Friday, April 26, 2024

Magical Museum: Ancient Egypt by Stepanka Sekaninova

 Today, we're heading into the realm of ancient history and nonfiction for those readers just below the middle grade (actually, I going to go out on a limb and bet mg-ers would pick it up, too). I assume it's going to be giving off a museum-visit atmosphere, and the cat on the front will be our guide (?). I'm hoping it will bring as much fun as it does information, but we'll just have to read it and find out.



MAGICAL MUSEUM
Ancient Egypt
by Stepanka Sekaninova
Illustrated by Jakub Cenkl
Albatros Media
Children's Nonfiction
64 pages
ages 6 to 9

COMING...
AUGUST!!!



When a magical scarab awakens a museum exhibit, a mummified cat leads kids on an enchanting adventure, teaching them about Ancient Egyptian history, life, and culture.
Prepare to be transported deep into the mesmerizing heart of Ancient Egypt. As you open the book's pages, you unwittingly awaken a mystical scarab, setting in motion a thrilling adventure back through history. Join a mummified cat on a quest to capture the scarab and restore normality to the museum. In their chase through the museum's various rooms, the scarab breathes life into ancient exhibits, immersing readers in the rich tapestry of Ancient Egyptian culture and daily life.
Magical Museum: Ancient Egypt strikes just the right balance between learning and entertainment, making it the ideal choice for parents and educators seeking to inspire young minds by making education fun. With its interactive story and captivating illustrations, it seamlessly introduces kids ages 6–9 to the wonders of Ancient Egypt, cultivating a love for history and exploration, sparking kids’ imaginations, and prompting them to be active participants in their own education.





MY TIDBITS

A touch of magic and a curious kitty make it fun to explore all sorts of historical tidbits about ancient Egypt, which go beyond the usual dates and facts.

When readers open to the first page, the release a magical scarab, which brings the entire Egyptian exhibit in the museum to life. Each room introduces a new aspect of Egyptian history, but this doesn't head toward boring dates, places, and individuals. Rather, it steers deeper into explanations surrounding the how and why. From every day life to religion to rulers, various aspects are explored. Readers receive a well-rounded idea of the time period and will no-doubt learn something new. Since dates and numbers are kept to a very bare minimum, it doesn't bog down, either.

The text appears in boxes. The font was a bit smaller than I appreciate for this reading level, but it's nothing out of the ordinary and no problem to read. The vocabulary does edge toward the upper end of the age group and will work well for the lower end of the middle grade audience, too. There is quite a bit in these pages to discover, but that can be taken in bits and pieces...although there is a very light story thanks to the cat, which does tie everything together to be read in one go. The text speaks to the reader, giving it a conversation direction, and this also helps to keep a lighter atmosphere.

The illustrations are well done and help to bring the information across with more clarity. The details  add a better idea as to what life was like at the time, while also tossing in a bit of humor and fun. 

It's an enjoyable read, which keeps the audience level in mind, while offering quite a bit of information. Readers will come out knowing more about Egypt and the culture, and it does offer a rounded foundation for more solid facts in the future.





And here they are...

Štěpánka Sekaninová spent her childhood near Kolín, in the Polabí lowlands region. Although she is a Bohemian at heart, fate carried her to the heart of Moravia. She is a graduate in Czech and History from the Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University. While still a student, she started work at Czech Television in Brno, where as a reporter she travelled about the South Moravia region and got to know every part of it. She later switched from reporting to the production of light entertainment and children’s programmes for the Brno studio.
Štěpánka loves books and has always longed to write, so when her life’s journey presented her with the opportunity to work as a literary editor for Albatros Media, she accepted it with alacrity.
And so she writes, surrounded by beautiful books, realizing a dream she’s had since childhood . . .
Jakub Cenkl was born in 1982 in the village of Čeladná, in the up-and-down landscape of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. Nor was his way to becoming an illustrator a straightforward one.
Having enrolled as a student of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Technical University of Ostrava, he soon discovered that this was a blind alley. He opted instead for the teacher-training programme in art education for secondary schools and primary art schools at Palacký University in Olomouc. It was here that he was drawn to graphic design, which he began to teach himself in his spare time.
He honed his skills in graphic design and illustration by working for six years at various studios, including Design Herynek and Craneballs.
Jakub Cenkl is now an established freelance illustrator. When not sitting in front of his computer, he is most often found in the hills, where he goes to clear his head by indulging his other passion, running.









Thursday, April 25, 2024

Doris by Lo Cole

Today's read, for some reason, just drew a smile from me right away. Maybe due to that happy elephant. Or the flowers? This one heads to the slightly younger end of the picture book world, and I'm hoping that means gentle fun. But I'm just going to have to open it up and see...so, let's do that.



DORIS
by Lo Cole
Union Square Press
Picture Book
28 pages
ages 3 to 5

A charming picture book about a very shy elephant and her fear of standing out.

Doris does NOT like to stand out. But as a red elephant, no matter where she hides, she is easily spotted. Whether hiding behind a flock of birds, within a bed of flowers, or among a school of fish, she can be seen. Can she find a way to build her confidence and embrace her colorful self?

Doris features bright, engaging illustrations that showcase the adorable main character, and readers will enjoy the repetition throughout this elephant book as Doris tries in vain to blend in. With strong social appeal and messages about embracing yourself, self-esteem, individuality, and accepting differences, Doris is perfect for kindergarten and preschool book libraries, or anyone looking for children’s books for ages 3-5. Young readers will delight in spotting Doris across pages filled with eye-catching artwork as she learns the importance of uniqueness and gains the confidence to finally say, "Look at me!"

