Happy Book Birthday, Fungi Are More Than Mushrooms by Alisha Gabriel!

 It's time to shout-out a Happy Book Birthday!!! (I've been doing that a lot this month and have no problem with continuing the trend.) 

Today's read made me smile. Yesterday, I saw a Facebook from someone in our small town, reminding everyone that morel mushrooms should be peeking through the ground soon. That's a huge thing in this area, and some years are better than others. Now, these aren't my favorites. I find them a bit rubbery and hate all of the grit, which gets stuck in those tons of crevices. (If you don't know what these are, you can head over to the conservation website to find out here). These mushrooms are a luxury (at least, telling by the market price), but I prefer the chanterelles, which come a little later in the year.

In other words, this book is right down our alley. At least, I hope it will be. Let's take a peek and find out.

FUNGI ARE MORE THAN MUSHROOMS

by Alisha Gabriel

Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany

Tielmour Press

Picture Book Nonfiction

36 pages

ages 4 to 10

Learn about the hidden world of fungi in this beautifully earthy non-fiction picture book! From single-celled, microscopic yeasts to massive mushrooms, fungi are essential to life on our planet yet often overlooked. Discover how spores disperse, fungi grow, animals find food, bees heal themselves, and trees communicate, all thanks to this fascinating kingdom. With straightforward, lyrical explanations, readers will gain insight into how fungi impact our planet and the interconnectedness of nature.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Fungi come in all shapes and sizes, and do much more than simply grow, and these pages explore many things they do.

Beginning with the various ways that fungi release spores, this book quickly dives into all sorts of fungi activity and purposes. Each page is headed with a theme (such as 'They burst,' or 'Fungi are homes'), which is followed by a lovely illustrations of the fungi in such a setting and a couple or few sentences diving in just a bit deeper as to what is happening. There are more known aspects as well as some lesser known ones. Some even slide more into heavier biology themes such as the enzymes to assist with decomposition and symbiotic relationships. Then, it turns toward yeast and other 'forgotten' fungi forms. All of this is summed up again quickly at the end of the book with little summaries and a small illustration as a reminder of the page. 

The information works very well for a classroom setting, group theme, or homeschoolers. While this book is sold for audiences up the age of four, I'd shove it a little higher due to a few, more advanced concepts and some of the vocabulary. Mushroom fans on the younger side will enjoy it, however. It reads smoothly and holds an excited atmosphere the entire way through. Plus, the fungi does surprise with all that it can do. The illustrations accompany all of this and not only help create lovely scenes but support the information in a visual way to make it more understandable. 

It's an enjoyable read to dive deeper into the world of mushrooms and takes on some different approach than many books for this age group. Listeners and readers will come away with a new perspective on the importance of fungi and see them in a different light.

The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes

I've been looking forward getting my hands on today's read. It releases in four days, on the 18th, which has me itching to scream 'Happy book birthday!'....but alas, it's probably a little early for that. I've been shouting birthdays a ton this month, too.

Anyway, I adore the cover and its playfulness. When I discovered that the main character is a pickpocket, I was intrigued (not that I condone pickpocketing). When I read about a locket growing into a 'higgledgy-piggeldy' house, I was convinced this one deserves a peek. So, I'm going to dive in and take a peek.

Oh, and this is the first in the series.

THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF MAGIC

by Amy Sparkes

Margaret McElderry Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

Nine is an orphan pickpocket determined to escape her life in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals a house-shaped ornament from a mysterious woman's purse, she knocks on its tiny door and watches it grow into a huge, higgledy-piggeldy house. Inside she finds a host of magical and brilliantly funny characters, including Flabberghast – a young wizard who’s particularly competitive at hopscotch – and a hideous troll housekeeper who’s emotionally attached to his feather duster. They have been placed under an extraordinary spell, which they are desperate for Nine to break. If she can, maybe they can offer her a new life in return…

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

This delightful read reminds of Howl's Moving Castle with a hint of Oliver Twist and lets the imagination fly in the most magical ways.

Nine has one task to keep a roof over her head and food in her stomach...she has to bring the old man a gift. But lately, her pickpocket skills are seeming to fade. Faced with the increasing ire of the old man, she does her best to, finally, snap something up. Instead, she finds herself in possession of a little, house-shaped charm...and a lot of trouble. Knowing that her life is about to get even worse than before, she fingers the charm and, absent-mindedly, uses the moveable, tiny knocker to knock at the door. The result is something she could have never imagined and brings her into a deadly yet fantastic adventure.

I consumed this book as soon as I opened the first page. Nine immediately demands attention as she wanders the streets in search of a target but ends up in one chase after the other. In other words, this is not a slow-paced read but keeps all sorts of exciting moments coming, one right after the other. Each of these is very different, however, making it impossible to know what Nine will be dealing with next. And imagination knows no limits, especially where magic is involved. These scenes are so whimsically and well formed, that I found myself wishing I could see this one as a movie. It'd be so fun.

While the plot speeds along in all the right ways, the characters grab as well. Nine is a bit prickly and not always super easy to like, and yet, her reasons are very understandable. It makes her sympathetic, although not always agreeable, and it's hard not to hope that she can finally find a spot to work everything out because it's clear that she could be simply amazing if given the chance. The characters in the magical house are quirky and hold distinct personalities, each with their own edges and troubles, which I'm assuming, will be worked out during the series (because this definitely invites to more adventures). Even the 'evil' characters hit with obvious unlikeableness...but with just a tiny hint of something more to make them redeemable if that chance ever arrives someday.

This is a grabbing read with a fairly, simple plot, which actually seems like so much more thanks to the tons of fun along the way. The end rounds off the tale nicely but leaves with the desire to meet this group again and see what life has planned for them next because it's bound to be a lovely adventure.

And here she is...

 

Amy Sparkes writes books for children of all ages. She was born in Eastbourne, England, and enjoyed a wild imagination when she was a child (which included thirteen imaginary friends). Amy lives in Devon, England, with her husband and five young children. When she’s not off on an adventure with them, Amy enjoys drinking tea, climbing trees, and dancing. She is yet to master doing all three at the same time. Learn more at AmySparkes.co.uk.

Oh, Carrots! by Mariajo Ilustrajo

 I've been slowly getting my garden ready for the first planting (cooler weather veggies), so today's read slides right in with my mood. It also is a lovely way to ring in the first thoughts of Easter, since we are in the Lent period. 

This read is all about carrots and a rabbit. Or rather, one carrot and a rabbit. I enjoy the playfully, adventurous tone on the cover, which I'm hoping will carry over into the story. The blurb has me thinking that this one will lean toward forming friendships and opening up to new ideas. This better include quite a bit of silliness because that will be more likely to win me over. 

But let's just take a peek at this one and see how it goes!

OH, CARROTS!

by Mariajo Ilustrajo

Frances Lincoln Children Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

APRIL 1st!!!

From the award-winning creator of I Love Books comes a humorous and heartfelt tale about the value of kindness and the magic of making new friends. Oh, Carrots! is the perfect choice for young children as they begin to navigate their first friendships. 

Mr Rabbit lives alone, and do you know what? He likes it! He enjoys peaceful moments spent reading, drinking cups of tea, and gardening - but sometimes it can get a little too quiet . . .

Luckily, Spring has arrived, and that means Mr Rabbit can plant his favourite vegetable – carrots! 

With some love, sunshine, and a little bit of singing, the carrots begin to grow. But one day, Mr Rabbit spots something unusual - a wiggling carrot top! He pulls and pulls, and out pops a walking, talking carrot. 

Carrot only wants to be Mr Rabbit’s friend, but Mr Rabbit just wants to be left alone! From leaving soil all over the sofa to rummaging through Mr Rabbit’s books, Carrot’s mischievous antics leave the solitary rabbit feeling a bit irritated. 

Yet, as the day unfolds, Mr Rabbit finds himself starting to enjoy the company. He’s so used to being all alone that he’s never even considered having a friend. Maybe now is the perfect time for that to change. 

GOODREADS     /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Unexpected chaos brings giggles, groans, and tons of sympathy in a cute tale, which is fitting for the must-be-read-again shelves.

Mr. Rabbit lives alone and is very fine with that. There's no boredom in his life thanks to his love for tea, reading, and gardening. Well, it does get a little quiet sometimes but still... When carrot season hits and he plants his seeds, it's only a matter of time before his world is bright again. Until he spots one carrot growing much faster than the others, that is. After tons of pulling and grunting, he's able to pull the huge carrot out, and it's not what he expected. Mr. Rabbit's world is about to be turned upside-down.

This is a smooth running tale, which holds a little adventure, silliness, and a warming message right before jabbing with another last smile at the end. Mr. Rabbit comes out of his shell little by little, and it's fun to see this growth. All along, the carrot offers chaos, which isn't ill-founded but springs from naivety...the kind that makes one cringe and say 'oh no' before giggling and sighing and knowing it's not over yet. This makes it a great read-aloud for groups, especially since it reels things back in as the tale closes up to calm things back down. It's cute and funny from beginning to end.

The text flows very well and melds nicely with the lovely illustrations. These are done in watercolor and bring the scenes across with vividness, while still tucking in spots of humor here and there. 

