Dreams Come True: Be Happy, Be You! by C.B. Maria

I saw today's read and immediately got cheerful, positive vibes. Who doesn't want more of those in their lives? Of course, I'm taking a peek!

DREAMS COME TRUE:

BE HAPPY, BE YOU!

by C.B. Maria

Collections Canada

Picture Book

35 pages

ages 2 to 6

Discover a heartwarming story that nurtures confidence, creativity, and emotional awareness in young children!

Perfect for ages 2–6, "Dreams Come True: Be Happy, Be You!" is a beautifully illustrated self-esteem book for kids that inspires little ones to follow their dreams and celebrate who they are.

In a magical world of wonder and possibility, a joyful little mushroom sets off on an enchanting journey of self-discovery. Guided by her mother’s gentle wisdom and her own bright spirit, she learns the incredible power of choosing happiness—no matter what.

This uplifting children’s book about feelings and emotions helps kids:

• Boost self-esteem and build confidence
• Embrace individuality and believe in themselves
• Learn the value of choosing joy and kindness
• Explore big feelings in a simple, relatable way

Written for curious minds and big hearts, this story is ideal for:

• Books for kids ages 4–6

• Stories for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds

• Books about emotions for kids

• Children’s books about feelings and self-worth

With vibrant illustrations and a gentle, empowering message, Dreams Come True: Be Happy, Be You! captures the magic of imagination and the joy of being your true self. Whether it’s storytime at home or a gift for a loved one, this is a must-have for any young reader’s bookshelf.

Let your child’s dreams take flight. Add this unforgettable adventure to your collection today!

 GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Encouragement, positivity, and cheerful goodness combine with vibrant illustrations and a very smiley mushroom to let the pages beam.

This read packs good vibes pure as a little mushroom heads out into the world to experience a day full of tiny adventures. With every character the mushroom meets, slightly different situations arise...sometimes more positive than others. But this mushroom knows how to fly through life on the waves of goodness and doesn't let anything drag it under.

Little listeners are in for a happy read with this book. It fits very well to the younger age group with a short text to keep boredom at bay and situations, which everyone can relate to. These 'problems' are super light and don't dig deep, which is also great for the intended audience. The cheerfulness beams from every page and shows that much of life's smaller situations can be won simply by not letting them get you down. It also strengthens the idea of self-worth and embracing who you are. It stays very light and works its magic.

The illustrations are bright...as in beaming light is portrayed even in some to emphasis the goodness. The little mushroom is big and bold on every one, making sure it stays front and center, while the scenes, with enough details to grab, bring each moment across clearly.  Even these are fitting to the age group and stay simple enough to quickly enjoy without adding too much so that the cheerful message stays loud and clear.

It's a cute read for anyone wanting a ton of positivity in their day.

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley

Ready for some creepy fun? Today's read is the first in a brand new series for the middle grade audience. While it, obviously, takes a slightly dark twist, I have a sneaking suspicion that this one will be more humor and fun than spooks and scares. 

Let's see how it does!

JAZZY THE WITCH IN BROOM DOOM

Jazzy the Witch #1

by Jessixa Bagley

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Graphic Novel

232 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

JULY 15th!!!

In her town full of witches, Jazzy’s always been a little bit different. She’s not excited about magic. She forgets the steps to spells. And even though her parents run the town’s broom shop, she doesn’t want to fly.

Then, one day, she discovers what she was born to do: cycling! Now she just has to find a way to get a bicycle…and learn how to ride it. But will her new passion come between her and her best friend—and possibly get her in big trouble?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Witchy drama hits middle school halls with broomsticks, magic, and a bicycle.

Jazzy isn't sure what to do. While every part of her and her family are witch, she can't seem to do anything right. Not only is this affecting her grades at school, but now, she has to ride a broom. It's clear that's going to be a disaster, but worse yet, her family makes the brooms for generations! She's even going to inherit the business someday. Try as she might, her and brooms don't get along...kind of like the rest of her magic. Then, she discovers something called a bicycle, and things are really going to go crazy.

