Little Ghost and the Robot by David Litchfield

I know...I know. It's not time for spooks and Halloween goodness, yet. But for my defense, I don't think today's read is truly a Halloween read. At least, it's not giving me those vibes. I'm willing to bet that this is an 'all year around' read with friendship at the center of everything. And maybe, going beyond one's own borders? At least, the spooky house on one side and modern city on the other are hints of that. I like the cover quite a bit...all of those colors! And the twinkle stars! And the smiling robot! As you can tell, I wasn't about to let this one pass on by.

So, grab that sunscreen (we're still in for very hot temperatures here) and a glass of iced...well, whatever...and let's dive in!

LITTLE GHOST AND THE ROBOT

by David Litchfield

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 7

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

Meet Little Ghost and Robot in this spellbinding tale about chosen family and what it means to belong, from the creator of the prize-winning Bear and the Piano series.

Little Ghost and Robot make unlikely friends: one is emotional, the other logical. But they have something important in common—they know what it’s like to be different.

As they journey through the bustling city together, they encounter moments of quiet courage that help each of them see the world in new and surprising ways. These discoveries reveal to Little Ghost and Robot not only the wonder that exists beyond the walls of their old lives, but also the strength that comes from standing side by side.

Over the course of a sweeping adventure, the pair realize that, while the world may see them as outsiders, they can find belonging in each other—a sense of connection that makes each one finally feel as though they have found their forever home.

Written and illustrated by bestselling creator and exceptional talent, David Litchfield, this moving picture book offers readers a heartfelt celebration of friendship, courage, and found family.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Loneliness slides into golden friendship and so much more in a touching adventure.

Little Ghost enjoys living in her old house off on its own. The only thing which bothers her a little bit is that she doesn't have a friend to visit with. When a big box is dropped off at the house, she's more than curious and discovers a robot inside. The robot immediately agrees to learn how to play games with her, and the two have a great time. But then, they realize that the box was delivered to the wrong address. Afraid that the robot might miss out on meeting his true family, the Little Ghost very hesitantly agrees to accompany him on a trip to find them. But they discover something surprising along the way.

This is one of those books, which lets fantasy fly and invites in like a warm hug. The Little Ghost is a kind, timid, and pleasant character, which would make the perfect friend, and Robot might carry a little more perk but he's just as cheerful, open, and sweet. The blooming friendship will have listeners wishing they could meet and join both of them, too. The adventure holds surprises but stays gentle and adds another very kind character to the mix. There's a tiny bit of tension as the Robot discovers the true address he was intended for, and this creates a well-rounded tale. The end leaves a smile on the face and will, most likely, invite the word 'again'.

The illustrations are detailed, created with care, and bring each scene across nicely. Listeners will enjoy visiting these on their own even if they can't read the words. Those readers, who are practicing their words, will find assistance thanks to the lovely scenes. The story itself flows smoothly and creates a nice read-aloud for group or individual settings. It even works nicely as a bedtime read thanks to the soothing atmosphere. The messages surrounding friendship, meeting new people, and stepping beyond your own comfort zone come across while being neatly woven into the plot. It's an enjoyable read from the first page to the last.

And here he is...

DAVID LITCHFIELD is an award-winning and bestselling author-illustrator. He wrote and illustrated The Bear and the Piano, the first in a series which has sold over 800,000 copies around the world, been published in 37 languages, and won numerous awards—including Bank Street Children’s Book of the Year and Kirkus Best Book of the Year—as well as receiving starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. David has also illustrated stories by much-loved authors, including Kate DiCamillo, books for Stacy McAnulty’s major bestselling Our Universe series, and Smriti Halls’ Rain Before Rainbows, which was the recipient of the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award. Follow him on Instagram under the handle @david_c_litchfield

The Band From Another World by Kevin Garone

Ready for some crazy science fiction? I'm pretty sure today's read is going to shoot out of this world in many ways, especially since I reviewed the second book in this trilogy about this same time last year (see the post HERE). That book definitely danced to its own tune while offering tons of excitement. And this book sounds a little less quirky...and even more fun. 

So, let's sit back and see what these notes play!

THE BAND FROM ANOTHER WORLD

An Alien Survival Guide Novel #3

by Kevin Garone

Temor Press

Middle Grade Science Fiction

182 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 8th!!!

