Redwoods, the Texas Big Bend, Denali, the Continental Divide, and the Outer Bank are just a handful of the locales introduced through this book that is bound to spark curiosity with your readers as they learn about impressive sites around the country. You'll find yourself reading it again and again... and then looking up the various locations in reference books and online to learn more about them! And, with a map at the back that links each illustration to its geographic location, it's easy to start asking questions and looking up answers.

It's that book that blends love of reading with love of country in a timeless fashion.

Book benefits:

• Simple story introduces a variety of famous spots around the United States
• Fun and whimsical illustrations will engage littlest readers
• Text cleverly rhymes words like Divide and tide, Highway and flyway - geography and poetry combined!
• Map at the back connects locations with geography
• Hardover book and card stock pages will weather many readings

Buy your copy of Americanly today! (hardcover, $11.99)

Book benefits (so many!):

• Books in the series were developed based on research, supporting development with phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
• ​First seven levels of books are "dual readers" you read with your child to model and encourage reading
• Each book contains puzzles and questions at the back to check comprehension and reinforce keyword recognition
• Books address a variety of topics and characters to engage readers with all sorts of interests
• Series includes multiple illustration styles to keep reading fresh
• Books are lightweight and small, perfect for little hands - and for taking with you on the go
• At $80 for 50 books, you're paying less than $2.00 for each book!

What's more, online resources are available to support you from the British Usborne site:

• Downloadable Parent Guide for the series
• Very First Reading parent and teacher resource site
• Websites to support parents
• Activities for young children
• Guide to phoneme pronunciation​

"I've got the Blue Whale Blues, I've got the Blue Whale, Blue Whale Blues." Have you ever seen a sad blue whale? How about a blue whale riding a bike? ... How about a blue whale who thinks he's riding a bike, but actually he's riding a shopping cart?

The premise of Peter Carnavas' whimsical Blue Whale Blues is just that: Blue Whale is trying to ride his bike, but it's not working, and that's making him sad. His friend Penguin is there to help, and together, they try to solve the problem. But something's still not quite right, and Blue Whale gets sad all over again. 

When Blue Whale and Penguin finally realize that what Blue Whale has been trying to ride wasn't a bike all along, this breaks the sadness, and they both explode in laughter. This is a simple book of friendship, problem solving, and getting out of a funk. 

Besides the content of the story - and the visual humor as the two animals try to ride a shopping cart, dry it off (under the ocean, that is), and attach helmets that are actually cooking pans - this is a delightful story to read because of the clever, mixed-media illustrations. It adds another layer of whimsy to objects that aren't what you think they are but are doing just fine in their new roles. 

Oh, and also, your kids will love hearing you sing the blues as you portray Blue Whale's laments!

It's that book that illustrates the power of whimsy and friendship in a dull situation. 

Book benefits: 

• Lighthearted story reinforces the power of friendship to pull you out of a slump
• Story gives voice to a fresh musical genre: the blues!
• Illustrations are playful and highlight the beauty of mixed media (and would be a fun project to imitate!)

Buy Blue Whale Blues here! ($11.99, hardcover)

Book benefits:

• Enduring narrative reinforces the unique love between a parent or guardian and child
• Lyrical rhythm and rhyme help early readers predict words
• Enchanting full-color illustrations draw you in

Buy Love You Hoo here! (hardcover, $12.99)

Quick video review:

"I was walking home from Grandma's house, through the deep dark woods, when I spied a strangle little beast. He was stuck up in a tree, and whining sadly... so I decided to rescue him."

"I was hanging from my favorite tree, singing happily to the birds, when... I was ambushed by a terrible beast!"

If you've ever walked in on two little kids arguing, or watched the news, or gone on social media, or - well, you get the picture - you know that most stories have two (or more) sides to them. Fiona Roberton's A Tale of Two Beasts illustrates this concept beautifully by showing the same scenario from two perspectives. 

In Part 1, a little girl describes "rescuing" an animal from the woods and taking care of him at her house. From her perspective, she is doing a great thing for this little guy... but he runs away as soon as she opens a window. In Part 2, the little animal describes being abducted by the girl and being trapped inside (which, of course, is why he runs away at his first opportunity). In the end, they both realize there are benefits to each other's company, even though they have different needs.

This picture book is a great conversation starter. It opens the door to talking about different viewpoints and why it's important to consider what someone else might be thinking - a tool that doesn't come naturally to young children! But, because of the subject of the story, it's also a great way to talk with kids about why we shouldn't try to adopt animals from the wild or feed them... it's a simple way to introduce the "leave no trace" concept when you're in the outdoors.

It's that book that reminds us to look at a story or situation from all perspectives.

Book benefits:

• Story is fun to read and a little different, with two separate parts
• The book shares an important message and opens conversations about perspective
• Illustrations are playful and captivating

Buy A Tale of Two Beasts here! (hardcover, $12.99)

My quick video review: