Penguin's Egg by Anna Kemp

 Today's read might seem like an off-beat way to hit the beginning of Summer, but I find it very appropriate. This weekend, we will be hitting the 90's with humidity up in the 60-70%. My mother always said that a little snow and ice dreaming can work wonders in warmer temperatures. So, I'm going to take her advice and head into the world of ice and snow with this adorable looking picture book.

Now, I do hope it's original, too. There are more than a couple picture books out there, which center around penguins and eggs. And the crack on the ice on the cover has me wondering if a separation will be involved. Let's see how this tale is handled and what happens, shall we?

PENGUIN'S EGG

by Anna Kemp

Illustrated by Alice Courtley

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

When a penguin dad ends up far away from his nest, he’s determined to make it back to see his egg hatch by any means necessary in this charming and adventurous picture book.

On a frozen sea, where the snow falls fast, and the whirlwinds rage and storm, a rockhopper egg, in a stony nest, was lying safe and warm…

Daddy Penguin’s egg will hatch any day now, so when he gets lost and finds himself adrift in an unfamiliar world, he’ll do anything to get back home! From train to helicopter, hot-air balloon to limousine, Penguin hitches rides with helpful folk—but will he make it in time?

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Penguin cuteness meets adventure and a father's love for a quick-paced read, which leaves smiles on the face.

Daddy Penguin is over-excited to see his egg hatch. While Mommy Penguin takes a break and rests, he watches over the egg. But waiting is tiring, and soon, he falls asleep. He sleeps so deep that he doesn't hear the crack of the ice around him and doesn't awaken until he's floated across the ocean to a harbor of a town. Not sure what to do but wanting to head back to the egg, he begins his journey and takes every available transportation means he can find.

If you're looking for a book with a strong message, this isn't it...although it does showcase a father's love and the power of determination. Oh, and a wide variety of transportation possibilities are also presented, which probably does mean there is more to this read than first appears. That said, it is a fun, easy read. The penguin family captures the heart on the very first page and will have listeners rooting for the father the entire way through. The idea that a penguin accidentally ends up floating far away is also nothing new, but it offers an easy begin to the adventure and simply lets readers/listeners sink in. There's also a lot of imagination in these pages as the town's people are all animals...so it's remains a light fantasy with tons of good feelings through and through.

The illustrations are colorful and bring the needed playfulness into each moment. They create a lovely display for group read-alouds and invite in. The text is also very fitting to the age group, stays direct and concise, and brings the tale smoothly on its way. The author doesn't forget short attention spans and makes sure nothing drags out too long but still keeps the story deep enough to draw in and grab readers' sympathy. 

It's an easy, fun read, which is sure to delight.

And here they are...

Anna Kemp writes both picture books and middle grade fiction. Her books have been nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award, the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Oscar’s Book Prize, and the Dundee Picture Book Award. Her work has also been adapted for television, puppetry, dance, orchestra, and theatre. Anna loves to visit schools and libraries and attend festivals. Visit her online at AnnaKemp-Author.com.

Alice Courtley is an author and illustrator with an MA in children’s book illustration from Cambridge. Her work has been recognized for prizes such as the Klaus Flugge prize shortlist and featured in exhibitions including the AOI’s Inspired to Innovate exhibition in London. Alice has also taught creative skills to students of a range of ages, both in workshop settings and in longer-form courses. Visit her online at AliceCourtley.com.

Living Bridges by Sandhya Acharya

LIVING BRIDGES

The Hidden World of India's Woven Trees

by Sandhya Acharya

Illustrated by Avani Dwivedi

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 12

A boy learns how to care for and weave the roots of the living tree bridges in his village in India in this narrative nonfiction picture book perfect for fans of We Are Water Protectors and The Tree Lady.

In the mountains of Meghalaya, India, a living bridge stands tall, connecting the land and its people with the interwoven roots of tall, wide ficus trees. The bridge is called Jingkieng Jri, and it’s alive. A little boy can’t wait to learn to weave the roots together just like the generations before him.

But when he notices litter on the bridge and scars on the roots from people stealing sap, he knows Jinkieng Jri doesn’t just need shaping, it needs love. By rallying his community and even visiting tourists, the boy protects the living bridge and shares his message of care.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

This books presents the wonder of nature and how it weaves into the daily life in a part of India in a fascinating and inspiring manner.

