Today, I have a fun children's book to share! Learn about The Adventures of Hairy Spinner by author Heidi Scarano! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  

Children's Book

Date Published: 11-23-2024

Publisher: Bright Communications

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About the Author

 Author Heidi Scarano resides in Berks County, PA. She is a avid lover of nature, science, and photography. She enjoys outings with her family and seeking new adventures via traveling, when she likes to experience local customs, cultures and foods.

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This morning, I have a children's book to share in our book blitz spotlight! Check out Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodeltraz, learn about author Steven Joseph and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Children's Book

Date Published: October 28, 2025

Publisher: Enigami Publishing

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Enter a cast of brilliantly bonkers heroes: noodle-powered scientists, intergalactic musicians, talking cats with trash can drum kits, and a villain so cranky he reads self-help books about revenge. There’s also a Jalapeño Popadoodle Noodle, a flying Balloonadoodle, and something called a Cloakadoodle Swoodle Car. Don't ask, just roll with it. 

This wackadoodle tale is packed with vibrant art, making it perfect for young and old readers who love silly stories, bold visuals, and absolutely zero boring parts. 

Whether your kid’s obsessed with noodles, aliens, or saying the word “Groodle” over and over again, Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz! is the laugh-out-loud ride you’ve been waiting for. 

Time to get ready for your NEXT GREAT ESCAPE!

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Today, I have a children's book to share! Take a moment and learn about You Don't See What I See and author Ashley Sadrnoori! 

Children's Book

Date Published: April 14, 205

Publisher: MindStir Media

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  A heartwarming rhyming story that teaches kids the power of kindness, confidence, and self-acceptance.

In You Don’t See What I See, children meet a group of charming animals who feel insecure about their unique traits. From floppy ears to bumpy shells, each animal believes their differences make them less special—until kind words from their friends reveal the truth: what they thought were flaws are actually their strengths. 

Through lyrical rhymes and beautifully illustrated pages, this story shows children that the way they see themselves is not always the way others see them. By encouraging gratitude, kindness, and compassion, the book helps kids celebrate their individuality and recognize their true value.

● Encourages Positive Self-Talk – Shows how kind words can change negative thoughts into uplifting ones. 

● Builds Confidence & Resilience – Inspires young readers to believe in themselves and appreciate their strengths. 

● Fosters Empathy & Gratitude – Reminds kids to be kind to others while also being gentle with themselves. 

● Engaging & Fun – Written in playful rhyme with vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers. 

● Perfect for Families & Classrooms – A wonderful read-aloud that sparks conversations about self-worth, kindness, and emotional growth. 

● For Ages 4–8 – Ideal for preschool through early elementary school children. 

Whether at bedtime, in the classroom, or as part of social-emotional learning, You Don’t See What I See is a book children will want to read again and again—while carrying its life-changing message with them forever.

Ashley Sadrnoori – Author, Teacher, and Advocate for Children’s Growth

Ashley Sadrnoori is an educator, author, wife, and mom dedicated to inspiring children to embrace their uniqueness. With over 12 years of experience as a middle school English teacher on the North Shore of Massachusetts, she has recently transitioned into a new role as a K–2 ESL teacher. Her mission is to help young learners build strong language skills while fostering confidence and self-expression. 

Ashley’s classroom philosophy centers around creating safe, supportive spaces where every child feels valued. She believes that when children are encouraged and cared for, they flourish academically and personally. 

Her journey into writing children’s books stems from a lifelong love of literature and a desire to use stories to teach important life lessons. Inspired by her own struggles with self-doubt and the transformative power of kind words, Ashley wrote You Don’t See What I See to help children develop self-belief, resilience, and empathy. 

At home, Ashley is a proud mother of energetic twin boys and the family’s beloved dog, Raven. Parenthood has deepened her understanding of the emotional needs of young children and strengthened her commitment to writing stories that uplift and empower.

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Today, I have a fun children's book to share! Learn about Grampy, the Rhino and the Soda by author Todd Cardin! 

Children's Book

Date Published: July 16, 2025

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When grandpa rules are about to be written…

Grampy’s in charge. He might sip a soda in a safari zone… and then forget to throw it away. One curious rhinoceros just can’t resist a taste—and that’s when the wild, fizzy fun begins. Expect giggles, sneezes, and a rhino with a serious case of the burps!

* A playful tale about friendship, curiosity, and saying “oops”—Grampy’s best moments happen when things go wrong 

* Sweet theme of grandparent-grandchild bonding—featuring Grampy, Elliott, Lennon, and a very nosy rhino 

* Beautifully illustrated with colorful artwork that brings Todd Cardin’s silly circus of soda chaos to life

Perfect for favorite moments:

* Children learning to love reading

* Parents and grandparents seeking silly stories to share

* Preschool classrooms looking for fun rhyming books with life lessons about kindness and responsibility

When he’s not writing or directing, Todd enjoys pretending to know what he’s doing, chasing ideas, and occasionally chasing grandchildren. He also has a television series in development titled *Late Hit”— a comedy-driven musical drama and is part of Todd’s growing body of work beyond the stage and page.

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Today, we have a children's book in our book release blitz spotlight! Learn about The Wheels on the Stroller and author Claudia Kohlbrenner! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! 

Date Published: 2025

Publisher: Serapis Bey Publishing

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Ready…Set…Let’s Roll!

