Wildcats by Crystal Velásquez

Today's read seems like quite the adventure. I'm getting Anubis vibes and hints of jungle dangers. Or maybe not, since middle school is involved. It should hold quite a bit adventure and tension...and...oh, I don't know.

Let's just dive in and find out.

lso, it's Monday! That means the Marvelous Middle Grade list is up with a list or recommended reads from lovers and knowers of the genre. Just head on over HERE!

WILDCATS

by Crystal Velásquez

Illustrated by Eva Cabrera

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy

Graphic Novel

192 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

JUNE 24th!!!

Mina is just an average middle schooler. But when she starts attending a new boarding school that her parents also attended, she and three other girls learn that they have generational powers that turn them into wild cats. Navigating this new reality, the girls will have to use their powers to figure out the mysterious temple that sits under the school’s museum, and defeat the evil forces who want to unleash chaos on the school…and the world.

As Mina struggles to navigate the cliques of her new school she is taken under the wing of Miss Benitez, a mysterious but kind history teacher. She tells Mina and three other girls—Lin, Ana, and Shani—that their families gifted the priceless objects housed in the school’s museum. Ms. Benitez thinks it’s important that the girls understand their ancestry.

It turns out that Ms. Benitez is the curator of the museum, and it sits on top of a mysterious temple, the ancient meeting place of a dangerous group called the Brotherhood of Chaos. When one of the priceless objects is shattered, the girls find out exactly why their heritage is so it gives them the power to turn into wild cats. Now, in the form of a jaguar, a tiger, a puma, and a lion, they must work together to fight the chaos spirits that were unleashed when the object was shattered…and uncover the terrifying plans of those who want to resurrect the Brotherhood of Chaos.

Wild Cats is full of adventure, heart, and friendship. This full-color graphic novel is ripe for fans of mythology, superheroes, and, of course, cats!

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Adventure meets middle school drama with danger and intrigue as four very different girls need to save the world.

Mina just started the new school, but she's having problems dealing with the kids around her. Her roommate seems over-zealous in making her a best friend, but the girl isn't really on the same wave length as Mina with interests surrounding fashion, social status, and a bit of manipulation to stay popular. Not only is Mina not really interested in all of this (and finds it mean), but she's dealing with secrets no one would ever understand. When Mina's roommate pushes bullying up a notch with a girl in class, Mina can't take anymore and finds her anger forcing her secret to the surface—she changes into a puma. It's not something she even understands herself.  After all, no one turns into a puma usually. She escapes to the bathroom and barely hides her abilities as the girl she protected comes to check on her. Somehow, the entire thing lands all girls involved in a meeting with a teacher in a museum. There, Mina discovers there's much more going on than she could have ever dreamed...and her life takes on an entirely new meaning.

This reminds me a bit of the cartoon series Totally Spies! but with a mythical twist, which dives into the various ancient gods from around the world. The four girls are as different as can be, and they don't get along. This makes for an interesting back-and-forth as they discover their connections, and it opens the door to messages about learning to work together despite differences. This message alone offers tons of arc and possibilities as it covers a huge span, and probably will for some of the series to come. Plus, it fits very well to the intended audience and middle school problems. The differences also offer interesting dialogue, characters, and interactions. Sometimes snippy, while others are humorous. It makes each one interesting, and also leaves room for them to individually grow in the future.

Then, there's the action, and there is action. This builds as the girls settle into their roles and take on the evil forces. These scenes are gripping and pop up just enough to keep the tension high. With mystery and intrigue also paving the way, the girls need to research aspects of the mythology and learn, step-by-step, what they're dealing with. Plus, there are some bigger surprises and unexpected twists to keep everyone on their toes.

It's a grabbing beginning to what promises to be a fun series. I can see readers enjoying this quite a bit and am looking forward to what these four will be faced with in the upcoming tales.

And here they are...

Crystal Velasquez is a prolific writer who has written numerous graphic novels as well as middle grade books for children, including Hunters of Chaos, the inspiration for Wildcats. She lives in Flushing, New York.

Eva Cabrera is an illustrator and the co-founder of Mexican studio BoudikaComics. She was born in Veracruz, Mexico. You can find her on all her social networks as @evacabrera.

There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

 I had to pick up today's read when I saw the cover. Maybe, it's the approaching summer and the idea of heading to the beach. But the girl's excitement is obvious...and reminds me of our own beach adventures. I do wonder if there will be lobsters and what they have to do with the tale. 

So, let's find out!

THERE MIGHT BE LOBSTERS

by Carolyn Crimi

Illustrated by Laurel Molk

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 7

PAPERBACK COMING JUNE 17th!!!

Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog's paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.

Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup's looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you're worried and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON     /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

This adorable dog and his hesitancy will have readers wanting to give him a hug.

A young girl is super excited to head to the beach for the day and, of course, she's taking her little dog, Sukie, along. While the girl can't wait to do all sorts of things, Sukie is much more hesitant. After all, he's so small and everything else is so big...and there might be lobsters! He isn't a fan of lobsters. With his favorite toy at his side, he enjoys everything with distance, which works fine until a wave accidentally pulls his toy away. Sukie's going to have to make a super-tough choice if he wants to save that toy.

