Elijah's Tears by Synelle Pearl

While our household is getting ready for the Christmas season, I have several friends who are excited about approaching Hanukkah. Today's read leans more into their direction...although I have no doubt that others will enjoy these stories as well. Well, I assume they will. I haven't even peeked inside, yet, but have seen that it's gotten more than a few great reviews.

So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds.

ELIJAH'S TEARS

Stories for the Jewish Holidays

by Sydelle Pearl

Illustrated by Rossitza Skortcheva

Pelican Publishing

Middle Grade Religious

80 pages

ages 8 to 12

In a lively, storytelling style, Elijah's Tears offers a dramatic human context to the many Jewish holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. Five stories illuminate the many faces and mysteries of Elijah, the Jewish prophet who is known for appearing in disguise and testing the character of those in need. In "Leaves," a destitute elderly couple is heartbroken when they must sell their sacred Shabbat candlesticks for food. That evening when the husband and wife encounter an even poorer Jewish man wearing torn, shabby clothes, they offer to mend his garments. They even keep him warm in their bed while they sew (since the man owns no other clothes). Of course the mysterious man turns out to be Elijah, and he rewards the couple as he walks away by turning his footprints into leaves of gold. The ethereal figures and Jewish symbols in Rossitza Skortcheva Penney's black-and-white illustrations seem to float upon the pages, bringing even more celestial imagery and magic to the elusive Elijah. Children love folktales that allow good deeds to be rewarded, especially when the rewards come from unexpected characters. (Great read aloud, ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson

GOODREADS      /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Leaning into folklore to expand beyond the Biblical accounts of Elijah, this book takes readers on a journey of the 'maybes' of this great prophet's life, while incorporating messages surrounding kindness and more along the way.

This is a collection of five fictional stories surrounding Elijah's life, while also add in glimpses of his wife and family. Each one snuggles up to various Jewish traditions and holidays to create scenes, which honor tradition while adding a little mystery and awe. All along, wholesome messages are woven in to create moments of goodness and brotherly conduct. 

In the prologue, the author explains the origins and ideas behind these tales while introducing basic knowledge surrounding Elijah. The five stories are delivered as shorter chapters, which work as read-alouds or can be visited alone by readers, who are solid in their word skills. There is a glossary at the end to assist with certain terms, too. Illustrations are sprinkled between the pages to give some visual goodness. These work well to delve into the different themes and traditions, while offering tale enjoyment along the way.

Parents and guardians will, of course, want to visit these tales first themselves, since there are fictive elements. Elijah's actions are often simply explained as magical and mysterious, which will suit the purposes of some readers more than others. The stories are more geared for listeners/readers, who have some background knowledge on the themes and Elijah. Especially the terms and situations will better fit to those who are aware of the Jewish traditions. For them, it's a nice way to add some food for thought and open up discussions....or simply set the mood for the mentioned celebrations.

And here she is...

Sydelle Pearl is an award-winning author who has published books in various genres including folktales, biography, and historical fiction. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in the Washington, DC, area.

The Spy in the Library by Bryan Patrick Avery

It's time to let that 'Mission Impossible' song play in your head because today's read heads into a spy adventure. According to the title, there's something fishy going on in a library. I never would suspect that a spy would be in a library...well, maybe for research  or leisurely reading, but what do I know? This book is part of a series, and I'm getting the feeling that it doesn't matter which one you pick-up first, which is great. I'm a little curious to see if it's really for the 9 to 12 age group as advertised, considering it's only 40 pages, but maybe, it is.

Let's open it up and see what this mystery holds!

THE SPY IN THE LIBRARY

Junior Spies

by Bryan Patrick Avery

Illustrated by Ma Pe

Stone Arch Books

40 pages

ages 7 to 8

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

The Junior Spies are at it again! This time, their mission is to memorize a name written inside a magic book. But Kat and Harry soon discover the name is encrypted with a cipher. Can they crack the code before a R.A.V.E.N. agent steals the book? Young readers will find out in this hi-lo spy adventure! With a high-interest topic and text written below the targeted grade level, every book in the Junior Spies series supports phonics skills and fosters reading success.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Evil agents have no chance when the Junior Spies are involved.

Kat and Harry are part of JS, Junior Spies, a group which constantly tries to thwart the evil association of R.A.V.E.N.. Their next mission sends the two spies to a magic academy, where they are to follow clues to reach a major breakthrough on revealing who R.A.V.E.N. is. They go undercover as guests to a magic show but need to figure out a riddle in the academy's library. Unfortunately, one of the teachers isn't going to let them wander around as they wish, since they are there for the show. But Kat and Harry aren't easily stopped.

This is a grabbing spy tale for beginning readers, and it's very well placed for that age group. It begins with a short introduction to the JS, heads into a glossary with the definition of some more difficult terms, shortly explains some spy details, and then, dives into the story. The spy details might need to be read by an assisting, higher-level reader (teacher, parent, librarian, etc), but after that, this tale fits beginning readers nicely. The sentences are kept short, the font is large, the spacing is ample, and the vocabulary works the word skills without growing too heavy. But what I enjoyed most is that the tale is grabbing.

