This morning, I have a children's book for middle grade readers in our book release spotlight! Learn about Trouble at the Winston Hotel by author J.S. Keim. 

Date Published: July 15, 2025

After his father’s death, Theodore has the task of caring for his mother and thirteen siblings by working as a doorman for the mice at a glitzy seaside Florida hotel where the rich and famous come and go. 

The moment Theodore sets eyes on petite, lovely Lila, he vows to do anything to win her heart. When the hotel owners threaten to close it down after unexpected bad publicity hurts their business, Theodore is drawn into the mystery of who is causing the movie stars at the hotel to become ill. 

Intent on saving the hotel, winning Lila’s affection, and keeping his family safe, Theodore sets out to solve the mysteries behind the dangerous situation. Being a detective can be a hard business, and he ends up with a few surprises of his own.

A unique little story for all … man and mouse. Another book by J. S. Keim full of fun, fantasy, and danger.

About the Author

While she was growing up, books were always present - being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. Information from the books was shared in conversation, giving everyone in the family a thirst for sharing ideas. Perhaps that is why she was drawn to the idea of writing stories early on. 

As J.S. Keim, she writes children's stories full of fun, fantasy, and danger. She particularly loves to write novels about characters who have interesting, fun, and exciting experiences with creatures both real and fantastical, and who learn to see the world in a different way. 

She has written over 50 adult women's fiction books, and as a writer of children's books, she enjoys self-publishing and has had three of her children's stories published in magazines - Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, and Children's Playmate.

Connect with the Author

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A trip to the farmer's market with a child is a feast for the senses. Their eyes go wide at the piles of bright red strawberries, their noses twitch at the earthy smell of potatoes, and their curiosity runs wild. It’s the perfect place for little hands to point and little voices to ask the big question: "But where does it all really come from?"

As book lovers, we know the best way to answer a big question is with a great story. Pairing a weekend market trip with a cozy story time can transform a simple shopping errand into a profound learning experience. These picture books are wonderful tools for connecting the dots between the seeds in the ground, the food on the table, and the community that makes it all happen.

Here are a few of our favorite picture books that teach kids where food comes from, perfect for reading before or after your next market adventure.

For the Market Explorer:

We're Going to the Farmers' Market by Stefan Page

What better way to prepare for your trip than with a book that takes you there first? This story follows a family through the market as they explore the stalls in alphabetical order, from "Artichokes" to "Zucchini." The rhyming text and charming illustrations introduce children to a wide variety of produce and market goods, making it the perfect primer to build excitement and familiarity before you go.

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For the Little Gardener:  

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

This vibrant, classic picture book is the perfect introduction to the magic of gardening. With bold, collage-style illustrations and simple, direct text, Ehlert takes children through the entire process: planting the seeds, watering the sprouts, watching them grow, and finally, harvesting them to make a delicious soup. It’s a foundational seed-to-table story that beautifully illustrates the care and patience necessary for growing our food.

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For the Clever Farmer: 

Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Based on a European folktale, this Caldecott Honor book is a brilliantly funny story about a lazy Bear who gets tricked into a farming partnership with a clever Hare. The story wonderfully illustrates that different vegetables grow in different ways—some we eat the "tops" (like broccoli) and some we eat the "bottoms" (like carrots). It’s a hilarious and memorable way to learn about harvesting and is one of the best books for kids about farms.

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For the Nature Lover:

The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner

Many fruits and vegetables at the market wouldn't exist without help from our buzzing friends! This wonderfully illustrated book explains the essential role bees play in pollination. It’s packed with fascinating facts about how bees live, work, and help our food grow. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the science of our ecosystem and foster an appreciation for the tiny creatures who do such important work.

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For the Inquisitive Mind:  

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? by Chris Butterworth

For the child who wants the straight facts, this book is a must-read. With engaging illustrations and lift-the-flap features, it traces common lunchbox items—from bread and cheese to carrots and apple juice—all the way back to their sources. It clearly explains the journey from the farm to the store, answering the "how" and "why" with fascinating detail that will satisfy even the most curious little foodie.

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For the Community Builder:  

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

This heartwarming Caldecott Honor book is a beautiful celebration of how food brings people together. Omu (the Igbo word for "queen," used for "grandmother") makes a delicious stew whose scent travels through the neighborhood, attracting a diverse cast of community members. She shares her meal with everyone until the pot is empty, but her neighbors return to share their own food with her. It’s a powerful story about generosity, community, and the joy of sharing a meal.

