Face to Face by Dinah Johnson

Today's read was released last week, but I simply wasn't able to squeeze it in until now. It comes from the hand of an award winning author, which already perks interest, but the cover also had me curious. The smiling faces are very inviting, and I have a feeling that the artwork might be a treat. 

Let's open this one up and see what it's about!

FACE TO FACE

by Dinah Johnson

Illustrated by Kayla Mahaffey

HarperCollins

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

Celebrated Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor winning author, Dinah Johnson (H is for Harlem), and debut artist, Kayla Mahaffey, present a joyful, empathetic and gorgeously illustrated ode about the power of connecting with someone face to face. 

What happens when you come face to face with someone new?

Do you wonder what they’re thinking? Maybe they’re worried. Maybe they’re daydreaming.

Maybe they’re a new friend just waiting to be made…

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These pages celebrate connecting with others, especially when seeing a new face for the first time. With tons of atmosphere, the moments of approaching, watching, and meeting others are presented. Every greeting...every glance holds a subtle magic, which these pages embrace and let visually unfold. The text dances in and out with lyrical support to make each moment understandable and clear, but it's the illustrations which truly bring this book to life.

Every page is like a mini-snapshot of a meeting. Sometimes, it's just a child playing alone. Other times, it showcases two or more children interacting in a focused situation such as watching a frog. At times, it's a single moment, while others add a couple pages to create a tiny meeting. The backdrop remains outdoors, giving a familiar park setting so that listeners can sink in right away. Even the children's activities are kept simple, and many are only presented with their beautiful faces. All of this works very well, since it's not about the activities but the emotions...hesitations, curiosity, wonder. 

This is an atmospheric read, which will work better for some listeners than others. But it does a masterful job at luring interested listeners in. While the first page or two had me wondering if it would move too slowly and be too obscure, the scenes bring those first moments of meeting new people across nicely and grab much more than I thought they might. And there's something about each smiling face, which draws in. There is a little message about reaching out to others even unsure or a bit insecure, which adds another, pleasant level as well.

And here they are...

Dinah Johnson is the author of Black Magic, Hair Dance!, All Around Town: The Photographs of Richard Samuel Roberts, H Is for Harlem, and several other books. She is a professor of English at the University of South Carolina. You can catch up with Dinah at www.dinahjohnsonbooks.com.

Kayla Mahaffey was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, where she strengthened her skills and painted stories influenced by her childhood experiences. She attended the American Academy of Art and studied Illustration, and during her courses, Kayla found her colorful style and furthered her passion for the arts. When she is not creating artwork, Kayla loves trying new recipes, visiting museums, and hanging out with her family, friends, and pets. You can visit her at www.kaylamahaffey.com

What's Coming in September?

September is here! But where-oh-where are my cooler temperatures. The weather man has predicted upper 90's and, maybe, even 100 this week! And here I was ready to pull out those sweaters and smile toward Pumpkin Spice Lattes...hot not iced. My poor cows are going to be looking for grass, since that is dying quickly, right now. We had quite the hay harvest, so that's not really an issue, but still. Hay isn't suppose to be fed until mid-October or even beginning November. Every year is different, though. 

That means I'm going to continue to snuggle up with my books in the air conditioned house and, maybe, sit out on the patio when the cooler evening temps come in. I've been glancing at my pile and see another month of all sorts of things. Mystery, contemporary, nonfiction, graphic novels, paranormal, humor, fantasy...each book seems to be different for the next. It appears I'm heavier on the picture book end this month, and several of the young adult reads are going to be in graphic novel form. Oh, and there's even romance in the future. I'm ready to take it in stride and see what each book brings. 

Here's a peek at my schedule at the moment...I say that because it seems to constantly change.

DOMINIC BEAN AND THE MAMMOTH MELT

With Autumn, finally, growing closer...gosh, I'm sick of hot temperatures...this seemed like a wonderful book to snuggle up with. It should hold mystery, adventure, and maybe a touch of fantasy? I'm hoping to meet enjoyable characters and tons of surprises in these pages. It's also part of a series, which means that if it's a good read, there are more adventures to discover, too. I'll be hitting this one right away on the 1st!