About the Author

When teaching at the preschool level, Claudia encouraged busy parents to utilize the time spent carrying out daily routines as language-rich opportunities. Parents were counseled to talk about what was happening in a child’s “here and now” - while getting dressed, brushing teeth, taking a stroller walk! Claudia used available and self-generated rhymes and songs and involved as many bodily senses and movements as possible to facilitate developmental skills in preschoolers. She considers the repetition used in The Wheels on the Bus book and now in The Wheels on the Stroller to be a valuable learning tool for young children. According to early childhood research, repetition reinforces language processing, pattern recognition and a sense of predictability. It also provides children with opportunities to rehearse new sound and word sequences.

After retirement, Claudia’s love of rhyme inspired her to take a few children’s poetry writing classes. She was pleased to have several poems published in “Highlights High Five” and “Highlights” magazines, with two poems also published in children’s anthologies. The joy of reading to her sons long ago and now her grandchildren sparked her desire to write a children’s book as well. One day, after she and her young grandson enthusiastically sang and motioned along with The Wheels on the Bus book, grandma and grandson set out for one of their many adventure-seeking neighborhood stroller walks. As the wheels on his stroller went round and round, they greeted neighbors with tail-wagging dogs, watched squirrels scurry up trees and delighted in the “ding! ding! ding!” of an approaching bicycle along with other encounters- The Wheels on the Stroller was spontaneously born!

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I love finding educational, fun children's books! Today, I have Not That Orange by Bailey Adams in our featured book spotlight. Learn about the book and author--and buy the book on Amazon! 

Carrot is on a mission—he’s searching for his orange! But there’s just one problem… he’s green! With the help of a friendly orange from a nearby tree, Carrot embarks on a journey across the farm, asking the other crops for help. But as confusion grows, Carrot soon discovers something surprising—carrots can be all sorts of colors, not just orange! 

Through fun, playful storytelling and charming illustrations, Not That Orange teaches young readers (ages 3-5) an important lesson: being different is not just okay—it’s something to celebrate! In a world that often focuses on fitting in, this book encourages little ones to embrace who they are and appreciate the beautiful diversity around them. 

Perfect for preschool and kindergarten-aged children, Not That Orange is a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library, inspiring kids to be confident in themselves while learning about colors, friendship, and the joy of being uniquely you!

About the Author

Bailey’s journey as a writer began in the fourth grade when she discovered the magic of crafting stories—and she hasn’t stopped since. She embraces an organic writing process, letting ideas flow naturally from inspiration sparked by books, shows, or random bursts of creativity. Instead of following structured outlines, she prefers to sit down and let the words lead the way, trusting that storytelling from the heart produces the most genuine and meaningful work. 

Despite being a perfectionist in many areas, Bailey believes that writing should be an intuitive and soulful process, with revision and refinement coming later. She is passionate about inspiring young minds through engaging, heartfelt stories and hopes to make a lasting impact in both the classroom and the literary world.

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I love finding children's books to share with our readers! This morning, I am featuring The Adventures of Hairy Spinner by Heidi Scarano! Learn about the book and author and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  

Children's Book

Date Published: 11-23-2024

Publisher: Bright Communications

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

About the Author

 Author Heidi Scarano resides in Berks County, PA. She is a avid lover of nature, science, and photography. She enjoys outings with her family and seeking new adventures via traveling, when she likes to experience local customs, cultures and foods.

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Today, I have a children's book to share in our book spotlight! Learn about Grandma's Bucket of Mercy and author Robin Carole! 

Children's Book

Date Published: May 28, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

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About the Book

 

You are never too old or too young to learn life’s lessons.

 

From multiple award-winning author Robin Carole comes a heartwarming true story that celebrates the power of love, forgiveness, and generational wisdom. Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy is a touching tale of one young girl’s summer with her grandmother in 1960s California—and the quiet but profound lesson that would change two lives forever.

 

Ten-year-old Carole is sent on a mysterious errand involving her grandmother’s elderly neighbor, not knowing her grandmother is teaching her about the gift of mercy. Years later, Carole finally understands the full impact of that experience when a stranger shares how her small, anonymous acts of kindness transformed a life.

 

Beautifully written and deeply personal, this story is a tribute to the grit and grace of the women who survived the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression and to the enduring strength of intergenerational bonds. Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy is perfect for readers aged 9–12—and for the childlike spirit in every adult who believes in the quiet power of compassion.

 

✅ True story based on real-life events

✅ Uplifting themes of family, kindness, and legacy

✅ Ideal for ages 9–12 and meaningful for all ages

 

🪣 Sometimes the smallest gesture can change everything.

 

 

About the Author

 

Robin Carole is a multiple award-winning author and lifelong storyteller dedicated to preserving the legacy of the strong women in her family. A native Californian who grew up in the scenic wine country, Robin spent over 40 years in Deaf Education as a Certified Sign Language Interpreter, working with students from kindergarten through adult education. 

 

Now retired and living in Spokane, Washington, Robin draws from real-life experiences and the stories passed down from her grandmother, mother, and aunts to write books that speak to the hearts of readers young and old. Her passion for storytelling began as a child, sitting at the feet of her family matriarchs, listening to tales of resilience, faith, and enduring love. 

 

Her latest book, Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy, is a heartfelt tribute to the power of quiet acts of compassion—and a reminder that even children can change the world through kindness. Through her writing, Robin invites readers to revisit a time when life was simple, values were taught through action, and lessons of mercy could last a lifetime. 

“My education, my work, my goals, and accomplishments are here for only a moment, but my family is a lifetime.” —Robin Carole 

Fun Facts About Robin: 

• Her favorite meal is a classic Southern tomato sandwich 
• She loves gardening, even if it mostly means pulling weeds 
• Oldies music, storytelling, and pets bring her the most joy 
• She still believes in the power of sitting together and sharing stories 

 📚 Explore Robin’s books and discover stories that stay with you—because the lessons we learn from our grandmothers are often the ones we never forget. 

 

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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.

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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