Come Catch A Dream by Brittany J. Thurman

Yesterday's read allowed me to dream of snowflakes, so I'm going to continue my Winter dreaming and head right into a book about ice skating. This one was released last November, which means it's available right away. I had to smile at the cheerful child on the cover. This child's excitement and joy just radiates from the page, doesn't it? 

Let's open it up and see what these pages hold in store.

COME CATCH A DREAM

by Brittany J. Thurman

Illustrated by Islenia Mil

Greenwillow Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nothing is impossible--not even being brave enough to ice skate again after a fall! With a poetic text and dazzling illustrations, Come Catch a Dream will appeal to every child chasing their dream, and fans of The Snowy Day, Jabari Jumps, and After the Fall.

A young Black child passes an ice rink every day walking home with Momma. Last year, the rink was tricky. It looked clear and smooth, but felt rough and rude after a fall. Brrr! Ouch! Even so, the child hasn't been able to stop thinking about that rink. The young skater is determined to do something for the first time: a spin on the ice. Because, as Momma says, nothing is impossible.

Award-winning author Brittany J. Thurman's rich use of language and rhythm makes for a text that is perfect for reading aloud, while illustrator Islenia Mil's vibrant artwork captures the anticipation and excitement of a winter day at the ice rink. For fans of Gaia Cornwall and Dan Santat.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Most things in life require practice, and this book shows why it's important not to give up but try again and again.

A child can't wait for Winter to come and the outdoor skating rink to open in the middle of the town. Of course, it's not dreaming about spinning on the ice because, honestly, that's not something the child has done, yet. The year before was the very first time the child had the chance to put on ice skates and it was was nearly impossible to even stay upright. But Mother says that nothing is impossible, and this child is determined to learn how to spin this year.

There is quite a bit of atmosphere in these pages with detailed scenes of the ice rink and the lovely silhouette of a city skyline in the background. The child's thoughts go from the rude and bumpy ice of the year before to the clear and smooth one before it. Each scene brings this imagery to life as it holds a poetic direction, while letting the child's journey of learning to skate unfold. It's clear that it's not easy, but the child never gives up. Readers will sympathize with the situation and root for the child, feeling the joy when it succeeds. This isn't an adventure but rather an atmospheric read, which allows the struggle of practice come through clearly as well as the joy of success.

The text fits nicely to the age group and holds a soothing flow. I wouldn't recommend it for group settings due to the more detailed illustrations as well as the gentler pacing. But it's a lovely book to cuddle up with in a smaller setting and works nicely even for a naptime read.

And here they are...

Brittany J. Thurman is the author of the picture books Fly and Forever and Always and the middle grade mystery Opal Watson, Private Eye, and the coauthor of the middle grade novels Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams and Fearless: The Takeover, both written with Mandy Gonzalez. She is a former children’s specialist, dedicated to ensuring children’s literature truthfully reflects the world in which we live. Brittany holds an MFA in dramatic writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA in theater from Kingston University, London, England. She is an avid traveler and has lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but now resides in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Islenia Mil, an Afro-Latina illustrator, blends captivating composition, intricate line work, rich textures, and vibrant hues to craft meaningful narratives. Raised in both the vibrant culture of Santo Domingo and the dynamic energy of New York City, she transports viewers into realms of imagination. She is also the illustrator of Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines by Kris Coronado. Islenia Mil lives in New York City.

Winter Pops Up! by Aurore Petit

While melting with around 100 degrees every day, I can't help but dream of ice and snowflakes. So, I've decided to stuff today's read in just a tiny bit early and enjoy the cool thoughts!

WINTER POPS UP!

by Aurore Petit

Phaidon

Board Book

12 pages

ages 2 to 4

COMING SEPTEMBER 16th!!!

From bundling up for the first snow to sipping warm hot chocolate, this bold, shiny pop-up book brings winter’s magic to life for little hands!

Perfectly portable and shaped for toddlers’ hands, this stylish and sturdy pop-up book brims with the joy of winter. Playful pop-up scenes leap from every page in vibrant, high-contrast colors and gorgeous foil effects.