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For the Cultural Connection:

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s history, family, and identity. This award-winning book celebrates the role of fry bread in Native American culture. The lyrical text and warm illustrations show how a single food can represent a shape, sound, and flavor, but also a shared history and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that every dish has a story and connects us to our community and our past.

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By sharing these stories, you give your child a new lens through which to see the world—and their food.

What are your go-to picture books about food or gardening? Share your family's favorites in the comments below

Today, I have a new children's chapter book to share! Learn about Katy in Central Park from the Kitty in the City series by author Ella English, read a quick excerpt from the book & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Book 2 in the Kitty in the City Series

 Read an Excerpt

A prickly feeling crept up my neck like icy pinpricks. The hairs on my arm stood up straight.
 

Weasel let out a soft, worried meow.

I whirled around. A chunky calico cat was perched on top of the wall, glaring down at us. The
sun lit him up like a spotlight. He wore a little red vest, and a black bandanna was tied under his
chin.

“Well, looky what we have here,” he said. His eyes narrowed, and his pointy teeth poked out. “If
it isn’t Weasel, my old pal. And look, he even has a little girlfriend with him.”

The cat leaped off the wall and landed with a thud. He strutted up to Weasel, who gulped.

“Who are you?” I asked. My heart skipped a beat. This cat was scary.

“I’m Calico Jack,” said the cat.

A fluffy gray cat with a black eye patch crept along the wall. With a squeak, she somersaulted
and landed next to Weasel. The gray cat rubbed her head on Weasel’s cheek. She purred loudly.

Weasel’s furry face lit up. “Hi, Mary!” Weasel said.

“How’s it going?”

Calico Jack was still glaring at us. His tail swished from side to side.

Mary circled Weasel, bumping him with her head.
“Some friend you are, leaving us high and dry. Just ran away in the middle of the night, didn’t
he, Jack?”

“A traitor is what you are. A no-good bum.”

Calico Jack pushed his face close to Weasel’s good ear.
“Want me to rip this one up too? It would make a nice matching pair, eh, Mary?” Calico Jack
gave a belly laugh, and Mary joined in.

EEEEYYOOWWW!

A sudden shrill cry pierced the air. Something slammed onto Weasel’s back.
Weasel yelped as an orange and white striped cat dug her claws into his back. With a twist, he
shook her off onto the ground.

The new cat’s fur stood straight up, like she’d been zapped with electricity. A jagged scar marked
her pink nose. She wore a tiny white shirt with a belt wrapped around her middle.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to show his face,” the frizzy cat said in a crackly voice.
She licked a paw and smoothed down her spiked neck fur. 

Meet the Author 

Ella English is a British author and illustrator known for her children's books, particularly her Kitty in the City series and the Merblood Saga. She writes and illustrates imaginative stories, often with themes of dreams, adventure, and friendship. After moving from London, Ella English now lives in Baltimore, USA, with her two daughters. 

This morning, I have a Western-adventure themed children's book to share in out book blitz spotlight! Learn about Bolo the Brave and author Jim Jones and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Kids Western Adventure

Date Published: 04-17-2025

Publisher: Speaking Volumes

 

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About the Book

 

You can learn a lot from a dog . . .

 

Meet Charlie Spears, a 10-year-old boy living on the High Plains of Texas in the late 1800s. Charlie lives with his Grandpa Will, who runs a chuckwagon, feeding all the adventurous folks traveling West in wagon trains. After losing his parents to illness, Charlie is often lonely and longs for a true friend. One day, by a stroke of luck and a big wag of a tail, Charlie meets a funny-looking dog named Bolo, who is also looking for a friend. Together, they embark on a journey where Charlie learns important life lessons.

 

In the first story: Bolo the Brave, Charlie discovers the meaning of courage and how to face challenges when a friend is in danger.

 

In the second story: True Friend, Charlie gains valuable insight—not to judge people by their limitations, but rather by their actions and character.

 

In the third story: Outcast, Charlie and his friends learn the importance of getting to know someone instead of passing judgment based on their appearance.

 

Together, Charlie and Bolo make new friends, confront dangers, and grow through valuable life lessons. As the story reminds us, you can learn a lot from a dog. 

