The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup by Angela Cervantes

There's several exciting things going on this year here in the U.S. event wise...and I mean BIG even wise. One of these is the World Cup. So of course, I have a few reads in the next weeks, which celebrate this event. I am happy 

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN 

WORLD CUP TROPHY

by Angela Cervantes

Henry Holt and Co.

Middle Grade Mystery

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 5th!!!

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament's stolen trophy in time for the championship match.

“Humor, heart, and fútbol... everything a middle grade mystery should be.” –Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lemoncello series

Diez Espada—named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father’s favorite player, Lionel Messi—would rather be chasing clues than soccer balls. When the World Cup trophy disappears at a glitzy party in Miami, he’s suddenly at the center of the most thrilling match of his life—a race to find the trophy before it’s gone for good.

Teaming up with his crush, Rio, and the world-famous Detective Enzo, Diez dives headfirst into a one-night whirlwind of secret tunnels and a squad of suspicious a spoiled son of a Miami tycoon, a famous sportscaster, and even Rio's two prankster younger brothers.

The clock is ticking, the suspects are slippery, and the stadium lights are ready to shine. Will Diez find the trophy in time for the World Cup championship match?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Sleuthing takes on a fun, soccer twist in this entertaining read.

Diez enjoys two things...well, mostly one since his father is, actually, the soccer fan: sleuthing. Diez is great at seeing details and connections others miss, and he's about to prove how talented he is by revealing the thief of the school's mascot costume. Unfortunately, the big reveal isn't what he'd hoped, and he ends up tricked by the true culprit, a rich girl name Rio. Since this leads him to more trouble than he deserves, Rio's guilt gets the better of her. To make up for it, she invites him to attend a World Cup Party with her, where his dad's favorite player is said to make an appearance right along with the real World Cup trophy. Unexpectedly, the trophy goes missing. Diez is ready to take on this new case with Rio at his side, but it might be more than he can handle.

This is a quick-paced read with lots of surprises, some quirky moments, and clues galore. Diez makes mention of Scooby-Doo, which fits thanks to the characters involved. After all, Diez has to deal with a bird and a poodle, too. In other words, the author mixes in light-hearted moments to keep everything interesting and boredom far away. The clues aren't easy to piece together but make sense, and it's fun to see Diez catch things the police overlook. His insights are clever and, yet, very fitting to the age group. Add friendship and whispers of first crushes, and there's heart as well. On the family end, Diez and his father still suffer a bit after the loss of the mother several years before...something I'm not a huge fan of, at the moment, due to the large amount of reads using that plot direction during the last year or so. But it works fine and isn't overplayed, either. 

It's a fun read, especially with the World Cup sneaking up on us soon, and soccer fans are sure to enjoy it at anytime. The author does weave in some facts on this end, which adds a little knowledge richness as well. All in all, it's a fun mystery with many surprises and twists, and keeps the pages turning until the end. 

And here she is...

Angela Cervantes is the award-winning author of several beloved children’s novels including Lety Out Loud, which won a Pura Belpré Honor Award. Angela’s other children’s novels include Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows; The Cursed Moon; Maritza: Lead With Your Heart, an American Girl book; Gaby, Lost and Found; Allie, First at Last; and the Frida Kahlo-inspired mystery, Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring. In addition to her original work, Angela adapted Coco: The Junior Novelization and Encanto: The Junior Novelization. Angela began writing stories featuring Latina main characters when she was nine years old because she wanted books that reflected her friends and her community.

What's Coming in May?

Hello, May! I'm not ready for May. It's the end of the school year, and with it, the end of my journey as a  homeschooling mom. I think I've learned just as much as my daughter has  over the last years. As my youngest, it's finally time for her to head off to college in Fall, too. So, it's empty nest time for me, and I still have to figure out what I'm going to do now that I've grown up. 

Anyway, let's take a peek at the reading front because there's always more than enough activity on that end. 

This month holds a ton of goodness on the middle grade and children's fiction end (for more beginning readers). I have quite a few light-hearted reads, some mystery, adventure, and all sorts of fun. This month should be one packed with smiles. The sneak peek below seems to sum up my entire pile well.

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY

Isn't this a timely sounding read? The World Cup is right around the corner. Add the mystery aspect, and there's no way I was going to let this one just pass on by. I'm really excited to dive into these pages and see what happens. After all, a trophy robbery at that level isn't one to be ignored. If the middle grade sleuths can solve it, I'm all in. Get out those detective hats and join me on the 1st to see what this one holds.

