In addition to being an author, I am a book reviewer and share my favorite titles for children 0-12 on my Instagram page @picturebookrecommendations. Please feel free to reach out if you are looking for a book on a specific topic for a kiddo in your life!
Please see my current review policy here.
Did you know jellyfish can glow, clone themselves, and survive in extreme conditions? 🤯
I’m obsessed with this book.
It’s packed with fascinating facts about jellyfish—but what really makes it stand out is how fun it is to read. The rhyming, playful text makes it an incredible read-aloud, while the stunning visuals feel like stepping into an aquarium exhibit.
And for kids who want more? There’s tons of back matter to keep the curiosity going.
It’s that perfect combination of engaging + educational—the kind of book kids will want to hear again and again.
Picture book perfection.
✨ Highlights:
✔️ A spectacular world of weird & wonderful jellies
✔️ Rhyming text packed with facts
✔️ Feels like an aquarium exhibit 🪼
✔️ Jelly anatomy, habitats & ecosystems
✔️ A STEM-rich read-aloud
✔️ Sparks curiosity about the natural world
Do your kids love ocean animals? 🌊
The Secrets of the Jellies: Amazing Jellyfish and Their Surprising Talents
@Kayljameson
@mariehermanssonillustration
@Chroniclekidsbooks
#scienceforkids #nonfictionforkids #oceanbooks #kidslit #raisingreaders
If your kids love ridiculous, over-the-top humor… this one is a MUST. 😂
This book had me laughing out loud.
It technically walks you through how to make a jelly sandwich… but the steps? Completely unhinged in the best way.
Because of course, the logical way to open a jam jar is to recruit an elephant and spin it around on a playground merry-go-round… right?!
Each page gets sillier and sillier, turning something ordinary into a wildly imaginative adventure that kids will love.
Such a fun reminder that there’s more than one way to do things—and that sometimes the most creative ideas are the most unexpected.
Highly recommend for giggles (and repeat read-alouds).
✨ Highlights:
✔️ A wildly imaginative “how-to” story
✔️ Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary
✔️ Celebrates original thinking
✔️ A playful twist on a familiar concept
✔️ Confidence in doing things differently
✔️ Pure, joyful imagination
Would your kids follow these directions… or question them immediately? 😄
How NOT to Make a Jelly Sandwich
#RossBurach
@Scholastic
#funnykidsbooks #readaloudfun #picturebooks #kidslit #raisingreaders
🧁 A Sweet Story of Resilience 🧁
Tova loves helping in her family’s bakery—especially the taste testing! But when a sudden stomachache leads to an unexpected diagnosis, Tova learns she’s allergic to a key ingredient in all her favorite treats. 💔
At first, it’s so hard. Even the new recipes her family makes just don’t feel the same. But with a little creativity (and a lot of heart), Tova steps into the kitchen herself… and discovers a delicious new way forward.
This is such a gentle, relatable introduction to food allergies—honoring the big feelings that come with change while showing kids they can adapt, create, and still find joy.
✔️ food allergies & adaptation
✔️ family support & love
✔️ creativity in the kitchen
✔️ resilience through change
✔️ problem-solving together
✔️ finding joy in new traditions
Tova’s Sweet Solution
@melissataylorauthor
@liseanneaurelie
@pubspotlight
Have you found any favorite allergy-friendly treats lately? 💛
#picturebooks #kidsbookstagram #foodallergykids #readaloudbooks #socialemotionallearning #childrensbooksofinstagram
⚾️ Baseball Books to Hit Out of the Park ⚾️
Whether you’ve got a little slugger at home or just love the magic of game day, these reads celebrate baseball in all its heart, history, and tradition:
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
A joyful, sing-along picture book that brings the classic song to life! Follow a father and son as they head to the ballpark—complete with snacks, cheers, and all the magic of game day.
✔️ a picture book of a classic baseball song
✔️ sharing baseball across generations
✔️ rooting for the home team
✔️ colorful, lively illustrations
✔️ the joy + spirit of game day
#JackNorworth
@garyclementart
@greystonebooks
Baseball’s Shining Season: America’s Pastime on the Brink of War
A fascinating deep dive into baseball at a pivotal moment in history—right as WWII loomed. Packed with legendary players, shifting social dynamics, and powerful stories that shaped the game.
✔️ baseball on the brink of WWII
✔️ Yankees vs. Dodgers rivalry
✔️ legends like DiMaggio & Williams
✔️ segregation & the Negro Leagues
✔️ women fighting to play
✔️ a turning point in baseball history
#MartinWSandler
#CraigSandler
@bloomsburykids
Béisbol Begins: How Nemesio Guilló Brought Baseball to Cuba
A powerful true story of how baseball made its way to Cuba—and became part of a nation’s identity. History, culture, and sport are beautifully woven together.
