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

The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson

Look at that snowman! Aren't those snowflakes so peaceful? I'm not sure what direction today's read will take...well, a cold one... but I'm getting Frosty-the-Snowman vibes, friendship, and warm moments. Let's open it up and see what it holds!

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 SNOWMAN CODE

by Simon Stephenson

HaperCollins Children's Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

A beautifully hopeful, funny and heartwarming tale about the lasting power of love and friendship, from the critically-acclaimed and award-winning screenwriter behind Pixar’s Luca and Paddington 2.

In London, in a winter which shows no sign of ending, a unique friendship begins.

This is the story of Blessing, aged ten-and-a-half, and Albert Framlington, aged six hundred – an eccentric snowman who has seen many winters in many cities, and who is duty-bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need. Together, Blessing and Albert must find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love Clementine, and even overcome the never-ending winter itself…

Perfect for fans of The Christmasaurus, A Boy Called Christmas, The Snowman and Paddington, The Snowman Code is a heartwarming, hilarious and unforgettable modern classic for families to curl up with on frosty winter nights.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With gentle humor and a touch of fantasy, this is a story with a big, warm heart.

Blessing has found a way to skip school for weeks...or maybe even months if she can. She simply forged a letter to the teacher from her mother, claiming they were moving to Australia. It's the only way Blessing can avoid three bullies, keep her mother from growing more depressed, and avoid having the police bring her to another home again. Her mother always is sad during winter. When Blessing accidentally hits the first Snowman code by talking to a snowman six times, he speaks to her and exposes that he's alive.

This is a magical, winter tale, which reminds a bit of Frosty the Snowman in that Albert, this snowman, is alive and romps through the city (in this story London) with Blessing. This book, however, holds quite a bit more depth as it addresses a few difficult themes such as bullying, parents dealing with mental illnesses, temporary foster care, and a nod toward separation from friends. It tackles all of these themes with careful warmth and a touch of fantasy. Gentle humor and silly situations add needed lightness to keep it from growing too heavy. After all,  a snowman in disguise who has fun with a kid in the middle of London, holds more than a few unexpected moments. So, adventure is definitely not forgotten.

The writing flows well and keeps a quick pace the entire way through. The short sentences, vocabulary level, and larger font spacing make it ideal for ages 7 to 10. There are not only entire-page illustrations sprinkled in but smaller ones decorate every page (which are always a treat). So, it never weighs down or feels heavy.

Despite the depth, the plot remains mostly playful and creates a magical adventure with many situations to draw smiles...even the Abominable Snowmen finds a way to slide into this mix. There's sadness, hope, silliness, adventure, tension, love, and so much more. In other words, it's a well-round, enjoyable read.

And here she is...

Simon Stephenson is a Scottish author, screenwriter, journalist and former physician. He is the author of the novels SOMETIMES PEOPLE DIE (a New York Times Editor\'s Pick, A Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year, and selected for BBC2\'s Between the Covers), SET MY HEART TO FIVE (soon to be a Working Title film directed by Edgar Wright) and the memoir LET NOT THE WAVES OF THE SEA (Winner, Best First Book at the Scottish Book Awards and a Sunday Telegraph Book of the Year). Simon was one of the writers of the critically acclaimed PADDINGTON 2, and his original screenplay for LUCA made it the fastest film to be greenlit in Pixar\'s history. Simon is currently working on projects with New Regency, Complete Fiction, Lionsgate and 42, among others. Simon lives in Los Angeles, and THE SNOWMAN CODE is his first novel for children.

The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong

THE BIRDS OF CHRISTMAS

by Olivia Armstrong

Illustrated by Mira Miroslavova

Eerdmans Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

A stunning folktale about the Nativity, set on a chilly night in Bethlehem.

“Wake up, wake up, birds!” croaks Raven one December night. “A child is born!” Each bird longs to bring a gift to the newborn baby in the manger. Nightingale sings a sweet song; Rooster caws a special call; Stork plucks her feathers to make a pillow. “I have nothing to give,” thinks little Robin. But as the night grows colder, the fire keeping the stable warm burns lower and lower. Maybe even a tiny bird has her own way to show her love for the newborn Prince of Peace…

Illustrated in lush blues and golds, The Birds of Christmas invites children to join the flock gathering around the manger.  This beautiful book is an unforgettable reminder of the wonder of Christmas and the priceless gift of compassion.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Folklore swings into the Christmas story to create a beautiful tale with a different twist.