When Marv traces a mysterious transmission to an abandoned house, he’s ready to finally uncover proof of an otherworldly invasion. But when he and his friends sneak inside, they don’t find aliens.

Instead, they find a dusty basement full of musical instruments.

To Marv’s friends, this means one thing: instant rock band. But Marv was right to be suspicious. Strange shadows reach from the walls. Faces flicker in the dark. Worst of all, his friends start acting off. Like they’re not entirely themselves anymore.

And it’s happening to Marv, too.

Suddenly, he can play guitar like a total legend—no practice, no lessons, no explanation. But every note pulls him in deeper. The thoughts in his head aren’t all his. And the music doesn’t want to stop.

Can Marv uncover the truth behind the transmission before he loses himself completely?

Because something else is listening to the broadcast. And it’s not here for the music.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

This is an exciting mix of scifi, mystery, humor, and even some spooky nods to darker chills.

After the other adventures, Marv is definitely on the lookout for aliens, especially since he picked up a signal with a voice buzzing something about a homing device. As far as he can tell, it's coming from an abandoned house...the perfect hideout for aliens. While investigating the house with two friends, a fall through the floor reveals a basement with an entire collection of instruments for a band. There's also a noise from the sky, which can only mean one thing. Aliens. But there's nothing really there, so he can't be 100% sure. His friends, who aren't as alien-orientated as he, are excited to find the instruments, and the moment they pick them up, they can play like professional musicians. Marv is sure it's still alien related, especially since his amp keeps giving that same homing message, but the others strike it off as hobby CB signals gone wrong. When a new member joins the band, who is just as alien focused as he is, he's not sure what to think. Plus, something isn't right with the entire band thing. He even calls in a ghost-hunting team to see if they can help figure things out. But none of that ends well or brings him a step further, and he can hardly go against his friends. So, when a contest for bands arises, the entire group is ready to show their talent. And that is when everything goes completely out of control.

And yes, the blurb I just gave only warms up this adventure. So to say that  his is a very, fast-paced tale, is an understatement. It dives forward the entire way through without ever losing a beat and keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what in the universe will happen next. This is science fiction, but it's also so much more, and I can easily see non-scifi gurus enjoying this one...as long as they love fast-paced, quirky adventure with a dose of paranormal directions and even creepy vibes. In other words, it's a bit of a genre bender. Marv is a very energetic kid with a huge imagination, which isn't really just imagination since he has been battling insane, alien situations in the first two books of this trilogy (and no, it's not necessary to read those before diving into this one since each can be seen as its own adventure). His thoughts can be a bit sporadic and his decisions unexpected, but this kid has experience. It adds a hectic fun, which reminded me a tad bit of The Goonies. The darker tones also fit, in a different way. But there is still tons of science fiction, too, and that pushes belief in quirky and enjoyable ways.

Readers who love the unexpected, nonstop action, a little heart, the possibility of rocking it as a band, and strange situations will want to give this one a go.

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks by Georgia Channon

It's been a bit since I picked up a true, middle grade fantasy...as in one that heads into another world with magical creatures and the like. Today's read takes two characters from very different worlds and places them in...if I understood this correctly...a possible war between worlds. This book released in paper format last year but is, now, coming out in ebook and audiobook formats. The reviews have been pretty good, so far, so I'm curious to see how exciting it truly is.

Settle back into those chairs because we're heading into adventure pure! (I hope)

THE CURSE OF THE SILVAN OAKS

by Georgia Channon

Pushkin Children's Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

223 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st in Ebook and Audio Versions!!!

All is not well in the kingdom of Silvanland. An ancient feud between Queen Titania and King Oberon has turned into a merciless war, and a deadly curse festers in the sacred woods.

When young Prince Cory is kidnapped by Oberon's ruthless soldiers, the Silvan forces think all hope is lost. But fate has other plans. In the mortal world, hidden away in an old oak tree, there lies a portal. And through this portal a girl called Oli will soon fall. Her arrival in the magical land will change everything...

Thrown together unexpectedly, Oli and Cory find the fate of the Silvan kingdom now rests on their shoulders. Together they must escape the clutches of the wicked Queen Hellebore and travel to the very ends of the magical kingdom on a dangerous quest. They will face ruthless monsters and old, wicked magic, and will find help in the strangest of places.