 

About the Author 

Jim Jones is a native Texan who lives in Rio Rancho, NM. In addition to being a Western novelist, he is also an award-winning Western singer/songwriter (International Western Music Association 2014 Male Performer of the Year; IWMA Song of the Year Award, 2019; Western Writers of America Spur Award, 2013, 2017 & 2021 for Western Song of the Year) who performs at festivals, coffeehouses and other venues throughout the West. Rustler's Moon, Jim's first novel, was a finalist in two categories for the 2009 New Mexico Book Awards, Best Historical Fiction and Best First Book. His novel, Colorado Moon, 2011, is the second in the Jared Delaney Series and it won the Western Music Association's 2011 Award for Outstanding Western Book. The third book in the series, Waning Moon, was published in 2013 and was also a New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards Finalist for Best Historical Fiction. The Big Empty, a spinoff series, was published in 2016 by Five Star Publishing and it, too, was a NM/AZ Book Awards Finalist in the Best Historical Fiction category. The second book in the spinoff series, The Lights of Cimarron, was published by Five Star in early 2019. The fourth book in the Jared Delaney Series, Halo Moon, was released in November, 2022 and won the 2023 AZ/NM Book Award for the Best in Adventure category. Jim creates gripping Old West characters about whom readers in the 21st century can care deeply. They struggle with tough economic times and corrupt government officials...wait, that's going on right now! Guess what, it was happening then, too. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Jim is a proud member of both the Western Writers of America and the Western Music Association. Although he writes about cattle rustling, Jim has never rustled cattle.

 

Connect with the Author

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Buy the Book

https://mybook.to/BolotheBrave

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Today, I have a children's book in our book blitz spotlight! Check out Crumbach and Mr. Crazy Chicken and learn about author Mary F. Davis.

Children's Book

Date Published: April 2, 2025

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In this delightful tale for young readers, Miss Wigglesworth's storytelling group sets off on a whimsical adventure in search of the elusive Crumbach. Phoebe and her classmates plunge into a fantastical journey brimming with imagination, where they showcase their problem-solving skills, bravery, and heartfelt compassion.

Along the way, they encounter an array of vibrant characters, such as Mr. Crazy Chicken, a zany bird with a penchant for brownies; Jazz Lemon, a roaring tiger with a fierce demeanor; his brother Lawrence, the epitome of laziness; and Gerdie, a tiny mouse with grand, ambitious plans. Each encounter brings new challenges and exciting opportunities for the young adventurers to grow and learn.

About the Author

For twenty years, Mary F Davis has poured her heart into teaching, fueled by her love for children.  She took great joy in reading her own story to her classes, making it come alive for her students.

Buy the Book

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This morning, I have a children's book series to share! Check out the Little Curiosities series by Jeffrey C. McGregor and learn about the author. 

Children’s Science Picture Book Series

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Embark on an enlightening journey with Jeffrey C. McGregor's Little Curiosities series, where he delves into a myriad of captivating topics to satisfy your inquisitive mind. With keen insight and a flair for explaining complex subjects in an accessible way, McGregor takes readers on an educational adventure that spans across ten volumes.

From unraveling the mysteries of microorganisms that exist beyond our sight to exploring the intriguing realm of renewable energy sources, McGregor's writing is both engaging and informative. His dedication to making complex subjects understandable is evident throughout the series. Whether you're curious about the inner workings of our planet, environmental challenges, or the hidden world of tiny creatures, Little Curiosities offers a collection of books that enlighten and inspire readers of all ages. Delve into these pages and satisfy your curiosity for knowledge, guided by the expertise and passion of Jeffrey C. McGregor.

Learn about the Series

Little Curiosities(Part 1): Nature's Glow

Little Curiosities: Nature's Glow is a delightful and educational children's book that unlocks the mysteries of bioluminescence, taking young readers on a fascinating journey through the captivating world of creatures that glow. From fireflies lighting up forest nights to glowing mushrooms and deep-sea wonders, this book unravels the science and beauty behind these luminous displays. Children will be enchanted by the stories of fireflies, glowworms, and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, and they'll gain insight into why these creatures shine to attract partners and ward off predators.

