UN-spoiled! by Marie Chow

Today's read looks adorable! I love the pink princess-ness. Add the word unspoiled, and it immediately puts a smile on my face. Telling by the cover, this little girl is definitely spoiled. Will she cast a spell to change everything? Or will she try her best to be unspoiled? I'm ready to see what this tale does and hope for fun along the way.

UN-SPOILED!

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Arthur Lin

Picture Book

29 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nova is a young girl... full of joy, and fully committed to getting her own way. 

I'm the opposite of spoiled
... ask anyone.
It's not my fault I'm everyone's
favorite loved one.

Is she spoiled? You'll have to decide for yourself.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Smiles are guaranteed as this little girl tries her best to make the argument that she is anything but spoiled.

Nova is un-spoiled, and she can prove it. With tons of energy, a positive attitude, and loads of pink, she goes through the day and points out the many things, which make it seem like she's spoiled. But she clearly doesn't fall into that category. Right?

Readers, who adore pink princess vibes, are going to enjoy this read since Nova is as girly as girly can be. Her positive attitude is addictive, and she goes through life with a smile. This goodness radiates so much that it may make readers wonder if she truly is spoiled or not. After all, she's obviously a nice and kind person to be around. So while everyone makes sure she's satisfied and has more than she needs, there isn't the slightest hint of negativity. It creates a fun balance and shows how blurred the line between truth and perception can grow. It's cute to watch her place her well-laid arguments while she spins from one page to the next. 

The illustrations bring each scene across with pink pizzazz and family goodness. Nova's life will ring familiar with many readers thanks to the daily life scenes. The text is delivered in four-phrased rhymes, which flow well, are kept short, and keep the positive atmosphere going. This makes it a lovely read-aloud...and the shorter length keeps even reluctant listeners' attentions from steering too far away. It's a cute read, which gives a little to think about while keeping everything warm and cheerful.

And here she is...

Marie Chow is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children's books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.

Kader's Quest by Nadir Balan, Yener Balan, and Duygu Balan

The cover caught my attention on today's read. I was getting science fiction vibes, but today's reaad heads in a completely different direction. If I understood it correctly...and I'm not sure I did....this is a book to help readers deal with issues like bullying, family problems, and the like while following a boy on his own journey.  And considering it's only 55 or so pages, this is happening quick. I really don't know what else to think...so let's dive in and see what it's about.

KADER'S QUEST

by Nadir Balan

Yener Balan

Duygu Balan

Productivity Press

Middle Grade Self-Help

52 pages

ages 8 to 12

Middle school student Kader is on the precipice of the turbulent path to adulthood. Join him on this journey of discovery and healing through dazzling art replete with puzzles, hidden images, symbolism, reflection and silence.

Award-winning artist Nadir Balan brings this deeply human story to life with stunning illustrations that invite readers to feel every emotion alongside Kader as he uncovers his past and searches for belonging. Written by psychiatrist Dr. Yener Balan and psychotherapist Duygu Balan, this graphic novel embraces raw vulnerability and authentic experiences, creating a story that feels real, digestible, and powerfully relatable.

Kader's Quest offers behavioral health specialists an invaluable therapeutic tool that resonates with young adults facing similar struggles with family dynamics, anxiety, friendship, bullies, and major life transitions. The carefully crafted narrative allows readers to process their own complex emotions through Kader's journey, helping them feel seen in their experiences. For professionals working with teens who struggle to articulate their feelings, this graphic novel provides a meaningful conversation starter grounded in evidence-based principles, making it a compelling read and a powerful clinical resource.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Illustrations, which demand to be dissected and pondered, follow a quick-paced adventure of a boy dealing with life.

This is one of those books, which holds its very own flair and will, either, grab readers in or make them wonder what is going on. That said, I'm starting with the illustrations because these are a treat in and of themselves. Everything is done in black and white, which while seemingly empty, at times, also is perfect due to the huge amount of details. Part of me wanted to grab the markers and use it as a coloring book, but as said, the scenes are so busy that it might overpower, too. There's a science fiction flair to the artwork and the characters carry a harsher hint, which also makes the age, sometimes, hard to distinguish. There's an abundance of woven in messaging in many scenes, and some twist reality with fantastical imagery to make readers think. The text is kept very sparse with only a dab here and there to give Kader's tale a string of guidance as the reader is invited on their own journey.

Kader has a story, but it's not so much of a distinct plot as it is an invitation to follow his handling of various situations. He deals with quite a few family issues, trying to figure out where he belongs, bullying, finding new footings, and struggles with the anxiety as the world warps around him. The problems he faces are very familiar and ones many readers can connect, at least, a little with their own lives. As Kader tries to deal with everything at an emotional level and battles at each step, the reader is drawn in with him and led to lay their own, similar problems in mirror of Kader's. It unfolds into a psychological dive, which offers plenty of room for contemplation as the fantasy aspects of the imagery allow emotions to bend and twist as needed.