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks is the sensational debut novel from author Georgia Channon, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is a richly imagined, multiple perspective fantasy novel, set in the opulent fairytale world of Sacromund. With echoes of the great fantasy classics such as The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, this feast of a novel is sure to delight any reader looking for a magical new read.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With the atmosphere of epic fantasy, this tale dives into danger and magic with two characters to root for.

Oli is as normal as normal can be, so when she falls through a portal in a tree to find herself in a magical land, it's the last thing she expected to have happen to her. Then, there's Prince Cory who has been kidnapped by enemy forces as his kingdom faces the wrath of an evil queen. Together, the two set out on a quest to save Prince Cory's kingdom. But with dangerous monsters, evil intentions, and magic involved this is going to be more than just a difficult task. 

If I had to compare this to a tale, I'd say it carries whispers of Narnia...but I say this with a broad reach. The world building in this book is rich. Very rich. The author adds details to bring the scenes and characters to visual life. This isn't done in a information drop, either, but rather filters in as necessary to create a smooth connection with the story flow. There are also quite a few characters and aspects involved. While Oli and Cory are the main characters and heroes of the tale, they are by no means alone. There's a huge wealth of personalities, creatures, and individuals, who play a role in the adventure and quest. From this side, the book leans toward the higher end of the intended age group and will delight fantasy fans with the imagination, intrigue, and world details. At the same time, other aspects run lighter. The magic and other rules aren't well laid out in comparison, and the vast amount of characters in less than 300 pages means that there is less development on that end. This side snuggles in nicely to the middle grade audience and leaves space for the adventure to unfold.

Oli and Cory draw in with their determination, forming friendship, and heart. Both are easy to root for as they try their best to overcome the impossible task. Readers get to know both as the chapters flip between their points of view. Other characters, however, aren't forgotten as the chapters switch to other perspectives as well. This helps the tale gain needed insight and stay compact, but also takes away from needed time with Oli and Cory, leaving them feeling a bit light, at times. The tale moves along quickly to keep readers in the pages and speeds toward the end. It will be interesting to see if a book two since there are enough open strings to latch onto, but this ending satisfies as well.

Fans of rich world building are sure to enjoy this one. 

So Many Questions by Belen Medina

Today's read caught my attention because it's a theme which sits close to home. It's simply a topic all families discuss, when an immigrant member is involved. I've always wondered what the test looks like because I've never really done the research to see, but I know there is one. So, this is going to be informative for me, too. 

Will young readers enjoy it? Well, that depends on how it's done. And that's why I'm curious to take a peek and see what's inside!

SO MANY QUESTIONS

Abuelita Becomes a US Citizen

by Belen Medina

Illustrated by Heidi Moreno

Quill Tree Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Inspired by the author’s own abuelita, this tribute to becoming a US citizen follows a young girl who helps her grandmother prepare for America’s citizenship test.

Anita’s abuela is taking a very important test soon: the exam to become a US citizen! If Abuelita passes, she’ll finally be able to achieve her life-long dream. Anita and her abuela review the questions everywhere they go: at the tiendita, at the open mercado, all around the barrio. But will Abuelita pass the test?

This ode to immigrants, beautifully brought to life by illustrator Heidi Moreno, will fascinate and educate readers about what it takes to become a US citizen.

• Includes the full list of questions for the US citizenship test – with answers
• Inspired by the author’s grandmother’s path to citizenship

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With grandparent-grandchild warmth, these pages present the tension and hard work needed to pass the US citizenship test.

Anita's abuela has lived in the US for a long time and is about to take her test to become a US citizen. There are so many questions she needs to know the answers to. Luckily, Abuelita has always been known to have a great memory. Still, she studies the questions and answers rigorously, taking them with her everywhere she goes.

The book begins with an illustration presenting the questions of the US citizenship test listed on pages of paper. So, listeners/readers know right away what Anita's abuela is learning. Abuelita is then introduced as she sits at a kitchen table, studying away. Each page presents her learning in various places as Anita accompanies her through daily activities and constantly quizzes her. The scenes are familiar and add a lovely backdrop as the questions hit, one after the other. It's never boring, lets the nervousness come to life, and lets readers gently connect with Anita and Abuelita. Both come across as kind and cheerful, making it easy to hope that Abuelita can pass the test.

