One Night in Bethlehem by Jill Roman Lord

ONE NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM

A Touch-and-Feel Book

by Jill Roman Lord

Illustrated by Sally Garland

WorthyKids

Board Book   /   Religious   /  Holiday

20 pages

ages 1 to 4

One Night in Bethlehem draws on a child's imagination and his senses in this beautiful touch-and-feel board book. A young boy carefully considers what he might have done if he were present on the night of Jesus' birth. He sings with the angels in the sky, becomes a spotted cow at the nativity scene, and alongside the Wise Men, he offers his precious teddy bear as a gift. Colorful artwork and a variety of textures allow young children to see and feel the events of the first Christmas.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This is an easy book for young listeners to connect with as they visit Jesus' birth from the viewpoint of someone their age.

A young boy looks at the nativity scene and wonders what it would have been like to have been in Bethlehem himself. Imaging himself as everything from a little sheep to one of the three kings, the various aspects of the Christmas story are visited while not feeling repetitive. 

A calm atmosphere mixes with gentle imagination to set an inviting atmosphere. The young boy's thoughts are simple, natural, and will have listeners wondering themselves what they would have done in the same situations. It begins with the boy wondering what he would have done if he was a sheep...and warm cuddles come right away....and goes all the way to him as a shepherd and more. The text is short and, yet, adds cute, innocent twists the entire way through to make it a read to visit again and again.

The illustrations carry a playful touch with few harsh lines and invite in with details and easy-to-recognize scenes. The rhyming text flows right along with them to create a lovely read. And I can't forget to mention the slightly fuzzy sheep on the cover, which sets the tone for the rest of the read.

It's an adorable read, perfect for the days before Christmas.

And here they are...

Jill Roman Lord is an award-winning author and a nurse anesthetist. She won her first writing award in first grade and has written ever since. Her many children’s books include If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart, The Silent Noisy Night, and God Made You Just Right. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and enjoys running with her golden retriever, golfing with her husband and son, sipping coffee with her girls, and traveling.

Sally Garland grew up in the small Scottish town of Alness and studied Illustration at Edinburgh College Of Art. She’s had a passion for drawing and for children’s literature and illustration since she was a child. Sally works both digitally and traditionally, and recently, she’s been enjoying experimenting with simple block printing techniques, watercolor, and writing her own stories. She lives in Glasgow with her partner and young son.

Kid the Goat Won't Wear His Christmas Coat by Lana Stenner

It's time to shift gears back to some Christmas reads! Today's read caught my attention right away thanks to the...

Well, which one of you has had a kid goat under your Christmas tree? 

KID THE GOAT WON'T WEAR HIS CHRISTMAS COAT

by Lana Stenner

Illustrated by Anna Simone

Tommy Nelson

Picture Book  /  Holiday

20 pages

ages 2 to 5

This romping Christmas tale is a kid-approved reminder to wear your winter coat! Lana Stenner of the Grace-Filled Homestead (which is also filled with goats, chickens, and sheep) shares this hilarious story about a young goat who would rather stay in his pajamas than wear his coat at Christmastime.

Kid the Goat runs to the Christmas tree to open his presents and saves the biggest for last. What could be inside such a big box? After ripping off—and snacking on—the wrapping paper, Kid opens the box and finds . . . a winter coat. Clothes for Christmas? What a bu-u-ummer! When Kid refuses to wear his coat, Maa-a-a makes Kid stay inside while the rest of the family enjoys Christmas Day outside. How can Kid make ice skating, building snowmen, sledding, and caroling just as fun while inside the house by himself?

Filled with cute and cuddly artwork, this relatable and laugh-out-loud rhyming story

is for ages 0 to 4,shows kids the consequences of not dressing for the weather, and is a perfect gift for Christmas and Advent. Grab a copy for your coat-averse children today. They will Totes McGotes love this book!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Animal fans will enjoy this meaningful twist on Christmas preparations in a lively family...of goats.

Christmas is just a day away, which means preparations are in full-swing. All the goats in the family help to clean and get things read, except Kid the Goat. Kid doesn't have any desire to help out. When Christmas comes, he opens his gift to find a warm coat inside, but refuses to put it on. Instead, he wants to wear his pajamas while caroling and playing in the snow. But this might not work out for Kid as hoped.