This is an adorable read about finding your own groove and not, necessarily, following that of others. Jazzy is a determined little witch with a likeable bat at her side. She tries her best to make everyone happy but can't seem to do anything right, which frustrates and makes things worse. Her growing frustration is understandable, but she still tries to find a way, which leads to the bicycle. She does have a best friend, which supports her to a certain degree....there's some important friendship messaging along the way, too. After all, no friendship runs smoothly all of the time. And there's her family, which is as supportive as supportive can be...with two moms and a granny. Yet, Jazzy doesn't want to disappoint them, and that's understandable, too.

I'd recommend this one to the lower end of the age group, since the story is straight forward and pretty playful. I'd almost slide it into the chapter book area, but it is a little longer thanks to Jazzy's attempts to deal with her friendships and learning to be herself. It holds humor high, but also doesn't neglect the underlying message. Jazzy's determination really shines through and inspires, and it's easy to root for her. As an action girl, though, I did find myself skimming some moments. Still, drama fans will enjoy every moment and sink in. The illustrations are bright and bold, and bring across the characters and scenes nicely. They let the story flow.

The message is clear and one readers never seem to hear enough about, but this one took a twist which surprised...and made me wonder since it has her, actually, not sticking to her own beat the whole way through. Instead, it finds middle ground, which works too. 

It's a cute read, which is sure to delight more than a few witch and humor fans. There's definitely more than enough room for many fun adventures in the future.

And here she is...

Jessixa Bagley is a children’s book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, Highlights Magazine, The Stranger, and Illustoria Magazine. She’s also the author of the middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie (illustrated by Aaron Bagley) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Jazzy the Witch. Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel. Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she’s drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son.

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And A Happy July 4th to you and yours!!!

The Art of Exile by Andrea Max

What's summer without a young adult fantasy romance with action, intrigue, and...an academy (of sorts)? Since this type of read happens to be a 'must' on the YA summer-fun list, I was excited to get my hands on this read. It's the first in a brand new series and is sold as an exciting mix (read the blurb below to see what I need). I'm curious to see if this is worth grabbing up and diving in. So, let's find out!

THE ART OF EXILE

Academy of Muses #1

by Andrea Max

Margaret K. McElderry Books

YA Fantasy

448 pages

Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code in this captivating light academia contemporary fantasy following a teen who infiltrates a secret school for the descendants of exiled Renaissance masters to steal their long-lost arts and sciences.

Unlike the high-achieving members of her family’s secret society, Ada Castle has mastered nothing but the art of falling for the wrong guys. But now she finally has the chance to prove her worth: she just needs to gain access to a hidden school that her family has been trying to locate for generations. Granted, she accidentally goes on a date with the recruiter first, then is temporarily abducted, but Ada manages to secure herself an invitation to the Genesis Institute, where descendants of exiled Renaissance masters practice long-lost arts and sciences.

The school is a utopia of sustainable technology, medical advancements, and myths come to life, yet they are unjustly hoarding their resources. Ada goes undercover to steal their innovations for the rest of the world, but Genesis nurtures her creativity and challenges her views, and she can’t help but fall for the school…and maybe also for her frustratingly off-limits recruiter-turned-mentor.

Ada’s tangle of lies starts to unravel when one of her new friends goes missing. To rescue her, Ada is forced to work with a dangerous (and dangerously hot) classmate whose suspicions threaten her cover. And when the information she’s shared with her family puts her missing friend and all of Genesis in peril, she’ll have to choose whom to betray: the family she loves or the school that has helped her find herself.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON     /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

A rich world of magic weaves against reality with plenty of intrigue and tension along the way.

Ada is seventeen and the only member of her family, who isn't reaching the high-goal posts set by the rest of her family, but she has her own talent, which they don't fully understand. Trying to prove her special worth, she follows a friend's advice and heads to Paris with the hope of infiltrating a secret society, which trains and harbors people wither her abilities...and with the mission to expose them so that they will, finally, share their accomplishments with the rest of the world. Right away, she meets danger and discovers that there is so much more going on than she expected. Caught in a web of opposing forces and golden promises, she does her best to finish what she came to achieve, but the heart betrays and secrets run deeper than most even know.

A love triangle, budding magic, the blur of good vs evil, learning to know yourself, and a touch of academy drama make this a read, which slides nicely into the young adult category that so many expect and enjoy. It grabs right away as Ada goes from first nods toward romance to a very precarious situation within a couple pages, and shoots right into the magical world from there. It took a second to figure out what was really going on, especially since this necessary background information first comes over fifty pages in. But the author definitely keeps the pacing quick and builds the world along the way.

The world building and characters are done with thought, which adds plenty of richness while the read stays tropey enough not to weigh down, too. Of course, some aspects stretch imagination (this is fantasy), and there are moments where belief simply needs to slide in without explanation but all within reason. There are plenty of explanations behind various moments, some of these slow things down a tiny bit which had me sliding over sentences here and there. However, it does enrich the scenes and story, too, and that goes for the characters as well...although some carry more depth than others, and even here, there are some aspects which stretch normal sense. But all of this makes this exciting read snuggle nicely into the teen drama range.

There is romance, and it is a triangle. Both are swoon-worthy and hard to choose between. Ada has a lot on her plate, though, and does keep the adventure in mind while dancing her choices and discovering her own heart's desires. It's messy as triangles are and tropey...but this also will make those readers, who enjoy this direction, smile.

As for the intrigue...it gets going nicely and the foundation is well-laid for the upcoming series. There are layers to the intrigue and many surprises along the way. Ada faces many choices, and not all of them are clear cut. Plus, danger isn't exactly rare, so the tension stays high, too. So, fans of the genre will want to take a peek at this one and sink into the magical realm.

And here she is...

Andrea Max is an English teacher who previously worked as a clinical social worker with an MSW from New York University. Aspects of the history and magic systems in The Art of Exile were inspired by the Jewish tradition and mythology with which she was raised. Andrea lives with her husband and toddler in New Jersey.

From Earth to Eris by Greg Bradley

This time of year...when the sky is cloudless...we can almost see the entire Milky Way. Actually, we have to wait for Fall to see it completely, but star-gazing is a lovely thing when you live as rural as we do. Especially when the nights are enjoyable and invite to sitting an extra hour or two. So, today's read seemed like a fitting read.

The blurb reminds me a bit of a book my first born enjoyed when he was very little. It also had a child, who happened to fly into space one night. But the kid in that book flew on a washing machine. I've searched everywhere for the title (the book we had fell apart after years of reading) but can't seem to locate it. Oh well.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing how this adventure shoots into space and beyond. So let's get on board and find out.

FROM EARTH TO ERIS

by Greg Bradley

Illsutrated by Matthew LaFleur

Little Creek Press

Picture Book

44 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 8th!!!

Jay has always dreamed of traveling among the stars. One magical evening, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, leaving Earth with his trusty backpack named Jack. Together, they soar through the galaxy, meeting planets, exploring mysterious moons, dodging asteroids, and discovering wonder at every turn.

Will they ever return home?

From Earth to Eris is a heart-pounding, imaginative tale that will captivate young readers, inspiring them to dream big, embrace adventure, and never stop reaching for the stars.

GOODREADS    /    LITTLE CREEK PRESS

MY TIDBITS

A mix of facts and fantasy create an imaginative tale, where every moment means a new discovery and dreams open up to amazing possibilities.

It's time for bed, and Jay is ready to take his rocket and shoot off into space with his backpack named Jack accompanying him. They pass through the solar system, discovering this and that along the way. They head out into the space beyond to find lesser known moons and more. But the big surprise hits when they reach Eris...and the adventure there is bigger than Jay or Jack every expected.

This is a fun read for young space fans. Not only does it work in a few lesser known tidbits about planets and more, but it whirls in exciting bits of fantasy. The balance works nicely, especially for the younger end of the intended audience, and invites to amazing dreams right before bedtime. In other words, it makes a great sleepy-time read with enough tension to keep things interesting, but not so much that it destroys sleepier vibes by the end. Instead, it shows that anything is possible when kids close their eyes and let their imaginations soar. There are positive vibes, not only due to the wholesome moments of the family, but also with old and new friends as they celebrate and learn to get along. 