Middle Grade Mystery

HERE COMES THE BAND

I stumbled across a few Youtube videos of featuring amazing marching bands these last months. Not often but the ones I've seen have left me speechless. So neat! When I saw this book, I had to pick it up and take a peek. And if you haven't visited the world of marching bands before, I highly suggest you take a peek because the talent is impressive. I'll march to this one on the 4th.

Picture Book

THE SECRET TO BELONGING

I've had this one on my 'back' pile for quite some time. That's the pile of books which I receive very early and need to wait until we slide closer to their release days. Honestly, this is one of my favorite piles because I could give publishers, authors, and publicists who think early a huge hug. They make my schedule smile! Anyway, this is a book in verse and I'm hoping for tons of depth and heart. Join me on the 7th to sink into this one.

Young Adult Contemporary

ELLEN POE FOR EVERMORE

I reviewed the first book in this series just a few months ago and really enjoyed it. So of course, I was excited to get my hands on the 2nd one, too! I'm very excited to jump into this mystery and see what this lovely character is up to next. I'm hoping for the same grabbing atmosphere and secrets as the last book. I'll be exposing everything I learn about this one on the 11th.

Young Adult Mystery

MAGICAL SWEET GULA

This one hit the shelves already in 2023, so I'm a little late to the party. Especially since book two came out earlier this summer, but better late than never, right? I love the overly pink cover and that chaotic, awkward atmosphere this character gives off. I'm expecting magic, mayhem, humor, adventure, and...well, isn't that enough? If you've already read this one, feel free to let me know and join me on the 14th to share your thoughts as well.

Middle Grade Fantasy  /   Graphic Novel

SHAILA HOLMES, FAIRY DETECTIVE

I guess I'm really into mysteries this month, but this one mashes different directions so nicely on the cover that I couldn't help but pick it up. I adore the Sherlock Holmes approach...and then, the mix with fairies? It could be so cute! This is also a read for the more for those readers, who aren't quite ready for full-fledge middle grade novels yet. I'm ready to see what this little fairy is up to on the 17th.

Children's Mystery

DOOM & GLOOM

I'm getting all sorts of spooky vibes from this read...and hints of humor, too. This is part of a graphic novel series for the 'before middle grade' group and promises to be tons of fun. I'm expecting this pair of cats to be up to all sorts of shenanigans and trouble. Or maybe, they are much better than they first appear. Join me on the 21st to discover more about it.

Children's Fantasy / Graphic Novel

 

THE INCREDIBLE OTHER SIDE

When I saw this cover, the first thing I wondered was what they would find on the other side of that wall. Then, I noticed the wintery scene versus green trees...and a Pterodactylus? So, fantasy? Plus, the illustrative style looks fun, too. I'm ready to see what this pair is up to and what wonders await for them if they manage to make it over that wall. Maybe, there's deeper meaning to all of this? We'll find out on the 24th.

Picture Book

MO FARAH, THE BOY WHO RAN TO BE FREE

I need to make sure I get, at least, a nonfiction read into my hands because I do adore that direction as well. This one also hits the ever-so-popular sports arena, too. I've never heard of Mo Farah (I'm not hugely into sports), but I'm ready to learn all about him. I'm hoping for inspiration and knowledge goodness in these pages and will discover what is inside on the 26th.

Middle Grade Sports Biography

THIRST

Honestly, I'm not even sure what this one is about. I only know that it is horror and...well...it looks spooky, doesn't it? Why did I pick it up? Because of the cover, of course! I've mentioned quite often that I'm drawn to covers. So, this one is giving me very dark vibes with psychological undertones. I'm thinking that the thirst goes beyond water and, maybe, into life itself? The bones at the bottom carry some very heavy suggestions. I'll know so much more about this one on the 29th and hope it leads right into the spookier season of October.

Young Adult Horror

Every month, my reading pile includes more reads than I could ever get to. Plus, there are always one or two that I'm very eager to get my fingers wrapped around. Luckily...if that's the right term...my schedule shifts around each month, opening up a few days as books aren't what I'd hoped they'd be, release days change, or something else unexpected happens. That's when I have a chance to slide in a read from the top of my pile.

