Operation: Make a Splash by Tate Godwin

Today's read takes a break from serious reads and slides into humor in graphic novel form. Actually, I'm expecting a little spice-of-life humor mixed with friendship and a few problems kids can identify with. But maybe, I'm wrong. Telling by the title and cover image, this should be a summer-sun read and get readers ready to sprint into spring and warmer weather. We can dream, can't we? This is the 2nd (I believe) in the series, and I did read the first one and enjoyed it. (HERE)

Let's see if this book is just as fun!

OPERATION: MAKE A SPLASH

by Tate Godwin

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Humor    /    Graphic Novel

173 pages

ages 7 to 10

COMING FEBRUARY 24th!!!

Nick, Sy, and Violet have the perfect vacation planned, but nothing is going according to plan. Now, they’ll have to think fast, get creative, and make a splash in ways they never expected! A fun-filled graphic novel for fans of Cat Kid Comic Club, Hilo, and InvestiGators!

Sy’s finally going to prove himself as a pro gamer—if only his dad didn’t insist on a father-son fishing excursion instead.
 
Nick is set to collaborate with his musical hero, DJ French Toast—but their jam session is far from smooth.
 
And Violet? She signed up for Comic Design Camp . . . so why is she suddenly the star of the Drama Camp play?
 
Despite the obstacles, this trio isn’t backing down. Together, they’re ready to take on every obstacle, sink or swim. After all, school break has only just begun—and it’s time to make a splash!
 
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted fun, and cartoonist Tate Godwin’s signature style, this graphic novel proves that no mission is impossible when you’ve got your friends by your side. Perfect for spring break, summer, or any time!

PUBLISHER    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This trio of friends is in for quite the summer...in ways they didn't expect.

Nick, Violet, and Sy are more than ready for summer break and have big plans. After all, they start middle school the next school year. They promise each other to make a splash and change their lives as they each head to prove themselves in their own areas: a pro gamer, a rapper, and a comic artist. But only a day or two in, and everything seems to fall apart. Comic Design Camp is suddenly Drama Camp, gaming hours turn into fishing with Dad, and the rapping collaboration isn't quite what it seems. All three either struggle or fall flat on their faces...and it's doubtful that any of them will even get a drop of what they'd hoped to achieve.

This group jumps into drama pure with three different themes in three different directions. Each one's hopes are big, and each one is determined...which makes it so fun to get behind them and root for them the entire way through. All three are kind and don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but their struggles aren't really their faults, either. The dreams each holds will reflect those of many readers, and the author makes sure that all three are really first steps, which fit the age group. Sy's desire to gain gaming skills and leave his first marks aren't over the top, and his desire not to disappoint his dad with a fishing competition isn't only kind but realistic. Nick's issue is a little more common as he faces bullying, but with a slightly different twist since he's not the target. Rather, his warm heartedness makes him realize and want to step in when someone else is being bullied. Then there's Violet, whose problem is thrown at her immediately thanks to her parents' mistake by registration. All three will have readers wondering how they will solve their problems. Plus, all three flow wonderfully into the weave as their tales switch from one to the other in a smooth fashion.

The text is just right for beginning readers who are sure of their words. Some of Nick's vocabulary will push those word skills, but that's his character and adds reading practice in an enjoyable way. The illustrations make the action happen and add as sense of light humor as well. These also bring across the emotions while sticking in a lighter-color direction, which actually, makes the entire atmosphere less aggressive and fitting to this trio and their tales. The entire thing moves at a steady-pace to keep those pages turning, since something is always happening.

There are messages built in, obviously, but these flow right into the adventure of life in a grabbing and enjoyable way. It's a fun read from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to see what happens to these guys next.

And here he is...

Tate Godwin is a cartoonist living and drawing in North Carolina. When he's not creating comics, he's playing video games, making music on his beat machine, or baking his favorite dish: banana pepper scones (okay, not really). You can learn more about him on his website: tatecartoons.com. Operation: Cover-Up is his first graphic novel. 

The Coast is Clear by Karen Brough

Today's read should be a little more unique than the usual picture book. This one is in poem form...which isn't really that unique...but it's in mirror poem form. What is that? (Honestly, I had to look this up, too.) Ai told me that it's a poem, which reads the same forward and backward, but creates two meanings as the second half reverses the first. Or another definition states that it's two poems, which are inverses of each other, line-to-line. I've looked at some examples, but it seems to go just beyond this simple explanation, at times. I'll admit, I'm not a poem guru. So, if you could explain it better in the comments below, I'd appreciate it.