✔️ how baseball came to Cuba
✔️ a young boy who changed a nation’s game
✔️ sport as identity + resistance
✔️ courage under colonial rule
✔️ the rise of a national pastime
✔️ cultural pride & perseverance
#RamonOlivera
@lernerbooks
Which one are you adding to your lineup? ⚾️💙
#baseballbooks #kidsbookstagram #picturebooks #readaloudbooks #sportsbooksforkids #childrensbooksofinstagram
What do pyramids, astronomy, and ancient legends all have in common?🏛️
Step into the world of the ancient Maya and discover everything from their gods and legends to their incredible achievements in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture.
What I love most is how this book goes beyond the basics—debunking myths and showing how the Maya civilization evolved over time in a way that feels clear and engaging.
This series does such a great job breaking big historical topics into bite-sized, fascinating pieces that kids can read cover to cover—or dip into whenever curiosity strikes.
Such a fun, accessible way to explore history.
✨ Highlights:
✔️ Ancient Maya civilization
✔️ Myths vs. facts
✔️ Pyramids & lost cities
✔️ Astronomy & mathematics
✔️ Gods, heroes & legends
✔️ Fast-paced, graphic-style format
Do you have a history-loving reader at home?
#historyforkids #nonfictionforkids #curiouskids #kidslit #raisingreaders
If your kid is always asking questions… save this list. 🤓📚
These new books are perfect for curious minds—packed with fascinating facts, big ideas, and the kind of information kids love to explore again and again.
From space to sports to wildlife and mythology, there’s something here for every kind of learner.
✨ Who Hid the Stars?
An important, eye-opening look at light pollution—what it is, how it impacts our world, and what we can do about it. A great way to introduce kids to environmental awareness.
@daniomiserocchi @maciejmichno @valentinagottardi @eerdmansyoungreaders
🦅 America is Wild!
A state-by-state guide to the animals, plants, and ecosystems across the U.S. So much to explore—kids will love spotting what lives near them (and beyond!).
bradtimm @margaux_samson_abadie @jilldehaanillustration @wideeyededitions @quartokids
⚽️ Sportopedia
A fun, global introduction to more than 50 sports. Each spread breaks down the rules, history, and key facts—perfect for kids who love to learn and move.
@adamskinner @mrmarklong @wideeyededitions @quartokids
🏛️ Female Heroes of Greek Mythology
A fascinating collection of 51 powerful women from mythology—goddesses, warriors, and queens whose stories still resonate today.
@toocoolformiddleschool @meeltamphanon @callistokids
🚀 Star, Moon, Zoom!
A playful, fact-filled introduction to space that answers all those big “why” and “how” questions. The format makes it perfect for dipping in and out.
@moirabutterfieldauthor @roledesma @happyyakbooks @quartokids
Which one would your curious reader pick up first? 👇
#nonfictionforkids #scienceforkids #curiouskids #kidslit #raisingreaders
If your kids love books that make them laugh out loud… save this list. 😂
These new picture books are packed with silliness, surprises, and just the right amount of chaos—perfect for read-alouds that have everyone giggling (and asking for “again!”).
Here are some standout laugh-out-loud picks:
🌊 Neil, the Amazing Sea Cucumber
A pun-filled underwater adventure starring the most overlooked sea creature—until he proves just how amazing he really is. Silly, sweet, and full of friendship.
@ameliatonta @lucindagifford @vikingbooks @penguinkids
🐺 Now You Know Your ABCs (Or Do You?)
An alphabet book with a twist—as a wolf chases the reader from A to Z. Fast-paced, surprising, and hilarious for kids and grown-ups.
@casparsalmon @mathunt @nosycrow @littlenosycrow
🐭 Unexpected Guests
Told from a mouse’s perspective, this one flips the script as “unexpected guests” (aka humans!) move in. Watching the mice explore human snacks and objects is pure comedy.
@mariajoilustrajo @quartokids
🦆 Quietly . . . Quietly . . . QUACK!
Three ducklings sneak off on an adventure while Mama sleeps—and things quickly get loud. A fun, interactive read-aloud kids will love joining in on.
@jontyhowley @quartokids
🦈 No, I’m a… SHARK!
A determined kid insists he’s a shark—no matter what. Until dinner is involved… 😄 A funny, relatable take on imagination and identity.
@happyyakbooks @quartokids
🚀 The Future Book
A wildly imaginative (and very silly) look at life in the future. Full of absurd, creative ideas that will have kids laughing and wondering what’s next.
@macbarnett @shawnharri5 @penguinkids
Which one would your kids grab first? 👇
#funnykidsbooks #readaloudfun #picturebooks #kidslit #raisingreaders
🏕️ For Every Kid Who Loves a Plan… Until the Plan Changes 😅
Cammie thrives on routines, schedules, and knowing exactly what to expect—so when her dad announces a surprise camping trip, she is… not thrilled.
