What's Coming in June?

Can you believe it's already June? I'm going to keep things nice and short today and simply dive right into my sneak peek. Enjoy!

THE COOKIE CRUMBLES

This one had me the moment I saw 'cookie' in the title (yum!), but to sweeten the deal, it has mystery too. And friendship. And a baking competition. And...yeah, I'm excited to dive into this one and hope to find secrets, tense scenes, and, for all things, wonderful treats. Join me the very first day of June and we'll see just how good this book is.

Middle Grade Mystery

PASTA PASTA LOTSA PASTA

Maybe, I was hungry when I stack this month's reading list together, but I am looking forward to steeping into what promises to be a humorous tale about a family, who each wants a different pasta form at a party. Join the fun with me on the 6th.

Picture Book

CONTROL FREAKS

I'm going into this read a little unsure of what it might hold. It has to do with a boy, who needs to win a contest with a group of students, which should have no chance of winning. But if he doesn't pull it off, his summer (life?) will be ruined. I have no idea how deep this one is going to get or if it will dance with a bit of humor or even what I can expect. But I'll let you know what I find on the 7th.

Middle Grade Contemporary

ISAAC AND THE BOULDER

The title and cover should say it all...I'm hoping they do. While this tale could go either way (bad or good), I'm hoping it's a fun tale about a boy, determination, and this huge obstacle. Boulders can be viscous, trust me. Anyway, I'll be taking a peek at this one on the 12th.

Picture Book

A FRENCH GIRL IN NEW YORK

This one sounded like a lovely summer read. Raised as a foster child somewhere in France, a teen is 'discovered' when someone hears her singing during a class trip to Paris. She's shipped off to New York, has to fulfill the music deals, and deals with romance and whatnots. It's a romcom, and I'm hoping for a light-hearted story with many funny twists, but I'll let you know more on the 14th.

Young Adult Romance

DEATH VALLEY SUMMER

With summer vacation here (or just around the corner), dreams of camping in the great outdoors will be running through some kids' plans. This read appeared to be perfect for that. It's the forth in an adventure series, which I haven't visited yet, and promises tons of tension. It takes place in Sequoia National Park and has two brothers doing their best to save some lost campers/hikers. I'm looking forward to taking a peek on the 17th.

Middle Grade Adventure

THE LIES OF ALMA BLACKWELL

While the above YA read should be light and fun, this one promises more than a few chills, thrills, and secrets. It circles around a house and young woman, whose witch family has protected the village from evil spirits for generations. Thanks to a tourist tour, this changes...or so I believe. Anyway, there should be tons of mystery, magic, and dark lies in this one, and we'll find out all about it on the 19th.

Young Adult Paranormal

THE SUPER BERRIES SCAM

Mystery continues in this read but carries a high-tech twist. I really don't know what to expect with this one but loved the title and cover. Plus, it promises to be a fun mystery with unique twists. Whether it will be worth a read or not is something we'll find out on the 20th.

Middle Grade Mystery

SPINDLE AND DAGGER

It's off to the year 1106 and a girl living in Wales. Her sisters are both dead thanks to a warlord's raid, and she's only survived by taking in the enemy and fooling everyone that he cannot die as long as he lives under her saintly protection. But the lies unravel because...well, that lie would at some point, right? Anyway, it sounds like an intriguing historical trip, and Wales heads in a direction I haven't gone for awhile. Journey through time with me on the 24th.

Young Adult Historical

 

The Ghosts of Nameless Island by Carly Anne West

One of the enjoyable activities during summer is camping in the great outdoors...and that needs to include s'mores and ghost stories. This read might not really work around a campfire, but it should hold tons of ghosts and spooky moments. I'm grabbing a flashlight but not a blanket (too hot!) and seeing how creepy this one is.

THE GHOSTS OF NAMELESS ISLAND

by Carly Anne West

Illustrated by Theo Skaffa

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery

304 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

JULY 23rd!!!

Twelve-year-old Gus Greenburg can see ghosts; in fact, he uses this paranormal superpower to help them "go on." But when Gus and his mom move into an old mansion on the mysterious and remote Nameless Island, he meets a ghost that's set out to hurt him . Bestselling author Carly Anne West weaves a spooky and thrilling series opener in this spine-tingling tale about mystery, family, and all things paranormal.

After his dad goes missing and his mom is hired to restore an old building called the Rotham Manor, twelve-year-old Gus Greenburg and his mom move to a quaint, secluded island called Nameless. Gus was hoping for a new start on the island (despite throwing up on the boat ride there . . .  twice),  but a mysterious ghost has another idea. Throw in a mean kid who hides rats in the manor, two new friends, an eclectic island chef who's competing to be on a reality TV show, and Gus's power to talk to the dead . . . well, that's a lot of chaos for one kid! 

Gus needs to find out the identity of the mysterious ghost – and fast – or else he might be doomed to the same lethal fate.

That is, if the island’s signature "Heavenly Hash" dish doesn't get to him first.

The Ghosts of Nameless Island is the first book in a new trilogy from bestselling author Carly Anne West. It's infused with Carly Anne West's signature wit and humor, and spooky enough for fans of Claribel Ortega's Ghost Squad,  Scott Cawthon's Five Night's at Freddy's, and Carly's own Hello Neighbor  series. This book also features black-and-white spot illustrations throughout. 

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Chills are guaranteed as eerie moments whisper secrets while meeting small island atmosphere with three adventurous friends.

Gus is feeling a bit burdened by life. He’s seen ghosts as long as he can remember, which hits extra hard thanks to his parents’ business of renovating old houses. His father was the only one who believed him and tried to help, but he suddenly disappeared and took all of Gus’ collected protection trinkets with him. To Gus’ dismay, his mother takes a renovation job on an island, hoping to distract herself from the problems. Not only is the island called Nameless Island (ominous) but her job concerns a very old house with tons of secrets and built literally on the edge of a even older graveyard. Disaster is guaranteed, but it comes worse than he ever could have expected.

Nameless Island, an abandoned manor, historical secrets, and the mysterious disappearance of a father—the stage set for a good, ghostly tale, but not only does this book deliver scary moments, it brings adventure and fun, too. Gus is introduced with the weight of the world on his shoulders, while riding a strange boat to the island with his mother stressing out and him hugging a bucket close to his chest due to sea sickness. He’s somewhat awkward in his own skin but has touching empathy for his mom’s situation. It makes him easy to like and sympathize with…and this holds the entire way through, especially since he does have just a touch of sarcastic/clever humor. It’s hard not to feel for him as the author lays out the odd island and its quirky inhabitants, and especially the manor (which is so perfectly done!).

It's a lovely mix of gruesome, chilling spooks and spine-tingling moments with a touch of silly adventure reminding a little bit of The Goonies. From questionable ghost hunting tech to scented soap sales and food battle competitions, there are many twists and turns to clash against the paranormal tension and darker moments. The friendships are golden, the secrets are thick, there’s family goodness, and plenty of sneaking around. There’s a very diverse cast, and plenty of hints of more secrets to uncover. So, boredom doesn’t have a chance.

The horror moments do edge toward tense, which might bother some sensitive readers but it’s nothing which goes past a middle grade level. The relationship between Gus and his mother is oddly balanced and bothered a little, but this might have something to do with the mystery behind his father, which isn’t touched upon much during this first book. There are more than a few sub-plots weaving everywhere, each with secrets and hidden agendas, and almost none are tied up by the last page. The cliffhanger ending promises a lot more to come, which also means readers will have to wait to continue the adventure until the next book appears.

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem by Megan Wagner Lloyd

I'm very excited about today's read and expect quite a bit of fun. It is the 2nd in the series, and no, I didn't read the first one...as usual. This one steers toward chapter book readers and promises tons of silly moments and a few lessons as well.

Our internet situation hasn't improved. The cable thieves cut around 2000 feet from various poles in the region this last week (bringing it up to almost 4000 ft total!)  So, this is going to be a rough few weeks, and I do hope you can bear with me, while I try to keep up the posts as much as possible.

SUPER PANCAKE AND THE MINI MUFFIN MAYHEM

by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Knopf Books

Graphic Novel

176 pages

ages 6 to 10

COMING...

JUNE 4th!!!

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a . . . pancake? The syrupy superhero of Breakfast Town, Peggy Pancake, is now up against her toughest, scariest obstacle babysitting.

When we last saw our hero Peggy Pancake, she was mastering her newfound superhero abilities and saving her sidekick, Luc Croissant, from the scary clutches of Dr. Evil Breakfast Sandwich and his sinister Henchtoasts. Now, Peggy balances being a superhero with her everyday life--going to school and hiding her crime-fighting identity from her family.

This Spring Break, Peggy has homework to write an instructional "How To" paper. Peggy's mom volunteers her to babysit six rambunctious mini muffins so she can write about "how to be responsible." That shouldn't be too bad, right?

But Peggy soon learns that she underestimated her responsibility...and created an accidental villian in the process. Can Peggy and Luc save Breakfast Town and all that is dear? Find out SUPER PANCAKE AND THE MINI MUFFIN MAYHEM!

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

A super-sweet-superhero heads into unexpected sticky situations in humorous and meaningful ways.

After finding her footing as a superhero in book one, Peggy Pancake is ready for new adventures, especially since she now has sidekicks to help her through. While she's hoping to take on a super villain, she needs to finish forgotten homework during the school vacation first. Worse, her parents aren't aware of her superhero secret and have arranged a babysitting job for her for the entire week. It seems her superhero awesomeness needs to be shoved aside and life will be boring, but she hasn't met Ms. Muffin's children yet.

I didn't get to read the first novel in this series, which wasn't a problem. This is an adventure to be enjoyed on its own...and what a fun one it is! Peggy Pancake and her friends are a great group, full of energy, and ready to offer superhero support whenever it's needed. Then, there's Peggy's family, with loving but sometimes bothersome parents (and parents tend to be), and a brother that Peggy cares about. Even the Muffins are sweet and kind. It's a wholesome read through and through, which offers a lovely support for the action and mounds of humor. 

The author keeps Peggy's superhero aspects amazing and, yet, subtle enough to keep life's chaos difficult enough to overcome without super villains always jumping into the mix. She's doing her best to keep her identity a secret, and that warps the story in some silly, cute ways. Add the mini muffin chaos (these kids are a handful!) and it creates a quick-paced read with many surprises and tension...and all of that at a level suitable for chapter book readers.

This is a fitting read for those readers, who have a pretty good hold on their words, but aren't ready for longer, heavier reads yet. The vocabulary first the level nicely, and the speech bubbles are created in a way that makes them easy to read. The illustrations carry a simpler style, which fits very well to the atmosphere. Each scene brings across the moments with the needed humor or heart. 

There are messages, too, surrounding friendship and responsibility, but it's the fun and humor which drive this read forward and make it a fun one to pick up.

And here they are...

Megan Wagner Lloyd is the author of the kids’ graphic novel Super Pancake as well as the Indie Bestseller Allergic, co-created with illustrator Michelle Mee Nutter, which the New York Times called “madcap fun.” She’s also the author of the picture books Finding Wild and Fort-Building Time, illustrated by Abigail Halpin, Building Books, illustrated by Brianne Farley, and Paper Mice, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl. Megan lives with her family in the Washington, DC area

Abhi Alwar is the illustrator of Megan Wagner Lloyd’s Super Pancake, as well as Cheryl Klein’s picture book, Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates. Publishers Weekly praised the latter in a starred review, noting “readers should get a tickle out of [Alwar’s] compositions.” Abhi aims to tell absurd and silly stories through comics and picture books. She lives in NYC.

 

The Space You Left Behind by Ona Gritz

Today's read is a contemporary tale with diverse tones and is written in verse. I'm hoping it flows nicely and draws in without becoming too cliche. The cover did catch my attention...something different from the main stream and just wakes curiosity.

THE SPACE YOU LEFT BEHIND

by Ona Gritz

West 44 Books

YA Contemporary  /  Poetry

190 pages

COMING...

JUNE 4th!!!

Sixteen-year-old Cara has cerebral palsy. Self-conscious about her limp, Cara is convinced her disability is what causes boys to always place her in the friend zone. This summer, it seems to be happening again with her new crush, Josh. The two of them are huge fans of a popular mystery podcast and, as it happens, Cara has a real-life mystery of her own. She’s never been that curious about the donor who is her biological father, but now that Josh shows an interest in learning his identity, she’s all in. As Cara starts exploring, she stumbles upon a family secret that just might explain the feeling she’s always had that something important is missing from her life. But with this knowledge, her life may never be the same again.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Potent and meaningful, this is a mini-coming-of-age written in verse and draws in until the last page.