Anyway, today's read is a mirror poem, and I'm hoping it's cute and calming. At least, those are the vibes the cover is giving me. Plus, doesn't that fox look a little sly with its side glance?

Let's see how this tale works! 

THE COAST IS CLEAR

A Mirror Poem

by Karen Brough

Illustrated by Matthew Valenti

Heart Hope Publishing

Picture Book

43 pages

ages 3 to 9

The Coast is Clear - A Mirror Poem (A story that unfolds forward, then reverses back through the same events)

All is well.

This enchanting bedtime picture book transforms ordinary nighttime sounds into an extraordinary calming story designed to help little ones wind down after a busy day.

Two Ways to

As a traditional book from start to finish OR In the mirror poem format which reads from front to back, and then back again.
The scrape of a sliding door. The bark of a dog. The chime of a clock. The soft call of a plover.

Each sound weaves into a gentle tale that unfolds forwards, then backwards, like a mirror poem carried on the night air. Watch as the story builds up through sounds, then gently rewinds back to peaceful silence.

Benefits for your

Helps children wind down with a unique reverse storytelling structure

Creates a sense of peace through thoughtfully paced lyric

Develops listening skills and sound recognition

Teaches mindfulness through focused listening

Introduces Australian wildlife in a gentle way

Experience the story through sound with the included soundscape
FREE STORY SOUNDSCAPE - Children can listen to the actual sounds that inspired this story, creating a unique multi-sensory storytelling experience.

Perfect for car trips, classrooms, quiet time, or as a special bedtime experience.

Based on a true story with hidden hearts throughout Matthew Valenti's beautiful illustrations.

Perfect for ages 3-8 who love unique story structures, need help transitioning to quiet time, or enjoy sound-based storytelling. Makes for the ideal Christmas gift book for children!

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a sense of calm, this is an ideal read to pick up before bedtime, naptime, or even during those quieter moments.

These pages highlight the evening adventure of a fox as it explores the area and lands near a house. The beginning and the end match to round everything off, while the tale progresses and then reverses in a related (yet opposite) way...as a mirror poem does. It creates a deep atmosphere with calmness and security. The fox's path begins with caution, while at the same time, a dog and man in the house make their moves. This invites curiosity and a bit of caution to pull listeners in. The meeting in the middle adds a lovely climax and marks a gentle and subtly potent turning point. And the ending...well, it's like a comforting sigh. So, there is tons of atmosphere in these pages, which makes it perfect for calmer moments.

The illustrations carry much of the read and offer inviting scenes, which let the fox's actions come across with fitting emotions. These can be visited on their own and enjoyed. The text stays light with only up-to a few short phrases at a time...and not on every page. These are short and direct such as 'The snore growls' or 'The lights click off', but that's all which is needed to make each moment sit. This also makes it ideal for younger listening audiences and brings across clear familiarity. 

It's an enjoyable read from beginning to end and one to be read again and again.

K-Jane by Lydia Kang

I've been looking forward to today's read because it appears to be a sweet, young adult drama with humor and heart. And that sounds perfect for a read to snuggle up with while the weather does its thing outside. I found the blurb on this one interesting as it seems to take a new twist on the entire K-scene. 

So, let's see if this one is as enjoyable as I hope it will be.

K-JANE

by Lydia Kang

Quill Tree Books

YA Contemporary

336 pages

From acclaimed author Lydia Kang comes a funny, moving YA novel following a third-generation Korean American teen who goes to extreme and hilarious lengths to connect more with her Korean heritage, perfect for fans of Maurene Goo and Rachel Lynn Solomon.

Jane Choi is a typical Nebraskan teen—a corn-fed lover of Husker football. But lately, she feels like she’s missing something. Her non-Korean classmates—that’s everyone—are immersed in K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty . . . basically, K-everything. But for Jane, kimchi? Not a fan. Bibimbap? What is that? Her mom even named her after the very not-Korean Jane Eyre.

Everyone seems to know more about Korean culture than Jane. And she isn’t sure whether she’s more annoyed at them, or herself.

With a baby brother on the way, Jane is determined to save her new sibling from enduring the same humiliation. a totally foolproof plan to become the K-Jane of her dreams. What better way than to start a private social media account about all things Korean so her closest cousins can learn from her?

But Korean heritage and identity are more complicated than taste-testing multiple varieties of kimchi in front of a camera. And when online virality crashes into real life, Jane’s plans might just go K-boom in her face.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Life as a teen is anything but easy, and this tale embraces that in an adorable way.