Kat and Harry make a fun duo, and their mission packs tension. The importance of the mission is clear, and the riddles and clues will have readers trying to figure out the answers right along with Kat and Harry. The bright and colorful illustrations add details to set the mood, and especially make magic academy's teacher come across with just the right atmosphere. The entire thing remains exciting and draws in. Plus it accomplishes this while staying completely appropriate for the age group. Add a couple comprehension questions and short writing prompts at the end, and it even works well for classroom or homeschooling settings. 

In other words, this is a book for beginning readers to pick up and enjoy. 

World Cup Close-Up by Kurt Waldendorf

Time for some sport goodness! Today's read hits one of the most popular ones in the world...soccer. Or football, if you're not in the U.S.. This is another short read for the middle grade audience, but I'm betting those pages will be packed.

Get those vuvuzelas ready because it's time to visit the World Cup!

WORLD CUP CLOSE-UP

Men's Soccer on the Biggest Stage

by Kurt Waldendorf

Capstone Press

Middle Grade Nonfiction / Sports

32 pages

ages 8 to 11

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and the World Cup is a dramatic tournament that pits the most elite teams against one another. Readers can explore a crash course on soccer’s biggest event. When did it start, and how has it changed over the years? How are teams from 215 nations whittled down to the final 48? Explore stadiums, meet players, and take a seat in front of the world’s greatest stage!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Knowledge and soccer excitement meet to introduce readers to the origins and other information surrounding the World Cup.

Beginning with the first idea to form the World Cup, these pages take readers through some highlights of this famous competition, lead through the basics of how the competition works, and rounds it off with some player goodness and what the future might hold. It doesn't bog down but keeps the facts light and interesting. The bright and plentiful photos add visual context while bringing across the excitement of the competition vividly. The book is divided into several chapters for skimming ease and holds a short glossary at the end for more difficult terms. 

These pages stay concentrated on the basics of the World Cup, making it ideal for readers who may not even know much about the competition. Those who follow the sport are also sure to find some interesting tidbits they didn't know before. At 32 pages, it's a short read, and even the text stays quick and concise. While some pages hold several paragraphs of information, these are written with ample spacing and a larger font to invite even younger readers in. The other pages hold only four or so short lines. So, this book is to the point. The vocabulary hits the lower end of the middle grade range nicely, but also works for younger readers, who are sure of their words. I'd recommend this one for a slightly younger range of 7 to 9.

It's a fun, quick dive for soccer fans and those who simply want to know a little more about the World Cup.  

Most Likely to Murder by Lish McBride

Although I'm a chicken, sometimes I let myself get lured into reading a thriller...like today's read. Maybe, I was still in Halloween spirits, when I picked this one up, but something about the cover caught my attention. I've seen similar-ish covers before, but this one reminded me of high school sillinesses and yearbooks. And according to the blurb, that's exactly what it's about. 

And murder. Obviously.

I'm not sure if this one heads in an I Know What You Did Last Summer direction or not, but the vibes are there. Let's see if it's packed with tension and suspense...or if it fizzles out.

MOST LIKELY TO MURDER

by Lish McBride

G.P. Putman's Sons Books

YA Thriller

320 pages

COMING MARCH 24th!!!

Yearbook superlatives turn deadly in this darkly funny young adult thriller.

The rumor mill has never been kind to Meadowvale High seniors and best friends Rick and Martina, labeling them outcasts (sure), stoners (no comment), and pranksters (okay, this one’s fair). But for the most part, they have successfully flown under the radar.

That is, until they’re targeted in a prank that replaces yearbook superlatives with grisly forecasts of student and faculty deaths. Sure, Rick and Martina were never going to be voted Most Likely to Succeed . . . but Homecoming’s Cutest Corpses? Thanks for the cute, no thanks on the corpse.

At first, the senior class is annoyed by the prank. But when the body of Mr. Stephens, Most Likely to Sleep with the Fishes, is dredged from the bottom of a lake, suspicions arise that something truly sinister is going on. And as more people turn up dead in the exact ways the yearbook promised, it becomes clear someone’s killing off the student body one page at a time.

Now Rick and Martina must find the yearbook killer before their vicious superlative comes true. So much for surviving high school without drawing attention. Now Rick and Martina just want to survive.

For fans of Holly Jackson, Karen M. McManus, and Danielle Valentine!

GOODREADS     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With an addicting mix of sass, humor, and edge-of-the-seat danger, the tale holds tension and so much more.

Rick and Martina have been best friends forever, and that's never going to change. Since both like to let their rebellious sides show every so often, they are also the first to be pegged by the school as suspicious when the yearbook comes out with an altered page—a list with several people and how they will find their deaths. Everyone believes it's a prank, but then, the listed people begin to die. The police aren't convincing in their attempts to figure things out, so the teens on the list decide to form their own group to try to get to the bottom of things. But the murderer is slippery, and every step they take forward seems to send them, one by one, to their death.