Cara has cerebral palsy and walks with a limp. As a sixteen-year-old wishing to simply be like everyone else, it makes her more than a little self-conscious. When two cute guys approach her and her best friend at the beach, she fears that a sudden connection to one of them, Josh, will end up, once again, with her being stuffed into the 'friend zone'. But Josh surprises her and still approaches her even after he notices her disability. When he learns that she doesn't know who her real father is, he agrees to help her figure out the mystery and, maybe, help her fill the hole she constantly seems to have inside.

This is a beautifully written book. Each verse brings across the moment with emotion and clarity, while drawing in to an engaging tale. These are very short and, yet, make sure every word sits. Cara's feelings as well as each situation come across vividly and hold the right amount of tension and heart. It creates a seamless read, which draws in and allows the reader to get lost in Cara's world.

Not only does Cara's disability cause her problems in several ways, but she's battling self-doubt in the area of her home life. While her mother and grandmother offer amazing and caring support, they harbor a secret surrounding her birth and aren't eager to let Cara know the details. The friction is understandable and comes across realistically. While Cara spends most of the tale trying to learn the secret surrounding her father's identity, this takes a surprising twist and does bend the end in a completely different direction, which works very well, for the most part.

The romance is unsure and holds an important role while not overtaking the main story line. It's sweet and not over-bearing, and does carry an unexpected twist toward the end as well. But everything works out better and smoother than is often seen in YA romances. So, this was a nice surprise, too. 

Ayamoo's Secret by Paul R. Stanton

AYAMOO'S SECRET

by Paul R. Stanton

Ukiyoto Press

Children's Fiction

42 pages

ages 4 to 8

Ayamoo is tiny, Ayamoo is small, Ayamoo is the teeniest Smileymoo of all. But Ayamoo has a secret. In fact she has two. Can you guess what they are?

GOODREADS     /  AMAZON 

MY TIDBITS

Being small...or even the smallest...doesn't keep this adorable Smileymoo from doing what needs to be done. But then, she does harbor an interesting secret or two.

Ayamoo is a Smileymoo, and the tiniest of her kind, but that doesn't mean she's one to be pushed around. After she exchanges books at a library, she's off to meet her friend, Gherkin, for a picnic. Unfortunately, Gherkin has picked up an unintentional tag-a-long, who only means trouble for both Ayamoo and Gherkin. But Ayamoo isn't going to let the bully get his way.

Smileymoos aren't really that much different from you and me, which makes them easy to identify with while sinking into an imaginative world. The scenes and situations stay very close to everyday life and add just a touch of fantasy to make things fun. Ayamoo is the smallest of the Smileymoos, and she has a kind and warm heart. Her friendship to Gherkin is wholesome, even when they don't agree on everything, and her dealings with the bully take a slightly unusual twist but end with an important message. All of this carries a touch of fun and humor to make it an enjoyable read. Ayamoo's sercets also add a touch fantasy, which is sure to make readers smile.

The illustrations are bright and bold, and bring across the world of the Smileymoos nicely. These fill one side of each two-page spread, while the text is placed on the other. The text fits well to beginning chapter book readers or works very well as a story time read-aloud. 

This does open the door to a possible series, and I do hope to see more adventures surrounding Ayamoo and the Smileymoos in the future.

And here he is...

Paul R Stanton lives all his life in London and is an author and illustrator of Children’s books recently published under the roof of Ukiyoto Publishing: BUNGLE (2023); DESMON (2023); GHERKIN (2023); MR MUSHKINMOO (2023); AYAMOO (2023)

Moreover, he is the author of the Festive Books:  A FESTIVE JUXTAPOSITION (2022); A FESTIVE VERISIMILITUDE (2023) – a fantasy and mystery series featuring about an unconventional Devil who knows every nook and secret of the old, good city of London.