Winter Pops Up! celebrates the season’s delights: bundling up for the first flurries of snow, sliding down snowy hills, sipping hot chocolate, reading by warm fires, and celebrating with sparkling New Year fireworks! With Aurore Petit’s vibrant, playful illustrations, simple, engaging text , and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents!) will love , this book is a sensory celebration of winter’s everyday magic.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Chilly thoughts and familiar moments make this a book to sink into with wintery thoughts of joy.

This board book is created for smaller hands and holds a surprise on every page as part of the illustrations pop out to give a 3D effect. The illustrations stick to shades of black, brown, minty green and a gentle red to give a cooler atmosphere with a comforting tone. They are fairly focused on the main feature (for example, a sleeping bear) with a simple background, as needed, to build each scene. These 'main features' pop out in the center of the two-page spread to add extra fun and garner attention. The text is short with one phrase for every turn of a page. These carry a lyrical feel and add a playful touch. The text works great for this younger audience level and adds familiarity to each scene without weighing down. 

The younger readers out there, who dream of snowy days and hot chocolate, are sure to smile as they flip through these pages. Most of the chosen moments will carry familiar moments and awake pleasant memories or help those, who haven't experience the snow, to imagine what it must be like. It's simply an ode to winter, so there aren't any underlying messages, either. 

It's an enjoyable way to dream and enjoy the thought of those colder months ahead.

And here she is...

Aurore Petit is an award-winning author-illustrator based in Nantes, France. She graduated the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg in 2006, and published her first children's book, Ménageries, in 2008. She has since written and illustrated multiple books for young readers, including the award-winning A Mother Is a House and a series of pop-up books about colours.

King of the Castle by Heather Smith

If you've never had the chance to sleep in a bunk bed, you're missing out. I, usually, ended up on the bottom of these beds, since I never seemed to feel comfortable on top. The ladders were always a pain...sometimes, literally...and it felt too open as if a person might roll right off. That might have something to do with my small fear of heights, though. How are/were you when it comes to bunk beds?

Today's read takes two brothers and, I'm guessing, looks at the constant battle a bunk bed causes. This could be quite a funny read or, maybe, it showcases brotherly relationships. If we open the book up, we'll find out. So, let's do that!

KING OF THE CASTLE

by Heather Smith

Illustrated by Andrea Armstrong

Kids Can Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

From award-winning author Heather Smith, a sweet and relatable story about the relationship between two brothers … and their bunk bed.

Every night at bedtime, a little boy’s older brother climbs into the top bunk of their bed and taunts, “I’m the king of the castle, and you’re the dirty rascal.” As annoying as this is for the little brother, his big brother also provides a sense of security. Sometimes in the dark, the little brother will startle awake. “You there?” he will whisper. “I’m here, Rascal. Now go to sleep,” his brother will whisper back. As time passes, his brother starts going out more with his friends. And then leaves for camp. And, suddenly, the boy is left to ponder how it feels to be without his brother in the bunk bed, and in his life.

This touching story by multi-award-winning author Heather Smith movingly conveys the complicated feelings a child has for their older sibling. The bunk bed offers a perfect metaphor for the sibling relationship, one looking up and one looking down, the older one irritating the younger one with his big brother status while also making him feel safe. Illustrations by Andrea Armstrong complement the emotional tone of the story, with the younger boy’s expressive face at the center of many of the scenes. This endearing book will resonate with readers of all types, younger and older siblings, children and adults alike. Offering a unique look at how siblings’ relationships change as they get older, the book can also prompt discussions with young children about their relationships with family members. It’s an excellent representation of growth mindset and works for character-education lessons on adaptability and courage.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Being the constant lesser in a battle for king of beds brings tons of unexpected heart.

The older brother has long claimed his place at the top bunk of the bed, while the younger constantly deals with his antics from below. After all, the person on the top is always the king, and the one on the bottom is the rascal. The older brother uses this to tease the younger one constantly, but rather than rebel or tattle, the younger one takes it with a grumble and a little frustration. As time goes on and the two get older, things begin to change, and soon, the older one goes off to summer camp, leaving the younger one in the bunk all alone.

