Title: Curly Sue and the Beetle Author: Chad Billmyer, Kory Alexander (illustrator) Genre: Children’s, Picture Book Publisher: Luminare Press Source: Bookinfluencers.com Format: Paperback Release Date: January 10, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
A dog named Curly Sue spends her day waiting for her boy to come home from school. Told through the dog’s perspective, this story follows Curly Sue as she observes nature in the yard, wishing her boy were there to see the birds, squirrels, and insects she sees. Because her boy loves nature, she tries to capture different critters like a bee and a ladybug to give as a gift to her boy. She successfully captures a beetle and presents it to her boy upon his return from school. He is thrilled by the dog’s creative expression of love and loyalty.
Review:
In this picture book, Curly Sue is a dog who misses her owner while he’s at school. She decides to catch a bug for him for when he gets home. She tries to catch a few bugs until she settles on a beetle. Anyone with pets knows how hard it can be to leave them. This story shows a glimpse of what a dog might do while thinking about their humans who aren’t home. Curly Sue reminded me so much of my dog who passed away earlier this year. This is a beautifully illustrated book.
Curly Sue and the Beetle is a beautiful picture book!
Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!
Have you read Curly Sue and the Beetle? What did you think of it?
Title: Big Sisters Author: Gordon Jensen Genre: Picture Book Publisher: Printopya Source: iRead Book Tours Format: Hardcover Release Date: November 5, 2024 Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Winner of the Independent Book Award for the Novelty & Gift category and the Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention for the Children’s Non-Fiction, Growing Pains, Picture Book – 5 Years and Younger, and Poetry categories, “Big Sisters” is a beautifully illustrated book that discusses the unique nature of the relationship between sisters.
Review:
This is a great picture book about what it’s like to have a big sister. She will be there throughout your life to teach you and share her wisdom. This book would be great for kids who have a big sister, but it wouldn’t be relatable for other kids. Even though it was a picture book, there were some rhyming lines that were a little mature for picture book readers, so older kids might understand it better.
Big Sisters is a great book for kids with a big sister!
Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Have you read Big Sisters? What did you think of it?
Title: Vampire Jam Sandwich Author: Casey Lyall, Nici Gregory Genre: Picture Book Publisher: Tundra Books Source: Publisher via NetGalley Format: Ebook Release Date: July 1, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Once upon a time a vampire took a bite of a jam sandwich . . . and a legend was born. Now the vampire jam sandwich roams the streets, looking for MORE JAM. Will yours be next?A hilarious spooky picture book featuring a sneaky vampire, for fans of Creepy Carrots and How to Make Friends With a Ghost.You may not have heard of the Vampire Jam Sandwich. But it’s time you learned the truth.Once upon a time, a vampire (maybe his name is Terrence) took a bite of a jam sandwich (maybe he thought the jam was . . . something else).And you know what happens when a vampire bites you . . .That’s right. The jam sandwich has become . . . A VAMPIRE JAM SANDWICH. Terrifying, stalking the streets at night, sneaking into people’s homes in an endless search for MORE JAM.The only thing you can do to protect yourself is box up all your jam and put it outside your home with NO VAMPIRE JAM SANDWICH written on it (here, I’ll show you how to spell T-E-R-R-E-N-C-E).Kids and adults alike will be delighted by this sly jam-loving vampire and his jam sandwich legend, with hilarious tongue-in-cheek art from Nici Gregory. Can you trust your narrator? Is the Vampire Jam Sandwich real? Is your jam safe? Read on to find out . . .
Review:
This picture book is about a jam sandwich that was turned into a vampire jam sandwich after being bitten by a vampire. The narrator is a young boy who tells how to prevent a vampire from stealing the jam to make a sandwich. There was a cute twist at the end that I won’t spoil here. This is a fun picture book, but I hope it doesn’t make kids scared of eating jam!
Vampire Jam Sandwich is a cute picture book!
Thank you Tundra Books for providing a copy of this book!
