I Spy Valentine's Day by Pebble Path Press

While reading is a joy, sometimes, it's nice to dive into activity books, too. Today's read should hold quite a few things for readers to do. With Valentine's Day just a couple weeks away, it's also a fitting book for the season. I've always enjoyed mazes, searches, and such, so I'm excited to open this one up and take a peek.

Who else is ready to see if this one holds activity fun?

I SPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Activity Book

Pebble Path Press

Children's Activity

108 pages

ages 4 to 8

Looking for the perfect valentines gifts for kids that keeps them entertained for hours without screens?

This I Spy Valentine's Day book for kids ages 4-8 is exactly what busy parents and teachers have been searching for! Watch your child's face light up as they discover hidden Valentine treasures, solve challenging puzzles, and create colorful masterpieces - all while developing critical thinking skills without even realizing they're learning.

What Makes This Valentine Activity Book Special:

• 5 Different Activities in One Book: 30 coloring pages, 20 mazes, 15 I Spy puzzles, 15 word searches, and 10 connect-the-dots
• Grows With Your Child: Progressive difficulty from easy to challenging keeps kids engaged ages 4-8
• Perfect Gift Size: Large 8.5" x 11" pages with single-sided printing (no bleed-through!)
• Quality Family Time: Screen-free entertainment that brings families together
• Educational + Fun: Builds problem-solving, concentration, vocabulary, and fine motor skills

Perfect valentines day gifts for kids who love puzzles, coloring, and hands-on activities! Ideal for Valentine's Day gifts, classroom parties, road trips, rainy days, or anytime you need quality entertainment that actually helps them learn and grow.

This isn't just another activity book - it's hours of creative, educational fun that keeps on giving long after the candy is gone. Every page is carefully designed to be age-appropriate, engaging, and rewarding. Kids even get a Certificate of Completion when they finish!

Make This Valentine's Day Special! Scroll up and click "Add to Cart" now. Your child will thank you (and so will your sanity)! Perfect valentine gifts kids will actually use and love.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With everything from coloring images to finding hearts, these pages pack more than a few activities to keep readers busy.

Valentine's Day is almost here, and this book lets the joy and love of that day flow. From cute bears to heart and chocolates and so much more, every activity has something, which can be associated with Valentine's Day. The book is broken down into several sections, so readers can flip to their favorite types of activity and dive right in. There are coloring pages, mazes, search scenes, word searches, and connecting -the-dot exercises. The puzzles begin easy for beginners and build up the difficulty little by little. None of these grow too difficult, however, and remain very doable for the intended age group. There are also answers after the activities to make sure readers can check to see if they are right...or maybe, get a glance at the answer when frustration mounts.

The images are cheerful and remain cute the entire way through. The puzzles, mazes, and such offer a bit of a spread to make sure there's something for everyone. It's an enjoyable collection, which works great for trips, free time moments, or to keep readers busy for a few moments. It's enjoyable and sure to provide, at least, a few hours of things to do.

About Pebble Path Press...

About Pebble Path Press: Pebble Path Press creates high-quality, educational activity books for children that combine learning with fun. We believe in screen-free entertainment that develops critical thinking, creativity, and fine motor skills.

Happy Book Birthday, Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas!

It's time to shoutout another book birthday! Today's read releases tomorrow from Groundwoods Publishing and aims at the middle grade audience. I found the cover simple but grabbing...and wanted to know about that alien right away. It appears that this isn't a science fiction read, however, and steers more in the direction of imaginary friends. 

But let's just take a peek and see what this tale's all about.

 

LEO AND RALPH

by Peter Carnavas

Groundwood Books

Middle Grade Fiction

280 pages

ages 8 to 12

From award-winning storyteller Peter Carnavas comes this stellar novel about space, starting over and the best friend you could ever imagine.

Ralph sat up. His voice was croaky. ‘ If a shooting star zoomed past right now, what would you wish for?'

‘ To find another friend like you.'

Leo and Ralph have been best friends ever since Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter's moons. But now Leo's older, and Mum and Dad think it' s time to say goodbye to Ralph. When the family moves to a small country town, they hope Leo might finally make a real friend. But someone like Ralph is hard to leave behind...Perfect for kids who enjoy gentle, thoughtful stories like The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and the Polly and Buster series by Sally Rippin.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Problems of moving, finding friends, and parting with old ones comes across with a hint of imagination and tons of heart.