Jane Choi's family immigrated from Korea...several generations ago. To say that they'd long stirred into the pot called American culture would be an understatement. This has never even been worth a second's thought to Jane  before, who dances a bit to her own tune with two best friends at her side. Her parents are super busy in their careers but caring and lovable, all the same. When her mother becomes pregnant, Jane takes it with normal, life flow until she gets lab partnered with the hot guy at school, a 1st (sort of 2nd) generation immigrant. He's not only trilingual but has a family which still has roots in their origins. All of this would be fine, but he expects her to know all things Korean. And she doesn't have a clue, but she's not about to ruin the first signs of communication with someone like him. This pushes her to realize that everyone who meets her and knows her Korean name seems to think she's an expert on Korea, and it bugs her. So, she decides to become that which she hasn't been, and not only for the guy but for her unborn brother, who will suffer the same 'fate' if she doesn't become the Korean guru he can turn to in the future. But she only has three months to flip herself around. Add that she can't stand kimchi or K-dramas, and life is going to get rough on so many levels.

This tale takes the ridiculousness of teen life, ideas, and problems, and lets the drama soar. Jane's life is good, and she has no problem being who she is thanks to two great friends at her side, which is a refreshing beginning without baggage. So when one encounter with a seemingly-unreachable-but-school-heart-throb-guy suddenly has her questioning everything about herself, it's over-the-top and it fits. Now, while most teens might slide into a short phase and give up, this tale deliciously embraces the extreme of Jane's determination and lets her speed full-throttle into a clearly approaching crash. But her determination, love for family (although oddly expressed, at times), and lack of sense make her all that much fun to root for. Meaningly good but bad decisions come at every turn to add humor and cringe, while sliding in familiarity and food for thought. It's never overly heavy but impossible to miss. And her growth in all of this chaos makes it fun.

There is the romance, and this ignites the entire situation with the usual insta-attraction, which plagues YA novels...and might hit the truth closer than many like to admit. And while this flies wonderfully into extremes, at least, on Jane's end, the romance is sweet. It flows along the side as all of the other chaos sets in, letting the friendship difficulties often take forefront, too. Even with the romance, there's twists, which draw dislike but take surprising turns to show that all is not what it seems, since everyone has their own problems to work through. 

All in all, this is an enjoyable read to sit back and easily enjoy.

And here she is...

Lydia Kang is an associate professor of internal medicine and an award-winning and bestselling author of adult fiction, young adult fiction, and science nonfiction, including Opium and Absinthe, Star Wars: Cataclysm, The November Girl, and Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything. 

It's Almost Time For...Easter! by Maisha Oso

I'm bouncing into another Easter read today...although my husband just bought red garland with hearts this weekend, wanting me to decorate my tractor for Valentine's Day. A neighbor has decided to start decorating her side-by-side for each holidays, and when I said it was cute, my husband decided I needed to make my tractor sparkle and shine, too. I'll have to add a photo when I get it done with it. And who knows? Maybe, this idea of decorating our farm vehicles will spread and become a thing soon. 

Anyway, we're looking at dying eggs and having all sorts of Easter fun in these pages. So, let's open it up and see what surprises are inside.

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR... EASTER!

by Maisha Oso

Illustrated by Tom Knight

Margaret K. McElderry 

Picture Book  /  Holiday

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JANUARY 20th!!!

How to Catch the Easter Bunny meets The Night Before series in this bunny-hopping picture book anticipating Easter in the laugh-out-loud, rhyming It’s Almost Time For… series.

It’s almost time for Easter, and excitement is running high! It might not be here yet, but there’s so much to do before the joyful day arrives…

From decorating and dyeing eggs in pastel hues, flaunting the most fabulous and fancy outfit, and diving into a basket filled with bunny-delivered goodies, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way…

It’s Almost Time for…Easter! is a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight!

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

There's tons to do when Easter comes around, and these pages bring each moment across with excitement.

Bright and colorful, these pages radiate Spring and Easter joy along with a touch of fun chaos. A young girl with a huge smile on her face bustles through each activity, which is often connected to Easter celebrations. This is not a religious book but stays purely set in egg dying, getting dressed in pretty clothes, and meeting family for a celebration. It also doesn't slide heavily into the Easter bunny but settles into the preparations and physical celebrations often surrounding the day. Every moment includes family and neighborly goodness to give a sense of togetherness and community as well.

The illustrations hold tons of energy and details to give listeners/readers quite a bit to take in and enjoy. Many scenes hold familiar attributes, making it easy to connect with each moment. The text flows right along with a four-lined rhyme, which adds a playful touch while giving a brief explanation of each activity. This makes it a nice read-aloud. Plus, the word choice is ideal for first readers, who are pretty sure of their words.