This is one of those books, which will be requested to be read repeatedly, and leaves off with all sorts of good vibes.

And here she is...

Mariajo Ilustrajo is an award-winning Spanish illustrator based in the UK. She completed her MA in Children's Illustration from the prestigious Cambridge School of Art, before going on to be crowned the overall winner of the World Illustration Awards. Her debut picture book, Flooded, has been translated into 20 languages and won the Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration.

Nature's Tiny Champions by Ben Lerwill

It's time for a little, nonfiction goodness, and today's read should hold just that. 

With Spring poking out its head...very quickly, I might add..., a read about nature seems to be a perfect fit. Today's read circles around the smaller creatures around us and looks at several 'super-powers' some of them possess. I'm hoping to discover some new facts, but as long as it's well done and an enjoyable read, that's fine with me, too. 

So, let's see what animals and such are waiting in these pages!

NATURE'S TINY CHAMPIONS

The Big Book of Little Creatures Doing Mighty Things

by Ben Lerwill

Illustrated by Nic Jones

Phaidon Press

Middle Grade Nonfiction

48 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING APRIL 17th!!!

A fact-filled and vividly-illustrated exploration of the BIG roles played by tiny animals around the world

We hear a lot about the importance of the amazing, large animals of our world, but what about the little creatures whose roles are just as vital? Covering 20 fascinating animals including Antarctic krill, pygmy marmosets, and honeybees, Nature's Tiny Champions sheds light on the important contributions they make to our planet by playing key roles in natural phenomena such as migration, food chains, and pollination. Each tiny champion is accompanied by a life-size diagram, highlighting how animals don't have to be big to make a huge difference.

GOODREADS   /   PHAIDON PRESS

MY TIDBITS

From cute to odd to interesting to eyebrow-lifting, these creatures hold many surprises and more.

This book consists of 20 small creatures, including mammals, insects, crustaceans, reptiles, and birds. In other words, it takes a broad look across the spectrum. Every page is brightly and fully illustrated to create a lively atmosphere from the very first page. The first pages offer a quick introduction, which holds a touch of excitement to awaken the curiosity. Each two-page spread begins with the name of the presented creature followed by a short paragraph with the basic information surrounding the animal. Several other small paragraphs are spaced around the illustrations and highlight the special aspects of the creature as well as some more interesting facts. The text is straight-forward and, yet, written with enough energy to draw the reader in.

Each animal is interesting. While some are more familiar, there are several exotic ones, too. Each creature is nicely illustrated, but what I found especially nice was that each one is illustrated to size. There were a few exceptions to this due to practical reasons (a couple are very small). In these cases, the larger-than-life illustration is marked with a note as to magnification. Then, above it is a measured line with the actual size of the creature depicted. 

A column along the right side of the two-page spread adds a little side information surrounding the presented creature or their talent, which offers some interesting information as well. Then, at the end of the book, each creature is quickly summed up again in an overview style. An table of contents is missing at the front, but this book is also short enough to flip through and locate the desired creature as well.

It's a fun book to flip through, study, and grab up time and again. The information offers some more known facts as well as many new ones. The writing and information works very nicely for the middle grade audience and will even delight more sure chapter book readers. I can see many young readers picking this one up for a glance and more.

And here they are...

Ben Lerwill is a multi-award-winning children’s author and freelance writer who has written for over 50 publications, including National Geographic Traveller, The Sunday Times, and BBC Travel. Previous recognition for his books includes a Wainwright Prize for Children’s Nature Writing shortlist, a National Geographic Kids’ Magazine ‘Book of the Month’ and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

Nic Jones has been a professional illustrator for nearly 5 years. Previous works include Earth Clock: The History of Our Planet in 24 Hours, and Above and Below: Dusk til Dawn.

Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat by Lori Hoffman Penna

 Hey, cat-lovers! Today's read should be right down your alley. This is a picture book, which follows the small adventures of a cat. I'm expecting a few silly situations and, maybe, others that touch the heart. The antics should probably be fun. Think this book does all of that?

Let's find out!

CATAWAMPUS

The Story of a Crooked Cat

by Lori Hoffman Penna

Winterspring Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

An endearing, resourceful cat’s adventures teach young children the value of kindness, compassion, and loving who you truly are.

“Catawampus was a crooked cat. It so happens he was born like that.”

Catawampus is a friendly stray cat with hopes of finding a family to love him. But he worries that his crooked, bent front legs will prevent him from ever being adopted. At the animal shelter, he is scared, overlooked, and bullied by the other cats. He is so sad that he hides away from everyone. But one day he comes up with a bold plan to make others like him...and it just might work, if he's brave enough to face his fears.

Can Catawampus find the courage to follow his dream of a home and family?