Written in verse, it flows well and creates a nice read aloud. The illustrations bring the mentioned information in the text across visually and with a sense of fun. The talking backpack adds humor and steering for Jay during the story. I was a bit surprised by the choice of object brought to life, but it works, and I wonder if it's there to guide through other adventures in the future (?). Guess, we'll have to wait to see. In any case, the illustrations are very well done, bold, and add let the more factual side come across while letting the imagination fly. 

Little space fans are sure to enjoy this one before heading off into dreamland.

And here they are...

Greg Bradley is an emerging science fiction author, debuting his original brand of storytelling with From Earth to Eris. Inspired by the awe of witnessing Halley’s Comet, Greg’s fascination with deep space drives his storytelling, in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos. A Florida State University graduate with a degree in Studio Art, he uniquely blends nostalgic creativity with a passion for service in his work. Greg resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to craft compelling narratives and share his love for art and exploration.

Matthew LaFleur has been an illustrator for over two decades. He has drawn from the creative well to create various artwork that has appeared on beer cans and bottles, baseball trivia books, magazines, board games, t-shirts, greeting cards, and more. Matthew draws most of his breaths just north of Chicago in Evanston and is the proud father of two talented, art, book, and music-loving people.

Matthew has also illustrated The Toothless Fairy, written by Tim Jordan, The Isle of Stuck Faces, written by Brooke Saucier, and A Magnificent Misunderstanding, written by Molly Raske.

What's Coming in July?

With July, the summer temperatures are definitely rising...although I'm hoping for some cooler, rainy periods, too. If nothing else, it's time to head outdoors and hit the water directly (if it doesn't come to me, I'll go to it). Which should leave me with plenty of time to read, too.

A glance at my July's reading pile shows a larger array of middle grade reads with mostly nonfiction and fantasy piling up. So, I guess it will be both sides of the genre extremes on that front. There are some horror reads in the YA direction as well as tendencies to fun spooky ones on the picture book arena. Many of the spooks are first nods to Halloween (the publishing world always has to start a few months early for obvious reasons). Other than that, my reading pile is all over the place and will hold several surprises. 

Anyway, here's a peek at several books on my schedule for this month!

FROM EARTH TO ERIS

This read should reach for the stars with adventure and exploration. I'm not sure if it holds some information goodness or not, but it should be quite the imaginative ride with aliens and a boy on an unexpected cruise through space. Find out more with me on the 2nd.

Picture Book

THE ART OF EXILE

Since I've been rather light, this year, on the young adult front, I wanted to start this month off on a good foot in that direction. This is the 1st in a brand new series, Academy of Muses. It's sold as Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code. And that's all I know for now...but I love the cover, and I loved both of the tales this one is compared to. So, I'm hoping for the best and will expose everything on the 3rd.

Young Adult Fantasy

THE AI INCIDENT

This read hit upon a theme, which has been flying all over the media world as AI is, obviously, becoming more important. But it does it with adventure and a tad bit of ridiculousness? Or so it seems? There's a rogue robot involved, middle school, foster kids, biases, and so much more. So, I'm not really sure what to expect. I'll be discovering more about this one and sharing it on the 7th.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

THE ATLAS OF LANGUAGES

This read is supposed to filled with illustrations, maps, and tons of information surrounding word origins and more. It doesn't appear to be a dry look at the world languages, but instead, should explore questions such as which languages are considered beautiful or rare? Or where does the word banana come from? I'm hoping there is tons of knowledge fun and will be able to say more on the 9th.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

GROUCHO THE GROUCH GROUNDHOG

It was the idea of having a groundhog that's grumpy, which caught my attention on this one. And the bunnies surrounding him. The appear to pack a bit of nervousness, hesitation, and expectation. Is this a villain tale? Honestly, I have no clue. I assume there will be a message about being grumpy...or maybe not. We'll see what this graphic novel holds on the 10th.

Middle Grade Humor   /   Graphic Novel

OH NO THEY AREN'T: SCIENCE

I'm always on the lookout for fun, nonfiction reads, and this one caught my attention. It's part of a series, but I haven't had a chance to read any of them yet. I believe I've hit some other reads from this author, though (if memory serves me correctly). I also seem to remember the author being very good at delivering facts in a fun way. See if I'm right or my memory is failing me on the 13th.