While everything centers around Easter fun, the illustrations add one creature to include a touch of humor. This hits with an extra, silly nod near the end to ensure a giggle or smile. It's a cute read, which keeps a light, fun attitude the entire way through.

And here they are...

Maisha Oso is the author of picture books Buster the Bully, My Hair Is a Book, Before the Ships, and the It’s Almost Time For… series, as well as the Venus Washington chapter book series. She writes stories to empower, entertain, and encourage emotional intelligence in young children. A former strategy and analytics professional from New York City, Maisha is currently working in her most challenging role to date: a stay-at-home mom of three tiny humans. Visit her at MaishaOso.com.

After an enjoyable stint as a graphic designer, Tom Knight is now proud to be using his imagination as a full-time career. Drawing on a long and abiding love of imagery from children’s literature, Tom has worked for a diverse range of publishers, including Little Tiger Press, Templar, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Macmillan. He has also turned his hand to authoring his own titles and is the author and illustrator for the Good Knight, Bad Knight chapter book series and picture book Jimmy Finnigan’s Wild Wood Band. He does all this from a poorly temperature-controlled studio in the garden, where he is constantly distracted by the greedy birds that hang out by the feeder outside his window.

A Pirates' Pact by Sarah Branson

We're heading into the science fiction realm today with a lean toward pirates and adventure. But not with futuristic flair. I think. I'm not sure how all of this works, but I'm curious to find out. Plus, the duo on the cover appear to be excited to head out into adventure...and I do enjoy adventure.

Let's open it up and see what it holds!

A PIRATES' PACT

A Kik & Mac Adventure

by Sarah Branson

Sooner Started Press

Middle Grade Adventure

166 pages

ages 8 to 12

Two brothers, a hidden secret, and an adventure of a lifetime.

On the pirate island of Bosch, almost eleven-year-old twins Kik and Mac are facing a storm of changes. With a father from Edo and a Bosch mother, the brothers navigate the challenges of identity, friendship, and family in their own unique ways.

Mac, daring and mischievous, finds himself in a whirlwind of trouble as he strives to impress new friends. Meanwhile, Kik, quiet and observant, grapples with his heritage and a heartfelt secret he's not ready to share.

When a ball thrown in anger fractures a family heirloom, a hidden piece of a pirate treasure map emerges, setting them on a quest that will shake up their relationship and reshape their understanding of family.

A Pirates' Pact is a tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the enduring strength of family ties. Will Kik's and Mac's pact withstand the challenges ahead? Embark on this middle grade adventure where bonds are forged, secrets are unveiled, and treasures go beyond gold and jewels.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Brothers, who are twins but as different as can be, discover a call to adventure and find themselves in all sorts of situations.

Mac is in trouble again. Although he was just trying to retrieve a ball for a friend, his climb up the school building to get it didn't gain bonus points with the teacher. Instead, Mac heads home with a note, which his mom has to sign. His twin brother, definitely, doesn't have his back. When the two end up in a back-and-forth, which leaves a damaged family heirloom, they discover a map. And that's the beginning of more than a treasure hunting adventure.

This is a fun story, which packs heart, a bit of food for thought, and adventure. The first chapters let the reader sink into the family dynamics and the twin's personalities. There's a touch of action as Mac dare-devil's on the school walls, but it's the family relationships which take the stage during these pages. The action gets going a few chapters in. While there are all sorts of challenges the two face as they search for the treasure, this read also pays attention to the personal growth of the characters and their relationships to those around them. So, there's depth and not just action. The two brothers are easy to connect with and come across with natural flair as they butt heads, at times, and yet, stick together and support each other when needed.

The read works well for the younger and mid-range of the middle grade audience, and the length suits this direction nicely as well. The future setting confused me a little, though. The year is about 2300 and technology has been set to the side thanks to natural disasters, wars, and more. This is totally fine, but the scenes, dialogue, concerns, surroundings, world, and more fit perfectly to the 1960's to 1980's. I just expected a few differences (clothes, buildings, and such). But it did make for a nice map, which was a treat as much as the several sketches sprinkled throughout. 

It's an enjoyable tale for those who like wholesome adventures with quite a bit of family dynamic, and it appears that there will be more adventures to come.

Happy Chinese New Year, Little Red Panda by Amanda Wood

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

LITTLE RED PANDA

by Amanda Wood

Illustrated by Bec Winnel and

Vikki Chu

Harry N. Abrams

Board Book

16 pages

ages 1 to 5

Happy Lunar New Year, Little Red Panda shares the excitement of Lunar New Year and its traditions, featuring a delightful blend of watercolor illustrations and adorable photos of real red pandas

Join Little Red Panda as he learns about all the fun to be had on Lunar New Year with Nai Nai.

