What's Coming in September?

It's almost Fall! Our temperatures dropped significantly the last days of August...thank heavens...and the Autumn vibes are settling in. I couldn't be more ready for it and hope it means a little more sanity. This summer seemed to be a constant run-around. I packed more than 10,000 miles on my poor little car and really need a break. Even posting on here has been a struggle all summer long...I hope you haven't noticed too much. Oh, all of it has been meaningful and important, so I'm not complaining. I just need a little down time to catch-up on some other aspects of life.

So, off to this month's line-up.

I have an amazing stack of books coming up and am really looking forward to diving in. I think it's going to be one of the more fun months on the reading front. Mystery, some horror, a little science fiction, more fantasy, more young adult reads (I've been neglecting these due to my, otherwise, packed life), some nonfiction, and even a couple literary delights are peeking out from the pile. I have some expected best sellers and some lesser known reads, which look like they might be hidden gems. But we'll find out more as the month progresses.

Ready to take a quick glance? I know I am!

NIGHT OF THE LIVING TOILET PAPER

It was the title, which caught my attention on this read. Sometimes, a little ridiculousness is just what the soul needs. While this promises to lean in the scifi-horror-ish direction, I'm thinking it might be tons of fun. Definitely original if nothing else So, I thought I'd give this one a go and see if it's a lovely quirky read...or just plain strange. Find out more with me on the 1st, since I'm shooting off the month with this one.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

THORN SEASON

This read is already collecting tons of buzz...the good kind. To say that I'm more than excited to take a look at it is an understatement. It's said to remind of A Court of Thorns and Roses and already is coming out with a special edition (see the edging in the image?). I'm ready for some immersive fantasy and hope this one packs as much as it promises find out more with me on the 3rd, the day after it releases. (My schedule was too packed to slide it in earlier.)

Young Adult Fantasy

BRIMSTONE & BLADES

I've been neglecting the young adult reads this Summer and have decided to work in more during the next months. Also, fantasy has been falling by the wayside. That seems to be a lesser visited genre, in general, this year on the literature plain. I'm hoping this read offers a bit of magic, tons of action, intrigue, and excitement. Now, I'll just have to wait until the 9th, so I can let you know how it went.

Young Adult Fantasy

ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY

This read dives into the Cherokee culture and takes a look at the importance of the community working together. I'm also betting it has some grandparent-grandchild goodness. I'm curious to see how this one goes and will be showcasing it on the 12th.

Picture Book

THE VALE

I would really like to pick up an imaginative, engaging fantasy, and this one might be exactly what I'm looking for. This one, actually, is a bit of a science fiction-fantasy mix, but that works, too. It follows a boy, who seems to be a gaming genius and has created an AI generated world. He's invited to a contest to further build it out but discovers that the world is changing...and it's not his doing. I'm excited to see how thins one works, especially with AI being such a major topic, at the moment. Discover more with me on the 15th.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

WHO KILLED NESSIE?

Ready for some mystery goodness? I am! This book heads toward the beginning reader audience and, obviously, takes a look at the mythical and loved Nessie. It's about a girl, who is suppose to watch over a hotel but is told by guests that Nessie has been murdered. Now, she has to figure out what has happened. Sounds a little silly and, hopefully, intriguing. I'm putting on my sleuthing had and visiting this one on the 18th.

Children's Mystery

THE WIZARD'S GUIDE TO MAGICAL EXPERIMENTS

Of course, I'm not passing by on good, ole nonfiction, this month, and this read caught my attention. Magic? Science? Experiments? I know my kids would grab this one up and see what ideas it holds. After all, nothing is better than getting nitty-gritty and hands-on. I'm curious to see what 'experiments' it holds and hoping for some original fun. But we'll see and find out on the 22nd.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

THE TOMORROW TREE

Well, why don't we just toss in another nonfiction read, while we're on that track? This one heads out into nature and, maybe, looks at the circle of life...through fungus and more. I spy morels on the cover, which happen to grow in this area and delight tons of mushroom hunters. Since the publisher tends to bring how high-quality nonfiction (yep, I enjoy their books usually), I'm sure I'll have good things to say on the 25th.