The birds are excited as they learn that a newborn baby lies in the manger. Each one wants to offer something to honor the child, but a little robin isn't sure what it can give. The birds offer the presents, one by one, with only the robin left wondering. But it ends up giving something from the heart and something happens.

This is a gorgeously illustrated book, and it's enjoyable simply to flip through the various scenes. Honestly, I ended up doing that my first time through, reading the text with only partial interest, since the artwork draws in and the birds are amazing. The tale works well, too. Especially the first half flows with lyrical wings to match the illustration and create a warm, vibrant atmosphere so fitting to the wonder of the holiday. There is a moment, where a bird lets out a phrase in Latin, which will go over young readers/listeners heads completely, but this also doesn't pull out of the tale. Rather, it gives it a traditional feel to fit the already lovely tone.

Since this book follows a legend and not the traditional Christmas story completely, the ending did catch me a little off-guard. Not in a bad way but it takes a twist. The importance of Jesus is never mentioned outside of the fact that the birds want to give this baby presents. So, if you're looking for the traditional Christmas story, this isn't it in the entire sense. But it's caring and beautiful in its own right. Mary has a hand in the myth surrounding the robin at the end. Considering this surrounds the myth, it is well done and brings the message across with reverence and warmth to match the rest of the beautiful read.

The Silence of Deceit by Jillian Eagan

It's time to hit the high-seas! Or at least, that's the impression I'm getting about today's read. The cover definitely embraces that direction. According to the blurb, this will slide into the adventure and romance direction for the young adult audience. It should pack tons of intrigue, battles for power, greed, secret agendas...  Yep, all that power struggle goodness. And there should be a dash of romance, too. Supposedly.

So, let's pry this one open and sea how salty it gets.

THE SILENCE OF DECEIT

The Deceit Trilogy, #1

by Jillian Eagan

YA Fantasy

380 pages

The nation of Seity.
Four ruling families.
One merciless tyrant.

When Eldon Durane executes a noble family and extinguishes all magic, he ignites a war that spans generations.

Two decades later, Lady Rosalie Yorke and her best friend, Silence, are uprooted from their comfortable lives to escape the spreading war. But Rosalie's world shatters when ruthless raiders kidnap her—only for her fate to collide with Crowe, the notorious pirate captain of the Deceit.

Crowe wants nothing to do with Seity’s political turmoil, but the thirst for revenge leads him to Rosalie. Hoping to change his luck, he decides to extort Rosalie’s father for a ransom.

Rosalie refuses to be anyone’s pawn, and Crowe has no patience for nobility. As the two bicker and dodge danger, Seity’s long-buried secrets begin to emerge from the shadows.

With Eldon's deadly plan looming, Rosalie and Crowe must set aside their differences. Should they fail, Rosalie may lose everything.

Perfect for fans of Adrienne Young's Fable and Amie Kaufman's The Isles of the Gods, The Silence of Deceit is a seafaring tale of betrayal, friendship, and survival. A must-read for fans of pirate fantasy, enemies-to-lovers tension, and sweeping adventures filled with magic and rebellion.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Power struggles stretch-out their tendrils, leaving turmoil, secrets, struggles, and even the promise of love in their wake.

Rosalie's father is wrapped into a year-long war, and while her brothers are pulled into it, her weak constitution leaves everyone thinking she's incapable. When an attempt to keep her in a safe place far away from the struggles finds her kidnapped, she is anything but willing to play along with the captor's game. While not strong, she won't let anyone rest easily. That is Crowe's misery, too. As captain of a pirate ship, he's been sliding around and poking at the powerful war ships in his own way. When he accidentally runs into Rosalie on one of his attacks, he wants to use her to gain money from her father...no pirate could let that chance slide. She's not dangerous, but her constant attitude is driving him crazy. But then, she might be more important to his secret intentions than he's aware.

This is a tale of power tug-a-wars with two unsuspecting heroes. Rosalie is pampered and packs a temper, where Crowe is experienced and calculative. The two, obviously, mix like fire and water, which raises the tension right away and keeps it taunt the entire way through. The banter drives this one forward as the intrigue and secrets unfold right underneath. Add the adventure the sea offers as pirates and war ships collide, and there's an explosive world of possibilities.