What could top hanging up a glowing lantern, receiving a special red packet, and enjoying a bowl of long noodles?

Listen! It’s dancing dragons stamping the ground. And look! There are fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a Lunar New Year Little Red Panda and his grandmother will never forget.

Watercolor illustrations paired with sweet photos of a real red panda bring the story to life on each page.

Baby Animal Tales
Happy Easter, Little Bunny
Happy Halloween, Little Black Cat
Merry Christmas, Little Reindeer
Mommy Loves You, Little Sea Otter

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With an adorable red panda, this little book gives young listeners a glimpse into the celebrations surrounding the Chinese New Year.

This is the latest in a series of books, which highlights cute animals as they celebrate a holiday in animal style. This one centers around a little red panda as it prepares and celebrates the Chinese New Year with the other animals around it. The setting stays outdoors in the nature, bringing a hint of that realistic side into play. At the same time, The animals partake in human traditions: for example, the red panda shares noodles with another animal. It's a gentle way to mix animal habitats with cultural goodness.

The illustrations are unique and add a warming touch. The little red panda is presented in a photo form, allowing readers to know exactly what the red panda looks like and how it moves. The other animals, however, are artistically created in watercolor with less details. The background, then, stays light and carries impressions of the habitat without heading into busy exactness. The combination is interesting, educational, and eye-catching. 

A flowing text accompanies each scene to make clear what is happening. This is kept short to fit nicely to the mid and upper end of the age group. It adds to the sense of warmth surrounding the fun of celebrating with others; presents the traditions in a simple, understandable way; and holds a sense of calm to make it a read for quieter moments as well.

And here she is...

Amanda Wood was the founding editor and publisher of Templar for more than 30 years. In her time there, she published and nurtured numerous Kate Greenaway Medal winners, and edited and wrote groundbreaking series such as the Ologies, which have sold more than 19 million copies worldwide. Today she writes and runs her own small press from her home in Surrey, England.

The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff

I was very excited to get my hands on today's read, and it's been on my pile for months just waiting to be read...I promised to wait until closer to release day. The reason I was so excited about this one...don't expect depth here...is due to it's amazing side printing! This book is being released with a snake skin printing along the all sides. I'm not sure if this is a limited thing or will be on all hard cover books, but either way, it caught my attention right away. As said, I'm not about intellectual depth when it comes to first appearances.

As to the tale (which is actually the most important part), I'm hoping I like it but have my hesitations. It twirls around Greek gods and myths, and this is a direction I've been avoiding the last years. I was a bit burned out a few years ago when tons of reads trying to catch the flow of Percy Jackson and Co hit the shelves. But that was also several years ago, and I'm hoping I'm ready to dive back in, now, without that fatigue. 

Anyway, let's see where this tale leads because I'm hoping it holds tons of adventure.

THE AFTERMYTH

The Aftermyth #1

by Tracy Wolff

Aladdin

Middle Grade Fantasy

448 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

In a world ruled by the tenets of Greek mythology, one girl’s fate is more than it appears in the first book in a new dark academia fantasy middle grade series from #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Crave series Tracy Wolff.

What’s your myth?

Penelope Weaver has spent her whole life preparing to attend Anaximander’s Academy, where students learn how to bring to life the stories of Greek mythology as well as discover the Greek god whose principles they most embody. Penelope knows she’s an Athena—all smart, practical, and rule-following girls who take part in stories that matter are Athenas.

But when Penelope and her twin brother Paris arrive at Anaximander’s, it appears fate has other plans. Penelope isn’t placed with Athena but with students who are anything but practical and who prefer parties to rules. And that’s just the beginning. She’s given the world’s worst muse, her assigned tasks feel impossible, and the magic of Anaximander’s is overwhelming. Not to mention, there are two very different boys making her new life even more confusing.

But as things go from bad to dangerously worse, one thing becomes in a world where everything is fated to happen a certain way, some stories need to be rewritten. As the world around her shifts and cracks, Penelope is asked to forget everything she thought she knew to help create a better story…even if that changes every plan and breaks every rule.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Rich world building, whimsical touches, action, and middle grade awkwardness all pack together with dabs of Greek mythology to create an engaging read.