And will people be able to look past his disability, and see all the love he has to share?

Young readers will cheer on Catawampus as he learns how the power of friendship can make a dream come true when you least expect it. With a rhyming text and bright watercolor illustrations, Catawampus's story encourages children to celebrate differences, accept one another, and show compassion for people and animals alike.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Catawampus is a cat to love and will have readers wishing they could have him as their own pet, too.

Catawampus was born with a crooked paw, which makes life difficult, especially since he's a street cat. When he gets caught and taken to the animal shelter, things seem even worse. The other cats avoid him, and the people, who are in search of a pet, aren't sure what to think of him. But maybe, things will turn around.

This book brings across two main themes. First, it hits upon the important purpose of animal shelters and reminds readers of the amazing animals awaiting adoption. Second, it raises the awareness of animals with disabilities, in this case, a birth defect surrounding the front legs of cats. Both of these themes come across with finesse, are clear in their messaging, and do their job nicely. As to the disability, the last page presents information and facts surrounding the problem to round everything off with knowledge goodness. But that's not all these pages hold.

Catawampus is a cat to adore. He might have some difficulties, but he's very friendly and radiates 'good cat' vibes. While the first scene has him on the streets and there are moments of light bullying, it never weighs down too much...not more than is necessary to make the situation clear and draw just enough sympathy to make readers want to hug him. Instead, the hope of finding a place to belong stays strong to keep a positive atmosphere despite the difficult moments. This creates a lovely read aloud for the intended age group. Plus, the story is interesting, and the rhymes flow very well.

This is a nice read for group settings, especially in combination with a theme surrounding shelters and strays. 

Maple's Formula for Victory by Kate McMillan

Today's read is the second in a series, and yes, I read the first one. Maybe, this is a new trend? (I'm not holding my breath.) 

The first book was entertaining and held some great messages for middle graders, while keeping humor woven in...kind of like a Wimpy Kid for girls. So, I'm curious to see how this second tale runs.

Off we go!

MAPLE'S FORMULA FOR VICTORY

Maple #2

by Kate McMillan

Illustrated by Ruthie Prillaman

Aladdin

Middle Grade Contemporary   /  Graphic Novel

320 pages

ages 8 to 12

Perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Emmie & Friends, this second book in a diary-style illustrated middle grade series follows an anxious, science-minded sixth grader into the high-stakes world of middle school track.

Sixth-grader Maple has received absolutely devastating, world-shaking her health class fitness test has scored her at a fifth-grade level. That’s a whole grade level below where she should be. Having all her life been an overachiever—and fitness being an extremely important part of her twenty-year plan to become an astronaut like her hero Jackie Grand—Maple knows she has to fix this ASAP.

Maple and Lada decide to join the track team to improve their fitness scores, but they encounter new (and frankly unpleasant) variables like changing in locker rooms and periods. And when it turns out Lada is good at track, and her competitive spirit starts to change her, Maple is sent into a tailspin over her own performance and what it means if she can’t—literally and figuratively—keep up with her classmates.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON     /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Friendship, working hard for goals, and middle grade life come together to form an adventure with laughs and important messages, too.

Maple can't believe it! Although she's been hard at work to stay fit with the latest fitness app, she scores an entire grade lower on the fitness test at school. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but Maple's life goal is to become an astronaut, and that requires top-scores on the fitness end. With her best friend at her side, she joins the Cross Country team...which is a little more work than she thought it would be. But Maple's determined. Unfortunately, other aspects of life keep popping up along the way until Maple wonders if she'll ever be able to keep up with the rest of the kids in her class and on her team.

This book is one for Wimpy Kid fans but with Maple and her best friend, definitely leans in the girl direction...theme wise as well. Now, that she has a best friend, who loves science and stuff like her...or at least, thinks differently than the rest of the kids in the class...her life has smoothed out on the social end as opposed to book one. Her determination rings loud and is inspiring as she truly does her best to stick to her goals. She just gets a bit distracted, at times, which adds more fun. Maple and her friend are enjoyable to follow as they hit one odd situation after the next. These still are very relatable things to the age group, which makes it a read to connect with and enjoy.

The illustrations meld with the humor and drama to draw in. These balance nicely with the text to create a quick read, which still exercises those reading skills. The other characters come across with little quirks to support Maple's personality even in these visual scenes. It increases the meaning of each relationship and lets the odd moments come across with the humor they deserve.

Family and friendship goodness hit every page, and there are several other messages included, too. This second book touch upon the problems sixth graders face (or about that age), and it should be noted that the topic of puberty is also addressed and woven in. But it melds nicely with the adventure. And it's great to see Maple staying true to her NASA dream...another aspect which makes her stand out.