Little Curiosities(Part 2): Travelling Seeds

Little Curiosities: Travelling Seeds is a captivating and educational children's book that unveils the remarkable world of seed dispersal in plants. As young readers explore the pages of this book, they'll be transported into the clever and often ingenious methods plants employ to ensure their seeds find new places to grow. From wind-borne dandelion seeds to fruits obeying gravity, plants have developed various strategies to overcome their rooted existence and allow their offspring to flourish far from home.

Little Curiosities(Part 3): The Solar System

Little Curiosities: The Solar System is an awe-inspiring journey through the vast expanse of our celestial neighborhood. In this enchanting children's book, young readers will embark on an adventure to discover the wonders of the solar system, where the sun takes center stage as a brilliant star. They'll uncover the intriguing secrets of our cosmic family, from the sun to the eight fascinating planets and beyond.

Little Curiosities(Part 4): Photosynthesis

Little Curiosities: Photosynthesis is an illuminating journey into the world of photosynthesis, a vital process that keeps our planet vibrant and full of life. In this engaging children's book, young readers will unravel the fascinating science behind how plants make their own energy using the power of light, carbon dioxide, and water. Through clear explanations and vibrant illustrations, the book introduces the concept of photosynthesis, from the role of sunlight to the essential role of chlorophyll in plants' green leaves.

Little Curiosities(Part 5): Biomes

Little Curiosities: Biomes is a captivating exploration of the diverse ecosystems that shape our planet's landscape. Through this engaging children's book, young readers embark on an educational adventure, discovering the five main types of biomes that define different regions of the world: Forests, Deserts, Grasslands, Tundra, and Aquatic Biomes. With clear explanations and vibrant illustrations, the book brings these unique environments to life, allowing children to understand the fascinating characteristics and the variety of life that thrives in each biome.

Little Curiosities(Part 6): Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

Little Curiosities: Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles takes young readers on a fascinating journey through the intricate biogeochemical cycles that govern our planet's natural systems. In this educational and engaging children's book, kids will explore the remarkable processes of how carbon and nitrogen, two essential elements, circulate through our environment. With clear explanations and vivid illustrations, the book offers an accessible introduction to these critical cycles, making complex scientific concepts understandable for young minds.

Little Curiosities(Part 7): Global Warming

Little Curiosities: Global Warming is an essential addition to any young reader's bookshelf, offering a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most critical issues facing our planet today. This enlightening book introduces children to the concept of global warming, making complex environmental concerns accessible and engaging. With a clear and kid-friendly approach, it explains the science behind global warming, its causes, and its far-reaching impacts on our planet, including melting ice caps, displaced wildlife, and extreme weather events.

Little Curiosities(Part 8): Renewable Energy

Little Curiosities: Renewable Energy is an enlightening and engaging exploration of the future of sustainable energy. This informative book introduces young readers to the concept of renewable energy sources, highlighting the importance of transitioning away from non-renewable fossil fuels. With a clear and approachable narrative, it explains the five main sources of renewable energy: wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, making complex energy concepts understandable for children.

Little Curiosities(Part 9): Natural Disasters

Little Curiosities: Natural Disasters is an informative and engaging journey into the wild and unpredictable side of nature. In this book, young readers will explore the fascinating world of natural disasters, gaining a deeper understanding of these powerful and often devastating events. The book categorizes natural disasters into geological, hydrological, and meteorological disasters, providing a comprehensive overview of the different types, from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, and more.

Little Curiosities(Part 10): Microorganisms

Little Curiosities: Microorganisms is a captivating exploration into the unseen and often mysterious world of microorganisms. In this educational book, young readers will embark on an exciting journey through the microscope to discover these tiny life forms that are all around us, even though they're invisible to the naked eye. The book introduces the main types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and algae, each with its unique characteristics and roles in the natural world.

Meet the Author

Jeffrey C. McGregor, a trilingual professional fluent in English, French, and Igbo, brings a diverse background and a wealth of life experiences to his writing. With degrees in Economics and Engineering Science, Jeffrey's educational journey has equipped him with a unique perspective on the world.

As a passionate author, Jeffrey's work reflects his curiosity about the world and its intricacies. His "Little Curiosities" series delves into various educational topics, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for readers of all ages. By breaking down intricate ideas into digestible pieces, Jeffrey's books serve as a valuable resource for learners looking to explore the wonders of science, nature, and more.

  Buy the Series

 Series page on Amazon