Melodies of The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes

 When I got my hands on today's read, I thought from the title and imagery, that it was a book about Blues music (which I enjoy). Obviously, this highlights my lack of knowledge, and I'm glad to say that I've now learned that it's the title of a poem by a well-known poet, Langston Hughes. I bet I'm not the only one to learn something from these pages. I do enjoy poetry, too, and am excited to learn more about his work. Plus, these pages promise a rainbow of illustrations thanks to 23 artist contributions. So, it should be an artistic treat in so many ways.

Let's sit down and explore the world of Hughes' poetry and enjoy the illustrations!

MELODIES OF HTE WEARY BLUES

Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People

by Langston Hughes

Completed by Shamar Knight-Justice

Illustrated by 23 Artists

HarperCollins

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 6 to 10

A gorgeously illustrated centennial of Langston Hughes' first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, this picture book includes select poems paired with vibrant artwork by more than twenty talented Black illustrators, including award-winners Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Janelle Washington, and more!

Brought to new life by lively illustrations on every page, Melodies of The Weary Blues introduces Langston Hughes’ intimate reflections on the Black experience in America to young readers in a fresh and approachable way. Featuring poems like “Dream Variation,” “Winter Moon,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, Hughes’ still resonant words shine like never before for readers everywhere.
Includes an introduction by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice, Langston Hughes’ biography and timeline of life, and biographies of all the contributors.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This is an ode to Langston Hughes, highlighting several of his poems while letting illustrative artistry flow.

This begins with a word about Langston Hughes and the compilers own inspiration at the age of fourteen by own of his poems. After that, twenty-three poems from Langston Hughes, surrounding various themes, are presented. Each of these is accompanied by the artwork from a different artist to create a colorful combination of word and illustration. At the end, there's a biography and a timeline surrounding Hughes' life and works as well as a rundown of the various artists who contributed to this book.

The poems carry a broad range of topics, lengths, and types, making sure that there is something for a variety of readers and age levels. Some are simple, while others carry much more depth and a higher level of vocabulary, which will hit best with even older readers. The artwork is a treat, since each one displays the personality and care of a different artist. This creates a kaleidoscope of directions, and yet, the color tones make sure everything slides together to maintain harmony. It's well-balanced and enjoyable.

I see this as a lovely way to introduce children to poetry. As said, some of the poems will be too advanced for the younger end of the age group, but there are still poems they can connect with. It's not a book to take as a read-aloud in its entirety with this age group, but rather, hits best when used to pick up and discover one or two poems at a time. This especially works well for themes surrounding poetry, Black History Month, African American artists, and the like in group, classroom, or homeschooling environments.

And here he is...

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) ranks as one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century. A landmark figure in the Harlem Renaissance, his work profoundly captures and celebrates the trials and triumphs of his exquisitly drawn characters. In addition to his poetry, he was also the author of the novels Not Without Laughter and Something in Common, the play Mulatto, and two volumes of autobiography.

Deluxe Sticker Book: On the Farm by Joli Hannah

While I usually hit books whose purpose is to be read, I can't imagine a world of kidlit without activity books. Today's read takes a look at a sticker book from a series. I haven't seen the other books in the series and am looking forward to see how this is put together. 

Ready? Off we go!

DELUXE STICKER BOOK

ON THE FARM

by Joli Hannah

Illustrated by Malgorzata Detner

Albatros Books

Children's Activity  /  Sticker Book

24 pages

ages 3 to 6

This delightful sticker book series offers vibrant scenes with more than 340 stickers in each book that inspire curiosity about the world while encouraging creativity and imaginative play in young children.

• Interactive Sticker Fun: More than 340+ gorgeous stickers for creative play and learning.
• Skill Development: Enhances fine motor skills and encourages creativity through sticker placement.
• Educational and Engaging: Combines fun with learning, offering both entertainment and educational value.
• Independent or with Others: Designed for solo play or shared learning with parents.

GOODREADS     /    PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Busy farm life hits with cheerful scenes and lots to do thanks to the multitude of stickers readers can place however they'd like.

This is a sticker book with seven, two-page farm scenes. Each one lays out the foundation with the main characters performing farm activities. Then, readers can choose from several hundred stickers and add to each one until its just right. From goat tending to working in the fields, familiar tasks related to farms come to life. The main characters, Kate and Tom, help their family to perform each one with a smile on the face.

There are quite a few stickers, meaning there is a broad scope of possibilities as to how readers create their farm scenes. This makes the book great as an activity for road trips or rainy days. The book also tells a story. This flows with a few sentences on each page, which are appropriate for the age group and work nicely as a read-aloud. Each one gives a brief description of the various activities Tom and Kate help out with on the farm. It's simple but enough to raise awareness for all the different things farmers do. 