As said, for the right readers, this is amazingly well done. The book is designed by a psychotherapist and psychiatrist with the intention to help certain teens deal with their emotions and situations, and it can fulfill this task. Other readers might be reminded of a fever dream. And yet, others who appreciate sinking into the psyche can embrace the extremely rich visuals and seek their own meanings and inspiration.

A Dangerous Game by Sigmund Brouwer

Who is ready for some tension, chills, and thrills? Today's read is a rewriting of the well-known short story, 'The Most Dangerous Game'. I have this one fresh in my memory thanks to the last years homeschooling my daughter. So, today's read caught my attention right away. Also, I'm a huge fan of this section of books put out by Orca Publishers. They have an entire row of reads aimed at young adult readers, who aren't super solid word fans but still need interesting tales to fit their age group.  Plus, it's nice to pick up a quick read and not dive into a huge novel, sometimes. 

So, I'm very excited to see what these pages hold.

A DANGEROUS GAME

by Sigmund Brouwer

Orca Book Publishers

YA Thriller

96 pages

COMING AUGUST 18th!!!

This retelling of the classic short story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell brings a modern teen into the clutches of an unhinged billionaire to explore the depths of our own humanity.

Rain is on the most boring vacation in existence: a sailboat trip with his parents. No video games, no friends, just floating and listening to adults talk. That is until he accidentally falls overboard in the middle of the night while everyone is asleep. As the boat sails off, Rain swims for his life and makes it to a nearby island owned by a billionaire who is obsessed with the thrill of the hunt. Unfortunately for Rain, the island’s owner has grown bored of his usual prey. He wants to hunt something smarter, something that can reason...something like Rain. And Rain has no choice but to play along.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading-level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The tense atmosphere from Connell's 'The Most Dangerous Game' echoes loud and clear in this teen adventure.

Rain is bored. Stuck on a sailboat with his parents and their friend, there isn't a whole lot for him to do. To detox from a day of adult conversation, he decides to stay on deck while everyone else turns in for the night, but when he accidentally falls overboard, boredom disappears. Luckily, Rain is a good swimmer, and while he can't catch up to the sailboat, a nearby private island saves him from drowning and offers a good chance at a rescue. But the owner of the island isn't what Rain expected, nor is the game the man wants to play. Now, Rain needs to find a way to survive.

This book is designed for teen readers, who struggle with more difficult texts. The sentences are kept short, the vocabulary stays more familiar, and the pacing is kept quick. There's just enough description to lock in the scenes, but the rest is action and character driven. From the moment Rain falls overboard, the danger mounts. The author keeps everything realistic making it easy to root for Rain and follow him as he does his best to outwit a deadly man. Rain isn't a survival expert but builds off of what he's seen in video games, movies, or just caught here and there. This makes him relatable as he does his best to stay out of sight. 

This is a quick, easy read, and the short length makes it one even reluctant readers are sure not to grumble too much about. The story is potent and uses action to drive it forward. That means there is less character depth and background, but it works well. The ending does come in pretty quick, but then, this isn't unexpected. Slower and reluctant readers are sure to find this tale grabbing, and more fluent readers will enjoy the quick, easy adventure, too.

And here he is...

Sigmund Brouwer is the award-winning author of over a hundred books for young readers, with over five million books in print. He has won a Christy Book of the Year and an Arthur Ellis Award, and some of his titles were finalists for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award (twice) and the Red Maple Award. Sigmund has captivated students with his Story Ninja writing program during his school visits, reaching over one million students since 1990. His many books in the Orca Sports, Orca Soundings and Orca Currents lines have changed the lives of countless striving readers. Sigmund lives in Red Deer, Alberta.

Happy Book Birthday, The Lake Trip by Katie Risor!

It's been awhile since I've shouted out a book birthday. How horrible! Well, it's time to correct this problem and give a HUGE shout-out to today's new read. This read is the second in a series, and I did read the first one last year (see review HERE). It's a graphic novel meant for beginning readers out there, who are mostly sure of their words but need more practice. I remember the first book as hitting, at first, a little different thanks to the unique characters, but it was very warming and fun. So, I'm hoping for more of that in this read. And lake trips are perfect for this time of year!

Pack that bag, grab some sunscreen, and don't forget snacks because we're heading into a promising adventure!

THE LAKE TRIP

Welcome to the Forest #2

by Katie Risor

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Fantasy

Graphic Novel

80 pages

ages 6 to 9

The quirky, lovable creatures of the Forest return in this heartwarming and beautifully illustrated graphic novel, perfect for beginning readers, English-language learners, and fans of cozy comics. Includes a fun nonfiction fact sheet about lakes.

Mossman, Wallace, Grumpkin, and Shadow are off on a lakeside adventure!

From packing for their day trip to learning how to float and discovering a magical way to cool off, every moment is filled with gentle humor, friendship, and simple discoveries that celebrate the wonder of nature. 