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /    B&N     /    AVID BOOK SHOP


MY TIDBITS

Searching and giggles mix with empathy and understanding to form a cute, fun read.

Doris is a bright, red elephant. No other elephants look anything like her, so she stands out everywhere she goes. And she hates it. Sometimes, she can hide. She's determined to find a place, where no one can notice her. This works somewhat...until it works a little too well.

This is one of those books, which will hold readers' attentions, have them excited to see the next page, and bring giggles, too. The idea is simple but draws listeners in as they not only sympathize with the little elephant but also need to search for Doris themselves. This search fits well to the age group and works even nicely for group readings; it's not difficult to find Doris but does it in a way, which will bring the 'there she is!' expression. More than a couple slightly silly situations add to the fun.

The illustrations are bright and bold. They stay simple in shape and don't concentrate on details. Sticking to what's important, they bring across the needed atmosphere in a basic way, which simply works. These also fit very well to the intended audience level.

There is a message centering around self-love and not being afraid to be different. Preachiness stays far away, though.  The message comes in very subtly and, yet, is hard to miss. The last page drives it home in a wonderful way, which surprises and brings a last, very big smile.


And here he is...

Lo Cole creates illustrations for an astonishing number of clients including The Times, New Scientist, Vogue, Sony Music, Greenpeace, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and is published by HarperCollins, Penguin, and Walker Books, among others. He is the son of Joanne and Michael Cole, creators of the UK book and TV series Bod, first published more than 50 years ago. Lo lives in Gloucestershire, UK.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Of Princes and Poisons by Brianna Joy Crump

Today's read might strike some of you as familiar. I reviewed the first book in the series, Of Cages and Crowns (here), several days ago. This smudges my amazing habit of grabbing books willy-nilly from a series. I already have book two up today thanks to the quick release dates between these novels...which is also nice, since the first one ended on a cliff-hanger.

I have high expectations for this one after reading the first novel, which usually isn't a good thing. Second novels in a trilogy tend to suffer...not always but often. Middle blues? Unsure plot twists? Characters lost somewhere in between? Well, I'm hitting this one with very positive vibes and hope it keeps pace with the first book.

So, off we go!



OF PRINCES AND POISONS
The Culled Crown, #2
by Brianna Joy Crump
Wattpad Books
Young Adult Fantasy
546 pages


COMING...
JUNE 18th!!!





Once there were ten.

Ten goddess-touched girls were born. Each was blessed―or cursed―with a unique power that set them apart. As part of an ancient ritual called the Culling, they were supposed to fight to the death in the arena until only one survived. That girl would marry the prince and ascend to the throne. Now only four girls remain.

Power in her blood.

Monroe Benson is one of the lucky ones. With fire at her fingertips, she survived the arena and the intrigues of the palace. Now she’s turned her back on her destiny, choosing to throw in her lot with the rebellion seeking to overturn the Erydian rulers. Monroe has never wanted the throne. She knows that her future lies elsewhere, but first she’ll have to convince the rebels to believe her.

A traitorous heart.

Monroe thought Cohen was one of the few good things about the Culling. She believed that he would have made a good ruler, but that doesn’t mean that she wanted to sit beside him on the throne. And now, she finds herself drawn to a rebel leader. A man with secrets of his own. In the end, Monroe will have to trust in more than her power or even her heart if she’s to forge her own path and find her freedom.



MY TIDBITS

Nothing is as it was before, leaving room for unknown dangers, growing mistrust, and intrigue beneath the intrigue.

After killing the King and Queen, Monroe and her 'friends' from the Culling find themselves with the rebels. Not only were the promises of an open armed invitation null and void, all of them find themselves teetering on a thin line just off of execution. A new fight for survival begins, one which is very different than the Trials. Wounds, inside and out, are tough to heal, especially when the difference between friends and foe is blurred all over again. Monroe's a constant breath's distance from death, and this time, her powers are the last thing that can save her.

First off, yay to having the second book releasing so quickly after book one! Not only does that keep disappointment after the first ending at bay, but the story is still fresh and anticipation high. So, extra kudos on that front.

This book doesn't start off where the last one ended...not exactly. (But this does need to be read as a series, since each book builds off the last.) We find Monroe captured by the rebels, separated from her group, in bad circumstances. While grabbing, I did stop reading twice to see if and where I'd missed part of the story. Instead, the happenings between the escape from the palace to Monroe's beginning in the prison occur in flashbacks over the next chapters. I'm not a huge fan of that approach.

Anyway, this book takes many surprising twists and turns, and flips everything on its head. It does a great job diving into the area of dealing with trauma and re-orientation. This was especially well done with the other two goddess-touched girls and Uri, and added quite a bit of character depth. Monroe's brother also returns, which adds a touch more on the sibling front. Monroe doesn't show much growth during this second book (unfortunately), since her head is busy more with the romance side of things and melding into the new circumstances. The action was notched down, too, thanks to the increased romance and building of a couple new characters. Instead, the threat from the palace and the growing war runs more in the background with a few high-tension moments tossed in here and there to remind that there's still a huge danger to deal with...although this does increase toward the end.