And here they are...

Joli Hannah was born and grew up in an industrial city in Europe. She has loved books since childhood and could read before starting school. Her plan from an early age was to write books for children. It came true when she began working in the publishing industry in 2000,  developing books with international publishers. Early in her creative career, she worked with authors and illustrators from all around the world. Over time, she has begun writing herself, creating various publications and books for children.
Joli wants to work under a pseudonym, as she wishes her readers to perceive her through her stories and not through her image on social media.
Joli Hannah is raising three children in a charming house in the countryside. Every night before bedtime, she reads or invents original stories for them. Joli loves life, people, and their stories.

Malgorzata Detner is a Poland based illustrator, born in 1989. She currently lives with her family, a cocker spaniel, snails, and two lovely rats in Warsaw. Her love of drawing appeared at a young age, influenced by her mother’s paintings but grew seriously when she decided to follow art in middle school. Although Malgorzata initially  followed a career in costume design with an interest in Victorian dresses, her daughter’s birth made her return to traditional painting and digital illustration. Influenced by old animation; Mysterious, fantastic worlds, animals, and creatures in vibrant colours are what she likes drawing the most. She draws digitally but she also likes to incorporate hand-painted textures in her work. Malgorzata loves creating illustrations that remind her of childhood memories. In her free time, she makes needle felted toys and enjoys watching her favourite movies including Studio Ghibli’s Totoro.

Happy Book Birthday The Spider Strikes by Michael P. Spradlin!

Anyone up for a little history...exciting history? Today's read is the third in a series, which heads back to World War II and follows a group of friends as they do their best to figure out life and survive with the growing threat from the Nazis. I read the second and found it very grabbing. Let's see if this next adventure keeps up that quick-pace.

Sit down and snuggle in because this one could be quite the ride.

THE SPIDER STRIKES

The Web of the Spider #3

by Michael P. Spradlin

Middle Grade Historical

Margaret K. McElderry Books

144 pages

ages 9 to 12

Amid the chilling rise of Hitler’s Germany, a twelve-year-old boy and his friends confront rising Nazi threats during a family trip to Austria in this third book in the action-packed middle grade series Web of the Spider for fans of I Survived and A Night Divided.

It’s the summer of 1931 and, like most summers, Joshua and his family are vacationing in Salzburg, Austria. But unlike most years, Joshua is looking forward to escaping the upheaval and bigotry back home in Heroldsberg and the Nazi presence threatening Jewish families like his own. This year, he’s invited his best friends Rolf and Ansel to join him for one last summer before Rolf leaves for America with his father.

But the trip becomes far from relaxing as the Nazis take root in Austria as well, and a gang of Hitler Youth set their sights on Joshua and his friends. When the boys decide to hike up the mountains to camp out at Joshua’s family cabin, things go from bad to worse when they quickly realize they aren’t alone. Can the boys evade the Nazis and make it back to their families safely?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Friendship reigns as the world around three boys falls apart, and they do their best to handle a dangerous and increasingly impossible situation.

Each book in this series switches viewpoints between three friends (Rolf, Ansel, and Joshua), and this time, readers get to see the world through Joshua's eyes. With the growing Nazi influence, Joshua's Jewish family is especially at unease over the increasing tensions. After shots are fired in their town of Heroldsberg and Ansel's reporter father is injured in the crossfire, the boys follow Rolf's family to Salzburg, Austria for some needed reprieve. Plus, Rolf is about to head to America with his father, and this will give them a last chance to really enjoy hanging around each other, but during their arrival, they immediately cross paths with Rolf's older brother's troop of Hilter Youth. Thanks to their survival training, Rolf's father agrees to let them steer clear of everything and stay alone at a nearby cabin he owns in the woods. While this should give them space from the growing threats, one of the members of Hitler Youth has made it his mission to deal with them, and he isn't going to give up.

There are several aspects about this book and series, which make it highly recommendable. First, it's short. The adventures are deep and pack plenty of food for thought and historical goodness, and yet, they don't weigh down. They deliver the excitement in less than 150 pages, which makes it one to even, maybe, attract more reluctant readers. Second, the author has done his due diligence on the research end and brings this time period to life with finesse. The boys come across very naturally, give a sense of familiarity to draw in, and still, the historic setting and situation is never forgotten. Readers can sink into the tension, understand the issues, and not ever feel like they're learning history along the way. Third, the adventure remains high right along with the conflicts and character arcs. The book begins with high-tension and obvious danger, drawing in right away. As tension eases, the pacing doesn't stop but let's the worries and concerns continue to drive things forward. Before this grows too heavy, the next tense scene flows in again. It makes for an exciting read. 