Anyone who has shared a bunk bed will easily relate with the situation and connect with these characters from the very first page. Even those who haven't had the chance to 'enjoy' this sleeping arrangement will understand the relationship between the brothers and sympathize. The older brother's constant jabs wear at the nerves as the younger brother puts up with everything as best he can. Listeners might begin to wonder why he puts up with it. There's a slight wrongness surrounding it, but it's exactly this which hits home and brings the odd balance sibling relationships can have to life. While this bitter-sweetness glides along with the story, there's also enough humor and bunk bed specific fun to add some smiles and lightness. What other bed can have a basket delivery system? So the wonder of bunk beds also shines through and shows how special they can be. The entire thing wraps up with tons of warmth, sibling goodness, and fuzzy feels to make it a wholesome and enjoyable read.

The illustrations and writing work hand-in-hand. While the text tells the story, the illustrations play two roles: to bring the brothers and their relationship to visual life and to offer some humorous side information such as how the basket system works or bed differences. This adds a creative and playful aspect which will bring more than a few smiles and comments. The text works very well for the age group and concentrates more on the relationship to create a nice balance. So, this works well in group as well as single settings. It's especially great for those who deal with sibling antics and reminds how oddly wonderful this relationship can be.

And here they are...

Heather Smith spent much of her early life wrestling with words. Not only was she a reluctant reader, she struggled with speech as well. Unable to pronounce certain words, she became a walking thesaurus, anxiously swapping out words she wanted to say with words she could say. Today, Heather wrestles with words in a different way – she’s a writer. Instead of dodging words, she grabs them tight with both hands and finds them a home on the page.
Originally from Newfoundland, Heather now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband and three children. Her east coast roots inspire much of her writing. When Heather is not writing, she is probably eating toast and/or watching documentaries that most people would find boring.
Twitter: @heather_t_smith
Instagram: @heather.t.smith
Facebook: @HeatherWritesBooks

Andrea Armstrong is an artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She specializes in character-driven art, children’s book illustration, portraiture and, more recently, animation.

Here Comes the Band by Shadra Strickland

I was super excited to get my hands on today's read. Marching bands are so amazing, and it's so fun to see them coming onto the field before a game, at a pep rally, or in the parades. It's really a treat to hear one play and watch the musicians...and the rest, too. So fun! I'm hoping this book carries that same energy. 

HERE COMES THE BAND

by Shadra Strickland

Illustrated by John Holyfield

Denene Millner Books

Picture Book

42 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 19th!!!

From Ezra Jack Keats Award and Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe New Talent Award winner Shadra Strickland comes a dazzling picture book about a young child who watches in awe as an HBCU band takes the field and works its magic.

The game is tied at seven.
A hush falls over the stands.
Get up and stand up, everybody!
Here comes the band!

Everyone has their favorite part of a football game, but at a historically Black college or university, halftime is game time when the band takes the field in this glorious celebration of the tradition and pageantry of an HBCU band.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Get ready to smile because these pages promise tons and tons good vibes.

This is a read, which really digs into the atmosphere of a marching band and lets it come across masterfully. The illustrations aren't only bright and bold, but they bring the musicians to life. From backward bends to astound to radiate glows on the expressions...even the concentrated looks make a listener wish they could run alongside this group and enjoy every moment with them.

The text carries lyrical style to fit right into the musical flow. It's never forced but slides along as effortlessly as the illustrations. The author incorporates all sorts of sound words and rhythm to let the beats hit and the imagination soar. This also allows listeners to get involved and 'read' right along with the tale. 

I'm also glad to see a picture book surrounding this theme and bringing across the same atmosphere that these bands hold in real life. It's a subject which inspires and opens the door to the fun possibilities music holds...one that is often forgotten.

This works great as a read-aloud and not a calm one. Even reluctant listeners are sure to enjoy it and dream of marching right along with this group themselves one day.

And here they are...