Children's Nonfiction

AT LAST SHE STOOD

To balance out the nonsense on my list, I decided to add this one to the mix. It takes us into the nonfiction realm and exposes the brave tale of Josefina Guerrero, who was a guerilla fighter, honored with medals, survived leprosy, became a teacher, and worked for peace. She was a spy for the allies during WWII in the Japanese area. And that's all I know so far. I'm really looking forward to her tale and will be letting you know more about it on the 21st.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

BLOOD ON THE BOARDWALK

This is the first in an upcoming horror series and should include vampires, mystery, and more. I haven't read a vampire tale in awhile and thought this would be a fun change-up. Plus, horror always seems to find a big audience. It's said to be inspired by The Lost Boys and horror from the 90's. So, we'll see what that means on the 23rd.

Young Adult Horror

TRANCE

Orca publishers have a series of books, which specializes in short reads for teens, who aren't necessarily reading gurus. I enjoy taking a dive into these, so when I saw this upcoming psycho-thriller, wanted to give it a go. It involves a girl in a trance and should take on some paranormal aspects...or so I'm lead to believe. I'll find out more and share my thoughts with you on the 26th.

Young Adult Thriller

 

FLUFFLE BUNNIES: BIG CITY BUNS

This is the second in a graphic novel series for beginning readers...and nope, I haven't read the first one. I just loved the title and found the cover intriguing. Is it going to be mysterious? Maybe, adventurous? Or funny? I have no clue, but I'm excited to find out on the 29th.

Chapter Book   /   Graphic Novel

Like many reading fans, my book pile...piles are pretty high, and while I would love to read every single tale each month, there simply isn't enough time. But my schedule is always shifting, too, thanks to publishing changes, books not reaching me as they should, or simply other unexpected occurrences. So, I almost always can weave an extra book or two into my schedule. This month's joker read is....

THE GHOSTS OF PANDORA PICKWICK

I've been waiting to get my fingers on this book...and it suddenly arrived! Since I didn't have it in my schedule, yet, because of the shipping delay, I'm going to have to squeeze it in somehow this month. I'm not sure when, though, since my schedule is fuller than full. But there's no way I'm going to wait much longer, either.

So, let's see when I get to it.

Middle Grade Mystery   /   Paranormal

Invisible: Max Wheeler's Guide to (NOT) Fitting In by Ryan Andreassen

Today's read is one that I'm, at first glance, on the fence about. It's no secret that I'm very cautious when it comes to reads with message about social issues...as in that's their complete purpose of being written. I tend to be super critical of these reads, especially when it hits areas such as neuro-divergency. My circle is packed with individuals in this area, so my scrutiny level is very high. Now, there are very good reads out there, and that's why I take a peek when I think one might win me over. So, why did I grab this one up? Well... ready for depth?????

The cover. Yep, that's it. And that's why I'm on the fence because I'm well aware that a cover doesn't necessarily mean anything, but there's just a nice sense of playfulness in this one to make me wonder if it does stay true to the intended audience and doesn't weigh down.

I guess it's time to find out if it's worth my gamble on this one or not.

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And before I forget, it's Monday! That means there is tons of middle grade goodness over at the MMGM (Marvelous Middle Grade Monday) over HERE. Knowers and lovers of literature for this age group recommend all sorts of tales to dive into. So, if you're into middle grade literature, you're going to want to head over there and take a peek.

INVISIBLE:

Max Wheeler's Guide to (NOT) Fitting In 

by Ryan Andreassen

Salt & Light

Middle Grade Contemporary

178 pages

ages 7 and up

"So here’s the thing about brains- they’re all weird. Seriously. But some brains are weird in ways everyone understands, and some brains are weird in ways that make people look at you funny. Guess which kind I have?" – Max Wheeler

Invisible is a laugh-out-loud, deeply heartfelt middle-grade novel about being different, being seen, and finding the people who see you for who you truly are.