I think this is the first time I've seen a middle grade series concentrate on the rise of the Nazis, and it take the time to dive into the situation (a bit, at least) leading up to the war. The three friends each have different backgrounds, letting readers see how different people were affected and their differing, yet, similar fears and concerns. In this book, for example, Rolf's growth becomes clear, especially in dealing with his Hitler Youth brother. So, the author is weaving in quite a bit of depth without ever letting it bog down the other aspects of the read. 

I enjoyed this latest adventure even more than the last and am very curious what will happen next because there is, obviously, more to come. 

And here he is...

Michael P. Spradlin is the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author of the Spy Goddess series, The Youngest Templar series, and the Web of the Spider series, as well as several works of historical fiction, including the Western Heritage Award–winning Off Like the Wind: The Story of the Pony Express. He currently resides in Lapeer, Michigan, with his wife, daughter, and his schnoodle, Sequoia. Learn more at MichaelSpradlin.com.

The One Who Watches by Chris von Halle

Anyone ready for a little chills and thrills? Today's read comes from a horror author, who I've been following for several years. This book is his 8th and latest addition to the middle grade series, Between Dark and Light. The books I've read so far remind me a bit of the beloved Goosebumps series, but Between Dark and Light carries a darker and more true-horror edge. So far, they've fit nicely to the age group...and I know there are quite a few horror fans out there in the middle grade range...and I'm assuming this one will be just as fitting and entertaining...

And chilling.

Grab those flashlights, blankets, and maybe something to snack on because this should be a quick-paced, spooky ride.

THE ONE WHO WATCHES

Between Dark and Light 

by Chris von Halle

Middle Grade Horror

112 pages 

ages 10 and up

Some legends hide in the dark. Others watch from it.

Twelve-year-old Molly Thompson doesn’t believe in sasquatch—not really. Sure, the Bluehorn Mountains near her Michigan hometown are full of strange rock piles and creepy stories. But Molly is a science kid. Logical. Grounded.

Until one night changes everything.

While camping with her parents, Molly stumbles on something impossible. Something wild. Something that shouldn’t exist. What happens next will challenge everything she thinks she knows—about monsters, myths, and even herself.

Because some bonds can’t be explained by science.

And some creatures aren’t meant to be found.

Haunting, heartfelt, and unforgettable, The One Who Watches is a horror-laced mystery about what hides in the woods…and what happens when it follows you back.

Perfect for fans of Small Spaces by Katherine Arden and Doll Bones by Holly Black—creepy, character-driven middle grade horror with heart.

Bonus story included: Enjoy an additional original middle grade horror story included with this edition.

Between Dark and Light is a series of nonconnected children’s horror books featuring strange, eerie, supernatural events. Ages 10 and up!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Myth meets a middle schooler's dreams of friendship and warps into a deadly game, where the true monster hides in unexpected places.

Molly's camping with her parents in the woods, and her parents are playing their usual game of sasquatch 'reality' by pointing out signs of their existence. She knows they do it for fun but wishes they'd realize a 12-years-old is no long a child. When she hears an odd noise during the night, takes her flashlight, and heads into the trees, her idea of what is real changes instantly. But monsters aren't always what they seem, and she's about to learn where true beasts roam.

This latest addition to the series takes a huge twist to the normal monster direction and steers into the world of big foot/sasquatches in an unique way. The scene comes across familiar but with the right touch of suspense as the family camps in less-visited woods. This beginning sets the tone and holds the underlying sense of threatening possibility even when Molly returns home...and even when everything should normally lighten up as she finds new friendship. Of sorts. While the monster lurks in the background after those first pages, the more familiar world of school hallways and long-time friends rolls in to add middle school drama. But the author takes exactly this aspect, the normal, and melds it in unexpected ways. The result is a well-woven, tense adventure.

Even reluctant readers won't mind diving into this read. The pacing stays steady the entire way through to keep those pages turning. The entire tale is less than 60 pages, and the chapters are kept relatively short. So, the entire thing isn't overwhelming but rather, offers a quick, enjoyable read. TRIGGER WARNING: While short, this isn't a tale for younger or more sensitive readers. It does involve murder and death involving that age group. I'm definitely keeping this one as recommended for ages 10 and up because of this. But this also isn't a gore story or murder just for thrills. Rather, the author builds in plenty of food-for-thought as a side dish. 