While there's tension, mystery, deadly moments, and quite a few surprises that make this into a grabbing read, the author has also added spunk, heart, and quite a bit of character arc. Rick and Martina form the backbone of the tale, not as the main sleuths, but rather, their relationship gives a solid backing to the rising suspense. Their friendship (and it is pure friendship) isn't only golden but works as a solid balance against the darker scenes. Not only is their dialogue sarcastic and humorous, but both are vulnerable in their own ways to create needed authenticity. Especially Rick steers aspects of social awkwardness and grows throughout the read. All along, the horror of the murders and even some gore, keep the thriller aspect high.

Unlike many books in this genre, the adults aren't left in the dark, and their concern also adds natural richness. At the same time, the adults' activities are dampened to let the teens face the danger mostly on their own. I wondered at the inability of the parents, police, and school, actually, but it was, at least, realistic enough to grab and hold the reader in the pages the entire way through. The tension builds with every chapter and creates a very exciting ending. It wasn't easy to figure out who the murderer was, and while the reasoning behind it could have used a little more foundation, it's anything but boring.

Fans of thrillers, who want smarter characters who come across with depth, are sure to enjoy diving into this one.

And here she is...

Lish McBride is the author of funny and creepy young adult books such as Hold Me Closer, Necromancer; Necromancing the Stone; Firebug; Pyromantic; and Curses. She has published short stories on Tor.com, and in the anthologies Cornered, What to Read in the Rain, and Kisses & Curses. Her first book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults title, a Morris Award finalist, and the winner of the Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award. Lish is a former indie bookseller, has a MFA from University of New Orleans, and prefers pie to cake. While she has no long-term goals for world domination, she would like her own castle.

Candy Corn Christmas! by Jonathan Fenske

With the Christmas season right around the corner, treats and sweets are making their appearance. I just ate the last marshmallow pumpkin head candy a few days ago. Now, I'm acting like the next two weeks will thin my waistline just enough to dive head first into the food season. I don't think it will work, but it's a nice thought. 

Anyway, some people still have Halloween candy standing around. And today's read is for those people out there. What happens when Candy Canes have to deal with leftover candy corns? Well, let's find out!

CANDY CORN CHRISTMAS!

by Jonathan Fenske

Little Simon

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

The most underrated Halloween candies are determined to celebrate Christmas in this wildly sweet holiday mash-up with a dash of humor, a pinch of holiday cheer, and a sugar rush of Christmas magic.

The candy corn exclaimed with glee,
“What is this magic land we see?”
“It’s Christmas,” squeaked a sugarplum.
“Well, watch out, Christmas. Here we come!”

Candy corn is used to being left on the shelf long after Halloween ends, but this year, they’ve had enough of being limited to one holiday. It’s time to join the ranks of Christmas sweet treats for a new festive adventure. But there’s one problem… All the Christmas candies agree candy corn is not a Christmas treat! Can holiday joy really be shared with everyone—even candy that doesn’t seem to belong?

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Sweet, silliness explodes with chaos and holiday cheer as the joyful sharing of Christmas tests its limits.

Candy corns are accustom to being leftover and forgotten on the shelf. When one of them spies something strange going on in the living room, they all head out to explore. They find lights, trees, songs, and so much more. It's a paradise of glee, and the candy corns are ready to enjoy every aspect of it...maybe, a little too ready. They are all over the place, and the Christmas candies are getting a bit frustrated. Finally, Candy Cane steps up to get control of the situation. The candy corns must leave. After all, they've had their holiday...but that might not really be a great Christmas attitude to have.

This is a book to smile with the entire way through. The candy corns are quite the little rascals as they embrace everything Christmas to a hyper-extreme. The scenes are chaotic and packed with humor, and readers might understand Candy Cane's reluctance to let the candy corns stay. After all, they are a handful! But with a Santa surprise and Christmas goodness, this tale warms by the end in a joyful way.

The illustrations are bright and bold, just like Christmas should be. There are details to giggle at and situations to raise eyebrows as little things happen here and there. It creates scenes to revisit and discover something new each time. The text flows in rhyme, switching gears to add punch at the right times. It lets the atmosphere come across nicely and draws readers into the lively moments. 

While there is a touching message about Christmas and sharing the joy of the holiday, this book mostly circles around fun and is sure to delight young readers.

And here he is...

Jonathan Fenske is the author of many children’s books including The Bug in the Bog; Pill Bug Does Not Need Anybody; After Squidnight; Let’s Play, Crabby!; Wake Up, Crabby!; and Plankton Is Pushy (all Junior Library Guild selections), and the Lego picture book I’m Fun, Too!. His early readers Nothing Fits a Dinosaur and A Pig, a Fox, and a Box were Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor winners. Jonathan lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with his wife and three daughters.

Love Potion Commotion by Kristen Aguilar

The second I saw today's read, I had to pick it up and take a peek. The girl on the front looks so determined and doesn't give me the impression that she's completely sure of what she's doing. Add that a love potion in middle grade promises tons of havoc and no serious romance...and I'm excited to see what this one holds. Oh and as an extra bonus, it clocks in at less than 75 pages, and that with illustrations. I'm hoping that it's great for reluctant readers as well.

So, let's get that magic going and see what spells 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!

LOVE POTION COMMOTION

The Magical Morrisons #4

by Kristen Aguilar

Illustrated by George Ermos

Stone Arch Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

72 pages

ages 8 to 11

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

Being a witch doesn't mean you're immune to boy problems, as Nina learns when it comes to her crush on David, a new boy at school. Despite David's friendly behavior, Nina finds herself too nervous to talk to him, let alone ask him to the upcoming school dance. That is, until she comes up with a solution--a love potion. Nina is sure the spell will solve her problems, but things quickly spiral out of control, with some unintended consequences. Can Nina figure out a solution before the commotion gets worse?

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Humor meets middle school issues with a hint of magic to create a fun read with unexpected situations.

Nina is a witch and takes afterschool classes with her younger brother to learn all sorts of magical things, but of course, that doesn't mean she gets out of normal school. Instead, she has to keep her family's special attributes a secret. When a new boy enters the classroom, Nina finds him more than a little cute, but when she learns he lives next door to her, her nerves switch into high gear. Worse yet, her friends are expecting her to ask him to join them to attend the school's dance. It shouldn't be a big deal, but Nina's scared he won't like her. So, there's only one thing she can do—create a love potion. Not that her parents would ever allow her to do that if they knew, but some things just need to be done.

This is the fourth in a series, and while I haven't read the other ones, it was absolutely no problem to dive into this one first. It appears that these are simply separate stories about Nina and her family, and can be read in any order.

At under 75-pages, this is a quick, easy read, which makes it nice to pick up and enjoy without much thought. The atmosphere is whimsical and light, keeping the plot fun with silly moments. Still, it hits upon familiar problems middle graders will recognize. In this case, first crushes. Nina's awkwardness is understandable as she finds herself unsure how she should talk to the boy. Yet, the drama doesn't grow too thick, either. Her friends support her, but in a way which skims across the situation. So, this is by no means a romance, but rather, centers more on how Nina handles things in a way she shouldn't. Of course, everything backfires to create inviting chaos and a read with friendship and family goodness.

This one fits well with the lower end of the middle grade audience. There's a slightly larger font, larger spacing, and enjoyable illustrations sprinkled in. At the end of the book, there's a glossary of words and their definitions to help struggling readers. There are also a few questions, which can be used to check those comprehension skills and dive a little deeper into some of the messaging. 

It's a fun read with enjoyable characters and is sure to delight magic and middle school spice-of-life fans.

Sign Up for Adventure: The Doodling Duo vs Spaghetti Monster by Lavanya Karthik

Today's read heads in a direction, which interested me as a child: sign language. Although I never got too far past the usual language basics (asking name, locations, etc), my siblings and I became very good at spelling everything out.  Why? (get ready for this because it is SO kid...) So we could talk to each other during church services and other quiet places without anyone complaining. It's not hard to hold a hand down by your knee and sign like crazy. And considering my parents didn't know it... well, you can just imagine how golden that was.

Anyway, this read takes a dive into friendships formed with people who need to use sign language in daily life. I knew a few at school and thought this would open some young readers' eyes and maybe, inspire them to take a peek at this language. If nothing else, I hope it raises awareness.

So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds!

SIGN UP FOR ADVENTURE!

The Doodling Duo vs. Spaghetti Monster

by Lavanya Karthik

Modern Marigold Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 5 to 8

Finding ways to understand each other when words-and languages-aren't easy.

Adil is the new kid in Neel's class and Neel thinks he's pretty cool! Adil runs like the wind and swims like a fish. He also uses his hands and body to make words. This is because Adil is Deaf and he uses sign language. Neel wants to be Adil's friend but can't figure out how to communicate with him. One day at lunch, Adil spots Neel sketching in his notebook. What if Adil learns to draw like Neel and Neel learns to sign like Adil? Just imagine the amazing adventures the Doodling Duo could go on!

A heartwarming picture book that centers empathy and the surprising superpowers of friendship between a Deaf student and his hearing classmate.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON      /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Friendship flows naturally and brings tons of fun in these pages.

Neel finds the new kid at school really neat and would like to be friends with him. After all, the boy is amazing at so many things. But Neel has no idea how to approach him, since the boy is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. When the boy sits down next to Neel one day during lunch, Neel realizes that the notebook he's sketching his comics in might be perfect for the task, and soon, he and the boy are forming a great friendship.

This book is full of good feelings and illustrates how easy friendship can be if just a little bit of effort is given. While there's a little hesitation on Neel's part, since he really isn't sure how to talk to Adil, this stays light (doesn't weigh down). Instead, the two hit it off immediately after the first step, which leaves this to be an inspiring read. But then, positivity radiates the entire way through, anyway.