Perfect for emerging readers and fans of Studio Ghibli's whimsical worlds, this early reader graphic novel Fun nonfiction facts about lakes and their natural wonders 

Dyslexia-friendly font for accessible reading 

Simple dialogue and sight words for beginning readers and ESL learners

Gorgeous hand-painted illustrations in a distinctive, cozy style

Adorably quirky characters that will delight fans of Pocket Peaches, Brambly Hedge, Calico Critters, and Labubu collectors

With gentle storytelling and endearing forest friends, Katie Risor's Welcome to the Forest series is a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer adventure meets budding friendship in a fun read with tons of heart.

The three friends, Mossman, Wallace, and Grumpkin, are heading on a trip because Wallace has a new friend and wants to visit her. First, they need to cross the river, and then, it's time to find the meeting place and wait. Not everything goes smoothly, and everyone isn't sure what to expect. When the new friend shows up, she's not what the friends expected, and they aren't sure they can warm up to her the way Wallace has.

This adventure is just right for those readers, who know their words but could use a little more practice. The characters are so easy to like and carry quite a bit of uniqueness to make them memorable. Their friendship is golden, and even the grumpiest of them is, actually, very kind. The trio heads out on their first trip, which is entertaining, especially with some slight mistakes. But these friends work together to work everything out. Even the meeting with the new friend adds humor and keeps a tiny tad bit of tension to make the adventure grabbing. It wraps up with tons of wholesome moments and proves that friendship reaches past many boundaries. In other words, its very well balanced and great for the intended age group.

The text is short enough not to grow frustrating but still works those word skills. Thanks to the plot, it runs smoothly and is sure to keep readers' interest. The illustrations are bright, bold, and let the scenes come to life. The right atmosphere hits with each moment to keep everything lively. These are also helpful to readers to make sure they know what is happening in the text.

I can't wait to see what this group of friends is up to next.

And here she is...

Katie Risor is a professional illustrator and author who loves all things weird, interesting, and whimsical. In her personal work, she's all about weird creatures, hidden themes, and childhood adventures. She gets a lot of inspiration from nature, animals, and history. When she's not painting or writing, you can find Katie gardening, cooking, eating fancy cheese, going on walks, making specialized playlists, or looking for cool new restaurants to try. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas but recently moved to Syracuse, New York with her partner and three cats. 

The Chime Seekers by Ross Montgomery

Today's read is the first in a series, which hit the shelves for the first time in 2021. Somehow, I missed it completely, at that time. Luckily, it's getting a re-release this next month, and I'm not letting slip through my cracks this time around. 

I'm expecting a rich, fantasy world with tons of adventure. I believe it steps into the realm of the fae, and I'm getting a bit of Labyrinth vibes (think 1986 movie with David Bowie) from the plot. But just a bit. 

Grab iron and remember not to eat anything while on this journey because the fae can be a tricky folk in many tales.

THE CHIME SEEKERS

by Ross Montgomery

Candlewick Press

Middle Grade Fantasy

368 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING JULY 7th!!!

From the #1 New York Times best-selling and critically acclaimed author of I Am Rebel comes a middle-grade fantasy adventure about siblings, courage, and the magic that hides in the cracks.

Step into a world of fairy tricks and hidden danger . . .

When an evil fairy steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. After all, fairies delight in tricks, and rescuing her won’t be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way.

Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own if he’s to outwit the fairy and save his sister . . .

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The world of fae and goblins takes a darker twist in this quick-paced adventure, where sibling love runs deeper than first appears.

Yanni is sick of his baby sister. Not only does she never seem to stop crying, but her birth meant the end to his cozy life with his mother and father in their town apartment. Now, they've purchased a house in the country, and it's immediately clear that this 'improvement' doesn't mean he finally gains a little more attention. When his parents leave him and some weird cousin of his left babysitting on Halloween, his life has hit a new time low. But things can get worse, and they do when a strange man appears in his sister's bedroom and steals her away to the realm of the fae. Luckily, his cousin is a little more informed than he is, and between the two of them, he's praying he'll find a way to get his sister back. The fae, however, are not creatures to be trifled with.

This read immediately had me thinking back to the movie Labyrinth with David Bowie, and there are several strong threads throughout the book, which dance along a similar line. So, I suspect that the author took quite a bit of inspiration from this original tale. That said, there are also enough unique twists to guide this book into its own direction. 

The author lets the reader sink into the world and gain a good handle on Yanni's situation before jumping into the fantasy realm. Yanni's beginning attitude toward his baby sister is understandable, but he's let the negative thoughts sink in so deep that it's obvious he needs a little realigning. Especially his attitude toward his cousin will have readers wondering. So, when he enters the land of the fae, it's easy to root for him as he's determined to save his sister no matter what. His cousin takes an assistant role, and while quirky in her own right, is someone to truly like. The other characters hold distinct personalities to make the imagination shine. While this is a world packed with imagination, it's not a happy one. It carries sinister secrets and danger, making it more suitable for ages 10 and up, and/or for those readers, who like a slightly darker twist.

As to the tale, it's quick paced and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next and how the two main characters will make it through. The world building isn't deep but holds just enough to bring the scenes to life. The dialogue adds a touch of humor but this is light so that the tension remains high the entire time. It's a grabbing read and will delight fantasy fans who don't like a gothic hint.