This is a cute read about a family of goats. They live in a normal house and are very energetic as they clean and put up decorations. The scenes will come across with familiarity while the goat characters and a smile-worthy spin. Kid's attitude hits a little off from the get go and will have many readers wondering what the goat is thinking. While there is, obviously, a message about listening and participating, it never comes across overly strong thanks to the fun read. Christmas joy and energy stays front and center with tons of winter goodness, too. There's also a wholesome ending which embraces the true, religious meaning of Christmas.

The rhymes and illustrations work well together to keep a Christmas atmosphere. The illustrations are bright and bold, bringing across the scenes with a natural flow and letting the important details come across clearly. Readers can flip through these on their own and get a good feel for the tale. The text is written in a fairly nice flowing rhyme with only a few stumbles when doing it as a read-aloud. It might not be for the most impatient listeners out there, but it works nicely for a fun tale to snuggle up with. It's also ideal for those readers, who have a very good grip on their words, to tackle on their own.

It's a fun and unique story to dive into the family spirit of Christmas.

The Case of the Pilfered Pearls by Margi Preus

Yesterday, I posted my thoughts on a fast-paced mystery for the young adult audience. So today, I'm going to shift down to the middle graders with this first book in a new mystery series...well, I think it will be a series. It's not really said.  Now, I'm not expecting this one to be high tension...at least, not like The Escape Game was. Instead, I'm getting more fun vibes with a little cute mixed in too. I'm hoping the mystery is well laid and that this little detective is one to love.

Let's open this one up and see if we can crack the case right along with this shrew. (And yay, a screw character!)

THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS

The Shrew Detective

by Margi Preus

Illustrated by Junyi Wu

Amulet Books

Middle Grade Mystery

128 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 19th!!!

Wind in the Willows meets Enola Holmes in this exciting, young middle grade mystery series from Newbery Honor–winning author Margi Preus and with art from Junyi Wu

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand.

With a curious mind and a vast vocabulary (thanks to her wallpaper—pages of a discarded human dictionary), tiny Minerva Shrew would love nothing more than to solve the Big Mysteries of Life and the Universe.

Instead, in The Case of the Pilfered Pearls, she’s called upon to help her cousin Tenacity solve a mystery in the most dangerous of a human house. When a string of pearls goes missing, the human owner is sure a “dreadful rodent” has pilfered them—and now the lives of all Minerva’s friends are at risk! Will Minerva find the true culprit before the exterminators arrive?

With wit and warmth, Margi Preus creates a charming woodland world filled with creatures both whimsical and nefarious ( wicked or criminal), along with suspense, intrigue, and, thanks to Minerva’s metabolism, plenty of snacks.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With an clever shrew and tons of meals each day, this mystery lures in while building reading skills along the way.

Minerva Shrew's home is wallpapered in dictionary pages, and she loves nothing more than deep mysteries...like the meaning of life and philosophical questions. When one of her friends insists she help out with a real crime mystery and thwart a potential murder, Minerva isn't thrilled to shift her brain gears down to a 'lower level' discovery but doesn't want anyone to die, either. She follows her friend to a dangerous, human house and a complex mystery. But the stakes are very high and the clock is already ticking. Minerva must discover the true identity of the thief before the exterminator arrives and kills all the little animals living in the house.

When I first saw the cover and tale length, I thought this might be a tale for strong chapter book readers and lower middle grade ones, and while it is, it stretches further than that. The tale is short and engaging, and every few pages, Minerva drops a difficult vocabulary word and the definition...and these are mostly not words readers would usually run across. Add that the author tends to sprinkle in more difficult terms anyway, and the vocabulary skills are getting a workout. But thanks to the shorter read, it also relaxes what could be frustrating in a longer novel. The printed text is kept relatively short for a usual middle grade read, and there are lovely illustrations, which often dropped in to enhance the tale. Plus, it's not about depth as much as it is about solving the case. So, it is a true middle grade read...and one that works very well to improve those word skills. I'm thinking homeschoolers and classrooms will want to peek into these pages, too.

As for the story, it holds a quick-paced mystery with vibrant characters and tons of quirks. Of course, Minerva, as a shrew, already gives this book a fun and original twist. Readers learn a little about shrews along the way, too (like they need to eat extremely often to stay alive). The other animals are just as interesting and add a little furry chaos and fun. The first pages give readers time to meet Minerva and learn about her usual life and interests, which then, makes the turn into the mystery that much more interesting. The mystery is well laid and holds several surprises. The ending isn't easy to solve and, of course, there are some messages about friendship, helping others, and reaching beyond the comfort zone as well.