While readers can smile at the warmth the new friendship brings, the author also works in some aspects to raise awareness for such situations. I appreciate that Adil doesn't behave any different than the other kids, and Neel is drawn to him out of admiration for things like swimming and running. Adli also has a great sense of humor and imagination, and is, actually, the one who takes the first step in the friendship. It also shows that learning sign language isn't instantaneous, but like with every language, takes time and practice. There are also a few basic phrases highlighted in the illustrations, so that readers can do these themselves. 

The story flows well and works nicely for the intended age group. It can easily be used as a read aloud in a group or single setting and also works in connection with a theme surrounding the topic. The illustrations stay light-hearted and offer visual assistance when necessary. The inside flaps of the book hold the alphabet for anyone who wants to start learning a little. It's mentioned in the author's note at the end, that this book was originally written with Indian Sign Language in mind, so the reader can use the flaps to compare the differences this holds with American Sign Language.

It's a enjoyable tale for anyone interested in learning more about this theme.

And here she is...

Lavanya Karthik is an award-winning Indian author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the ongoing Ninja Nani series of middle grade novels. She has written over fifteen picture books and middle grade novels and has contributed to several story anthologies. She has also illustrated over twenty books. Lavanya lives in Mumbai, India with her husband and daughter. When not writing or illustrating, she enjoys visiting schools and literature festivals across the country, meeting readers of all ages.

The Violin Family Plays New Music by Melissa Perley

Today's read heads in a different direction with the main characters and visits the world of music. I had Christmas in mind when I was flipping through possible read titles, so the winter landscape was the first thing to grab my attention. I found the trees and snow so well done, and just wanted to head out and shake some of that snow off of the branches to enjoy it flopping down around me. (I do love winter!) Then, I saw the violins...maybe, you noticed them first? The hats on the tops had me smiling too. I assume this one will head in the fantasy direction with a little music knowledge goodness...maybe?

Let's dive in and find out!

THE VIOLIN FAMILY PLAYS NEW MUSIC

by Melissa Perley

Illustrated by Tim Knickerbocker

Rootstock Publishing 

Picture Book

38 pages

ages 3 to 8

On a cold, snowy day, Celia Violoncello meets her neighbor, Clarence Clarinet, a woodwind who looks and sounds different from anyone in her string family. They spend a wonderful afternoon making new music together. When Celia tells her family about her new friend, it's clear they don't approve. Clarence is a different shape and color, and he doesn't even have strings-how can he make beautiful music?

But when Celia's family overhears them making joyful new sounds as their strings and reeds harmonize, the Violin family welcomes Clarence to play with them and even share in their favorite meal-pancakes and hot cocoa!

Award-winning author Melissa Perley once again shows young readers the power of music to bring people together in this second Violin Family picture book about a friendship that harmonizes instruments from different families.

SPECIAL BONUS: Sheet music of an original composition written for the cello and clarinet-just like the music Celia and Clarence play together-is included! Composition by (c)Tom Frink and Melissa Perley, 2025.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With a touch of gentle, whimsical imagination, problems surrounding odd friendships and holding up against criticism is explored.

It's snowing and Celia Violoncello's siblings are excited to head outside and play in the snow. She's invited to head out, too, but is a little grumpy, since she's always the one making their pancakes and doing things for them. She's just feeling a little down and decides to head out on a walk in the snow by herself. While underway, she meets Clarence Clarinet, who is having fun in the snow and invites her to join in. But she's not so sure. After all, he's different that her violin family, and she's not suppose to mix with instruments, which don't sound the same as her. Giving in, she not only plays outside with him but heads indoors where they make wonderful music together. Now, she just has to figure out how to handle this new friendship when she knows her family won't approve.

This is a magical read in an original way. First, the winter scenes draw in with their beauty, and more than a few readers will wish they could head outdoors and play in the snow. So well done! Then, there's the instruments as main characters. The illustrations bring the instruments across clearly and stays pretty true to their real form while adding just enough of a hint of humanity to bring them to life in a 'human' way. It's unique and also well done. Lastly, the tale addresses the problems surrounding preconceptions and biases. The message is brought across in an understandable way, and thanks to the instruments, keeps a sense of playful imagination the entire way through to keep it from growing preachy. It does, however, offer plenty of food for thought and can be used to lead into discussions surrounding these themes.

While the imagination and plot flow, the author and illustrator also work in light, musical knowledge. The illustrations bring each instrument across clearly in a visual sense, while the text works in a few terms along the way. It's never heavy or obvious, but slides in naturally with the tale. 

This flows well and works especially well for ages five and up. Younger more patient listeners will enjoy it as well, and it works as a read-alone for those, who are sure of their words.

And here they are...

Melissa Perley is an award winning children's book author, professional performing and teaching cellist and a sheep farmer. She lives in Vermont with her luthier husband Paul. Her first children's book, The Violin Family, won the 2021 Indie Readers Discovery Award for children's early to intermediate readers, and was a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite.

Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.