Leo has always had difficulties fitting in at school, but when he found Ralph, everything was fine...although Ralph came from space. With a move to a small town, Leo needs to look forward and leaves Ralph behind, but that also gives him with the task of finding real friends. Considering he still has difficulties on that end, it isn't an easy one. Plus, he misses Ralph.

This is a gentle tale, which moves through the plot with calmness, care, and warmth. Leo's fondness for Ralph is very understandable, and Ralph is a wonderful friend. So, it's easy to understand Leo as he struggles to move on. His troubles with kids his age are also understandable and, in many ways, relatable. Luckily, his family stands at his side and offers quite a bit support and concern, never belittling or trying to sweep over his problems. There are other characters as well, who offer assistance where they can, and this forms a wholesome read with lots of goodness. 

The slightly larger font and spacing slides a bit more in the chapter book/easier reader direction. The theme of Ralph's friendship also fits nicely to the mid-/and younger end of the middle grade reading group. The story centers more on heart and brings Leo's situation across in a touching and interesting way to keep the pacing steady the entire way through. There were a few times where the perspective switched to the adults, which was smooth but wasn't quite my thing, since it reminded the reader that Leo is a child (but this is really just me, since it also adds insights into the situation). I see this one for readers, who enjoy diving into more thoughtful stories and enjoy a little warmth and food for thought.

And here he is...

PETER CARNAVAS writes and illustrates books for young readers. His books have been published around the world and have won many awards, including a Queensland Literary Award and the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature at the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards. Peter lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, with his wife, two daughters and a dog.

What's Coming in February?

Hello, February! I want to say that January flew by quickly, but actually, it went by at a steady pace. The last week or so saw a huge slow-down thanks to that big, winter storm. We ended up with around 10-13 inches of snow (huge for here) and schools were closed all last week. We hunkered down in our home, enjoying the fireplaces, drinking tea, and such. I didn't slide in as much reading time as I'd hoped, since homeschooling means things to do no matter the weather. Plus, tending to animals gets more intense, since water opportunities need attention (freezing). We also have two wood stoves, which run nonstop on such days. I have to smile because hauling wood makes sure that all of those yummy, baked treats I make during colder days don't get a chance to add extra pounds on me.

So, now that January has passed, I'm excited to see what February holds. I even have a couple heart balloons already hanging in anticipation of Valentine's Day. (That was actually thanks to my husband who thought it'd be cute to decorate our tractor for the holiday....which I haven't yet due to the snow.)

As to reading, I have so many fun reads coming up the next weeks. I'm sticking to my goal of making each book on here a super enjoyable read, and I think the line-up for this coming month slides nicely in that direction. Hopefully, you'll find, at least, a few which make you smile, too. There's a very even spread on genres, including hearts for Valentine's Day, nonfiction goodness, fantasy, humor, mystery, spies, and even touching reads. I have a few young adult reads, am a little heavier on the middle grade side, and as usual, have a row of picture books as well as those for beginning readers. As said...a nice, even spread of reading goodness.   Or so I'm hoping.

LEO AND RALPH

I found the cover simple yet grabbing, and the blurb sealed the deal. It's heads to the stars with an odd, long-term friendship between an alien from Jupiter and a boy. I'm hoping that this one doesn't lean too heavily to the serious side, since it explores the realm of growing out of make-believe friends. At least, that's the sense I'm getting. Still, it might take an interesting twist, since the blurb leaves enough openings for surprises. Explore this one with me right away on the 2nd!

Middle Grade Contemporary

THE DISEASED ONES

I was in the mood for some kick-butt YA, and this one might just satisfy that desire. It's the first in a series...not a new release...and falls into the dystopian category as a sixteen-year-old discovers she carries a disease, making her unfit to be a part of the world's society. We'll see what all of that entails, but I'm hoping for tons of action and fun. Join me on the 4th to see if this is a world to get lost in or not.

Young Adult Dystopian

ZICKY: WRATH OF THE RAT KING

It's time for adventure as this book dives into graphic novel goodness with a ton of fantasy. At least, that's what I'm getting from the blurb. There should be rodent monsters, rats, robots, and so much more. I really am not sure what to expect in this one but am looking forward to finding out where it will head. Because it doesn't appear it will be calm. I'll be diving into this one on the 7th.

Middle Grade Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

IT'S MY BIRD-DAY!

I read the blurb and knew I had to take a peek at this one. It sounds like it will be silly and fun with a tad bit of heart to round things off. But mostly fun. I'm not expecting a lot of depth but rather great characters to smile with. I'll be seeing what this bird is up to on the 10th.