This book mostly hovers around Monroe's attempt to reorientate herself in the rebel camp and mentally deal with what she's gone through so far. Relationships formed during the Trial, both bad and good, are re-molded, and this takes time. The heaviest hitting of these is the one with Cohen as he slides into the background, at first, and a new character fills in the space to create the rift. The switching of gears is refreshing, in some ways, but unfortunately, not quite convincing to the reasons behind it, leaving the romance end with a slight sense of being off-balance. This also makes the end of this read hit a little weird, on that end. Monroe herself is more clumsy in this read, and while still to root for,  doesn't come across with the same lovely strength as before.

There were many unexpected moments, exciting aspects, and grabbing twists, and it will be interesting to see how everything ties together in the last book. Because the third one in this series has the potential to be very good.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Emma's Awesome Summer Camp Adventure by Amy and Grace Webb

 


EMMA'S AWESOME SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE
A Charley and Emma Story
by Amy and Grace Webb
Illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard
Beaming Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 30th!!!

All for inclusion, and inclusion for all! Emma is going to her first summer camp, and she is so excited! Camp Waterfall is an accessible camp, which means that Emma, Charley, and a host of new friends with different abilities can all participate, with nobody feeling left out or getting left behind. But will Emma really be ready to meet all the challenges and new experiences of camp? Join Emma and her friends as they face obstacles, overcome fears of trying new things, and discover what's possible in a place that's really built for all. Children will cheer along with Emma every step of the way, and will learn that an inclusive, accessible world for all is truly possible!




MY TIDBITS

The importance of accessibility for everyone hits, while diving into the fun of summer camp.

Emma is excited! She's off to her very first summer camp, and her brother is going with her. What's even better is that this camp has made sure that she can partake in all activities and get around by herself. Not only can she discover the forest and try things like zip-lining, but she also gets to meet tons of new friends.

It was nice to see a book, which awakens awareness for the importance of accessibility. It also shows how those kids with disabilities enjoy the same adventures as any other person...if they can get to them. All of this is set in the excitement of summer camp and shows the familiar scenes, which belong to it. There's outdoor fun, swimming, adventure, and new friendships to be formed. Everyone is positive, supportive, and open to new things even when it takes a bit more courage. 

The illustrations fit the theme nicely and let the atmosphere come across gently and with good vibes. Through these, the various situations of the characters are portrayed, since they aren't really mentioned much in the text. The text does flow well. It carries a mistake or two on the editing but does make a nice read-aloud.

There's an extra section at the end of the book, which covers the various points and types of accessibility to help deepen the topic. I do wish that these were more pointed out during the tale as well. The story heads into the theme very subtly and doesn't show how accessibility is a problem to begin with. This way, it feels like the main theme is side-stepped to head for the fun and friendship instead. But it's still a nice read and does support that kids are kids in every circumstance.

Monday, April 22, 2024

The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis

I'm starting the week with dreams of beaches and sunshine. I, actually, woke up to ice on the windshield and had to scrape before heading out to make some early morning runs. Got to love Spring! 

I do hope today's read offers fun adventures, tones of friendship, and cute puppies, too. So, let's just read it and find out.


THE ADVENTURES OF DORI
A RESCUE PUP
by Kathleen Conway and 
Juanita Ellis
Illustrated by Tullip Studios
Picture Book
 34 pages
ages 4 to 8





"The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup" is a delightful children's book that promises to take young readers on a fun and adventurous journey. Join Dori and her friends as they explore the beach, showcasing the beauty of working together, the magic of friendship, and the joy of seeing the world through a rescue pup's eyes. From playing in the sand to uncovering unexpected treasures along the shoreline, every page captures the essence of wonder and the bonds formed between friends. 

This enchanting book not only offers a heartwarming story of friendship and hope but also allows young readers to become a part of Dori's legacy. That's because we donate a portion of our profits back to the rescue that helped Dori find her forever home; Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue. With each purchase, you contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue (SCMR), the organization that played a pivotal role in transforming Dori's life from uncertainty to a world filled with love.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /   B&N


MY TIDBITS

Beach fun combines with three adorable puppies to create an enjoyable read.

Dori lives at a beach house and has invited her two friends to spend the day with her, playing near the waves. Making sure everything they need is packed, they head out. Shells, crabs, and more make each moment an adventure. When they happen across a couple problems, they'll need to stick together to figure things out.

Dori is an energetic puppy, who values her friends and the world around her. She's extreme curious and open to new things, which makes her enjoyable to follow as she discovers things here and there at the beach. Her friends are just as friendly and playful, creating a fun trio. This positive atmosphere comes across seamlessly and flows through the entire read to leave a sense of wholesome goodness.

It's a simple story and will draw listeners in because of this. The moments and situations are easy to identify with and always add a playful tone. There's isn't really an over-arcing message. Instead, a couple meaningful ideas about helping others and cleaning up litter were added in as separate moments. Also, the rescue pup doesn't carry importance in these pages like I thought it might, and if it wasn't in the title, it could have just been three puppy friends. And these do get along marvelously together.

The illustrations are also simple, colorful, and bring across each scene clearly. Readers, who aren't sure of their words, can pick this up, flip through the images, and create the story for themselves...which is also a nice aspect. I do see young listeners enjoying this quite a bit.


And here they are...

Kathleen Conway is the co-author of The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup!  Kathleen is a former military veteran (Air Force) and works fulltime in the health care industry as an Occupational Therapist. This is Kathleen's passion behind the book was to share Dori with the world, while bringing awareness to rescue animals. Kathleen is already dreaming up more fun escapades featuring rescue animals. 