Don't Call Me Sidekick!: The Contract by Brenda Hickey

I'm in the mood for some cute, graphic novel adventure and fun. I'm hoping today's read will be exactly what I'm looking for. The cover looks promising with the cute cat and hints of fantasy. The girl looks friendly, too. With the title, The Contract, I'm thinking this might be all about these two characters getting together. After all, this is the first in the brand new series. 

It's a shorter read with under 100 pages and for the upper middle grade audience. So fast and quick? Maybe, it's one for reluctant readers as well.

Let's open it up and see what this word is all about!

THE CONTRACT

Don't Call Me Sidekick! #1

by Brenda Hickey

Pegamoose Press

Upper Middle Grade Fantasy  /   

Graphic Novel

92 pages

ages 10 to 14

COMING DECEMBER 23rd!!!

Enter Hazelton Academy, where an unlikely duo must pull together to battle the monsters not just outside their school walls, but within.

Kailee Hazelton has a lot to live up to, and it's off to a bad start. After being publicly rejected in front of the whole school by her partner, a magical Neysa creature named Ary, she finds herself at odds with her family and unsure of her dream of joining the Phantom Guard.

But hot-headed Ary is nobody's sidekick, and she's got good reason for bucking back against the system - one of her Neysa friends has mysteriously vanished and no one seems to want to do anything about it.

But trouble isn't just brewing inside the school walls. A Phantom attack on the city catches them unprepared, and they must put their differences aside to face the threat.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Misunderstandings lead to messages about trust and forming friendships with cute characters, magical powers, and evil beings, who want to eat them all.

Kailee is super excited to finally be assigned to a partner, a magical Neysa creature, which will help her channel magical powers to protect against the Phantoms. While all the other students in the class form the bonds with their chosen Neysa, Kailee's refuses to complete a contract with her. Since Kailee is from one of the most respected families...and nothing like this has ever happened before...she's more than pressured to convince Ary to fulfill its role and finish the bond. Ary, however, refuses to even talk to Kailee. Of course, Ary has reasons for refusing to be 'used' by a human, but won't tell anyone what they are and leaves Kailee hanging. Add that a Phantom has managed to sneak into the town and is posing a growing threat, and the stakes are higher than either Kailee or Ary know.

The first pages spend a bit of time building the backstory, which was very helpful, since it gives the reader an understanding of the system between humans, Neysa, and Phantoms before meeting Kailee and Ary. When the reader finally meets Kailee and Ary, the reader can easily understand the situation and feel the awkwardness right along with Kailee. And she has a lot to deal with thanks to Ary. Not only does she face light bullying but there are parental expectations and pressure. Ary. instead, comes across as a little unkind and rebellious as it fights against the system its suppose to follow. While this makes Ary edgy and not 100% likeable at first, the illustrations balance it out with the visual cuteness to hint that things will change in the attitude soon. There's character depth and arc, which also propels the tale forward. There's tension and danger thanks to the Phantom, too, but this is more of a 'first taste' of what promises to be a more mysterious series. This first volume seems to simply set up the foundation, leaving it clear that there's much more to come.

This is a quick, short read, which flows by smoothly. Much of this is thanks to the short length; it's just enough to let readers have a first adventure and get to know the characters. The graphics are easy to follow and bring the scenes across nicely. This balances well with the text and lets the emotions come nicely, letting the dialogue hit just right. The text itself is kept to the point and never grows wordy. I'm surprised that this is being sold for the tween audience, since it slides nicely into the middle grade level from the writing as well as the plot. At least, this first volume works very well for readers of this lower age group as well.

It's a nice beginning to what promises to be an interesting series. 

Dual World Heroes by Paul Cecchini

Ready for some exciting scifi? Today's read promises to pack tons of action and adventure...and hopefully, humor, too. This is the debut novel of a writer I ran into during the release of my own debut, middle grade novel. When he reached out to me earlier this year, I was thrilled to learn that he'd reached his goal of bringing out this tale.

The cover is screaming action heroes to me and a lot of attitude. At first, I thought this one might be a graphic novel, but it's not, which means there should be more depth in the characters and such, too. I've already had a sneak peek at it, and I'm excited to see what this one holds...so let's dive in!

DUAL WORLD HEROES

by Paul Cecchini

PopBlast Press

Middle Grade Science Fiction

245 pages

ages 8 to 12

The start of a sizzling new series made for fans of Power Rangers, Pokemon, and Digimon!

12-year-old adventure-seeker Rob Longford was itching for an eventful summer. But the last thing he expected on the first day of vacation was to stumble on a kid in futuristic battle armor laser-punching a monster across an alleyway.

That’s when he learns that creatures from another dimension are popping up all over the city. Only armored warriors called Guardians have the power to fight and teleport them back to their world. With only one Guardian left and countless monsters to round up, Rob jumps at the chance to join the team and even the odds.

He’ll be facing an uphill battle, though. The evil overlord Clonar has crossed dimensions as well, hunting down the most powerful monsters he can find to build an unstoppable army. Can Rob convince his three classmates—a cowardly homebody, a shy sweetheart, and a fashion-obsessed party girl—to join him in the fight? And what about Wyn, the original Guardian who would rather fight alone than have anything to do with any of them? It's the ultimate case of “united they stand, divided they fall." And if they fall, so does their world.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Reminding a bit of Power Rangers, this is a read packed with personality, action, and imagination.