Anyone who loves to dive deep into the characters will enjoy this read. It switches between Rosalie and Crowe with other perspectives tossed in as needed to keep tensions high. To help keep it clear which character a chapter hits, a correlating illustration is printed at the beginning of the chapter. For example, Rosalie gets a fox. This adds a nice touch and did help more than I thought it might, since the eyes glide over the image in a way, which doesn't interrupt the flow of the plot but helps the mind switch gears. The plot is driven by the characters' thoughts and dialogue, letting their personalities create much of the mood. Rosalie is a bit hard to snuggle up with due to her sharper corners, but her character also packs arc and growth to drive her along. The world building is lighter but holds the scenes and atmosphere. Action takes a bit of a side-step, especially in the first section of the book. There, the characters drive the plot forward and do it well.

The ending rounds everything off to satisfy, and yet, there are promises of more to come. And with these two, it should be exciting.

Santa's 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh by J. Brandon Boron

Ready for a little Christmas fun? I know I'm always in for a read which brings smiles, and today's book promises just that. Now, it's not only the fact that this book comes along with a fitting song, which kids can listen to and sing with, that made me want to take a peek. Rather, my husband has been driving a semitruck the last years. So, this one hits home. (He calls it his early retirement and absolutely adores no longer sitting in an office, dealing with meetings, and all of that stress. Plus, it lets him see America.)

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing what this truck and Santa are up to. And maybe, I'll have another Christmas song to play while baking cookies and such.

Let's open it and find out!

SANTA'S 18-WHEEL CHROME-AND-STEEL SLEIGH

by J. Brandon Boron

Illustrated by Shaun Ivie

Mascot Kids

Picture Book Holiday   /   Music

38 pages

ages 3 to 8

With the reindeer sick and Christmas on the line, how on Earth will Santa get all of those toys to those good girls and boys?

 

Don’t worry—With 18 wheels, a little help from his friends, and a lot of milk and cookies, Santa has a plan!

 

Climb aboard and join Saint Nick and his pals as they make the most important delivery of the year!

GOODREADS    /      AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

It's time for Santa to hit the skies and deliver those presents, but when he heads into the stall to prepare the reindeer, he discovers that several of them are sick. Luckily, one of the reindeer has an idea—an 18-wheeler can do the trick. So, Santa packs up the semitruck and heads to the skies but will that work out?

This is a cheery, bright, and fun twist on Santa's annual Christmas Eve flight around the world. The illustrations are bright and energetic, offering a touch of humor to fit the upbeat text. This more modern idea about the sleigh is sure to draw smiles, and readers will probably have no problem picturing a lit-up semitruck in the sky...what a sight that would be. 

This book is inspired by a song put out by the Six-String Soldiers a few years ago, and these pages accompany the song the entire way through. The text follows the lyrics. So, it can be enjoyed while playing the song. But this book also works very well as a read-aloud...as in, it doesn't necessarily feel like it follows the lyrics of a song, since it tells a quick-paced, energetic story. So, the text flows well and fits the age group nicely. It even works as a read-aloud for those readers, who are sure of their words.

Head on over HERE to hear the song, which goes along with this read!

And here he is...

J. Brandon Boron was born in Great Falls, Montana, but has spent most of his life traversing the United States and beyond.

 

After studying art, music, and biology at CSU, UMass, and UNLV (respectively), Brandon joined the US Army, where he has spent the last two decades serving as a military musician across Europe, the Middle East, and the US.

 

In addition to his military service, Brandon loves writing and performing music with his wife, Thordis, and camping together with their dog, Tjindu. He lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.   https://www.poletopoleexpress.com/

The Amazing Chemistry in Your Home by Lenka Karpiskova

It's time to take a look at a read, which gets those brain-gears churning and lets readers go hands-on. I'm really hoping that today's dive into chemistry brings activities that readers can really attack and do. There are great books out there, but many just don't offer the experiments, which seem to wake curiosity. I know my own kids love nonfiction and how-to-books, but so many had experiments, which just weren't....hmmm... how to say it? Exciting enough. 

So, let's see if this is one of those more exciting chemistry dives or ones that feels more like a science lesson.

THE AMAZING CHEMISTRY IN YOUR HOME

by Lenka Karpiskova

and Jiri Vlach

Illustrated by Tomas Kopecky

Albatros Media

Middle Grade Nonfiction

48 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING JANUARY 27th!!!

Unlock the Secrets of Your Home: A Fun Chemistry Adventure for Curious Kids!

