What's Coming in May?

Hello, May! I'm not ready for May. It's the end of the school year, and with it, the end of my journey as a  homeschooling mom. I think I've learned just as much as my daughter has  over the last years. As my youngest, it's finally time for her to head off to college in Fall, too. So, it's empty nest time for me, and I still have to figure out what I'm going to do now that I've grown up. 

Anyway, let's take a peek at the reading front because there's always more than enough activity on that end. 

This month holds a ton of goodness on the middle grade and children's fiction end (for more beginning readers). I have quite a few light-hearted reads, some mystery, adventure, and all sorts of fun. This month should be one packed with smiles. The sneak peek below seems to sum up my entire pile well.

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY

Isn't this a timely sounding read? The World Cup is right around the corner. Add the mystery aspect, and there's no way I was going to let this one just pass on by. I'm really excited to dive into these pages and see what happens. After all, a trophy robbery at that level isn't one to be ignored. If the middle grade sleuths can solve it, I'm all in. Get out those detective hats and join me on the 1st to see what this one holds.

Middle Grade Mystery

DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS

I really enjoyed sewing as a child, so this one caught my attention right away. I'm hoping it will pack fun and inspires young readers to give this hobby a go themselves. Plus, I have an interview with the author! That's a rarity for me, but I didn't want to pass up on the chance of having her stop by. Join me on the 2nd to learn all about this one.

Picture Book

REALLY RUBIE

I'm getting Diary of a Wimpy Kid vibes from this read. I, honestly, haven't taken too much time to see what it will be about, but the scribbles and atmosphere on the cover had me hooked. I'm hoping for tons of silly moments and things, which bring smiles while hitting home. Join me on the 6th to see if this read accomplishes all of that or not.

Middle Grade Humor  /  Graphic Novel

UNDERWEARWOLF

This book is said to be one for fans of Creepy Pair of Underwear, and I did enjoy that read quite a bit. So of course, I'm going to take a look at this one and see what this wolf...or his underwear...is up to. Join me on the 11th for some smiles!

Picture Book

UNDER AN EVIL MOON

I thought this read was science fiction, but after looking at the blurb, it seems to fall into the realm of fantasy...which is fine with me! The barrier between Earth's reality and that of the Fairy Realm breaks due to something hitting the moon. I'm sure that sets off all sorts of problems. Since this is the first in a brand new series, I'm hoping it will grab and let readers get lost in its world. I'll be sinking into this one on the 14th. 

Young Adult Fantasy

THE CLOCK SPA

The idea of mixing a clock with a trip to the spa seems to open up a curious realm of possibilities...at least, that's what I thought when I saw this one. Honestly, I'm not really too sure what it's about, but I'm hoping to enjoy whatever it is. I'm heading for a day to relax and quench curiosity with this one on the 15th.

Picture Book

THE GLOOM DRAGON

I saw this cover and title, and immediately thought of my nephews. They love a little chaos and quirky, monster fun, and this looks like it might pack exactly that. I'm ready for action, imagination, tension, and very fast-paced thrills in this read. Let's see if it shoots along with as much energy as I hope it will on the 18th.

Middle Grade Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

ZOOMI & ZOE

This looks like an adorable and wholesome book, which is hopefully just right for beginning readers. The monster on the front...I assume it's a monster...should add a dash of fun and, maybe, intriguing situations. I'm hoping for a little fun, a touch of fantasy, and lots of heart goodness. I'll be opening this one up on the 23rd to take a look and see what it holds

Children's Fiction

CHANNELING MARILYN

Marilyn Monroe's ghost possess that of a 17-year-old girl, who struggles with her weight and self-image. And that's all it took for me to want to grab up this one. It promises to pack humor, heart, and tons of ghostly moments. I'm looking forward to seeing where this one goes and can't wait to see what the poor girl does with a ghost like Marilyn's taking over. Join me on the 25th to see how all of this turns out.