Juanita Ellis is a first-time author and co-wrote The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup to spread awareness about rescue dogs, and to share a little bit of Dori's spirit with others around the world!   Juanita volunteers her time with the same animal rescue group that rescued Dori.  Juanita enjoys spending time with family, both human and furry, and enjoys trips to the beaches of NC and the mountains of TN.  Juanita works full-time in the consumer service industry as an HR Executive.











Sunday, April 21, 2024

Wall to Wall: Mural Art Around the World by Mary Ann Fraser

Today, I'm heading into the world of art. While I first thought this book was aimed at graffiti, a second look at the blurb revealed that it covers much more than that. While I've seen quite a few different types of wall art over the years, I've never really brought this thought together under one hat. So, I'm curious to see what this book entails.



WALL TO WALL:
MURAL ART AROUND THE WORLD
by Mary Ann Fraser
Getty Publications
Upper Middle Grade Nonfiction
80 pages
ages 10 to 14

COMING MAY 7th!!!

An exciting tour of remarkable wall art around the globe, from prehistoric caves to futuristic wonders

People have been drawing on walls since ancient times. They do it to create beauty, to tell a story, to make a statement, or just to say, “I was here.” You can find wall art in a remote cave in Patagonia and a desert castle in Jordan, a kingly palace in the Republic of Benin and the National Palace of Mexico, a miles-long flood channel in Los Angeles and a sky-high rooftop in Norway.

In Wall to Wall , award-winning author, illustrator, and muralist Mary Ann Fraser takes readers on a worldwide journey through time, stopping to see amazing mural art along the way. Stunning color illustrations and fascinating photographs illuminate both famous and little-known examples, and lighthearted text tells engaging stories about the people who inspired or created them. A glossary, suggestions for further reading, and a section on the preservation of murals conclude the book. No reader will ever again pass by a mural—whether in a historic building, a museum, or out on the street—without stopping to take a closer look.



MY TIDBITS

From cave man designs to modern day street art, readers learn about the every-changing world of wall murals.

Already on the opening page of contents, the wide range of wall art explored in this book is revealed. Thumb-print photos are pinned by location on a map of the world, fitting to the chapters listed below, which highlight each one. Starting with the Cave of the Hands in Argentina, works from Egypt, Italy, Afghanistan, and more are explored with actual images of the artwork and fairly detailed descriptions to their creation and possible purposes. At the end, the author opens the door with a chapter about what the future might hold as well as a section on preservation of these artworks. 

Starting from the very beginning with the mural artwork found from prehistoric times, the variety of artwork through the ages and it's importance are discussed. Some of these are well-known; others will surprise. The text stays in a somewhat casual tone, letting the facts flow with the atmosphere of a conversation, but it is still a very information based read and comes across as such. So, it is for the older age group and aimed at those, who want to learn more about this form of artwork. This can be used for an art theme in classrooms (even just a chapter or two) and does offer a nice basis for homeschool settings exploring this direction.

The information isn't focused on dates and places. Instead, it takes a rounder view. I enjoyed how the author discloses possible materials and techniques used to form each work. The surrounding culture and intentions are also looked at, staying within the realm of the art piece. Other events and interesting tidbits are added, too, which offer insights into broader art trends in the area, things which might have affected the piece over time, and surprising insights, which aren't usually mentioned. It creates a rich mix, which goes beyond the usual facts.

Each chapter not only holds a photo of the artwork but includes colorful illustrations, which reinforce the other pieces of information being revealed. These stick to a colorful and simpler style, reminding a bit of picture book illustrations. This loosens up the atmosphere, since the text does carry quite a bit of knowledge. These also help bring across the information with more clarity. 

This is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in discovering more about mural art and hits the intended audience level well.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Korgi: The Complete Tale by Christian Slade

 Today's read is one I picked up thanks to my youngest daughter. She's a corgi fan (among other animals). So, when I saw this one run across my screen, I didn't even hesitate before snagging a DRC copy. This also means I have no clue what it's about, what to expect, or anything, actually. Only that it's a graphic novel and appears to have done fairly well, since it's a collection of the material brought out in the series.

So, without any prejudices or forethoughts, I'm just going to dive right in!




KORGI: THE COMPLETE TALE
by Christian Slade
Top Shelf Productions
Children's Animal Fantasy
584 pages
ages 6 to 12 


COMING...
MAY 7th!!!



The beloved wordless fantasy graphic novel is now collected in a single epic volume! Fall in love with the wondrous world of Korgi Hollow, packed with thrills, laughs, and exquisitely illustrated animal magic.

One of the most adorable comics of our time now arrives in a bookshelf edition for all time. When day breaks in their woodland village, Ivy and her corgi pup, Sprout, have no idea that they’ll soon be swept up in an astonishing adventure! Soon they’ll journey across land, sea, and air, from past to present and beyond, to learn more about themselves, escape the forces of evil, and uncover the ancient mysteries behind their magical world. The sumptuously detailed pen-and-ink drawings of former Disney animator Christian Slade make every page a joy to behold, using the power of “silent comics” to bring every moment wordlessly to life for readers of all ages. What’s more, this deluxe softcover collection includes not only all five Korgi graphic novels but also every bonus short story previously exclusive to comic books. The result is a complete fantasy epic that is truly timeless.



MY TIDBITS

Wordless but holding amazing illustrations, this is a collection from a well-loved series, which opens up to a world of monsters, adventure, and cute corgis.

This collection includes all five of the Korgi graphic novels as well as several short adventures. Each of the five books begins with a short and entertaining introduction, which does happen through text...but those are the only words during the adventure. Each moment is brought across through very detailed and extremely well-crafted, black and white line drawings. These are more demanding on the eyes than the illustrations usually found in graphic novels, in so far that they take more time to take in and digest. And it's well worth the extra time, especially since these do carry the entire tale in every way.

This is sold for children but will also satisfy older readers and some adults. The story isn't fluffy and happy, but rather, packs fantasy and adventure. The monsters take a creepy lean, which fits right with the illustration style to make each one come across with that dark atmosphere of off-ness. There is a hint of gore without really going there completely (an eyeball pops out and flies away), and while this might bother more sensitive readers, others will find the edged fantasy just right. The main characters  fight off the danger and land in some pretty sticky situations, which bring exciting action scenes. It is a positive read with promises of hope and even will bring smiles and cuteness at the right moments. 

There is a list of characters with descriptions at the end, which I do wish had been shoved to the front of the novel, instead, but that's only a side thought. It's an exciting adventure with an unexpected lean toward darkish fantasy (think The Labyrinth), which is sure to grab more than just corgi fans.

Friday, April 19, 2024

Not If You Break Up With Me First by G.F. Miller

When I first saw this one, I was like 'oh, a cute sounding YA romance'. Then, I noticed it's a middle grade read, which should head more toward humor than melting moments. 

Ah, middle grade romance!

My daughters hated watching the drama around them during those years. Both of them were a bit too...hmmm...in their own worlds(?) to throw a glance at any of the 'gross' guys. As a mom, it made my life easy. But the stories! The tears they told me about! The gossip wars! The revenge! (At least, on the girls' sides). And all of that within around a week's period before the couple usually broke up and a new one formed. Middle school is a very dramatic and whip-lash inducing time frame in our small town. 

I'm more than a little curious to see what situations the characters in this read will face because it could be quite a fun read.



NOT IF YOU BREAK UP WITH ME FIRST
by G.F. Miller
Aladdin
Middle Grade Romance
288 pages
ages 8 to 12


COMING...
JUNE 4th!!!




Two friends who have unhappily found themselves in an accidental relationship try to drive the other one to call things off in this tongue-in-cheek middle grade romance.

Childhood friends Eve and Andrew are destined to be together— everyone says so, especially their friends and classmates who are all suddenly crush-obsessed. So when Eve and Andrew’s first eighth grade school dance rolls around and Eve, feeling the pressure, awkwardly asks Andrew to go with her, everyone assumes they are Officially Dating and Practically in Love. Overwhelmed, Eve and Andrew just…go with it.

And it’s weird. Neither of them wants this dating thing to mess up their friendship, and they don’t really see each other that way. But they also don’t want to be the one to call things off, the one to make things super awkward. So they both—separately—pledge to be the worst boyfriend or girlfriend ever, leaving it to the other person to break up with them. It would be genius…if the other person weren’t doing the exact same thing.



MY TIDBITS

The rollercoaster ride of middle grade emotions slams into the hyper-drive of crushes and peer pressure in a tale with heart, humor, and an entire truck load of drama.

After several months of separation, Eve can't wait for her forever-best-friend Andrew to come back from Florida, but the moment, he steps away from the terminal, it's clear some things have changed. Everything in her life seems to be doing that. Many of the kids at school are changing...and not only physically. Crushes are the hottest topic, and Eve's own parents can no longer seem to get along. She's steering everything as best she can. When all the girls at school push her to ask Andrew to an upcoming dance, claiming the two are the perfect couple, Eve decides to give in. After all, he's her best friend...but things don't go as planned. Everyone now claims the two are a couple, and even silly Andrew seems to think they should be one. At least, that's how he's sort of acting. After the dance goes askew in the most awkward way, Eve admits to her friends that she doesn't like him like that, but breaking up is even more difficult than getting together. She has to make him break up with her. Of course, he's well aware of this social rule, and unknown to her, decides on the same plan of attack thanks to his own friends. Add the storm of her fighting parents, a fact she's still trying to hide from everyone and somehow solve, and everything is about to become the biggest disaster ever.

Yep, this book is middle grade romance as I and my kids have come to know it. Eve might be level-headed for her age. but gossip and peer-pressure are a might force to be reckoned with, especially at that age. It's not that she's even a person, who is trying to make everyone like her (as in so many reads). Eve is just lost, trying to find footing when the world around her...and even she herself...don't make the same sense as before. The three month separation from Andrew did seem a little short considering all of the changes, but this pause does set the perfect stage for misunderstandings and uncertainties to settle in, which drive the entire read. The two know each other well, care for each other insanely, but have lost just enough contact to give wiggle room in their, otherwise, concrete connection.

The read does concentrate heavily on the back and forth between Eve and Andrew, giving very few of the other characters much depth. But then, these two do have enough drama on their own. Plus, Eve's parental problems come into play, demonstrating how looming divorces go way beyond the emotional status of the kids at home and sink into every other aspect of their life, unintentionally or not. It was nice to see this so subtly (while not being subtle) addressed. 

Most important, this is a read which does toss the emotions back and forth in the best ways. Eve and Andrew are never to be underestimated in their attacks on each other, which adds humor and gasp worthy surprises. On the other side, the non-severable care they have for each other leaks through to bring warm sighs. It's drama pure and is sure to be enjoyed by more than just a few middle grade readers.



And here she is...

G. F. Miller absolutely insists on a happy ending. Everything else is negotiable. She is living her Happily Ever After with the love of her life, three kids, two puppies, and some chickens. She cries at random times. She makes faces at herself in the mirror. She believes in the Oxford comma. And she’s always here for a dance party.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Who's That Dinosaur? by Gabrielle Balkan

 Today, I have another flap book!!! Yep, these always make me smile...simple minded fun. But this book isn't really 'simple-minded'. These pages hold dinosaur goodness and promise to teach more facts about these creatures, while offering a playful, guessing-game atmosphere. Since I know a few dino enthusiasts, I'm curious to see if this is one they'd enjoy picking up.

So, it's time to let that inner-paleontologist come out and see if this is dino fun or not.



WHO'S THAT DINOSAUR?
An Animal Guessing Game
by Gabrielle Balkan
Illustrated by Sam Brewster
Phaidon Press
Picture Book
28 pages
ages 3-5





A playful, informative introduction to dinosaurs for the youngest readers, by the team behind the bestselling Book of Bones Set up as a guessing game with visual and narrative clues, Who's That Dinosaur? invites readers to examine seven skeletons and guess to whom they belong. The answer is provided in a vibrant, foldout reveal, accompanied by an explanation as to why each dinosaur's body was so special. It's a humorous, informative introduction to fossils and dinosaur anatomy, where, in a surprise twist, young children learn how birds are modern-day dinosaurs. A fun and informative introduction to the ever-popular topic of dinosaurs. 

GOODREADS    /     B&N   /   AMAZON  /    ALICE EVERAFTER BOOKS


MY TIDBITS

Young dinosaur fans get to revisit some of their favorites, while also discovering (maybe) a few new dinos to love.

This books adds a fun twist to the realm of dinosaur books by challenging young readers to get involved. After a quick introduction to fossils, it dives into the prehistoric creatures. A skeleton is presented with a couple highlights to the specific dino's special abilities. Then, there's a couple of clues presented about the dinosaur on the other side of the two-page spread. The reader is asked to guess the name of the dino. The answer is then revealed by opening up a large flat. This not only presents the answer but gives a few more details about the creature.

I was surprised how well this fits to the 3 to 5 age group—not overly easy but not pushing too far into the details, either. This isn't a list of detailed facts, but rather steers to the attributes of each dinosaur in a playful manner. The text flows with lightness, while working interesting tidbits in seamlessly. It isn't an overwhelming amount and fits well to the average attention span of the intended audience. I was surprised at the variety of dinosaurs presented, since it includes a few outside of the 'norm'. So, it offers something to those readers, who might know their dinosaurs fairly well, too. 

The atmosphere sticks to that of a game, prompting readers to think about each clue. The accompanying skeleton is a great hint without completely giving the answer and offers visual insights with additional knowledge. The flaps add that extra hint of fun and help maintain the game feel. I did appreciate that these open up and still allow the skeleton on the opposite side to remain in full view. It's a book to put a smile on dino-fans faces.



And here they are...

Gabrielle Balkan is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn, New York. Her books include the best-selling Book of Bones and the acclaimed The 50 State atlas series. Gabrielle is a former children's book buyer and commissioning editor.

Sam Brewster is an award-winning freelance illustrator, photographer, and filmmaker based in London. He has a roster of prestigious clients around the world, including the New York Times, the Guardian, and Creative Review.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump

So, I'm super late getting today's post up because I wasn't sure I'd make it to this one in time. But I sat down...and stood...getting this one read in one go to make sure I can present it. And yes, at almost 500 pages, I did need a few hours for this one. And is it worth the read? Well...




OF CAGES AND CROWNS
The Culled Crown, #1
by Brianna Joy Crump
Wattpad Books
YA Fantasy
472 pages


COMING...
JUNE 18th!!!






Destined to compete for the throne, Monroe Benson must fight nine girls for the right to rule. If she wins, she will be crowned queen. To lose is to die.

Monroe Benson is marked and goddess-touched, one of ten heirs to the Erydian throne. When the next Culling is announced, she has no choice but to prepare to fight for her life against nine other marked girls. When the competing heirs begin to drop dead outside of trials, Monroe must decide if her fire ability is enough to protect her from a new unseen enemy. Can she survive the Culling and take the throne, or should she kill the queen and dismantle the competition from the inside? In a palace of lies and power-hungry court members, Monroe must be careful who she trusts.

GOODREADS    /     WATTPAD


MY TIDBITS

With aspects reminiscing of The Hunger Games and The Selection, this read dives into an exciting world, where magic and royalty mix with death and blood.

Monroe was born as a goddess-touched, meaning she might be one of the ten possible heirs to the throne. Like the other nine girls, she carries a magical ability, and is required to take part in a competition called the Culling to see who will marry the crowned prince to become the next queen. Gifted with the ability to command fire, Monroe's chances at winning aren't bad...if she wanted to compete. Not only is she uninterested in the throne, but she doesn't see any good in killing nine other girls to get there. In an attempt to keep her alive and away from the trials, her family has always claimed her as a son and have let her rarely be seen even in their small town on the outskirts of the kingdom. But the Culling has come, and the kingdom is in unrest thanks to starvation and a threatening war. While Monroe hopes to escape, fate has other plans...and it will take a miracle for her to survive. Not only are the other girls powerful and dangerous, but the palace harbors secrets more deadly than any of them.