The text allows the questions to seep in with a sense of fun and flows nicely for the age group. It creates a lovely read-aloud, which should even hold reluctant listeners' attentions. There's a sense of playfulness to keep everything from growing serious or boring, and a littl tension grows the entire way through. The questions at the beginning of the book add a bit of fun as listeners/readers can see how many answers they know themselves. The answers are listed at the end of the book which I appreciate, too.

It's a touching read, which raises respect for those immigrants who took the path to US citizenship, while bringing in family goodness as well.

Boogy & Tee and Twinkle & Hew by Kathy Stinson

Today's read caught my attention due to the illustrations style on the cover. Plus, it involves two pairs of main characters, which could be kind of fun, too. This should surround a tale in which both pair takes a very different boat to sea, and their experiences are very different because of that. I'm ready to see what it's about, so let's just open it up and jump right in.

BOOGY & TEE AND TWINKLE & HEW

by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Mark Hoffmann

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

Two boats at sea, struck by a storm, are impacted very differently — a tale about economic inequality and climate change, patterned on a classic poem.

Four characters go to sea in two very different boats with two very different reasons — Boogy and Tee set off in a luxury yacht for a vacation, while Twinkle and Hew set out in a tiny fishing dory in search of their next meal. When a storm blows up, the fishing dory soon breaks apart, casting Twinkle and Hew into the sea. The yacht hits a large rock, and as water pours into the hold, Boogy can do nothing but wail about losing his precious possessions. Then Tee spots Twinkle and Hew clinging to the remains of their boat and insists they go to the rescue — a decision that saves them all.

Inspired by Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat,” Kathy Stinson’s story-poem with its rollicking, sea-faring rhythm and sprinkling of invented vocabulary combines with Mark Hoffmann’s quirky, playful art to create a funny tale that speaks to urgent issues.

Includes as afterword a brief quotation adopted and retweeted by Greta Thunberg: “Stop saying that we’re all in the same boat. We’re all in the same storm. But we’re not all in the same boat.”

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2

Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With sing-songy rhyme, these two adventures come together to form an interesting meeting.

Boogy and Tee decide to take a trip out on the ocean  with their yacht. At the same time, Twinkle and Hew want to go fishing and hope to find some food with their small, well-worn boat. Twinkle and Hew find themselves in dire straights as their boat is destroyed in the waves. Boogy and Tee have their own troubles as a hole threatens to end their boating pleasure, too. Luckily, Twinkle and Hew just happen to be stranded on the same rock that causes the hole in Boogy and Tee's yacht. So, the two pairs find a way to work together.

This includes a quote from Greta Thunberg, "Stop saying that we're all in the same boat. We're all in the same storm. But we're not all in the same boat." And that sums up this tale very nicely. The difference in how the two pairs approach the ocean is like night and day, and yet, they run into similar problems. There's a message about social class differences as well, but this is very subtle and won't be recognized by young listeners or readers. Older ones will take notice, though, and be lead on a path of thought. 

The entire thing is written in rhyme with repeating phrases at the end of each verse. This holds a playful touch while describing the adventure well. For some reason, I found myself stumbling on the tact at times, but it makes a cute read-aloud which invites listeners to join in. The text has been carefully planned for readers to pick up on their own as well and offers word building skills and some reading practice.

The illustrations have a lovely, layered style which works very well with the plot. It's original and catches the eye, while giving each character unique personality. Each scene makes it clear what is happening and helps listeners and readers along. 

It's a fun story with original flair and plenty of reading goodness, too.

And here they are...

KATHY STINSON, best known for her picture books, has also written children’s novels, short stories and poems. Her classic picture book Red Is Best, illustrated by Robin Baird Lewis, has been in print for more than forty years; The Man with the Violin, illustrated by Dušan Petričić, won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award; and The Rock and the Butterfly, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Kathy lives in Rockwood, Ontario.

MARK HOFFMANN is an author/illustrator of children’s books, editorial illustrator and artist who has won many awards for his illustrations. He is also a professor at Montserrat College of Art. Mark’s picture books include Explosion at the Poem Factory by Kyle Lukoff; The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla; Soren’s Seventh Song by Dave Eggers (starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist) and Dirt Cheap. Mark lives in southern New Hampshire with his family, two cats and two dogs.