There's Nothing Funny About Bums by Gareth P. Jones

Anyone ready for some ridiculous, fart humor? That's what today's read is all about. Now, I've never been a huge fan of this sort of silliness, but I do know of plenty of little kids who are. I can already hear the giggles and laughs from my little nephews if they even got near a book like this. At least, if it's anything like I think it will be...which I'm sure it is.

So, thinking of them and all the other kids who enjoy this as well, let's dive in!

THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT...

BUMS

by Gareth P. Jones

Happy Yak

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

There’s nothing funny about bums. Nothing funny at all!
They come in all shapes and sizes, the big, the wobbly the small…

... insists a teacher, reading from a book called The Book of Things That Are Definitely Not Funny . In this hilarious picture book, join a class of children as they attempt to keep a straight face while learning about bottoms. But after the teacher has described ants in pants, ninja farts, and torpedoes in the bath everyone is rolling around laughing. What will the headteacher say?!

A fabulously silly story with hilarious illustrations—children and their grown-ups will love reading and giggling along.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fart, poop, and bum humor soars to guarantee tons of giggles and laughs...but there's a tiny bit 0f knowledge wrapped up in the pages, too.

Class is about to begin, and what does the teacher find when she enters the room? One of the kids is just finishing up the drawing of a bum on the chalkboard. So, the teacher decides to nip this in the butt before it takes off...but she might not be able to steer this in the direction she was hoping it would go. Instead, her explanations lead from one silliness to another and in unexpected directions, too.

If you're looking for a book to liven reading time, especially with a group, then this is that book. It immediately grabs attention and holds it the entire way through. And yes, even reluctant readers...maybe, especially reluctant readers...will pay attention during this one. Or at least, laugh quite a bit. While the humor holds high, there's also a little information subtly tossed in. Not much, but a tiny amount is there.

The text flows well to create a nice read-aloud, which is fitting to the age group. The illustrations are bright and lively. This isn't only about humans, either but slides in the animal kingdom as well...and this adds another layer of silliness. It's a funny book for fans of this type of humor. 

My Subway Runs by James Gladstone

I'll admit that it was the cover on today's read which caught my attention. I do love my covers. The artwork carries an original direction and promises details and atmosphere at the same time. Now, whether or not this makes a good picture book...well, that's why I'll need to take a peek at it. But it wasn't only the cover which drew me in. 

At a second glance, I noticed the title. How often have you seen a picture book about subways? It could be a fun theme and is definitely not one often handled. So, this promises to be an original read in several aspects.

Get ready to ride because we're going on a trip!

MY SUBWAY RUNS

by James Gladstone

Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

For a young child, a subway journey is an eye-opening city-life experience. A story-poem from award-winning creators James Gladstone and Pierre Pratt.

The journey begins with the roar of the subway from the street above, as the child and their mom descend to the dilapidated platform below. The child feels a rush of air as the train pulls in, people stepping on board just in time! Sights and sounds include the dark tunnel and screeching wheels, then the train suddenly breaks out into bright daylight high above the city. All the while, the child takes in the passengers around them — people on their way to work, kids going to school, and “the sleeper,” whom no one else seems to see. At Union Station, the child accompanies their mom from restaurant to restaurant as she looks for work, before they journey home.

Author James Gladstone’s lyrical story-poem and Pierre Pratt’s illustrations, rich in detail and humor, make this companion book to My Winter City (illustrated by Gary Clement) at once delightful and thought-provoking.

Correlates to the Common Core States Standards in English Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 : With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 : Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 : Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Each scene comes to life and lets the reader realize how interesting a ride on a subway can be.

A little boy heads out with his mother to take the subway as she searches for a job. He pays close attention as they wait for the subway to arrive, enter it, and ride it through the city and over the landscape beyond. 

This is a straight-forward read on the plot end and doesn't hold any twists and turns...outside of the subway's path, that is. But this is by no means a boring read. From the very first scene of the boy putting on his coat to him entering the subway with his mom, every moment draws in and captures the attention. The illustrations are busy and allow the bustle to come across in its chaotic bliss. At the same time, this allows the details of each individual and situation to seep through. Listeners/readers are invited to let their eyes search and roam as they pick up daily details here and there. There's personality, diversity, quirks, and curiosities which fill life but are often overlooked, since we can't, usually, take snap-shots and let each moment completely sink in. These pages open up to a little more mindfulness and hold wonder as well.