A little boy can't wait to head to the Jingkieng Jri, a living bridge which has been helping his people over the river for many generations. It's time for him to learn how to weave the new roots into the old and help preserve this wonder. While he carefully follows instructions, he discovers some aspects about the bridge, which aren't as joyful. But maybe he can figure out how to make a difference and help preserve the bridge in another way.

This is a lovely, illustrated book which uses watercolors to bring across each scene clearly. From the raging river to the people of Meghalaya, India, every moment comes across with details and emotions. Not only do these offer a glimpse into  the culture and life but center around the amazing, living bridges. The author lets this natural and created wonders glide in, step-by-step, which gives the reader time to understand what makes them special, how they were created and maintained, and how important they are to the people living there. The text is kept relatively short and brings across the information in an interesting way, which keeps boredom at bay. Even reluctant listeners will find it interesting.

While the living bridges are the main theme of these pages, themes such as tourism and litter also come into play. These slide right into the main theme and carry an inspiring solution, which shows that even kids can make a difference.

To round everything off, there are real life photos and explanations at the end of the book. This makes it a nice addition to classrooms or for homeschoolers, too.

And here they are...

Sandhya Acharya grew up in India and now lives in California, with her husband and two sons. After working as a finance professional for many years, she traded spreadsheets for words. When not writing, she’s training for the next marathon, climbing a mountain, learning a form of Indian classical dance, or volunteering. She can be reached at SandhyaAcharya.com.

Avani Dwivedi is an author and illustrator of picture books including her debut, My Bollywood Dream. A graduate of Maryland Institute College of Arts, Avani grew up in Navi Mumbai, India, and later moved to the states to pursue her passion of becoming an artist. Even when away from home, she held on to her most precious gems—memories of her sweet childhood, the lived experience of being a South-Asian woman, and her love for creating whimsical art. Currently, she lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The God's Revenge by Katherine Marsh

After several days of nonfiction goodness, I'm turning back to a little fantasy and Greek mythology fun. Today's read is the second in a series, and nope, I didn't read the first. I do love the action on the cover, especially since the sense of impending danger comes across clearly. 

Let's see if this one is as exciting as it looks. 

THE GODS' REVENGE

The Myth of Monsters, #2

by Katherine Marsh
Storytide

Middle Grade Fantasy

253 pages

ages 8 to 12

The second book in National Book Award finalist Katherine Marsh's Myth of Monsters series finds Ava and her friends up against their least-expected foe yet.

Ava Baldwin is ready for her second year at the Accademia del Forte. Now that she knows that her fellow classmates, descendants of the so-called Greek monsters, have been lied to by the Olympians, she’s ready to help them uncover their ancestors’ true stories—if only she can stay out of the way of the new headmaster, Perseus. 

But laying low is easier said than done, especially when Perseus seems intent on trolling Ava, making it impossible to control her anger. 

When Perseus banishes one of her friends, Ava must lead a rescue party on a whirlwind adventure from the Stygian Marsh of the underworld to the ice caves of Mount Etna with Ares and the spirits of violent death in hot pursuit. But the gods won’t be tricked so easily this time . . . 

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fast-paced and packed with adventure, this is a fun read for fantasy and mythology fans.

After the adventures of book one, Ava is ready to take on her second year. If it weren't for the new headmaster, Perseus. He's harboring a secret agenda, and that includes making Ava's life miserable as she and her friends are trying to dig deeper into the truth behind the Greek monsters. But not only is she more prepared that she was before, the Gods are, too.

This is an exciting adventure from beginning to end and holds more Greek myth goodness with known and little known mythology tidbits to discover along the way. Ava is a character to root for as she does her best to steer school life and her own desire to do what's right. She makes mistakes and learns as she goes along. Luckily, she has true friends at her side, who are ready to help out. However, Ava definitely takes the driver's seat in this tale and has a lot to over come.

The writing keeps these pages turning, leading from one sticky situation to the next, but there's also enough character depth to make Ava sympathetic as she does her best to handle each moment. Her desire to help and persistence along with dedication to her friends make her a character to enjoy. It also makes her a very strong, female character to inspire. It's a read fans of mythological adventures are sure to enjoy.

And here she is...