Max Wheeler’s brain is like a spaceship- sometimes launching into hyperfocus at lightspeed, other times spinning out in a cosmic storm of distractions. With ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences, middle school feels like a daily mission through unexpected noise, confusing social codes, and cafeteria smells that seem like they came from another galaxy. Thankfully, Max has Cosmo—his support dog and steady companion.

His latest plan? Operation Normal A foolproof strategy to blend in and avoid standing out. it fails. Spectacularly.

When Max gets partnered with the ultra-organized, hyper-focused Amelia Lin for a major science project, he's sure they'll be a disaster together. Amelia has every step of her life planned out, and Max... well, Max once got distracted mid-sentence and forgot what he was talking about. But as they build a project around space and craters, Max realizes that maybe the key to surviving middle school isn't becoming someone else- it's finding the right people who like you just as you are. "Maybe being invisible isn't the problem. Maybe I just need to be visible to the right people."

Full of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, this book is perfect for fans of Wonder, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Counting by 7s, and The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. It's a story about friendship, self-acceptance, and the unexpected ways we discover where we belong.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Max's determination to improve his social status slides in unexpected directions to increase awareness while putting a smile on the face.

Max has ADHD, dyslexia and sensory processing challenges...which means that life in school isn't always easy. But Max is on a mission to make himself more 'normal', which means figuring out what normal kids do, like, and talk about. Even with carefully laid out plans, nothing runs as planned, and he's about to give up...until he is partnered with the smartest girl in the class for a science project. Of course, he's well aware that this is destined to become a complete disaster despite his huge interest and knowledge in all things space. If he worked alone, he'd easily impress the teacher, but with a partner, he's pretty sure he's doomed. 

The first pages allow Max time to introduce himself and, especially, stress his special challenges. Even with the toss in of lists and various fonts/media fun, it almost became too much and concentrated on that front...but then, the tale shifts as a very entertaining and grabbing story unfolds. 

Max is a guy to like. He's well aware of who he is, how others see him, and what situations are most difficult to deal with. But for all of this self-awareness, he still can't manage to behave in a way to make him 'fit in'. This might seem like very usual set-up (and it is), but Max is a determined guy. Readers will have no trouble identifying with his well-planned missions to fit in and laugh as well as groan as one after the other falls apart in surprising ways. It's bitter sweet and lets lightness and humor coat the serious undertones without cheapening them. But this isn't the whole story...and that's great! Max has to work with the smart girl of the class, and she's quite the enjoyable character to get behind thanks to her very own, distinct quirks. The interactions between them are natural, adorable, funny, and hold just enough tension to make a reader wonder how in the world it will work out. The whole time, Max's thoughts and remarks (and lists and more) lead to awkward reality in the best ways.

The various challenges Max and others have in this book do help readers become more aware of such situations and open up a big door to better understanding. Especially since Max is, actually, very easy to connect with and understand. It doesn't shove everything into boxes, which I appreciate, but rather, lets the vastness flow in a very easy way for even 'normal' kids to identify with on some level.

Mostly, it's a fun read. Max carries tons of personality and is a character to root for the entire way through.

 

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl's Dreams Take Flight by Christine Mott

Today's read grabbed my interest for several reasons. Firstly, the owl soaring above NYC mixed with the title just seemed a little different that other picture books I've been grabbing up lately...and I love diverse directions. Secondly, it's written based on a true story, and I'm a sucker for those when done right. Add that animal stories (true ones) are especially heartwarming for this age group, and I decided to give it a go. 

Let's open it up and see if it's worth a read or not! 

FREE BIRD

Flaco the Owl's Dreams Take Flight

by Christine Mott

Illustrations by Ofra Isler

Lantern Publishing & Media

Picture Book

52 pages

ages 4 to 8

Based on a true story, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is an inspiring picture book for children ages 4-8 chronicling the adventures of Flaco the owl as he escapes from a zoo to follow his dreams of flying free and enjoying freedom in the wilds of NYC.

Embark on an exciting journey with Flaco the owl in Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight! This captivating picture book, perfect for children ages 4-8, is based on a true story that will inspire and delight young readers.

Flaco, a brave and determined owl, dreams of breaking free from his cage at the zoo and soaring through the sky. One day, he seizes the opportunity to escape and finally experience the freedom he has always longed for. Follow Flaco as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, learns to fly, and makes new friends along the way.

