OK's Reading Corner

A Picture Book About Believing in Yourself In a pantry full of fancy ingredients, one humble can of luncheon meat is always overlooked. But when plans change and the family needs to create something special, it turns out the most unexpected ingredient has something important to offer. Beyond the Label is a heartfelt children's book about self-worth, believing in yourself, and understanding that appearances don’t define your value. Perfect for ages 4 to 9, this story gently reminds readers that confidence, love, and heart matter more than labels. Published on 18th November 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Five Stars The book is a beautiful read. In Leah's home pantry, the other ingredients think that Hammy is not a special ingredient. But then one day when granny is on the way home, disaster strikes with the celebration dinner. I enjoyed the illustrations and the simple tale of confidence that Hammy had in himself and how he was useful on the day that granny came. There was...

A big-city tale about how friendship builds confidence—and the unexpected joys that come from trying new things. Arlo All Over Again is the sweet and touching story of two boys who become fast friends over the course of two snowy days. Arlo All Over Again Portrays a surprising, beautiful friendship between two boys in New York City Emphasizes themes of optimism, risk taking, trying new things, bravery, and friendship Includes a note from the author and suggestions to expand on the story’s themes and ideas This book shows how friendships can help us grow, and it explores the serendipitous ways that city life brings people together. Publication Date: 21st April 2026 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Four Stars What a beautiful and inspiring tale for young kids! Oliver is shy and afraid to do new things including sledding in the snow along with his brothers. But Arlo comes along as Oliver slowly gets over his nervousness. Arlo and Oliver help each other and finally Oliver learns to do new ...

What if the best days start when things don’t go as planned? Scout the Goat has been counting down to the County Fair for what feels like forever, looking forward to the rides, the treats, and the laughter with friends. But when a thunderstorm sweeps in and ruins the big day, Scout is sure all the fun is over. Can a little imagination turn a gloomy, rainy day into an unforgettable adventure? In Goat on the Go: Scout’s Rainy Day, Scout learns that even the cloudiest moments can bring the brightest surprises. With imagination, teamwork, and a little help from his farmyard friends, he discovers that sometimes the best adventures happen when things don’t go as planned. Filled with charm, humor, and heart, this uplifting children’s picture book celebrates resilience, creativity, friendship, and emotional growth. Perfect for storytime, classroom discussions, and rainy-day reading, Scout’s Rainy Day encourages kids to adapt, stay positive, and find joy in unexpected moments. Perfect for reade...

The Wheels on the Stroller, a fresh adaptation of the well-known song and book, The Wheels on the Bus, invites parents and children on a stroller journey of song, motion, and colorful illustrations. Roll through a variety of neighborhoods meeting delightful creatures and various neighbors in action as the seasons change. Experience being fully present in the moment with your child as you sing and act out each verse. The Stroller kids show readers how to perform each motion! In addition, a picture clue in each illustration signals the next action. The Wheels on the Stroller aims to reawaken the joy and wonder of simple, everyday happenings as seen through the eyes of young children. It seeks to inspire readers to make up verses of their own based on adventurous stroller walks (or wagon walks!) through their neighborhoods. Ready…Set…Let’s Roll! Published on 2nd October 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Three Stars Cute lovely roller-stroller song! The Wheels of the stroller go all over...

Spectrum Sprouts is a gentle, sensory-friendly picture book series that helps autistic and neurodivergent children understand their big feelings and learn simple tools to feel safe, calm, and confident. Each story follows Sprout, a small seedling with a big heart, and their feeling-friends—Whirl, Boom, Buzz, and Softie—as they explore what happens inside the body during overwhelm, worry, excitement, and change. Instead of shaming emotions, the books show children that feelings are visitors with messages, not problems to hide. Through warm, pastel artwork and rhythmic, comforting text, Spectrum Sprouts teaches kids how to: Notice body clues like tight chests, fluttery tummies, and buzzy hands Use calm-down tools such as deep breathing, fidgets, counting, and quiet spaces Understand that all feelings are okay, even the big and stormy ones Build self-compassion and confidence instead of fear or shame Created by peer support specialist and author Sarah O’Neill, the series is designed for a...

  Big feelings don’t wait for birthdays—they can appear anytime, anywhere. When Tessa’s big day takes an unexpected turn thanks to Grandpa’s blunder, frustration flares between her and her little brother, Josh. Both feel angry and misunderstood—until their big sister, Mia, helps them see that anger isn’t “bad” at all. It’s a feeling with an important job to do. Together, the siblings become The Emotion Investigators, uncovering the clues that make up a big feeling. Once they understand what anger is trying to say, they can choose how to respond. Filled with relatable moments, playful watercolor illustrations, and practical tools kids can actually use, Anger and the Birthday Blunder helps families talk about frustration, fairness, and self-control in a way that feels natural—not preachy. Perfect for ages 4–8, this story reassures young readers (and their grown-ups) that everyone gets angry sometimes—and with a little curiosity and care, calm always follows. The first book in The Emo...