Put on your goggles and roll up your sleeves – it's time to dive into the surprisingly cool science happening all around you! The Amazing Chemistry in Your Home transforms everyday household items into mind-blowing experiments, revealing the fascinating chemical reactions and elements that make your world tick. Forget boring textbooks! Journey through each room of your house including your kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, garage, dining room, and laundry room and discover why geckos are picky about their frying pans, what creates those stinky kitchen smells, and even the explosive secrets hiding in your batteries. Get ready to conduct safe, easy experiments that will turn your home into a captivating chemistry lab! This fun and exciting STEM book is the perfect way to spark a young scientist's curiosity about the amazing world of elements and chemical reactions that are hiding all around them.

• Makes Science Lessons Super Fun and Accessible: Say goodbye to boring lectures! This book uses relatable household items and exciting questions to make chemistry engaging and easy to understand for young readers. 
• Turns Your Home into a Science Lab: Discover the chemistry behind everyday occurrences and conduct safe, hands-on experiments right in your own kitchen and living room! 
• Uncovers the Cool Chemistry You Never Knew Existed: From the stink of rotten eggs to how to make glass, explore surprising and fascinating scientific principles hidden in plain sight. 
• Perfect Introduction to STEM Concepts: Lay a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math through real-world examples of elements and chemical reactions. 
• Sparks Curiosity and Critical Thinking: Encourage young scientists to ask "why?" and develop their problem-solving skills through observation and experimentation. 
• Safe and Easy Experiments: Clear instructions ensure that young scientists can conduct the at-home experiments safely with readily available materials. 

For over 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children’s books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to non-fiction, and fairy tale books. 

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A home is packed full of chemistry goodness, and these pages take readers on a tour to visit a few interesting concepts and molecules found in each room.

After a quick visit to the periodic table, and a few basics about the history and structure of the table, these pages visit the various rooms in a house. Starting with the bedroom, different chemicals and molecules are studied which involve some familiar items from that room. Everything from shampoo to mirrors to sparklers gain a brief spotlight, which gives a general explanation of the chemical goodness behind the object. 

Keeping the atmosphere light and fun, the pages are broken down into colorful boxes. Each one highlights a topic. Often, there's a small illustration to help support the information, and each section is kept fairly brief. In the middle of the page, the room is shown with a few, lively characters. These hold a bit of humor, while bringing the scenes across clearly. Everything is bright and bold and packs cheerful energy. The information is well set for the age group, and some topics do push the thought-gears and offer a bit of depth. Some themes might need a bit more explanation from adults. While this is broken down into rooms, there were moments where the facts seemed to leak in from other areas. But it keeps the chaotic fun going from beginning to end.

While some of the information circles around basic science, such as the basics of atoms, other themes hit lesser known facts to broaden the horizons. Some head into areas like stinky odors, while others explain about haircare or food preparation. So, there's a wide variety for many interests. The information is brought across with a bit of a chaotic feel, keeping it light and spontaneous.

There are several small experiments mixed into the fact parade. These are simple to do, include household items, and can be done alone, for the most part. There's also a glossary at the end to round things off nicely. It's a fun read for science fans and encourages readers to be willing to discover the world around them. 

Just Enough Room for Christmas by Robin Currie and Activity Ideas!

 I know Christmas is still a bit away...although we put up our tree Thanksgiving weekend, which means we only have 4 weeks! Plus, I don't know about you, but I'm an early Christmas shopper so as to make sure I have time to enjoy the holiday season and not run around like a crazed goose. Plus, my mother taught me to start collecting 'little' gifts as soon as the after Christmas sales hit and throughout the year so as to save money (with seven kids in the house, money was always an issue back then).

Anyway, today's read is all about Christmas, and I'm hoping it's one of those books that can be joyfully read several times leading up to the big day. Or even on Christmas Eve. Also, the author has an HUGE list of all sorts of Christian Christmas activities below that would probably work nicely as a type of Advents calendar, too.  

So, tons of goodness today!

JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS

by Robin Currie

Illustrated by Estelle Corke

Good Books

Picture Book Holiday

32 pages

ages 3 to 7

A meaningful Christmas picture book sure to inspire and delight young readers.

In a tiny barn in Bethlehem, Old Hannah the cow lives alone until the cold wind drives other animals to seek shelter. One by one, they squeeze in, but when a tiny mouse stirs up trouble, the barn erupts into chaotic mooing, meowing, and barking. Will there be enough room for a little family to have a silent night?