Penelope is an Athena woman just like the rest of her family and knows exactly what she has to do to stay in this lane, which is what she needs to have as the first day at Anaximander's, a bordering school to help students learn to fulfill the Greek mythology selves, arrives. But from the very first moments, nothing runs smoothly. After several exciting, strange, and dangerous incidences, she makes it to the first assembly just as it's coming to a close and is almost passed over, but with a very fought for coin in her hand, she shoves it into the school's gumball machine to be officially sorted into her group. While she has no doubt she's Athena, the gumball places her in the Aphrodite group. She's immediately greeted with open arms and finds an instant friend in Fifi, but Penelope can't accept being placed in the wrong group. She's an Athena girl, after all. But she has little time to only worry about this as she discovers a key to a huge puzzle known as the Pandora's Box and opens the door for the Aphrodite group to enter the school's biggest contest. While Penelope is driven to prove that she's a true Athena girl, she needs to convince the very hesitant Aphrodites to take on the challenge. But then, this is only the beginning of the adventure she's about to face.

The world building in these pages draws in, not only due to the school and Greek nods, but the author adds all sorts of fun details and situations to speak to middle graders while still leaning into a darkish direction with intrigue, secrets, and more. There are video game sessions, parties with tons of wonderful foods, constantly moving buildings, and all sorts of whimsical touches. On the other hand, the danger haunts the shadows and pokes its head with the promise of ever growing threats. While all of this hangs in the fantasy area, there are also moments of familiarity as Penelope deals with the usual social struggles of middle school (bullying, peer pressure, and such) and awkward situations such as facing the first day in a new outfit only to suddenly have super muddy shoes. Add the danger and constantly exciting twists, and it's a read and world to get lost in.

While this takes nods at Greek mythology and includes the gods with their characteristics, it also takes some unique twists to keep a fresh atmosphere. It circles more around the expected attributes and how Penelope (and the other characters) are expected to shape their lives, personalities, and paths after each one. As an academia tale, the school structure gives Harry Potter vibes but also holds aspects which remind of The School for Good and Evil and even Keeper of Lost Cities. The writing, characters, and situations fit nicely to the middle grade audience and fans of these above reads. At the same time, the flow and pacing reminds more of a young adult read. I even stopped to check the suggested age group about 50 or so pages in because of this. After all, it took 25% of the book just for Penelope to get through the first assembly. But even during the first chapters, it is, by no means, a boring read. Quite a bit happens to Penelope as she runs from one ridiculous, awkward, and unexpected adventure into the next. Let's just say she has quite the adventure even before the main adventure hits.

This is the first in what promises to be a very grabbing series, which I have no doubt it will be enjoyed.

And here she is...

Tracy Wolff is the #1 New York Times, #1 internationally, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Crave series as well as many other novels. A lover of mythology, vampires, and getting lost in a great book, she’s spent her whole life asking “what if” and “what happens next”—questions being a writer has helped her answer again and again. At six, she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow, a unicorn, and a shapeshifting prince—and at seven, she forayed into the wonderful world of middle grade literature with her first Judy Blume novel. A one-time English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing fun, action-packed, romantic stories with fantastical worlds and characters who leap off the page. She has written all her seventy-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her partner, her sons, and their three adorable dogs.

 

You're My Little Bunny by B.D. Cottleston

Happy Sunday! Today, I have a super snuggly book. At least, those are the vibes I'm getting from this one. Don't you want to reach out and feel those bunnies to see if their fur is as cushy-soft as it looks? I'm hoping for a lot of warmth and adorable moments. 

Let's open this one up and see if it heads in this direction or something completely different!

YOU'RE MY LITTLE BUNNY

by B.D. Cottleston

Ink Out Loud

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 3 and up

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

A Giftable Book of Love for the Littlest Someone

Snuggle up and share the sweetest moments with You're My Little Bunny--a tender, beautifully illustrated keepsake book that says everything a little one needs to hear. Whether it's for a baby shower, first birthday, or just because, this story is a hug wrapped in pages, perfect for bedtime, lap time, or anytime.

With playful rhymes, soft art, and gentle affirmations, this book celebrates the cozy bond between grown-ups and their favorite "little bunny." It's the perfect gift to show your love--because somebunny means the world to you.

Ink it. Gift it. Mean it.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Snuggles are all but guaranteed when sharing this read with little loved ones.

The first scene begins with a rabbit mom and her little bunny as they snuggle up together with a book (the same as the cover), and this loving tone continues from there. With each turn of the page, a short phrase introduces a new situation with different animals either showing love and hugging or another sweet activity such as blowing bubbles. Each scene showcases only the character(s) without background, allowing listeners/readers to focus right away on each adorable moment. The mood remains warm, kind, friendly, and caring throughout to create a feel-good read.