Middle Grade Mystery

DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS

I really enjoyed sewing as a child, so this one caught my attention right away. I'm hoping it will pack fun and inspires young readers to give this hobby a go themselves. Plus, I have an interview with the author! That's a rarity for me, but I didn't want to pass up on the chance of having her stop by. Join me on the 2nd to learn all about this one.

Picture Book

REALLY RUBIE

I'm getting Diary of a Wimpy Kid vibes from this read. I, honestly, haven't taken too much time to see what it will be about, but the scribbles and atmosphere on the cover had me hooked. I'm hoping for tons of silly moments and things, which bring smiles while hitting home. Join me on the 6th to see if this read accomplishes all of that or not.

Middle Grade Humor  /  Graphic Novel

UNDERWEARWOLF

This book is said to be one for fans of Creepy Pair of Underwear, and I did enjoy that read quite a bit. So of course, I'm going to take a look at this one and see what this wolf...or his underwear...is up to. Join me on the 11th for some smiles!

Picture Book

UNDER AN EVIL MOON

I thought this read was science fiction, but after looking at the blurb, it seems to fall into the realm of fantasy...which is fine with me! The barrier between Earth's reality and that of the Fairy Realm breaks due to something hitting the moon. I'm sure that sets off all sorts of problems. Since this is the first in a brand new series, I'm hoping it will grab and let readers get lost in its world. I'll be sinking into this one on the 14th. 

Young Adult Fantasy

THE CLOCK SPA

The idea of mixing a clock with a trip to the spa seems to open up a curious realm of possibilities...at least, that's what I thought when I saw this one. Honestly, I'm not really too sure what it's about, but I'm hoping to enjoy whatever it is. I'm heading for a day to relax and quench curiosity with this one on the 15th.

Picture Book

THE GLOOM DRAGON

I saw this cover and title, and immediately thought of my nephews. They love a little chaos and quirky, monster fun, and this looks like it might pack exactly that. I'm ready for action, imagination, tension, and very fast-paced thrills in this read. Let's see if it shoots along with as much energy as I hope it will on the 18th.

Middle Grade Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

ZOOMI & ZOE

This looks like an adorable and wholesome book, which is hopefully just right for beginning readers. The monster on the front...I assume it's a monster...should add a dash of fun and, maybe, intriguing situations. I'm hoping for a little fun, a touch of fantasy, and lots of heart goodness. I'll be opening this one up on the 23rd to take a look and see what it holds

Children's Fiction

CHANNELING MARILYN

Marilyn Monroe's ghost possess that of a 17-year-old girl, who struggles with her weight and self-image. And that's all it took for me to want to grab up this one. It promises to pack humor, heart, and tons of ghostly moments. I'm looking forward to seeing where this one goes and can't wait to see what the poor girl does with a ghost like Marilyn's taking over. Join me on the 25th to see how all of this turns out.

Young Adult Paranormal Humor

OUR CHILDREN IN THE SHADOWS

I'm just going to stay in the paranormal realm and slide into this read, which promises all sorts of ghostly fun...especially since it's suppose to be for fans of Spy School. Yep, this one should take on spy thriller goodness, while weaving in ghosts and adventure and villains and more. It definitely doesn't sound like it will get boring. So, join me on the 28th for some chaos and fun.

Middle Grade Paranormal

Every month, my reading pile stretches way beyond the number of days I have time to read and review. But every month, I also have some changes in my schedule due to...well, all sorts of things. So, sometimes, an extra day opens up, and I can quickly slip in another read. This read is the one on top of my pile.

FIRESNAKE

This is the 3rd and last addition to the prize-winning Cuentista series. Before you ask, no, I haven't read books 1 or 2. Will that make this one impossible to grab up? I'm hoping not since it sounds very interesting. I'm looking forward to discovering tons of richness, food for thought, and even adventure in these pages. That's if I get to it in May. 

Young Adult Science Fiction

Summer Pop Up! by Aurore Petit

Who's ready for summer fun? Today's read embraces the approaching, hot months of the year...and that with the youngest readers out there in mind. See the words 'Pops Up' on the title? I'm very sure that means flaps and fun. These are things I always enjoy in books for younger readers (and secretly wish they had them in ones for much older readers, too).

So, let's see what this book holds!