Have you read Vampire Jam Sandwich? What did you think of it?
Title: War at the Ice Cream Store Mustachio Pistachio vs. Bully Vanilli AND War at the Ice Cream Store 2 Rocky Road vs. The Sundae Storm Author: Cheryl DaVeiga, Dave Gibson, Nate Fakes (illustrator) Genre: Picture Book Publisher: Waterhole Productions LLC Source: iRead Books Tours Format: Ebook Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis: Mustachio Pistachio vs. Bully Vanilli:
Action, laughter, and silly puns… this ice cream epic has it all!In the Frozen Frogg Ice Cream Shop, Bully Vanilli is the most popular ice cream and self-proclaimed king of the flavors. Lonely Mustachio Pistachio sits at the back of the freezer. No one ever picks him! Every night, after the store door is locked, Bully Vanilli begins his bullying and Mustachio is his favorite target. One night Bully kicks Mustachio’s bucket. Poor Mustachio falls SPLAT on the floor and it’s… War at the Ice Cream Store! And as the The War at the Ice Cream Storesong goes…🎵🎵 Biff bam booza, yowza wowza wooza, It’s a milk-shakin’ cone-breakin’ yabba dabba dooza! 🎵🎵A big scoop of action with sprinkles of laughter makes for a delicious treat in this story about kindness and acceptance. Read with your kids for a non-stop giggle fest and don’t forget to follow the author for more hilarious content and to access the song.
Goodreads Synopsis: Rocky Road vs. The Sundae Storm:
The Ultimate Ice Cream Showdown!
It’s a perfect sunny Sunday in July—the ultimate ice cream day! But—trouble is brewing at the Frozen Frogg Ice Cream Store! A swirly, twirly, category-five ice cream twister is out of control, threatening to turn this sweet day into a sticky disaster.
Could this be the first-ever summer Sunday without ice cream? (Say it isn’t so!) Or can the flavors and toppings team up to whip up a plan before it’s too late?
Packed with laugh-out-loud puns, daring dessert heroes, and nonstop action, this funny and flavorful adventure is a must-read for kids who love humor, teamwork, and of course—ICE CREAM! A delicious sequel to the fan-favorite and award-winning War at the Ice Cream Mustachio Pistachio vs Bully Vanilli (now available in a Collector’s Edition–reillustrated, with an enhanced story and bonus content).
This fast-paced and colorfully illustrated (by celebrated cartoonist Nate Fakes!) tale will have kids cheering for their favorite flavors and begging for an extra scoop of fun! Get ready for the wildest ice cream showdown yet!
Review:
These two books are fun, rhyming picture books about ice cream that comes to life in the ice cream store!
In Mustachio Pistachio vs. Bully Vanilli, the vanilla ice cream is a bully because so many people love him. He particularly bullies the pistachio ice cream because he is the least favourite flavour. All of the ice cream flavors and toppings have to work together to defeat the bully.
In Rocky Road vs. The Sundae Storm, there is a storm inside the ice cream store, preventing anyone from getting ice cream on a hot summer day. The ice cream flavors have to figure out how to stop the storm so the store can reopen.
Both of these books made me laugh out loud. I think kids and their parents will love them! They’re both available now!
War at the Ice Cream: Mustachio Pistachio vs. Bully Vanilli and Rocky Road vs. The Sundae Storm are fun picture books!
Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing copies of these books as part of a paid campaign!
Have you read War at the Ice Cream Store? What did you think of it?
Title: Foster’s Leash Author: Sarah Sommer, Bulankinaka (illustrator) Genre: Children’s, Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Kids Source: Author Format: Hardcover Release Date: April 1, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Fostering animals isn’t easy. Suddenly, you’re living with a strange dog that needs your help. And once you’ve finally bonded, it’s time to say goodbye. But hard things are worth doing, especially when they change lives. Follow along to see rescue dog Pepper and her foster family navigate the foster process, the feelings that come with it, and how one leash makes all the difference.
