Happy Book Birthday, Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret by Barbara Cantini!

I'm stepping up on my spooky reads for the next weeks and diving into one that looks like it could be tons of fun for the beginning readers out there. This is the fifth book in a series, and nope, I haven't read the other books, yet. The cover is giving off monster vibes but in a family and friendship kind of way. I'm thinking there might be a little mystery involved as well.

But let's just take a look and find out!

GHOULIA AND THE

SUNKEN SECRET

Mortina #5

by Barbara Cantini

Amulet Books

Children's Fantasy

66 pages

ages 6 to 8

Everyone’s favorite little zombie girl is back in the fifth book of this ghoulishly good Tim Burton–inspired early chapter book

Halloween is approaching which means it’s time for the annual parade! Between carving pumpkins and enjoying fresh pumpkin juice, Ghoulia and her friends realize they need to find the perfect costume.

While rummaging through the attic for hats, masks, and capes, they stumble upon an old memory box. Inside are trinkets, old photographs, and a faded postcard—from Ghoulia’s parents! They embarked on a voyage long ago but never returned from their trip. Where could they have possibly ended up?

It’s time to put on some sleuthing gear; finding out will require detective skills and a lot of imagination! With the help of her faithful dog Tragedy, cousin Dilbert, and all her friends, Ghoulia sets on a journey to crack open the titanic mystery of her parents’ whereabouts . . . before the trail gets too cold!

Ghoulia and friends return in the fifth book of this fun, full-color chapter book series, starring everyone’s favorite, not-so-scary zombie.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With aspects reminiscent of The Addams Family, this adventure draws in with a fun sense of creepy and friendship, which looks beyond the surface.

Ghoulia is excited about the upcoming Halloween parade, since it's the one time each year that she and her family can join the rest of the residents of the town and not be spotted as monsters. While getting ready for the big day, she stumbles across a memory box. Inside, there are photos and letters from her parents, who had disappeared years ago. One postcard has a photo of the ship they were last seen on, and Ghoulia realizes that she might be able to find them with this new clue. With her two human friends, she heads to the museum to see which ship it was and is very surprised to discover that it was the Titanic. Ghoulia is sure that her now zombie parents are lost on the bottom of the ocean and has to think of a way to find them and bring them home.

Ghoulia is a zombie to want to be friends with, but then, her entire family is kind, quirky, and eventful. There's never a dull moment, and they help each other out where they can. Her two friends are also golden and offer a little solid grounding in her otherwise crazy world. It's easy to sympathize with her as she misses her parents and readers will hope she finds a way to find them, too. While this emotional end makes everyone likeable, it's the oddities which really make every moment shine. From strange aunts and uncles to visiting dogs and bats with special talents, it's impossible to guess what everyone is up to, and each moment delights.

The pages are covered with detailed and bright illustrations, giving something to discover with every glance. There are even little phrases scribbled on the illustrations to point out certain items, which are curious and put a smile on the face. The text is clearly printed either around the illustrations or in them. These are just right for those readers, who are sure of their words but need extra practice before diving into longer tales. It does make a nice read-aloud, but this is the type of book, which will have readers eager to get to the point that they can pick it up on their own. At the end of the book, there are directions on how reader scan create their own memory boxes, which adds a nice touch.

Each scene offers positive moments, and even when the monsterly aspects come out, it is always mixed with humor and fun. It will be fun to see what other adventures lie in store for this bunch.

The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey by Megan Wynne

It's only a few more days before the spooky season sets in, but I'm already gearing up for the fun. Today's read should set the stage for ghosts and more. I'm expecting some mystery but also some heart, since it should touch upon forming friendships, too. So, I'm suspecting that today's read isn't necessarily chilling or creep, but rather, gently opens the door to the realm of ghosts and mystery. 

So, let's dive in and see what this ghost is up to!

THE SPIRIT OF 

LOUGHMOE ABBEY

by Megan Wynne

Our Street Books

Middle Grade Paranormal

192 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

OCTOBER 1st!!!

Troubled Gwen doesn’t fit in at boarding school, but everything changes when she encounters a mysterious ghost who reveals a family secret.

 'I live on the other side.' 

Gwen swallowed. 'Of what?'

 'Of life.' The spirit girl’s eyes shone with silver tears. 

What if the dead could help the living? 

Home schooled all her life, Gwen is packed off to boarding school when her mother goes into hospital. Gwen believes the key to making her mother better is to be a success at school. Trouble is Gwen doesn’t fit in. She is bottom of the class, useless at games, and doesn’t get along with her classmates, but in 1980s Ireland, nobody has heard of neurodivergence - especially in girls! Gwen wishes she could make friends but doesn’t know what a ‘real’ friend is. To make matters worse she is haunted by a mysterious spirit who wants to help Gwen and her mother. 

Can Gwen trust the spirit? And can the two of them make Gwen’s mum better? An extraordinary ghost story about a family mystery and finding ‘real’ friendship.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Not all ghost stories are only about spooks and scares, and this one embraces its paranormal with heart.

Gwen has been homeschooled her entire life, but things have changed. Her mother has grown more and more unstable mentally and needs help. To offer some room, her father insists on sending her to boarding school but promises to bring her back home in several months if she doesn't like it and her mother is doing better. Unhappy, Gwen heads off to school and has more than a little trouble adjusting. Nothing goes right, and it only grows worse when she meets a ghost. But it might be the best thing that ever happened to her.

I picked this one up expecting a ghost story, which it is, obviously, but not as much as I thought it'd be. Instead, it's also so much more. 

The plot centers around Gwen, who is neurodivergent in a time where that wasn't recognized yet. This creates all sorts of problems as she's tossed, for the first time, into boarding school, where she has to deal with other people on a day-to-day basis. Even share a room. The first 25% of the book lets the reader get to know her, her situation, and her struggles as well as understand the dynamics she has with her mother. And it's these relationships with her mother and others, which truly sit at the foundation of this read. Readers get a good understanding of the school life as well, as she spends quite a bit of time, at first, dealing with the other students and the teachers. So, there's quite a bit of depth and character arc with the ghost offering a layer of haunting excitement, and a lead toward hope and guidance in an original way. 

There's a lot of care put into this read, but pacing and tension aren't forgotten. As the tale moves along, Gwen lands in one problem after the other and struggles to understand what's going on. The interaction with the other students offers uncertainty, especially with a bully or two, and the ghost slides in an exciting dose of mystery and tension later on. This will keep readers, especially those who enjoy a little middle school drama and boarding school difficulties, wondering how Gwen will steer everything. 

On the message end, there's a lot of food for thought. Gwen has to learn about her own special way of handling things and how that melds with society...which is a harsh lesson after being so extremely sheltered. This also made her a little difficult to connect with, since she was very defensive and difficult for awhile. Then, there's the issues surrounding a parent, who's dealing with mental health issues, and this was handled very nicely. The problems with forming in friendships and letting down the walls to allow others in rounded off the goodness in a lovely way. 

And here she is...

Living in Dublin, Ireland, Megan Wynne is a writer and fully qualified teacher. Megan gives workshops in journaling to support mental well being. She also teaches creative writing to children, teenagers and adults. In 2022/23 Megan was an awardee on the Evolution Programme for emerging writers with the Irish Writers Centre. In 2022 and 2024 she received an Agility Award from the Irish Arts Council. She has received five literature bursaries from her local County Council Arts Office. Megan is a member of Poetry Ireland’s Writers in Schools Scheme. She teaches workshops at literary festivals, in libraries and schools. www.meganwynne.com

I Hate Everything! by Sophy Henn

Happy Sunday! Today's read might seem to be about ghosts...well obviously, it is because the characters on the cover are ghosts...but I'm pretty sure there's much more to it than that. I'm hoping this read will bring across some fun right along with its message.

Let's see how it goes, shall we?

(Note: This read is heading toward my possible favorites of the year list.)

I HATE EVERYTHING!

by Sophy Henn

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

When a ghost is in a bad mood, his pal tries to turn his frown upside down in this irresistible picture book about there always being something to love.

A ghost is having a very bad day. He feels like he hates EVERYTHING! Lucky for him, he has a good ghost friend to talk it through with. Because if he doesn’t really hate sweets or flowers or dressing up, and he definitely doesn’t hate his friend, then maybe he doesn’t hate everything after all…

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Sometimes simple is the most fun, and these pages prove that point.

This ghost is grumpy and claims to hate everything, but his friend is pretty sure he just needs some cheering up. So, the friend does the most simple thing and asks the ghost if it hates things, which it definitely doesn't such as candy and more. With a cute line-up of things, it soon becomes clear that the ghost may not hate a lot of things. The conclusion rounds the message off nicely...well, with a last twist at the end to add a final groan and smile.

The text is kept very simple with the ghosts  stating what needs to be said to make things clear. And that is all that's necessary. The illustrations carry the same direct simplicity. Th friend shows the ghost each item and that's that. There isn't any extra background or details, keeping  the visuals centered. And that's perfect. It creates a potent, understandable read, which holds just enough familiarity and gentle humor to draw even reluctant readers in and hold their attention. 

This is one of those reads, which is masterfully done to add just enough to make the entire thing sit wonderfully and be very enjoyable from beginning to end.

And here she is...

Sophy Henn is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator with a master’s in illustration from the University of Brighton. She is the creator of the much-loved Bad Nana series, the Pom Pom series, the Ted board book series, and the nonfiction titles Lifesize and Lifesize Dinosaurs, among others. Her debut picture book, Where Bear?, was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Dinky the Tinysaur by Maggie Edkins Willis

Ready for some dinosaur fun? It's been a long time since I've seen a dinosaur book, now that I think about it. And dinosaur books are always happily seen! Today's read promises to hold humor and family fun...and some messages, too, probably.

So, let's open it up and see who this dinosaur is!

DINKY THE TINYSAUR

by Maggie Edkins Willis

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

OCTOBER 7th!!!

An oversized dinosaur named Dinky helps two siblings discover that a person’s heart matters more than their appearance in this delightful picture book perfect for fans of Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dragons Love Tacos.

Twin siblings have their heart set on adopting a dinosaur. But not just any dinosaur—they want a pocket-sized tinysaur! They find the perfect one and name her Dinky. Life with Dinky is lots of fun…until one day when the twins start to notice that Dinky is growing.

When Dinky’s new size causes trouble at their birthday party, the twins get angry and Dinky runs away. But it isn’t long until the twins miss their beloved pet. Can they find Dinky and bring her back home?

GOODREADS      /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This is a cute, imaginative story, which will have readers wishing they could have a dinosaur of their own.

These twin siblings want a dinosaur as a pet...or rather, a tinysaur since a dinosaur might cause issues due to its larger size. When the dinosaur fair hits the park and families can find their own dino-pets, the twins are excited to find on tinysaur in a box. A real tinysaur according to the box. Having a tinysaur is great and the twins are enjoying every moment with their wonderful pet, but over time, something changes. Little by little, the tinysaur grows until it no longer fits to its name. And that's a gigantic issue.

This is a fun, short, and easy read, which lets the imagination flow with sheer fun. There aren't really any heavy messages in these pages. Rather, it lets the excitement, joy, and issues of having a dino as a pet take over. There are tons of good vibes as the twins spend quality time with their tinysaur, and even when the situation changes, the love is still there. 

This makes a great read for even slightly younger audiences and works great for those readers, who are learning to discover tales on their own, too. The light fun makes for a cute read-aloud, which is sure to put a smile on listeners' faces without raising the excitement level too high, either. 

Not only dino fans are sure to enjoy this adorable tale.

And here she is...

Maggie Edkins Willis grew up in Missouri and Maine. She now writes and illustrates books for children from her home studio in the Hudson Valley, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her debut picture book, Little Ghost Makes a Friend, was a bestseller. She is also the creator of the middle grade graphic novel Smaller Sister. You can visit her online at MaggieMadeThis.com.

Interview with Judith Orloff MD and The Highly Sensitive Rabbit

Today, we're going to do something a little different...a little change-up, now and then, is always fun, right? The lovely author, Judith Orloff, has been kind enough to drop by with an interview surrounding her upcoming book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. Since one of my own daughters tends to be on the more sensitive side, I was curious about this read. Plus, the bunny on the front between the cacti is so adorable!

Anyway, let's head right in and see what goodness this book is all about!

 

THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE

RABBIT

by Judith Orloff &

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by Katy Tanis

Sounds True

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

OCTOBER 7th!!!

A highly sensitive rabbit learns lessons of kindness and self-care from other desert animals.

Aurora is a highly sensitive rabbit. She worries about the natural world and the other animals around her. When a flash flood destroys her family’s burrow, Aurora must accept her sensitive nature and learn how to thrive by using breathing techniques, taking time alone, and setting boundaries. Eventually, she comes to understand that she can connect with others and enjoy the beauty of the world while embracing who she is.

Based on Dr. Judith Orloff’s teachings about thriving as an empath, this picture book offers easy-to-learn coping and communication skills through a beautifully written and illustrated story. It also includes a nonfiction section at the back that teaches about plants and animals native to the Sonoran Desert.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

Interview with Judith Orloff MD

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in psychiatry and highly sensitive kids and adults in particular?

I was a highly sensitive only child who was raised by two physician-parents. I have twenty-five physicians in my family. So, I grew up in a linear and scientific family. As a child, I was very sensitive, intuitive and easily overwhelmed. For instance, I couldn’t go to shopping malls or crowded places without getting anxious or exhausted. I didn’t realize that as a highly sensitive child I was an emotional sponge for stress, especially in crowds. My ordinarily loving mother responded, “Dear, you don’t have a thick enough skin. You’re too sensitive!” So I grew up believing there was something wrong with me. 

I was attracted to Psychiatry to help legitimize the experiences of highly sensitive children and adults. I went to medical school at USC and completed my psychiatric residency at UCLA. 

In my upcoming book “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit“ I want to help children and their parents release shame about being highly sensitive and embrace their gifts.  The book is also dedicated to the highly sensitive child within us grownups who deserves to be honored too.

What are some of the characteristics of a highly sensitive child? 

Highly sensitive children are precious beings but are frequently misunderstood. They often feel things deeply and are compassionate and good listeners. They tend to be overstimulated by crowds, noise, and stress and need a lot of alone time. They can feel different than other kids and express that they don’t fit in. They may be emotional sponges who take on your stress and other people’s stress and may act out when you’re angry or stressed. They might have one best friend rather than a large group of friends.

What are some of the challenges that these kids face in school, at home, with peers?

Similar to Aurora, the main character in “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,” at school or at home sensitive kids often get made fun of, or are called “cry babies” or they are bullied.  These children can feel different than other kids because they are overstimulated by noise, loud talking, and prefer a quiet walk in the forest to the chaos of loud video games or violent action films.  

How can parents better support their sensitive children? 

Some tips for nurturing highly sensitive children include encouraging your child’s sensitivities and intuition. Make it clear that not everyone is accepting of these gifts and identify people who might be safe. Listen closely to what your child feels and respect their feelings. Emphasize that sensitivity is something to be proud of. 

Also learn to support them in calming down if they get overstimulated. Allow them to have alone time to decompress. Help your child turn down the dial on stress. 

What unique qualities do sensitive kids have that caregivers and educators should be aware of?

They may care deeply about other people, animals., trees, flowers and the natural world They have strong emotions and may cry more than other kids or feel very sad if a child or animal is suffering. They want to help others and are extremely empathic. But their emotions may overwhelm them and they might have a hard time containing their feelings. Highly sensitive kids must learn to breathe out stress when they are upset and gain self-mastery in calming themselves. Teach them to be aware of when they are absorbing other people’s stress and how to meditate or practice slow breathing to center themselves. Encourage the child to take alone time to be quiet and creative. Parents and caregivers can be emotional stabilizers. One mother told me, “When I’m anxious my sensitive son feels it which destabilizes him and triggers tantrums.” When I’m centered it makes him feel more secure.”

How can parents and teachers better support these qualities?

See your child’s sensitivity as something that is right with them—there is nothing wrong. However, you may need to nurture them in very specific ways and encourage their perceptions and sensitivities rather than reinforce that being sensitive is something to be ashamed of or that it is a sign of weakness.

What do you wish everyone knew about sensitive kids?

Sensitive kids are a blessing to everyone who meets them. They must learn from the very beginning how wonderful their sensitivities are, but being highly sensitive may require a child to develop some skills to deal with the common challenges. For instance, learning to decompress and calm down when they’re under stress. I hope “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit” helps you and your child experience an added respect for your sensitivities. Be your child’s champion. Teach them to love and accept themselves always.  

This article originally ran in LA Parent Magazine

Judith Orloff MD is a New York Times bestselling author of the upcoming book “The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,” which tells the story of Aurora, a sensitive, caring cottontail in the Sonoran desert, who learns to accept her gifts as a highly sensitive bunny. More information about Dr. Orloff’s LA events and book available for pre-order now at www.drjudithorloff.com.

So, My Mom's From Outer Space by Tennille Marie

It's time for another scifi read! I'm thrilled that this year is seeing so many tales in this genre, since it often doesn't get as much love in the kidlit realm. 2025 seems to be a bit of a rediscovery on the science fiction front, and the range of themes always surprises me. This one looks like it could hold some humor as well as adventure.

So, let's see how it goes, shall we?

SO, MY MOM'S FROM OUTER SPACE

by Tennille Marie

Monarch Educational Services LLC

Middle Grade Science Fiction

162 pages

ages 8 to 12

Wyatt Ricardo thought his biggest problem was being grounded. Then his mom vanished, and a talking alien bear-cat showed up claiming she's a galactic queen.

Now Wyatt's thirteenth birthday is only days away, and the truth is out. He's not just an ordinary kid. He's royalty from a distant planet. With the evil Grools closing in, his mom missing, and his powers beginning to awaken, Wyatt has a lot to learn-and fast.

Thankfully, he's not alone. His brave stepsister Addy and a shape-shifting warrior named Blairgorx (who goes by Joe Coffee) are ready to help. Together, they'll face secret training missions, sarcastic stepbrothers, clueless teachers, and possibly intergalactic war, all while trying to survive middle school.

Can Wyatt unlock his powers in time to rescue his mom and save two worlds? Or will the Grools catch him before he's ready to fight back?

Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Galaxy Zack, this laugh-out-loud sci-fi adventure blends family, friendship, and courage with a touch of cosmic chaos.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Adventure and more than a few surprises make sure these pages keep turning until the very end.

Wyatt's late again, which means he's in loads of trouble with his mom. Worse yet, she might punish him on his 13th birthday! When he gets home, she doesn't yell at him, and instead, he finds she's gone missing. The police are looking for her, and he's told to go on with his life as he would any other day. But that's kind of impossible, since all he can think about is his missing mom. Then, a package arrives, and he finds an alien inside, who claims that his mom is a queen on a far away planet. With his step-sister's help, Wyatt joins the alien to find and free his mom from the evil alien Grools...and that while doing his best to get through normal school days.

The first pages start with tension as Wyatt pedals as fast as he can home, knowing that although he's only a few minutes late, he's going to be in huge trouble. His concerns are very easy to connect with and make him come across as a normal kid readers might know themselves. Then, the science fiction aspects hit and imagination shifts into high-gear as he meets an alien warrior, discovers his own alien background, and fights very dangerous foes. It creates an exciting read with something constantly happening.

The read moves along at a quick pace and adds enough humor to keep it fun. The writing stays light and fits even the lower range of the intended age group nicely. Small, simple illustrations are amply sprinkled between the text to add a little visual fun, and these are especially enjoyable when picturing the Grools. Science fiction fans are sure to enjoy the galactic plot and even those, who like to dive into chaotic adventures with enjoyable characters, will want to give this read a go.

The Clock by Pam Fong

THE CLOCK

by Pam Fong

Union Square Kids

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

OCTOBER 14th!!!

An artful nonfiction ode to the beauty and magic of second chances. 

In early twentieth-century Paris, a new train station—the Gare d’Orsay—was a marvel to everyone who saw it. With stunning architecture and the first trains to be powered by electricity, the station welcomed the world. At the heart of the station was a brilliant clock that hung high above the crowds.

The clock was essential in keeping the station humming. It was as beautiful as it was important. Until it was not.

Paris expanded and soon outgrew the station. The crowds moved elsewhere, and the clock was abandoned. But memories are strong, and a love of beauty remains.

In this poignant account of the transformation of a Paris train station into the world-class Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum), Pam Fong invites readers to experience the decades-long journey of a resilient clock, and to discover a lasting truth—there is always time for second chances.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER 

MY TIDBITS

A visual step back into history progresses into inspiration and hope in a touching way.

The Gare D'Orsay train station was an architectural accomplishment when it was built in Paris, and it held an amazing clock. But no one could guess that advancements in the transportation industry would make it obsolete only a few decades later. So, it stood abandoned and forgotten with the gorgeous clock hanging lonely on the wall.

This book is driven by the illustrations with the text coming in as needed to carry the story forward and bring across the information in a grabbing way. The details and happenings of the train station call to gazing and lure into the early time frame. Readers will enjoy exploring these and watching the people pass. The images work wonderfully for discovery and even a little explanation with interaction. The clock remains the center piece and will have readers wishing they could see it in real life.

There's a nice balance between atmosphere and facts, and it draws in to keep boredom away. More reluctant listeners might not be as taken, but normal readers are sure to appreciate the scenes. When the scenes shift more toward modern day, the mood changes, and while the author keeps it interesting during the reconstruction, the last pages land on what the building is today with a less dreamy feel. It ends as an invitation to the museum and shows how change opens new doors. 

And here she is...

Pam Fong is the author and illustrator of Hedgehog and the Log, Rou and the Great Race, Once Upon a Forest, and A Spark in the Dark. After decades working in the art world, Pam is now committed to the important work of creating timeless picture books. She earned a degree in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. She lives in San Diego, CA, with her family. She invites you to visit her online at www.pamfong.com.