Shadra Strickland was raised in Atlanta. She graduated from Syracuse University and later completed her MFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Shadra won the Ezra Jack Keats Award and the Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent in 2009 for her illustrations in her first picture book, Bird, written by Zetta Elliott. Strickland co-illustrated Our Children Can Soar, written by Michelle Cook and winner of a 2010 NAACP Image Award. She has published with Lee and Low Books, Simon & Schuster, Random House, Candlewick, Chronicle Books, and Little Brown. Her books have received recognition from the American Library Association, Junior Library Guild, and other prominent literary lists. Shadra currently heads the illustration department at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. She has also developed an online picture book class on Craftsy.com. Visit her online at ShadraStrickland.com.

John Holyfield is a renowned fine artist and illustrator of numerous books for young readers, including Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud; Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham; Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens by Nina Noland; and The Hallelujah Flight by Phil Bildner. John lives in Virginia. Visit him online at HolyfieldStudio.com.

Art Attack by James Ponti

Today's read comes from a well-known and enjoyed author in the middle grade spy/mystery realm. This is the third book in his latest series....I think it's his latest, but you never know when a new one will begin with him. I've enjoyed this series so far and posted my thoughts on the 2nd one HERE. No doubt, this latest addition will be just as enjoyable as the last, since this author's works tend to be top-notch.

But let's just dive in and find out!

ART ATTACK

The Sherlock Society #3

by James Ponti

Aladdin

Middle Grade Mystery

320 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 8th!!!

The Sherlock Society goes undercover in the Miami street art scene to find an anonymous graffiti artist in this third book in the hilarious, New York Times bestselling Sherlock Society middle grade series from Edgar Award–winning author James Ponti!

The Sherlock Society’s latest case is tracking down stealth graffiti artist Funky Munky—well-known for their artistic statements calling out local politicians—on behalf of a developer who wants them to create a mural for a new hotel. Their investigation leads Alex, Zoe, Lina, and Yadi deep into the very colorful south Florida art scene.

But finding someone who doesn’t want to be found is challenging, and it doesn’t help that Miami Art Week is coming up, bringing lots of attention—and lots of new artists—to the area. The Sherlock Society’s best bet is an elaborate sting operation, which involves them picking up spray cans themselves. Can they trap their quarry without exposing themselves?

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

When these four friends (and Grandpa) take on a case, the fun begins.

Now, that the four sleuths had their photo in the newspaper for helping solve the last case, they're facing all sorts of requests for help. Or maybe, the sudden influx of jobs is due to Grandpa's fancy, new website? Either way, the four find themselves picking and choosing their next case during lunch in the cafeteria. When they get an offer of $20,000 to locate the mysterious graffiti artist Funky Munky so a new building complex can use him to paint a mural on the wall, they're on the case. While they have a bit of help thanks to Grandpa's connections, they've been offered the large sum of money for a reason; Funky Munky has kept his/her identity locked tight for years. Worse yet, Funky Munky seems to have paused their work...or switched over to bananas. The friends aren't sure what the activist is up to but follow clues to an empty warehouse, where they meet more trouble. But these sleuths are determined and clever, and even someone as sly as Funky Munky might not be able to outmaneuver them.

This is a smooth, quick-paced read, which carries mystery, action, friendship, school drama, and family goodness. Each of the four friends has their talents, their weaknesses, and packs personality. This creates a fun back-and-forth on every page as they try to solve the mystery, while dealing with other aspects of life, too. But then, Grandpa, their families, and even the police and other characters add to the atmosphere to make each moment interesting. While the friendship between these four is inspiring, it's the family interactions which add lovely richness. Of course, Grandpa is always up to his antics and drives the most amazing vehicles. But even the parents step in with support and help, while also setting boundaries and holding to punishments when the rules are broken. It creates a wholesome foundation, which doesn't forget to bring in factors such as responsibility and consequences to the mix as the four friends test limits to solve the case. There is plenty of action as well as tense situations, but it all stays based in reality, which makes it even that much more enjoyable.

Fans of mystery, adventure, and teamwork are going to enjoy this one quite a bit.

And here he is...

James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists, and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy–nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. Find out more at JamesPonti.com.