How to Train Your Evil Robot by Joy McCullough

I'm sure everyone has heard of AI by now...unless you're completely shut off from even a whisper of modern life. So, when I saw today's read, I couldn't help but pick it up and see what it's about. This little robot looks cute and I'm curious how it will approach the AI theme. Especially since it's evil. 

So, let's see how this tale handles this modern topic, shall we?

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EVIL ROBOT

by Joy McCullough

Illustrated by Eduardo Medeiros

Sourcebooks Explore

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 7th!!!

A picture book that uses a tiny would-be villain to explore the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, blending comic book-style fun with big questions about technology, empathy, and what it means to be human.

Part picture book, part AI primer, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EVIL ROBOT introduces a palm-sized bot with very big plans. When a maker-minded kid and their dog Jellybean test his boasts, readers get a fast, funny tour of artificial intelligence in daily life—recommendation engines and smart maps, hospital diagnostics and traffic systems—alongside kid-friendly talk about imagination, emotion, context, and (oops) fun. The story also invites critical thinking about real-world tradeoffs, from job changes to the electricity and water powering data centers.

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MY TIDBITS

With a little humor, these pages hit the timely theme of AI and lead readers to some thoughts to consider while also giving a little information about it.

A child receives a package in the mail. Inside is a little robot, which immediately states that it wants to destroy humans and take over the world. That seems like a tall order for such a small robot, and the child with its dog try to figure out why the robot is so intent on doing this...and are pretty sure it can't really do it, anyway.

First off, I'm not sure this really is the best fit for the 4 to 8 age group. The book is written in graphic novel format, which makes it an easy read, but the text, format, and discussion between the kid and the robot will snuggle in better for the upper end of this age range and even slide nicely into the middle grade level. The graphics are well done and carry half of the story, while the text brings in the interactions and food for thought. The text is fitting for readers, who know their words and have decent reading skills, to pick up on their own. I'd say it works nicely as a read-aloud for younger listeners, and while it does work fine in this case for one-on-one settings, the graphic novel format makes it difficult to use for group reads. There's enough humor built in to keep a lighter atmosphere and bring some smiles, although there's also a hint of uncertainty as the robot might pose a deadly danger. This aspect is kept age appropriate, and the slight tension feeds into the messaging within the pages nicely. 

There's an obvious message and drive-to-thought in these pages as it explores several modern aspects, fears, and problems surrounding AI and it's possible role in life. While the robot seems set on destruction, the child sets forth various examples and arguments to work the little robot away from its conviction of superiority and demonstrate the importance of life (especially human). At the same time, the book dives into the problems AI currently poses in technical terms such as electricity, the environment, and data centers. So, there's quite a bit in these pages to get those thought gears churning and open up to discussions on this modern topic.

The New Norm by Matthew J. Gilbert

Today's read caught my attention due to the blurb. It's about a boy, who becomes a social media sensation accidentally and, now, has to deal with this tag at school. The cover is giving me very calm vibes...the kid is so chill. Maybe, too chill? I say that because I love to grab the atmosphere of a book from it's cover and this one...well, the character looks like he'll be really nice and kind. So, it will be interesting to mix this with the tension portrayed in the blurb. I'm hoping it will be a grabbing read.

So, let's open it up and see what this character is up to, shall we?

NEW NORM

by Matthew J. Gilbert

Simon Spotlight

Middle Grade Contemporary

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

A chronically online middle schooler tries to bring his social media fame into his real life in this new middle grade series about surviving cringe both on the internet and IRL!

Everyone’s got a lot to say on the Meadowview Middle School social media forum. From roasts of Mrs. Klinger’s morning announcements to rage-bait cafeteria pizza reviews, the tea is hot!

And in the middle of it all is Alexander “Norm” Norman, who has just gone unintentionally viral across the internet and become a middle-school celebrity. Pretty sweet, right? Well, not so much. Can Norm balance his real friends and his new fame—and make it through the first week of school without getting totally roasted in the chat?

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MY TIDBITS

Norm isn't sure he's ready for the new school year, especially since he's heard that friends can change during middle school years. And he wants to keep his two best friends no matter what. He's also nervous because his dad posted a video of him doing a crazy dance after having his wisdom tooth pulled...and it, actually, went viral. Which means he's about to be a big shot at school instead of an outcast. He swears before the first day that he'll do anything to keep his two friends and keep that as his main goal, but he doesn't expect to find even the popular kids swarming around him the second he hit the school hallways. Suddenly, his promise to keep his friends turns into a huge complicated mess...and it might be his own fault.

