse children participating with procedural pictures also shown as well as information given about Grown – Up Prep Steps. There are labeled photos of kids’ cooking tools. Also there are 5 tips to make food more fun and 5 tips for good table manners. Ingredients are nutritious. This book gives good cooking ideas for preschoolers and kindergarteners to make at home or at school.

Yoga Adventure! by authors Jamaica Stevens and Jamaroo Kids and illustrator Rocio Alejandro

Reading Age: 3 – 6 years

Publisher: Barefoot Books

Publication Date: October 29, 2021

In this picture book children travel to 7 continents performing 14 yoga poses that represent animals from the continents and transportation such as bicycle, submarine, train, plane, and sailboat. An assortment of colorful and energetic children are depicted. Illustrations make onlookers want to start posing. In the back of the book, the origin of yoga and the poses shown throughout the book are discussed. A map of the 7 continents and where the animals live are shown with interesting facts about the animals added. A song that can be sung to this story can be viewed on an included website. My Book Eyes enjoys coupling movement and music with learning.

KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by author Vera Ahiyya and illustrator Joey Chou

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Random House Studio

Publication Date: June 21, 2022

A teacher named Ms. Perry welcomes her new students over the summer with a letter that invites them to think about the new school year by gathering ideas about being kind and sharing them in a kindness pledge when they return. Leo, an introvert doesn’t think he has any ideas to share. At school, Leo observes and demonstrates kind acts but doesn’t mention them. Extrovert students speak out for themselves and for Leo who realizes that he does know kindness. This book will be a go to for many teachers beginning the school year. Illustrations demonstrate diversity in people that make up this community.