The illustrations carry a distinct, artistic flair, and this also helps open them up with a hint of imagination while staying planted in reality. (I had to smile at the very winded hairstyles whenever the subway pulls in or leaves.) The text works its way in and around the scenes with just a few lines each time to make it clear what is happening. For adults using it as a read-aloud, it might be helpful to glance through to see where the text is beforehand, but it does flow nicely and keeps listeners' attentions the entire way through. 

It's one of those picture books, which invites to gazing and offers tons to discover along the way.

And here they are...

JAMES GLADSTONE is the author of many highly acclaimed picture books, including When Planet Earth Was New: A Short History of Our Planet’s Long Journey, illustrated by Katherine Diemert (Norma Fleck Award finalist); Turtle Pond, illustrated by Karen Reczuch (Norma Fleck Award); My Winter City, illustrated by Gary Clement (Globe 100 List); and Journey Around the Sun: The Story of Halley’s Comet, illustrated by Yaara Eshet (Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picture Book of the Year finalist). James lives in Toronto, Ontario.

PIERRE PRATT has illustrated more than eighty books for children. He has won the Golden Apple and Plaque at the Biennial of Illustrations in Bratislava, the UNICEF Prize in Bologna and a Totem at the Montreuil Salon du Livre in France. Other awards include the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Governor General’s Award (three times) and the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award (twice). He has also been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Pierre lives in Montreal, Quebec and Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can by Dr. Seema Yasmin

Today, we're going to head into the nonfiction realm, while dancing a tiny bit into fiction. This read centers around a woman named Maysoon Zayid. I haven't heard the name before but am always excited to learn more. Afterall, there are so many inspiring people that seem to often get lost in the waves of history and life. 

So, let's open this one up and learn a little along the way.

MAYSOON ZAYID

THE GIRL WHO CAN CAN

by Dr. Seema Yasmin

Illustrated by Noha Habaieb

Salaam Reads

Children's Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 6 to 10

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

From the prolific Pulitzer Prize–nominated Muslim reporter Dr. Seema Yasmin comes an exciting nonfiction chapter book about one of America’s first female Muslim comedians—Maysoon Zayid—the first in the riveting and inspirational Muslim Mavericks.

This is the story of the girl who could!

Maysoon Zayid was just a girl from New Jersey. She might have sometimes felt like she was in the shadow of her three older sisters, but in her dreams, she was Mimi—an amazing actress, comedian, and dancer! The only problem? People kept telling Maysoon her dreams were impossible!

Achieving her goals certainly wasn’t easy; as a Palestinian Muslim girl born with cerebral palsy, Maysoon faced all sorts of challenges—both physical and societal. But Maysoon didn’t dare give up. Instead, she followed her heart all the way to the screen and stage to become one of America’s first ever women Muslim comedians and an actress on her favorite TV show.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With heart and determination, Maysoon Zayid refuses to let go of her goals no matter who tries to steer her away.

Maysoon Zayid was born to Palestinian immigrants and came from New Jersey. She was the youngest of four girls and dreamed of becoming an actress and more. Entertainment was her dream, and she was especially won over by the soap opera, General Hospital. From the moment she entered school, the barriers, however, mounted thanks to her cerebral palsy (CP). Although her family was a constant fan base and cheered her on, the CP continually acted as a stumbling block no matter how talented she was or how much effort she gave. Still, her unrelenting drive keeps hope in front of her.

This book is chucked full of inspiration, and it highlights how Maysoon Zayid's never-dying efforts finally led to achievements. Readers not only learn about Maysoon's journey and who she was but also see how others aren't always aware of what a person can achieve. In other words, don't let the opinions around you necessarily hold you back. Maysoon's tale also brings awareness to cerebral palsy in a meaningful manner. Add the wonderful support her family constantly gave her, and this is a read with many positive aspects.

The book is aimed at those readers, who are sure of their words and almost ready to dive into middle grade novels...but need just a tiny bit more practice. It does toss in a few more difficult terms to stretch word building skills but only a few so as not to frustrate. The large font and spacing makes it easier to read, and the illustrations add a nice touch. There are mentions of 'older' soap operas and such, which young readers won't recognize and are only understandable for older, adult audiences, but these the author makes sure to add enough explanation to keep it clear why Maysoon was so interested in them. 

Not only readers, who enjoy learning more about inspirational woman will enjoy this one, but it also is a nice addition to classrooms, groups and homeschoolers, who want to explore women, who achieved their dreams, or even a dive into areas such as cerebral palsy. 

And here they are...

