The Albcell Zoo by Gazmend Ceno

With school's finishing off the last school year and summer break rolling in, today's read seemed a perfect addition for puzzle fans to slide in during the upcoming weeks. From what I can tell, Albcell is a certain puzzle format, which works with numbers. It is so constructed to include various illustrations of, in this case, zoo animals. I'd never heard of albcell before, and as a puzzle fan, this definitely caught my attention. I'm hoping that this is one of those books, which is ideal for taking along on road trips, vacations, day adventures, visits to relatives, and more. 

Let's open it up and see if it's great for these type of activities or not!

THE ALBCELL ZOO

Albcell Smart Scholastic, Vol. 2

by Gazmend Ceno

Albcell Group Publishing

Middle Grade Puzzles

110 pages

ages 8 to 10

The Albcell Zoo.  We’re off to the zoo in this latest edition of Albcell! Crack the crafty creature conundrums and make many new animal friends as you peruse this edition of the celebrated picture puzzles for children ages 8–10. Unlike traditional puzzles, Albcell puzzles combine letters, shapes, and patterns, encouraging kids to explore how they connect. The result is a fun, hands-on way to strengthen alphabet recognition, observation, and early thinking skills.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON 

MY TIDBITS

Puzzlers have plenty to do as they work through numbers and visual fun.

I hadn't run across Albcell puzzles before but was immediately drawn into the mix of numbers and images. These take a lean toward Sudoku and Co. but add more variety, some extra learning nods, and image fun. The first 17 or so pages carefully lay out how these puzzles work. The author takes the time to go step-by-step through the logic with plenty of examples for readers to work with to make things clear. With a natural and relaxed conversation style, the instructions are interesting to read, but more importantly, even those puzzlers, who need more time to understand something, will enjoy the careful and thought out breakdown.

The puzzles add a playful twist thanks to the images and incorporate these into the 'rules' nicely. Like Sudoku and Co., the numbers 1-9 are used with the same idea that each number can only be used once in each designated 'box', column or row. And that's where the similarities end. In Albcell, the 'boxes' are drawn areas, which adds visual fun and a little more abstract thought. There are also diamonds and circles involved, which designate odd or even numbers—so math ideas work their way in, too. It aids logic, number comfort, patterns, and more. And each puzzle is offered in three steps: one with just even, one with just odd, and one with both types of numbers needing to be discovered. So, it works for various levels and variety. The solutions are at the end of the book.

I found this to be a fun book for puzzle fans, and it'd be ideal for car rides, vacations, down-times, waiting times, and more. There are plenty of puzzles to keep readers busy and they progress in difficulty a bit as the book goes on. Plus, the beginning instructions are very well done. In other words, this is one to pick up and enjoy.

And here he is...

Gazmend Ceno is a writer, violinist, and puzzle creator whose work brings together art, language, and logic. He began publishing poetry and prose in Albania while still in high school and released his first poetry collection in 1999. After moving to the United States, he published Single Cloud, a collection of poetry in English, and translated several works into Albanian.  Gazmend creates puzzles for readers who enjoy creative thinking, sharp logic, and a real mental challenge. If you like puzzles that push you to think in a fresh way, explore the Albcell series and get your copy today.

Cora's Beach Adventure by Sally M. Walker

We're going to stick to those beginning readers out there, today, with another read, which works on those reading skills. This one comes from the STEAM Street Kids series, books which combine reading levels (1-3) with STEAM themes. So, double-whammy goodness. I have not taken a peek at this series before and am excited to see what these books hold, especially since this one is giving Summer vibes and promises fun in the water and sand. 

Get on those swimsuits because we're headed to the beach today!

CORA'S BEACH ADVENTURE

STEAM Street Kids, Level 3

by Sally M. Walker

Illustrated by Julie Kwon

MIT Kids Press

Beginning Reader

48 pages

ages 5 to 7

COMING JULY 7th!!!

Keep kids curious with this exciting first adventure in the STEAM Street Kids early-reader series, following Cora on a day of fun, science-based adventures at the beach.