Children's Nonfiction

THE CLOCK

I saw this cover and was immediately intrigued. It's so simple, and yet not. I can't help but wonder about the little girl sitting and staring at the elaborate time keeper. And it's giving me historic vibes...like an old train station or something (?) Maybe, I should read the blurb first. Anyway, I visited the KC train station with my kids earlier this summer and wished I could have spent time sipping a coffee and letting the architecture sink in. But we were in a bit of hurry...as always. Anyway, I'll be diving into this one on the 27th.

Picture Book

THE SPIRIT OF LOUGHMOE ABBEY

With October creeping in, I thought a ghost story might be a nice way to end the month. This one is about a boarding school in Ireland during the 1980s and looks at a neurodivergent girl at a time, when awareness was just getting started in some countries. Others, not so much. Anyway, there's a ghost involved, who weeps silver tears (if I understood that properly). I'm not sure if this will hold a little mystery or, maybe, just drama, but we'll find out on the 29th.

Middle Grade Paranormal  /  Historical

Every month, I have more books on my to-be-read pile than I have days to read and review them. Since there are so many that do look like fun reads, I always have a couple on the top of the pile, which I wish I could get to but don't know when. There are some scheduled reads, which fall away due to various reasons, and so I can often slide these 'extra' books into those slots. I just have no idea when or how I'll get to them, though.

This month, this read is on top of my pile.

ANZUELO

The second I saw this cover, I had to see what it was about. Not that I figured it was good...it is just so original. Honestly, it looked a bit 'too' artistic for what I usually enjoy. After reading the blurb, though, I knew I have to take a peek. It's a graphic novel for the YA audience and promises to be a treat for the eyes with gorgeous artwork throughout. The story also seems like it might be interesting. It's about the Sea taking over everything, leaving three young people to survive, and that while sticking to their desire not to harm a living thing. I'm hoping this stays grounded while being beautiful. But we'll see. I just don't know when, yet.

Young Adult Fiction    /   Graphic Novel

Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig

I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for a little mystery...and today's read is just that. To add some spooky fun, there are ghosts involved too. Lots of them. An entire school of them. I curious to see where this tale leads and hope the mystery grabs the entire way through.

So, grab those flashlights and blankets, and let's crack this one open to take a peek.

PHANTOM ACADEMY

by Christine Virnig

Aladdin

Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

Lindsay Currie’s Scritch Scratch meets The School for Invisible Boys in this fun romp of a middle grade novel about a newly dead boy who faces a spooky new school hiding an unearthly mystery.

After an unlucky collision between a coconut and the top of his head, twelve-year-old Finn joins the ranks of the recently deceased…and of the students at Phantom Academy. The academy is a spectral boarding school for underage ghosts finding their footing in the afterlife, and Finn is the new kid at school.

He doesn’t understand why ghosts have to take tests and do homework. Or why making friends doesn’t get any easier even when all the students have a very big thing in common. As the new class of middle schoolers get to know each other, it becomes clear something is happening behind the scenes of their new academy.

Can Finn and his classmates figure out their afterlife and crack the mystery?

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Get ready for a little middle school drama, but not in the normal way. 

After a very extraordinary death, Finn finds himself as a ghost and off to ghost school with four other ghosts his age. Not that he gets why the worst thing in life continues to haunt in the afterlife. While several of the classes are somewhat the same as live school, at least, there's now one on haunting. The worst aspect of the school, though, is that he's not allowed to see his family until he graduates...and that will be five years. After all, the teachers and other adults are allowed to go to the living world at least once a month. Deciding that it'd be best to find a way to escape the school, he and his classmates, aka friends, do their best to find a way out. Instead, they're learning that the teachers harbor a secret.

Finn's death surprises and will have readers raising eyebrows right away. It sets the tone with a sense of humor and sadness as he lands in the after life and has to first digest the changes. There's a constant edge of sadness as Finn misses his family and, wanting to, at least, see them again, begins to plot his escape from the school. This makes him easy to sympathize and root for, especially since the wrongness of the situation edges in little by little. There's a growing sense of tension, but it never races forward on this end, letting the mystery unfold one step at a time. Thanks to the familiar setting of teachers and school life, it's easy to picture the scenes. The paranormal end offers a dose of fantasy and fun to keep everything light enough to balance the sadness and adventure.

It's an enjoyable tale from start to finish, and keeps the pacing high the entire way through. Some of the characters come across a little superficial, but it works well for the age group. There's a message about friendship, family, and mourning, but the main plot stays strong to keep this one focused on fun and adventure.

And here she is...

Christine Virnig is a fan of books, candy, spooky stories, poop jokes, and coffee…in no particular order. A former physician, Christine now spends her days writing books, reading books, and working at a library where she is surrounded by books. Christine lives in southern Wisconsin with her husband, two daughters, a ridiculous number of dust bunnies, and one incredibly lazy cat. You can visit her on the web at ChristineVirnig.com.

Ultimate Origami Challenge by Brian Soonho Yoon

 The moment I saw today's read, it was destined for a review. My siblings and I consumed books about origami as kids, each one of us trying to out fold the other. While this phase passed, the ability to quickly fold a crane or puffed frog didn't. It's amazing how useful this skill is when attending family gatherings, weddings, boring meals at restaurants and such. Why? Because it always keeps the kids around me busy for, at least, half an hour as they first play with my creations, and then, want to learn how to make them themselves. And the best part is, that almost any paper and size can be used. I've used grocery store receipts, thicker napkins, brochures...anything foldable will do.

So, I am excited to see how this book does, especially since the books I once read weren't exactly always clear or easy to follow. My own kids often were frustrated by the illustrations, since it's not always clear what direction the folds are supposed to go. 

Grab that paper because here we go!

ULTIMATE ORIGAMI CHALLENGE

by Brian Soonho Yoon

Z Kids

Middle Grade Nonfiction  /  Craft

128 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 23rd!!!

Discover the magic of origami and learn key techniques to create animals, 3D shapes, or gifts for loved ones from paper!

Packed with 30 unique projects, including an inflatable bunny, flapping crane, throwing star, and pyramid, Ultimate Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8–12 takes budding paper-folding enthusiasts from novice to pro. With fun facts, step-by-step instructions, and all the folding papers you need, kids can launch into creating a paper universe and build the confidence and skills to complete each challenge.

Unfold the joy of Ultimate Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8–12.

CHALLENGING Kids progress at their own pace to gain and build on skills needed to advance from Apprentice to Specialist. Watch their confidence soar! BEGINNER-FRIENDLY FOLDING Dive straight in with bright folding papers and transform them to life. Generously sized at 7 x 7-inch squares, the 90 included sheets are perfect for new origamists. ENRICHING BRAIN Origami fosters curious minds by engaging developing brains through 3D perception, problem solving, logical thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine-motor skills, mental concentration, geometry, spatial awareness, and more! COLORFUL ARTWORK AND ILLUSTRATED Beautiful artwork is included to spark creativity. Plus, detailed illustrations are perfect for different learning styles and encourage independent problem solving.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Step-by-step, readers learn the art of origami by creating a large variety of animals, birds, and folded fun.

My biggest criticism surrounding origami books is that they either tend to steer to beginners only or more experienced folders. Rarely, do the books work from the first folds all the way to more impressive creations, and rarely, are the directions very clear. This book is one of the better ones I've seen on both fronts.

The author breaks the book down into four sections, beginning with the simple artworks and bringing it through to complex ones. This not only allows beginning folders to work their way through at their own pace and learn by avoiding frustration, but also makes this a book for several levels of folders. Some of the creations will be familiar to origami fans, while a few will  offer something fresh and new. Everything from flowers to boxes to animals and more can be found. So, there's something for a wide range of folding fans.

While there is an introduction, which explains materials and such, this book also includes paper for immediate folding fun. Readers don't have to go searching for appropriate materials first. The directions and illustrations are clear and keep the age group in mind. Each fold is clearly displayed and includes different types of arrows to make the folding direction clear. Even the more advanced folds are well illustrated and not too hard to figure out, especially after working up through the levels.

It's a nice book to pick up for anyone wanting to dive into this intriguing hobby. 

Pei's Pineapple Cakes by Crystal Z. Lee

 

PEI'S PINEAPPLE CAKES

by Crystal Z. Lee

Illustrated by Allie Su

Balestier Press

Picture Book

40 pages

 ages 4 to 9

While visiting her grandmother in central Taiwan, Pei finds herself in the middle of a mystery. The pineapple cakes from her grandmother's bakery have disappeared! Soon Pei is collecting clues as she embarks on a quest to find the missing pineapple cakes.

From the traditional Taiwanese artisans' craftsmanship to the picturesque villages of central Taiwan, Pei discovers the beauty of her grandmother's home. This is a story of courage, adventure, and the love between grandchildren and grandparents.

Pei's Pineapple Cakes is an elaborately illustrated picture book that makes an ideal gift:

• Real locations from central Taiwan make for an inspiring geographical, historical and cultural reading experience

• Storyline sparks dialogue around kindness, empathy, courage, and resilience

• Exquisite illustrations of Taiwanese artisans' craftsmanship foster appreciation for heritage and traditions

• Bilingual text in English and Mandarin encourages learning in both languages

Book on Amazon

MY TIDBITS

What begins as a little mystery turns into an exciting adventure with many things to see and people to meet.

Pei's mother drops her off at her grandmother's before heading off to work. Pei isn't too happy about it until she smells Grandmother's pineapple cakes. Her grandmother wants to give her some, but the last batch has suddenly disappeared. Pei's on the case and decides to follow the clues. The trail leads Pei and her grandmother to a tea shop, a basket shop, and even farther away. As the day continues, they discover many things together, but the pineapple cakes are still nowhere to be found. 

These pages pack cultural goodness in the sweetest way. Pei's disappointment in the beginning draws in and will have readers sympathizing with her, but this sadness quickly dissipates as the mystery slides in. The author leads readers through many aspects of the Taiwanese culture and life as they follow clues from one place to the other. Each spot holds kind and friendly artisans, who invite Pei to join in on the activities. And with her grandmother constantly at her side, there's always a sense of wholesome security and love.

The text makes a lovely read-aloud for especially the older end of the age group. It flows well enough, but the goodness lies in the bilingual delivery. The tale is presented in both English and Mandarin on each page. To add extra zest, the illustrations bring the various scenes to life. Readers can explore the details and characters to learn more about each place visited, while gaining a visual understanding of the culture. The atmosphere is always cheerful and friendly as well.

While the language and culture make this a treat for those wanting to learn more about Taiwan, the mystery adds a tiny, hint of tension. Together with Pei's joyful personality and the family warmth, this is a read to pick up and enjoy.

And here she is...

Crystal Z. Lee is a bilingual writer who divides her time between the U.S. and Asia. Crystal grew up in Taipei and later returned to live there in her adult years. Some of Crystal's fondest memories in Taiwan include boating at Sun Moon Lake, chasing butterflies in Maolin, making pineapple cakes and eating her way through night markets with her family. Besides children's books, Crystal's other published works include poetry and a novel. Her other book about Taiwan is titled Kai the Dancing Butterfly. She is also the author of Mei's Mermaid Mission, A Unicorn Named Rin, and Love and Other Moods.

Allie Su grew up in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She often finds her illustration inspiration from the great outdoors. One of her favorite places to hike in Taiwan is Sun-Link-Sea Forest in Nantou. She adores Taiwanese cuisine and night market foods, such as stinky tofu, vegetarian noodles and taro pastries from Taichung. Allie also illustrated Mei's Mermaid Mission and Kai the Dancing Butterfly.

https://www.crystalzleeauthor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/crystal.z.lee/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20927312.Crystal_Z_Lee

Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen

Today's read gave me instant, classic vibes, meaning that the title and the cover looks like a book that would have been enjoyed even when I was a kid (and I'm not going to say when that was). The boy's clothing takes an historical but not-really historical twist with the leggings, tunic, and baseball cap. Or that's what I'm seeing and I might totally be off base on that guess.

Anyway, let's just open it up and see what these animals and boy are up to.

OH DEAR, LOOK WHAT I GOT!

by Michael Rosen

Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Candlewick

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 2nd!!!

The incomparable creative team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt reunite for a read-aloud comedy of misunderstandings that has all the hallmarks of a classic.

I went to the shop to get me a carrot.
Oh dear! They gave me . . .
. . . a parrot.
Oh dear! Look what I got.
Do I want that? No, I do NOT!

As a hapless boy goes from shop to shop, requesting a series of perfectly reasonable items—a hat, a coat, a cake, a chair—he finds himself thwarted at every turn, amassing instead a growing menagerie of animals who happily follow him on his errands. It’s not until he finally asks for a cup that he’s proffered a wriggly creature that solves his dilemma . . . or does it? Adding delicious momentum to Michael Rosen’s rhymes (and mastery of the page turn) are an expressive crew of animal characters rendered as only Helen Oxenbury can, making for a timeless story guaranteed to beg many repeat readings. Oh dear!

GOODREADS    /     CANDLEWICK

MY TIDBITS

Going to the store becomes an adventure in these pages.

A boy heads out shopping, but the stores aren't giving him what he expected to buy. A hat turns out to be a cat and so on. Soon, he has an entire parade of animals and nothing that he wanted, but the fun doesn't stop there.

Written in verse, this is an enjoyable read-aloud, which invites listeners to join in with the repeated text. The surmise is simple yet cute as the boy goes to the store to purchase a specific item and receives a surprise wrapped in brown paper, instead. It's a fun way to work with basic rhyming skills as readers will catch-on and try to figure out what rhymes with the article he's looking for. It flows well and fits nicely to the gentler tones of the illustrations. These images mix humor with seriousness in a delightful way and draw in.

While the book gives off classic flair and hints at fitting the enjoyed category for many years to come, it takes an interesting and surprising twist toward the end, which stuttered against the flow. It took a pause as it wasn't clear what set the actions off, but only for a brief moment. Then, the joyful atmosphere beams through. These last moments add a sense of joy and community but also stuttered against the flow to create a suddenness that almost confused. But it only takes a second to smile and want to join right in with the group. The ending leaves room for thought in a clever way to perfectly round things off.

Happy Book Birthday, Schooled by Jamie Sumner!

 

I'm all smiles because it's time to shout-out another book birthday! Today's read hits the shelves tomorrow and promises all sorts of middle school life goodness. I'm expecting tons of weaves around friendship and family, and hope all of this is handled in a grabbing, smooth way. 

So, let's open it up and take a look!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

SCHOOLED

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Fiction

224 pages

ages 10 and up

Eleven-year-old Lenny Syms is about to start college—sort of. As part of a brand-new experimental school, Lenny and four other students are starting sixth grade on a university campus, where they’ll be taught by the most brilliant professors and given every resource imaginable. This new school is pretty weird, though. Instead of hunkering down behind a desk to study math, science, and history, Lenny finds himself meditating, participating in discussions where you don’t even have to raise your hand, and spying on the campus population in the name of anthropology.

But Lenny just lost his mom, and his Latin professor dad is better with dead languages than actual human beings. Lenny doesn’t want to be part of some learning experiment. He just wants to be left alone. Yet if Lenny is going to make it as a middle schooler on a college campus, he’s going to need help. Is a group of misfit sixth graders and one particularly quirky professor enough to pull him out of his sadness and back into the world?

AMAZON    /      GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Lenny is eleven and headed to college. Well, sort of. After the passing of his mother due to cancer, his father has decided to homeschool him. Together with three other 6th graders, his father, a Latin professor at the college, wants to use the college resources as a background to the school day...which is somewhat weird and definitely doesn't take a traditional mold. Each day of the week is devoted to an activity: meditation, observing students, auditing classes. There is a general project due at the end of the semester, though. Thanks to a literature professor Lenny befriends, Lenny figures out a theme pretty quick, but his dad doesn't like it. Not that his dad pays attention to him much, anyway. 

 Lenny's school day is anything but normal as he roams the campus and takes in the life and knowledge around him. The lack of structured learning, math, reading assignments, and will, no doubt, have readers wondering if they could leave their classrooms for that type of school, too. Even Lenny's new friendships offer fun and support to make this an unique and inviting world.

The grief after the loss of the mother remains at the center of this read as Lenny not only deals with his own emotions but battles with those of his father. There are quite a few reads, right now, which deal with the loss of a loved one (too many). This one hits the topic with a slightly different twist and looks at the difficult parental relationships which can occur.  The father's attitude weighs down and keeps a serious tone to the read the entire way through. But this builds a nice arc by the end and leaves with a sense of hope.

It's a smooth read and fits the suggested audience level. I would suggest this one as a solid middle grade read and not just for the upper end, though. There were some questionable aspects on the realistic end of the homeschooling in regards to state regulations, ability of 6th graders to meld so well on the campus, and such, but this won't bother readers, and doesn't break the flow of the story, either. 

Readers which dream of college or wonder how it would be to spend time in a school, where exchanging test answers is encouraged, will be intrigued by this one.

 

And here she is...

Jamie Sumner is the author of Roll with It, Time to Roll, Rolling On, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, and Schooled. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.

Braxton and Booger: Surviving Space School by Shannon Maguire and Andy Baird

 I saw today's read and wanted to immediately take a peek. The cover screams excitement and action, while that alien hints at ridiculous humor. I'm all for that, since light-hearted and fun reads soothe the soul. Yep, they are a blast of fresh air, sometimes, and let the imagination soar. 

I hope it's as silly and fun as I hope it will be. Only one way to find out if it is! So, let's go...

BRAXTON & BOOGER

Surviving Space School

Part 1

by Shannon Maguire 

and Andy Baird

Children's Science Fiction

Graphic Novel

COMING...

AUGUST 31st!!!

Goodbye, Math and English. Hello, Aliens 101 and Combat Simulation. 

Braxton Keller’s new middle school schedule has him actually looking forward to starting a new school. He’s just enrolled in a secret space school that trains kids how to protect the world from aliens. That’s right. Aliens exist, and middle school kids are kicking their butts. It’s a dream come true until Braxton meets the class bully, who points out what a clutz he is. She also gives him horrible news about his future. If he can’t stop tripping over his own feet long enough to pass his combat exam, he’ll get kicked out of school. Things look bleak until one of the aliens he’s supposed to destroy says he comes in peace and can help Braxton pass his exam. The alien, whom he nicknames Booger, turns out to be a lot of trouble but also a lot of fun. Everything is going great until Braxton uncovers a shocking secret about Booger’s past. 

Will Booger turn out to be Braxton’s new best friend or his worst nightmare? Booger and Braxton: Surviving Space School is an action-packed science fiction graphic novel for all ages that will have you laughing out loud from start to finish.

SILLY SQUARES COMICS

MY TIDBITS

Space and adventure mix with alien cleverness to form an quick-paced and fun read.