The plot is pretty straight-forward and follows Norm as he experiences what it means to be a sudden celebrity. While the school life is familiar and friend drama abounds, it's Norm's character which makes this read easy to like. He comes across as natural as the kid down the street. His desire to be liked is understandable, and his mistakes, while obvious enough to make readers groan with each one, also are ones many would make at that age. He also realizes them not too long afterwards, which keeps him likeable and easy to connect with. There are a few silly situations, but mostly, readers will find themselves cringing right with Norm, sighing, and simply feeling for him. Plus, it grabs with one unexpected scene after the next, 

This is an easy read, which works well even for more advanced, chapter book readers. The pacing stays steady the entire way through, and the situations are ones middle graders can identify with. There's a nice relationship between Norm and his father, and Norm and his friends, despite difficulties, have an inspiring relationship. The last pages hold the first chapter for Norm's next, up-coming adventure...and I'm curious to see what that one will be about.

This is an enjoyable read for fans of middle school drama, who like a little bit of humor on the side.

And here he is...

Matthew J. Gilbert is the author of more than forty books, including this one! Besides coauthoring the award-nominated Classroom 13 series, he has written books for some of the world’s most beloved properties including Stranger Things, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TRON, and more. Under the pen name Jordan Quinn, Matthew is the writer for the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series. Before becoming an author, Matthew was an award-winning TV writer for Nickelodeon, working in creative advertising for big Hollywood movies…all from a tiny cubicle in New York City. He currently lives in far-too-sunny California with his wife and loyal cat sidekick.

Firesnake by Donna Barba Higuera

Today, I'm diving into a science fiction read. It's the last in a trilogy, and of course, I didn't read the other two books first. While I tend to do this quite often, I'm pretty sure it will cause some stumbles with this series, since it appears to be a very, well woven world with great characters...the reviews on the other two books have been more than amazing, so I'm assuming this. But I'm ready to give it a go, anyway, because I can always go back and visit the other two, right?

Anyway, let's just dive in and see what it holds. Oh, and it hit the shelves last week, so you can snatch up a copy right away if it seems like something for you.

FIRESNAKE

The Last Cuentista, #3

by Donna Barba Higuera

Levine Querido

YA Science Fiction

400 pages

New York Times bestselling author Donna Barba Higuera, Firesnake delivers a triumphant finale to the story that began with the Newbery Medal-winning The Last Cuentista and continued in the Pura Belpré Honor-winning Alebrijes.

Itzel has never known a life on Earth. Growing up on Sagan, the granddaughter of the Cuentista, her years have been spent among the dactyls, griblets, and billow seeds of their new planet. But when a mysterious message arrives from across the cosmos, Itzel realizes that the home they thought destroyed hundreds of years ago has survived...and with it, another community of humans. Will she and the other Saganites brave the journey back to Earth? And what will they find? For they are not the only ones who have received this message...

Master storyteller Donna Barba Higuera brings her beloved Cuentista trilogy to a close in a book full of old friends and new, jaw-dropping twists, and a journey to the stars and back.

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MY TIDBITS

Expectations mix with anxiousness, tension, and a pioneering spirit with a character to connect with the entire way through.

First off, I did not read the first two books in the series and went into this aware that I'd be missing a lot. And I wasn't wrong. While the author does an amazing job at letting the world quickly unfold with the richness, and Itzel's character sinks right into the heart with her inspiring personality and naturalness, this is a complex world. We meet Itzel, her grandmother, and the rest as they are going through their daily lives on Sagan. Itzel has her concerns as her school days are numbered since she's at that age, but the big twist hits, when they have reason to believe that some humans have survived on Earth. Now, they're faced with the possibility of returning, which is a danger in and of itself but also holds the uncertainty of what awaits them when they do return. So, the plot comes full-circle to round off the series nicely.