SUMMER POPS UP!

by Aurore Petit

Phaidon Press

Board Book

12 pages

ages 2 to 4

COMING MAY 20th!!!

Winner, 2025 Best Baby Book Prize from the French Ministry of Culture
From family trips to ocean dips, experience summer’s everyday magic in this sturdy, neon pop-up book. With playful illustrations, engaging text, and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents) will love!

Designed especially for little hands, this bright, bold pop-up book brims with the joy of summer in every turn of the page. Perfectly portable and shaped for toddlers’ hands, this sturdy board book features six playful pop-up scenes that leap from the pages with high-contrast neon images – the yellow of sunshine and the pink of summer sunsets.

Celebrate the magic of summertime, from a busy bee zipping between blossoms to a bumpy ride in the family van, from spreading sunscreen on our faces to enjoying bare feet on a beach, and from diving into sunset seas to counting the stars at night. This book brings all our most-loved summer moments to life in a way that’s both familiar and fresh, clever and surprising. Every page bursting with the warm wonders of the season.

With Aurore Petit’s vibrant, playful illustrations, simple, engaging text, and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents!) will love, this book is a sensory celebration of summer’s everyday magic.

This is the first title in Aurore Petit’s seasonal pop-up series, publishing alongside Autumn Pops Up! and to be followed soon by winter and spring-themed books.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer beams with vibrant, contrasting colors and surprises on every page.

This little board book runs through an array of things people can correlate with summer. Be it bees or sunscreen, every page presents something most young readers can recognize. And it's pointed. For example, the mention of bare feet on a beach very much centers on those bare feet and pops them up big and bold. Each flip of the page reveals an illustration, which literally stands out thanks to cleverly placed folds, cuts, and mounting. These are created from carton, making them fairly durable under normal usage. Not only are they recognizable and enjoyable to see raise from the page, but there's also a little humor involved...very slight and just right. The text carries only a few words to make each moment clear and keep it very appropriate for the intended age group as a read-aloud. 

This book is as bright as the hot sun and lets the colors reflect that. Neon pink, bright yellow, jet black, and pure white make each page vibrant and somewhat feel like staring at the world under a very bright sun. By the last scene, the nighttime, it condenses into a calm, enjoyable sunset to wrap everything off nicely. 

It's a fun, little read to spread summer joy.

Happy Book Birthday, Northwoods Lullaby by Mary Casanova!

I'm shouting out another book birthday, today, and screaming as loud as I can. Got to celebrate, right? This one has been on my radar for....oh my...over half a year? I've seen its cover peeking at me, asking me to pick it up, and begging to be read, but I had to wait until it hit the shelves. Oh, the pain of being a book reviewer! (Was that dramatic enough?)

Anyway, today's read comes out of the press at the University of Minnesota, and the books I've seen from there have always touched a chord with my love for nature. This book shouldn't be any different. Plus, I've had this one on my pile for a reason...it should be amazing. 

Let's open it up and see if it's been worth the wait.

NORTHWOODS LULLABY

by Mary Casanova

Illustrated by Jordan Sundberg

University of Minnesota Press

Board Book

32 pages

ages 0 to 8

A springtime stroll transforms into a heartwarming bedtime lullaby

It’s time to sing a lullaby, and all through the northwoods, different wild animals join in. Come along as a child and their grown-up enjoy an evening hike. Loons drift by on the serene lake, a baby on papa’s back. On the banks nearby, swans hatch, and deer graze in the grass. Look, and you’ll find bear cubs climbing trees with mama, foxes and hares, and wolf pups playing in their den. Celebrating new life as spring unfurls, Northwoods Lullaby blossoms from a melody Mary Casanova began to hum while rocking her newborn grandbaby to sleep, a lullaby that can now be shared with generations to come.

Pairing Casanova’s signature lyrical writing with collage illustrations by Jordan Sundberg of Tin Cup Design, this bedtime story invites readers of all ages to explore the world of nature and discover the unexpected along the way. It’s time to sing a lullaby, a pine bough swaying lullaby, a lady’s slipper lullaby . . . a lullaby for you.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The wonder of nature mixes with calmness and lovely scenes to invite into the world of dreams. 

From the very first page, this book sinks into nature's calming atmosphere and showcases an adult and child as they wander through the hills and forests. They spy bears, lakes, and more, always watching the life and world around them. As they progress on their journey, each moment is accompanied by a section of a lyrical lullaby to make this a lovely, bedtime read.