Paul has been consistently writing the Smileymoo books for many years. With the addition of his latest, ‘Ayamoo’s Secret’, this will make a total of five. He has three others in the pipeline and is currently commencing his sixth in the series: Dillinger & Mealymoo.

 

I Hate It When Aliens Do That by Mark Cheverton

Happy Saturday! I just want to give everyone a heads-up that my posts are going to be a bit irregular the next days...although I'm going to try my best to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Our internet is down and won't be repaired until (earliest) end of next week...some fools climbed the poles and removed the wire (to sell the copper inside). This seems to be a problem in our area (rural) right now, and the companies have now decided to bury the lines instead. Which will take time (sigh). 

So, I'm taking runs into town, sitting at the local fast food places, and doing my best to hang in there until things are up and running again.

I HATE IT WHEN ALIENS DO THAT

by Mark Cheverton

Middle Grade Science Fiction

198 pages

ages 8 to 12

New York Times Bestselling author of 28 novels...

THE ALIENS ARE COMING FOR US ALL!

Jimmy Turkelson, a relatively insignificant and always scared seventh grader, spends his days at Tower Middle School evading bullies and trying to avoid notice; a mouse hiding in the shadows when everyone feels like a cat. But when the Zanthoid spaceship lands outside his school, everything changes. It is the first wave of the attack. The aliens are invading so they can take every drop of water from Earth. Those who survive the unwinnable war will be left to perish on a barren wasteland after the Zanthoids finish stripping the planet of its resources. Only Jimmy, a collection of unusual friends, and a friendly alien named Gorgalsheef stand between the Zanthoid Empire and the destruction of Humanity. But when Jimmy comes face-to-face with the vicious alien commander, Kralwak, will he coward and run away, as Jimmy usually does, or will he stand and fight to save the world?

HAS HUMANITY MET ITS END?

 GOODREADS    /      AMAZON  

MY TIDBITS

Aliens attacking the world is more than serious business, but even high stakes can be accompanied with giggles galore.

Jimmy is twelve-years-old and not exactly the most popular kid at school, but he does have a great fantasy and is determined to protect his eight-year-old sister no matter what…well, his mom would kill him if he didn’t, so that may not count. When a strange object falls from the sky and crashes into a lake near the school, odd things start happening.  The adults are acting more than strange, and his own teacher is rounding up all the kids together into rooms. Maybe, to cook them? After all, it is an alien invasion! It’s his job to save the world. Now, he just needs to figure out how and that with a rag-tag group of kids and an alien-escapee, and that while protecting his sister.

Imagination shifts into hyper-drive in this slightly ridiculous and oh-so-fast-paced read about a very unexpected alien invasion. The first pages/prologue set the tone as Jimmy introduces himself directly to the reader. He reveals that he’s in prison and gives a tiny bit of background to the entire situation. Then, the first chapter heads back in time and allows the reader to get a handle on Jimmy’s home and school life right before the aliens first land. There is a bit cliché introduction with Jimmy as the odd kid, who faces bullying and other school troubles, but that’s also where cliché ends.  

More than a few aliens are involved in the invasion, and each has its own appearance and qualities. There is a simple illustration of each alien as it appears in the story. These carry originality and hold a slightly humorous twist. This matches nicely to the tale’s atmosphere. While Jimmy and his friends face one unexpected moment after the other, every moment is also fun with quirky reactions and witty dialogue.

There are a few messages surrounding friendship, bullies, and pushing past one’s own comfort zone, but this read is mostly about fun.

Note: The flip-book is found only in the paper/hard copies of this novel. Ebook copies do include a link for those who want to see it...just digitally.

The Official Cursed Princess Club by LambCat

 

THE OFFICIAL CURSED 

PRINCESS CLUB

COLORING BOOK    

By LambCat

Webtoon Entertainment

Young Adult Coloring Book

96 pages

COMING...

JULY 9th!!!

Color your favorite moments from the popular WEBTOON Originals Cursed Princess Club series in this uniquely designed book featuring the original full-color art as inspiration for each coloring page.
 