Braxton pulls a super-high score on a video game, and the next thing he knows, he's invited to attend a very special, super cool middle school. Or that's what the cover story is. He's being recruited to a secret agency, which destroys aliens. That means combat classes and more. While Braxton has no doubt he'll slide through everything with ease, it soon becomes clear that this group of kids isn't that easy of a bunch. He's the number one failure, immediately, and starts to get bullied because of it. When he comes fact-to-face with an alien, the creature pleads to make a deal. It will help Braxton become one of the best at the school if Braxton lets it eat things like pizza and ice cream. But aliens are clever and this might be the worst deal ever...but Braxton isn't sure he has a choice.

From the very first page, this read slams into hyper-drive and fun. Each graphic hits with purpose to make sure that no time is lost or wasted. While it begins with Braxton's amazing gaming skills, it quickly switches gear to secret agents in black...and this with a nice dose of humor as each dialogue and personality carries quirks and a hint of silliness. When the alien academy comes, it's clear that there isn't even squish room for boredom...and it's good so. Scifi imagination beams from every page in a cartoony way.

At first, this comes across as a read, packed with silliness and action for the sheer purpose of fun, but it holds more. Braxton's confidence is all but demolished as he's forced to realize that there are kids out there, who are better than him. His determination to train and meet the standards is inspirational, too. Then, there's the entire 'kill all aliens' attitude of the school, which adds the question of right vs wrong, and the gray areas of life. Even the relationship between Braxton and the alien holds open questions, which will give readers a bit to consider on that end.

This is read fits very well to beginning readers, who are sure of their words but need more practice before heading into thicker tales. The vocabulary pushes just a bit, at times, but not enough to scare off even more reluctant readers. The text is kept concise and directed, while the illustrations let the fun soar. These are bright and bold, and bring across the scifi aspect with tons of energy. 

Fans of fast-paced action and silly humor are sure to enjoy this one quite a bit.

And here they are...

Andy Baird previously worked as a graphic designer before deciding to create graphic novels, and Shannon Maguire loves writing humor and has taken courses in stand-up comedy and improv. They are a husband and wife comic-creating team who live in Canada.

The Scarlet Ship by Claire Grimond

THE SCARLET SHIP

by Claire Grimond

Translated by Rebecca Potters

Illustrated by Leo Verrier

Middle Grade Fantasy   /  

Graphic Novel

Andrews McMeel Publishing

112 pages

Ages 10 to 12

COMING...

OCTOBER 7th!!!

Twelve-year-old Malo and his grandmother board the Scarlet Ship in this beautifully illustrated, full-color graphic novel for young readers. A super fun, high-stakes pirate adventure with the heartfelt themes of identity, courage, and the power of art!

Join Malo, a spirited young artist, on an exhilarating journey as he strives to match the incredible talents of his famous Grandma Zita. For fans of Disney's Encanto, Jennifer Muro's A Superhero Graphic Novel, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, and those who are eager to chase their dreams in the face of doubt.

When Malo and his grandmother board a mysterious, floating vessel called the Scarlet Ship, they're not quite sure what to expect. After all, the ship’s crew are no ordinary pirates; they specialize in art . . . piracy!

At the helm of the ship is the fearsome Captain Magenta, a ruthless man with a singular to wipe out artistic expression from the world forever . 

Armed with brushes, paints, and unwavering courage, Malo and his new friend Cyane must stand against Captain Magenta’s tyranny, save Grandma Zita from certain doom, and demonstrate that art possesses the power to inspire, unite, and stand up against oppression.

Brought to life with vibrant, expressive illustrations by renowned French comic artist Léo Verrier, The Scarlet Ship brims with heart, humor, and high-flying adventure. This graphic novel   invites readers of all ages to uncover the magic of creativity and the importance of discovering their own artistic voice.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Grandmother and grandchild goodness meets magic and adventure to form an exciting and wholesome tale.