Review:
In this picture book, a girl and her mom foster a dog, named Pepper. While the girl is walking Pepper, she meets a woman and she explains that they are fostering the dog. Fostering pets is so important, because the pets learn how to be part of a family before finding their forever home. My family didn’t officially foster pets, but we cared for outdoor cats for years, including getting them vet care, until they were all adopted into loving homes. We brought the last 3 cats to live inside with us. Though it can be hard to say goodbye to a pet you’ve fostered, it is worth it in the end because they’ve found their forever home.
Foster’s Leash is an important children’s book!
Thank you Sarah Sommer and iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Have you read Foster’s Leash? What did you think of it?
Title: Twas the Night Before Easter Author: Harry Caminelli, Dhamma Cakka Genre: Children’s, Picture Book Publisher: Taffy Tales Source: Publisher Format: Hardcover Release Date: January 1, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis:
It’s just a normal night for Easter Bunny . . . or is it? Oh no!! Easter is tomorrow, he suddenly realizes, and he forgot to hide the eggs for children all around the world, so . . . now it is a mad scramble to see if he can save the day and get the job done. Frantic and funny, Twas the Night Before Easter is the newest addition to Taffy Tales’ best-selling ‘Twas the Night Before series. About This Series: The Twas the Night Before series from Taffy Tales began with the classic best-seller The Night Before Christmas . . . and then it kind of spilled over into other seasonal titles, and even into some non-seasonal fun. From now on, every major holiday will be anticipated, celebrated and remembered with Taffy Tales’ Twas the Night Before titles. Taffy Tales creates best-selling children’s titles that will be cherished and remembered.
Review:
This is an adorable Easter picture book! In this story, it’s the night before Easter when the Easter Bunny realizes he’s forgotten Easter. He must rush around to get the Easter eggs painted and hidden for children to find on Easter morning. I love this adaptation of the Twas the Night Before Christmas poem. This story followed the same beats as that poem and had some funny twists along the way!
Twas the Night Before Easter is a beautiful Easter picture book!
Thank you Taffy Tales and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Have you read Twas the Night Before Easter? What did you think of it?
If a dragon wants a snow cone, it must proceed with great care,
In case a fireball melts it all until there’s nothing there!
This dragon has a peculiar he loves snow cones, but his fiery breath keeps melting them! Follow along in this fun-filled adventure as the dragon tries everything to keep his favorite treat from turning into a puddle.
This delightful tale is brought to life with colorful illustrations and playful rhymes. Children will discover that challenges can be overcome with some creativity and perseverance. This charming story is sure to be a bedtime favorite!
Review:
In this picture book, a dragon wants to eat a snow cone like all his animal friends. Whenever he tries to eat a snow cone, his fiery breath melts it. This dragon has to use his problem solving skills to find a way to eat the snow cone. This story teaches kids how to ask for help and find new ways to solve problems and reach their goals.
Dragon’s Can’t Eat Snow Cones is a great picture book!
Thank you One Brewer Publicity and Cider Mill Press for sending me a copy of this book!
Have you read Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones? What did you think of it?
Title: Power Posey Author: Avra Davidoff Genre: Children’s, Picture Book Publisher: Tellwell Talent Source: Author Format: Hardcover Release Date: April 9, 2020 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Get ready to meet Power Posey, a remarkable young girl with an indomitable spirit who teaches children the power of resilience, positive thinking, and the strength that lies within. In this inspiring children’s book, readers join Posey on a transformative journey of self-discovery as she faces challenges head-on and triumphs with boundless determination.
As children accompany Power Posey on her adventures, they learn valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of strong body language. By adopting Power Posey’s confidence-boosting techniques, children discover they have the power to conquer their fears, embrace challenges, and achieve their goals.