Young Adult Paranormal Humor

OUR CHILDREN IN THE SHADOWS

I'm just going to stay in the paranormal realm and slide into this read, which promises all sorts of ghostly fun...especially since it's suppose to be for fans of Spy School. Yep, this one should take on spy thriller goodness, while weaving in ghosts and adventure and villains and more. It definitely doesn't sound like it will get boring. So, join me on the 28th for some chaos and fun.

Middle Grade Paranormal

Every month, my reading pile stretches way beyond the number of days I have time to read and review. But every month, I also have some changes in my schedule due to...well, all sorts of things. So, sometimes, an extra day opens up, and I can quickly slip in another read. This read is the one on top of my pile.

FIRESNAKE

This is the 3rd and last addition to the prize-winning Cuentista series. Before you ask, no, I haven't read books 1 or 2. Will that make this one impossible to grab up? I'm hoping not since it sounds very interesting. I'm looking forward to discovering tons of richness, food for thought, and even adventure in these pages. That's if I get to it in May. 

Young Adult Science Fiction

Summer Pop Up! by Aurore Petit

Who's ready for summer fun? Today's read embraces the approaching, hot months of the year...and that with the youngest readers out there in mind. See the words 'Pops Up' on the title? I'm very sure that means flaps and fun. These are things I always enjoy in books for younger readers (and secretly wish they had them in ones for much older readers, too).

So, let's see what this book holds!

SUMMER POPS UP!

by Aurore Petit

Phaidon Press

Board Book

12 pages

ages 2 to 4

COMING MAY 20th!!!

Winner, 2025 Best Baby Book Prize from the French Ministry of Culture
From family trips to ocean dips, experience summer’s everyday magic in this sturdy, neon pop-up book. With playful illustrations, engaging text, and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents) will love!

Designed especially for little hands, this bright, bold pop-up book brims with the joy of summer in every turn of the page. Perfectly portable and shaped for toddlers’ hands, this sturdy board book features six playful pop-up scenes that leap from the pages with high-contrast neon images – the yellow of sunshine and the pink of summer sunsets.

Celebrate the magic of summertime, from a busy bee zipping between blossoms to a bumpy ride in the family van, from spreading sunscreen on our faces to enjoying bare feet on a beach, and from diving into sunset seas to counting the stars at night. This book brings all our most-loved summer moments to life in a way that’s both familiar and fresh, clever and surprising. Every page bursting with the warm wonders of the season.

With Aurore Petit’s vibrant, playful illustrations, simple, engaging text, and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents!) will love, this book is a sensory celebration of summer’s everyday magic.

This is the first title in Aurore Petit’s seasonal pop-up series, publishing alongside Autumn Pops Up! and to be followed soon by winter and spring-themed books.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer beams with vibrant, contrasting colors and surprises on every page.

This little board book runs through an array of things people can correlate with summer. Be it bees or sunscreen, every page presents something most young readers can recognize. And it's pointed. For example, the mention of bare feet on a beach very much centers on those bare feet and pops them up big and bold. Each flip of the page reveals an illustration, which literally stands out thanks to cleverly placed folds, cuts, and mounting. These are created from carton, making them fairly durable under normal usage. Not only are they recognizable and enjoyable to see raise from the page, but there's also a little humor involved...very slight and just right. The text carries only a few words to make each moment clear and keep it very appropriate for the intended age group as a read-aloud. 

This book is as bright as the hot sun and lets the colors reflect that. Neon pink, bright yellow, jet black, and pure white make each page vibrant and somewhat feel like staring at the world under a very bright sun. By the last scene, the nighttime, it condenses into a calm, enjoyable sunset to wrap everything off nicely. 

It's a fun, little read to spread summer joy.

Happy Book Birthday, Northwoods Lullaby by Mary Casanova!

I'm shouting out another book birthday, today, and screaming as loud as I can. Got to celebrate, right? This one has been on my radar for....oh my...over half a year? I've seen its cover peeking at me, asking me to pick it up, and begging to be read, but I had to wait until it hit the shelves. Oh, the pain of being a book reviewer! (Was that dramatic enough?)