As a special bonus, there's a second tale following the first, which also promises twists, turns, and thrills. Fans of horror are sure to enjoy this quick dive into a chilling realm of eerie possibilities.

And here he is...

Chris von Halle has always been fascinated with the dark edges of life and the light that always seems to be trying to prick through. Between Dark and Light represents the war that’s constantly raging between the two forces. Chris lives in Morristown, New Jersey, and enjoys watching tennis, playing video games, and creating the occasional comic strip.

Grandma, Cho Cho and Me by Morgan Christie

Today's read screams grandmother goodness and cooking. In other words, a potentially awesome combination. Add the Jamaican direction, and I'm looking forward to diving in. I'm expecting a warming, family atmosphere with care and security. I'm also hoping for some cultural insights on ingredients or a dish. Maybe, we'll be lucky enough to get a recipe that kids can prepare with their grandparents, parents, or caregivers, too? 

We'll find out...and hopefully, leave with the desire to hit the kitchen with our grandmothers, too.

GRANDMA, CHO CHO AND ME

by Morgan Christie

Illustrated by Paulica Santos

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 6

COMING MARCH 6th!!!

Some families gather for big dinners, but in my house we feast at breakfast! As Grandma and I cook our favorite Jamaican dishes, I learn why that is.

The girl in this story and her grandmother are making breakfast for the whole family! Jamaican favourites like ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings and delicious cho cho are on the menu today. As they chop and stir, and the food simmers and sizzles, the girl has one big question for Grandma – why does their family eat such BIG breakfasts?

Through the process of cooking traditional foods, and through Grandma’s stories of life in Jamaica before their family emigrated to Canada, the girl learns more about the historical, economic and social reasons for their big breakfasts — and she explores her culture as someone not born in Jamaica, but still connected to the island.

Tasting Cho Cho is inspired by the author’s childhood experiences born to Jamaican migrant parents, and beautifully illustrated by Paulica Santos. Memories of tropical landscapes, garden-fresh greens, and mouthwatering meals overflow in Paulica Santos’s lush, mixed-media illustrations.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The importance of family and the wonderful feeling of togetherness beam as delicious foods will have readers wishing they could try a dish or two, too.

While many families come together at dinner time, this little girl's family treats breakfast as their most important meal. Every morning, Grandma gets up early and heads to the kitchen, and the little girl joins her. They cook all sorts of yummy, Jamaican foods. At the same time, the little girl asks her grandmother why they always eat such a huge breakfast, and each time Grandma gives a slightly different answer. Maybe, the little girl will understand how it all comes together at the end.

These pages open the door for young listeners/readers to take a peek at a small part of the Jamaican culture. Not only various, new foods are introduced, but the grandmother explains how the families would head out every day to harvest and work outdoors until late in the evening. There are even light glimpses at some reasons behind it. These pages do a good job at bringing this life aspect across in an understandable way for young readers. 

The text flows nicely and works well as a read-aloud for ages 4 to 8...I'm shifting up from the book's recommendation due to the difficulty of the text and insights it carries. It works nicely for beginning readers, who are pretty sure of their words as well. The illustrations are beautiful and bring these pages to life while making the various points clear. Every moment comes across with vibrance and a fitting atmosphere, while visually bringing across some of the cultural aspects. 

I recommend this one for groups, who are taking a look at Jamaica, or for anyone, who already has a connection to it. For other readers, the various foods mentioned might not be recognizable. While this is great for introducing new foods, there isn't really enough offered in these pages to make it clear what these foods are like (taste, texture, purpose). So, it would be helpful if young readers had a chance to see, at least. one of them themselves...otherwise, it looses meaning. I was hoping for an easy recipe for listeners/readers to create with help (if necessary), but this isn't included. Which is fine and just my own, little thought. The book does end on a very warming note, which gives a strong sense of family, warmth, security, and community...all wonderful things kids can never experience enough.

And here they are...

MORGAN CHRISTIE is the author of the picture book I, Too, Am Here, illustrated by Marley Berot; four poetry chapbooks; a short story collection and a collection of essays. She has won the Arc Poetry Poem of the Year Contest, the Prairie Fire Fiction Prize, the Puerto del Sol Fiction Prize and a silver National Magazine Award for poetry. Morgan is based out of Toronto, Ontario.

PAULICA SANTOS is a designer, illustrator and visual artist based in São Paulo, Brazil. The picture books she has illustrated include A coragem de Danso, written by Kiusam Oliveira; and A rosa e o poeta do morro, Nós de Axé and O Fuxico de Janaína, all written by Janaína de Figueiredo.