Through Flaco’s eyes, children will learn the importance of following their dreams and showing compassion for wild animals. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated and will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Join Flaco on his incredible adventure and be inspired to reach for the stars!

This book comes with a bonus educational section in the back for all the curious readers. Discover amazing facts about owls that will make early learning fun and help connect the story to the real world.

50% of author’s book royalties will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Based on a true story, this book follows the adventure of Flaco the owl as he escapes from the New York zoo and finds freedom in the world beyond. It begins as Flaco stares out into the world from his cage, dreaming of flying with the other birds, which visit him now and then. His 'escape' is quick, leaving most of the book to deal with his adaptation to the wild and flying, since he's never had the opportunity to fly freely and doesn't have the strength right away.

The story is told through Flaco's eyes and shows how he struggles with various aspects of being free in New York. I appreciated this take, since it shows the reality of the situation and how being 'free' isn't an instant wonderful perfection but includes adjustment. The involvement of the zoo as they try to catch him is gently added here and there as a live trap peeks up in a couple illustrations and Flaco notices them with a phrase or two, but this isn't about the chase and doesn't press that direction. Instead, Flaco finds himself lonely and needing to learn. There are a few dangers, but these are also on the subtle side to slide with the age group well. By the time Flaco does sink into his new life, readers will be rooting for him and have a new respect for animals that make this change.

The writing flows well enough and fits the audience level nicely. It isn't written with over-excitement or adventure but still holds the pacing enough to catch the interest of more reluctant listeners on better days. The information slides right in with the story adding a little knowledge goodness. All of this balances nicely with the illustrations, which depict most scenes with depth and bring the world to life. 

This makes a lovely read for anyone visiting the theme of releasing animals back into the 'wild'. And since a portion of the profits also head toward the Wild Bird Fund, it also offers goodness on that side.

And here she is...

Christine Mott is an author, attorney and animal advocate with over fifteen years of experience leading legal and policy efforts to protect animals. She advises alternative protein companies, animal sanctuaries and other animal protection and sustainability-focused organizations. Christine is a former Chair of the Animal Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association and has served on the boards of various animal advocacy organizations. Christine received her J.D. from NYU Law and her B.A. from Smith College. Christine’s work has been featured in the New York Times and various media. A native New Yorker, Christine currently lives in California with her family.  

Readers can connect with Christine Mott on Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn.
To learn more, visit ChristineMott.com

The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist by James Ponti

Have you been seeing this one everywhere like I have? Today's read is the 2nd in the latest series from James Ponti. I did read the first one (amazing, right?) and enjoyed it quite a bit. James Ponti's tales tend to be easy to read and very smoothly created, which  makes them a nice pick-em-up and know that they'll be enjoyable. Or at least, they have been up until now. Yes, I've read more than a couple of his books, so I can say that. But this one? Well, I guess we'll have to dive in and see if he's pulled it off again or not.

Plus, I do love a good mystery.

So, off we go!

HURRICANE HEIST

The Sherlock Society #2

by James Ponti

Aladdin

Middle Grade Mystery

320 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 2nd!!!

When a hurricane uncovers new information in a cold case, the Sherlock Society investigates a decades-old heist in this second book in the action-packed and funny New York Times bestselling Sherlock Society middle grade series from Edgar Award–winning author James Ponti!

When a category three hurricane hits Miami Beach, it uncovers a body buried at the renowned Moroccan Hotel. The body is identified as the man who served as the hotel’s bell captain sixty years ago…and the presumed culprit of the million-dollar jewel heist that took place just before his disappearance.

Since the bell captain clearly didn’t take off with the goods as had been long believed, the Sherlock Society sets their sights on uncovering the real culprit of the theft. But when the thief may also be implicated in the bell captain’s murder, even sixty years later, there are people who want the truth to stay buried.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Not all mysteries only happen in the present, and this one glides with clues over the years and enough tension to hold until the very last page.

