What's Coming in November?

November is here, the speedy time of year. As soon as Halloween hits, it seems that everything shifts into holiday-hyperdrive. November is, actually, still a little quiet with ONLY Thanksgiving and the 1st of Advent. I say that with a roll of the eyes because now is where the most preparations for December happen so I can step back and enjoy the Advent season. I decided years ago to get as much done as possible before December so I can concentrate on the meaning and wonder Christmas brings. Anyway, that's the plan.

This month is going to hold a huge variety of reads, since December will be more concentrated on a holiday line-up. I have a few more young adult reads for November, but other than that, I'm not seeing any trends in my stack. Well, except that many of them seem to involve various levels of magic. Otherwise, the pile holds all sorts of themes, genres, and directions. I have some nonfiction, science fiction, fantasy, animal fiction, humor, historical, mystery, romance, graphic novels...it's going to be all over the place. Here's a quick peek so you know what I mean.

SHARPEST COURT

This is the second in the Thorn Season series...and I, actually, already read the first book! I'm hoping that this one will be just as action-packed and full of intrigue as the last. The fantasy world is rich, and there were a few open questions, which will, hopefully, find their answers in this next adventure. I'm already looking forward to diving in and will share what I thought on the 2nd.

Young Adult Fantasy

PENNY LANE IN FLORENCE

When I received a peek at a couple pages inside this read, I couldn't wait to read the rest of it. It's a picture book which heads a little into the goodness of the past and Florence. The illustrations should be amazing and offer listeners tons to gaze at. There's also a hint of fantasy, since the main character is a mermaid.In other words, it should be an amazing read. Join me on the 5th to see if it truly is one.

Picture Book

THE WONDROUS TALE OF LAVENDER WOLFE

This is another book that has been waiting on my pile, staring at me with the promise of being a wonderful read. I picked it up a few months ago and promised not to peek inside until closer to release day. It involves a pirate ship, treasure, adventure, and a girl, who is hiding her identity by dressing as a boy. I'm excited to join the crew and see where this magical adventure leads on the 9th.

Middle Grade Fantasy

THE RAJ CHRONICLES: THE ITCHY EMPIRE

This book caught my attention for a couple reasons. One, it slides back into history and visits the 1920s. Two, it takes place in India and involves two brothers, and a very unique family. The control of the British Empire should add some tension, especially when mixed with a father, who is part of the rebellion. The grandmother promises to hold quite the personality, and to top everything off, there should even be a pinch of magic involved. Let's see how all these things join together on the 11th.

Middle Grade Historical Fantasy

A THIEF TO DIE FOR

It's been quite awhile since I picked up a fantasy romance for young adults, which involves a kingdom, guards, intrigue, and such. So, it's time to change that by adding this read to my list. I'm assuming there will be quite a bit of action and plenty of secrets involved. I'm hoping that back-and-forth between the leads is clever and witty. I'm also hoping it doesn't involve insta-love. But we'll find out more on the 17th.

Young Adult Fantasy Romance

MISSION MANTA RAY

This is the second book in the R.A.P.T.O.R. series, and I didn't read the first. So, I'm diving into this with fresh eyes. It's said to remind a bit of Jurassic Park and hold quite a bit of adventure. It involves a giant octopus and a sea voyage...and well, I'm not sure. It is said to be humorous and action packed and a fun read all-around. So, we'll be opening it up and finding out on the 19th.

Middle Grade Adventures

HEARTWRECKED

I can't even remember the last time I picked up a steampunk read! So, I was excited to get my hands on this one. Plus, I happen to be a fan of this author's works, since they never disappoint. This read is said to be Dickens inspired (so neat!) and also be a mix of Frankenstein meets Treasure Island. It involves a mad scientist, siblings, romance, danger, and so much more. I'm excited to see how this one goes on the 23rd.

Young Adult Steampunk

A GREAT GORILLA

This picture book greets from Germany and is being translated into English. It circles around a gorilla in a zoo and how it's artwork help it gain its freedom. I'm looking forward to the illustrations and seeing how this one flows. Join me on the 25th to find out!

Picture Book

SNOW SPARKLES

This one had me smiling and snow-dreaming the moment I saw it. I'm going out on a limb and assuming it circles around a snowstorm and two kids who enjoy playing in it outdoors. Simple yet, hopefully, fun and inspiring. Join me for winter dreams on the 27th.

Board Book

VAMPIRE FAMILY, VOLUME 1

This is the first in a new, graphic novel series which centers around vampires. It's also been awhile since I hit the topic. It's said to be for fans of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and will center around two characters from very different worlds. One is a vampire and the other, a vampire hunter. Both are hiding at a high school and trying to keep their identities a secret. I have no doubt that this will mean all sorts of chaos, tension, and, hopefully, fun. Join me on the 30th to see how grabbing it is.