Malo's grandmother is a renowned artist and sees amazing potential in Malo's abilities...although he doesn't agree because he never even knows what to create. When a trip to the gallery coincides with the theft of one of his grandmother's paintings, more than a mystery is set into play. Instead, Malo follows his grandmother to the building's roof where they find a flying elevator. That takes them to a flying pirate ship, with a crew which loves to paint. Add a questionable captain, a scared muse, and a very determined detective, and Malo is on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a playful fantasy, which lets the imagination take flight in original ways. A flying elevator already will raise the first eyebrows, but it's the artistic pirates which adds unique flair. While the pirate ship and its crew hold traditional flair (outside of flying, of course), these pirates 'raid' by dropping overboard with giant paintbrushes to decorate the sides of buildings. Their love for color is fun, too. Then, there's the muse with her little wings, who disappears into artwork at will, as well, as a captain, who has a surprising side to add a sense of danger and tension...something every true adventure needs. There's also a nod toward steampunk with the detectives mechanical bird. In other words, there's a lot of unexpected details to let dreams soar and keep the pacing quick the entire way through.

There's also food for thought built in. First, there's the grandmother's desire for the grandson to follow her path. She isn't really pushy but just the high-expectations bug Malo. Then, there's a bit of self-discovery as Malo learns to open up and step beyond his comfort zone. There's also lessons about greed, and a discussion-worthy visit to graffiti's place and rightness in society. 

The illustrations let the fantasy flow and keep the tension high to accompany the text wonderfully. It's enjoyable to simply flip through these and enjoy the story. But the text also does a nice job and bringing zest and plot in the right ways. It fits well to the age group, especially the middle and lower ends. The art direction will settle better with some readers than others.

It's a lovely read with tons of fantasy goodness and will delight especially creative readers. 

The Witching Hour by Jennifer Harris

I saw this cover and found it so magical and full of love that I had to take a peek. 

 

THE WITCHING HOUR

by Jennifer Harris

Illustrated by Adelina Lirius

Tundra Books

Picture Book

ages 3 to 7

32 pages

A family of witches desperately tries to entertain a cranky baby in this delightful picture book for fans of Little Witch Hazel and Go the F**k to Sleep.

In the witching hour between dinner and bedtime, anything can laughter, tears, fun screaming, not-fun screaming . . . parents, siblings, pets and neighbors are all familiar with this dreaded time of day.

What happens when that cranky baby is part of a family of witches?

Turns out, it's pretty much the same, except sometimes the toys levitate and the soothing songs sound a little different . . .

The Witching Hour is a spare, slyly funny and deeply familiar slice-of-life story featuring a fussy little witch and their increasingly desperate family.

AMAZON     /     GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Whimsical tones accompany the difficulties of the last hours before bedtime to form an adorable read.

A small mishap at dinner makes a difficult start to the evening hours. Already growing tired, the youngest easily cries. The witches try their best to calm her down, but the usual tricks aren't working. 

This is an enjoyable twist on a familiar situation. By the end of the day, it's not unusual to feel tired or have the need to relax, and babies tend to let their emotions flow. Toys, silly antics, and extra attention might solve the problem but don't always work. These witches try all sorts of things to cheer the baby up, and that with a touch of magic as toys levitate, pink poodles appear, or a broomstick offers a ride. It's familiar and, yet, carries enough fantasy to invite to dreams.

There's a lovely sense of care and warmth as the witches go out of their way to comfort the baby. It was especially nice to see an older sibling helping out as much as it could. Even fairies get involved to give an extra sense of community and support, while the bats and magical sparkles make sure to keep the imagination involved as well. 

Colorful illustrations make each scene inviting and keep the atmosphere light. These hold fun details, which invite readers/listeners to come back and explore each moment again on their own. The text flows smoothly and, usually, consists of a short phrase, which flows as smoothly as a lullaby. This makes it a lovely read-aloud even for more impatient listeners.