by Grace Topping
When I enter a bookstore or library, I always head right to the mystery section. I know what I like. However, when it comes to selecting books for children, I am somewhat at a loss. Now that I’m in the market for books for my young grandchildren, I’m pleased that I recently found some terrific books to give them. Here are a few that I purchased and can highly recommend. The stories are entertaining, educational, and inspiring, and the artwork is beautiful. I’ll be taking the books to them over Easter, and I hope they like them as much as I do.
Why Weren’t the Firefighters Wearing Pajamas? A Story About the Important People Who Work at Night
Story by Jay Rosenstein
Illustrations by Jim Starr
When Danny sees a bright red fire engine race by his Grandma and Grandpa's house late one night, he wonders "why weren't the firefighters wearing pajamas?" Join Danny as he goes on a magical adventure throughout the city where he meets workers performing all kinds of important jobs at night. As scary as the night can be to young children, they will learn there is another world that exists while they are asleep. As they see firefighters, doctors, newspaper reporters and others working at night, they will discover that nighttime may not be such a scary place after all.
With a surprise, feel-good ending, this book is both fun and educational for all young children.
Bio: Jay Rosenstein is a journalist and author based in Washington, D.C., who has been educating and entertaining readers for more than 40 years. He is glad his books have finally come to fruition and hopes you enjoy reading them.
Bio: Jim Starr graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University, with a BFA in illustration. Just two years later, he found his dream job as a staff illustrator at Eucalyptus Tree Studios in Baltimore, Md. Working alongside accomplished illustrators at Eucalyptus Tree, he learned the value of versatility.
Hoop Dreams
Story by Julia Wilder Banta
Illustrations by 1000 Storybooks
Hope and Harriet’s friendship is made of whispered secrets, giggles, and dreams. They pretend an imaginary world in which they can do anything and everything together. Until one day at the park, Harriet is asked to join a basketball team, but Hope can only watch from her wheelchair.
Through the strength and determination of friendship, Hope and Harriet find a way to always do anything and everything together.
Hoop Dreams is a social-emotional learning story. It teaches readers the power of friendship and compassion through the diversities of race (Hope is Thai) and disability. Hope and Harriet express, individually and through friendship, the layers of loyalty, acceptance, perseverance, and teamwork. This story also highlights the abilities of those with disabilities.
Bio: Julia Wilder Banta is a writer, educator and mother of seven children, three birth children and four internationally adopted special needs children. She has traveled the world through her board service with the nation’s oldest and largest welfare organization. Her life has been inspired by experiences through teaching children with autism and advocating for children around the world.
Bio: 1000 Storybooks removes all the common barriers to publishing children’s picture books by providing professional editing, book cover design, custom, full-page, full-color illustrations that are hand-crafted by a real, human artist (no AI ever) and book formatting for publishing in three formats: ebook, paperback, and hardcover.
Sherlocktopus Holmes: Eight Arms of the Law
Illustrations by Jacqueline Berkman-Glatigny
Sherlocktopus Holmes, the smartest octopus in the ocean, teams up with savvy starfish Dr. Flotsam to seek young Sally's missing doll, thrown in the water by her naughty brother, Steven. Complications arise when the doll is stolen by a succession of mysterious creatures, an otter, an eel, and a squid. Following clues, Holmes and Flotsam swim through the Shark Park, the seahorse races and other dark places, in search of the doll, but not before encountering a red herring offered by the devious squid known as Squid Pro Quo.
Told with clever rhymes and in meter, this children's picture book also includes amusing definitions that rhyme, such as:
A herring is a fish that's silver or blue.
A herring that's red can never be true.
Don't chase a red herring, it's an untrue clue.
Children ages six to ten and older will enjoy this colorful, imaginative trip through the sea with Sherlocktopus Holmes.
Bio: Ellen Byerrum is a mystery novelist, journalist, and playwright and has also held a private investigator’s registration. She is the author of the best-selling Crime of Fashion Mysteries and occasionally writes books with children in mind.
Bio: Jacqueline Berkman-Glatigny was born into a large artistic family where most of its members are involved with some creative talent. The family philosophy is, "to work with your head is not enough, you must be able to work and create with your hands."
Raina the Rhino
Illustrations by Casey Pipetti
Who am I and where do I belong?
When Raina starts to wonder who she’s meant to be, she journeys across the savanna to discover her strengths, passions, and purpose. Along the way, wise animal friends help her see what makes her unique and how she can use her gifts to help others.
Through playful rhyme and warm illustrations, children learn about kindness, curiosity, and the power of self-discovery.
Inspired by the Rhino Operating System (ROS®) — a framework that helps families explore identity, values, and purpose — Raina’s story encourages meaningful conversations about who we are and why we matter.
Perfect for children ages 4–8, this uplifting tale reminds kids that everyone has a purpose and the world needs what makes them special.
Bio: Andrew Reichert is a growth entrepreneur, husband, and father who knows what it’s like to juggle the demands of a busy life while trying to stay true to your purpose. As the founder and CEO of Birgo, Andrew has built a successful real estate firm while helping others build wealth and strengthen communities.
Bio: Casey Pipetti is a 2015 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a strong flare for illustration and digital art. Having studied a vast variety of media during her college career such as drawing, painting, digital art, animation, 3D modeling, and game design, she is determined to use her skills and flare for art and media to bring her personal touch to every project she takes on.
Congratulations to our authors and illustrators.
Book descriptions and cover artwork obtained from www.amazon.com.
Grace Topping is the author of the Laura Bishop Mystery Series.