Pack your beach bag and join Cora and Gran for some discoveries by the shore! Test sand to figure out what kind makes the best castle. Find out how sea animals survive low tide. Investigate sea stars in a tide pool—and rescue them from drying out. And what tops off a day at the beach better than a big ice cream sundae? The welcoming text by nonfiction author extraordinaire Sally M. Walker, ideal for early readers moving into chapter books, is followed by back matter expounding on the three STEAM concepts introduced and inviting kids to experiment with their own sandcastle-building activity.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A day at the beach involves sand castles, ice cream, and an exciting rescue mission, while including small activities readers can do too.

Cora and Gran are going to the beach for the day. Cora is determined to build sand castles, but it's not working as nicely as she'd hoped. As she tries to figure out the reason, she visits to the tide pools to discover what the receded water has left behind and learns a little bit more about sea life while finding a creature, who needs help immediately. 

The book begins with a quick description of the series, in general, allowing guardians, teachers, and caretakers to understand the different reading levels within the series and better decide which would be best for their circumstances. Then, it heads to a table of contents, so readers can quickly find where they last left off. After that, the tale begins. It's written in larger font with plenty of spacing for easy reading purposes. The sentences are kept very short, while the vocabulary adds a few more difficult terms here and there to work those word skills. There are always illustrations to help readers along. These are bright and bring over the scenes nicely, while supporting the text visually. At the end of the book, there are several pages of knowledge, experiment, and activity goodness. These work best for caretakers to help guide the readers through. All are easy to understand, offer insight into scientific themes (such as tides), and fitting for the age group. The hands-on activities include usual household items as well or things which are no problem to get.

Cora is a energetic and positive character, and it's hard not to want to be on that beach with her. Her discoveries are exciting while staying very age appropriate. Especially those who have been to a beach before will easily recognize some of the scenes. Those who haven't will have no problem visualizing each moment and learning more about the beach. Gran offers wonderful support and adds tons of care and warmth. It's also fun to see her play with Cora and get involved in everything. Add that the science information rolls smoothly into the tale, and it's a fun read the entire way through.

 

Once Upon A Tail by Audrey Perrott

It looks like today's read packs tons of good vibes and fun. This book is for beginning readers and uses the graphic novel format. Telling by the two characters on the cover, it's not going to be a boring tale, either. I'm expecting humor, a bit of ridiculousness, friendship goodness, and some Midieval moments. 

Let's get ready to smile and head right in!

ONCE UPON A TAIL

Once Upon A Tail #1

by Audrey Perrott

Illustrated by Charlene Chua

Harry N. Abrams

Children's Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

72 pages

ages 6 to 9

Full of heart and humor, this early reader graphic novel series stars two best friends in a fantastical medieval setting, perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Peter & Ernesto

Wallace is a knightly horse who loves rules. Poppy is a free-spirit dragon who loves adventure.

These two unlikely pals disagree on most everything—but still manage to have a lot of fun-filled shenanigans together in the Land of La-Dee-Dah.

Told in three short and silly stories with subtle social-emotional themes, this young graphic novel follows the everyday adventures of two best buds as they step out of their comfort zones, discover hidden powers, and eat a LOT of banana pudding. With a high-interest fantasy setting, accessible reading level, and kid-perfect humor, this series is designed for emerging and reluctant readers alike. 

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These two best friends are ready for adventure thanks to their amazing imaginations, a bit of humor, and a few, unexpected revelations along the way.

Wallace is a horse, and Poppy is a dragon, and these two are as good of friends as friends can be. Poppy also embraces fun with a good portion of fantasy, but then, she is a dragon. Or a superhero? Or a banana pudding fan? Poppy is ready to be whatever she wants to be, but Wallace reminds her that dragons should follow some rules. The two go back and forth in enjoyable ways as they discover who they are and who they want to be.

There are three, short tales in this book, each one heading through a small adventure. A Table of Contents in the beginning helps readers immediately go to their favorite one. The first follows Poppy as she wants to prove to Wallace that she, a dragon, can be a superhero...and maybe, horses like him too. The second dives into preconceptions and yummy foods. The last slides by with pure fun and misunderstandings to round everything off with smiles pure. Oh, and there's a final scene with a last, cute interview of the characters. Each tale promises giggles while working in a bit of a message, but it stays silly, adorable, and, for all things, highlights how amazing friendship can be.

