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December

Holiday House Rules
Short Story
by Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B07XQHFBTG

Holiday traditions create things we should do. Holiday house rules create things we shouldn't do.
Which one will be the most meaningful to children (and their pets!) in their adult lives?

Sophia, The Christmas Eve Snow Bunny
Picture Book
by Wanda Luthman
Amazon.com/dp/B07LH644F8

Sophia the Christmas Eve Snow Bunny & the Real Gift is about a bunny who knows what it's like to not have a present for Christmas. Santa asks her to help him in the gift giving for animals. Join Sophia
on her Christmas Eve mission as she circles the globe bringing joy to all the animals that would otherwise not have presents.

Dragonflies
Middle Grades
by Marta Magellan
Amazon.com/dp/1632332590

Dragonflies might be one of the most ancient of all insects--their ancestors were here before the dinosaurs. But what do we know about them? Why are they called dragonflies? What's up with those funny-looking eyes? Can they really fly backwards? What does it mean to be a bioindicator? The answers are inside, with photos of these beautiful insects and friendly cartoons.
Marta Magellan and Mauro Magellan are an author/illustrator team who started to work together after having published separately for many years. Marta Magellan's interest in wildlife and nature has led her to write many nonfiction books about animals for children.

The Tooting Rabbit: Christmas in the Big Apple
Picture Book
by Chez Wendling
Amazon.com/dp/B0DK4XWX6Q

Hold your nose and hop into a hilarious Christmas adventure as Toots the rabbit in back! An uproarious sequel to The Tooting Rabbit and the Enchanted Forest.
Toots is bringing his special brand of stinky shenanigans to the Big Apple as our gassy hero trades in forest frolics for city hijinks. Don't miss out on this gas-tastic tale that proves sometimes the best gifts come in small, furry, and smelly packages.
(Warning: May cause uncontrollable giggles and temporary nose-pinching)

January

My Precious Little
Kitty Cat
Short Story
by Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B0C6JBWJQK

My Precious Little Kitty Cat is a picture book for youngsters in preschool through second grade. It is a love story about a demanding, but adorable, little kitty who is totally misunderstood! Although some may disagree, this precious kitty finds a way to get what she wants by being her lovable sweet self.

Rescued Heroes
by Carol Lalla
Easy Reader
Amazon.com/dp/B0BMF3VHKM

Rescued Heroes is the third book of A Wiggles and Wags Tale series. This book is composed of several stories about how many rescued animals have emotionally and physically changed the lives of those who rescued them. Wiggles and Wags and their friends are at the park, all have stories to share about their experiences or that of others they can relay about rescues, adoptions and helping people. It's a fun read, heart-felt and endearing. Rescued Heroes also illustrates many of the service animals that are trained to help people in everyday life and those in need of their special services to save lives. Whether they are trained or not, the pets in this book are all heroes.

River Cabin
Picture Book
by Judy Clausen
Amazon.com/dp/B0DJ7X77YS

In New York City Daisy Dog and Juliette are never apart. They prance through the park, twirl in ballet class, wander through art museums, and sip cocoa in cafés. But when they move far away to a cabin on St. Mary's River, Daisy Dog finds herself all alone with scary strangers like bullfrogs, bobcats, and bears! Who will Daisy Dog play with now?

Bee Catastrophe
Easy Reader
by Marta Magellan
Amazon.com/dp/1632333600

Not long ago, fields buzzed with the sound of bees. People and other animals ate their honey. Some animals even ate the bees. And all types of bees, like bumble bees and solitary bees, did their part to help plants grow. But bees are in danger, and you wouldn't want to live in a world without them! Is there anything you can do? Read this book so that you can help avert the bee catastrophe.

Brotherly Love
Short Story
by Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B01N5QDO5B

A family wedding! What could be more joyful and exciting--and it is very much so, especially for the parents of the groom. Were the dogs invited? Two conniving sisters endear themselves to their soon to be sister-in-law which leads to a surprising outcome for their parents.

The Long and Little Doggie
A Picture Book
by Pamela Ackerson
Amazon.com/dp/B018WOR16Y

Let your children enjoy the wonders and adventures of pets that join a family, bringing joy and heartwarming moments to their everyday lives. This story is about Tubby and Riley, two dogs who needed a good, loving home.

King Claude
the Talking Dog
Picture Book
by Donna Saccone Pinamonti
Amazon.com/dp/166240025X

Introducing King Claude, an adorable, friendly shih tzu puppy. Join King Claude as he meets his new family and learns many tricks, including how to "talk" and tell his family "I love you!" Children will love King Claude, too, as he grows and is encouraged to keep on trying. Look for more stories about King Claude's real-life adventures!

Sunny Days with Mommy and Me
Easy Reader
by Jennifer Rosario
Amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GCX4K

In this simple, heartwarming story, a single mother and her son lovingly share a routine, experiences, their Christian faith and a practice in kindness towards others. Their life is not perfect, but they always find a way to seek small joys and comfort where they can.

Doggie Tales
Short Story
by Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/
B00OPDDPAA

Have you met the new neighbor? Indeed, the new neighbor has been met--and then some! A humorous short story about two couples, each with their own idea of a good neighbor policy.

Sally's Heart
A Picture Book
by Mary Brotherton
Amazon.com/dp/B0D1NMS7RB

Sally's Heart is a 2024Regal Summit Book Award winner in the teaching category. The book was inspired when the author's cousin needed a heart transplant and tells the story of a girl named Sally who cared for others all her life, yet risked her own safety. When Sally died as the result of a distracted driver, her parents kept Sally's kindness alive by donating her organs. Now Sally's heart beats inside the young woman who lived to be a grandmother.
Jayashree Sadasivan's illustrations bring the story to life in hopeful, joyful colors on pages filled with adventure. After the coloring page, there's a page with information about organ donation to help demystify a complex medical procedure for children and the adults who read to them.

March

Franky the Thirsty Flamingo
Picture Book
by Wanda Luthman
Amazon.com/dp/
B07JK5FNHC

Franky the Thirsty Flamingo is about a flamingo searching for his favorite drink. When he finally finds what should be a beautiful pond, it is filled with litter. Come on Franky's journey as he searches for clean water and be part of helping to keep our world clean.

Marcel McDuby the Blue Footed Booby
Easy Reader
by Sarah Mamika
Amazon.com/dp/1612252419

The strange little bird with turquoise blue feet spent all his time imagining being someone else. Follow him on a journey that leads to self-acceptance and a life-changing discovery: It's our differences that make us special and set us apart. What's really important comes from our heart.