Picture Book 

THE BLIND DATE AGREEMENT

Can't have Valentine's Day without some romance, and this one promises to pack a little of the unexpected as well. I'm betting that this 'couple' is tackling the entire dating scene from a slightly different angle and hoping that means enjoyable adventures and moments to smile along the way. I just hope it's not cheesy. But we'll find out on the 12th, just in time for the holiday.

Young Adult Romance

THE PREHISTORIC PLANET: DINOSAURS

Dinosaur books always find an audience with younger readers. So, I was glad to get my hands on this one. At first, I thought I'd be taking a look at a digital copy, but then, it appeared in my mailbox...and oh, what fun! It flips open to form a globe with magnets in the cover to make it stand with ease. I'm easily distracted by neat aspects like that. Anyway, I'll dive into ancient times and visit the dinosaurs on the 18th.

Children's Nonfiction

LITTLE MONSTERS

This read is a retelling of Little Women (just in case that wasn't completely obvious) and takes a supernatural twist into this much loved classic. It's geared for the middle grade audience, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm curious how this one goes. I'm hoping it surprises and builds in lovely twists on the original tale, but we'll see how suspenseful this one gets on the 16th.

Middle Grade Fantasy

JETT COOPER

The second I saw this read, I couldn't wait to open it up. This one is about a boy, who loves to fly. I don't think I've ever had a book about this type of sport. It should hit a bit of heart, too, as it follows this boy's love of flying through an accident, which leaves his mother forbidding him to from flying again. This should lead to issues, since I doubt the boy wants to give up, and I'm curious to see how this one steers through the problem. Plus, I'm hoping the flights are grabbing. Let's take off and visit this one on the 21st.

Middle Grade Sports Fiction

GRANDMA, CHO CHO, AND ME

This should be a feel-good book, which centers around a girl and her grandmother...and cooking. It will take a look at the Jamaican kitchen as the girl helps her mother to create some dishes. Maybe, there will be  recipe included, too? I'm hoping for family warmth and cultural goodness. Let's head to the kitchen on the 24th and see how this goes!

Picture Book

TRUST NO ONE

I thought a little crime and suspense would be a nice change-up for the end of the month. This read looks at a teen, whose father is a known criminal...and it put the teen in a sticky situation. He's innocent of a crime but is pretty sure no one will even take a glance to see if he's right. This book comes from a series geared for those teens, who aren't necessarily strong readers, but need reads, which are grabbing and interesting. I'll be taking a look at this one on the 27th.

Young Adult Suspense

 

Book piles grow and grow, and never seem to have an end. It's no different with my pile for Bookworm for Kids. While I have a pretty set schedule, things constantly switch-around and change. Sometimes, I don't like reads as much as I thought I would. Sometimes, they don't arrive. Sometimes, other things happen...anything is possible. So, I have no doubt that another book will find its way into my schedule, and the Joker Read is the first one on top of my 'wait' pile.

RELIC OF THIEVES

I accidentally got my hands on the DRC of this read...yep, strange things happen...which is great for me. I read the first one in the series and enjoyed it. So, I'm curious to see what happens in this next adventure. I have high hopes, of course, and have no doubt it will be a rich, flowing read. I'm not sure when I'm going to squeeze it in, yet, but will definitely be finding the time...sometime.

Middle Grade Fantasy

There's Nothing Funny About Bums by Gareth P. Jones

Anyone ready for some ridiculous, fart humor? That's what today's read is all about. Now, I've never been a huge fan of this sort of silliness, but I do know of plenty of little kids who are. I can already hear the giggles and laughs from my little nephews if they even got near a book like this. At least, if it's anything like I think it will be...which I'm sure it is.

So, thinking of them and all the other kids who enjoy this as well, let's dive in!

THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT...

BUMS

by Gareth P. Jones

Happy Yak

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

There’s nothing funny about bums. Nothing funny at all!
They come in all shapes and sizes, the big, the wobbly the small…

... insists a teacher, reading from a book called The Book of Things That Are Definitely Not Funny . In this hilarious picture book, join a class of children as they attempt to keep a straight face while learning about bottoms. But after the teacher has described ants in pants, ninja farts, and torpedoes in the bath everyone is rolling around laughing. What will the headteacher say?!

A fabulously silly story with hilarious illustrations—children and their grown-ups will love reading and giggling along.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fart, poop, and bum humor soars to guarantee tons of giggles and laughs...but there's a tiny bit 0f knowledge wrapped up in the pages, too.

