Tricksters, Takers, and Team Players by Alisha Gabriel

Today's reaad heads into the nonfiiction realm and takes a look at animals and how they hunt. I'm betting there will be some surprising facts, and I'm very curious to see how the 'team players' works. It's also a theme I haven't run across before, which is another plus.

So, get ready because we're about to dive into the animal world and see how they get their food.

TRICKSTERS, TAKERS, AND TEAM PLAYERS

Teaming Up For the Hunt

by Alisha Gabriel

Illustrated by Viven Sarkany

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 6 

COMING SEPTEMBER 15!!!

Why would a coyote hunt with a badger? Why do birds follow cows? Why would a monkey share the forest with deer below?

Some animals hunt alone, some stay with their packs, but some team up with animals from another species.

From coyotes and badgers working side by side, to chital deer following langur monkeys for fallen fruit, to hornbills calling mongooses to hunt together, this nonfiction picture book shows how animals survive by forming powerful partnerships. TRICKSTERS, TAKERS, AND TEAM PLAYERS will let young readers explore the wild world of animal teamwork.

Kids will learn about:

- Mutualism: when both animals benefit.
- Commensalism: when one benefits and the other is not harmed.
- Parasitism: when one benefits and the other is hurt.

...and so much more!

With clear,real-world examples paired with vibrant illustrations, TRICKSTERS, TAKERS, AND TEAM PLAYERS makes learning about symbiotic relationships simple, engaging, and fun.

Perfect for curious kids who love animals, nature, and surprising facts about the wild.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These pages keep attention on how animals work together, either purposefully or not, to get their food...and many of these 'hunting' facts hold surprises.

This book is all about how animals work together to get their food. It's divided into three categories (mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism), and presents several lesser known relationships, which surprise and build a respect for animals, in general. It begins with a quick introduction before explaining how, for example, coyotes and badgers work together to get what they need to survive. Each relationship and how it works is clearly laid out while the illustrations let the scenes come to visual life. At the end of the read, there are a handful of more detailed explanations, a question to think about and answer, as well as a list of further sources. 

Not only nature and animal fans are sure to enjoy this one as it highlights lesser-known, animal relationships and does so in an interesting way. The illustrations stick to modest colors, which lets the animals and their behaviors take control of the scenes. Listeners/readers gain a good idea of how the described relationship works. The text, while presenting everything clearly, also stays concise, keeping this read solidily in the intended age group range. It creates an interesting read-aloud and works for those readers, who are sure of their words, to pick up on their own. It works nicely for classroom settings, especially when combined with a theme surrounding animal symbiosis, for homeschoolers, and also as a read for animal fans. 

It's well done, interesting, and teaches more about the animal realm as well.

Poppy Makes Pockets by Jemima Parker and Karen Erasmus

I seem to have hit a few reads this month, which inspire creativity. Today's read stays in that theme. This time, we're going to take a look at a girl who makes pockets. I've always enjoyed sewing, so this was a 'must read' for me. But I am curious to see what this character does with pockets and why she makes them. There's only one way to find out. So, let's open this one up and find out what she's up to!

POPPY MAKES POCKETS

by Jemima Parker & 

Karen Erasmus

EK Books

Picture Book

34 pages

ages 4 to 8

Poppy finds a crafty solution for carrying her treasures in this uplifting story about creativity, upcycling, community spirit – and the joy of pockets!

Poppy picks up the most amazing things when she’s out exploring, from glossy feathers to rattling seed pods to shiny buttons. But she’s missing something very important: pockets to carry her findings!

After an unsuccessful wardrobe search, Poppy’s creativity is sparked. With some crafty textile upcycling, she makes her own pocket-covered outfit. It’s such a success that she opens a stand in her street offering pocket-making for all. But what happens when Poppy runs out of fabric, and people still want pockets? Can Poppy and her neighbourhood friends come together to find a solution?

Girls’ clothing almost never has practical pockets, which affects how girls play, move, and navigate life. Poppy Makes Pockets celebrates of the joy of pockets, and highlights that girls need them too. It also explores themes of upcycling worn-out clothing, inspiring young readers to think about sustainable and creative solutions to problems. Full of positivity and joy, this delightful story will entertain little readers everywhere, especially those who love collecting treasures. 

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This one hits a problem that me and my daughters have always complained about—the lack of pockets or big enough ones on clothes. And it shows how a young girl solves this issue.

Poppy finds little treasures whenever she's outside, but most of her clothes don't have pockets to keep them in until she arrives home. Grabbing leftover fabric pieces, thread, a needle, and other sewing accessories, she creates simple pockets on one of her dresses. They work great! Then, she notices that others around her seem to be having the same problem she did. So, she opens up a pocket stand and begins her own little adventure.

This is a book to inspire and motivate readers to get creative and tackle problems with a little ingenuity. Poppy is a cheerful girl and easy to like. Her problem is also one, which many readers will understand. Her sewing skills might seem complicated to some, but the author has added directions at the end of the book to help readers create their own pockets if desired. The tale also lets the sense of helping others and friendships within the community shine. The diversity is also not forgotten as various customers come to Poppy's stand. So, it's a positive read with quite a bit of goodness wrapped into the pages.

The text brings across the tale clearly and smoothly. While it creates a lovely read-aloud, it's also fitting for those readers, who are mostly sure of their words, to pick up and discover on their own. The illustrations are created in watercolor and let the scenes come across with familiarity while holding a sense of gentleness. And the directions for the craft at the end round everything off nicely.

And here they are...

Jemima Parker is a writer and sewer with a degree in Visual Arts (textiles). She is passionate about nurturing creativity in children. She is a Canberra-based creative working across disciplines, and is also a Visual Arts and Law graduate. Jemima spends her days as a communications professional. She is passionate about writing and illustrating for children. She loves dogs, telling stories and coffee – all the coffee.  Jemima has more picture books coming soon with Scholastic Australia and EK Books.

Karen Erasmus is an illustrator based on the south coast near Melbourne, Australia. She is a qualified teacher who enjoys teaching illustration and design to TAFE students. When she’s not drawing and designing, you’ll find her sewing or out cycling on the Peninsula. 

The Brilliant Idea Machine by Malcolm Beddows

 I was going to hit this read a few days ago but got delayed due to time constraints on the reading end of life. But there's no way I'm going to let this one pass on by. Isn't the cover adorable? I adore the idea of a girl, inventions, and more. I'm hoping for humor, heart, and creative inspiration. So, lots of good vibes and fun.

Let's see if this book is as enjoyable as it appears!

THE BRILLIANT IDEA MACHINE

by Malcolm Beddows

House Publishing

Middle Grade Science Fiction

182 pages

ages 8 to 12

Thanks to her grandfather and his latest invention, 11-year-old Parker Fisher is about to discover a world of endless possibilities. The Brilliant Idea Machine brings forgotten ideas back to life...perfect for an inventor who wants to make the world a better place. And perfect for a girl with the craziest idea ever that can change the life of every kid.

Not everyone wants what’s best though. Parker, her friends, and her grandfather must all work together to keep the town’s mayor from making bad ideas a reality. And they have to do it while saving an important bird from going extinct.

Join Parker and her friends as they work together to change the world!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Creative fun explodes and weaves with family goodness, town hopes, and a feathered friend.

Parker's grandfather is an amazing inventor, although not everyone might see him that way. While some of his inventions work, others get lost in thought. So, he creates a forgotten idea machine to grab those lost but terrific ideas. At the same time, Parker is having to deal with her family's move and a new school. After all, her interest in things such as science can make her the odd-girl-out, sometimes. Luckily, her grandfather's machine works and her lost idea, Booger Spread, and after creating the tasty (although gross sounding) treat, she becomes more than popular. This also leads to her grandfather's machine being recognized, which should be a great thing. Except, the mayor's wonderful ideas aren't so wonderful after all. Now, Parker, her grandfather, and her new found friends will have to figure out how to stop the mayor before things turn really bad.

This is one of those fun reads, which opens up the realm of imagination and takes readers on an adventure that they wish they could join themselves.  Parker is a character to get behind and root for the entire way through. There's always something happening and surprises pop up the entire way through. Humor, quirky moments, heart, and even tension create a grabbing atmosphere. It's a read, which keeps the pages turning.

Starting with the wonderful realm of inventions, the first pages already inspire readers to embrace their creativeness. Then, there's the problem of moves and finding new friends, especially when a person like Parker tends to steer a little away from 'normal' hobbies. I appreciate that this aspect never really fell into bullying, but rather, carried the hope and enjoyment as new friends were made. There's also family goodness and support, which offer a warm foundation. Then, there's adventure and imagination and team work...and the list goes on. 

Especially the younger end of the middle grade audience will enjoy this one. The writing works well for this level and sticks to simpler sentences and vocabulary. There's just enough character depth to make each one interesting, while the action and dialogue drive it forward, which also matches this age group nicely. The chapters are kept short and enjoyable illustrations break-up the text. Even the length works great for those readers, who have left the chapter book range and aren't quite ready for heavier themes or 300+ pages tomes. 

Readers who enjoy some imagination, adventure, and friend fun while keeping things light are sure to enjoy this one.

You can learn more about the author at: https://www.parkerfisher.com/

Happy Birthday, Ticket to Mars by Kieran Fanning!

Whose up for some more science fiction goodness? Today's read heads to Mars and should hold a dystopian touch. While it's sold as 'children' fiction, I'm getting Tween vibes from the blurb.  I'm expecting adventure and mystery, since this is about a 13-year-old chasing a thief and finding out more about himself. Or something like that. I try not to dive in too deep before reading these to keep my expectations pretty wide open. At 200 pages, it's not overly long, so I'm hoping that's a plus. Otherwise...

Let's open it up and see what the stars hold!

TICKET TO MARS

by Kieran Fanning

Our Street Books

Tween Science Fiction

200 pages

If a thief stole your dreams, would you travel to Mars to get them back?

Thirteen-year-old Veon Windbourne dreams of escaping the flooded ruins of Newer York for the gleaming city of Harmonia on planet Mars. When he discovers a hidden fortune, hope finally feels within reach - until it is stolen. Desperate for justice, Veon follows the trail of the thief to the red planet, but Mars isn’t the paradise he imagined, and if Veon wants to reclaim his future, he’ll have to fight for it. A thrilling tale of courage, survival, and the fight for justice in a world where only the rich can escape.

    GOODREADS   /  PUBLISHER

 

MY TIDBITS

Tension rises as every page discloses a little more about the dangerous lies behind living on Mars and Veon's difficult past.

Veon and his mother were just about to reach their dream of leaving the dismal and heavily class-orientated life on Earth for a more ideal one on Mars. But shortly before they could go, their chance was stolen away. Veon knows exactly who's responsible and is determined to seek revenge, especially since his mother now suffers from mental issues and has been admitted to a very questionable hospital to get 'help'. The first step takes him to Mars, and it's probably the easiest. When he gets there, he knows he might have trouble finding the culprit and dishing out revenge, but Veon is not prepared for what really exists on Mars. Instead of a societal paradise, everything is dictated and controlled. Every move he makes is monitored and recorded to ensure that each person is doing their job to benefit society...and that means adding or subtracting points. Even letting the water run a little too long in the shower can demote an individual's status and rights. After earning a few, first credits, Veon heads to the market area, but an explosion in the market leads to a brief meeting with a rebel, opening him up to an entirely new problem. Soon, Veon finds himself swept up in a possible rebellion that he isn't even sure he wants to be a part of, especially since he still only intends to pursue his original gaol, but that might not only be harder than he thought, he might not survive long enough to complete it.

This is a quick-paced read with more going on than the first glance at 200-pages would suggest. Even the world building doesn't suffer from this shorter, scifi length, but rather, is well done and holds depth. The author switches between backflashes and Veon's adventure on Mars every other chapter. At first, I thought this might hurt the flow, but the two directions work nicely, side-by-side. Veon's adventure on Mars builds with a steady pace, starting with the last dangers of the Mars' travel and allowing the new world and the first hints of its darker side to sink in. It builds tension without a hint of boredom. The flashbacks are just as grabbing and bring the difficult life Veon faced on Earth as well as his personality to life. This also allows a bit of familiarity to come across so that the reader can better connect with Veon. Despite the very different world and circumstances, he's a fairly normal 13-year-old. There are many secrets and layers, which slowly unfold as the tale progresses, and this opens up to action and danger. 

The writing works very well for the 10 to 14 age group, although older readers are sure to enjoy the tight weave and tension, too. The vocabulary and such place this at a comfortable reading level, making it accessible for those, whose reading skills are by no means low but might not feel as comfortable in longer, in-depth YA reads. But even solid readers will have no problem sinking in as this is well done. Science Fiction fans who enjoy quick-paced reads, action, and secret agendas, are sure to enjoy this one. 

And here he is...

Kieran Fanning is a children’s author and primary school teacher in County Meath, Ireland. His first publications were a series of four Middle Grade books called CODECRACKERS which were published by Mentor Books in Dublin. The series was also published in America and the Czech Republic. More recently, he published THE BLACK LOTUS with Chicken House in the UK, but also in Germany and America. It was shortlisted for the Leeds Book Awards, The Brilliant Book Award and The Bangkok Book Awards. IRISH FAIRY TALES, MYTHS AND LEGENDS, was published by Scholastic. This was followed by a self published Middle Grade adventure called THE ARRIVAL. HAUNTED IRELAND, is a book of ghost stories from every county in Ireland and was published by Gill in 2024. A sequel called ENCHANTED IRELAND will be published in October 2025. TICKET TO MARS will be published by Collective Ink in 2026. For further information on the author or his books, please see my website www.kieranfanning.com.

Lila Makes a Monster by Laurie Elmquist

I love the look of the crazy, little inventor on this cover, and if it involves a monster, even better! Today's read doesn't hit the shelves until mid-September, but I find it nice to know what's on the up and coming lists. Let's see if this one will be a winner or not.

LILA MAKES A MONSTER

by Laurie Elmquist

Illustrated by Anna Bron

Orca Publishing

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 15th!!!

It's a rainy day, and Lila is bored. Then she gets an idea: she can build a monster friend!

She uses bits and pieces she's collected, like bolts and hinges and coils and―eureka!―with a bolt of lightning, he comes to life. Soon Lila and Monster are bouncing on the bed, making sticky slime and munching on cereal straight from the box.

But when Monster accidentally makes a big mess, Dad comes running, and he can't help but be alarmed. Lila realizes it might be time to send Monster packing. Still, there couldn't be any harm in leaving her window open a crack. And perhaps she could save some of her sandwich...just in case a friend drops by.

GOODREADS     /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A little imagination, tinkering, and chaotic moments lead to an unique tale with a monsterly twist.

It's storming outside and Lila is bored, but suddenly, she has an idea about what she can do. Digging out her collection of springs, hinges, and such from under her bed, she begins to build and construct. The end result is a square-headed monster. The real surprise comes whenT lightning brigthens the sky outside and her monster comes to life. Now, she has a friend to play with! From bouncing on the bed to heading downstairs for a snack, the two are anything but bored. Unfortunately, though, this monster might be a bit clumsy and cause a few mishaps.

The read begins with the inventor spirit and inspires as Lila lets her crafting skills flow freely. It's a little invitation for readers to let their own imaginations take flight and allow their creative juices get to work. The moment Lil'as monster comes to life, the humor introduces humor and fun let giggles glow...and that with a light sense of caution. This monster is awkward and causes a few, big messes. So while scenes are funny, they also hold a bit of 'oh-no' expectation. This is true with the last large mess the monster makes, and here, the fun ends as the message of consequences kicks in. It's also at this point, where things steered away from the lighter fun. Instead, the message surrounding consequences and knowing when to let go fliters in, and the light-heartedness sinks away. I wondered a bit as Lila seems to turn against her created friend. So, I do recommend adults read through this first to make sure it heads as they hope. It does end on positive notes of kindness and friendship.

The illustrations are well done and bring each character and scene to life. The monster has a friendly appearance and is clearly built together in a creative way. Even when mishaps happen, it comes from sheer clumsy awkwardness without any bad intentions. Readers might even wish they could have that monster as their own friend, too. The text flows well for the age group and creates a lovely read aloud. Those readers, who have a good grip on their words, will be able to pick it up on thier own. 

It's a fun read about friendship with a big nod to creativity, while also working in food for thought about consequences when things go wrong.

And here they are...

Laurie Elmquist is the author of several books for young readers including Where's Burgess? which was short-listed for both the Chocolate Lily Award and the Silver Birch Award. She holds an MA in Literature and creative writing from the University of Windsor in Ontario and has been published in several magazines and anthologies. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Anna Bron was born in Russia and immigrated to Canada when she was nine years old. She was lucky enough to have parents who nurtured and encouraged a career in art. She attended art school in her teens, and then went on to study traditional hand-drawn animation at Sheridan College. Not long after graduating she became a freelance illustrator and animator, working on a broad range of projects, from illustrating children’s books and magazines to animating, designing and directing commercials and short films. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Golden Boy by A.J. Symon

GOLDEN BOY

by A.J. Symon

Simon & Schuster 

YA Fantasy

288 pages

COMING AUGUST 25th!!!

When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible in this heartwarming and funny young adult novel.

Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.

But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him human?!

Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.

PUBLISHER     /    GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With feel-good vibes, a touch of humor, and tons of heart, this is a read to make a person smile, add a tiny bit of food for thought, and simply entertain in a wholesome way.

Emma dances to her own tune in her little town, not that it's an easy thing to do in a place where everyone'tws life seems to hover around football. Even her own family fits into that slot, which leaves her, as a science fan, a little on her own. Luckily, she has Hudson, her golden retriever and very best friend. So, when he's wounded in a car accident, she's devastated and will do anything to save him. As fate would have it, she's been experimenting on an idea for a new drug for a school project, and while it isn't fine-tuned, yet, it appears to be Hudson's only hope. When it suddenly turns him into a human, though, she's out of her league and isn't sure what to do. But Hudson might be the fresh air the town needs most.

In a time where most young adult literature delves into heavy messaging or darker directions, this is a refreshing twist. The characters come across with a sense of reality...as if they live right down the block. The dialogue flows smoothly and lets each personality come across clearly. Emma carries just enough of the 'outsider' feel to garner sympathy but not so much that it falls into the victim or bullying zone. Instead, she's pretty based with just enough uncertainty to fit right into the age group and make her relateable. She is a little young at 11 for the young adult audience, so I would mark this one more as a tween read. Her concerns are understandable, and while some of the science does push beyond reality, it does so with finesse to weave in imagination and possibility. It's a read which warms like a hug, yet adds enough tension, humor, and surprises to keep the pages turning. It makes an enjoyable, summer tale for readers who simply want to be entertained, feel good, and smile.

And here he is...

A.J. Symon lives in Barnesville, Georgia, with his family, which includes several golden retrievers, including descendants of the real-life Hudson on which Golden Boy is based.

Kingdom Unraveled by Mariana DiMercurio

Today's read seems to take a slightly unique direction into the kidlit realm. It's a middle grade graphic novel, which swings into the fantasy direction. What makes it unique is the main character. It's an old woman, and she's been chosen to save the world. I'm expecting humor, fun adventure, unexpected moments, and maybe, a subtle wisdom to slip inside, too.

But let's open it up and find out, shall we?

KINGDOM UNRAVELED

by Mariana DiMercurio

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

224 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING JULY 28th!!!

One unlikely champion. One quest to save the kingdom. Two knitting needles.

For lovers of Amulet comes a new full-color graphic novel for kids with an unlikely hero. Jo's life is changed forever when she is made the new Champion—the person tasked with saving the Kingdom from the insidious evil that's mysteriously taking over. She'll have to tap into her own bravery and wisdom and start on a quest through the kingdom unlike any other!

Jo is a 70-year-old woman who lives in a quiet life in her village, with just her knitting needles and nature to keep her company. But when a mystical guardian knocks on her door one day, Jo is tasked as the new Champion. With help from her snarky friend Roy—whose goals seem to suspiciously align perfectly with hers—she’ll have to do what no other champion has been able to save the Kingdom (and her family) from certain demise.

Featuring the exclusive, never-before-published ending to the popular online story, Kingdom Unraveled is an original graphic novel packed with humor and heart!

GOODREADS     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Champions come in all shapes, ages, and sizes, and this calm, grandmotherly woman proves it.

Josephine, aka Jo, lives a peaceful life in her little hut out in the country and enjoys her days knitting and such. When a mysterious, spirit-like figure appears in her livingroom and tells her she's the new champion with the task of saving the kingdom, she simply agrees without a hint of fuss, gets out of her blanketed chair, and calmly takes on the challenge. The magical ax she receives sets the tone as it offers magical and powerful, fighting possibilities...but doesn't really fit to her and her small, knitting needles. With grandmotherly familiarity, she packs a few things and calmly heads out onto her journey. In one of the nearby towns, she runs across Roy, a wanted thief, and cunningly befriends him with a little bit of cleverness and heart. Together, the two continue the adventure, coming up against dangerous and deadly foes, difficult situations, and all sorts of good and bad individuals and creatures. All the while, Jo faces everything in the way she knows best...and that has nothing to do with the usual Champion heroism that everyone expects. But her subtle approach carries its own magic. The question remains, though, if she can really defeat a gigantic, very evil, and deadly beast.

This read was as warm, adventurous, and enjoyable as I hoped it'd be.  Jo embodies all those wonderful traits that seem to accompany the idea of a sweet, elderly, and slower paced grandmother. She's kind, carries years of wisdom, and is weathered by enough experience to rarely let anything bother her. While her, obvious, difference to usual heros already offers a huge stage for humor and heart, she also carries some secrets, which aren't truly revealed but hinted at. There's more to her story, but it only drips in here and there to add a small sense of mystery. Readers will be won over by her inviting and warm attitude, but still remain curious to see how she handles each situation because they aren't tame. She is up against deadly obstacles such as giant, killer spiders, dragons, wrait-like creatures and more. While Jo isn't the average hero, the opponents do carry the same danger and deadliness as is often seen in a graphic novel in this direction. Tension is there and even action, but it's tackled with a different twist. That makes this a gripping read while adding smiles, fun and heart.

Each character holds a rich background, and these aren't fully exposed but rather leave lots of room for  the series. This is especially true of her friend, Roy, who begins as a snarky theif and slowly becomes a true partner. But his tale is, obviously, just beginning as the ending brings some new insight as well as nods to more secrets. 

The graphics are well done and the text fits nicely to the middle grade audience. I was surprised how quickly this tale flows, since it's very easy to get caught up into Jo and the various problems her and Roy face. There are messages surrounding friendship, kindness, and more to match the wholesome direction, but these don't overtake Jo's adventure or plot. Rather, it adds to her character and promises more exciting adventures to come.

Have You Ever Heard A Whale Exhale? by Caroline Woodward

I'm super behind with today's post...but here, it is! This is a picture book about the ocean, and summer is definitely a wave and beach friendly time of year. So, I thought I'd take a peek at this.

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A WHALE EXHALE?

by Caroline Woodward

Illustrated by 

Claire Watson

Pownal Street Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

This fanciful coastal adventure for kids of all ages brings the senses to life!

In this splash of a tale, author Caroline Woodward and illustrator Claire Watson take us on an exploratory journey from sun-warmed rocks to crackling campfires, from below the waves to up in the sky. The book will have readers leaping with the dolphins and barking with the sea lions. On a journey of touch, taste, sight and smell, this whale of a tale urges littles to explore their surroundings and put their imaginations to work.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Seemingly silly questions open up to a little thought and tons of smiles in this lovely visit to the ocean and various creatures living in, around, and above it..

These pages take readers on a visitation to various ocean creatures....but not in the normal, expected way. With a playful, rhyming text, each sea creature is showcased on a two-page spread. From whales to octopi, several, popular spieces join the list. Unlike many books which center on sea life, this one adds a slight fantasy twist. Each creature is presented doing something completely unexpected, such as playing 'spy-hop' or dancing. Sometimes, the creatures are presented in their watery habitat, while others join more human settings such as sitting at a table. Every page is different in the amount of fantasy it holds, making sure every turn opens to a surprise. Combined with the vibrant and lovely illustrations, it creates a very entertaining read.

The text flows mostly smoothly as it asks the reader a silly questions similar to the one in the title: 'Have you ever heard a whale exhale?'. While humorous, these also can be a little thought evoking and even, sometimes, carry a little fact or two. Giggles and smiles are guaranteed as listeners/readers look at sea life from a different perspective. It awakens awareness for the vast variety of life surrounding the ocean, while keeping fun front and center.

It makes a nice read-aloud for group settings and is sure to get the word 'again'.

Toofer & The Giblet by Paulette LeBlanc

Today's read is a collection of stories, which I'm hoping will be perfect for story times and bedtime reads. The intended age group is a little wide spread, and that's something I'm always a little skeptical about, but I'm open minded and willing to see how it works out. After all, the cover is cute and promises wholesome adventures with a fun pair of mice. Plus, the reviews have been very good so far.

In other words, the only way to know if it's worth a peek or not is to open it up and find out. So, let's do that!

TOOFER & THE GIBLET

by Paulette LeBlanc

Illustrated Dmitriy Morozov

Dragon Horse Publications

Children's Fantasy

94 pages

ages 6 to 18

Toofer is reserved, thoughtful, and observant, while The Giblet is outgoing and sociable. This series is filled with clever adventures and stand-alone stories and invites readers to re-discover their own world. At the heart of Toofer & The Giblet is a deep friendship, revealed through the innocence and wisdom of its characters. On the surface, these books will teach children to value friendship, prize honesty, and act with integrity. Still, I believe the real power of Toofer & The Giblet besides, the ability to amuse, lies in their appeal to teachers, parents, and grandparents. These are clever adventures and stand-alone stories, but at the heart of this series is a deep kinship between two opposites, who are simultaneously innocent and wise.

Each dazzling illustration throughout the series, brings the characters of Toofer & The Giblet to life as they impart wisdom both to adults and children without preaching. These stories effortlessly reveal the subtle humor brought about by the growing storyline. Each tale travels deeper into the nature of the characters, evolving along with the narrative until the reader regards them as friends.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This pair of mice never has a boring moment as one, The Giblet, excitedly gets into all sorts of situations, while the other, Toofer, tries to keep everything as grounded as possible.

Toofer and The Giblet are best friends and have lived together for a long time. Still, their personalities are very different. The Giblet is ready to meet everyone and take on any adventure which comes his way, while Toofer is calm, wise, and tends to stay at home to enjoy a quiet life. In ten very different tales, the friendship proves to be golden and true even when little opinion differences happen. Some tales pack messages about life, while others are simply fun. All invite in with a touch of animal fantasy while offering a warming backdrop of various animals and gentle adventures.

The Table of Contents at the assists in finding the desired story quickly. Each one is only a few pages long, making them great for a short read-aloud in cosier or group settings. Each story carries its own direction as The Giblet encounters all sorts of animals (from a mole to a monkey to a wallabee), and each one brings an unique personality and twist. The stories can be read in any order but do seem to line-up well if also read in order...although I'm not sure why since they don't truly build on each other. The text does work vocabulary skills, so those wanting to read it on their own do need a good grip on their word skills. This works nicely for lower middle graders to pick up for short tales, too. The humor weaves in at different levels. Sometimes, it's simple, while other times, there's a bit of deeper cleverness to draw a smile. Young readers won't necesarily catch all of it, but older ones will see the pokes and side thoughts that Toofer builds in when talking with The Giblet. The artwork is also lovely and draws into the world with care. The only thing which pulled me out was The Giblet as a name, but that's just a tiny aspect.

It's a lovely collection of stories for animal adventure fans, who enjoy an amazing friendship, humor, and a little bit of wisdome along the way.

 

Elfie's Grimoire by Audrey Alwett & Christophe Arleston

 Today's read doesn't hit the shelves until later October, which should be just right to dive into Halloween, too. So, why did I pick it up and show it now? Because I couldn't wait. First off, I enjoy the cover with the friendliness, magic, and promise of adventure. Secondly, it's being translated into English after experiencing success in French. I always have a soft-spot for international literature. That's why I'm just giving into my own impatience and sharing it with you guys early. Is it worth it?

Well, let's find out!

ELFIE'S GRIMOIRE

by Audrey Alwett &

Christophe Arleston

Translated by Rebecca Potters

Illustrated by Ludivine Marques-Verissimo

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING OCTOBER 20th!!!

A lush, award-winning graphic novel series that blends sisterhood, cozy magic, and heartfelt adventure set aboard a traveling bookshop bus. A perfect read for fans of Sorceline and The Tea Dragon Society.

After the death of their mother, Elfie and her two sisters hit the road in a converted bookshop bus, bringing stories to small towns across France and recovering as a family together along the way.

Then Elfie is gifted her late mother's magical grimoire, a book that draws power from the stories Elfie writes herself. From a missing stamp in a seaside village to an accidental army of gingerbread men, her adventures are as fun and chaotic as her budding powers! As she starts to unlock her magical legacy, she also uncovers hidden family secrets and the truth about who her mother really was.

Elfie’s Grimoire contains:

• Gorgeous, full color comics
• An authentic, beautiful French setting, including learning about French history
• A loving but complicated family that always finds their way back to each other
• A whole new world to explore of witches, magic, spells

Climb aboard the Stinky Book bus and unlock Elfie's magical powers!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With magic, sisterly bonds, and the desire to help when trouble arises, this character is one to cheer for and wish she could be your friend, too.

After the death of their mother, Elfie's oldest sister transforms a double-decker bus into a mobile book store (plus, apartment), and the three sisters travel around France while earning their living. When Elfie discovers a grimoire, she takes it as an opportunity to try to find her inspiration as a writer. After all, Elfie's mother was one, and her stories were amazing. While story inspiration doesn't flow as well as it could, Elfie's other hobby, orgami, comes to life in the form of a talking, frog friend that her and only select others can see. Elfie soon figures out that her mother was a witch, and story telling opens the door to an entire realm of magic. While Elfie is trying to figure all of this out without letting her sisters know...at least, for now..., their travels take them from one town to the next. Each place they stop, they run into adventure as they meet individuals with some sticky problems. Add the ups and downs of sister relationships, and this is anything but a boring adventure.

France offers a rich and beautiful backdrop to this heartfilled tale and comes to life thanks to lovingly created graphics. There's a sense of playfulness to match the fantasy and Elfie's perky personality, but there's also a gentle atmosphere of culture, values, and French heritage as this trio heads from one town to the next. It is, however, set in modern day, which adds a fun and unique twist. This setting depth also influences the text as the insights and thoughts Elfie, occassionally, adds to her grimoire are shown in clear cursive (her writing). It creates a wholesome foundation for the magic, mysteries, and surprises.

Elfie's magic adds a fun, whimsical touch, especially since she has to figure out this entire aspect on her own...and it isn't easy even with a talking frog clinging to her and offering his 'help' along the way. She gets clues as they travel around and meet different people, but it's a slow puzzle. Plus, each town offers its own problems to overcome as they friends they make tend to have large problems that need to be solved. These add messages surrounding relationships, kindness, determination, and more, and steer the story as much, if not more, than the magical aspect does. There is whimsical magic with imagination and surprises, but there's also forming friendships, discovering true wrong-doers, finding ways to steer through difficult situations, and working through situations which seem impossible. 

To add even more fun, there occassional inserts of how-tos and more. It fits wonderfully with the whimsical aura of the tale and keeps things interesting. In other words, this book is all abouts magic, smiles, and tons of heart.

Book Trailer...in French

As mentioned above, this appeared first in French and is being translated into the English language...which means that there is a trailer that already exists. In French, though, but I still found it fun to watch.

And here they are...

Christophe Arleston is the common pen name of French comic book writer and editor Christopher Pelinq. He is best known for creating the Lanfeust of Troy series and its many sequels and prequels.

He also worked as "Scotch Arleston".

An author for over 20 years, Audrey Alwett is best known for writing Princess Sara and The Fairy Garden, illustrated by Nora Moretti, as well as the series Elfie's Grimoire, illustrated by Mini-Ludvin. Among other books, Audrey Alwett also wrote the Magic Charly trilogy, bestselling titles published by Gallimard, which explore themes of justice, consent, and friendship.

Since the biology faculty refused her ambitious "unicorn rat creation" program, Mini Ludvin instead focused her studies on drawing. With this 10 years of experience in animated cinema, she decided in 2015 to return to her first loves: children's illustration and comics. Since then, she has illustrated several series of children's novels and works regularly for children's media, always ready to bring to life worlds full of fantasy and humor.

Small Monster, Big Monster by Allan Sanders

We're going to start this week with some silly fun! Today's read is a board book for the youngest readers out there and centers around monsters. Silly monsters. And opposites since these monsters also want to bring along some learning goodness, by the looks it. I find the characters on the cover eye-catching and imagine that this could be an enjoyable read.

Let's take a deep breathe and see where these monster lead us!

SMALL MONSTER, BIG MONSTER

A Seriously silly Book of Opposites

by Allan Sanders

Phaidon Press

Board Book

20 pages

ages 0 to 3

COMING AUGUST 13st!!!

Welcome to a wildly entertaining monster world, where everyday situations turn into hilarious lessons in opposites.

Monster gets ON the bus. Passengers get OFF! Refrigerator is EMPTY. Monster is FULL!
From a big monster who wants to play with small humans, to a monster who sleeps all day and plays all night, these silly and surprising creatures make learning opposites outrageously fun! 
Filled with laugh-out-loud scenarios, Small Monster, Big Monster supports early learners in building vocabulary and understanding opposites in the world around them. Simple text, irresistible characters, and clever twists invite children to make intuitive connections between words and ideas while giggling at every turn. Vibrant, eye-catching illustrations, printed in neon inks, bring the concept of opposites to life, packing each page with new visual details to notice.

Fresh, funny, and full of character, Small Monster, Big Monster is an exuberant introduction to opposites for curious little learners.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Monsterly mayhem turns learning about opposites into silly fun.

Meant for the youngest readers out there, this board book hits the realm of monsters with tons of humor and imagination. The background settings are familiar, showing a bus in the city, a normal kitchen, and other places young readers can recognize from their daily lives. Monsters and humans then show what two words (opposites) visually mean. For example, a monster enters the back door of a bus, while the people escape through the front windows and doors. Each word is presented in a three word sentence, keeping the text very simple, and each sentence is placed on one side of the two-page spread. For example, one side depicts loud while the other shows quiet. So, it's clear which term fits to the illustration.

Smiles and giggles are guaranteed, especially for monster fans. Each scene is brightly colored and holds a simple, playful style. The monsters might scare the people in the illustrations, but each one packs humor for listeners/readers. Not only are the monsters silly, but the presented moments are giggle-worthy. It's a cute read which is sure to delight the entire way through.

And here he is...

Allan Sanders is an illustrator and artist who lives by the sea in Brighton, UK. He has illustrated several Children’s books including On the Move, My Amazing Body, Outer Space, The Animal World, The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math, and most recently The Alphabet of Alphabets and A Number of Numbers for Wide Eyed Editions. He likes diagrams, limited palettes, screen printing, comic books, handwritten type, and wonky perspectives.

Sweet English-Mandarin Bedtime Stories by Marie Chow

As the mother of a bilingual family, I have a soft spot for bilingual kidlit. Add that I've been dabbling in learning Mandarin (it's a slow dabble), today's series caught my attention. These two books should read as gentle bedtime stories with just enough of a twist to lure young readers in. I reviewed another work from this author a few weeks ago (Here), so I already am pretty sure the tales will flow wonderfully well. Also, I'm curious to see how she handles the two languages.

So, let's take a peek at both of them and see.

BECAUSE DRAGONS LOVE MILK

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Miki Tharp

Picture Book

English   /  Mandarin 

28 pages

ages 2 to 5

A slightly different take on the traditional bedtime story. See how Tycho's father helps to soothe the monsters in his room... bilingual translation makes the book read smoothly in either Mandarin (with traditional Chinese characters) or English.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

\

TO THE MOON

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Miki Tharp

Picture Book

English   /   Mandarin

26 pages

ages 2 to 5

A young girl plans all the adventures she plans on having on her day off: from going to the moon to exploring the tropical forests. Her mother encourages her daughter's adventurous spirit by providing helpful suggestions as to what type of equipment will be necessary for each of her adventures.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a sense of playfulness and parent-child warmth, these reads present lovely tales in both Mandarin and English offering language goodness, too.

Both books are wonderful bedtime reads. To The Moon presents a little girl, who is tying to decide what she wants to do for the weekend, and each of her ideas is huge (like going to the moon). Her mother considers various things which the little girl might need on her imaginative adventure, which makes the girl hesitate just enough that she comes up with another fantastic idea. Because Dragons Love Milk revolves around a little boy's fear of monsters under his bed, With each one he mentions, the father thinks of ways to placate the monster. Each book offers a hint of fantasy while sticking to familiar themes for the intended age group and radiating family warmth and a dab of humor. The stories flow very well with very natural dialogue. I'm especially impressed with how the parents interact with their children. They take them seriously and engage in a way that shows care, understanding, playfulness, and wisdom. It's more natural than in many picture books I've run across.

These stories are short and sweet. The author understands her craft and brings in what is needed at a steady pacing without adding more than necessary. Yet, the stories don't feel clipped, either, and offer well-rounded bedtime reads. Especially impatient or tired listeners will enjoy this aspect. Add the nice illustrations, which makes the moments and situations clear while offering enjoyable scenes, and these make ideal read-alouds.

Then, there's the language aspect. These are written in English and Mandarin. The English text is presented first. Right below flows the Mandarin. So, it can be read seamlessly in either language. Also, placing one right below the other offers easy comparison for language learners. The author adds a note at the end of each book explaining that the languages are, of course, not direct translations. Rather, both flow with the naturalness of the corresponding language. At the end of both books is a glossary of certain terms and definitions to assist language learners. To The Moon adds a couple pages of terms with pronunciation keys and images (like a tree is illustrated, presented in English and Mandarin and also with the Mandarin pronunciation), which I also found helpful for learners.

It's a nice pair of books, and I hope there will be more to join them in the future. 

And here she is...

Marie Chow is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children's books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.
You can reach her at career.student.productions@gmail.com