And honestly? A lot of the things she worries about do happen. 😬 Bugs, mess, unpredictability—it’s all there. But slowly, with time (and a little openness), Cammie begins to notice something else too… the quiet rhythms of nature, unexpected moments of calm, and even a bit of joy she didn’t see coming.
This sweet, relatable story gently validates anxious feelings while showing kids that stepping outside their comfort zone can lead to something pretty wonderful.
✔️ a girl who loves routines & order
✔️ a camping trip full of chaos
✔️ stepping outside your comfort zone
✔️ nature’s rhythms & patterns
✔️ from resistance to appreciation
✔️ finding calm in the unexpected
Camping Is a Terrible Idea
@kirstenpendreigh
@tiffanyeverettart
@sleepingbearpress
For all the planners learning to embrace a little spontaneity 💛
#picturebooks #kidsbookstagram #readaloudbooks #anxietyinkids #socialemotionallearning #childrensbooksofinstagram
This is such a tender, meaningful story about memory, resilience, and hope. 🤍
It begins with a simple moment—a young girl accidentally breaks a glass and worries she’ll never be able to put it back together.
Her grandmother gently comforts her by sharing stories of her own pieces of glass—each one holding a memory, a moment, a part of her life.
A shard from her wedding.
A piece tied to a time of hatred during Kristallnacht.
Another that carries hope through even the darkest days.
Through these memories, broken glass becomes something more—something that holds history, strength, and connection.
I love how this book honors both joy and sorrow, and creates space for important conversations about compassion, remembrance, and resilience.
A truly thoughtful and moving read.
✨ Highlights:
✔️ A powerful story of memory & resilience
✔️ Finding meaning in broken places
✔️ Exploring history through a grandmother’s story
✔️ Holding both joy and sorrow together
✔️ A gentle introduction to Kristallnacht
✔️ Choosing hope in the darkest times
Have you read this one yet?
Three Pieces of Broken Glass: A Picture Book
@Emilybarthisler
@vesperillustration
@abramskids
#socialemotionallearning #classroomreads #kidslit #raisingreaders #childrensbooks
Is sharing always supposed to be “even”… or is it more complicated than that? 🤔
This one is such a fun and thoughtful take on a big concept for little kids.
Through playful, engaging moments, it explores what it really means to share—and shows that fairness isn’t always as simple as splitting everything in half.
I love how this book opens the door to important conversations: when should things be equal? When shouldn’t they be? And how do we decide what feels fair?
It’s light, funny, and interactive, while also helping kids build both social-emotional skills and early math understanding.
Such a smart, kid-friendly way to tackle a tricky topic. 💛
✨ Highlights:
✔️ Fun, fair & EVEN
✔️ Sharing & splitting in half
✔️ Fairness vs. equality
✔️ Interactive & engaging
✔️ Math meets social skills
✔️ Humor-filled storytelling
Do your kids think everything should always be even? 😄
Even Steven: A Book About Sharing
@Carriefinison
@d_wiseman
@penguinkids
#socialemotionallearning #classroomreads #kidslit #raisingreaders #earlymath
Did you know some reptiles can run on water… and even breathe through their butts?! 😳
Reptiles are endlessly fascinating—and this book makes that crystal clear from the very first page.
It breaks down what defines a reptile, explores the differences between venomous and poisonous (in a super kid-friendly way), and introduces a wide range of species—from the surprising to the seriously impressive.
What I love most is how informative and visually stunning it is. The illustrations pull you in, while the facts keep kids hooked and learning.
A brilliant, engaging read for reptile lovers and curious minds alike. 🦎
✨ Highlights:
✔️ Mind-blowing reptile abilities
✔️ What makes a reptile a reptile
✔️ Venomous vs. poisonous explained
✔️ Fascinating species from around the world
✔️ Pets vs. wild reptiles
✔️ Bold, beautiful illustrations
Do you have a reptile fan at home? 🐍
The Colorful World of Reptiles
@Mattsewell
@chroniclekidsbooks
#scienceforkids #nonfictionforkids #animalfacts #kidslit #raisingreaders
If your kid loves facts, this one is a goldmine. 🐦
This book dives into everything about birds—from what makes a bird a bird to how they grow, fly, sing, and survive in wildly different environments.
What I love most is how much information is packed in without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s fast-paced, super engaging, and full of those “wait, WHAT?!” facts that kids love to share.
From tiny songbirds to massive ostriches and soaring albatrosses, this one truly opens up a whole world of discovery.
Such a great pick for curious readers and bird lovers of all ages.
✨ Highlights:
✔️ Over 11,000 bird species
✔️ History, behavior & habitats
✔️ How birds fly & sing
✔️ Wild facts & surprising stats
✔️ From ostrich to albatross
✔️ Fast-paced, fact-filled fun
Do you have a bird lover at home? 🪶
Factology: Birds: Open Up a World of Information!
@gmcpublications
#nonfictionforkids #scienceforkids #naturebooks #kidslit #raisingreaders