While this read take a definite dystopian direction, the world holds some unique twists. There are armies with swords, palaces with secret passageways, magic, and ballrooms, which give a midieval, fantasy flair, but at the same time, there are cars (although only for the elite) and guns, which by no means make it 'modern' but add an odd embrace. The world building is never heavy but adds enough to set it up as the action takes over. It's a faster paced with plenty of fight scenes, more than a few deadly moments,  some gore, quite a bit of tension, and more than a little dark intrigue. 

The characters are easy to like or hate. Monroe and her friends are given depth and purpose. Their decisions are, for the most part, understandable, and the emotional moments hit enough to keep the pages turning. The enemies could use a bit more substance, but there are quite a few characters in this book, and their lack of background doesn't make the tale less entertaining. It's just a lighter, more entertaining read. There is romance, which was nicely paced, although it took over the plot more than needed, at times, as YA tends to do. But the pair is one to root for.

I did read this in one sitting, and while there were sections I found myself quick-skimming over (I'm an action girl and get bored quickly), never did I have the urge to lay it down. There are some open questions concerning the war and the Culling's purpose, which never were addressed, and there are other untied ends, which should be finding their answers in the upcoming books. This one does end on a 'to be continued' note, but book two's release isn't far off, so the wait is short. I am looking forward to diving into the second book because I do want to see what happens next.
 

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Night Blooming Jasmine by Diane De Anda

One of my favorite teas is jasmine, which isn't the reason why I took a peek at this read (but it might have had a tiny bit of an influence-ish). This seems like it will be a calming read, perfect for those last moments before bedtime. The toss in of jasmine was something I hadn't seen before and promises a gentle, natural aspect. Maybe? 

So, let's cozy into a blanket, stifle a growing yawn, and see if this one invites to sweet dreams.



NIGHT BLOOMING JASMINE
by Diane De Anda
Illustrated by Kendra Binney
Star Bright Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8

COMING...
JUNE 11th!!!


Jasmine is sleeping soundly when a gentle tapping on her window awakens her. It’s the sweet-smelling jasmine vine, calling her to come and find the life outside her window. As Jasmine ventures downstairs,

she hears the nighttime sounds of ticking clocks and ribbiting frogs. She discovers that there is a bustling world in her own backyard. What critters will Jasmine uncover as she looks out into the night?

With its enchanting illustrations that evoke the magic of the night, this rhythmic verse story is fun and engaging, making it a perfect book to read aloud while introducing the night behavior of familiar animals. Interesting facts about nocturnal animal activity are included at the end of the book.



MY TIDBITS

Calming and magical, these pages explore the wonders of nighttime life.

The entire family is asleep, but a young girl gazes at the jasmine vines growing outside her window. Careful not to make any noise, she tiptoes through the house, down the stairs, and peers out of the window to watch what happens under the moonlight.

The mix of rhymed text and beautiful illustrations creates a dreamy atmosphere. Each page accompanies the girl on her small journey, which carries a hint of imagination while never leaving reality. From the creaking floorboards under her bare feet to the deep ticking of a clock, the imagery nudges the senses with vivid familiarity. The illustrations hold darker hues and subtle tones, while details balance with flowing artistry to add a dreamy flair. These are lovely and invite readers to revisit each scene. The text flows almost as smoothly, staying in a similar inviting style to create a calming, bedtime read.

While this invitation to dreams weaves its magic, the pages also expose various animals and their basic, nightly activities. From racoons to possums and more, readers learn about the nocturnal side of nature. These creatures are, then, revisited at the end of the book, where short summaries give a little more depth into each one.

This is a beautifully illustrated book, which captures the nighttime atmosphere in just the right way for a bedtime read, while incorporating a little bit of knowledge along the way.



And here they are...

Diane de Anda is a professor emerita of social welfare at UCLA and a community voice on violence prevention and stress management among adolescents. She has written 17 children’s books and edited four books on multicultural social work. Her work focuses on empowering Latino youth. She has published 21 Cousins and Night Blooming Jasmine with Star Bright Books. Diane lives in Playa del Rey, California.

Kendra Binney grew up in a small mountain town with no shoe stores. She spent most of her time barefoot, exploring the tiny world of spiders, snakes, and whatever else was hiding in the grass. She translates this closeness with the small and obscure into her paintings. Kendra spends most of her days in a small studio in Portland, Oregon. There she paints, daydreams, and paints some more. Her paintings and illustrations have been exhibited and published around the world. Visit her website at www.kendra-binney.com.

Monday, April 15, 2024

The Day I Fell Into A Fairy Tale by Ben Miller



THE DAY I FELL INTO A FAIRY TALE
by Ben Miller
Illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzinni
Aladin
Middle Grade Fantasy
240 pages
ages 8 to 12


COMING...
APRIL 23rd!!!


From actor, author, and comedian Ben Miller comes an illustrated middle grade fantasy adventure following a brother and sister who stumble into a magical new world—perfect for fans of Half Upon a Time and Land of Stories!

Lana loves stories, especially the ones she and her brother, Harrison, share in their make-believe games. But when Harrison decides he’s too grown-up to play with Lana anymore, she’s too lonely to find the wonder in storytelling…until something magical happens.

Lana discovers a portal to a fairy tale world hidden in the strange new supermarket in town! But these aren’t the happy-ever-after fairy tales that Lana knows—they are darker and more dangerous, and the characters need Lana’s help to defeat an evil witch. But she can’t do it alone.

Can she convince Harrison to believe in stories again and journey to the world with her before it’s too late?