The writing style is grabbing, and it's very easy to sink right into Itzel and her world. There's a lot going on, and it's handled nicely for the most part, keeping the story flowing quickly. There are some moments which speed by a bit quick and loose a little power because of it, and I did stumble on several characters, which are popped in...ones from one of the early books, it appears (my fault, though). But Itzel is a girl to cheer for and hope she makes it through. The world has an unique feel and creates an original atmosphere with familiar science fiction aspects to enjoy. I do recommend this for scifi fans, who enjoy a bit of heart. 

Who Knows the Way to Mr Grimly's Classroom? by Chris Priestley

When I first saw this one, I thought that it'd be a great read for the upcoming school year....then, I read the blurb and was very intrigued. Fogged-up playgrounds and ziplines and a hint of fantasy? Obviously, this isn't a normal situation. So, let's open this one up and see what it's really about.

WHO KNOWS THE WAY TO MR GRIMLY'S CLASSROOM?

by Chris Priestley

Illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 4th!!!

From an award-winning author and the masterful illustrator of The Midnight Fair comes a tale for anyone who has ever gotten lost in an unfamiliar place—or is drawn to gothic worlds.

When Miss Flytrap asks if anyone knows the way to Mr. Grimly’s classroom, Grace’s hand flies up—she can’t help herself, even though she’s a new kid in school and has no idea where to go. Nonetheless, with a book to deliver proudly in hand, Grace sets off on a long, strange journey through a very odd place, full of twists, turns, and creepy characters who give puzzling directions. Climbing dark, cobwebby staircases, feeling her way through a fogged-up playground, careening by zipline from the top of a treacherous tower right into a kitchen window—will she ever find Mr. Grimly’s classroom? With equal parts suspense and humor, author Chris Priestley leads an unsettling school tour for the ages, while Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s atmospheric, immersive illustrations beckon readers on with mesmerizing visual riddles.

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MY TIDBITS

This is a book to get lost in for those readers, who love to twist reality just enough to open up a realm of unexpected possibilities.

Grace has only been in the new school for a week or so but has the habit of always raising her hand right away. When her teacher asks her to return a book to Mr. Grimly's classroom and wants to know who knows the way, Grace can't help herself but to volunteer immediately even though she has no clue how to get there. While she finds some school staff along the way to ask for directions, each one leads her to more unexpected paths. But Grace is determined to complete her task, no matter what.

This is a read, which lets fantasy leak through the cracks of reality to form a world of possibilities, oddities, and dreams. Grace comes across as normal as can be as does the opening, classroom scene. The imaginative elements start to seep in as Grace visits many hallways, staircases, and more as the scenes grow a little eerie. The characters she meets pack unique personality, which balances a fine border between familiar and strange. The school soon becomes so much more with fog, towers, and other aspects, and yet, everything stays close enough to reality to not quite step completely into imagination. In other words, it's a grabbing mix with surprises.

The illustrations are very well done and carry a large portion of the wonder. There's a slight sense of creepy but just enough to add tension as the more whimsical elements surprise. The gray tones add to this atmosphere to help the reader wonder if Grace will make it through or what she'll run into. The text creates a nice, read-aloud as there are pages with none, and then, pages with a couple of paragraphs. Even the heavier text pages aren't overwhelming, though, as the larger and well-spaced font makes it easy to read. Plus, it never weighs down but rather keeps the story going nicely and lets the reader sink into Grace and her adventure.

It's a read, which gives a timeless impression and is going to receive a possible place on my bookshelves.

And here they are...

Chris Priestley had been a successful illustrator, political cartoonist, and strip cartoonist for twenty years before publishing his first work of fiction for young readers. Among his novel credits are Still Water, Seven Ghosts, and Freeze, each evidence of the inspiration he finds in the gothic genre and in authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley. He is best-known for his award-winning Tales of Terror series, illustrated by David Roberts, which has been translated into many languages and been performed as plays in several countries. Chris Priestley has also contributed an illustrated story to Hellboy: An Assortment of Horrors. He lives in Cambridge, England.

Mariachiara Di Giorgio studied illustration in Rome and Paris and worked as a storyboard artist and concept designer for movies and advertising agencies. Her picture books include Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup and Professional Crocodile, both by Giovanna Zoboli, and The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, which won a Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award for Illustration and was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year. Mariachiara Di Giorgio lives in Rome.

