I do know that it is not March, but it is always time to read and it is also time to celebrate what being a nation that is 250 years old. Just as being 3 months late with this post, proves that I am not perfect, I can look at any media outlet and see that our nation is not perfect either, however, I can also walk down the street and see people who are trying to be their best selves. This last month, Cowlitz County has seen a terrible accident at a papermill in Longview, Washington, where I have lived nearly my whole life. People died. People were injured. All of us were affected. And all of us have come together in some way at the many fundraisers and GoFundMe accounts and vigils and ways that people collect and say, “I love you,” when something like this happens.
These children’s books are one way I pull myself together. I hope you have a healthy way you unwind too. So here is to reading 5 Books for March 2026…
~
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The quiet beauty and excellence of Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus is as much told in the few poetry stanzas as the illustrations by Kadir Nelson. This nonfiction picture book is The United States in art and patriotism on pages that is appropriate for children. It is thoughtful and beautiful. I really enjoyed this book.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus on Amazon.
~
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
Hello Hello Shapes by Brendan Wenzel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel is a wonderful book about animals and colors, patterns and size, and shapes and sounds. It is perfect for any toddler who needs to work on their vocabulary. The illustrations are delightful and make you want to keep turning the pages.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel on Amazon.
~
Ms. Rachel and The Special Surprise by Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise: Encouraging Speech and Learning Through Play and Music by Ms. Rachel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ms. Rachel and The Special Surprise by Ms. Rachel is a book filled with surprises and communication and music. The illustrations by Monique Dong are cute. This book didn’t excite me because it didn’t have a real story, but I could have fun with it as a children’s learning tool.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Ms. Rachel and The Special Surprise by Ms. Rachel on Amazon.
~
Manfish A Story About Jaques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne
Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Manfish A Story About Jaques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne is a wonderful nonfiction memoir that brings the life of Jacques Cousteau to life, while sharing the history of how he helped us to learn about the ocean and science. The stunning illustrations by Eric Puybaret help bring the story alive. I think this biography would inspire any child to want to follow their dreams and be curious about what makes them feel excited. The only things I would change about this picture book is that on the pages with dark color, it is hard to read the words with dark font, however the story, itself was wonderful. I believe every page offers ample opportunity to talk not only about the story itself but vocabulary and concept building strategies for children who might have short attention spans.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Manfish A Story About Jaques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne on Amazon.
~
A Cow For Jaya by Eva Grant
A cow for Jaya, by Eva H. Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Cow For Jaya by Eva Grant takes place in India where cows are sacred because they provide milk to sustain human life, they also provide fertilizer and can plow fields to help grow crops. Because they give so much, without harming anyone, their peaceful existence is central to Hinduism. This book was precious to me from the start because it is only a few years older than me and I appreciated the layout and illustrations by Michael Hampshire.
Jaya’s family saved for a long time for their cow. A cow was a sign of prosperity because it meant they would have milk, cheese and butter. Jaya had expected a fat, white cow, but when he came home from school, he met Khubi. Khubi was small, skinny and no particular color. Jaya also didn’t know how much care and attention Khubi would require. He was very disappointed.
As much as he pushed against Khubi, Khubi loved him. She even followed Jaya to the market place one day. While Jaya was admiring a flute, another boy stole the flute out of his hand and ran. It looked like Jaya had stolen it and the angry storekeeper wanted to chase him down but Khubi stood strong and protected him. No one would touch Jaya because cows are sacred and if the cow was protecting him, he must be a good boy. The other boy was caught and and Jaya and Khubi were able to go home. Jaya finally understood that Khubi was his friend.
This beautiful story tells us about culture, morals and friendship. I really enjoyed this fiction story.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. New copies of A Cow For Jaya by Eva Grant is not available. You may have to search eBay and other used book store outlets for your own copy of this book.
~
I hope you found some inspiration in any of these stories. Living in a chronically ill body I can’t be a preschool teacher anymore or even travel to some of the places I read about but that is the power of reading. Reading is a way to do the things in your mind that your body can’t do. I encourage you to travel as much as possible. It is always worth it.
I love you. Be blessed.
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
~
1
20
20
20
Please wait...