The wording is kept concise and clear with only a few words each time to clarify the moment and add the right touch of atmosphere. These are even fitting to younger listeners to create a lovely naptime or bedtime read. The illustrations are done with much care and make each character come to life. It's hard not to want to reach in and snuggle each one. To round off everything with a personal touch, there's an area on the first pages, where the name of the child(ren) receiving this book can be placed, and there's even enough room for a small message. So, it's a book full of warm and love.

Sonic the Hedgehog: On the Go, Vol. 2 by Ian Flynn

We're heading toward a familiar character today and taking a look at the second book in a comic series for middle graders. Sonic the Hedgehog was popular when I was younger and my own kids definitely know him. I didn't read the first book in this series but doubt diving into the second will be too difficult...although there probably are some story arcs which stretch between the two.

Let's just open this one up and see what Sonic and his gang are up to this time.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG:

On the Go, Volume Two

by Ian Flynn

Illustrated by Evan Stanley, Tracy Yardley,

Adam Bryce Thomas, Jack Lawrence

IDW Publishing

328 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

Sonic may be ready for a break, but the excitement never stops in these collections of the comic series in recommended reading order!

The thuggish duo Rough and Tumble are back, and they’re looking for vengeance against Sonic and his friends. And they’re not the only ones… Some of Sonic’s greatest foes have returned and, with the help of some new evil allies, have created a threat that’s guaranteed to take over the world.

Then, join two of the most popular new characters from Sonic’s world, Tangle and Whisper, in this classic odd-couple team-up adventure! Can Tangle and Whisper help solve each other’s problems, or will they just make things worse? Plus, join Sonic and some of his coolest friends in adventures that show just how wonderful Sonic’s world really is.

Collects issues #13–20 from volumes 4 and 5 (Infection and Crisis City) of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, the 2019 Annual, and the Tangle and Whisper four-issue miniseries.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Action hits nonstop with a tiny touch of humor and fantasy to create more than a couple exciting adventures.

This book starts with the main tale arc of volume 4, Infection, and thanks to the peaceful beginning of this volume, wasn't difficult to dive right into the scenes and figure out what was happening. Then, it dives into the various stories from the 2019 Annual, heads into the Tangle and Whisper miniseries, and rounds everything off with the main arc of volume 5, Crisis City. So, there's a ton packed into these pages and the pacing makes this obvious when heading through. There is a Table of Contents at the beginning to help readers find their desired story right away. Each change-over during the read is accompanied by a single, full-page illustration as a quick break. 

Sonic the Hedgehog fans are, obviously, going to enjoy this collection and get quite a bit adventure during the read. The action is non-stop with scenes that bring each moment to life and pack tension as well as energy. The dialogue drives each moment forward, while the well-done illustrations carry the rest. While Sonic drives much of these pages, the others from the group have their own chances to shine due to the various stories in these pages. It creates a lovely playground of personalities, adventures, and worlds for fans to sink into and enjoy. It fits nicely to the middle grade audience as well as slightly older readers.

Little Bunny's To-Do List by Helen Kemp Zax

We've just made it past the big holiday season, but the first notes of Easter are in the air. Well, there's Valentine's day, too, but the publishing world already has bunnies and eggs hitting the shelves. So, I'm going to go with the flow and let you take a peek at some of the Easter goodness coming our way. 

LITTLE BUNNY'S TO-DO LIST

A Magic List Book

by Helen Kemp Zax

Illustrated by Kiersten Eve Eagan

Harry N. Abrams

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

From harvesting jellybeans to practicing mega-hops, the Easter Bunny will get through his daily to-do list one item at a time in this funny picture book that gently teaches time management.

Deliver treats by moonlight / Bunny Hop with gnomes
Fill every Easter basket / Hide eggs at all the homes

Little Bunny is very busy from morning to night—good thing he has a to-do list! From stirring pots of pastel colors to dye eggs to knitting lambswool sweaters for tiny chicks, he has many tasks to complete before bedtime.

But it’ll all get done; one thing at a time. And when all his tasks are finally completed, Little Bunny is rewarded with a fantastically finished list and a warm cup of parsley tea.

The textured glitter-stamped cover is so inviting that young readers will be eager to accompany Little Bunny during his very busy day, and they will be in for another sparkly surprise when they unfold a secret flap at the end of the book to see all the items in Little Bunny’s to-do list checked off in glittery ink!

Perfect for Easter or everyday read-alouds, Little Bunny’s To-Do List offers a gentle lesson on the importance of organization.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A pinch of magic and the dusting of dreams mix to set off a very, Easterly adventure.

Little Bunny wakes up one morning in a great mood. After eating a magical carrot, he transforms from an average, white rabbit into the busy Easter Bunny. And he has a huge list of things to get done. Collecting jelly beans from the jelly trees, collecting eggs, creating dyes, and so many more activities keep him busy from dawn to dusk.