Anyway, today's read comes out of the press at the University of Minnesota, and the books I've seen from there have always touched a chord with my love for nature. This book shouldn't be any different. Plus, I've had this one on my pile for a reason...it should be amazing. 

Let's open it up and see if it's been worth the wait.

NORTHWOODS LULLABY

by Mary Casanova

Illustrated by Jordan Sundberg

University of Minnesota Press

Board Book

32 pages

ages 0 to 8

A springtime stroll transforms into a heartwarming bedtime lullaby

It’s time to sing a lullaby, and all through the northwoods, different wild animals join in. Come along as a child and their grown-up enjoy an evening hike. Loons drift by on the serene lake, a baby on papa’s back. On the banks nearby, swans hatch, and deer graze in the grass. Look, and you’ll find bear cubs climbing trees with mama, foxes and hares, and wolf pups playing in their den. Celebrating new life as spring unfurls, Northwoods Lullaby blossoms from a melody Mary Casanova began to hum while rocking her newborn grandbaby to sleep, a lullaby that can now be shared with generations to come.

Pairing Casanova’s signature lyrical writing with collage illustrations by Jordan Sundberg of Tin Cup Design, this bedtime story invites readers of all ages to explore the world of nature and discover the unexpected along the way. It’s time to sing a lullaby, a pine bough swaying lullaby, a lady’s slipper lullaby . . . a lullaby for you.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The wonder of nature mixes with calmness and lovely scenes to invite into the world of dreams. 

From the very first page, this book sinks into nature's calming atmosphere and showcases an adult and child as they wander through the hills and forests. They spy bears, lakes, and more, always watching the life and world around them. As they progress on their journey, each moment is accompanied by a section of a lyrical lullaby to make this a lovely, bedtime read.

The illustrations are created in watercolor with a tissue paper like overlapping to give everything a gentle feel. Yet, each scene is brought across clearly and simply to fit the age group. Especially animal fans will enjoy the various, forest creatures as they make their appearance, one by one. The text flows right along. It swirls around various details of the life found in the forest, while sticking to wording which is very fitting to the intended age group. The phrases are short and flow smoothly to create a nice read-aloud. Plus, there's a sense of parent-child warmth to snuggle up with and offer security. 

Fans of nature, animals, and simply those, who enjoy discovering the world around them, are sure to enjoy this lovely, bedtime read.

And here they are...

Mary Casanova is author of dozens of books for young readers, including Hush Hush, Forest and Wake Up, Island, both also published by the University of Minnesota Press. She and her husband live in a tiny cabin near Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.

Jordan Sundberg is an artist and illustrator based in Duluth, Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and two bunnies. She is coauthor and illustrator of Fables of the North Shore.

Happy Book Birthday, The Terrifying Turnip Takeover by Lydia Lukidis!

Yippee! It's time to shoutout another book birthday. Today's read is the second in a humorful series of graphic novels for beginning readers, who are very sure of their words but not quite ready for larger, middle grade novels. I read the first one in the series last summer (see review HERE) and found it entertaining. The characters were quirky and fun. So, I'm hoping that this second book holds more of that. Let's open it up and find out!

THE TERRIFYING TURNIP TAKEOVER

Groucho, The Grouchy Groundhog

by Lydia Lukidis

Illustrated by Tara J Hannon

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Humor  /  Graphic Novel

80 pages

ages 6 to 8

For fans of Grumpy Unicorn, Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog is back with his half-pig, half-uncorn (and all smiles) sidekick, Blork! ​ And while Groucho would much rather be eating pancakes or napping, Critter Creek might need him to save the day…again.

Groucho is a Grouchy Groundhog (NOT a mole, moles are different. See page 78 in Book 1 for more). When a terrifying turnip appears in the sky, it’s up to Groucho and Blork to see what Lord Turnip from Planet Jupi-TURD is up to.

Lord Turnip and his legion of zombie farmers have been prowling the universe, looking for the perfect place to plant their tasty turnips. But their Poo Poo Glue Slime is killing all the plants in Critter Creek! Can Groucho figure out how to stop them?

This original graphic novel sequel brings back all of your Critter Creek favorites!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Turnip eating aliens and poo-forming-goo are only the beginning to this silly and surprise-filled adventure.

Groucho wants to take a shower, eat pancakes, and sleep, but his friend Blork isn't about to let him do any of that. Groucho's not even allowed to shower in peace thanks to an emergency. An alien named Lord Turnip has appeared with a spaceship and wants to turn entire Critter Creek into turnip fields with his Poo Poo Glue Slime, which oozes everything into turnip fertilizer. Groucho simply wants to eat his pancakes, but when Lord Turnip attacks Groucho's house and the pancakes are threatened, it's time to take care of the matter.

Quirky adventure rolls from every page as these unique characters try to save their home. Groucho hits with his grumpy and rude-ish style adding an edge to the, otherwise, ridiculous circumstances. And the evil villain from book one returns with a different twist, letting the latest villain swamp everyone with the new threat. There's a sense of urgency to make sure the adventure doesn't fall short. It creates a quick-paced read, where anything can happen and a happy ending isn't guaranteed...and not only because Groucho is never happy. Still, the characters provide many reasons to smile as they fumble and bumble through everything in a way which draws in.

The graphics are well done and lead the tale along smoothly, while also letting humor gain hold. The text fits readers, who are very sure of their words but not quite ready for larger reads. Heavy messaging stays far away in these pages, but friendship is golden, and it's shown that individuals can change for the better. The author does refer back to book one a few times, and even uses it to round off this read. So, it is better to take this series in order...although it isn't difficult to sink right in with book two, either. Those who enjoy odd fun and silliness are sure to enjoy Groucho and his friends. 

And here they are...

Tara J. Hannon lives in a house on a hill near the Chesapeake Bay. She writes and illustrates from her home studio, alongside her husband, two daughters, and one overly excited dog. When not creating, she can be found enjoying the bay with her family, jogging at a slow and friendly pace, or drinking coffee.

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024) and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

The Atlas of Shipwrecks by Jo Arnold

I'm always on the lookout for original and exciting nonfiction in the kidlit realm, and today's read appears to be a treat. This book is all about shipwrecks. I, honestly, don't think I can even recall seeing a book on this topic floating around, not even at the libraries as a kid. But just seeing this read already has my head spinning in a whirlwind of possibilities. Is it historical only? Is it about treasure hunting, too? Does it show where wrecks happened or tell of myth and lore as well? I could see this one being amazing...or flopping into mediocre. 

Either way, grab that wetsuit and oxygen tank because we're going to see what lies under the surface of the sea.

THE ATLAS OF SHIPWRECKS

by Jo Arnold

Illustrated by Philip Harris

Wide Eyed Editions

Middle Grade Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 5th!!!

Why do ships sink? What happens to them when they do? And how are their wrecks located?

Join (the fictional) Dr Profundo and chart a course across the world’s oceans, seas, and lakes, revealing the mystery surrounding more than 50 of the three million wrecks that lie under Earth’s waters.

A comprehensive and engaging insight into the underwater world of shipwrecks, told in compelling narrative non-fiction style by a well trusted voice in children's books. Each spread has full bleed illustration and is annotated by the fictional explorer in charming narrative non-fiction style. Some spreads are dedicated to single wrecks and others taking in two/three/four (or more, for examples like the fleet of Kubla Khan, The Spanish Armada, Chuuk lagoon and the Tangalooma wrecks, where many wrecks are concentrated in a small area). See examples of ships in their heyday as well as in their underwater resting place, close-up detail of specific artefacts or points of interest, and information split into digestible chunks, rather than heavy slabs of text, with a combination of prose, ‘In numbers’ lists and ‘Did you know?’ bubbles.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With a deep dive into the realm of shipwrecks, these pages masterfully swirl through facts to grow knowledge, create awe, and inspire.