The illustrations are bright and bold, bringing across the personalities of Wallace and Poppy nicely. They let the humor work in right along with the text and help beginning readers follow the story while they read the words. The text is set for those readers who are pretty sure of their words but could use a little more practice. It's kept short and to the point to keep even more reluctant readers from growing frustrated. 

It will be fun to see what this enjoyable duo will be up to next.

And here they are...

Audrey Perrott is the award-winning author of the beloved picture books Moo Hoo, Baa Haa, and A Hat for House, as well as board books and many nonfiction books for kids. She believes funny books are just as important as serious ones, and writes both in her North Carolina home. 

Charlene Chua is the illustrator of the Amy Wu picture book series and Love, Violet, a 2023 Stonewall Award winner. When they are not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. She now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.

Little Ghost's Summerween by Mattie Edkins Willis

A few days ago, I reviewed a book which would fit nicely to Halloween. Today, I'm stepping up the game and have a book, which celebrates Halloween during the summer! This is the second book in a series about these characters, and I reviewed the first one on here around two years ago (HERE) 

Since I found that one cute and fun, I was excited to get my hands on this second adventure.

So, off we go!

LITTLE GHOST'S SUMMERWEEN

by Maggie Edkins Willis

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

Little Ghost tries to pick the perfect party theme for his summer birthday in this charming picture book companion to Little Ghost Makes a Friend by bestselling author-illustrator Maggie Edkins Willis.

Little Ghost loves parties, but he’s only ever had the Halloween kind! After attending his first ever birthday party, Little Ghost decides to throw one of his own. His good friend Anya says his party should celebrate Little Ghost and what he likes most. That’s easy—Little Ghost loves Halloween with all its bats, black cats, candy corn, and pumpkins. There’s just one it’s summertime. And Halloween and summer just don’t mix…or do they?

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The thrill of birthday parties meets sunshine, friendship, and spooky nods in a read perfect for Summer.

Little Ghost just received his very first invitation to a birthday party ever! He's always enjoyed Halloween parties, but now, that he has human friends, things are changing. And he's nervous. Luckily, his friend Anya has been invited, too, and can help him with the adventure. Highs and lows hit, but his first birthday party leads to something more. He wants to throw his own birthday party, and he's not sure how to pull it off, especially since it's still summer time.

This is the second book in the Little Ghost series, and now, we meet the Little Ghost as he already has a best friend in Anya and has made several other friends. While he is a ghost...and cute, his situation is also one readers will be able to identify with. He's excited to go to a birthday party but, at the same time, is very nervous and unsure. This desire to want to do everything right makes him relatable and easy to cheer for, especially with Anya's golden friendship at his side. And the end slides in a lovely message about also staying true to yourself to wrap things up nicely.

The illustrations bring across the scenes with details and life, making each one enjoyable to revisit and discover something new each time. Even when Little Ghost is down, the atmosphere remains positive the entire way through. The text fits nicely to the age group and creates a good read-aloud. The plot moves along quickly, making it interesting for even more impatient listeners. 

It's a lovely tale, and it will be fun to see what Little Ghost and Anya experience next.

And here she is...

Maggie Edkins Willis grew up in Missouri and Maine. She now writes and illustrates books for children from her home studio in the Hudson Valley, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her debut picture book, Little Ghost Makes a Friend, is a bestseller. She is also the creator of the picture books Little Ghost’s Summerween, Dinky the Tinysaur, and Thunderland, and the middle grade graphic novel Smaller Sister. You can visit her online at MaggieMadeThis.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Deepa M.D. by Priya Swaminathan

Ready to scream and cheer? Why? Because it's time to celebrate another book birthday! If I could, I'd blow up balloons and offer cake to everyone every time we get to celebrate a book birthday...but I guess we're left with virtual everything.

Today's read hits the shelves tomorrow and caught my interest due to the M.D. aspect. Doctor tales are very popular among adults, and I'm betting that younger audiences would enjoy some of that, too. Obviously, there's a little bit of a problem to slide it over, though. I'm especially curious about this tale, since my eldest daughter is currently halfway through med-school and stressing over her first round of tests this month. (I'm cheering her on, too.) So, I'm curious to see how this book works with this M.D. side, and that in a way middle graders can connect with.