Young Adult Paranormal  /  Graphic Novel

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

 Happy Halloween!

To celebrate today properly, I'm pulling out a book from my own shelves and reminding everyone that it's also very fitting for the holiday. According to what I've heard...and you might want to double-check this because my memory isn't always great...Neil Gaiman wrote this book with The Jungle Book in mind. It's a ghostly tale, but what always stuck with me were the first words:

"There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife."

Anyway, I'll place my review below and hope everyone enjoys the fun today!

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

by Neil Gaiman

Illustrated by Dave McKean

HarperCollins

Middle Grade Paranormal

312 pages

ages 8 to 12

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a perfectly normal boy. Well, he would be perfectly normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the world of the dead.

There are dangers and adventures for Bod in the graveyard: the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer; a gravestone entrance to a desert that leads to the city of ghouls; friendship with a witch, and so much more.

But it is in the land of the living that real danger lurks, for it is there that the man Jack lives and he has already killed Bod's family.

A deliciously dark masterwork by bestselling author Neil Gaiman, with illustrations by award-winning Dave McKean.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

From the very first words, this tale hits chilling notes while weaving in meaningful messages about family, love, and finding yourself.

Nobody Owen (aka Bod) was an orphan after his parents were brutally murdered. Was...as in he was found in the graveyard by the paranormal residents and raised by ghosts and vampires. However, he is quite normal, otherwise. While he weaves the world of dead and dark, the true danger lurks in broad daylight and an enemy which goes by the name of Jack.

As dark and dreary as this novel is...and there are definite creepy tones with tension and danger...there's also a lot of underlying care and love. The author starts with a very, dark scene which almost has a reader questioning if middle grade is the ideal audience, and while it seems to push this border a bit, the book slides very nicely into the range. Nobody is as normal as any child could be...mostly. His guardian harbors many secrets but supports him in every way. The ghosts in the graveyard are a supportive community despite their quirky personalities. Readers can identify with Nobody while slipping into the richly layered world. In the darkness are many shadows, and that holds true for this read, too. But Nobody grows and steers things as best he can. It makes him easy to root for and fear for as things grow dangerous, too. After all, Jack is a very dangerous villian.

While the tale weaves with tension, adventure, and heart, the author has also slid in quite a bit of symbolism and food for thought. Nobody's name fits perfectly well for many reasons, and the villain 'Jack' hits a clever spot, which I've never forgotten since reading this years ago. Plus, there are all sorts of points that carry importance as Nobody learns to take things on and deal with life himself. So, this is a book to pick up for classrooms and homeschoolers as well.

But most importantly, this was a grabbing read with a character to enjoy. The tension builds as Jack's threat grows, and there are plenty of secrets and surprises along the way, too. Fans of ghost stories, adventure, spooky scenes, dangerous moments, and even characters with heart are sure to enjoy this one.

Frankie D. Vegan Vampire's First Halloween by Sally and Brian Dutra

 This cover screams Halloween...but then, so does the title. Since we are hitting the spooky holiday tomorrow, I had to make sure to sneak this read in too. It's a chapter book thought for those readers who have a very good handle on their words but aren't just quite ready for middle grade reads...but getting close. This is the second book in a series, and I haven't read the first one so I'm not sure what to expect. I assume this will include some monsterly fun, though.

Who dares to sit down with me and take a peek?

FRANKIE D, VEGAN VAMPIRE'S FIRST HALLOWEEN

by Sally and Brian Dutra

Illustrated by Tiffani Brown

Kids Can Press

Children's Book

172 pages

ages 7 to 10

How do vampires celebrate Halloween? Everyone’s favorite vegan vampire is about to find out in the second book of this hilarious early chapter book series.

A few months since leaving his vampire life behind him in Transylvania, Frankie is still learning the basics of acting human. But the good news is that Halloween is coming, and Frankie learns that on this treasured holiday, humans like to dress up in “scary” costumes, such as witches, zombies and ... VAMPIRES! In other words, this could be his family’s chance to finally show their fangs and blend in just by being their true vampire selves. The only problem is a mean boy named Eddie, who might have uncovered Frankie’s secret vampire identity. What if Eddie exposes him and his family? Would his friends ever forgive him? Would his family have to leave? Where would they go?

Writing partners Sally and Brian Dutra have captured early readers’ hearts with this highly entertaining series about Frankie, a winsome misfit boy vampire. Full of deadpan humor and numerous playful twists on the vampire trope, this easy-to-read Halloween story hits all the right notes. Readers will identify with the challenges Frankie faces as he navigates the often-confusing complications of fourth grade and being a newcomer. The story features themes of friendship, family and kindness, as well as the difficulties of dealing with bullies and adjusting to life in a new culture. With black-and-white illustrations by Tiffani Brown on every spread, this book is perfect for young readers who enjoy a little creepy with their funny, at Halloween – or anytime!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With light humor, sticky situations, and monsterly troubles, this read follows a young vampire as he does his best to fit into the human world.