Seema Yasmin is an Emmy Award–winning journalist who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, medical doctor, professor, and poet. She attended medical school at Cambridge University and worked as a disease detective for the US federal government’s Epidemic Intelligence Service. She currently teaches storytelling at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a regular contributor to CNN, Self, and Scientific American, among others.

Noha Habaieb is a Tunisian French visual storyteller, working between Doha and Tunis. After studying comics in Belgium, she returned to Tunisia where she cofounded the Lab619, an award-winning comics collective. Noha took part in the evolution of Lab619’s first comics magazine for adults by participating with her original comics and organizing artistic residencies themed around migration, identity and borders. In 2017, she cofounded Koskh, an illustration studio based in Tunisia, which aims to promote Tunisian heritage through illustrations for children and adults. She’s the illustrator of the Muslim Mavericks chapter book series written by Pulitzer Prize–nominated Dr. Seema Yasmin.

 

Happy Birthday to US! by Sherry Ellis

 I'm very excited to share today's read. First, it comes from an author I've known for many years...and her works are always enjoyable. Second, it's the first book I've seen commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States...which I really thought tons of authors would hit the bandwagon on. Maybe, that's still on the up and coming, though. 

Either way, I'm ready to dive into today's read and see what goodness it holds in store.

Happy Birthday to US
by Sherry Ellis

Illustrated by Nina Hvozdzeva

2Z Press LLC
Children’s Picture Book 

52 pages

ages 4 to 7

Happy Birthday to US! A Fourth of July Celebration for kids!

It's the Fourth of July - and someone's birthday!

At first, a young child believes the parade, fireworks, and fanfare are all in honor of his special day. But as the story unfolds, he discovers the celebration is for something even bigger- America's birthday!

Told in joyful rhyme and bursting with colorful illustrations, Happy Birthday to US blends a child's excitement for their own big day with the pride and spirit of Independence Day. Young readers will learn about the meaning behind July 4th - freedom, community, and the history of America's independence -while sharing a heartwarming story about belonging and discovery.

Perfect for

*Classroom and library story times

*Families celebrating summer birthdays

*Teaching children about Independence Day and Patriotism

 

Whether read aloud at home, in schools, or at holiday events, Happy Birthday to US is a festive and meaningful addition to any child's bookshelf - and a perfect way to celebrate

America's 250th Birthday on July 4, 2026!

  

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Author’s Site * Goodreads

MY TIDBITS

Good feelings and the excitement of celebration fill every page.

It's a little child's birthday, and what a birthday it always is! Parades, picnics, get-together, and even fireworks make it a special day. For many years, the child thought everyone celebrated just for them but has since learned that's it's the 4th of July celebration, too. This year, however, is super special, since it's the 250th celebration of the country... a wonderfully, huge celebration for the two birthdays.

This is a fun read from beginning to end. When I first picked it up, I was a little suspicious of the page count for the age group (a little longer than usual), but this story flies by and is totally okay for even more reluctant listeners. Each page holds excitement and celebration. Many scenes bring along familiar moments, and it's hard not to want to join in on the excitement. There's never a boring moment as it goes from one enjoyable scene to the next.

The text holds four shorter lines on each two-page spread and rhymes smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud. The word choice and sense behind the text work easily for the age group and can be picked up by readers, who are more sure of their words, to enjoy on their own. The illustrations are rounded to keep things light and cute, while packing tons of excitement on each page. The colors keep red, white, and blue close, weaving them naturally into each moment.

This is an enjoyable read and especially nice to use in classrooms, groups, or homeschooling when getting ready for the big celebration.

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis has previously published the Bubba and Squirt's Adventure Series; Don't Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia. 

 Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * 

Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Happy Birthday, Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey!

It's been a bit since I shouted out a book birthday. It seems I'm too early this year...or too late. So, I guess I'll need to scream extra loud to make up for the missing opportunities, today. 

This book had me smiling the moment I saw it. Not only am I hoping for lovely illustrations but the brotherly/sisterly bond looks so promising. How did I know the relationship between the two characters? Well, the blurb sealed the deal for me on this one. The siblings with a large age-gap need to come to terms with each other, and that while bird-watching. 

So, let's take a look and see if this one is as beautiful as I think it might be.

BUTTERFLY SEA

by Cynthia Mackey

Illustrated by Marie-Laure Couet

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

42 pages

ages 4 to 8

Butterfly Sea captures the gentle push-and-pull between sibling playfulness and quiet reflection. As an older sister tries to photograph butterflies, her imaginative younger sibling trails behind, full of curiosity, laughter, and play.

Through a gentle blend of belonging, joy, and connection, this beautifully illustrated story explores how intergenerational bonds can endure through moments shared in nature.

Readers will

A touching look at family bonds and intergenerational love

Inspiration to explore butterfly gardening and mindful observation

How imagination and play can bridge the space between loss and wonder

Perfect for family reading, classrooms, or anyone who cherishes stories about love, memory, and the magic of growing up together.

Butterfly Sea reminds us that even the smallest wings can carry the biggest memories.

As a Tielmour Press promise, every copy of Butterfly Sea sold will support reforestation efforts across North America.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Calming scenes invite the mind to relax, while a little sibling push-and-pull forms a touching read.

An older sister heads outside in hopes of taking photos of butterflies, but her much younger brother trails behind. The weather isn't playing along, either, as clouds darken the skies to keep the butterflies away. Still, the younger brother's antics offer all sorts of surprises.

This is a gentle, slower paced read, which lets the moments sink in with poetic finesse. The watercolor scenes set the atmosphere and keep a peace throughout, even when the younger brother comes up with some unexpected ideas. It isn't as active a read as I thought it might be, but rather, keeps a quiet the entire time through. Even sibling irritation is there, it is coated heavily with relaxation to keep anger or negative moments far away. Instead, the ending bring more calm and peace while embracing wonder and patience.

The text is slower and beautiful with a few lines on each page to set the scene and make the moments and happenings clear. It might be a bit slow for impatient listeners but works especially well for calm moments to snuggle up into. It also invites to dreams and gives inspirating to head outdoors.

Hunt for the Pirate's Gold! by Jamie Smart

Today's read looked so adorable and entertaining. So, when I had the chance to take a peek, I jumped at it. It's the 4th read in a series for those readers, who know their words but still need more practice before jumping into 'larger' reads. It's also a graphic novel AND promises searching fun, too. Add that it's about pirate's, and I'm all in to take a look.

Let's get our sails ready and see what this one holds!

HUNT FOR THE PIRATE'S GOLD!

Max & Chaffy #4

by Jamie Smart

DK Flip

Children's Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

128 pages

ages 5 to 8

Max and Chaffy are back in another adventure, and this time they're diving below the waves to explore the ocean floor!

It's another glorious day on Animal Island, but in the dark depths of the ocean is a map that leads to treasure, just waiting to be found. Who better to find lost things than Max and Chaffy?! Swim through the Coral Reef, traverse the Goldfish Trench, and follow the clues to discover a treasure unlike any other ...

From award-winning author Jamie Smart comes another vibrant, highly visual graphic novel about discovering new things, making friends, and returning what’s been lost to its rightful owner. The hilarious story is interspersed with engaging search-and-find pages—since Chaffy has a habit of getting lost—as well as items which aren’t where they should be! Join Max and Chaffy on their adventure to discover what’s been lost, and everything that can be found, on Animal Island.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Every page holds super-cute energy mixed with adventure to create an exciting and easy-to-read mix.

Max and Chaffy can't wait to head out for another day of fun on the Animal Island, and today, they plan to find more chaffys. Max is making a list of all things which define a chaffy and is determined to discover more of these cute creatures. On their way, the two meet the other island inhabitants, but their search isn't going well. When the run into Foghorn, the local captain of a small boat, they learn that there's a part of the island no one goes to. And that's where the real adventure begins.

This is the 4th in the series, but it's no problem to dive right in...although I might be heading back to read the other three, since it is such an adorable book. These characters pack tons of sunshine and embrace life with enthusiasm. It makes every moment enjoyable and puts a smile on the face. When the little adventure starts, it includes surprises, moments to hold the breath (just a little bit), and cheers. In other words, it's entertaining from beginning to end.

The text is just right for those readers, who know their words but need a little more practice before diving into true, slightly longer reads. It's also ideal for more reluctant readers, who are hesitant to attack a true chapter book but still are ready for a fun tale. The illustrations make everything shine and carry so much atmosphere to shoot the cute factor high. They are just as bubbly as Max's personality. Plus, there is a search picture with every chapter, and there's a list of things to search for in general (in the illustrations) for each chapter at the end of the book (along with the solutions). Things like this always add a special touch.

But most of all, there's the chaffys. After reading this, it's hard not to want to have a chaffy, too.

The Bible in 52 Weeks: Devotional for Boys by Lord Badu

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm going to take a look at a year-long devotion book aimed at boys. I enjoyed using these type of books with my own children over the years and am looking forward to see how this one handles things. 

Let's open it up and find out what goodness lays in store, shall we?

THE BIBLE IN 52 WEEKS

Devotional for Boys

by Lord Badu

Callisto Kids

Middle Grade Religious

152 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

An interactive, yearlong journey through the Bible for boys ages 8 to 12

This one-year journey through the Bible guides young boys into the habit of reading, reflection, and prayer, with inspiring passages from Scripture that show them how God's wisdom can help and support them as they learn and grow. Spending a little time with their faith every week will give boys the confidence to tackle anything—because they'll know God is cheering them on!

One year of weekly Scripture—Each of these 52 weekly devotions features a Bible passage, stories and commentary that explain the theme for the week, a prompt to respond to, and a prayer to keep in mind.

Reflect on what matters—Young boys will find God's guidance on topics that relate to their lives, such as being a good friend, dreaming big, not judging others, and practicing honesty.

A few minutes at a time—These prompts and prayers are simple and brief, so it's easy for kids to find time for them no matter how busy they get!

Study with the whole series—Give the gift of deeper faith to everyone in your life with the companion books from this USA Today bestselling series, including The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women, The Bible in 52 Weeks for Families, and The Bible in 52 Weeks Devotional for Girls. 

Help preteen boys grow into the smart and strong men God created them to be with this inspiring boys' devotional!

GOODREADS 

MY TIDBITS

Concise, direct, and easy-to-digest, these devotions easily fit into any schedule.

This is a collection of 52 devotions, one for each week of the year. The author begins with a few words about himself and his intentions; quickly explains a bit about which translation of the Bible he prefers and why; and dives right into the devotions. Each one starts with a paragraph, which hits real-life scenarios and directly speaks to the reader, and then, slides in one more, which connects each situation with a similar one from the Bible. After presenting the verses directly, the author asks the reader or makes a few statements to make the reader think about how it connects with their own lives. Then, there's a little, written activity, where the reader makes a list, writes notes, or other things to help the solidify the message for themselves. Lastly, there's a short prayer, which addresses the theme in a personal moment with God.

The author presents everything in an open and honest fashion, opening the door to the reader as if he were sitting there with them in a conversation. The presented situations are ones most readers will feel with familiar with, either in their own lives or in those around them. The atmosphere never comes across as preachy and the author never seems to talk down to the reader. Rather, it's a simple explanation and thought presentation. Even the connection to the Bible itself flows naturally, and readers can learn a little more about the individuals in the Bible and their situations. This, actually, makes them seem more realistic and touchable. It's aimed nicely at the middle grade range, doesn't come across as a preachy chore, and leaves plenty of room for thought and brings insights.

The activities are short and easy, allowing readers to put in as much effort as they want. It's a nice way to reemphasis the messages without making things feel like a task. Add that these are for only once a week, and it doesn't come across as too much too often, either.

It's a well thought-out devotional, which takes a relaxed yet personal direction and keeps in mind the interests of the age group as well.

My Life As An Asthmanaut by Jake Lockett

Today's read heads in a more helpful direction and is one in a series of books, which centers on children and disabilities. I'm very particular when it comes to books in these directions, but due to the good amount of great reviews, wanted to give it a go. Plus, two of my siblings suffered from asthma, and I'm curious to see how this author handles the topic. But I'm hoping it keeps the child-reader in mind and doesn't preach at them.

So, let's see if this book gets a thumbs up from me or not!

MY LIFE AS AN ASTHMANAUT

Disability Books for Kids

by Jake Lockett

Illustrated by Adriana Predoi

Free Spirit Publishing

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 5 to 9

COMING APRIL 14th!!!

A child’s relatable reflections on what it’s like to live with asthma In My Life as an Asthmanaut, a young boy explains what it’s like to live with asthma. When an asthma attack occurs, Jacob feels like an astronaut floating off to outer space— with an empty air tank. Sometimes outer space is lonely—Jacob can’t always join his family and friends when they exercise or play outside during allergy season. But he has tools to manage his asthma. He stays calm as he reaches for his inhaler to refill his air tank. He counts to 10 and comes back down to earth, where he can breathe easily, surrounded by people who love him. And when Jacob sees someone else who’s low on air, he helps them find solid ground too. 

Key Features:

Offers an honest portrayal from an author who lives with asthma, describing what it’s like to experience asthma attacks and how kids manage it

Celebrates disability joy and offers an empowering self-representation for disabled kids

Helps children develop empathy and understanding with first-person storytelling from a child’s perspective

Centers disabled voices by drawing on the author’s experience with asthma 

The Disability Books for Kids Series series explores visible and invisible disability in the first person, as seen through the eyes of children and written from lived experience. The series builds allyship, challenges ableism, and celebrates difference, empowering and educating all readers. Each book includes an author’s note to the reader.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With an eye on the stars, a boy goes through daily life with asthma and doesn't let it get in his way, as he handles it with thought and care.

Jacob dreams of space and the stars, but while his thoughts can soar, he has his a few difficulties to master on Earth. Asthma makes him feel different from others, and often, alone. He sees it like he's drifting alone in space and, suddenly, loses oxygen. Luckily, his inhaler can come to the rescue. Plus, he has other tools he's learned which help. While he finds these moments difficult, he also knows that many around him like and love him. And he can even help others, who have the same problem as him.

This read centers on a child's challenge with asthma. Jacob goes through various activities, which can set the problem off. Each of these are familiar scenes, readers can easily identify with. When Jacob's asthma attacks strike, he knows how to handle it...and this makes the book great for kids, who find themselves in the same (or similar) situation. While Jacob explains the various items and techniques he uses, it doesn't come across as preachy, either. Instead, Jacob is relaxed and tells exactly how it is. His dreams of space, add a fun and imaginative twist, which keeps things light and inspires, too. As it rounds off, there's a sense of helping others, which also shows how those without asthma can stand at someone's side and assist them. 

While there's an obvious message and purpose to these pages, it's well done and keeps the young reader in mind. The illustrations maintain a cheerful atmosphere and don't let moments grow overly heavy even when Jacob needs to deal with his asthma. The space scenes step everything up another notch and bring across the planets and stars with a sense of adventure and dreams. It adds a hopeful direction and lets a little imagination flow in as well. The entire thing is narrated from Jacob with a few lines of text for each scene. This flows naturally and well, and is just long enough to bring across each point clearly with growing too long. Add the glossary of terms in the back and a personal note from the author, and this is a helpful read to raise awareness of asthma or give to those who battle with it themselves.

And here he is...

Jake Lockett writes books and stories for children, including My Life as an Asthmanaut. His short stories for young readers have appeared in Smarty Pants Kids, Skipping Stones, and Spider. Jake enjoys learning about space, exploring nature, building Lego sets, and watching movies on his home theater projector. He resides in the forested Allegheny Mountains, where the night skies are clear and blanketed with countless stars!

Luna Express by Campbell Whyte

LUNA EXPRESS

by Campbell Whyte

Top Shelf Productions

YA Superhero  /   Graphic Novel

280 pages

ages 12 and up

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

Between crummy day jobs and nights out on the town, Celeste and her friends can barely find time to use their super-powers! Sailor Moon meets late capitalism in this deliriously epic graphic novel, bursting with life and vibrant color. Celeste was always told that she could grow up to do anything she dreamed of, but she didn’t exactly dream of being a delivery biker for her parents’ bakery, Luna Express. Life is so much more exciting at When the stars come out, so do her magical powers of super-strength and speed! Those gifts haven’t made her destiny any clearer, though…until Celeste and her friends are targeted by a series of strange, supernatural attacks throughout their hometown of Perth. Now this reluctant team must battle land-sharks, roller-skating disco mushrooms, mind-bending art exhibitions, and their own personal drama, while trying to unravel the unsettling mystery that connects them and their city.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Modern, urban flair meets something similar-ish to Sailor Moon to create an exciting read with more than a little unique fun. 

Celeste has been working as a delivery girl at her parents' bakery since she graduated from high school, which might sound mundane, but each day has it perks, calms, and surprises. Plus, she meets friends and familiar faces, which always adds social zest. It's different, but then, Celeste isn't your average young woman, either. Not only does she dance to her own tune and carry tons of personality...even the local ragtag gang wants to constantly compete with her...but she harbors a secret. Every night, she gains superpowers, which give her increased speed and strength. While logic makes it clear that destiny holds something in store for her, she has no clue what until strange, unexplainable things start happening in the town. Together with her friends, she's going to have to take on an odd mix of dangerous and quirky things and figure out what's really going on.

This is a read with energy pure and heads off into its very own direction with unique characters and plots twists. Celeste's radiant attitude is contagious and it's hard not to want to join her as she rides her bike through town...even when delivering baked goods. Because nothing in Celeste's life is boring, which is mostly due to her own attitude on life. Her friends are just as colorful and add tons of personality as well. Even the bad guys pack character, but then, they'd have to just to keep up with this original band of super-friends. So, there's never a boring moment, and it's definitely a grabbing read with surprises the entire way through...and those surprises aren't only when the tension rises.

The illustrations carry an edge of colorful chaos, which seals the deal with the plot. It took me a couple of pages to slide into the flow, but that's on me since this hit with unexpected energy. Every moment draws in and inspires, while carrying a few life lessons along the way. But that's not the main point as this tale races along.

I wasn't sure about the age group, at first, on this one, since Celeste has already graduated from high school. But it works for the YA audience and sticks mostly to paths which grab that age group. This promises to be an exciting series with tons to come.

And here he is...

Campbell Whyte was born in Perth, where he makes stories about place and strives to create an inclusive and supportive comics community. His graphic novel series Home Time won numerous international awards and was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Awards. As the co-founder of the Milktooth School of Art and Stories with Elizabeth Marruffo, he provides opportunities for young people to develop their comics skills and publish their works. As a co-founder of the Perth Comic Arts Festival, he has helped grow and steer the organization to become one of Australia’s most significant comic events. 

Mud, Bugs, and Other Tales by Sue Marasciulo

Today's read is one in a row of reads intended for beginning readers and/or those with dyslexia or other reading hurdles. It's created from a teacher and is intended to add as a tool to help readers tackle those words. Using the graphic novel form to get skills across made me smile, and I'm curious how this author goes about things.

So, let's take a peek.

MUD, BUGS AND OTHER TALES

A Decodable Graphic Novel

by Sue Marasciulo

Illustrated by Mangoyu

Beginning Reader   /   Graphic Novel

83 pages

ages 4 to 7

Join Pat and his pals for another laugh-out-loud adventure in the Pat & Pals series! Mud, Bugs, & Other Tales: A Decodable Graphic Novel delivers four hilarious stories in a vibrantly illustrated, full-color format – perfect for beginner and striving readers, including those with dyslexia, who crave the grown-up feel of a chapter book.

Every tale uses decodable text tailored for readers who have mastered decoding CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, digraphs, double consonants (ff, ll, ss, zz), and the suffix -s. Kids decode with confidence while cracking up at the antics.

Plus, educator and parent-friendly extras with every story: key vocabulary, inference-sparking questions, comprehension checks, and easy ways to link reading and writing.

Fun that sticks. Skills that click. One graphic novel at a time.

AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A little adventure and quite a bit of humor make this a book beginning word-masters are going to enjoy.

This is one in a row of books, which highlights those first reading skills and concentrates on the foundation of learning and identifying words. The first pages include an explanation of what a 'decodable' book is, a quick guide into how the word learning works (CVC, digraphs, etc), and an overview around the learning tools in this book as well as how to use them. After that, there are four fun adventures...and I do mean fun. Lastly, there are questions with answers for each tale for checking reading comprehension, a list or writing ideas to expand on the stories, and, finally, adorable photos of the real life character 'Bo' for extra smiles. So, this is a complete reading theme, which can be used in classrooms, for extra practice, or for homeschoolers.

While all this goodness on the learning side happens, it's the enjoyable and silly stories which make the entire thing shine. Each story begins with a list of vocabulary words (and I mean very beginning) to make things easier on readers and help those words sit. Then, the stories shoot off with action and excitement. Each page holds about three frames, and these are brightly illustrated with tons emotion, which amplifies the atmosphere and keeps humor in high-gear. These accompany the short text wonderfully to add assistance to what is happening in the text. The text is simple and just right to keep frustration away, while concentrating on certain reading skills. The combination of simple text with exciting illustrations makes this a quick, easy read, which draws even very reluctant beginners in. Plus, the tales hit familiar tones while staying very much in the mind-set of the intended age group.

This is a very valuable resource for beginning readers and not one that should be overlooked, especially since it remembers and knows how to keep the joy of reading obvious.

And here they are...

Sue Marasciulo is a retired elementary special education teacher with a certification in an Orton Gillingham approved program (Wilson Reading System). Her passion is helping children with dyslexia to feel more confident in their abilities and gifts. Throughout her many years of teaching, she was inspired by her students’ fortitude, adaptability to learn, and how they excelled in many areas.
Now that Sue is retired, she has more time to focus on her passion for writing decodable books that will help beginner readers and those with dyslexia become independent readers. She enjoys hearing about how so many children are learning to feel successful with decodable books!

Sue lives in South Carolina with her husband, Al and their two rescued dogs, Scrappy Doo and Sunny. Sue has three sons, Matt, Greg and J.P. Her middle son, Greg is a professional wrestler with AEW and every now and again, Sue makes a brief appearance on the show with her famous van!

https://suemarasciulo.com/

Mangoyu, also affectionately known as Mango, spent the 2020 pandemic online happily bothering wrestlers with funny cartoon drawings of themselves, blissfully unaware that someday, the beloved world-famous Sue (mother of wrestler Trent Beretta) would discover her silly wrestling doodles. Two years later, Sue would ask Mango to join her on the exciting adventure of illustrating a children's books for kids with dyslexia.

Werewolves Don't Keep Diaries by Suzanne Sutherland

I'm ready for a little humor, and today's read should slide in a funnier direction. It's a lighter read for younger readers, who are pretty sure of their words but need more practice before diving into thicker tales. It was the title on this one which caught my attention. I'm assuming that the boy on the cover is either a werewolf or dreams of being one. Either way, I'm expecting some silly situations, a little awkwardness, a touch of adventure....well, you know me! I always have my expectations set high.

So, let's get ready to howl and open this one up.

WEREWOLVES DON'T KEEP DIARIES

by Suzanne Sutherland

Illustrated by Dharmali Patel

Orca Book Publishers

Children's Fantasy

96 pages

ages 6 to 8

COMING MARCH 17th!!!

Lou Chandra-Pine is tired of being teased by his older brothers and getting lectured for what his parents call "bad choices."

When his birthday comes and all he gets is a dusty old book and a card with his name spelled wrong, Lou makes a secret wish as he blows out his birthday to be a huge beast. That way, his family would treat him with more respect.

Soon afterwards, though, his body starts doing weird things—like growing hair on his feet, sprouting extra-sharp fingernails and craving foods like raw steak. Could it be his careless wish coming true? Tired of hiding all these strange changes, and worried he might actually be dangerous, Lou decides to run away. But, with the help of a surprising ally, Lou finally discovers that he belongs in his family pack after all.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHERS

MY TIDBITS

A family with slightly odd quirks is hard to steer for a boy, who doesn't feel like they really understand him.

Lou is the youngest of three brothers and bears all of the teasing and jokes. He's sick of it, but every time he thinks he can pay his brothers back, things go wrong. Instead, he finds himself being blamed for almost everything. His parents scold him a lot about his 'bad choices' but don't seem to understand that most aren't his choices at all. When they claim they have a huge surprise for him on his birthday, all sorts of amazing gifts run through his mind. Instead, he receives an old book, and his parents keep nagging him to read it. Yep, actually read a book. But he's got other problems. Big ones. And he doesn't have anyone who would ever understand.

Lou is an average kid trying to deal with a not-always-so-average life. His family quirks are weird but not completely ridiculous as they offer a home to bats in their attic. (This might sound weird, but when we lived in Germany, they had a push for this sort of thing due to declining bat populations). Lou does have a tendency to cause trouble, but it's very fitting for most kids at that age. It's easy to sympathize with him, since many events aren't really his fault. His brothers also offer familiar sibling dynamics with tons of irritation but underlying support and care, too. And while the parents do seem to ignore facts, at times, there's more to the picture than Lou is aware. So, the family relationships are familiar and golden. Add the humorous situations and surprises, and it's a fun adventure.

The text fits readers, who are sure of their words and are almost ready to head into 'bigger' reads. The story stays light on details, letting the action, dialogue, and situations propel the plot forward, which keeps boredom away. The illustrations add zest and enjoyment, too. While the title is what grabbed my interest in the first place, it also, unfortunately, makes it clear what's happening when things start going strange for Lou. Any mystery and Lou's surprise is killed by this. Luckily, the story is still fun, and Lou is a great character. Also, the ending hits pretty quick but did carry a huge surprise to add a last blast of suspense.

It's a fun read with lots to enjoy and not just for werewolf fans.

And here they are...

Suzanne Sutherland is the author of a number of books for young people, including the Jordan and Max series. Jordan and Max, Field Trip! was named a Children's Book Council Librarian Favorite and a CCBC Best Book for Kids & Teens. Suzanne lives in Toronto with her family.

Dharmali Patel spends her days creating illustrations for different publications and working as an animation director, designer and concept artist for various animated series. In her 18-year career she has worked in the roles of art director, visual development artist and published children's book illustrator. Dharmali lives in Toronto.