Anyone who enjoyed the first book is sure to enjoy this next addition to the series. And those readers, who haven't met Maple yet and enjoy middle grade drama with silliness, might want to take a peek.

And here they are...

Kate McMillan grew up in Houston, Texas, illustrating and writing stories in the world’s tiniest font. She studied architecture at Yale and boatbuilding in Norway before making her way to Los Angeles to start a career as a concept artist in animation. She has worked for studios including DreamWorks and Disney TV, where she gets to make up worlds every day. In her free time, she enjoys building furniture, scouring the sidewalks of LA for scraps to build said furniture, and drawing wobbly buildings that look like they might fall down.

Ruthie Prillaman is a writer and musician from Potomac, Maryland. After a childhood full of reading books and playing in extremely niche rock bands, Ruthie studied English at Yale and received her MFA in screenwriting from University of Southern California. Since completing her studies, her creative career has spanned theater, documentary, classical music, opera, and film. She currently lives in Los Angeles where she writes for television. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing new clothes, writing music with her brother, and cooking Hungarian goulash in her traditional goulash pot. 

Happy Book Birthday, Finding the Lost One by Samantha van Leer!

We aren't done with our book birthdays yet! March is really a busy month on the kidlit scene. Today's birthday (also hit the world on the 4th) made me smile because it's another scifi read! My first fiction love was scifi...I devoured Dune when I was about 13 (?) and that set off my scifi desire. This did slide back as time went on, although I still enjoy a good scifi read when I get my hands on one. But that's always the key word—good. 

Today's read is the first in a brand new series for the middle grade audience. I'm expecting a bit of mystery and intrigue to be mixed into this alien goodness as well as more than a little tension. At least, those are the vibes I'm getting from the blurb and cover.

Let's see if this is going to be a series to grab up and enjoy or not!

FINDING THE LOST ONE

The Extraterrestrial Zoo #1

by Samantha van Leer

Pixel + Ink

Middle Grade Science Fiction

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

13 year old Ava helps run her family’s refuge for extraterrestrials. But a sudden attack on the zoo leads to her discovering a government conspiracy that upends everything she believed to be true.

When meteors suddenly dropped to earth containing eggs in which alien babies were growing, the government called in the experts. Ava’s parents hatched, cared for, raised, and researched these unique beings. When Ava was born, she became part of the team.  So many extraterrestrial living beings (ELBs) came, that the government funded the Alien Zoo, where visitors could come and see the ELBs. It was a huge success in its day.

But now Ava is 13, and so much has changed. A terrible car accident claimed her mother.  And her father, in deep despair, left Ava and the Zoo in the care of his brother, who’s still healing emotional wounds from his wartime. Then the alien babies stopped coming, and so did the public.

So when 15 year old Harley shows up as an intern for the Zoo, Ava feels blindsided. This is her show. And then a terrible storm changes everything. The once beloved ELBs are loose, and being hunted.  Ava’s uncle is MIA. All she has is this strange new boy to help her save everything she loves.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

After her mother's death and the disappearance of her father, thirteen-year-old Ava is the only one who cares for the ELBs (extraterrestrial living beings) at the Alien Zoo. Well, her uncle is supposedly in charge, but she's really the only one who loves the beings and knows how to take care of them. When the uncle decides it's time for her to return to a normal life at school and hires an intern, Ava is furious, but this gets put on hold as a hurricane hits. The next morning after the brutal storm, Ava discovers all but one of the ELBs have gotten out and need to be brought home. Ava will do anything to save the ELBs. After all, they're all she has left. 

This begins with a wonderful setting: a girl in charge of a zoo filled with the most amazing beings. Each creature packs imagination, a little danger, and tons of emotion. Their various personalities will have readers wishing they could see this zoo, too. Ava's ever-serious attitude melds well with the situation, and while she seems a little cold, her love for the creature makes it clear that she has a heart of gold. This goodness reveals itself increasingly as the story moves on, giving her tons of character arc and plenty to cheer for.

There are many unexpected twists and turns as Ava finds herself trying to save the ELBs. While the adventure and tension remain pretty high most of the time, these pages also deal with Ava's grief. There are plenty of emotional exchanges, especially with the intern, which touch the heart in many ways. The author does a lovely job at handling this aspect of the plot, and it's sure to leave readers with a little food for thought.

I was surprised by the heavier scene changes as the tale progressed. While the beginning zoo carried a somewhat playful and curious tone, it shifts heavily as the intern and Ava search for the last, missing ELB (as does the pacing). The ending takes another sharp turn, adding very unexpected plot twists. During each of these, the atmosphere also switches along with the purpose of what is happening. It creates an interesting read with several layers. There are a few triggers surrounding the animal abuse and violent (but not graphic) animal deaths, which might bother sensitive readers.

The ending surprises with a huge twist, which brings a few darker moments with it, which will pull at the heart strings. From what I understand, there should be a book two, and after this read, I'm wondering where everything will go next. 

Happy Book Birthday, Keeper of the Light by Keira F. Jacobs!

Yay! There's another book birthday to shout-out. This week has been full of them, hasn't it? 

Today's read was released on Tuesday (totally in birthday territory, btw) and caught my attention due to the cover. I love the swirly blue with the sharp black silhouette in the forefront. Then, I read the blurb. That sealed the deal for me because it sounds like a grabbing read with just the right amount of tension and intrigue. 

Let's see how it goes, shall we?

KEEP OF THE LIGHT

Daughter of Destiny

by Keira F. Jacobs

Oliver Heber Books

YA Fantasy

327 pages

Young Adult Fantasy author Keira F. Jacobs delivers a beautifully crafted and richly magical tale, featuring dark forces, god-like beings, and mysterious strangers.

Naomi Smyth isn’t who she says she is.

Alone in the city of Le’Gar, Naomi lives under the false name her father gave her before she fled her childhood home eleven years ago to escape sinister forces. Trusting his command though unsure of the reasons, she continues to hide her identity.

Then one night the King sends his Riders to capture anyone bearing the surname of a certain Naomi’s bloodline. Warned by the enchanted gargoyles who protect the city, she must once again flee.

On the run, Naomi finds herself in the presence of three a self-loathing Magnificent, a golden witch, and a treasonist. Each stranger holds a clue to one of the hidden truths about her bloodline, truths that could end the centuries-old war happening both in her world and the Outer Void, where god-like beings reside.

As her world slowly falls into the hands of the very forces she fled as a child, and her people on the verge of becoming slaves to the darkness, Naomi must embrace the power within her.

Will she dare to emerge?

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Action, intrigue, magic, and romance mix together in a dangerous world with a girl on the run.

Naomi Smyth only survived the destruction of her town because her parents placed her on a ship and made her swear she'd all but forget her original surname. After growing up in an orphanage on the other side of the sea, she leads a simple life in the attic of a library. When a gargoyle from a nearby building sacrifices its life to warn her to flee, she's confused but obeys. Lost and alone, her adventures have her meeting several, odd companions, who seem to know many of the secrets surrounding her bloodline and the evil, which is determined to takeover their world. One thing grows clear, she's the only one who can save everyone...if she can survive long enough to figure out how.

This is a solid, young adult read with action, danger, and a growing romance to sweeten the darker moments. The first pages draw in as the reader meets little Naomi as she flees to the ship and knows she'll never see her parents again. Then, it fast forwards to her life after leaving the orphanage and gives the reader a short time to settle into her current situation. Thanks to multiple POVs, the danger, intrigue, and complexity of the true intrigue and danger rising around her (she's pretty much oblivious, obviously) comes to light. So, the reader knows more than she does, and this works very well as far as the tension and such go. It makes it easy to fever for her and realize how much she's up against, and how narrowly she escapes terrible fates.

There are many action scenes and moments that hold the reader at the edge of their seats. This is especially true in the first section of the read. As the tale goes on, the pacing is a little bit more sporadic, at times, although there is plenty of tension playing in along the way, too. The slower moments, I think, are due to POV switches and character dialogues, which seem to try to keep the reader clear on intentions and background information—sometimes a bit repetitive (but not too much, either) and teeter toward unnatural, at times. But this doesn't hurt the adventure, either. It, along with some of the characters' reactions to situations, simply keeps this read feeling as if it's for the slightly younger end of the YA...actually, refreshing.

Fantasy fans are going to enjoy sinking into this one. Not only are there witches, magic, mysterious and powerful entities (the evil taking over the world), but there are mystical creatures as well. The gargoyles were one of the more intriguing characters...but their explanation and existence was shoved to the side as the story progressed. This is a series, however, so I'm hoping we'll see more about them in the future. This lack of some depth on the world building end (only a little) could easily be picked up in the upcoming books, and I'm looking forward to having everything fleshed out.

The romance...because this is a YA and seems to be important for this group...isn't an insta-love but doesn't take extremely long to get going, either. The main plot still stays in the spotlight, but then, she does have a lot on her plate. 

It's a grabbing read, which does a nice job at setting the stage for the series. I'm looking forward to see what comes next.

Happy book birthday, Mermaids Are The Worst by Alex Willan!

 We're not done shouting 'Happy Birthday', yet! This one came out two days ago and adds to an already fun list of partner books by this author, which feature Gilbert and his mixing with various types of mythical beings. I have read almost every single one of these because they've always made me smile, are easy to read, and silly. Humor often seems to be lacking in life, anymore...at least, pure humor with only a very light message at most.

Anyway, I'm curious what Gilbert has to say about mermaids because it's sure to be giggle-worthy.

MERMAIDS ARE THE WORST!

by Alex Willan

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 8 to 12

Gilbert the Goblin’s beachside vacation gets ruined by mermaids and their games in the side-splitting latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.

Who doesn’t love a good vacation? Soaking up some sun, floating on the waves and…arm wrestling an octopus? When mermaids show up in the middle of Gilbert’s goblin getaway, their fin-flapping festivities quickly turn rest and relaxation into stress and aggravation.

This is clearly proof that mermaids are the worst! Can Gilbert find his beachside bliss or will he be caught in the undertow of these seaside shenanigans?

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

I've had the honor of reading several of Alex Willan's books in this row andbelieve they get better with time. In this book, Gilbert has a run-in with mermaids. All he wants is to go on vacation....a goblin's daily life can get stressful, after all...but just as he settles down on the beach to enjoy the peace and warmth, the mermaids show up to have an annual competition. A huge one. That means utter chaos for Gilbert.

While this books centers around mermaids, it's for more than just mermaid or fantasy fans. Gilbert's not-always-so-subtle snark and clever observations poke fun at some of the beloved traits of mermaids, which will make non-mermaid fans smile. The sarcasm is impossible to miss. This isn't the only place the humor works its magic, though. Gilbert finds himself in ridiculous situations, and even if he has simple intentions, nothing ever runs as he'd hoped. There's silliness the entire way through, and yet...

The cynical and silly humor is accompanied by the never-dying cheerfulness of the mermaids. This is where mermaid fans will enjoy the read, too. The mermaids bounce from one competition to the next, never showing even the slightest hint of bad will or frustrated thoughts. They're always kind and radiate goodness from each and every page...to Gilbert's dismay as it's often over-the-top. There's a surprising twist at the end to close everything off on a very good note. So, it's a positive read through and through...just with Gilbert's talent for cynicism trying to add a grumpy note. 

This is a great read for even the younger end of the audience level. The text is kept short in small bubbles or phrases throughout. The vocabulary fits the age group and does add some word growth but doesn't lay heavily into this end, either. While the text sets the basis for the plot, the bright and bold illustrations carry the story and weave in most of the humor. Listeners, who are unsure of their words, can pick this one up and flip through it on their own to revisit and enjoy the tale through the images.

I'm curious what creatures Gilbert still may run into and see this book as a fun read-aloud to make groups or single listeners smile.

And here he is...

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

Happy Book Birthday, I'm a Dumbo Octopus! be Anne Lambelet!

I need to apologize. I'd put this up earlier today, got busy, and just received an email telling me that the review had been deleted before posting!!!!! That's what I get for not checking really quick first. I hope everyone can forgive me. And take a peek because this is really a lovely read!

It's time to shout-out another book birthday! This time, I have a graphic novel for the younger end of the middle grade audience. But what caught my attention was that this nonfiction...maybe, more than fiction. We'll see. It's the first in a brand new series, which will introduce various sea creatures, and I'm very excited to see how it goes.

Let's take a peek!

(Note: I'm putting this one on my favorites of 2025 list)

I'M A DUMBO OCTOPUS!

A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods

by Anne Lambelet

Graphic Universe

Middle Grade Fiction

pages 72

ages 7 to 11

COMING MARCH 4th!!!

Meet Grimpy! He’s a dumbo octopus, and he’s taking us on a tour of the whole cephalopod class—underwater creatures such as cuttlefish, nautiluses, octopuses, and squids.

Grimpy knows all about what makes these many-armed marvels so special, like how the coconut octopus uses tools or the cuttlefish talks with color! It seems like every creature has a special ability—except him. When Grimpy gets stuck on everything a dumbo octopus can’t do, the other cephalopods show him why it’s great to be a dumbo.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

The underwater world of cephalopods comes to life with lots to learn, while an adorable character has his own, little adventure to experience along the way.

This book is all about cephalopods, which is much more exciting than a reader might first think. It begins with Grimpy, a cute dumbo octopus, who leaves his darker depths of the ocean to take the reader on a swim, while introducing all sorts of cephalopods along the way. Each one is interesting, and this comes across with excitement as Grimpy happily tells the reader about each and every one. Until he realizes that he's not sure what his special talent is.