Just Enough Room for Christmas is written to be read aloud, at home, in preschool classes and church children’s messages, or even Christmas Eve services. Families often get distracted by all the noise of the Christmas season. When we clear away all the clutter and distractions we find, in our homes and hearts, just enough room for the newborn King.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A small stall promises cuddled warmth, tons of animal fun, and the biggest Christmas surprise of all.

A satisfied cow rests inside her warm barn, while the night grows colder outside. The barn is exactly big enough for one. When a man with a horse knocks at the barn door and hopes the cow will let the new animal squeeze in with her, the cow is much too kind to decline. One after the other, animals come to seek shelter from the cold, and just when they snuggle in for a good night's rest, the last guests arrive.

This is such a cute read! Of course, this is about the first Christmas and the stall, and while it does let the most important event come across with Christmas warmth at the end, there's even a fun build-up before. Young readers/listeners will be able to see one familiar animal after the other coming into a small space. There's a wonderful sense of sharing and caring, while eyebrows raise and wonder how small the cow's stall really is and how many more can possibly fit inside. The true meaning of Christmas, at the end, fits right in with this atmosphere to round off a wholesome, enjoyable, and fun read.

The author does a lovely job at drawing readers/listeners in and knows the intended age group well. As the animals come, they are presented with a repetitive phrase, which listeners will quickly learn and be able to say right along with the reader. Then, when the animals have filtered in, there's another level of enjoyment as the animal sounds are worked in to form a smile worthy moment. Even the birth of Christ is brought across just right to make it a read to snuggle up with from beginning to end.

Christ Centered Christmas Activities

Nativity Storytelling

Retell the ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS story using the nativity set.

Edible “Stable”

Build a stable using crackers and pretzels, cheese blocks, and grapes. Read JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS while you eat your stable.

Shepherds’ Hunt

Hide the nativity animals around the house or classroom for kids to find.

Story Play

Make the animals in ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS with play-dough or out of Lego bricks.

Journey to Bethlehem Obstacle Course

Make a maze or obstacle course with mountains (pillows) and sand dunes (blankets) leading to an inn (cardboard box). Add noises for the horse, dog, and cat – and of course a loud Moo when Old Hannah greets them!

December Countdown Chain

Cut paper strips for a 24-link chain. Countdown from December 1 to the 24th. Each day, add a piece to the nativity set, read a Christmas book, or do a kind act for someone. In SS classes, count the Advent Sundays 1-2-3-4.

Baby Jesus in a Manger Craft

Glue yellow strips of paper for hay on a white paper plate. Glue a brown paper rectangle on top of the yellow to make a manger. Add a wooden peg doll or a paper cut out of Baby Jesus wrapped in a scrap of cloth.

Star of Bethlehem Ornament

Make a star shape with popsicle sticks, decorate with glitter glue, and add a string to hang it up.

Shepherd, Shepherd, Angel (Like Duck, Duck, Goose)

Kids sit in a circle. The “it” person taps heads, saying “Shepherd” as they walk around the outside of the circle. When the “it” person picks someone to be the “Angel”— that child chases the “it” person around the circle.

Christmas Charades

Write down words from the Christmas story.  (donkey, shepherd, star, angel, Mary rocking baby Jesus)  Each player gets a turn to act out the word they pick. The other players guess what word it is.

Here’s a little finger play for preschoolers:

Open the Door for Christmas!

Knock , knock!

Who’s there?

Hee-Haw!

Hee-haw – it’s donkey. He had a long trip.

Open the door and let him in!

 

Knock , knock!

Who’s there?

Baa-baa!

Baa-baa – it’s lamb. She was cold in the field.

Open the door and let her in!

 

Knock , knock!

Who’s there?

Woof-woof!

Woof-woof – it’s dog. He guarded the inn.

Open the door and let him in!

 

Knock , knock!

Who’s there?

Mew-mew!

Mew-mew – it’s cat. She caught mice all day.

Open the door and let her in!

 

Knock , knock!

Who’s there?

Hello!

Hello – it’s Mary and Joseph. They are so tired and need a place to sleep.

Open the door and let them in!

Waa-waa!

Who’s there?

Waa-waa!

Waa-waa! It’s a new baby! Jesus is born to be our king. 

Open your hearts and let him in because now it is Christmas!

And here she is...

Despite her incessant need to wiggle, Robin Currie earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science and spent her library career in children’s departments where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed.
Robin has traditionally published more than 45 picture books. She writes stories to read and read again!
 
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