I can only hope that this is the first in many tales to come.

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer

 I was, actually, planning on hitting another read today, but when I happened to get my hands on a DRC of Marissa Meyer's upcoming release, I shoved things around. But no worries, I am definitely going to get to the other one here before too long because I'm very excited about Behind the Willows by June Hur, too. Honestly, I love June Hur's books just as much as Marissa Meyer's. 

Oh, the struggles we booklovers have!

Anyway, today's read promises mystery and tension pure, and I'm ready to see what other goodies these pages might hold. So, let's take a peek!

THE ESCAPE GAME

by Marissa Meyer

G.P. Putman's Sons

YA Mystery Thriller

416 pages

COMING APRIL 6th!!!

An unforgettable YA murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show, by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Tamara Moss, rising star and acclaimed author of Lintang series.

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and rising star Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride, filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Tension mixes with a high-stakes mystery and unique characters to form a grabbing mystery with tons of surprises.

Sierra should have been announced the winner of the forth season the The Escape Game, but instead, discovered her sister murdered in the last round. Everyone thinks she did it, but due to the lack of evidence, wasn't charged. Six months later, the next episode is being filmed, and Sierra manages to convince the producers to bring her back, this time as a team leader. To say that none of her partners in the game trust her is an understatement, but she's not there to win. She's there to learn what really happened to her sister.

This book draws in from the very first page and doesn't let go until the end. It shifts perspectives between various players, which lets several of their personalities shine and their quirks become clear. This helps build tension as each one faces their own personal challenges and has very different views on the game and Sierra. The author also uses this to carefully lay the clues and weave a tight web of intrigue. There are many grey areas, which make it hard to see what's really going on and what the true motives are and were.

While the main plot centers around the earlier murder, there are several subplots running along as well. This keeps everything moving and the thoughts twisting this way and that. While there isn't quite as much character depth in some areas as I'd like, this doesn't bother thanks to the nicely laid action and secrets. Plus, the escape rooms are interesting in their own right as the characters have to solve difficult puzzles again and again.

I can only hope a second book is going to come soon, since I'm curious to see where this could go next.

Welcome, Uncle Nowruz! by Rashin Kheiriyeh

While I'm celebrating the Christmas pre-season full-swing...    Actually, do any of you have some treat ideas for peppermint sticks?

As I was saying, the Advent season is here, and I have all sorts of books to celebrate. But sneaking in right behind Christmas is New Year. At least, it will be for us here in America, but what about Persia? In Persia, the New Year is much later and takes place more toward the end of March. Isn't that a surprise? Honestly, I didn't know this and was excited to run across today's read to learn even more. Now, I don't think that this one is filled with facts, but I'm hoping it will hold cultural goodness and hold a fun tale.

So, let's discover more about the Persian New Year, shall we?

WELCOME, UNCLE NOWRUZ!

A Persian New Years Story

by Rashin Kheiriyeh

NorthSouth Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING FEBRUARY 26th!!!

Brilliant Iranian-American creator Rashin offers her fun and fresh spin on a classic Nowruz folktale.

Nane Sarma is winter herself, and every year she waits eagerly for her old friend, Uncle Nowruz. His job is to travel the land announcing the beginning of spring. But somehow, she always falls asleep before he arrives! This year, her three grandchildren will celebrate with her, so surely she will stay awake. But after the family shops for all seven items for the Haft-Seen table, finds beautiful new clothes, eats saffron ice cream and makes the traditional meal of fish and rice, Nane is knackered. Uh-oh . . .

A fun-filled romp through a favorite Persian holiday, sure to charm readers familiar with the Nowruz festival and inspire those for whom it is new.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This is a touching, fun tale, which invites to smiles while learning about the legend behind Nowruz and the new year festival.

Nane Sarma can't wait to meet with her friend, Uncle Nowruz, every year when he passes by to introduce the beginning of spring. She always prepares everything with care and concern. But for some reason, she always sleeps through his visit. So, her three grandchildren decide to help out and prepare everything with her, but they forget one of the required seven items! Nane Sarma isn't sure what to do, but this may not be the biggest problem after all. 