School's out for the summer, and Rob is more than ready to have some fun after finishing up the 6th grade. Too bad nobody seems willing to hang out and celebrate with him. While on his way home, he runs into several classmates at a police roadblock, where potholes seem to have been blasted into the road. Wanting to earn bonus points with the classmates, especially the two girls, he convinces them to follow him on a shortcut through the 'creepy' alleys, since he knows them like the back of his hand. The last thing he expects is a monster with three tails to attack them. When a superhero-like-fighter saves their lives and they overhear that he's the sole person standing between the monsters destroying two worlds, they aren't sure what to think. But when another monster immediately attacks and it becomes obvious that the fighter is going to loose, they realize they have no choice but to help. Next thing they know, they might be agreeing to join the war and fight alongside the lone warrior. Well, some of them much more hesitantly than others. But he doesn't really want their help anyway, and that isn't ideal considering the continued existence of two dimensions is counting on all of them.

This is an energetic, action packed read, which will have fans of unexpected superheroes smiling. The monsters pop up often and offer tons of vivid fighting scenes and tension. The heroes, on the other hand, are doing their best to come to terms with their possible, new situations...and that isn't just concerning the powers their suits mold and amplify. Rob and his classmates, while cordial, aren't considered friends, and the already seasoned warrior they join isn't cuddling up to the idea of working with them. Since each character holds a very distinct personality, the tension on this front is guaranteed and radiates the entire way through. So, there's a big arc on building trust, opening up to others, and forming friendships and bonds. But this book isn't about messaging. It's about fun.

There's never a boring moment as the monster attacks increase the entire way through. The first chapter or so does give the reader a little time to sink into the world and Rob's character. While it starts out with a school scene and him interacting with the others students, Rob's personality shines with quirks and will have readers already smiling. He's a force on so many fronts, and his reckless, go-get-them attitude draws in with its extra dose of heart. This also makes him exciting to follow as he takes on monster battles like a second skin with the others in tow. 

This fast-paced plot with humor and tons of action is sure to delight adventure fans, and it will be fun to see what this group will go up against next.

And here he is...

Since childhood, Paul Cecchini has been enamored with storytelling in all its forms—books, television, movies, video games, and everything in between. If there was a means of telling a gripping tale, Paul was there to embrace it. It has always been a dream of his to pen his own stories that can spark the imaginations of children the world over, just as those from his youth did for him. He’s scratched his writing itch over the years as both a copywriter and award-winning journalist, but his true passion lies in fiction writing for kids. The thought of walking through a bookstore or library and seeing a youngster enraptured in a book with his name on the cover and a wide grin on their face inspires him every day to keep writing. He lives in Springfield, Missouri, USA with his two cats.

Create Your Own Webcomic With WEBTOON

I know so many young readers who dream about creating their own comics, and that's where today's read comes in. This one centers on Webtoons, and I'm betting that many suggestions work for other routes as will. I'm curious to see how this entire thing works, since I've never taken a dive into this direction from this angle. 

So, let's see what this book holds.

CREATE YOUR OWN WEBCOMICS WITH WEBTOON

by WEBTOON Entertainment

YA Nonfiction

128 pages

ages 13 to 17

COMING NOVEMBER 25th!!!

Find your way through the vibrant universe of online storytelling with this comprehensive roadmap to mastering the art of webcomics.

Guided by insider advice from popular WEBTOON creators, delve into the intricacies of scroll comics, unravel the art of storyboarding, and learn the ropes of scriptwriting to craft compelling narratives. Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned illustrator, Create Your Own Webcomics with WEBTOON offers a treasure trove of tips and tricks to elevate your webcomic game, covering:

• The basics of vertical scroll comics, including their essential anatomy, dos and don’ts for creating a compelling episode, designing for readability, and more.
• Tools of the trade such as pads and tablets and the most common programs used to create art for webcomics.
• Pre-production development that takes you step-by-step through selecting a genre, creating characters and settings, developing plots, writing scripts, and planning color schemes and effects.
• Comic creation, from thumbnails and storyboarding to sketching, inking, coloring, and final touches.
• How to succeed in WEBTOON Canvas, with tips for uploading your story, launching your series, building your WEBTOON community, and making money.

Plus, you’ll find checklists, templates, and resources to keep you organized, on track, and informed.

From concept to execution, Create Your Own Webcomics with WEBTOON empowers you to bring your unique vision to life, step by step.

Enjoy even more WEBTOON art and behind-the-scenes content with: The Official Boyfriends. Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Boyfriends., The Official Morgana and Oz Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Morgana and Oz, The Official Cursed Princess Club Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Cursed Princess Club, The Official True Beauty Coloring Book, Learn to Draw True Beauty, The Official unOrdinary Coloring Book, Learn to Draw unOrdinary, The Official Sweet Home Coloring Book, The Official Tower of God Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Hooky, The Official WEBTOON Pride Coloring Book Collection, and The Official Lore Olympus Watercolor Book.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With clarity and examples, these pages lead comic beginners into the world of WEBTOONS and writing graphic novels, in general.