The illustrations are created in watercolor with a tissue paper like overlapping to give everything a gentle feel. Yet, each scene is brought across clearly and simply to fit the age group. Especially animal fans will enjoy the various, forest creatures as they make their appearance, one by one. The text flows right along. It swirls around various details of the life found in the forest, while sticking to wording which is very fitting to the intended age group. The phrases are short and flow smoothly to create a nice read-aloud. Plus, there's a sense of parent-child warmth to snuggle up with and offer security. 

Fans of nature, animals, and simply those, who enjoy discovering the world around them, are sure to enjoy this lovely, bedtime read.

And here they are...

Mary Casanova is author of dozens of books for young readers, including Hush Hush, Forest and Wake Up, Island, both also published by the University of Minnesota Press. She and her husband live in a tiny cabin near Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.

Jordan Sundberg is an artist and illustrator based in Duluth, Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and two bunnies. She is coauthor and illustrator of Fables of the North Shore.

Happy Book Birthday, The Terrifying Turnip Takeover by Lydia Lukidis!

Yippee! It's time to shoutout another book birthday. Today's read is the second in a humorful series of graphic novels for beginning readers, who are very sure of their words but not quite ready for larger, middle grade novels. I read the first one in the series last summer (see review HERE) and found it entertaining. The characters were quirky and fun. So, I'm hoping that this second book holds more of that. Let's open it up and find out!

THE TERRIFYING TURNIP TAKEOVER

Groucho, The Grouchy Groundhog

by Lydia Lukidis

Illustrated by Tara J Hannon

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Humor  /  Graphic Novel

80 pages

ages 6 to 8

For fans of Grumpy Unicorn, Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog is back with his half-pig, half-uncorn (and all smiles) sidekick, Blork! ​ And while Groucho would much rather be eating pancakes or napping, Critter Creek might need him to save the day…again.

Groucho is a Grouchy Groundhog (NOT a mole, moles are different. See page 78 in Book 1 for more). When a terrifying turnip appears in the sky, it’s up to Groucho and Blork to see what Lord Turnip from Planet Jupi-TURD is up to.

Lord Turnip and his legion of zombie farmers have been prowling the universe, looking for the perfect place to plant their tasty turnips. But their Poo Poo Glue Slime is killing all the plants in Critter Creek! Can Groucho figure out how to stop them?

This original graphic novel sequel brings back all of your Critter Creek favorites!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Turnip eating aliens and poo-forming-goo are only the beginning to this silly and surprise-filled adventure.

Groucho wants to take a shower, eat pancakes, and sleep, but his friend Blork isn't about to let him do any of that. Groucho's not even allowed to shower in peace thanks to an emergency. An alien named Lord Turnip has appeared with a spaceship and wants to turn entire Critter Creek into turnip fields with his Poo Poo Glue Slime, which oozes everything into turnip fertilizer. Groucho simply wants to eat his pancakes, but when Lord Turnip attacks Groucho's house and the pancakes are threatened, it's time to take care of the matter.

Quirky adventure rolls from every page as these unique characters try to save their home. Groucho hits with his grumpy and rude-ish style adding an edge to the, otherwise, ridiculous circumstances. And the evil villain from book one returns with a different twist, letting the latest villain swamp everyone with the new threat. There's a sense of urgency to make sure the adventure doesn't fall short. It creates a quick-paced read, where anything can happen and a happy ending isn't guaranteed...and not only because Groucho is never happy. Still, the characters provide many reasons to smile as they fumble and bumble through everything in a way which draws in.

The graphics are well done and lead the tale along smoothly, while also letting humor gain hold. The text fits readers, who are very sure of their words but not quite ready for larger reads. Heavy messaging stays far away in these pages, but friendship is golden, and it's shown that individuals can change for the better. The author does refer back to book one a few times, and even uses it to round off this read. So, it is better to take this series in order...although it isn't difficult to sink right in with book two, either. Those who enjoy odd fun and silliness are sure to enjoy Groucho and his friends. 

And here they are...

Tara J. Hannon lives in a house on a hill near the Chesapeake Bay. She writes and illustrates from her home studio, alongside her husband, two daughters, and one overly excited dog. When not creating, she can be found enjoying the bay with her family, jogging at a slow and friendly pace, or drinking coffee.

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024) and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.