This is an enjoyable read, which pulls in with tons of heart. Sukie is a cute puppy and immediately draws sympathy thanks to his more careful nature. It's hard not to want to pick him up and snuggle him with reassurance. The girl handles him very well, but it's clear that he has to learn to overcome his fears. The author handles this aspect splendidly and creates a little adventure, which will have listeners rooting for Sukie while staying firmly in an age appropriate adventure. The ending wraps up things nicely and stays realistic, which I appreciated.

The lighter hues of the illustrations fit well to a sunbaked beach. Each moment brings the atmosphere across clearly and invites in. There are details, which draw listeners in, but the images stay story focused as well. It is one readers can pick up on their own and enjoy the tale without words later on.

The text seems a bit long, at times, but this slides well with Sukie's thoughts and angst. It doesn't bore but makes the situation clear and listeners will identify with the situation. Plus, it makes Sukie that much cuter.

This is a lovely read about stepping past fears when necessary and is one that can be visited again and again.

Pacheco and the Witch of the Mountain by Juan E. Zambrano

It was the cover on today's read, which caught my attention thanks to its fantastical, adventurous, and hint of unique elements touch. I'll admit that I'm not really sure I'm going to like this one, and I'm not sure why I have that impression. Maybe, it's the weather affecting me. Anyway, I'm hoping for a fun read with a bit of action and heart. So, let's see if that's what these pages hold. 

Oh, and it's a graphic novel, so it should be visual fun as well.

PACHECO AND THE WITCH OF THE MOUNTAIN

by Juan E Zambrano

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

176 pages

ages 9 to 11

COMING...

JUNE 17th!!!

Welcome to the island of Asunción, home to the most powerful witches—and Pacheco, their biggest fan. In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, debut creator Juan E. Zambrano will take readers on an epic adventure that's all about magic, identity, and staying true to yourself.

Pacheco's biggest dream is to practice magic! There's just one problem: commoners, and especially boys, aren't allowed to learn witchcraft.

However, once his family’s fishing business begins to suffer, Pacheco is determined; he's certain that learning magic is the best way to help his family and community. He meets Doris, a grumpy, old witch, and he decides to become her apprentice.

As Pacheco enters the world of magic, he finds himself caught up in the rules and schemes of a whole new society and surrounded by magical creatures in need of protection. Pacheco will have to dig deep to muster the courage—and magic—to defend his future.

Debut creator Juan E. Zambrano presents a breathtaking graphic novel that delves into the importance of staying true to oneself while courageously addressing challenging themes such as gender roles and environmental protection. Perfect for fans of Joe Latham's Haru, Emma Steinkellner's The Okay Witch, Claribel Ortega's Witchlings, and Hayao Miyazaki's films like Kiki's Delivery Service and Spirited Away.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

An unique mixture of magic, fishing villages, and animals flow into adventure and action, while the problems of not quite fitting in offer tension, humor, and intrigue.

Pacheco does his best to help out with the family's fishing business, but it's not always an easy way to earn a living, especially lately. His grandpa blames the bad catches on the witches on the mountain and is sure they are up to no good as always. Pacheco, however, is fascinated by magic and dreams of learning to perform spells, too. Not that this is really a possibility...until he crosses paths with a witch in the forest. Pacheco knows this is his chance to achieve his dreams and does his best to convince the unwilling woman to take him in as an apprentice. But he doesn't realize how much trouble her acceptance of him could cause because it will break the Mountain Witch's rules. And that carries consequences.

While the tale begins with a more down-to-earth fishing village and a family, who is struggling to stay afloat as their fishing business goes down, it quickly swings into a fantastical direction. Magical beasts, amazing spells, and a thick forest lay the scene for adventure and promises of secrets and danger. The mix between fun and darker intrigue are echoed0 in the graphics as the atmosphere plays between bright colors and dimmer hues, just enough to shift with the emotions. The scenes carry the tale forward and bring each character to life...and make the troubles Pacheco faces tense and clear.

The writing fits well to the intended age group, and if anything, leans toward the younger end. The message behind the plot isn't hard to figure out, but the plot itself delivers surprises and unique twists as Pacheco has to come to terms with his new abilities and place in the world. There are characters to love and dislike. Several aren't hit with much depth, but it's clear they're going to have important roles in the tales to come, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them, since they promise to carry quite a bit of personality. The relationship between the family and Pacheco was also light, especially at the end, but I'm hoping this also deepens as the series goes on. Not that I'm expecting much because this is a fast-paced plot, which plants its feet in action and quirky magic fun. 

It's a nice start to the series with promises of much more to come.

Kitty-Corn Club: Parts of Us by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Today's read is the second in a series for the youngest readers out there...a board book. I haven't read the first one (because I barely ever do...call it fate), but I'm confident that this doesn't make a difference. I picked it up thanks to the fun animals on the cover. So colorful and playful! According to the description, it concentrates on the various body parts of these animals, which will help little bookworms learn the parts of a body. I'm assuming this won't go too deep and remain easy with things like wings and paws and such. But we'll see.

