It's Almost Time for...Thanksgiving! by Maisha Oso

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR...THANKSGIVING!

by Maisha Oso

Illustrated by Tom Knight

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Picture Book  /   Holiday

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

How to Catch a Turkey meets The Night Before series in this vibrant picture book anticipating Thanksgiving, part of the laugh-out-loud rhyming It’s Almost Time For… series!

It’s almost time for Thanksgiving, and excitement is running high! It might not be here yet, but there’s so much to do before the joyful day arrives…

From family football gatherings to preparing the most fantastic and fanciful feast to watching wondrous parade floats on TV, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way…

It’s Almost Time for…Thanksgiving! is a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight!

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

 

MY TIDBITS

With holiday excitement, lots of activity, and humor packed in as well, this is a read to set the tone for Thanksgiving.

This is part of a series of books, each which centers around a different holiday. Thanksgiving hits center stage in this one...or rather, the preparations surrounding the holiday. Young listeners will get a chance to see how their Thanksgivings line-up with the one this boy experiences. Some activities will be the similar, while others might differ. It offers a great chance for listeners to discuss what their families do differently. Of course, the big turkey, family togetherness, and giving thanks round everything off with a sense of warmth and fun.

The illustrations are lively and offer listeners many details to sink into again and again. These allow small side aspects to trickle in alongside the main story line. For example, the lamb has got its head geared for a different holiday, which adds silliness, too. 

The text bounces with the same energy as the rest of the read to create a lovely group story time or for individuals as well. It's an enjoyable read to pick up for the holiday.

And here they are...

Maisha Oso is the author of picture books Buster the Bully, My Hair Is a Book, Before the Ships, and the It’s Almost Time For… series, as well as the Venus Washington chapter book series. She writes stories to empower, entertain, and encourage emotional intelligence in young children. A former strategy and analytics professional from New York City, Maisha is currently working in her most challenging role to date: a stay-at-home mom of three tiny humans. Visit her at MaishaOso.com.

After an enjoyable stint as a graphic designer, Tom Knight is now proud to be using his imagination as a full-time career. Drawing on a long and abiding love of imagery from children’s literature, Tom has worked for a diverse range of publishers, including Little Tiger Press, Templar, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Macmillan. He has also turned his hand to authoring his own titles and is the author and illustrator for the Good Knight, Bad Knight chapter book series and picture book Jimmy Finnigan’s Wild Wood Band. He does all this from a poorly temperature-controlled studio in the garden, where he is constantly distracted by the greedy birds that hang out by the feeder outside his window.

The Old Wooden House by Will Hackett-Jones

The second the author approached me with this read, my curiosity shot sky-high. It's a bedtime read without pictures with the purpose to be boring....not so boring that kids won't listen but boring enough to lull them to sleep. That sounds like a perfect bedtime read to me. So, let's see if it's as great as I hope it is.

THE OLD WOODEN HOUSE

or 'Yat, the boring story!'

by Will Hackett-Jones

Children's Fiction   /  Bedtime Story

50 pages

ages 3 to 7

The Old Wooden The "Post-Gruffalo" Secret to Winning Bedtime
Deliberately Designed Boredom to Lull Even the Most Restless Kids to Sleep

Are Bedtime Stories Keeping Your Kids Awake?

You’ve read about the Gruffalo, the witch, and the robot. Your child’s eyes are wide with excitement… and you know you’ve lost. The bedtime routine has failed. Most children's books are like a shot of espresso right before bed.

It’s Time for a New Strategy. It’s Time for Strategic Boredom.

"The Old Wooden House" is not a story. It’s a parenting hack. It’s the "post-Gruffalo" – the book you reach for after the fun story, specifically designed with one single to ensure no child makes it to the end.

How Does It Work?
Crafted by a British author and narrated in a deliberately mellifluous, monotonous tone, this book

Deliberately Dull A statistical analysis of the most soporific themes (fruit, insects, a family unit) ensures a high "Pleasantness Index" and a zero "Surprise & Delight Index."

Repetitive, Lulling To slow the evening down, not raise it.

Past Tense To evoke calm memories, not the excitement of the present.

No To allow the mind to relax and not be overstimulated.

GOODREADS      /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With the sole purpose to soothe and lull to sleep, these pages take listeners on a very gentle journey to guide to pleasant dreams.

This book has one purpose: to get kids to fall asleep. Through inviting imagery, these pages guide listeners on a short journey to an apple orchard to retrieve their favorite fruits and return to the house afterwards. The author first gives a short note on how he was inspired to write this book before giving directions on how this book can be read. These reading instructions follow with every 'chapter' break, helping to make sure the tale stays slow and calm. Each moment serves one purpose, to let listeners picture themselves in the described situations (visiting the orchard) and slowly sink into sleep.

At the end of the book are more bedtime tips, which include everything from sleeping temperatures to lavender scents. There are also questions listeners can answer as well as space for them to draw...of course, this section is not thought to be done during the bedtime read.

The entire thing is a calming, mental journey, which allows listeners to close their eyes and slowly feel themselves into the scene. The writing offers simple and familiar descriptions keeping the age group in mind the entire time. It's interesting enough to want to listen and enjoy but never adds even a hint of tension or hectic. Everything is positive and safe, allowing all senses to be mentioned so listeners can really sink into the moments. 

It's a lovely read and works very well for its purpose.

And here he is...

Will Hackett-Jones is a British writer from Needham Market, Suffolk. He has lived in St Petersburg since 2003. He previously founded and ran Cool English Magazine and later Eclectic Translations, a film-subtitling company. He now writes fiction, including the children’s bedtime book The Old Wooden House (ages 3–7; cover image only, no interior illustrations; for difficult nights and travel) and an adult novel in Russian. His work has been covered by BBC Suffolk and Virgin Radio.

Links:
https://willhj.com
BBC origin piece: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yg5vx3xp3o

Nikolas Nurdblok and the Lost Brick by Jeffrey Brown

Was anyone else a LEGO fan? My kids were....are still into LEGO building. Actually, this just inspired me to bring down the LEGO boxes for Thanksgiving. So, thank you book for that inspiration! Anyway, I was curious what this book holds. So, let's open it up and take a peek.

NIKOLAS NURDBLOK

AND THE LOST BRICK

by Jeffrey Brown

DK Flip

Children's Fiction   /   Graphic Novel

176 pages

ages 6 to 9

COMING OCTOBER 27th!!!

The heart-warming genius of bestselling cartoonist Jeffrey Brown meets the unlimited creativity of the LEGO Group in this awesome new adventure for kids aged 7+

Imagine a world where technology has been lost and people have forgotten how to build…

Nikolas Nurdblok is the youngest child in a family of adventurers who search for lost things. Now it is time for Nik to join the rest of his family for his FIRST ADVENTURE.

The problem is that Nik’s family don’t appreciate his genius. After a couple of mishaps that definitely weren’t Nik’s fault, his family set off to find a legendary LOST BRICK but leave him at home.

Nik decides he’s going anyway. His mum and dad didn’t say he couldn’t go - they just said he couldn’t go with them. And so, Nik and his loyal best friend Knute embark on an adventure that will (probably) change the world. OBVIOUSLY Nik can find the lost brick by himself and doesn’t need anyone else there … or does he?

An adventure full of laugh-out-loud moments and the occasional alligator, Nikolas Nurdblok and the Lost Brick is perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man and The 13-Storey Treehouse.

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. 2026 The LEGO Group.
Produced by DK Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 2SA under license from the LEGO Group.

GOODREADS      /       PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

LEGOs are all about inspiration, creation, and adventure...but this character proves that it's not always as easy as it seems.

It's Nik's big day! For the very first time, he can join his family on their adventures as LEGO hunters. It's their job to help people find missing LEGO pieces, which can lead to difficult situations and impossible quests. Nik knows he's ready, although his family teases him constantly about being so young and inexperienced. So when he messes up his very first mission, his ego takes a huge hit. Still, Nik isn't one to give up and wants to prove himself...which is easier said than done since his family sees him as the little brother who might not be even able to complete simple errands. After a few more mishaps (which are never his fault, he claims), he's left at home and told not to go anywhere. But he knows he can handle things on his own and decides to head out to prove it.

LEGO fans are sure to enjoy this. Not only is it a LEGO world with LEGO characters, but it awakens the treasure hunting spirit. The hunt for the missing LEGO is a situation that all builders face, at one time or another, and this book takes that down the fun lane that LEGO has had so many blocks throughout time, which have been forgotten or lost. Of course, this read centers around Nik, and while letting the LEGO enjoyment flow, the story also hits deeper notes. Nik is sure he's super talented and only needs the chance to prove himself. Unfortunately, he won't take the responsibility when things don't work out due to his mistakes. So, there's quite a bit of character growth mixed into the LEGO fun. Oh, and there's family dynamics with sibling taunting but founded in wholesome love.

The graphics carry a more casual direction which fits nicely with the story. The dialogue drives the tale forward and draws more than a few smiles with the humor...although some of it might go over younger readers' heads. It is a steady paced read with exciting moments and quite a bit of character inner workings. I expected something a bit more action packed but there are enough scenes to keep the plot driving forward, and it's not boring. It's sure to delight adventure and LEGO fans.

And here they are...

Cartoonist Jeffrey Brown is the New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning author of the Star Wars Darth Vader and Son and Jedi Academy series, as well as dozens of other comics and graphic novels, including Batman and Robin and Howard and Hulk Teach. He also teaches comics at the School of the Art Institute where he received his MFA, and when he's not drawing or writing, he's playing pickup soccer. Jeffrey lives in Chicago with his wife, two sons, dog, and cat.

Chris Nelson is a voice artist, actor, director, presenter and writer. His extensive voice credits include several major projects for Netflix, Disney and Peter Jackson. He has narrated Frank Lampard's Frankie's Magic Football series and Tom MItchell's How to Rob a Bank.

Jeffrey Brown is an Eisner Award-winning cartoonist best known for his internationally acclaimed Star Wars books, including Jedi Academy and the New York Times #1 bestseller Darth Vader and Son. A lifelong comics fan, Brown was pursuing his MFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago when he abandoned painting to write and draw his first graphic memoir, Clumsy. Since then, he has created dozens of comics and graphic novels for both adults and children, directed an animated video for the band Death Cab for Cutie, co-wrote the screenplay of the film Save The Date, and exhibited his artwork at galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Brown lives in Chicago with his wife and sons, along with their dog, and, of course, cat.

Socks and Secret Quests by Triona Murphy!

It's been a while since I hit pure fantasy...as in trolls, magical realms, dragons...or I believe there will be dragons? Honestly, I'm take a tiny peek but not much of one. I did notice that this is compared to Howl's Moving Castle (one of my personal favorite fantasies) and Dungeons & Dragons. I'm not sure how these two cross and am excited to see if this read compares with both or either one. 

So, grab those adventuring whatnots because we're off to accompany these characters on a journey.

SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS

The Wandering Shop Book 1

by Triona Murphy

Illustrated by James Firnhaber

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

Howl’s Moving Castle meets Dungeons & Dragons in this debut cozy illustrated middle grade fantasy adventure that follows an unlikely heroine who rallies a ragtag team to face a dark wizard, uncovering her own magic along the way.

Peri has been waiting for her magic to show up, but there’s been no sign of it since she was chosen as an Apprentice Shopkeeper a year ago. Now she travels with a magical shop that equips adventurers for their quests, unsure if she’ll ever do more than stock shelves, mend mittens, and knit non-magical hats that don’t do anything but keep heads warm.

Then a dark wizard kidnaps the Master Shopkeeper, intent on using her power to create an unstoppable army.

To save her master, Peri must leave the cozy shop and seek help from the closest adventuring party, who is really good at arguing and really bad at working together. As Peri’s magic unexpectedly begins to show itself in the items she’s knitting, it’s up to her and her team to stop the dark wizard before war breaks out—or it won’t be just her shop at stake but the entire kingdom.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With a shop, which reminds a little of Howl's Moving Castle, this is a quick-paced fantasy with characters to cheer for the entire way through.

Peri supposedly holds amazing magic inside of her. At least, that's what the trials claimed before she received her apprenticeship, but whatever super-amazing powers are there...well, she hasn't noticed them yet. Only if speed knitting counts as magic. Her apprenticeship at the magical, traveling shop is, actually, not bad. Her master is extremely kind and there is a wonderful blacksmith, who works there. The shop holds many surprises and makes unexpected jumps to new locations. Still, Peri had hoped to have a more adventurous life. When a dark wizard visits the shop and takes her master away, Peri is determined to do what she can to rescue the woman. She chases after a group of young heroes, hoping they can help, but instead of the chance to return to the shop, she's pulled into the adventure, too. Unfortunately, she's not sure how she can be of help to the small group as they go after the powerful, evil wizard, but she'll do about anything to get her master back.

Peri is a character to befriend. She's kind, thoughtful, adventurous, and brave. Plus, she knits very well, which is more of a bonus than many might think. The first chapters let the reader get to know her and the shop...and what a shop it is! It's hard not to want to visit it and travel along as it pops up here and there. This creates a warm beginning to an exciting and actio-packed adventure as Peri and her friends face one danger after the next. Each of the people in the group carry their own personalities and struggles, adding depth and several layers of subplots. Of course, their forming friendship is golden and inspires.

The tale moves along smoothly and never bores. Something is always happening whether magical, action orientated, or handling other issues. There's messages about friendship, teamwork, believing in yourself, and stepping beyond comfort zones. Then, there's the knitting, which adds a nice twist. The author also includes some basic knitting vocabulary and a project for a hat at the end. I was a little surprised that there isn't a book in the series before this one, which describes Peri's time at the apprentice trials. But on the other hand, it's also nice to skip over this more cliche trope and dig into the 'after the trials' right away.

Fantasy fans are going to want to give this one a go and want to get to know this group of adventurers. I'm not sure if another book is planned to make this into a series, but I do hope one is on its way because this group seems like they're just getting started.

And here they are...

Triona Murphy designs (unfortunately nonmagical) knitting patterns, which provided the inspiration for Peri’s unique magic in The Wandering Shop series. She lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband and three kids in a house overflowing with board games and books. Visit her online at TrionaMurphy.com.

James Firnhaber is an illustrator based in Philadelphia. His work draws on his love of mythology, magical realism, graphic novels, and traditional animation. When they’re not illustrating, James designs board games and helps run the Game Makers Guild of Philadelphia. Besides drawing and designing games, James loves discovering new music, baking bread, and spending time with their partner cooking, watching monster of the week shows, and exploring the city. Visit him online at JamesFirnhaber.com.

Seven Million Steps by Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory

Today's read head into the nonfiction realm and takes a look at a little-known achievement during the 1970s. A gentleman named Dick Gregory decided to run about 50 miles a day and cross the entire United States from Los Angeles to New York (I believe). His arrival was scheduled to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the US. The entire reason for this venture was to raise awareness for hunger, which it did.

So, let's see how this book presents this amazing moment.

SEVEN MILLION STEPS

The True Story of Dick Gregory's 

Run for the Hungry

by Derrick Barnes

Christian Gregory

Illustrated by Frank Morrison

Amistad Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

From award-winning creators, Derrick Barnes, Frank Morrison, and Dr. Christian Gregory comes the true story of comedian and activist Dick Gregory’s remarkable Food Run of 1976.

1 man. 1,011 hours. 3,200 miles. 7 million steps.

What would you do?

In April of 1976, Dick Gregory sets off on a Herculean and grueling two-and-a-half month run. His goal: to raise awareness about the epidemic of poverty and hunger in America.

Sleeping in motels and consuming nothing but fruit juices, vitamins and water, he runs from Los Angeles to New York City. And in each city, he stops to speak the truth about injustice. About the plight of the penniless. About the hopeless.

Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter come together to ask you—yes you—what would you do if you had a wild idea to stand up for something you believe in? Find out how far Dick Gregory’s belief in feeding the hungry took him in this unforgettable story of an incredible journey that still reverberates today.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Instead of presenting a historical rundown of Dick Gregory's amazing run, these pages draw the reader personally in and emotionally bring across the journey.

This is a brightly and artistically illustrated book, which makes it enjoyable simply to pick up and gaze at each scene. The illustrative style not only brings across the individuals well but also lets the artist deliver various scenes and landscapes that Dick passed to hit with beauty and heart. So, this aspect alone was already enjoyable. 

The book speaks directly to the reader, often asking questions to personally tie them to Dick's experience. At the same time, the reason behind Dick's undertaking as well as a couple highlights are sprinkled in along the way to give it historical meaning and not let the events pass by unnoticed. But this read is all about the emotional connection, which not only does a nice job at making the hunger issue clear in the beginning but also illustrates the difficulty of the journey as well as the lovely sense of community Dick met along the way. 

Especially classrooms, homeschoolers, or anyone interested in themes surrounding hunger, Dick Gregory, or changing the world in different ways will find this book especially useful. I see this as a better fit for the upper end of the age group, since it does open up nicely to discussions. The end of the read offers more facts concerning Dick Gregory's run as well as more information about hunger and the like, which adds a nice touch and some more threads for discussions and research. I, personally, would have enjoyed a little more backstory on Dick Gregory (who he was before undertaking the run) and what affects the run had after he was done. But this is a nice, general flow of the run and inspires listeners/readers letting them know that there are things almost everyone can do to make a difference.

And here they are...

Derrick Barnes is the creator of the New York Times bestselling companion picture books The King of Kindergarten and The Queen of Kindergarten. His graphic novel Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice was a National Book Award finalist and won many other awards. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning picture book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, which received a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. Derrick currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his enchanting wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes, and their four sons, the Mighty Barnes Brothers. You can visit him online at derrickdbarnes.com.

Growing up in New Jersey, Frank Morrison began developing his own style through "R.I.P" art scenes that brought him considerable street recognition and local acclaim. But it wasn’t until he visited the Louvre Museum in Paris with his dancing group that he realized painting was his true creative path. His talent and hard work paid off with over twenty illustrated children’s books, including the Coretta Scott King—John Steptoe Award winner Jazzy Miz Mozetta and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. Frank lives in Georgia with his family.