I was afraid that this book might steer too heavily into the WEBTOON world to be of much use to anyone going to a more general direction, but I was happily surprised. Of course, these pages center on WEBTOONS. There's a thorough explanation surrounding the vertical scroll comic and how its used as well as tips and tricks on how to keep this format in mind during creation of a comic series. And all of the examples given are works stemming from WEBTOONS. Plus, it goes over the details on their format, submission policies, what they offer creators (not overly detailed), and the history as well as 'mission' of WEBTOONS. But this book goes further, too.

The entire creation process is studied in a quick but understandable way. Starting with the importance of knowing what the creator's goals and thoughts are, this then leads through the steps of the writing and creation process. From plot and character formations to knowing the audience to plot flow and details, this covers general story-writing steps, which are used in most forms of tale creation. It also goes through story-board organization, pitfalls when choosing/forming scenes, and much more. Then, there are suggestions surrounding software, design, and such as well. There are also several activities and various forms included to help creators really go through the steps themselves and see what works for them or not.

The entire thing is understandable and written in a grabbing way. There are plenty of examples and illustrations included, which not only make the information clear but keep it enjoyable and upbeat. It's a well-rounded book, which is great for those wanting to dip their toes into WEBTOONS but also helpful for creators, who want to go different directions too.

Happy Book Birthday, The Bunny Ballet by Nora Ericson!

It's time to celebrate with another book birthday! Maybe, I should start baking little cakes for these, but that wouldn't help my waistline...although it would put a smile on my face. 

Today's read visits a ballet and not just any ballet. Bunnies take the stage and let their movements take flight in what, I hope, will be a imaginative tale. I'm getting night-time vibes from the cover, too. So maybe, this one will work as a bedtime read?

Let's open it up and find out!

THE BUNNY BALLET

by Nora Ericson

Illustrated by Elly MacKay

Abrams Books

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

Prepare to be dazzled from your whiskers to your paws! From Nora Ericson and Elly MacKay, the creators of the award-winning picture book Too Early, comes a showstopping performance with precious performers, perfect for animal and dance lovers everywhere

Doors are closing, lights are dimming. Strings are singing, it’s beginning.

Hop on in, take your seat, and watch the curtains rise on the Bunny Ballet! When a brother and sister stumble upon an extraordinary woodland show, they’re introduced to the magic of dance. Noses twitch, whiskers quiver, and graceful bunnies leap and soar across the stage as the audience sits on the edge of their seats.

Nora Ericson and Elly MacKay’s enchanting picture book full of fluffy plies, grand jetés, and perfect bunny pirouettes is the ultimate read-aloud for dancers and dreamers of all ages and species.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Gentle fantasy lures into a magical world, where bunnies dance and pirouette into nightly dreams.

The ballet is about to begin, and these pages lead readers to the show. With an invitation to come in and settle into the seats, a personal atmosphere is set to open the doors to vivid imagination. The stage is in the forest, and bunnies are dressed in matching outfits as they leap into action. Every page showcases movement as the animals spin or present their grand jetes. An intermission offers a little break as readers follow the characters to a refreshment area before the show begins again. 

The entire book is set up to give readers the impression they are attending the performance. This just doesn't include the ballet but works in lovely interactions as things get settled or happen in the background, too. So there's a gentle sprinkling of light, cute humor to add a lightness without tip-toeing into the funny direction. This dive into fantasy holds the entire way through. While ballet fans are sure to enjoy every arabesque and pirouette, the warmth of the tale will lure others in as well. It's a warm setting, and while excitement surrounding the performance beams from every page, it still sets a comforting atmosphere of wonder.

The illustrations hold an innocent and imaginative mood while highlighting the bunnies' performance. These are ideal for young listeners to flip through on their own and dream of watching the ballet themselves. It creates a lovely read-aloud, too, as the text and vocabulary flow right along. There are several more difficult vocabulary words to help build the word skills, and the ballet terms aren't forgotten. 

It's a magical read and lovely way to lead to the world of dreams.

And here they are...

Nora Ericson studied painting at Yale University and writing for children at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Originally from central New York, she now lives in Portland, Oregon, with two kids, two dogs, and two cats. Besides reading and writing, she loves cooking, tromping in the woods, and whittling spoons while daydreaming of her future miniature donkey farm. She’s also the author of Dill & Bizzy: An Odd Duck and a Strange Bird and Dill & Bizzy: Opposite Day.

Elly MacKay is an internationally recognized paper artist and children’s book author and illustrator. She wrote and illustrated the picture books Red Sky at Night, If You Hold a Seed, and Butterfly Park, among others. The distinctive three-dimensional quality in her works is made by setting up layers of painted paper in a miniature theater. She lights the scene and photographs it to create her unique illustrations. MacKay lives in Owen Sound, Ontario, with her family