The Official Cursed Princess Club Coloring Book offers you a chance to experience the captivating and hilarious world of Cursed Princess Club in an inspiring new way. Each page has been thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of the series, allowing you to engage interactively with your favorite characters and scenes. This distinctive coloring book features:  
 

• A carefully curated set of 46 coloring pages, featuring the unconventional princess Gwendolyn, her fellow princesses, supporting characters, and the series’ most beloved and talked-about moments.
• A unique format, with the original full-color artwork on the left, showcasing the vibrant and evocative scenes as depicted in the series, and the uncolored line art on the right, awaiting your artistic touch.
• Premium paper that ensures a satisfying coloring experience; allows you to color using markers, gel pens, colored pencils, crayons, and more; and preserves your artistic expressions for years to come.

 
Each page is a new opportunity to celebrate the essence of Cursed Princess Club and express your creativity in a tangible and personal way, bringing the world of Cursed Princess Club to life with your own choice of colors.
 
Whether you’re an ardent fan of the series or are simply seeking a delightful coloring journey, The Official Cursed Princess Club Coloring Book is a perfect addition to your collection.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This book is definitely one for Cursed Princess Club fans. The graphics and tales behind some of them are more than clear to those who have already dived into the novels. But that doesn't mean that these are all pulled right out of the novels, either. While the scenes and backstories will pop-up in fans' minds, there are original settings which play on the personalities of the characters. It's a fun way to sink in and enjoy the personalities...a great fandom experience.

There are 46 images in total. A fully colored version is presented on the left side of each two-page spread, and then, the same image is shown on the left side but with just the lines. The images allow for simple coloring or for the fantasy to flow freely. 

It's an enjoyable book, and the only drawback is that non-knowers will feel a bit disconnected. But for fans, it's quite cute.

Alterations by Ray Xu

According to my reading pile, this must be graphic novel month. While I've already had half-a-dozen the last weeks, I'm not done yet. Today's read is one for the middle grade audience, released already in January, and takes a contemporary twist. While the blurb promises middle school drama, the cover makes me wonder how much adventure will be thrown in, too. Only way to find out is to open it up and read, I guess. So, here we go!

ALTERATIONS

by Ray Xu

Union Square Kids

Middle Grade Contemporary  /  Graphic Novel

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

For fans of Gene Luen Yang’s  American Born Chinese  and Svetlana Chmakova’s   Awkward , this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all. 
 
Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family’s alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isn’t exactly an oasis either—being one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?

GOODREADS     /       B&N     /     AMAZON      /     ABE BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

Middle school mixes with problems such as divorce, first crushes, and century eggs to form a balance between giggles and heart.

Kevin Lee's life has been turned upside down since his parents divorced and his father left the city. Now, his mother is working overtime in her alterations shop to make ends meet. Kevin is forced to help out both in the house and with sewing buttons, but he'd rather just read his comic books. His older sister is an awesome support (even when she's irritating), and then, there's Popo, his odd, ancient grandmother, who is so traditional, it's weird. School isn't any better thanks to all sorts of misunderstandings, which leaves him as the strange kid. While comics offer an escape, it's the upcoming trip to a theme park, which might give the relief he needs...if it isn't as doomed as the rest of his life.

This book tackles quite a few tough problems many middle graders face, while weaving in a touch of science fiction and humor to make it an exciting and enjoyable read. Kevin is a kid, who just wishes everything were easier. His father's disappearance from their lives has left a mark, which isn't an lot to deal with. While Kevin's family is very supportive and caring, they are all under stress as they try to come to terms with everything. The mother works over-hours, which adds a familiar strain kids can identify with, especially since that means picking up some of the slack at home which would, otherwise, be used for free time. Kevin's attitude is very understandable as realizes why things are the way they are but still isn't happy about it and rebels to a certain extent. It makes him human and easy to identify with, since many readers will recognize similar situations from their own lives.

The graphics are well done, and the text balances nicely with each one. There are side-thoughts, settings, comments and such in square text boxes, while the speech appears in bubbles to keep everything clear. The illustrations especially work nicely as Kevin switches to his comic/fantasy thoughts, and it's this which offers the fun side to balance out the more serious issues on the life end. But even in the 'real life', there's enough lightness to keep the problems from growing to heavy...and especially Popo comes across nicely.

It's a packed book in many ways, never invites boredom, and stays entertaining the entire way through.

And here he is...