Frankie is a vampire just like the rest of his family, and they need to make sure that nobody knows what they are as they live in a very normal, human town. Frankie finds the secret especially hard to keep from his best friend, and sometimes, wonders if the boy has noticed that something is off. It's already hard to start a new school and not stick out in the neighborhood with his family. Even his younger brothers aren't very good at hiding their abilities. When Halloween rolls around, Frankie's constant fight to keep everything secret seems to gain a bit of a pause...but then, things go crazy again.

This is a longer chapter book and works great even for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The font, short chapter length, illustrations, and text are well placed for advanced chapter book readers but also, occasionally, work those word skills. The illustrations add a fun touch and bring everything to life, too.

The story is silly and humorous but also brings in friendship drama as Frankie steers everyday situations as best he can. His family members are supportive but cause just as much (if not more) difficulties for him as he tries to live as human a life as possible. Each one brings tons of personality, and there's a lovely sense of warmth along with the chaos. The forming friendship difficulties will ring true with readers and the problems he faces aren't much different from those of many kids that age. The vampire angle adds a fun twist, humor, and unexpected surprises, of course.

It's an enjoyable read not only for Halloween, but listeners are sure to enjoy following Frankie and wishing they could be his friend too.

And here they are...

Brian and Sally Dutra are a husband-and-wife writing team with a combined background of improvisational comedy, fiction writing and screenwriting. They live in Portland, Oregon.

Tiffani Brown began drawing at a very young age. Constantly drawn to shows designed by Disney, Nelvana and so many more, she wasn’t shocked when the dream of being an artist came and stuck to her like glue. Little did she know she would get the chance to work in a studio that was so important during her childhood.

As a creative designer and illustrator with more than thirteen years of experience, including five years in the animation industry, Tiffani has painted backgrounds and objects for two award-winning shows for kids – Nelvana Studios’ Esme & Roy and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!

The work she did on those shows opened doors to four other in-studio projects where she’s worn different hats: background painter, color key artist, visual development artist and character designer. During these awesome experiences, another door opened to a completely different creative challenge that she’s loving – children’s book illustrating for Kids Can Press …who knew?!

Whether she’s working on a TV production, a book illustration or something completely different, she aims to bring the same thing to every project: genuine curiosity about the story being told and enthusiasm for figuring out the best way to tell it visually.

“There’s something magical about creating images that might spark a kid’s imagination or help them see a story in a whole new way. Simply put, I love what I do.”

Tiffani Brown is based in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Intergalactics by Erik Jon Slangerup

It's time for another scifi read...and that with dystopian flair. I saw the cover and knew I had to take a look at this one. The cover, I think, screams danger and seems to fit well with this week's creepy, scary thoughts. Although I'm pretty sure this read isn't horror, I'm still looking forward to the danger and action, which it appears are held in these pages. It involves a lab-grown hybrid as the main character and takes place somewhere out in the broader universe.

So, let's sit down and see what this book holds.

THE INTERGALACTICS

by Erik Jon Slangerup

Aladdin

Middle Grade Science Fiction

336 pages

ages 8 to 12

A mutant boy questions the truth of his existence after crash-landing far from everything he knows in this fast-paced, action-packed middle grade sci-fi adventure perfect for fans of The Last Kids on Earth.

Brinx wasn’t born. He was created.

As one of the gene-spliced, vat-grown experiments living on Base Lab 9, Brinx’s existence has always been focused on one surviving the tests forced on him by his creators, with the goal of one day reaching the Graduation Center. Brinx doesn’t know what awaits him there—and it’s not like anyone ever comes back to tell—but it must be better than Base Lab 9.

When Brinx narrowly survives his final test, he boards the armored transport vessel en route to the Center along with the other graduates, including his best friend, Jang—only to have the vessel downed by a meteor shower. Now Brinx, who’s stranded with a handful of other survivors, has to stay alive in an uncharted region of their planet that’s teeming with monstrous flora and fauna, all while trying to find Jang, who’s among the missing—or worse.

GOODREADS      /     AMAZON     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Get ready for action and tension because these pages keep that coming the entire way through with little room for breath in between.

Brinx was created in a lab as part of an ongoing, huge project to form ultimate hybrid survival beings. All sorts of hybrids. The goal is to survive 1000 deadly tests. Brinx's life is dismal, to say the least, but he has found a beam of light in a fellow hybrid as a best friend. Together, the two graduate and are sent off to take on their new roles, but underway, their transport ship is hit with meteors and crash lands on a planet, where everything is out to get them. Brinx and his friend are separated during the crash, but a few other hybrids have survived, and Brinx bands together with them to figure out what to do and, maybe, find his friend as well. Surviving is almost impossible as everything is completely unknown and nothing intends to let them live. But the biggest surprise comes when they discover a hidden society beneath the surface and learn that there is more to life than they thought.

Anyone who enjoys action, danger, survival, and original worlds is going to devour this read. The author heads off into the far corners of the universe, where nothing resembles Earth. Even the characters carry unique attributes from webbed hands to blue skin and more. The imagination is vibrant and grabbing, making this a world to get lost in...and what a dangerous world it is! Nothing is safe, warm, and fuzzy. From Brinx's 1000 dangerous trials to the impossible planet, every moment means possible death. And there are enough deaths in these pages to make that clear. Tension packs every page as very unexpected situations hit, one right after the other. The sudden shift to the underground world later on, might slow down the danger just a tad bit, but it opens up a whole new direction of possibilities. And while this book wraps up nicely, it still leaves room for more to come.

This is a read which is hard to put down. It's also not one for wholesome moments and sensitive readers. Still, it stays appropriate for the middle grade audience. There's also the wonderful twist that Brinx and the other hybrids do not fight each other. Instead, they band together to survive and use the various strengths each one has to try to get through the impossible situations. And they need all the help they can get because nothing is going to give them even a moment's pause.

And here he is...

Erik Jon Slangerup writes action-adventure novels for young readers—usually something with a monster, robot, or spaceship in it. His books include The Intergalactics and the Far Flung Falls series. He has also written several picture books. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Erik is the father of six, which has been his greatest adventure yet. Discover more at ErikJonSlangerup.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Be My Howlentine by Dona Herweck Rice!

 

It's time to shout-out another book birthday! Today's read slides into this week's Halloween spirit...while hinting at Valentine's Day? I find the mix smile worthy and a bit quirky, but hey, monsters need love, too. I'm expecting all sorts of fun and humor in this book. Also, there should be some warmth and 'love'. 

Let's settle down into those chairs and see what this book holds.

BE MY HOWLENTINE

by Dona Herweck Rice

Illustrated by Kelly Kennedy

Curiosity Unlocked Books

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

A feel-good mashup of two favorite holidays—Halloween & Valentine’s Day

In Monster Town, every day is Halloween, until Wolfie O’Howler falls head-over-paws for the witch next door. Determined to show Selena Witchington how much he cares, Wolfie hatches a plan to bring Valentine’s Day to town for the very first time. He and his monster friends work together to create a celebration that’s equal parts spooky and sweet, with heart-eyed jack-o-lanterns, mummy-wrapped gifts, and a serenade under the full moon.

This charming tale blends the excitement of Halloween with the warmth of Valentine’s Day, offering a story that sparks laughter, empathy, and a genuine love of reading. Children ages 4–8 and their grown-ups will love the clever wordplay, expressive artwork, and the spirited residents of Monster Town. Join the fun!

You’ll love the spirited residents and playful storytelling—perfect for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and any monster-themed storytime.

Reading can spark clever wordplay as well as conversations about holidays and courage,  and extend the fun beyond the book with creative and engaging ideas for classroom or at-home activities

Be My Howlentine is a fun, emotionally intelligent story that kids and adults will love.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Spooky monsters and creepy haunts slam against unexpected moments of hearts and love to create a fun mix.

Halloween and Monster Town are as intertwined as can be until Wolfie hears a song and his heart goes pitter-patter. He's not sure what these feelings mean until he sees his new neighbor and knows that he's in love. He tries his best to carefully and secretly lay hints of his budding affections, but nothing runs smoothly. Since Halloween dreariness and scares are all he knows...and he's aware that these aren't going to help him this time...he decides to reach out to the rest of the town for help.

This is a lovely read for the Halloween season! At first, I wondered if this read would snuggle too close to Valentine's Day, but it stays firmly planted in the spooky and monsterly realm while adding a dash of the lovey-dovey holiday. And it does it in such a fun way. Wolfie is a wonderful werewolf, and it's easy to root for him as he tries his best to figure out how to approach the love of his life. The monsters of the town come along with Halloween goodness in creepy style. Vampires, skeletons...everything is represented to let creepy fun radiate from every page. But of course, these monsters are a community. All are ready to help Wolfie as best they can, highlighting teamwork and the fun of trying something new. 

The illustrations present Monster Town with Halloween goodness and make it a place that readers might want to visit. The color tones remain in the dark, dreary direction with details of ghostly shadows and creepy corners at every turn of the page. Even when the pink hearts mix in, it's like dabs of sudden color which doesn't drown out the original feel of the town completely. There are so many things to explore that readers will come back and study the scenes themselves.

This makes a lovely read-aloud as the story runs smoothly and keeps a quick-pace. It fits the age group well and will keep even more reluctant readers' attentions. At the end of the book, the author adds several activities which can make this book into an entire theme. So, there's a lot to enjoy in these pages.