This is a book to get young listeners into Easter Bunny mode. It begins calm enough with the bunny waking up in a normal house to enjoy the flowers, but with the hint of magic, takes on Easter egg fun pure. The transformation itself did confuse me for a second...I didn't realize, right away, that the transformation was leading a normal bunny into the Easter Bunny, but the story really took off from there to create an exciting read with many activities young listeners will recognize. Things such as the jelly bean tree add smiles and keep a slight hum of imagination going. It makes for a quick-paced and grabbing read until the end.

The illustrations hang in the pastel direction to stick to the Easter theme. Each scene brings across energy and activity...until the end, which rounds this off into a nice bedtime read as well. The text rhymes smoothly and is divided into short phrases over the pages to make it a flowing read-aloud. 

It's a cute read to ring in the Easter season for groups, classrooms, and single settings. 

And here they are...

Helen Kemp Zax could spend all day musing over rhymes, so daily to-do lists keep her life on track. Her poetry has appeared in many anthologies and magazines, and she was co-awarded the 2021 YorkMix International Children’s Poetry Prize and won the 2018 Middle Grade Katherine Paterson Prize. A former lawyer and teacher, Kemp Zax holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Leonard, and their Aussie-doodle, Huckleberry Finn. 

Kiersten Eve Eagan is an illustrator working in children’s publishing and design for television and film. Eagan is passionate about storytelling and loves using design to help bring stories to life. She studied illustration at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she loves exploring the mountains or spending time by the sea.

Pup Chef by Margot Philips

Since moving back to the U.S., our farm life has made more than enough space and fun for a furry, family friend. I guess I do have to specify, since many of our 'friends' are furry or feathery—in this case, I'm speaking over our lovely dog. We're now on our 2nd pal, since our loving Fullhouse passed away thanks to a series of strokes and cancer a few years back. Now, Pumpkin has joined our ranks the last several years and should be around for several to come. We get our pals from the rescue, so the age isn't exactly known. Just a good guess.

Anyway, my youngest daughter has baked treats for them, every now and then. So, when I had the opportunity to pick up today's read, I didn't let it pass me by. This doggy cookbook is sold for adults, but I know other kids like my daughter, who enjoy baking and would, no doubt, love to create treats fitting for their own pals. 

Let's see if this book works for them!

PUP CHEF

50 Recipes Your Furry Best Friend Will Love

by Margot Philips

DoodleLife Publishing

Cookbook

162 pages

Dive into Pup Chef, a delightful cookbook filled with 50 scrumptious and healthy recipes to enjoy with your dog. This collection is ideal for pet owners looking to pamper their furry friends with tasty, nutritious, dog-safe ingredients that promote overall wellness.

Each recipe is simple to prepare and suitable for every tail-wagging occasion, ranging from quick snacks and frozen favorites to baked delicacies and festive bites. This cookbook enhances the time spent with your pup, strengthening your connection through the joy of homemade goodness.

Embrace the fun of treat-making with Pup Chef and discover the perfect way to make moments with your dog a little sweeter.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

These pages hold more than a few recipes, which hit all sorts of directions to make almost any pup smile.

This is a cookbook for dog treats and offers fifty possibilities, covering a large range of directions. The author begins the book with a personal note before heading into a brief overview of what cooks need to keep in mind when creating food for their furry friends. There are some dietary notes as well as a list of items dogs shouldn't eat and why. This allows young cooks to understand why some foods are appropriate and what harm they can cause. After this, it's recipe time.

The book is divided into several sections according to treat types. Each recipe has a two-page spread, one side with a large, colorful photo of the treat and the other with the recipe. The ingredients are listed clearly on the left side of the recipe along with a note (if needed) and two-stars when the recipe is gluten and dairy free. The ingredients are pretty standard, and I didn't notice anything that isn't readily available at the local grocery store. The directions are concise and clear, but then, these recipes aren't overly difficult, for the most part. Some do require certain shaped cookie cutters or baking forms, but honestly, that's only if a person wants them to look exactly like the photo. Obviously, these are necessities in most cases.

As with all cooking adventures, younger cooks will need a little supervision or assistance, but older, experienced bakers should have no problem creating most treats on their own. The text is very understandable, and there are even cute, doggy photos sprinkled in to make fans smile.

The end of the book holds several index possibilities to help readers find recipes easily. There are also a few more tips and facts at the end to round off the information goodness.

Baking fans, who want to treat their furry friends, too, are sure to enjoy this book and will find more than enough ideas to keep repeats far and few between...and are sure to find more than a few that their pals enjoy.