This is a cute read and written with the younger end of the middle grade audience in mind. Even stronger chapter book readers will have no problem diving into this read. The adorable dumbo octopus insures a light and enjoyable read. He's cheerful, friendly, and always enthusiastic about each cephalopod he introduces. It's contagious, especially since the variety of creatures is vast. Some change color, others squish through the tiniest space, while others can speed through the water with sudden bursts. I learned more than a few things along the way and was surprised how interesting these creatures are.

Grimpy speaks directly to the reader with a fun tone. The creatures are easy to identify and their specialties are well-illustrated. This is never dry even in the illustrations but lets the life of the ocean come across with energy. While some facts might be familiar, quite a few are eye-opening. And it's easy to understand and sympathize with Grimpy as he notices that none of these talents seem to apply to him. But he has his own surprise for the reader at the end.

It's a great way to introduce readers to sea life, while showing them how exciting it can be. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next books in this series lead.

Up-coming in the series:

Spring 2026: We’re Dwarf Sperm Whales: A Graphic Guide to Cetaceans

2027:  A yet untitled Graphic Guide to Sharks

Steve McEvil and the Twisted Sister by Lucas Turnbloom

Since the next couple of weeks will hold a heavier load of darker reads, I wanted to hit some lighter ones first. Although this one might not be 100% light. Today's read is the 3rd in a series, and nope, I haven't read the first two. But I doubt that will make much of a difference, since these types of books for this audience level can often be grabbed up on their own. 

Anyway, this is a graphic novel with super-villain, scifi twists and should include desolate planets and mischievous sisters. Sounds interesting to me. So, let's take a look.

STEVE L. MCEVIL AND THE TWISTED SISTER

Steve L. McEvil #3

by Lucas Turnbloom

Crown Books for Young Readers

Middle Grade Science Fiction

256 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

MARCH 11th!!!

When a twelve year-old supervillain wannabe and his friends get stranded on a desolate planet, it's up to his younger sister to bring them back to prevent a dangerous intergalactic threat. That is, if she decides to help. Don't miss the last installment of the Steve L. McEvil series!

Move aside Steve, Eve is the new villain in town!

After being sucked into a wormhole, supervillain-in training Steve L. McEvil and his friends find themselves stranded in space! But with their new alien friend Lux, they might just find a way to stop the evil Perses from destroying Earth. If they manage to get home first. 

Back on Earth, Eve is ready to enact her evil plans and finally be seen as the real supervillain in her family. When Gramps comes to her for help, Eve's first instinct is to say no. But the glory of rubbing it in Steve's face might just be enough for Eve to help bring him home in time to stop Perses. 

Steve L. McEvil and The Twister Sister is the hilarious final installment in this humorous superhero series about friendship, standing up for other, and being true to yourself.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Get ready for quite the adventure because these pages pack wormholes, planets, high-tech, evil plans, and tons of sibling rivalry. 

In hopes of saving Earth from the evil Perses, Steve and his friends accidentally get pulled through a wormhole to a far-away planet...well, at least, that's kind of what happened.  They are, after all, super-villains in training. In any case, they are stuck there and might have the chance to stop the alien for good, but they still need to figure out how to return home. The only one who can save them is Steve's little sister Eve, but she has no interest in helping them. She's determined to be the best super-villain of the family, and not only does the 'disappearance' of her brother offer a sudden, bright path to her goal, but she can now freely execute her own evil plan. If her grandfather would leave her alone, that is. But he's determined to make her help Steve...and grandfathers aren't always the easiest to deal with.

This book packs quite a bit of action and runs on two parallel plot lines—Eve's evil plan at home and Steve's survival on the other planet. These switch back and forth nicely to keep confusion at bay and add to the sense of urgency with every switch of the scene. The illustrations pack bold colors and a style, which brings each moment across with energy and power. 

While imagination and adventure overflow from these pages, there's also enough goodness and heart slipped in to make readers smile. The grandfather's concern clashes against his super-villain exterior to add an underlying warmth, which gives wholesome goodness and humor. But then, Steve and his friends aren't far behind with tons of surprises, humorous back-and-forths, and super-villain awesomeness...which may or may not be always very evil. It makes all of them to cheer for. Almost. Eve makes this read interesting. While the usual, sibling rivalry hits a familiar tone, she has a sharp edge, which almost makes her unlikable, at first. But this also opens up a wonderful character arc...and adds plenty of humor to balance the action and her super-villain evilness. 

It's a fun read from beginning to end which is sure to delight action fans, who enjoy a hint of evil (but humor and heart, too) along the way.

And here he is...

Lucas Turnbloom is the award-winning cowriter and illustrator of the Dream Jumper series, Nightmare Escape and Curse of the Harvester, and the creator of the How to Cat and Imagine This comic strips. He and his family make their home in San Diego.