One of my favorite times that I will cherish forever with my three children is when we would snuggle up together and read stacks and stacks of books—not just one time, but over and over again. It was a joy to see their bright and shiny faces and hear those wonderful words out loud, “Read it again, please, mommy. Read it again.”  Searching for that “read it again” book can be somewhat of a challenge for parents. How do you know if you are choosing the perfect book for your child? A book that will offer a teachable moment, or create a grin and a giggle, and, most of all, inspire an imagination that just might take your child all the way to the moon or perhaps skipping along a path and making friends with Florida’s lizards.

The books that I will be recommending have been written by local authors and illustrated by graduates of Ringling School of Art and Design. How lucky we are that we live in a town with such amazing writers and talented illustrators. I am so honored to become one of the contributors to the fine pages of Family Magazine, and I will be presenting in every issue books published by my book publishing company, the Peppertree Press. All of our books are available in local bookstores as well as from online stores, such as Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnesandnoble.com, BooksaMillion.com and Peppertreepublishing.com. Come join me under the shady Pepper Tree as I am recommending three precious books that will put a smile on your children’s faces—and I am certain they will ask you to read them again.

Talking to the Moon

By: Verner Bootsma

Illustrated by: Tiffany LaGrange

ISBN: 978-1-934246-702

Ages: 5-9

$12.95

This is an adorable story about a little boy who has a wish to talk to the moon and share all his secrets. Discover the wonder of his dreams and his special friendship with his newfound friend, the moon.

Living in Lizardville

By: Susan Carter

Illustrated by: Dottie Torres

ISBN: 978-1-934246-65-8

Ages: 3-7

$9.95

Living in Lizardville is a story about Cooper and the comical lizards that he encounters on his way home from school. With bright, colorful illustrations and rhyming verses, it is sure to delight little ones over and over again. This is a board book and can be purchased at this time on the Peppertree Press website: www.peppertreepublishing.com

Buzz’s Journey

By: Ryan Green

Illustrated by:  T. Bell

ISBN: 978-1-934246-47-4
Ages: 3-9

$12.95

Buzz the bee feels different from other bees, so he sets out on a journey to find his buzz. Enjoy this heartwarming story about the values and importance of friendship.

A Cat’s Tale

By: Lindy Lindeman

Illustrated by: Jody Wheeler

ISBN: 978-1-934246-030

Ages: 9-12

$12.95

This book will lead you down a path to follow your dreams so you will find true wisdom, your special place in the world, your purpose in life, and your true identity. Tom the cat finds these things for himself while he travels down the road in his search for the true meaning of life. This book shows that when a student is ready, the teacher
will appear.

The Enchanted Tree

By: Donna Heller and

James Payne

Illustrated by: David Zamboni

ISBN: 978-1-934246-72-6

Ages: 7-10

$14.95

Flossie Flamingo and her friends discover a magical tree, a rainbow, and learn the importance of both healthy eating and exercise. You will enjoy reading this fully illustrated book from start to finish.

Julie Ann Howell is the publisher and founder of The Peppertree Press, A Book Publishing Company and Pepper Tree Magazine in Sarasota. For more information about submitting please email the Pepper Tree office at: peppertreepublishing@yahoo.com  Or call 941-922-2662. If you would like to check out our website please go to: www.peppertreepublishing.com