This is an inviting tale, which lures in thanks to the characters. Nane Sarma (who is actually winter) is an adorable grandmother, and her kindness immediately wins over. It's inspiring and warming to watch her grandchildren do their best to prepare for the festival. The scenes pack energy and fun, while offering details which add cultural goodness. The entire festival seems exciting and will have readers wishing they could join in as well. Even Nane Sarma's 'mishap', which is a bitter-sweet, hits just right to touch the heart and hope things will change the next year. It's a grabbing read with a smooth flowing tale,

The illustrations are bright and bold, and carry a touch of traditional feel while sliding into the Persian culture. They offer visual details surrounding the clothes, lifestyle and more, while letting the story take over with fairytale flair. The text makes for a lovely read aloud or works nicely for readers, who are sure of their words. 

And here she is...

Rashin Kheiriyeh is a multi-award-winning author-illustrator, animator, and painter who has more than ninety children’s books to her credit. Her books have been published in at least twelve countries and she was nominated for the 2023 & 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to children’s literature. She is also the recipient of a Sendak Fellowship Award, a 2009 New Horizon Award (Bologna Ragazzi), and is a six-time winner of the Bologna Book Fair Illustration competition. Rashin Kheiriyeh is the character artist of the most popular animation series on national television in Iran called “Shekarestan” (“Sugarland”). She now lives in Washington, DC.
Go to Rashin Kheiriyeh's website

Happy Book Birthday, The Hidden Sea by Liz Flanagan!

It's happy book birthday time! Actually, today's birthday celebrates the rerelease of the hardback version of the third book in the Wildsmith. But I'm always ready to shout out birthdays and celebrate!

I haven't read the other two books in the series, but I'm hoping it won't be too big a problem to settle into this tale. I'm expecting adventure, tons of imagination, and messages surrounding golden friendship and reaching beyond the comfort zone. But maybe, it holds something else.

 

Let's see what these pages hold!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

THE HIDDEN SEA

Wildsmith #3

by Liz Flanagan

Illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

Middle Grade Fantasy

Union Square Kids

174 pages

ages 8 to 12

Rowan has been working as a wildsmith. But when she finds herself alone and far from home, this time Rowan is the one who needs to be rescued! She travels deep into enemy territory and makes some surprising discoveries, coming face to face with great danger.

GOODREADS   

MY TIDBITS

Adventure, suspense, and tons of fantasy mix into an exciting tale, which is very suited for the younger end of the middle grade audience.

Rowan is hiding with her father and Mouse, a Pegasus, far from home. As a wordsmith who can communicate with animals, she's being hunted to join the enemy forces. Mouse is also being hunted due to his magical abilities, so both need to hide. When witch friends arrive with the news that they've found Mouse's family, Rowan convinces her father to let her fly with him back to his herd to make sure he safely arrives. All goes well until her ship home is intercepted by an enemy vessel. Now, she needs to escape and help some new friends along the way.

This is the third in a series, and while it would be beneficial to read these in order, it's not overly difficult to sink right in, either. But the novels do build on each other. Rowan wins over right away with her kind heart and desire to do whatever she can to help. Yet, she doesn't take unnecessary risks, either. There's a few emotional moments thanks to reunions in the beginning and at the end, which add a nice touch of warmth. The rest is adventure and tension pure as she finds herself in one sticky situation after the next. She doesn't solve these alone but works together with others to make it through. It creates characters to cheer for and moments to fever right along with the characters. Plus, there's a nice dose of friendship goodness as well. It was also enjoyable to see selkies and other mystical figures woven in.

There are illustrations sprinkled in every few pages, which help to visualize certain moments and characters. The author doesn't slide into too much depth but keeps this tale mostly action driven. This works very well for the intended reading level. It snuggles up right at the lower end of the middle grade group, a little longer than most chapter books but still not overly heavy like many middle grade reads. The chapters are kept short at 5-6 or so pages, and the font and spacing are on the larger side for reading ease. The adventure moves along quickly and with quite a bit of tension to make it a grabbing read even for slightly older readers, who just enjoy 'easier' books. 

This one wraps up with just enough opening to lead into another adventure, so I'm looking forward to see what Rowan will face next.

And here they are...

Liz Flanagan is an award-winning author who writes for children and young adults. Her books include Dragon Daughter, Rise of the Shadow Dragons, and Eden Summer (nominated for the Carnegie Medal).

Joe Todd-Stanton grew up in Brighton, UK, and received a first-class degree in Illustration from UWE Bristol. He is the author and illustrator of The Secret of Black Rock, which won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2018 (illustrated category) and was longlisted for the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal.