What's Coming in June?

It's June! May was very rainy this year and held a few violent storms, which luckily, left us unscathed. So, I'm looking forward to a kinder June and a few extra hours for reading now that my garden is planted and the first rush of repairs are completed. 

This month is a mixed bag, as always. I'm going to have a pretty even balance across the board on the age group end. The themes are spread out, too. It doesn't seem like genre is sticking out, either. So, it should be a balanced month with all sorts of goodness coming from many directions.

Let's just take a peek at what my current schedule holds. Yes, it might change, but at least, you get an idea of what I'll be looking at. 

THE LOST BOOK OF UNDERSEA ADVENTURE

This should be an original read, which packs tons of illustrations and excitement for the middle grade audience. I only have take a super quick glance at a page or two and believe this one will offer visual fun as well as a sense of discovery. But that's coming form a, maybe, 3 second glance over...so I could be completely wrong. We'll find out, though, on the 2nd.

Middle Grade Adventure

IT'S BUSY DOWN IN THE WOODS TODAY

I saw the busy cover and outdoor title, and had to get my hands on a copy of this one. I adored detailed illustrations as a kid, where there were tons of whimsical things to discover...and this appears to be that type of book. Add the outdoor fun for summer inspiration, and I'm looking forward to discovering every page. Join me on the 5th to find out more.

Picture Book

HIGGLEDY PIGGLEDY AND THE POT OF GOLD

I'm always on the look-out for fun reads to encourage beginning word fans to practice their skills, and this new series caught my attention. I'm expecting tons of friendship, animal fun, and even a little silliness. Honestly, I have no clue if it will hold all of these, so it will be a surprise to see what's really in these pages. If nothing else, the cover has me wanting to march right along with the bunch. See what adventures lie in store on the 8th.

Chapter Book Animal Fiction

SECRETS IN TRANSLATION

Any Italy fans out there? Well, this read might be for you. It centers around a teen, who returns to her home country, Italy, for vacation. Her parents rope her into a babysitting gig, a dead body appears on the beach, the mafia gets involved, and there should be whispers of romance, too. In other words, this one sounds like it packs a ton...and I hope it's grabbing. I'm looking forward to posting this one on the 11th.

Young Adult Romance

WE ARE ALREADY HAUNTING HERE!

When I saw the ghost on this cover (the one with the hat), I immediately felt a little sorry for him. I'm expecting that this is going to be a bit of a bitter-sweet tale...but hopefully, with a happy ending. I'm betting more than just ghost fans might find this one fun. Let's find out if that's true on the 13th!

Picture Book

THE GODS' REVENGE

This is the second in a series and promises to pack tons of adventure, action, and myths. It circles around a girl at the Accademia del Forte and her adventures against monsters and more during her second year. I didn't read the first book, but haven't read an Olympian based book in awhile and thought it'd be fun to give it a go. Find out more with me on the 16th.

Middle Grade Fantasy

A FIERY SPIRIT

I liked the original cover on this read and decided to take a peek, although I hadn't read the first book in the series. (When has that stopped me, though?) It should carry a historical feel but involves magic and more. Royalty also comes into play as well as evil spirits and intrigue. I'm hoping it creates an exciting mix. I'll be able to say much more about it when I take a peek at it on the 18th.

Young Adult Fantasy

PRESS 1 FOR INVASION

Who's ready for some alien fun? This book promises tons of action, mystery, and surprises. A ten-year-old finds a phone, and when he takes pictures with it, discovers a few aliens instead of people. This screams the possibility of a quirky and exciting adventure, and I'm ready to join in on the fun. Discover how sticky the situations get with me on the 23rd.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

HEDGEHOG WHODUNIT

This is the 2nd in a graphic novel series for beginning readers. Nope, I didn't read the first, but found the carousel eye-catching. And the detectives in the front. I do enjoy a good mystery and hope that this one will delight early readers, too. Hopefully, there's a dab of humor and a little friendship goodness, too. But I won't know if it checks all of those boxes or not until I give it a read on the 25th.

Chapter Book  /   Graphic Novel

RISKY PURSUIT

This is going to be my 'edgy' read for the month (hopefully). After reading the blurb, it appears to be a mix of thriller, social issues, and mystery. I'm expecting action, secrets, danger and more...and all of that in a grabbing way. Plus, I'm getting the suspicion that it will dig deep into the main character's soul and also inspire with family goodness. Sounds like I expect a lot, doesn't it? Well, we'll find out how it does on the 26th.

Young Adult Mystery

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....

PENGUIN'S EGG

The last months, I've tended to have middle grade reads or young adult stories on the top of my Joker pile. So this month, I'm hitting something lighter. And cooler because I'm betting I might need chillier thoughts by the end of the month (ACs are ready to do their job, too).

I'm not sure what to expect with this one but already am smiling at the penguin on the front. Let's head into the realm of ice and snow on....  Well, that's the thing. I have no idea when, but we'll get to it.

Lost in a Book by Chris Brett

It's time for a humorful picture book...at least, I believe that's what today's read is.  I mean, do you get any other vibes from the animals on the cover and the two boys and mom (?) peering around with a bit of amazement and surprise? 

I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that it's about the ability of books to immerse readers into another world...and maybe, even keep their minds churning long after the last page has been read. That is an amazing thing, actually. Think about it. The human mind is so easily steered into its own reality. I was just talking to a friend about that last night. She'd used an Oculus headset and experience 3D games for the first time, and said that she could see how people might get lost in that reality...especially if (when) games like SIMS and such improve far enough to let players really sink into the world.

So, that got me thinking about the power of books. Not much different, really. And it's a complete coincidence that today's book is on my schedule right after that conversation.

Ready to experience the thought around switching realities? Because off we go!

LOST IN A BOOK

by Chris Britt

Abrams Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING JUNE 17th!!!

An interactive, playful picture book about getting lost in a book—literally!

Two best friends, Chad and Oliver, take a leisurely stroll through a book, but when Oliver disappears, they soon find out that some books can be an adventure!

With each turn of the page, things go hilariously from bad to worse as everyone who comes to help slips into the same situation—that is, until a librarian comes to the rescue.

With a creatively spare design, this highly original, interactive picture book from nationally syndicated cartoonist Chris Britt is not only laugh-out-loud funny, but also a great primer for kids on the anatomy of a book.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Tons of silliness, more than a little chaos, and constant adventure make this a read that is anything but boring.

Two friends love to do everything together. One day, they decide to walk through a book...but the one accidentally falls into the book's gutter! Screaming for help from somewhere in the dark line between the pages (the gutter), the other friend is determined to come to the rescue. But dealing with a book is anything but easy, especially since everything and anything is possible.

From start to finish, these pages are packed with silly adventure. From the moment the one boy falls into the 'gutter', the rescue begins...and it includes all sorts of chaotic ideas. But then, the boy stuck in the dark gutter is also facing the most imaginative things. This provides tons of fun for the illustrations, which bring the fantastical adventure to life with tons of details and chaotic energy. The text also alters formats and sizes, allowing each moment to hit with power, which also makes this a lovely and fun read-aloud.

While the silliness is definitely the main drive of this book, there's also friendship goodness, willingness to help others, and the wonders of a librarian. Of course, there's also a bit about the physical aspects of a book...although the gutter theme did confuse us at first. It takes a moment to realize what the gutter is, and I do think this aspect could have been introduced a bit better in the illustrations for clarification. But that's really the only tiny, weeny aspect which threw us a bit. 

Otherwise, it's a fun read for laughs and giggles. It isn't calming, so be prepared for energy pure when picking this one up.

Sea Change by Susan Fletcher

 It's been quite awhile since I've picked up a fairy tale retelling. Remember when there were quite a few of them hitting the market? Now, that I think about it, it's really been quiet on that front. Well, it's time to change that with today's read, which is based on the Little Mermaid. I believe it takes a sci-fi twist with gene editing and hangs in the dystopian direction. But that's all I know, so let's open it up and see what this tale holds.

SEA CHANGE

by Susan Fletcher

Amulet Books

YA Fairy Tale Retelling

352 pages

COMING...

JUNE 3rd!!!

An original and timely new YA novel from acclaimed author Susan Fletcher, set in a near-future where rogue gene editing has changed humanity—loosely based on The Little Mermaid

A girl torn between two worlds . . .

Turtle is scavenging a drowned town when she saves a stranger’s life. There’s something special about Kai—an attraction she’s never felt before. She would do anything to see him again.

But Turtle can never truly be with Kai, because Kai is Normal, and Turtle is one of the Mer, kids whose genes were illegally hacked before birth and who now have working gills as well as lungs. Turtle lives on an old cruise ship with the other Mer in order to be close to the water she needs to survive.

Yet she sneaks away and lies to her friends to spend more time on land with Kai. And the pull of the shore grows even stronger when Turtle reconnects with her sisters and learns that her father, who has been in prison for having her genes modified, has escaped and may be hiding out nearby.

When scientists come up with a way for the Mer to surrender their gills and live as Normals, Turtle faces a terrible choice. Turtle loves her life with her Mer friends, but she desperately misses her family. And then there’s Kai . . .

Should she give up her Mer community and their way of life, along with the joy of living freely under the sea? Or give up the guy she’s falling for . . . and any hope of reconnecting with her family?

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Set in a dystopian reality, this read strongly ties to the Little Mermaid while creating a world of its own.

Thanks to gene mutations before her birth, Turtle had to leave her family as a child and live with the Mers, individuals who illegally were changed to have lungs and gills. Since the Normals look down on those like her, Turtle is forced to scavenge in those areas, where civilization has been flooded and remains underwater, to survive. When she saves a Normal, she grows increasingly curious to learn more about him and soon is doing everything she can to spend time with him. Her friends want her best but aren't all for this pursuit, especially thanks to their very differing worlds. But there's more trouble as her own family's past reveals secrets that could harm her more. In the end, she needs to choose where she belongs, and who she wants to be.

This book slides right into the same plot line as the Little Mermaid, but in the direction of the original and not the Disney version. While the world and circumstances are very different from the original fairy tale, Turtle faces many of the same basis problems. The parallels are obvious and will delight fans of the original story. Still, the characters and surroundings give the tale a very original setting and create a more scifi atmosphere which draws in. So, the foundations which made the original fairy tale are still very present and stay true to the tradition.

Unlike the original fairy tale, Turtle is pulled between two worlds, which really shouldn't exist in the first place and do each make up a part of her. So, her desire to be a part of both is understandable. It's also no problem to sympathize with her as she attempts to juggle her feelings and desires, especially when the circumstances change around her. Her wish to stay true to her Mer friends is endearing, while her desire to reconnect with her siblings is very understandable. And through all of this, she also wants to follow her heart on the romance end. While the balance remains an impossible battle, her struggle makes her easy to cheer for the entire way through. 

While the links to the original tale are clear, the author makes sure to weave in several aspects, which cause food for thought and hit upon modern issues. First, there's an environmental side as rising tides have placed earlier areas of dry land under water. Then, there's the entire argument surrounding gene mutation and the moral questions surrounding it's use and dangers. Both of these build the backbone for the world and struggles, and are fairly well based. There is a bit of lack of depth in the world building, but this is more on the details surrounding the society, history, and such. All in all, though, it flows nicely to create an enjoyable read and the logic doesn't offer large hiccups, either.

This is a lovely read for those, who enjoy fairy tale retellings, and want to take a slightly different twist without losing footing of the original tale. The characters are easy to enjoy, the plot is quick-paced, and the themes do lead to some thought. In other words, it's worth taking a look at.

The Kiss Bet Volume Two by Ingrid Ochoa

I'm going to stay in the graphic novel lane and take a peek at the 2nd book in The Kiss Bet series. I read the 1st one (see review HERE) and found it cute. So, I was glad to get my hands on this next read in the series. I'm curious what will happen and hope it doesn't get too silly. 

Off we go! 

THE KISS BET, VOL. 2

by Ingrid Ochoa

Webtoons Unscrolled

YA Romance   /    Graphic Novel

288 pages

COMING...

AUGUST 5th!!!

In this adorable coming-of-age comic for fans of This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki and Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads, Sara Lin has decided now is the time: she’s going to make her first kiss, something special and magical, happen.

It’s senior year and Sara Lin just turned eighteen. She’s got great friends, a cool dad (or so he thinks), and a whole lot ahead of her. The last thing she needs to worry about is her first kiss.

But that’s all about to change because her good pal Patrick just challenged her to a bet that will either lead to love, heartbreak, or embarrassment . . . or maybe all three. Along the way, as Sara explores her relationship options with three different boys, she discovers life isn't a fairytale and romance is inherently complex. It's messy and complicated, but boy, it sure can be fun.

In this second volume of the series, Sara Lin might have lost all her romance-related bets with her friend Patrick so far, but she’s determined to make something happen with her crush Joe at the upcoming school festival. First she has to pass her math exam, which means dealing with her tutor, Oliver, who instantly recognizes Sara from their almost kiss at the subway. And Patrick’s not quite done, he challenges Sara to the highest-stake bet yet: kiss someone by the end of the festival or be forced to quit the newspaper club. And Sara understands that some lessons can’t be taught, and that life must be experienced.

Then Patrick challenges Sara Lin to his highest-stakes bet yet: have her first kiss by the end of the festival or quit the newspaper club.

This volume collects episodes 19 to 36 of the charming WEBTOON comic The Kiss Bet.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

High school romance fans, who love sweet moments with confusion, are going to want to grab this one up right away and enjoy.

Sara's unsure about everything. Oliver, her tutor, knows she was the one who tried to kiss him in the subway, and now, he's upset. Which isn't great. since he helped her grades, but she's got a back-up plan on the tutoring front, her best friend Patrick (who also started the kiss bet in the first place). But the tutoring session doesn't go well and her next test produces the worst score yet, so she turns to her secret crush for help...who just happens to be Oliver's older brother.  Her secret crush is perfect in so many ways, and he might just be as interested in her as she is in him. But Patrick causes issues again and makes another kiss bet—she needs to kiss a guy by the end of the evening of the festival or quit her favorite club. As soon as she lets her temper get the better of her and agrees, it becomes clear that this new bet might be her doom. After all, she already lost the first one.

The blurb states that this is an adorable read, and it's right. These pages hold high school, romance drama pure with silliness and misunderstandings to make every moment unpredictable and ridiculous. Sara is super sweet and friendly but constantly blunders from one situation into the next. She's a bit clueless but determined, and it makes her easy to root for while rolling the eyes at her at the same time. Somehow, none of this is frustrating but remains funny. Plus, her good nature makes her sympathetic...even when she's misguided in other respects. The other characters appear more grounded, but are clueless in their own ways and round off each moment with accidental and unplanned blunders.

It's a very easy read without a ton of depth, but then, it is more about the humor and awkwardness than anything else. Even the romance isn't straight-forward and overly heartfelt. Rather, it's all over the place...much like Sara herself. It's very unclear, who Sara will end up with...or if she'll end up with anyone at all. And this makes it that much more fun to read.

I'm already looking forward to seeing what silliness is still to come.

Aurora Vol. 1 by Red

It's graphic novel time, and today's read is the first in a brand new series for young adult readers, who love magic and adventure. I'm getting the feeling that it will involve friendship, tough decisions, secrets, and more. And tons of magic, since that's mentioned quite a bit in the blurb. But the only way to know is to read the book.

So, let's get started!

AURORA

Vol. 1

by Red

Andrews McMeel Publishing

YA Fantasy  /   Graphic Novel

384 pages

COMING...

JULY 29th!!!

Fans of the hit webcomic Aurora will delight in the first series installment in print, which follows a found family of heroes on a journey to save a god from an immortal witch.

The shining city of Vash in the world of Aurora is protected by a great and powerful god of the same name, but even Vash’s incarnation cannot withstand the Collector, an immortal sorceress bent on unmaking the world. Vash’s city is destroyed and his soul abducted, leaving only ruins and the wounded, empty body of his incarnation. When newborn soul Kendal awakens in the body, he is driven to rescue the imprisoned Vash. Now Kendal must grapple with living as a mortal and defeating a force powerful enough to sunder the gods.

Kendal is aided by the friends he makes along the way: Alinua, a volatile elven hermit terrified of her uncontrollable life magic; Erin, the prideful Elemental Magus, master of all six elements, who is burdened with a world-shattering curse; and Falst, a surly beastman trying to find his way in a world that hates him. Together, they will journey through magic and mystery, explore perilous environments, and confront ancient forces. Stars dance beyond the shimmering curtains of Aurora; it is time to draw those curtains back . . .

With exclusive author commentary and bonus story content, Aurora (Volume 1) has plenty for both fans and new readers to enjoy.

PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A rich, fantasy world opens the door to heroes, who have tons of potential, and unpredictable dangers, which could destroy the world.

After a lovely foreword from the author, this tale begins with a basic rundown of the world and its beginnings. While I'm not always a fan of information dumps to get things started, this worked remarkably well and allows the reader to drift into the complex magic system and the relationship between the various races and gods with ease. The author keeps it concise and direct while creating a magical atmosphere. After this, it dives straight into action with Vash as he takes on the monsters attacking his city and falls prey to a Collector, who wants to absorb his spirit for her own power...which she does. That should be the end of the mighty hero, but while the powerful Vash is trapped in her clutches, his vassel (the body) takes on a life of its own as Kendal, and Kendal has one goal: to free Vash. Luckily, he immediately has a powerful mage at his side, and soon, will form a group of special friends, each one trying to find their own place in the world. But this hodge-podge group isn't nearly prepared for the quest they've taken on in hopes of helping each other.

It is a fairly complex world but not hard to sink into thanks to the author's beginning information. Plus, there are shorter information summaries scattered into the story as necessary to keep the reader up to date and confusion at bay. While the story mostly follows this forming group of heroes surrounding Kendal, there's also another story running on the side with another hero on another part of the world and a very occasional letter from a traveler of sorts. These other two story lines offer crumbs for the upcoming tales and make it clear that this adventure is by no means over with the first book.

The characters hold a nice variety of personalities, talents, and issues to make each one complex enough to enjoy and learn more about as time goes on. Their reasons for attaching to the original pair of Kendal and the mage vary quite a bit and create lovely sub-plots with all sorts of potential to blossom and bloom. While these character arcs do create character depth, this read is by no means slow paced and boring. Action keeps the pace very high as the heroes run into one difficult situation after the other. After all, they are on the tail of a very powerful and dangerous being and cross the paths of many others, who aren't exactly kind. These battles aren't predictable, which makes each one that much more fun to enjoy.

The graphics are well done and draw into each scene. The author has added little bubbles of thoughts, here and there, to show her process in character creation or drop in some side thoughts to her own story. It adds a personal touch, which is endearing and makes the story that much more enjoyable. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with this band next, since it is sure to pack tons of suspense and surprises.

And here she is...

Red is an artist, writer, and voice actor. She enjoys cartoons, push-ups, chocolate, cool pictures of space, and yelling about her opinions on the internet.
Red uses her YouTube channel, Overly Sarcastic Productions, to incessantly discuss her special interests without boring her friends and family to tears.
Sometimes she remembers to sleep.

How to be a Color Wizard by Jason Logan

 Today, I'm heading into the realm of nonfiction and colors with a book about finding and creating colors from things found in nature. I'm more than a little curious to see how this author handles the topic and hope it will be fun as well as informational. If it holds several interesting activities for kids to do during the next weeks of school break, that's even better. 

Before I babble on, let's just take a look and see if we should become color wizards too.

Today's post is also part of the weekly MMGM (Marvelous Middle Grade Monday) list, where fans, lovers, and knowers of middle grade literature place their recommendations for the week. If you're looking for literature for this age group (around ages 8 to 12), it's worth taking a look. You'll find that HERE.

HOW TO BE A COLOR WIZARD

Forage and Experiment with Natural Art Making

by Jason Logan

MIT Kids Press

Middle Grade Nonfiction

176 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING JUNE 10th!!!

“One of the most important messages you can tell young people is that their work is legitimate—that it counts. This book and its spirit take that message one step further and say that anything you can think to make your work from also counts.” —Jon Klassen, Caldecott Medal winner

What colors might await in a leafy forest, a berry-stained back alley, a seaweedy beach, or even the dark corners of an ordinary fridge? With this book as a guide, curious young wizards can make natural confetti, unlock the hidden color power inside a leaf, and craft a paintbrush wand. They’ll brew magic potions from beets and acorn caps to produce their own colors, from the darkest black to the palest pink to invisible ink, then share their discoveries with friends, family, and the whole color-hungry human race. With whimsy and infectious enthusiasm, master ink maker Jason Logan explains the science of color while presenting “quests,” recipes, and hands-on activities using materials kids can find in their own homes and neighborhoods. Featuring both photographs and the author’s own gorgeous homemade-ink illustrations, How to Be a Color Wizard is an ideal blend of art and science—plus a little bit of magic.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Imagination combines with the world of colors to inspire creative fun and the joy of foraging.

This book inspires readers to become color wizards. After a short introduction, it dives right into the creative 'how-to' of various activities. Readers learn to make their own cloaks, wands, and more as they open their imagination and take a deep dive into the idea of being a wizard. But that's just the beginning. This playful side opens the door to the art of foraging and learning to use the colors found in nature. There are directions on how to create colors from various things found in nature and what to do with them. Even science and a little social sciences slide into the spotlight to give greater depth.

Not only does this book open up to new ideas, but it inspires to an entire project or new hobby. There are symbols, which help readers know how difficult an activity will be and other symbols to show when adult assistance is necessary. In general, the book tries to steer to as much independent work as possible...after all, creativity is an individual wonder. It can be used in all sorts of environments, and this is explained during one of the first sections. There's also a cute section about readers discovering their magical affinity (air, earth, and so on) as it guides through the many places potential colors can be found.

Readers will be inspired to head outdoors and discover the area around them, seeing it from a new perspective. It's something which can be used for group projects, neighbor activities, or individually. There are enough activities to be used for several days or can expand into weeks or more, and works especially well when readers can visit various environments (like on day trips or vacation). 

This is a fun read, which not only builds a new appreciation for nature, but opens the door to so much more. 

You can learn more about Jason and his work HERE

Cooking Up Change by Michael Platt

 I'm heading into a different reading direction today and taking a peek at an upcoming cookbook for the middle grade audience. Well, it's not just a cookbook. It's also a celebration of Black history. I'm very curious to see how this one flows and what recipes it holds. I'm hoping that it inspires kids to hit the kitchen and try some recipes themselves...and maybe, inspire along the way.

Grab those aprons and spoons because it's off to the world of food and more today!

COOKING UP CHANGE

by Michael Platt

Illustrated by Alleanna Harris

Magic Cat

Middle Grade Nonfiction

40 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 27th!!!

In Cooking Up Change—the eagerly awaited sequel to teen chef and food justice advocate Michael Platt’s Recipes for Change—Platt journeys through a year in Black history with a little help from his beloved grandmother as he retells 12 important historic events and shares a recipe inspired by each one

Cooking Up Change is both a celebration of Black history and an invitation to experience it through the lens of food. With biographies of figures who shaped important events and mouthwatering recipes that carry their essence, this book will inspire future leaders with real stories of trailblazers who helped to change the world.

One event per month is highlighted. After sharing the story of a person related to each event—such as Dorothy Height for International Women’s Day in March—Platt pairs each moment with a delectable recipe that carries the essence of the occasion. All the stories and recipes featured are inspired by his grandmother; the person who guided him in unearthing his Black heritage and moved him to fall in love with cooking.

Each page features engaging color illustrations from Alleanna Harris.

Recipes Macaroni and cheese for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Key lime pie for Black History Month Deep dish peach cobbler for International Women’s Day Grilled fish for Jackie Robinson Day Molasses cookies for Memorial Day Red hibiscus drink for Juneteenth Apple pie for Independence Day Potato salad for the Great Migration Sweet potato pie for Labor Day Pork chops for Black Poetry Day Green gumbo for Election Day Coconut cake for Kwanzaa Praise for Recipes for Change:
“Beautifully weaves together important Black history with delicious recipes.” —Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard Award winner and Top Chef contestant

GOODREADS 

MY TIDBITS

Black history gains a more personal connection as it mixes with loved foods and recipes to give each figure a personal touch.

This book weaves historic figures with food to create a grabbing mix. Starting with Martin Luther King Jr., twelve important, historic figures are introduced...one for each month of the year. The author gives a quick summary, which highlights each individual's contribution to Black history while making each one come to life. The information gains a personal touch, making each one anything but boring. Then, a type of food is connected with each one. These range from hearty dishes such as pork chops to sweet delights such as apple pie. The recipes are easy to understand and create a link of familiarity to each figure.

While the historical facts are easy to digest, the recipes invite readers into the kitchen. Each recipe is easy to follow, and the difficulty ranges just enough to draw in beginning cooks as well as those, who have spent some time in the kitchen. Some will require a bit of adult assistance, but shared moments only make the entire experience that much more special.

This is a lovely way to mix heritage with cooking, and open up readers to both in a meaningful way.

You can learn more about Michael and his books HERE!

Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor

 Today's read doesn't hit the shelves until August, but it looked so adorable that I decided to take a peek at it already. It's all about forest adventures...and I do love the outdoors. The two characters on the cover have a friendly, original appeal, and I have the suspicion that friendship plays an important role in these pages. Yes, I'm judging this one by its cover because it also is a graphic novel and for those readers, who are mostly sure of their words but might need a bit more practice before diving into tougher reads.

Let's just open this one up and see what it holds.

WELCOME TO THE FOREST:

The Harvest Party

by Katie Risor

Andrews McMeel Publishing

80 pages

ages 6 to 8

COMING...

AUGUST 5th!!!

A group of quirky forest creatures embark on heartwarming adventures in this graphic novel series opener featuring original gouache art. Perfect for beginning readers and graphic novel fans, especially those who love the Studio Ghibli films and Tove Jansson's Moomin. Includes nonfiction information at the back of the book​ about the autumnal season.

Deep in the heart of the Forest lives a handful of monsters. The Forest is home to many creatures, big and small, boisterous Mossman, who is much kinder than he looks; cautious but cheerful Wallace;  carefree, kind Grumpkin; and a sweet, mysterious entity named Shadow.  The creatures prove that every day is an adventure as new discoveries draw them closer together.

In this book, readers will get a glimpse at the woodland creatures' lives and discover three bite-sized stories, perfect for the autumnal harvest season. In Welcome to the The Harvest Party, Mossman and Wallace decorate pumpkins, Grumpkin meets a new friend, and the creatures celebrate fall with a lively Harvest Party.

Cottagecore and Studio Ghibli meet in this graphic novel by debut author and illustrator Katie Risor. Risor's breathtaking gouache mixed-media illustrations shine throughout this graphic novel. It features a Dyslexia-friendly font and is perfect to share with emerging readers, English and Second Language (ESL) learners, and veteran graphic novel enthusiasts alike.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These forest monsters know how to have fun and are more than happy to invite anyone they can to their parties.

There are monsters in the forest, and although they might first appear to be a bit scary, they are anything but. These monsters are all about friendship and sharing time with others. When they decide to have a harvest part, things don't always go as smoothly as first planned, but that doesn't mean it's time to give up. There are always new friends to make and new ideas to try...even if the situations get a bit out of control at times.

This is an adorable read for those, who have a pretty good grip on their words but need more practice. While set up like a graphic novel, the frames are larger than normal, meaning that there are at most three or four on a page. Usually less. The colors are bright and playful like that characters themselves, and the forest comes across as a very friendly place. Although monsters, the group is friendly and inviting. Readers will wish they could jump right in and join the bunch. 

The book is divided into three stories, making it easy to set this one down for a break before picking it up again to continue. Or they can all be read at once, since they are very enjoyable. The endings are sometimes a bit abrupt, but they plots are very fitting to the age group and reading level. 

It's a great beginning to a new series, and I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures these characters will be facing next.

The ZomBees by Justin Colon

The second I saw this title and the very green bees buzzing around, my curiosity peaked. It also remind me of a joke from my childhood:

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Zombies.

Zombies who?

Zombies make honey. Others just buzz around.

I'm just going to leave that there, save everyone from a complete headache, and dive right in!

THE ZOMBEES

by Justin Colon

Illustrated by Kaly Quarles

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

32 pages ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 15th!!!

A swarm of zombie bees invades an unsuspecting town on Halloween night in this delightfully spooky and highly charming picture book from the author of The Quacken—perfect for fans of Creepy Carrots and Los Gatos Black on Halloween.

What’s that creepy buzzing sound coming from the graveyard ground?

ZOMBEES!

When these undead insects invade, they send everyone fleeing in fright.

Are they hunting for a snack?
Do they like the taste of veins?
Have they come to eat your brains?!

Find out in this rhyming Halloween tale with an unexpected twist!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Silliness with a touch of spooky thrill creates a fun read for those darker hours...with laughter on the side.

A young girl heads to the cemetery on Halloween to find a very creepy atmosphere. Green things are rising from the ground and they are...Zombees! She heads back to the streets, where Trick-or-Treaters are underway and warns of the upcoming terror, which sets everyone into action in the most delightful ways. As the horror of what these Zombees might eat spreads and strikes chills, a huge surprise turns everything on its head.

This is a cute, fun, and energetic read with a satisfying twist. These Zombees carry a touch of odd creepiness mixed with silliness to make humor with a dab of uneasiness come across wonderfully. The reactions are even over-the-top to promise giggles. The illustrations make the atmosphere sit with the imaginative and well-created Zombees and scenes. These add visual humor to enhance every two-page spread.

The text carries a lyrical feel and leads the readers through the girl's adventures. It's kept short...two-lines per page...to keep even reluctant listeners engaged. The rhymes flow smoothly without feeling forced and build each moment so that the illustrations can take it from there.

It's a cute read with just the right amount of eerie possibility to create delightful chills and laughter.

And here they are...

Justin Colón is a professional actor and children's book author. His previous picture books include The Quacken (illustrated by Pablo Pino) and Impossible Possums, (illustrated by James Rey Sanchez). A lover of Halloween and zombie movies, Justin is also a backyard beekeeper. Though his bees sometimes frighten the neighbors, they’ve never tried to eat their brains—something Justin takes great pride in. He lives in New York, but you can visit him at JustinColonBooks.com.

Kaly Quarles studied interior design and worked in architecture before landing in illustration. Her love for historic shopfronts, Victoriana, and vintage ephemera runs deep. When Kaly isn’t drawing with a cat in her lap, she’s hunting for obscure antiques, watching or reading historical fiction, or hosting one-woman pastry-eating contests.

Ratnip: Right On Your Tail! by Cam Higgins

Today's read is the third in a series for beginning readers. And you won't believe it, but I've read the first two books already, too! (see reviews here). I enjoyed the first two adventures with this character quite a bit and am hoping that will carry on with this next book. 

So, let's just get to it!

RIGHT ON YOUR TAIL!

Ratnip #3

by Cam Higgins

Illustrations by Allison Steinfeld

Little Simon

Chapter Book Animal Adventure

128 pages

ages 5 to 9

COMING MAY 27TH!!!

Ratnip goes for the gold in a citywide race in this third book of the chapter book series from the author of Good Dog.

Ratnip is entering the City Race, where critters race through the streets by climbing up poles, scurrying along telephone wires, and jumping across fences. Ratnip has his eye on the prize, but his competition is tough—especially the REAL gym rat! Can Ratnip prove himself fastest critter in the city?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Ratnip chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This race holds tons of surprises, and Ratnip is easy to root for the entire way through.

Ratnip decides to enter the City Race and wants to join other creatures as they hurry through the city to get to the finish line. It involves more than just speed, since they will have to climb, scurry and more. Ratnip isn't sure how he'll do, though, and is soon invited to train with a large, muscular, and talented gym rat, whose daughter is also entering the race. Ratnip might not be able to win, but he's going to do his best.

Ratnip is as ready as ever to take on this new challenge and do the best that he can. He gives his all and harbors just enough doubt to make him easy to sympathize with and cheer for. His energy is inspiring, but then, so is his attitude when he realizes that it might be more challenging than he first thought it would be. He's always kind to everyone around him and makes the right choices when faced with difficult decisions. 

While this is a wholesome read which tons of goodness, it also packs fun to keep readers in the pages until the very end. Ratnip finds himself in surprising situations, which aren't always simple to steer through...and it's hard to guess what will happen next. There is tension and enough action to keep it exciting. Even more reluctant readers won't find a boring moment throughout the book.

The chapters are kept short, and the larger font and spacing makes it easy to read. There aren't too many lines of text on each page to keep it from seeming overwhelming. Illustrations accompany every two-page spread and bring across each scene with emotion. 

It's a fun adventure and fits very nicely to the series. I can't wait to see what adventures Ratnip will face next.

And here they are...

Cam Higgins wrote her very first book about a cat who lived in an alleyway when she was eight years old. As a child, she loved visiting a neighboring farm and seeing all the animals. Now Cam has a pup of her own, who is very mischievous, and she still loves writing about animals. Cam lives in New York City with her two children, her husband, and Laila the dog.

Allison Steinfeld grew up in Connecticut where she spent hours getting lost in her library books. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her two very fluffy cats. When not providing essential head scratches and belly rubs, she finds time to illustrate books like the Wait! What? series and the Kid Legends series.

 

Hidden by Larissa Ferenchuk

 Today's read heads to the trees, which is something which makes me smile. One of my younger brothers spent an awful lot of time in a tree. We grew up in a house, which was directly across the street from one of the city's biggest parks. My brother would dress in green, take a little picnic lunch, and climb up into a tree, which hung above a sidewalk. He'd sit up there and watch people walk right underneath him, completely unaware that he was there. 

So, I'm curious what this little girl is up to as she sits in a tree, too.

HIDDEN

by Larissa Ferenchuk & Fiona West

EK Books

Picture Book 

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JUNE 10th!!!

A little girl helps her neighbourhood connect with each other in this touching story about friendship, inclusion and sharing.

Do you ever feel like you can see the whole world, but no one can see you? Hidden amongst the leaves of a fig tree, a young girl watches as the people in her street busily go about their day, disappearing into their homes or cars without looking up. She tries to get the neighbours’ attention as she moves through the branches, but no one notices. As the girl watches her neighbours, she wonders how she can get them to see her – and everyone else around them. A plan begins to form, involving generosity, kindness, and a lot of figs …

Hidden is a heart-warming story which shows how one child’s idea has the power to build relationships and bring a whole community together. In a time when many people feel disconnected and isolated, this story is an important reminder that everyone – young and old – deserves to be seen, included and feel a sense of belonging in their community.

Full of hope and heart, Hidden is the perfect way to introduce little readers to the importance of sharing and treating everyone with kindness.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A little girl loves to sit in the tree and watch the world around her. Nobody sees here sitting between the leaves, but she sees her neighbors come and go as they go through their daily lives. She's never a part of it and, at one point, begins to consider becoming a part of the happenings, but she also wonders if there's a way she can be part of the community and still sit in her tree.

It's easy to identify with the young girl as she sits in her tree, hidden from the rest of the world. Not only will readers most likely want to climb a tree like that themselves and sit up on the branches, but the thought of remaining unseen while watching everyone else awakens a little curiosity and fun. The scenes are very familiar situations as children play on the street and people drive around in their cars. It's enjoyable, and yet, the author weaves in a subtle sense of loneliness and isolation, too. About mid-way through the book, there's a shift as the girl finds reason to go beyond the tree and become a part of the happenings around her. It's not forced but flows naturally. And even when she does get involved, it's not over the top. Rather, kindness and smaller acts bring meaningful interactions. Still, the tree isn't forgotten, either, but offers a rounded atmosphere to the entire read.

The illustrations allow the scenes to come across clearly while staying in a playful style, which fits nicely with the lyrical flow of the words. The poetic descriptions in the beginning slide into a slightly more tale format as the girl changes her habits from watching the world around her to taking a more active role. It's makes a gentle read-aloud, which fits well to calmer story times. 

There's a nice message surrounding the importance of community, and it also inspires as it shows how simple acts of kindness can brighten another person's day. In other words, it's a positive read to enjoy.

And here they are...

Larissa Ferenchuk is a writer who loves all things magical and whimsical. She spends hours dreaming up new story ideas that can inspire and empower children, including her first book, Two Rabbits (EK Books, 2024). Larissa also works with Primary School and Preschool children in her role as a School Services Officer.

Larissa enjoys participating in activities in her local community in her spare time. From being a member of her local fruit and vegetable swap group, to gardening at home and in a community garden, she has found that being involved in your local community creates a sense of connectedness and a feeling of belonging.

Larissa lives in Adelaide with her husband and three children. When her children were younger, they had a treehouse in a beautiful old fig tree in the yard – the perfect place to hide and watch the world go by.

Fiona West is a Zimbabwean-born Australian artist and illustrator based in Brisbane. Her sensory, playful approach combines the freshness of pencil, crayon, paint and collage into whimsical, quirky illustrations. Fiona has worked in the arts industry in South Africa, London and Australia, and has a Doctorate in Visual Arts through Griffith University, Brisbane.