Three books, one fussy cat, endless laughs! From award-winning author Andy Wortlock comes a purr-fectly hilarious collection of the first 3 bestselling picture books in the series that will have kids and grown-ups giggling from cover to cover. Join one fussy feline as he insists on telling us all the things cats absolutely, definitely do not like. But whether it’s silly everyday objects, roaring dinosaurs, or the sparkle and fuss of Christmas… this cat’s reactions are always laugh-out-loud funny! Inside this special treasury, you’ll find three loveable favorites: Cats Don’t Like That! Cats Don’t Like Dinosaurs! Cats Don’t Like Christmas! Packed with playful rhymes, colorful illustrations, and endless cat-titude and including a free bonus, this collection is a must-have for bedtime, storytime, or anytime you need a good chuckle. Warning: Don’t show this book to your cat… they might approve! Published on 23rd September 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Five Beautiful collection of st...

It was spring. Rabbit’s season to shine. But this year, Frog was taking over. He had always wanted to be just like Rabbit. He already had the hops, and the rest he could learn with the help of his friends. But when disaster strikes, Frog must decide who he's really meant to be. With her stunning illustrations and relatable storytelling, best-selling author/illustrator Katy Hudson seamlessly weaves themes of friendship, self-acceptance, personal growth, and self-worth into this heartwarming picture book. For ages 5-8. Publication Date: 1st January 2026 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Point Five Stars What a lovely tale of Frog during the spring season. Frog suddenly decides that he wants to be like Rabbit. His friends  are shocked at first, (specially enjoyed Raccoon’s comments throughout) but then they all help Frog. In the end, while carrying the egg, something unexpected happens and Frog is able to realize the truth. Beautiful story about accepting oneself for what one is. The illustr...

New York Times-bestselling author David Sedaris offers a hilariously twisted take on selfishness and greed in this picture book featuring funny (and demented!) illustrations by New Yorker artist Bob Staake that will delight readers and parents alike. This selfish sister only thinks of herself, and she wants it all—even her brother’s kidney! Everything must belong to her! But who can possibly tell her “no”? Her family must cater to every whim--but where does that leave sister in the end? With rhymes and illustrations David Sedaris and Bob Staake have created a sickly hysterical yet genuine romp of a read. Publication Date: 17th May 2026 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Simple and Deep. Four Point Four Stars.The selfish sister wants everything for herself and she is so greedy that she shares nothing at all. Things get so worse that she even takes the air and the earth itself.  But in the end after getting it all, what happens to sister?  Rhythmic verses, excellent illustrations with deep mea...

  On the moon, there is a tiny post office whose roof glows softly with moonlight. Each night, the Moonlight Postman — a gentle little rabbit — collects letters that drift up from Earth on beams of light, carrying voices of love, longing, and hope. One quiet night, a letter arrives from a girl named Eunha, addressed simply “To Daddy.” The words are clear, but the voice inside is silent — as if her heart has forgotten how to speak. Determined to find the missing voice, the Moonlight Postman packs several bottles made of moonlight into his small bag and sets out on a quiet journey. He visits Windy Hill, where laughter still lingers in the breeze; the Sparkling River, where a single tear glows like a star; and the Song Forest, where her sleeping melody rests beneath a great tree. When his journey ends, he holds three bottles of moonlight — one filled with laughter, one with tears, and one with song. Following a glowing path, he arrives at the Garden of Memories, where Eunha once playe...

Ring Tail Raffi is a story about a Lemur with anxiety who ventures on a life changing journey, ultimately learning mindfulness skills to cope with his worries and fears. This story introduces young minds to beginner’s mindfulness concepts, followed by interactive questions fostering dialogue between children and caregivers such as parents, teachers or therapists. For all those interested in nature and animals, we also learn some fun facts. Let’s experience learning Mindfulness in Madagascar with this lovable Lemur! Published on 23rd August 2021 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Mindful and Informative! Four Point Five Stars. Beautiful book for older kids.  Ring Tail Raffi from Madagascar is very anxious and he decides to find the Wise Red Owl who can help him handle his anxiety. Comet also helps Ring Tail Raffi on his journey to the Owl. The journey to the Owl and Comet was a lovely read.  Told in rhythmic lines, the Owl describes how to handle anxiety at all stages. The illustrations wer...

  A young boy named Seiji, who is deaf, is invited to stay with his new friends, Grandpa and Grandma Maru. The Marus reside on a private island, a place of magic and wonder. Seiji meets the Guardians of Maru in a dream. Or was it reality? A heartwarming story about love, courage, and magic. Published on 9th November 2025 My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Magic and Wonder Four Point Five Stars Seiji is deaf and he is invited to an Island of magic by Grandpa and Grandma Maru. However there are much deeper things at play as Seiji finds out what he is supposed to be doing at the magical Island as he finds out about Natsu, Yuki, Aki, and Fuyu.  The world of Maru and the guardians and the dream world that Seiji experiences and the things that he is able to do there that he is not able to do in real life, makes the reading even more beautiful. Nice illustrations and lovely magical read for older children. Review also found at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8081392805