MY TIDBITS

Fairy tales meet supermarkets in a humorous tale packed with adventure.

It's summer break, which should mean time to head out and play all sorts of games, but Lana's older brother, Harrison, is taking his middle grade years seriously and only wants to learn. Boring! When a new supermarket suddenly appears in town, Lana isn't nearly as thrilled as her mother but is promised a treat if she goes along. Lana's love for books draws her to that section of the humongous store, and when she finds one she'd like, the store keeper warns that it might not be appropriate for her. The book of fairy tales lean toward the original tales as by the Brothers Grimm, and Lana soon finds portals in the supermarket which lead to the stories...but they are dangerous. 

Adventure propels this tale forward as it balances between two worlds. Lana and her family live in a very normal small town. Everything about her family, sibling relations, and daily life are normal. So, despite little on the description end, it's no problem for readers to connect to with a sense of familiarity. The grocery store connects the two worlds in a clever way, allowing the fantasy to snuggle up to reality while keeping borders between the two fairly stiff. The drama, which builds on the reality side, hits with humor and understandable frustration, while mystery layers in the grocery store, and action bounds in the world of fairy tales. So, it's a fun mix. To top things off, not only does Lana dance between reality and the world of fairy tales, but there are sections, where stories are being told or read...tales within the tale.

This is a read more for the lower end of the middle grade audience, although the length is a bit on the mighty side. There are lovely illustrations to accompany the story, and the constant add ins of smaller decorations give the read a nice appearance and touch. This also breaks up the text a bit. The writing is fine for the level, while pushing readers to increase their skills on this end. There isn't much depth to the characters, which works better for younger readers. While there are enough descriptions to build the world nicely with fitting details to let readers sink in fine, these stays on the lighter side, allowing the action and adventure to power the pages forward. And it is a fast-paced read with many surprises.

 

And here they are...

Ben Miller is the bestselling author of magical stories for the whole family: The Night I Met Father Christmas, The Boy Who Made the World Disappear, The Day I Fell into a Fairy TaleHow I Became a Dog Called Midnight, Diary of a Christmas Elf, and The Night We Got Stuck in a Story. He is an actor, director, and comedian best known for The Armstrong & Miller Show, the Johnny English and Paddington films, BBC’s Death in Paradise, and recent Netflix smash Bridgerton.

Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini is an illustrator whose work has appeared in galleries worldwide. She studied fine arts in Milan before moving to London to study photography. Daniela’s contemporary take on classic style allows her to take on some very challenging picture books; The Seeing Stick by Jane Yolen and Animals Marco Polo Saw by Sandra Markle attracted much industry acclaim.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Library Day with The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh

The library in the nearby, small town might be...well, not large, but modern technology and things such as library borrowing opens up an amazing wealth of literature. Once a month, I try to explore a read, which I picked up through our library. 

Today's read was a suggestion I stumbled across on Twitter. This book first appeared in 2010 and won quite a bit of attention as well as awards. I found the idea of mixing an orphan, a monastery, and fey interesting, and decided to take a peek.



THE CROWFIELD CURSE
Crowfield Abby, #1
by Pat Walsh
The Chicken House
Middle Grade Fantasy
322 pages
ages 8 to 12








An angel is buried behind the abbey! It's 1347, and Will, an orphan boy, lives and works as an apprentice of the Crowfield monks. Sent into the forest to gather firewood, he stumbles across a trapped, wounded creature no bigger than a cat. The little goblin shares a terrible secret: Buried deep in the snow behind the monastery is an angel. But, Will wonders, how can an angel die? And what does this angel have to do with the history of Crowfield? When two cloaked strangers show up and start asking questions, Will is drawn into a dangerous world of Old Magic.


AND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU!


MY TIDBITS

I love discovering middle grade books, which never talk down to the readers and build rich tales that capture the imagination and transport to another world. This book does exactly that.

The year is 1347. Will was taken in by the Crowfield monastery after he was left as an orphan. Now, he serves the monks and helps with the daily tasks. While collecting firewood in the forest, he runs across an injured, odd creature and sneaks it into the monastery, where he can help nurse it back to health. But that's not the only secret Will soon is hiding. Only he and one of the other monks can see the goblin, which means he carries the Sight...and that's not something the other monks can ever know. When a pair of visitors come to the monastery and start pressing him for information about an angel's burying place, Will discovers there's an entire world of magic around him and not all of it is good. Part of it is deadly and will do anything to get its hands on Will.

Set in a monastery in the middle of the forest during the middle ages, there is already quite a bit of richness before the magical world of the fey joins in. Will's life as a servant at the monastery make him easy to sympathize with. His work is hard, and while the monks are stern, they aren't unkind, either. The world of the monastery offers a nice, darkish atmosphere, especially when it is surrounded by a woods in winter. Details not only in the surroundings but in the daily life add vivid moments, which draw in. And this is never delivered in a boring manner. Will is wrapped up in quite the situation, and boredom is the last thing he has time for.

The author has created an intriguing world, which balances on the odd border between a Catholic monastery and the fantastical world of the fey. While the two ideals clash hard, they weave together in a manner which adds to the growing tension. The world of Will sinks more and more into the shadows of secrets and danger as he digs deeper to figure out what is going on. He gains some unexpected friends, learns that what appears good isn't always pure, and finds security in places he most wants to leave. There's quite a bit of character arc, especially considering this is only the first adventure in the series. 

Fantasy fans and those who enjoy dark secrets mixed with danger are sure to get lost in these pages.