This engaging and empowering picture book is perfect for children aged 3-8. It encourages young readers to embrace their inner strength, instilling in them a sense of self-confidence and resilience. With relatable situations and characters, Power Posey inspires children to approach life’s hurdles with courage, positivity, and a determination to succeed.
Get ready to stand tall, strike a pose, and embark on an uplifting journey alongside Power Posey. Unleash your inner strength, embrace challenges, and discover the incredible power that lies within you!
Review:
This is a great children’s book! When Posey feels nervous, she strikes a pose with her hands on her hips and chest held high, which gives her confidence. When she does her power pose, she knows she can do anything. This is such an important lesson for kids, but especially girls, who are often put down and told they are less than boys.
Power Posey is a powerful picture book!
Thank you Bookinfluencers.com and Avra Davidoff for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Have you read Power Posey? What did you think of it?
Title: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2 Author: Pam Gittleman Genre: Children’s, Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Kids Source: iRead Book Tours Format: Hardcover Release Date: March 4, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
What happens to the baby (owlet!) rocking in the cradle in Rock-a-Bye-Baby? Will Old Mother Hubbard find anything in the cupboard to give to her dog? And who (or what!) will be found in the tub in Rub a Dub Dub?
Read all about the beloved characters from traditional nursery rhymes in this endearing collection of nine updated rhymes that nurture kindness, empathy, and gratitude! Coupled with discussion questions and emojis to support the social and emotion intelligence of preschoolers, each rhyme will delight and educate a new generation of children.
Review:
This collection of nursery rhymes is based on classic nursery rhymes, but they’re updated to be more positive. Most nursery rhymes have dark endings or were inspired by dark history. This collection includes “This Little Piggy,” which is about pigs who eat and play together, as well as “Old Mother Hubbard,” who gives her many children books to read and enjoy. There’s also an updated “Rock-a-Bye Baby” which doesn’t end with the cradle crashing to the ground. Each nursery rhyme included a photo of faces with emotions at the end so that children can point to them to express how the tales make them feel.
Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2 is a great picture book for children!
Thank you iRead Book Tours and Pam Gittleman for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Other books in the series:
Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 1
Have you read Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2? What did you think of it?
Title: Brunt and Eggbert Author: Jeff Dorrill, Ángeles Peinador Genre: Children’s, Picture Book Publisher: Blue Balloon Books Source: Publisher Format: Ebook Release Date: November 26, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
With each passing day, they were learning new things, growing into their roles as father and son, monster and boy, and overcoming the challenges of living in both the human world and the monster world.
Brunt is a kind and intelligent but scary-looking monster who loves gardening. Eggbert is an orphaned boy with an unusual assortment of skills that he has learned from the kindness of strangers while longing for a family of his own. After a chance encounter in the woods, both monster and boy learn to look beyond appearances, discover the true meaning of family, and rejoice in the rewarding experience of caring for and protecting another—despite the treacherous obstacles that exist by virtue of having to live in both the human world and the monster world.
Brunt and Eggbert is an action-packed and heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship and chosen family. Full of colorful, lovable, and creative but imperfect characters, this unconventional children’s story unfolds over the course of eight parts, each one its own adventure. Throughout cozy cooking sessions and daring escapes, Jeff Dorrill’s wit and Ángeles Peinador’s vivid illustrations will entertain young readers and parents alike from the days of bedtime stories to the early years of independent reading. Equal parts adventure, humor, and heart, Brunt and Eggbert is sure to find its place beside the many beloved classics of our childhood memories.
Review:
This is a sweet picture book that teaches kids that appearances aren’t always what they seem. Brunt was a monster who lived in the forest and people were scared of his appearance. However, once Eggbert got to know him, he knew Brunt was a special creature who he wanted to stay with. Though Brunt and Eggbert had to go through some hard situations, they had a happy ending together!
Brunt and Eggbert is a cute children’s picture book!
Thank you Blue Balloon Books for providing a digital copy of this book!
Have you read Brunt and Eggbert? What did you think of it?
Jill's Book Blog 