So, let's open this one up and take a look!

 

PARTS OF US

Kitty-Corn Club #2

by Shannon Hale

Illustrated by Leuyen Pham

Harry N. Abrams

Board Book

24 pages

ages 0 to 3

COMING...

MAY 18th!!!

This original concept board book celebrates what makes our bodies unique—from head to toe and horn to tail. From the bestselling and award-winning Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn creators, author Shannon Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham

All are welcome in the kitty-corn club! Whether you’re long-tailed or short-tailed, furry or feathered, taloned or tentacled, you are just right.

From head to toe and horn to tail, join Kitty and Unicorn—alongside Gecko, Parakeet, and a new Octopus friend—as they demonstrate, with humor and creativity, the many ways our bodies may be different, unique, and amazing.

Teeny-tiny mini-moo
Kitty-corns will read with you
Silly-willy hardy-hars
Let’s all look at body parts

Also Available in board
Kitty-Corn Things That Go

Available in
Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn
Party-Hearty Kitty-Corn
Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn
Itty-Bitty Kitty-CornT

GOODREADS     /     ABRAMS

MY TIDBITS

Super cute and quick, this is a fun book to grab some very simple body part basics while adding tons of smiles, too.

The unicorn, kitty, gecko, bird, and octopus show off various body parts they have in common. From backs to 'toes', a few parts are highlighted, each with the animal's twist. While joining in nicely, at first, the octopus soon runs into some snags...and a realization, which makes him a bit mopey. But the rest of the animals have a plan, which is sure to cheer him up again.

The book is brightly illustrated and concentrates on the animals. These are cheerful and energetic as they present their various body parts for all to see. The text plays around the illustration to add emphasis to increase the fun. The words are simple, and each phrase is kept to a few words at the most. 

Even reluctant listeners will be drawn in thanks to the familiar terms. The octopus's situation is no problem to understand for most listeners, and they will probably sympathize with the creature. There's a wholesome solution, which rounds the entire book off on a joyful note. It might also open up the door for a fun craft activity.

And here they are...

LeUyen Pham and Shannon Hale are the team behind the bestselling picture books Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn, Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn, Party Hearty Kitty-Corn, and Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn; the bestselling graphic novels Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever; and, with Dean Hale, the early chapter-book series the Princess in Black. They’ve made a bunch of other books, too. They are both moms of cat-loving kids, wives to book-creating husbands, honor award winners (Caldecott and Newbery), and believers in unicorns. Pham lives in Los Angeles, Hale lives in Utah, and together they know they can be—and make—anything.

If You Want to Make a Wish by Jennifer Adams

Today's read rings of hope, good feelings, and inspiration...at least, that's what I'm getting from the title and cover. A feel good read to calm and let the positivity of dreams flow. I remember trying out the wish making as a child. We wished on stars, birthday candles, and tossing pennies into fountains. None of them came true, but we didn't really expect them to. It was more for the fun of wishing with the tiny hope and dream that it might come true. Of course, not even a half an hour would go by, and the action was completely forgotten. But it was fun during those moments.

What did you wish on?

I'd say close your eyes and get ready to dream as I picked this one up, but that probably won't work since it is a book. So, off we go!

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A WISH

by Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by Sara Gillingham

Harry N Abrams

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

From the author of the bestselling BabyLit series, Jennifer Adams, comes a lyrical and empowering picture book about the many ways children can make a wish and how they can make their wishes—even the tough ones—come true

You can make a wish on many on a star, on a penny, or by blowing out the candles of your cake. Some wishes are easy but some are hard, like wishing people would be kind to each other or that your grandparent isn’t sick. But by taking action, we can make even the hardest wishes come true.

This mindful, warm text from author Jennifer Adams paired with the upbeat, bold art of Sara Gillingham shows the many ways we can help along even our toughest wishes.

GOODREADS     /     B&N     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This atmospheric read opens the door to many possibilities of making a wish with the dream of having them come true.

There are more than a few ways to make wishes, and these pages explore several of them. From pennies to flowers to stars, the various ways people make wishes is briefly explored. These are very simple methods, making them perfect for the intended reading audience to run out and try themselves. Never does the book claim that the wishes become reality, but rather, it invites to the dreams of what ifs which drive everyone.

The illustrations depict each moment with bright colors and details, which invite readers to come back and explore on their own. There's a playful touch to each one to give it a hint of child-like hope without leaving reality. The text stays light and carries the sense of dreams. It creates a calming read, while offering hope and good feelings the entire way through.

This makes a lovely read-aloud before quite moments or even bedtime. It works for group settings as well as single ones, and can also be read alone by those, who have a pretty good grip on their words. While it explores the various (and mostly, well-known ways of wishing), it keeps an almost prose-like atmosphere...and I can see more reluctant listeners scooting around if they aren't already on the way to settling down.

With wishes and dreams, it's a read to lean back and enjoy.