Class is about to begin, and what does the teacher find when she enters the room? One of the kids is just finishing up the drawing of a bum on the chalkboard. So, the teacher decides to nip this in the butt before it takes off...but she might not be able to steer this in the direction she was hoping it would go. Instead, her explanations lead from one silliness to another and in unexpected directions, too.

If you're looking for a book to liven reading time, especially with a group, then this is that book. It immediately grabs attention and holds it the entire way through. And yes, even reluctant readers...maybe, especially reluctant readers...will pay attention during this one. Or at least, laugh quite a bit. While the humor holds high, there's also a little information subtly tossed in. Not much, but a tiny amount is there.

The text flows well to create a nice read-aloud, which is fitting to the age group. The illustrations are bright and lively. This isn't only about humans, either but slides in the animal kingdom as well...and this adds another layer of silliness. It's a funny book for fans of this type of humor. 

My Subway Runs by James Gladstone

I'll admit that it was the cover on today's read which caught my attention. I do love my covers. The artwork carries an original direction and promises details and atmosphere at the same time. Now, whether or not this makes a good picture book...well, that's why I'll need to take a peek at it. But it wasn't only the cover which drew me in. 

At a second glance, I noticed the title. How often have you seen a picture book about subways? It could be a fun theme and is definitely not one often handled. So, this promises to be an original read in several aspects.

Get ready to ride because we're going on a trip!

MY SUBWAY RUNS

by James Gladstone

Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

For a young child, a subway journey is an eye-opening city-life experience. A story-poem from award-winning creators James Gladstone and Pierre Pratt.

The journey begins with the roar of the subway from the street above, as the child and their mom descend to the dilapidated platform below. The child feels a rush of air as the train pulls in, people stepping on board just in time! Sights and sounds include the dark tunnel and screeching wheels, then the train suddenly breaks out into bright daylight high above the city. All the while, the child takes in the passengers around them — people on their way to work, kids going to school, and “the sleeper,” whom no one else seems to see. At Union Station, the child accompanies their mom from restaurant to restaurant as she looks for work, before they journey home.

Author James Gladstone’s lyrical story-poem and Pierre Pratt’s illustrations, rich in detail and humor, make this companion book to My Winter City (illustrated by Gary Clement) at once delightful and thought-provoking.

Correlates to the Common Core States Standards in English Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 : With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 : Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 : Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Each scene comes to life and lets the reader realize how interesting a ride on a subway can be.

A little boy heads out with his mother to take the subway as she searches for a job. He pays close attention as they wait for the subway to arrive, enter it, and ride it through the city and over the landscape beyond. 

This is a straight-forward read on the plot end and doesn't hold any twists and turns...outside of the subway's path, that is. But this is by no means a boring read. From the very first scene of the boy putting on his coat to him entering the subway with his mom, every moment draws in and captures the attention. The illustrations are busy and allow the bustle to come across in its chaotic bliss. At the same time, this allows the details of each individual and situation to seep through. Listeners/readers are invited to let their eyes search and roam as they pick up daily details here and there. There's personality, diversity, quirks, and curiosities which fill life but are often overlooked, since we can't, usually, take snap-shots and let each moment completely sink in. These pages open up to a little more mindfulness and hold wonder as well.

The illustrations carry a distinct, artistic flair, and this also helps open them up with a hint of imagination while staying planted in reality. (I had to smile at the very winded hairstyles whenever the subway pulls in or leaves.) The text works its way in and around the scenes with just a few lines each time to make it clear what is happening. For adults using it as a read-aloud, it might be helpful to glance through to see where the text is beforehand, but it does flow nicely and keeps listeners' attentions the entire way through. 

It's one of those picture books, which invites to gazing and offers tons to discover along the way.

And here they are...

JAMES GLADSTONE is the author of many highly acclaimed picture books, including When Planet Earth Was New: A Short History of Our Planet’s Long Journey, illustrated by Katherine Diemert (Norma Fleck Award finalist); Turtle Pond, illustrated by Karen Reczuch (Norma Fleck Award); My Winter City, illustrated by Gary Clement (Globe 100 List); and Journey Around the Sun: The Story of Halley’s Comet, illustrated by Yaara Eshet (Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picture Book of the Year finalist). James lives in Toronto, Ontario.

PIERRE PRATT has illustrated more than eighty books for children. He has won the Golden Apple and Plaque at the Biennial of Illustrations in Bratislava, the UNICEF Prize in Bologna and a Totem at the Montreuil Salon du Livre in France. Other awards include the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Governor General’s Award (three times) and the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award (twice). He has also been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Pierre lives in Montreal, Quebec and Lisbon, Portugal.