I'm going to start with the illustrations because this aspect defines this read as much as the text. These are wonderfully done, bringing a swirl of adventure and excitement to the historical goodness. Plus, they stick to blue hues, which gives a constant atmosphere of water and the ocean. The artistic side balances with photographs, sketches, and other real images to create an inviting look into each ship's story. And these stories are interesting.

There are fifty shipwrecks presented in this book. Most gain an entire two-page spread, which is filled with images and various types of text. Some ships are presented through an array of boxed themes, each highlighting an interesting tidbit from that ship's history. Other ships receive a mini-graphic novel type of history, which makes the adventure that ship faced come across with tension and excitement. Then, there are ships, which are laid out across the entire page spread with tags pointing to the various aspects of the it, which made it original. The information never comes across as boring and makes each ship original.

There's a timeline at the end of the book so readers can visualize the timeframe each ship met its demise. Plus, readers learn throughout the read more about the difficulties presented when working with these wrecks. It is a read to pick up time and again, and lets readers discover a little more each time.

And here she is...

Jo Arnold is a writer based on the Isles of Scilly in the UK. She has 42k followers on her Instagram page, @thelittleliterarysociety. She has a degree in English from Queen Mary, University of London. She is a Secondary School English teacher and book reviewer.

The Orion Sessions: Best Friends by Cheryl Daveiga

With the end of the week finally here, it's time for some music and fun. Today's read might meet this requirement. It's the first in a new series for middle grade readers and comes with a song to listen to, too...I think. I noticed it's only 105 pages, which is always a nice change-up for those readers, who don't always want to dive into a huge novel. I'm expecting some school drama, and maybe, the beginnings of a music band?

Let's open it up and find out!

BEST FRIENDS

The Orion Sessions, Book One

by Cheryl Daveiga

Waterhole Productions LLC

Middle Grade Contemporary

105 pages

ages 10 to 13

At thirteen, Orion Casey has stopped singing—and it’s not because she stopped loving it. After the girls everyone follows start talking about her instead of to her, she’s done performing for anyone.

Then the mysterious messages start. Anonymous. Encouraging. A little too perfectly timed.

Someone’s been watching her—really paying attention—and part of Orion can’t help hoping it’s the one person she wishes would notice her back. The texts spark a confidence she didn’t know she had—enough to discover songwriting and find her way back to music.

But as friendships shift and secrets surface, Orion begins to wonder: when your sense of self keeps changing based on who’s watching, how do you figure out who you really are?

Perfect for readers ages 10–13, Best Friends launches The Orion Sessions, a contemporary middle-grade series that blends music, friendship, and self-discovery. Written in a fast-paced style and paired with original songs readers can listen to, this coming-of-age story explores the pressures of middle school—where belonging, betrayal, and social media can shape how you see yourself.

The novel was shared with 7th graders at Dodd Middle School in Connecticut before publication, where Orion’s story resonated strongly with students.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Wholesome middle grade drama meets music and forming friendships to create an enjoyable read.

13-year-old Orion doesn't feel comfortable with herself, anymore, and ends up in awkward situations more than she'd like. It doesn't help that not all the kids at school are kind, and worse yet, she can't even grab the attention of her crush for more than a nano-second...if that.  Then, the weird messages start coming in on her phone from someone called J. They are supportive and nice but tend to know quite a bit about her life...which is creepy. But things might just be about to take some unexpected twists.

Fans of middle school drama and music are sure to enjoy diving into this one. It's a quick-paced read, which gives just enough description to set the scenes and lets the plot and characters move everything forward. There isn't time for boredom as events keep rolling with every turn of the page. Add that it's a shorter read, and even reluctant readers won't be scared away. While this is for the middle grade audience, I'd recommend it for the lower/middle end and those readers who just want to enjoy a quick, smooth tale with heart. The author doesn't spend much time sinking deep into moments, which keeps the tale moving along but also doesn't give the depth slightly older readers might enjoy.

The characters come across naturally, and the situations connect well with real life. There's tons of goodness surrounding friendship and being yourself, which adds inspiration, too. The inclusion of songs to listen to add an extra bonus and are just as enjoyable as the tale itself. It's a lovely start to a series, which promises lots more to come.

And here she is...

Cheryl DaVeiga once set aside her songwriting dreams for a career in accounting—eventually becoming a partner at a national firm before finding her way back to music. Today she’s an ASCAP award-winning songwriter and the author of seven acclaimed picture books. Her new middle-grade trilogy, The Orion Sessions, blends music and storytelling in the journey of a girl who loses her voice and fights to get it back. Because some stories can only be written by someone who’s lived them.

The Last Dragon House by Liv Mae Morris

I had one glance at the cover on today's read and wanted to see what was inside. Now, I'm not really sure what it's about. I totally cover-grabbed on this one, but I think it swing around a type of boarding house for dragons. Taddah! That's really all I know, so I guess I'm in for a surprise about everything else.

Let's go see what these dragons are up to!

THE LAST DRAGON HOUSE

by Liv Mae Morris

Amulet Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

336 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 12th!!!

A middle-grade debut about a magical boarding house for dragons and the unlikely siblings destined to save it

Siblings Olly and Jenny Atwood have never met a dragon—Olly doesn’t even think they’re real. But when the strange and brilliant Dr. Lady Abernathy offers Olly a job at her mysterious house, the Atwoods learn that these incredible beasts are very much alive—and they need help.

Dragons have been forced into hiding, and as caretakers of the Dragon House, Dr. Lady and Olly are the only protectors these magnificent creatures have left. But when evil forces conspire to poison Dr. Lady, Olly and his dragon friends find themselves locked in a race against time, political conspiracies…and one very large corgi. Can Olly recover the antidote before it’s too late? And can Jenny harness her stirring powers to keep Dr. Lady alive until then? Or could this be the end of the Dragon House—and dragons—as they know it?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Dragons, dragons, and more dragons pack imagination while weaving in journeys of growth.

Olly is only thirteen and doesn't want to start working to help support his family, but with everyone in town struggling to even survive, he has no choice but to search for a job like others his age. What seems like a fated existence to waste away at a factory, flips upside down when he discovers a hidden employment notice and begins working for a secret home for dragons. It's wondrous and dangerous, and he's not allowed to let anyone know that the home even exists. While some dragons are nice, others might devour him, but none of that holds a candle to the danger he's about to face...and it's one that even the dragons can't protect themselves from.

Taking place in historical England, the first pages reminded a tiny bit of the beginnings of Oliver Twist, Willie Wonka, and Co. as they start in a place, where normal people can barely survive thanks to the closed industries. The twist into fantasy happens quickly and offers a buffet of intriguing dragons, each so different from the rest, stretching through all sorts of myths and possibilities. Dragon fans are sure to enjoy the effort the author takes to bring each one to life. While the interactions between Olly and the dragons offer tension, humor, and heart, the tale digs into deeper issues. The head of the home, a human, opens the door to Olly by also offering an education, which opens up his world and gives open display to the issues his family and others face in the town. There's also the societal issue surrounding the reason why the home even exists; humans hunted down dragons to near extinction. This mixes with another subplot surrounding Olly's sister and the disappearance of magic from humans to weave in plenty of food for thought. Plus, there's an entire message surrounding misunderstandings and 'truth under the surface' in connection to a boy, who first appears like a town bully. Oh, and there's plenty to learn from the dragons as their vibrant personalities and encounters carry quite a few pieces of wisdom as well. 

It's a wonderful world to get lost in and offers rich descriptions without slowing the pace. Olly has his hands full and never knows what to expect, and this keeps the tension relatively tight while the imagination and imagery brighten the pages. I'd even recommend this one to tweens or slightly older readers, since there is quite a bit of depth woven into the shadows and cracks. Oh, and dragon fans are most likely going to enjoy this one. 

And here she is...

Liv Mae Morris was a 2022 Lambda Literary Fellow and 2024 recipient of the Binc Foundation’s Susan Kamil Prize for Emerging Writers; equally importantly, she is the steward of two cats and one beautiful, chaotic husky/chihuahua/German shepherd mix. Originally from Kentucky, she now lives with her wife in Boston, where she works as an indie bookseller as well as a writer.

Breathe a Rainbow by Julie Koon

I've had this little board book on my reading pile just waiting to get a little closer to release day before picking it up. But it's so cute and happy looking! You can't see it on this cover image, but there's a cut-in opening following the top color of the rainbow, which opens up to a dabbed, feely surface that kids can run their finger over. And that's kind of the entire point of this book...if I understood things correctly. It's about breathing in and out and growing a little more calm to teach out to deal with 'big' feelings.

I'm hoping its horribly adorable and a little fun and hoping it's not preachy or to self-helpy. So, let's take a look at find out!

BREATHE A RAINBOW

An Interactive Board Book

by Julie Koon

Abrams Appleseed

Board Book

16 pages

ages 2 to4

COMING APRIL 28th!!!

Breathe in . . . and breathe out . . . with this unique, interactive board book that offers mindful breathing exercises and calming textures for children to trace with their fingers as they inhale and exhale

This unique, interactive board book combines textured calming strips and deep-breathing exercises to encourage mindfulness. With inspiring affirmations and a textured calming strip for kids to trace with their fingertips on each spread, this is a wonderful playroom or classroom tool to help lessen anxiety, anger, overstimulation, and many more big emotions little ones may not yet understand how to identify, describe, or regulate.

If you feel stuck in the mud, breathe in and out as you trace the outline of a bright flower’s petals. If you feel your worries whirl and swirl, breathe in and out as you trace textured ocean waves. Other shapes include a rainbow, a star, a butterfly’s wings, mountain tops, a swirling breeze, and a heart.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Calm feelings flow in this cute book, which lets listeners/readers breathe with each turn of the page.

This is a medium-sized board book, which is sturdy and just right for small listeners and their busy hands. The left side of each page quickly sums up a feeling (like feeling like a thundercloud), and on the right side of the page, a fitting 'breathe the...' leads to a cheerful object that listeners/readers can trace their finger over and breathe with. Going up and out means breathe in, and moving down and in means to breathe out. Each time, the fingers trace over a slightly different textured surface. It's simple to understand, lets readers/listeners get involved, gives off warming vibes, and illustrates in a very practical way how breathing in and out makes a person feel.

The text is very fitting to the age group and easy to understand. The images are clear and carry a cheerful note; even gloomy moments don't grow overly heavy. Every scene should be familiar. The breathe-in and breathe-out exercise is also easy to follow, and it is entertaining to run the finger along the edges...oddly satisfying. So, it's a cute book which fulfills it's purpose nicely and makes a fun read.

A Fish Like Me by Jamie Sumner

We're heading into swimming and water fun with today's read. I bet there are more than a few young readers out there, who are already ready to jump into the water and have some fun. As soon as the pools open or the days get a tad bit warmer, of course. And see that wheelchair in the background on the cover? I'm betting that will have something to do with this read, too.

But I won't know anything else until I dive in...so off we go with a splash!

A FISH LIKE ME

by Jamie Sumner

Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Atheneum Books 

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 28th!!!

In the spirit of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and I Talk Like a River, this lyrical picture book from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner tells the story of a child in swim therapy and celebrates the ways differently abled bodies can move in the water.

Under here, there is
no top or bottom,
no left or right—
only fields of water to wander in
as topsy-turvy as I like.

Underwater, everything looks different—and every body moves differently, too. During swim therapy, a child discovers he can be a catfish, a seahorse, a starfish cartwheeling across the universe. He finds the magic of moving in wholly new ways, just like he does on land in his trusty wheelchair.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The entire world changes when swimming in the water, especially when a little imagination gets involved.

These pages are a delightful ode to the fun of swimming as a little boy flips, twists, and turns underwater. With imagination, he pictures various sea creatures around him and shows how he can be a little like them. There are gentle additions of facts dabbed in naturally with the text. The text carries a lyrical atmosphere to match the fun flow of the water and seems to swish and glide with the descriptions of what is happening. The illustrations pack color and playfulness to let the freedom and enjoyment come across clearly. It invites young listeners and readers to jump in and swim right along with the boy and other kids.

While this could be a lovely book just with enjoyment the boy experiences while swimming, it goes a step further to embrace a little more diversity. About halfway into the read, it becomes clear that there's more to the swim than just normal fun. This is actually hinted at during the first pages, just not very obviously. For a couple pages, the boy shows how much fun he also has doing small tricks and packing imagination as he's underway in his wheelchair. When it switches back into the water, he's joined by a therapist for a couple pages, too, before gliding right back into pure swimming fun. This raises awareness for individuals in this circumstances or similar in a very positive way and inspires from beginning to end.

And here they are...

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

Devon Holzwarth is an award-winning American children’s book illustrator of titles including The Story of a Book,Listen, and Tía Fortuna’s New Home. She grew up in Panama, surrounded by nature, her dad’s art supplies, and lots of places to swim. Today, she lives in Aachen, Germany, along with her family. Visit her on Instagram @DevonHolzwarth and at DevonHolzwarth.com.

 

Enough to Share by Mary Helen Berg

I've got my eyes set on the great outdoors since Spring has been spreading and sprouting...and well, I've already had to mow twice. So, today's read heads in the right direction with a look at nature. I'm pretty sure it's going to head into an environmental direction and look at several problems in that direction. I enjoy the artwork on the cover and hope that it holds a well-done tale.

Let's open it up and find out!

ENOUGH TO SHARE

by Mary Helen Berg

Illustrated by Sue Todd

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 5 to 9

COMING MAY 26th!!!

Step into the misty woods and rocky shores of the Great Bear Rainforest, where two rare animals—Spirit Bear and Sea Wolf—have lived side by side for thousands of years. But now their world is changing. As climate change warms the land and sea, food becomes scarce, and these two powerful creatures must learn to share what little remains. 

ENOUGH TO SHARE introduces young readers to the Great Bear Rainforest. Kids meet real, rare animals and see how they live in a place full of beauty, danger, and change. The story uses simple, warm language to help children understand that Earth has limited resources—and we must care for them together. The back of the book includes , plus , making this a strong choice for classrooms and libraries. gives children a gentle but powerful message: our world is a gift, but only if we learn to share it.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Illustrations mix with rhyme to lure into the scenes and engage readers in the small adventure these animals face.

Spirit Bear and Sea Wolf have lived together for a very long time in the forest, and they have always shared in the bounty of what nature has to offer. However, something is changing everything around them. Not only are the forests decreasing in size as lumber and such is brought away but food is growing scarce, and even other animals are having trouble dealing with basic survival.

The illustrations carry a grabbing style as they incorporate just a tad bit of layering to add texture. The scenes are bright and full of life with a distinct direction to give it an indigenous atmosphere. Even for younger listeners, who can't read this one their own, the problems the animals face is clear. Still the book doesn't weigh down too much, either, but rather brings across the message and ends with hope. Suggestions at the very end give listeners/readers small inspirations on how they can help.

The text is in rhyme and is well done. It flows nicely and fits right in with the illustrations. It creates a lovely read-aloud and also works for those beginning readers, who have a very good handle on their words. This seems to be a read especially fitting for group settings and works well for themes surrounding the environment.