Katherine Marsh is the author of Medusa, a Kirkus Reviews Most Anticipated Book of 2024 and Amazon Editors' Pick; The Lost Year, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Jane Addams and Golden Kite Awards; Nowhere Boy, winner of the Middle East Book Award; and The Night Tourist, winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery; as well as other books for middle grade readers. A former journalist and managing editor of the New Republic, Katherine lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, two children, three cats, a rabbit, and an assortment of exotic pets.

And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner

Although summer is just edging on getting started, some kids are already school dreaming. Today's read is for those kids...or even the ones who will be hitting the classroom for the first time and can hardly wait. I'm hoping it's a read full of positive vibes and, maybe, handles anticipation stress or something?

Who knows. But we're ready to find out!

AND THEN COMES SCHOOL

by Tom Brenner

Illustrated by Jen Hill

Candlewick

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK ON JULY 1st!!!

Joyful anticipation is in the air as a child observes cues that the first day of school is coming soon.

Cooler mornings, cicadas buzzing, apples ripening . . . can shopping for school supplies be far behind? The evening before the first day means laying out your outfit, loading up your backpack, and filling a lunch box with your favorite things. When the alarm goes off, there’s Dad’s extra-special breakfast (and, of course, some picture-taking), then the feeling of bubbly excitement as you and your friends climb onto a bus, ready to see your new classroom and meet your teacher. Whether the reader is a child who is eager to return to school or a younger one trying to imagine what school is like, this upbeat and lyrical ode—the fourth in the And Then Comes series—holds sure appeal for returning students and first-timers alike.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With lyrical swing, these pages lead eager school-goers through the summer and into the approaching school year.

From the early summer, this book guides through various activities kids often enjoy and showcases certain moments (like making jelly) to illustrate how time progresses until Fall comes again. And with it, a new school year. Each page holds several, short lines, which fit the intended reader age group and bring across the atmosphere of the passing summer well. Each moment holds family or friendships and presents each moment with excitement and joy. When the kids enter the school and find their classrooms, it gives a sense of stability and rounds off everything nicely.

This makes a nice read-aloud for group and individual settings, and works well for quieter moments to let the atmosphere sink in. The rhyming lines flow smoothly and bring across the emotions that come with them. Depending on the listener, some scenes will come across with more familiarity than others, but there is something for most readers to identify with and relate to. It works especially well for those, who are looking forward to the new school year.

And here he is...

My life as a writer might have started at age thirteen, reading historical novels. I remember thinking how neat that would be to tell stories of the past, to be there in my imagination. The first story I remember writing was about a contemporary kid taking a bath. He pulled the plug and went down the drain. I can’t remember if that was the beginning or the ending.

After college, I wore black turtleneck sweaters and asked what the meaning of a flower was and thought that would make me a writer. I owned a typewriter. In those days the closest I got was a job as an advertising copywriter. I was writing and being paid for it. After ten years of that, I became an elementary-school teacher, thinking I had the summers to write. But it turned out that with three children, trips, backyard chickens, dogs, a house, and a garden, the summers just flew by.

After I retired from teaching, I finally began to write. And I submitted what I wrote. And I got rejection after rejection. So I went back to school, to a course at the University of Washington — Writing for Children. And after all those years of assigning homework to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, it seems only fitting that my book about Halloween came out of a homework assignment.

No doubt growing up in Ohio, where autumn bursts with color and bright leaves drifted to the ground, and going to college at the University of North Carolina, where the fall colors were intense and lasted a long time, laid a foundation for the idea of my book. But more powerful were the memories of the excitement my own kids and my students had weeks before Halloween, talking about costume ideas, and then going out on that one very special night to rule the streets, looking for candy—and the word spreading faster than light of where the full-size candy bars were.

Three Things You Might Not Know About Me:

1. I was a Sugar Plum Fairy in a water ballet, a production of the UNC swim team.
2. I lasted one day as a door-to-door salesman at a time when I really needed a job.
3. From age six on, my cousin Bill and I were going to own a Montana horse ranch until years later I realized I was a little scared of horses—they are beautiful, but so big!

 

Up Close and Incredible: Dinosaurs by Eric Huang

I'm staying in nonfiction mode and hitting a fun looking read with a bit of interactive activity. I don't know about you, but I adored books which offered information AND more than just reading facts. Something like today's read would have hit 'instant grab' category for me, and my kids weren't any different. 