Let's take a look and find out!

DEEPA, M.D.

by Priya Swaminathan

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Contemporary

256 pages

ages 8 to 12

A precocious seventh grader whose cancer has recently gone into remission assists her “medical detective” uncle while readjusting to life in middle school in this heartwarming and funny middle grade debut novel that’s Front Desk meets Roll with It.

Twelve-year-old Deepa is ready to un-pause her life. After spending a year in the hospital, she’s itching for things to go back to the way they were before she got sick.

Only everything’s changed. Her parents treat her like she’s made of glass, there’s a mean girl out to get her, and her best friend Renée forgot to mention she has a whole new life now.

But when her Uncle Jai, a genius doctor that patients love to hate and the “Sherlock Holmes” of medical mysteries, needs her help with a tricky case involving a teenage patient, Deepa steps up to the plate—because she knows better than anyone what it’s like to be sick.

But why, oh why, did her first patient have to be her bully’s older brother?

As the case spirals and her illness flares up, Deepa quickly learns that if she wants to save her patient, she’ll have to diagnose what’s going on inside herself first.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Helping others with a sense of mystery mixes with the struggles of dealing with cancer and friendship drama to form a rich read.

Deepa has been battling leukemia and is, finally, at a stage where she's slowly working her way back into a somewhat normal life and heading back to school. This is proving to be difficult since there are things she still needs to watch compared to other kids her age and the friendship dynamics have changed drastically during the year she was at the hospital. So, there's a tumult of social drama she needs to deal with. But she's found a new aspect of life, too. Her uncle is a doctor, who only does house calls for those who don't want to go to a doctor's office for various reasons. Unfortunately, his bedside manner is awful. When Deepa gets the rare chance to accompany him on a trip and ends up meeting one of her idols, things change. Deepa can do what her uncle can't...relate to the people. Thanks to her own sickness, she has insights he doesn't. But when a trip with her uncle results in a very tough case to diagnose and it connects to bullying at school, too, life gets really sticky.

There are more than a couple things to enjoy in this read. First, Deepa's struggles with cancer are brought across with care, heart, and give awareness to the difficulties individuals like Deepa might face. Deepa isn't completely in the clear of her cancer battle, although she's getting close. She not only has to watch how she goes about her day and life...which makes her stick out at school...but she still carries the weight and also deals with the self-imaging issues that come with it. While this is brought across clearly, Deepa also tackles everything in a wholesome way, which makes her easy to cheer for. Her desire to help others, who are dealing with their own issues, is inspiring. Secondly, the doctor aspect is well done. Of course, Deepa isn't medically knowledgeable, and she doesn't even try to go there. By letting her uncle take over that aspect, the author has found a clever way to work in medical mysteries and challenges in a believable way while keeping Deepa tightly involved. The author's own medical knowledge offers a wonderful basis for this side, and the information is brought across clearly and understandably, while giving the needed sense of medical facts. And it fits the age group well while adding an interesting, mystery aspect. Thirdly, we have the family dynamics. Deepa garners a lot of support and care, which allow her to shine. Yet, the parents' concerns are also clear and clash with her own hopes realistically. Lastly, we have the friend drama. This aspect also adds a realistic touch on what individuals like Deepa face when they need to leave school life for awhile and come back, not only with their own health changes, but face the change that others went through during this time. Unfortunately, it's this friend drama, which also took up too much space, in my opinion, compared to the other aspects. There is so much back and forth on this end that it makes the story slightly confusing, at times, and pulls away from the more interesting aspects surrounding Deepa and the medical mysteries. Sometimes, less is more, and the friendship drama hits that here for me.

All in all, this is well done and keeps the pacing high throughout. Deepa is a character to root for, and I hope we get to see more of her in the future as she accompanies her uncle on visits, since this is such a clever way to open the theme door to middle graders and a fun read.

And here she is...

Priya Swaminathan lived the dream of making movies and TV shows for twenty years before deciding to become a children’s author. In addition to writing, she is embarking on a new journey into medicine by studying nursing at UCLA. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and hopes that someday she’ll convince her husband to get a dog.