A body has been discovered at the Moroccan Hotel and identified as a man, who'd died sixty years before. Although the Sherlock Society wasn't planning for another case, Grandfather's relationship to the deceased many years ago makes it impossible to ignore, especially since he'd been trying to prove that the deceased was innocent in a jewelry theft for years. While it might seem that the trail has long grown cold, the Sherlock Society comes across more and more information in unexpected ways. But this isn't going unnoticed. Someone doesn't want them to discover the truth and is going to extreme extents to make sure they don't.

Already on the first pages, this tale starts out with energy and grabs...but not in the way that might be expected. It starts with the Grandpa, who might be aged but packs more life than most and adds zest, which fits since it's also his past which underlines the mystery. Alex and Zoe along with their friends have a golden relationship with him (adding goodness), but it also lays a great foundation as the mystery and murder unfolds. Their are hints of darker tons to entice the audience and draw in, but the author uses the character's personalities and situations to add just the right amount of humor to make it a fun adventure. It's an addictive balance.

The writing is smooth as always and adds information and facts, here and there, while weaving a nice web of clues and intentions. There were moments of teetering over-information, which had me skimming over several paragraphs. Still, that didn't quite outweigh the high-tension, dangerous stakes, and action scenes enough to make the book disappoint, either. I just hope this draws back in the future books a bit.

Summed up, this is another fun, grabbing read with characters, who live up to their Sherlock name and with side characters to enjoy or hate...and I can't wait to see what adventure lies in store for them next.

And here he is...

James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists, and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy–nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. Find out more at JamesPonti.com.

This Moment Is Special: A Dia de Muertos Story by John Parra

Today's read slides into a holiday direction...and one that isn't right around the corner. Right now, the publishing world is releasing the upcoming Fall reads. Halloween and Dia de Muertos belong belong to this bunch. I don't mind a few Fall thoughts with temperatures increasing the last days. It reminds me that cooler days are coming back (I'm a Fall/Winter girl). 

Let's take a look and see what wonderful holiday thoughts this one holds.

THIS MOMENT IS SPECIAL

A Dia de Muertos Story

by John Parra

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 15th!!!

Through all moments of the day, both large and small, a boy prepares for a Day of the Dead celebration, in this picture book from Pura Belpré Honor–winning author-illustrator John Parra.

A single day in a boy’s life is filled with family, love, and inspiration as he prepares for the Día de Muertos celebration and remembers that all moments are special. Each moment reminds us of our family and those who have gone before us. Today holds a special promise, una promesa especial.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With care, love and an edge of excitement, these pages celebrate the preparations for the Day of the Dead.

Día de Muertos sits front and center in these pages and follows a young boy as he goes through his day right before the holiday. Every moment comes across with familiarity as normal,  activities mix with hints of growing celebration excitement. Not only will those who celebrate this holiday recognize the activities, but those who don't will see moments they can identify while learning gently about how preparations for this take place. 

The meaning behind the holiday is carried through a smooth flowing text, which brings across the atmosphere with poetic ease. The illustrations make each moment clear and allow the reader to see exactly what is going on in a way they can identify with. This includes a small surprise as the boy is immediately introduced in his makeup and this holds the entire day through...many of the other characters also wear the mask. But it's not clear that this is a mask (for those who are unaware of the custom) until the very last page. To add bilingual goodness, the author adds a short Spanish phrase at the end of each verse. And so everything gets rounded off in a warm hug, every moment is packed with tons of family love and respect.

It's a lovely, atmospheric read for the holiday and brings across the customs in a natural way. This isn't really a read for more impatient readers/listeners, but it works nicely as an addition to the celebration or to add to a theme when learning about the holiday.

And here he is...

John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, designer, author, and educator. For his children’s illustration work he has received three American Library Association Pura Belpré Honors. His books include Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown, which earned a New York Times Best Illustrated Book designation; Green Is a Chile Pepper, written by Roseanne Thong, which received the Américas Book Award; Spanish Is the Language of My Family, written by Michael Genhart, which received seven starred reviews and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award; Hey, Wall, written by Susan Verde; The Power of Her Pen, written by Lesa Cline-Ransome; and his authorial debut Growing an Artist, which was the recipient of the Christopher Award and the Américas Award. Learn more at JohnParraArt.com.