RAY XU is a Toronto-based story artist and animator for television and feature films. His recent work includes the 2021 Netflix animated hit The Mitchells vs. The Machines; DreamWorks’ Captain Underpants movie; and more. He invites you to visit him online at http://raymond-xu.com.

No Malto Left Behind by Ryder Windham

Today's read hit the shelves a couple weeks ago and is the latest in the EarthSpark - Transformers series as seen on Nickelodeon. I did review the first one in the series last year (here) and enjoyed it enough to be curious to take a look at this addition...although I do believe one or two more have come out in the mean time. 

It's a chapter book for those readers, who are sure enough of their words to head into exciting tales but need quite a bit more practice before heading into full-blown novels. 

NO MALTO LEFT BEHIND!

Transformers—EarthSpark

by Ryder Windham

Illustrated by Patrick Spaziante

Simon Spotlight

Chapter Book

64 pages

ages 4 to 8

Transformers: EarthSpark is a kids animated series from Nickelodeon and Hasbro introducing the first Transformers bots to be born on Earth, streaming on Paramount+!

Robby and Mo get themselves into trouble while Dot, Bumblebee, and their Terran siblings are out on a secret mission in this action-packed chapter book featuring an all-new original story based on Transformers: EarthSpark!

Robby and Mo are super bummed—their Terran siblings are going on a top-secret undercover mission with Bumblebee, but they have to stay behind to finish a book report. Even though they are stuck at home, Robby and Mo decide to make their day a lot more interesting with a little help from Nightshade’s Smart Trainer 5008. But when the Smart Trainer spins out of control, Robby and Mo must think about what responsibility really means. Since they got themselves into trouble, can they find a way out on their own?

AMAZON    /     GOODREADS      /      B&N     /     BOOKSHOP

MY TIDBITS

Action and tension drive every page forward, while a sense of family and friends offer the needed platform true heroes thrive on.

The team has received a mission, and while the transformers and older Terran siblings are off to catch an enemy, Robby and Mo are stuck at home to finish up their homework. It isn't fair, since missions are rare and the two really want to join the fun. To hurry things along, they decide to use one of Nightshade's inventions to assist with the homework, but they don't expect it to turn on them! Meanwhile, the rest of the team has lost track of the enemy...and it might be headed right to the farm where Robby and Mo are already dealing with more than the can almost handle.

While the beloved transformers start off and end this read, it centers more on Robby and Mo as they get themselves into some pretty sticky situations. Action fans will enjoy the blasts, high tension, and danger as the siblings personally battle lasers and more...and all of this in ways which still slide in with a level fitting to the intended age group. To round things off, there's a wonderful sense of family, teamwork, coming-to-aide, and support. 

The text does push readers to expand their vocabulary. Thanks to the theme and plot, readers are engaged and will be willing to work through the few more difficult words to see what happens next. The text is also in a large font for easier reading purposes. I was surprised at the length of several of the paragraphs, but thanks to the shorter word amount on each page, this shouldn't be overwhelming. The illustrations found on every page not only keep the text from growing overwhelming but follow the story to help support each scene. 

Not only does the action make this fun, but the family and friend aspect offers a wholesome background. Robby and Mo do make mistakes but aren't chastised much. Rather, it's the learned wisdom which is focused on. This is definitely a nice choice for Transformer fans and those who enjoy a little more action.

And here they are...

Ryder Windham is a science fiction author who has written over sixty Star Wars books as well as titles for the Indiana Jones and Transformers franchises.

Patrick Spaziante is an American comic book artist and children’s book illustrator known for his work for Archie Comics, in particular his interior pencil and cover work for Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic X, and Sonic Universe.

I Cannot Draw a Bicycle by Charise Mericle Harper

Today's read partners up with another book, I Cannot Draw A Horse, which appeared in 2022 (you can read my review on that one here). Since I did enjoy that one quite a bit, I was happy to get my hands on a copy of this second read, where it appears, the horse now gets a bicycle. After all, every horse needs a bicycle....  if our pony would like one? Hmmm....

Anyway, I'm curious to see if this one holds enough originality over the last to still make it interesting and am hoping for the same, witty humor. And what better way to begin a new week than with a smile?

