OK's Reading Corner

  A heartwarming and energetic story about starting school with ADHD, Bessie’s Bees celebrates neurodiversity through a fun, relatable metaphor. Created in partnership with Mayo Clinic pediatric experts, this picture book includes practical tips and myth-busting facts to support families navigating ADHD. Bessie’s head is full of bees—buzzing, bouncing, and brimming with energy. And that’s just fine. But when Bessie starts school, she can't see anyone else's bees. So she hides hers. Before long, her head isn’t just buzzing—it’s bursting! With help from her Granny, Bessie learns that her bees are part of what makes her special—and that sharing them might be the best way to feel like herself again. Written by debut author George Kirk and illustrated with warmth and humor by Ana Gómez, Bessie’s Bees is a joyful, reassuring story for kids with ADHD and the people who love them. Includes expert back matter from Mayo Clinic pediatrician Khaled Mohammed, M.B., B.Ch., offering: Myth-bus...

  Julia has a special delivery to make … to her friend in the winter forest. Julia loves winter, except for one thing: she misses her usual forest friends, who can’t come out to play during the cold season. When she discovers that animals have trouble finding food in the snow, she sets out on a journey to bring a present to her book-loving friend Bertrand the bear. But pulling her heavy sled through snowy woods proves impossible alone. Could little heart-shaped tracks be a sign that help―and maybe a new friend―are near? With sparklingly vivid illustrations that capture the magic of exploring a winter wonderland this cozy, warmhearted tribute to the frosty time of the year―and to the delights of friendship and reading―will have kids eager to make snow angels of their own, as well as to curl up afterwards with a book and a sweet treat. The backmatter includes information on how animals survive when the weather turns icy, along with a recipe for Bertrand’s winter specialty that the wh...

  What happens when Farmer Joe dreams of the biggest farm… but ends up with the tiniest animals? Farmer Joe wants strong, hardworking animals to build the grandest farm in the county. But every trip to the market brings home a surprise—mini donkeys, pint-sized goats, teacup pigs, and even tiny cows! At first, Farmer Joe is doubtful. How could such small animals handle big farm chores? But with a little determination—and a whole lot of cuteness—the mini animals prove they’re mighty in their own way. Full of giggles, heart, and adorable farmyard fun, Farmer Joe’s Tiny Farm shows that sometimes the best dreams come true in the most unexpected (and funniest!) ways. Perfect for kids who love animals, laughter, and stories about working together as a family! Publication Date: 24th September 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Cute fun farm read Farmer Joe sends his daughter, son and wife to buy things from the market and they all buy ‘mini’ things for the farm. Finally Farmer Joe himself goes to th...

  A reluctant mage reborn in flames. A passionate princess fleeing her fate. A powerful telepath at the mercy of the world’s thoughts. A spirited goddess craving adventure. With Penumbra on the brink of an ice age, Eos dreams of helping to create the False Star each dawn to ensure the survival of his people. But there's just one problem: he cannot speak the star's name. In the eye of the storm, Rysa was raised to rule at her mother's side. But a terrible secret has been kept from the princess—one that will tear her life apart. Deep within the molten Heart of Penumbra, a secret society gathers. Elves, dwarves, fauns, ice dragons, and magma merfolk prepare to seize the stolen throne and end the enchanted storm before it devours the realm. Perfect for fans of high fantasy and queer-normative worlds, this novel boasts heart-pounding action, tender breaks without spice, and a full cast of diverse characters and vibrant creatures, including plenty of dragons. Grab your copy and j...

Help Kids Tame Big Worries One Chomp at a Time Does your child worry about little things-or big ones that feel even bigger? Thiscute, rhyming picture book helps children understand anxiety, manage big feelings, and build emotional resilience. When June's thoughts spiral out of control, the Worrysaurus appears-growing with every "what if" she thinks. But with a few giggles and calming tricks, she learns that even the biggest worries can shrink. Perfect for parents, teachers, and therapists, this book offers children: Tools to recognize and talk about worry A silly but safe way to explore emotions A read-aloud rhythm they'll love to repeat Perfect for children ages 4-8, Don't Feed the Worrysaurus! turns big feelings into fun, unforgettable lessons. Publication Date: 13th July 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Four Stars Beautiful rhythmic story about Worrysaurus, the dinosaur that grew from June’s worry and grew to be very big. How does June handle it? Nice illust...

  Little Rabbit can’t sleep. His brothers and sisters may be snuggled up beside him, but the glowing moon in the night sky has captivated Little Rabbit, and he wants nothing more than to reach up and touch it. But how can such a small rabbit reach something so far away? Little Rabbit knows if he just had the special abilities of the night creatures around him, he could reach the moon. Possum’s strong tail would help Little Rabbit swing from the tallest tree. Bat’s wings would help Little Rabbit soar through the sky. Beaver’s sharp teeth and claws would help Little Rabbit build a ladder straight up to the moon. But Mama Rabbit knows something Little Rabbit doesn’t—that being small doesn’t mean being powerless, and every creature has special gifts that help them thrive. With warmth and wisdom, she reminds her little one of the unique traits that make him an essential part of the forest family. Then she gently sends him on his own magical journey to the moon by encouraging him to clos...

Sometimes you're not the first choice to watch the kids. Or the second. Or the third. Or the fourth. Or the fifth. But when you’re out of options ... it’s time to call Grampy. He’s a rule-breaking, soda-slurping wildcard; definitely not Mom and Dad’s top pick for Safari Day. However, when Grampy takes Elliott and Lennon to the drive-through zoo, things get wild in the best (and burpiest) way possible. It’s a day filled with a fizzy mishap, a flatulent rhino, and one unexpected hero. A hilarious tale of chaos, redemption, and the kind of grandparent kids never forget. Publication Date: 18th July 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Three Stars Playful, fun and whimsical tale. Grampy breaks all the rules and does not do anything right. But he is the only one left to take the two kids to Safari land. There during the safari, Grampy does some wrong things, but there is a surprise. Cute illustrations and interesting fun tale of an unlikely hero, meant for older kids.

  The woodland critters outside of DeSales Elementary School would love to go in and play. They want to learn, just like the kids they watch each day. This curious crew takes turns breaking into the school and exploring the different rooms. But they are in for a wild ride! Obstacles stand in their way, and they’ll have to use their smarts and strengths to get home safe. This adorable picture book is sure to delight young readers as they learn important social and emotional learning skills such as recognizing one’s strengths and working together. Publication Date: 30th July 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Four Stars Cute lovely fun story. Four critters - a bat, raccoon, a chipmunk and a groundhog decided to go to a school to see what happens there. Each one gets inside the school and has an adventure there. Lovely rhythmic tale and cute illustrations and fun read meant for older children. Liked it. Thank you for the ARC Netgalley.

  Hey there, friend! I’m Hopper! Come join me at the Planting Festival!  Everyone's already here — my sister Lilly is showing our neighbors how to use her new leaf-picking invention. My other sister Daisy is in charge of directions — and she's loving it! Daisy’s always bossing others around — but this time, it’s actually helpful! It all started when I raised my hand in Mrs. Flufftail’s class. It was my very first day at school, and my mom told me to stay curious. Well, I didn’t expect that staying curious would snowball like this. I also didn’t expect that simply remembering I’m funny, clever, and helpful would make me feel so... fulfilled! Anyway, come see for yourself. Or you’ll miss out on my wonderful journey—from worrying about my first day at Forest School to inspiring my community to help the forest. Book Publication Date: 15th September 2025 My Review: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 It is Hopper, the little rabbit’s first time at school and he is nervous. But his mother encourages him t...