On the Loose in London by Dan Yaccarino

Time for a little fun! Today's read is part of a series...the third, I believe, but it's the first one I'm picking up, and I'm pretty sure that won't be a problem. It appears to be a bit humorous and circles around two siblings, who are on their way to discover London. This is aimed at those readers out there, who are very sure of their words but might need a little more practice before hitting complete chapter books. I'm excited to see what these two are up to because I have a feeling it will be anything but boring.

Let's open it up and take a peek, shall we?

ON THE LOOSE IN LONDON!

Dog Meets Dog

by Dan Yaccarion

Illustrated by Ethan Long

Simon Spotlight

Chapter Book

112 pages

ages 5 to 9

Star Chapter Books are the perfect bridge for kids moving beyond beginning readers but not yet ready for longer chapter books. With short chapters, bold two-color illustrations, and fast-paced, funny stories, these confidence-building books make reading fun and rewarding.

In this tip-top tale of chaos and mayhem, dog siblings Betsy and Bones take London by storm—bungling plans, muddling maps, and turning their sightseeing into one hilarious disaster after another!

On their latest vacation, Betsy wants to stick to her carefully organized itinerary, but Bones is determined to follow his own whims. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge, the siblings’ clashing styles turn every stop into comic confusion—but when it counts, they will need to work together to make the most of their London trip.

Each Star Chapter Book is 112 pages long, divided into six to eight short chapters with illustrated panels on every page to keep kids engaged from start to finish. This highly visual early chapter book format supports the transition from leveled readers to chapter books, making Star Chapter Books a perfect fit for independent reading, classroom libraries, or shared story time.

Look for more Star Chapter Books adventures to help kids grow confident and discover the joy of reading, including Betsy and Bones’s next adventure, Framed in Paris!.

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MY TIDBITS

Traveling with these two to London creates an adventure with one unexpected situation after the next...and it might just be enough to test their relationship.

Betsy and Bones are siblings and headed to London to vacation together. Betsy has everything prepared and knows exactly where they can go, what they can see, and what there is to do. Bones...not so much. When they meet up at the Piccadilly Circus to start their vacation, the first problem hits as Bones can't help but be disappointed that it isn't a true circus. Soon, he's ignoring his sister's suggestions ends up landing them in the Thames River, they're rescued by a guard from the Tower of London, and they end up hiding in a closet after trying on the displays at the Jewel House. At one point, Betsy can't take his nonsense anymore and heads off for time apart, but this might not be the best idea.

The two siblings clash in personalities and, yet, pack sibling goodness. There's quite a bit of humor as the two go from one problem to the next and chaos after chaos hits. It's quick-paced, fun and engaging  all the way through. There's also some travel goodness as the two discover London and little details surrounding the city slide in. Then, there's a message surrounding being open to other opinions and ways of doing things, and working together. All of this combines into an easy read with many surprises.

This works very nicely as an ease-over read for beginning readers into chapter books. The style leans heavily toward the graphic novel format, but instead of letting the dialogue and images propel everything forward, each panel has a short text describing the scene. A bit like a book. The sentences are short and the vocabulary fits nicely to the age group. This allows readers to practice their reading skills while taking cues from the scenes. There is, of course, some usual dialogue bubbles too, but by keeping the text, it also nods at the usual, book reading style. The graphics aren't overly colorful, but rather stick orange and gray tones. This allows the scenes to come across clearly and bring across the emotions and situations nicely without distracting too much from the reading. All of it works well and makes an enjoyable read.

I'm going to have to go back and take a peek at the other two books in the series because this pair of siblings is packed full of surprises.

And here they are....

Dan Yaccarino is the author and illustrator of over fifty books for children, including Piccolo, Unlovable, Every Friday, and The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau. Awards and honors for his work include being named The New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Children’s Books, the Bologna Ragazzi Award, and an ALA Notable Children’s selection. Dan has also had the honor of being invited to the White House to read his books. He created and produced the animated series Doug Unplugs, Oswald, and Willa’s Wild Life and character designed the series The Backyardigans. You may visit him online at YaccarinoStudio.com.

Ethan Long is the acclaimed author and illustrator of many books for children, among them the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner Up, Tall, and High. He is also the creator of the animated, Emmy Award–nominated interactive series Scribbles and Ink at PBSKids.org, which is also a digital book series on Epic. For more about Ethan and his work, visit EthanLong.com.