Today's read is the 2nd in the series and involves a magnifying glass. I get the feeling from the cover that this one will head a little more in the archaeologic direction, but I could be wrong. 

Let's grab our adventurer hats and those glasses, and take a look!

UP CLOSE & INCREDIBLE

DINOSAURS

A Prehistoric Adventure with a 3x Magnifying Glass

by Eric Huang

Illustrated by Facundo Aguirre

Wide Eyed Press

Nonfiction Children's Book

48 pages

ages 6 to 8

COMING JUNE 29th!!!

Grab your 3× magnifying glass and go on a fantastic voyage through the ins and outs of dino-anatomy with Up Close and Incredible: Dinosaurs.

In this scientific search-and-find adventure, you’ll join a team of tiny paleontologists as they explore an array of dinosaurs, living and fossilised,inside and out, from T. rex's teeth to Velociraptor's terrible toes. You’ll learn along the way how, where and when these dinosaurs lived, what they ate, who had feathers and who had scales—and of course, what it would be like to see dinosaurs UP CLOSE!

Looking through the magnifying glass, you'll also find scientists spinning plates on Stegosaurus's back, enjoying a spot of fishing with Spinosaurus, and even a paleo-wizard inside Dracorex hogwartsia! You'll reveal new gags again and again among the scrapes, mishaps and wacky experiments of the miniature palaeontologists, where every tiny detail tells a story, and every story reveals more incredible facts about prehistoric creatures.

The larger-than-life dinos you'll explore include T. rex, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, and Diplodocus, as well as lesser known but just as incredible species like Therizinosaurus, Parasaurolophus, and the bird-like Archaeopteryx. With 14 scenes and 10 things to spot on each one, plus extra detail hidden on every page, Up Close and Incredible: Dinosaurs has literally hundreds of facts and jokes to discover. A timeline at the back puts everything in context, while a size comparison feature lets you see every dino together.

This thrilling scientific journey of a book will have you gasping and laughing as you discover new shocking and hilarious facts about your favorite dinosaurs. The zany drawings are packed full of comedic details to spot, keeping your read fresh each time. So, what are you waiting for? Your magnified adventure into prehistory awaits!

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Dino fans are in for a treat as they not only learn more about their favorite creatures but also go along on a hunt for small things with their magnifying glass.

These pages take a slightly different spin into the world of dinosaurs and head more in an archaeological direction with the first pages showing a dig site of sorts and the dinosaur bones. As the book goes on, the bones (partial and whole) as well as the usual dinosaurs in their full gloray are illustrated, and the reader is told what type of dinosaur it is. This already adds a new direction to the dinosaur fun with well-known and lesser known beasts as it includes recognizing the basic bone structure. But the information doesn't stop their. Various details and attributes of each dino are given as well as other interesting information surrounding them. While some of this comes in the usual paragraph form, it's mostly broken down into little tidbits in a search section.

This remembers to add lots of fun to the information. Not only is the text age appropriate and written in a way to keep it interesting, but the search items each carry a fact along with the picture. To make the searching more interesting, there are tons of little people, animals, and activities going on around the dinosaurs. This not only makes the searching more difficult and gives other things to discover while peering through the magnifying glass, but the illustrator adds humor too. 

This is a cute and engaging way to learn more about dinosaurs and archaeology, and is sure to grab the attention of more than just dino fans.

And here they are...

Eric Huang is a podcaster, writer, start-up mentor and university lecturer. He reads a lot, loves museums, nature, and art history. He worked as an editor and book publisher for 20 years with roles at Disney Publishing, Penguin Australia, Penguin UK, and LEGO Books—then joined digital agency Made in Me and became a children’s media consultant, and now a children's author. 

Facundo Aguirre is an illustrator from Quilmes, Argentina. He originally earned his degree in public accounting and spent time in Buenos Aires in the world of economics. After four years as a credit analyst, Facundo made the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand in search of new experiences. This is when he first discovered his passion for drawing. It became his sanctuary and his source of calmness. Facundo finds great joy in sketching with black ink and creating intricate illustrations with an abundance of details. His illustration influences include Martín Hanford, Sole Otero, Thé Tjong-Khing, and Mattias Adolfsson, among many others. Facundo currently lives and works in Brussels, where he also collaborates with a fellow illustrator to organize weekly gatherings for artists called “Artist Coworking”.