I CANNOT DRAW A BICYCLE

by Charise Mericle Harper

Union Square Kids

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

48 pages

Award-winning author and illustrator Charise Mericle Harper creates a laugh-out-loud picture book about making something out of nothing and the power of imagination in this companion title to I Cannot Draw a Horse .
 
The Horse wants a bicycle.
A bicycle is hard to draw.
The Book cannot draw a bicycle.
But the Book CAN draw shapes.
 
Can the Horse and the Cat build a bicycle from shapes? Or will their dreams end in pieces?

Featuring the same quirky contemporary voice and kid-friendly comic illustration style as its predecessor, I Cannot Draw a Horse , this children's metafiction book is an art lesson about creativity and determination, wrapped around a humorous narrative. Readers who have enjoyed other fourth wall—breaking books like B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures will appreciate the interactive elements in this book for children ages 3–8.

GOODREADS     /    B&N     /     AMAZON    /    BOOKS OF WONDER

MY TIDBITS

Silliness ensues as a simple shape morphs into all sorts of possibilities to meet an expectation the characters can't even define themselves.

An unseen narrator begins the read with one, simple sentence on one page and a very simple shape on the next. While it might first appear to be a boring, gray bump, the entire book mountains with imaginative possibilities from there. Using the the shape, the narrator forms a cat, a horse, and a skateboard, which seems nice, but the horse wants a bicycle...sounds like a somewhat-doable task until misunderstandings and more lead into all sorts of unexpected directions. There's tons of wit, plenty imagination, and a ridiculous back and forth which promises more than a couple giggles and smiles.

Everything about this read steers toward the younger audience level. The text is simple, uses a large font, and stays concise, making it great even for beginner readers to start following along or as a read aloud in group settings. The illustrations concentrate on the two characters and whatever item is drawn at that moment. This helps readers to easily identify the shape's use in various ways and forms, and demonstrates how something so basic can be expanded into so much more. This also can lead to art/craft projects and does help exercise the imagination and creativity in a very enjoyable way.

It's a fun book with clever twists, builds creative skills, and will have listeners laughing, too.

And here he is...

Charise Mericle Harper is the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous children’s books and series, including the Just Grace series, the Fashion Kitty series, and the Next Best Junior Chef series. Harper’s signature wit, kid-friendly illustrations, and wholly original style have made her a familiar name with caregivers, educators, and librarians looking for books that encourage imagination and showcase art education. Charise lives with her family and furry pets in Portland, Oregon.

You Are Not Alone by The Bible Tells Me So

 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Level 1

The Bible Tells Me So

Early Readers Religious

22 pages

ages 4 to 8

Sometimes, in this modern, busy, digital age, children can feel like nobody cares about them and that they are all alone.
 
When they feel this way, we need to reassure them that they are actually surrounded by family, friends, and others in their church and community who really love them and that God, the One who loves them and cares for them most of all, is always with them.
 
This beautifully illustrated book is meant to help parents have  repeated and loving conversations with their children to let them know they are not alone.

PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With gentle, lovely illustrations, readers are lead to realize how many people truly care for them.

The first pages hit immediately with the atmosphere of loneliness—one little child sitting in the middle of the page all alone. Little by little, the the reader learns about all the people around them, growing the circle of individuals surrounding the child until a huge crowd is formed. It's potent and brings the message home with a steady pace which is easy to understand and connect with. The last pages address how God is always there, too.

The illustrations are well done and create a gentle and enjoyable atmosphere the entire way through. These alone can carry the story, making it great for young, beginning readers to tackle on their own, since they can easily deduce what the text is saying. 

The text fits well for those readers, who have a fairly decent handle on words but still need quite a bit more practice. It does push the reading skills, while connecting with the illustrations to keep frustration to a minimum. The font has a playful touch, which invites in but might cause difficulty for more struggling readers. It has a warm flow, which edges toward a poetic atmosphere.

The message is warming and comes across clearly without feeling overly preachy. It is more intended for those young readers, who have a traditional family (siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.), and works very well for these readers. For those readers, who are missing two or more of these 'categories', this might not work quite as well and have the opposite effect, in some cases. So, a little discretion on this end might be advised.

But it is a lovely read, which brings the idea of community and love home very well, while offering beginning readers a chance to explore the tale on their own.