Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano

Today's read comes from a TikTok influencer that I've never heard of, but considering I'm not on TikTok, that's not really surprising. Mr. Jonathan Graziano is known for his 'Bones or No Bones' videos. Maybe, you've watched them? I just found the dog on this cover cute. My own kids have always expressed a desire to own a pug, but we pick our pets up at the shelter, and pugs haven't been in the mix. 

I'm curious to see what this adorable pup is up to, so let's take a peek! 

MILTON MAKES A MOVE

by Jonathan Graziano

Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Margaret K McElderry Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 4th!!!

From Jonathan Graziano, the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos and the instant #1 New York Times bestselling Noodle and the No Bones Day, comes a charming and heartfelt picture book following Milton the pug, Jonathan’s newly adopted dog, as he makes a brave move to his forever home!

Milton is a curious little pug who loves adventure—especially when it involves snacks, stinky smells, and playing with his dog friends. He’s heard that some dogs go off to live with forever families… but that kind of adventure feels a little too big for Milton.

So when Milton finds out he’s moving to a new home of his own, he packs his tiny suitcase (stuffed toy included) and does his best to be brave. He's surprised to find that his new human friend, Jonathan, seems nervous too! But as Milton settles into his new home, he and Jonathan will learn that being brave means giving new things, and new friends, a chance.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Moving into a new home can be stressful, but this dog has it covered.

Milton enjoys playing with the other dogs at his home, but then, he learns that he's being moved to a family all of his own. He packs his little suitcase, nervous that the new home won't have his favorite treats, smells, or friendship. When he meets his owner, everything appears to be good. There's even treats and smells he enjoys. Still, there are all sorts of new things, too, and he's not sure he's brave enough to discover them.

Milton is an adorable pug with a very playful personality. The book begins with all sorts of dogs, having fun, running around, and playing together. So, everything starts off with energetic positivity. The move to the new home holds a bit of uncertainty, but watching Milton pack his bag keeps a light dab of fantasy and fun. There's tons of goodness as Milton meets his new owner and the two learn to live together. Each situation carries a little hesitation, which is met with encouragement and understanding. Still, it never grows overly serious as Milton faces silly situations and makes sure there's never a boring moment.

The text  runs smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud. While this side makes sure readers know what's going on, the illustrations carry quite a bit of the tale, too. Even those readers, who aren't sure of their words, can grab this one up on their own and follow the scenes. Plus, there are fun aspects to draw giggles and smiles, too.

It's a cute read with a very fun pup, and listeners/readers will be wishing Milton lived in their family, too.

And here they are...

Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they're looking to add a new member to their family. You can find Jonathan on TikTok at @JonGraz.

Dan Tavis is illustrator living in New Hampshire. He has been doodling ever since his first math class in elementary school! He is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Common Critters, and Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, among other projects. Learn more at DanTavis.com.

Gloom and Bloom by Nancy Loewen

It's time for a little spookiness...which doesn't really seem to fit to July. Unless it's ghost story time, of course, and today's read is a story about ghosts! I was captured by the idea of a ghost school, and the title already had me smiling. I'm getting Little Shop of Horrors vibes from the cover...although I highly doubt that this goes in any direction even similar to the movie. But what do I know?

I'm hoping that this group of ghosts is one that readers would like to meet and go to school with themselves. I'm expecting some mishaps, humor, friendship, and more.  Let's open it up and see what ghostly adventure lies inside.

GLOOM AND BLOOM

Ghost School

by Nancy Loewen

Illustrated by Mike Moran

Picture Window Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 5 to 8

COMING AUGUST 1st!!!

Welcome to Ghost School—where young ghosts learn how to float, fright, and find their spirit! In this adventure, Glint is excited to grow his very own ghostly plant. But when his Floating Forget-Me-Not sprouts into a spook-tacular flop, he feels like the odd ghost out. With help from a quiet friend, Glint discovers that sometimes the strangest plants—and the most unexpected friends—are the ones that truly shine like the moonlight.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Pressure to avoid failure slides into ghostly surprises in a classroom to enjoy.

Glint can't wait to see his own plant sprout and grow in this ghost school class, but his plant isn't cooperating. The others have long seen their seeds shoot up into all sorts of odd vegetation, but his is stubborn. When it finally does produce some leaves, they are very droopy and nothing like the radiant flower pictured on his pack of seeds. So, he does the only thing that can make him feel better and hides the plant so he doesn't have to be reminded of how much he's failing.

This ghost school carries a fun mix of familiarity while bringing in the uncertain atmosphere of paranormal fun. The scenes of a teacher, an assignment, and the fear of failing will connect with many readers and their own lives, while the colorful ghosts and their unique plants adds imagination and humor. The illustrations help readers along while offering enjoyable scenes. And at only 30 some pages, the book doesn't immediately feel overwhelming. This works great for those beginning readers, who are pretty sure of their words, but need a little more practice before heading into slightly longer reads.

The book begins with a quick vocabulary list and definitions of a few words. Then, the book dives right in. The author makes sure to let the silly moments shine while working in a message about not immediately meeting expectations. This message comes across smoothly and never preachy as it melds right into the tale. The illustrations keep the ghosts light and in a cheerful pastel direction, while the plants add a dab of creepy. At the end of the book, there's an activity, a discussion question, and a quick, reading comprehension exercise. This makes it great for solo-readers, groups, and even homeschoolers, too.

And here she is...

Nancy Loewen grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, surrounded by library books and cats. She's published more than 140 books for children and young adults. The LAST Day of Kindergarten and Four to the Pole (co-authored with polar explorer Ann Bancroft) were Minnesota Book Award finalists. Her Writer's Toolbox series received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers. Nancy has also received awards from The American Library Association, the New York Public Library, and the Society of School Librarians International. Nancy lives in St. Paul and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She likes to read, cook, take long walks, and photograph oddities from thrift stores. Please visit her website at nancyloewen.net.