This month's top book is...

GOURMET HOUND

I have no doubt that it's the food on the cover that caught my attention. And the 'gourmet' in the title. I love to read about food...and eat it. Anyway, this one probably involves some romance, too, and it is supposed to be for young adults...although I, personally, am getting older audience vibes from the cover. I'm curious to see what this book is about and what these characters are up to. Maybe cooking contests? Restaurant drama? The possibilities are wide open!

Young Adult Romance  /  Graphic Novel

Little Ghost and the Robot by David Litchfield

I know...I know. It's not time for spooks and Halloween goodness, yet. But for my defense, I don't think today's read is truly a Halloween read. At least, it's not giving me those vibes. I'm willing to bet that this is an 'all year around' read with friendship at the center of everything. And maybe, going beyond one's own borders? At least, the spooky house on one side and modern city on the other are hints of that. I like the cover quite a bit...all of those colors! And the twinkle stars! And the smiling robot! As you can tell, I wasn't about to let this one pass on by.

So, grab that sunscreen (we're still in for very hot temperatures here) and a glass of iced...well, whatever...and let's dive in!

LITTLE GHOST AND THE ROBOT

by David Litchfield

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 7

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

Meet Little Ghost and Robot in this spellbinding tale about chosen family and what it means to belong, from the creator of the prize-winning Bear and the Piano series.

Little Ghost and Robot make unlikely friends: one is emotional, the other logical. But they have something important in common—they know what it’s like to be different.

As they journey through the bustling city together, they encounter moments of quiet courage that help each of them see the world in new and surprising ways. These discoveries reveal to Little Ghost and Robot not only the wonder that exists beyond the walls of their old lives, but also the strength that comes from standing side by side.

Over the course of a sweeping adventure, the pair realize that, while the world may see them as outsiders, they can find belonging in each other—a sense of connection that makes each one finally feel as though they have found their forever home.

Written and illustrated by bestselling creator and exceptional talent, David Litchfield, this moving picture book offers readers a heartfelt celebration of friendship, courage, and found family.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Loneliness slides into golden friendship and so much more in a touching adventure.

Little Ghost enjoys living in her old house off on its own. The only thing which bothers her a little bit is that she doesn't have a friend to visit with. When a big box is dropped off at the house, she's more than curious and discovers a robot inside. The robot immediately agrees to learn how to play games with her, and the two have a great time. But then, they realize that the box was delivered to the wrong address. Afraid that the robot might miss out on meeting his true family, the Little Ghost very hesitantly agrees to accompany him on a trip to find them. But they discover something surprising along the way.

This is one of those books, which lets fantasy fly and invites in like a warm hug. The Little Ghost is a kind, timid, and pleasant character, which would make the perfect friend, and Robot might carry a little more perk but he's just as cheerful, open, and sweet. The blooming friendship will have listeners wishing they could meet and join both of them, too. The adventure holds surprises but stays gentle and adds another very kind character to the mix. There's a tiny bit of tension as the Robot discovers the true address he was intended for, and this creates a well-rounded tale. The end leaves a smile on the face and will, most likely, invite the word 'again'.

The illustrations are detailed, created with care, and bring each scene across nicely. Listeners will enjoy visiting these on their own even if they can't read the words. Those readers, who are practicing their words, will find assistance thanks to the lovely scenes. The story itself flows smoothly and creates a nice read-aloud for group or individual settings. It even works nicely as a bedtime read thanks to the soothing atmosphere. The messages surrounding friendship, meeting new people, and stepping beyond your own comfort zone come across while being neatly woven into the plot. It's an enjoyable read from the first page to the last.

And here he is...

DAVID LITCHFIELD is an award-winning and bestselling author-illustrator. He wrote and illustrated The Bear and the Piano, the first in a series which has sold over 800,000 copies around the world, been published in 37 languages, and won numerous awards—including Bank Street Children’s Book of the Year and Kirkus Best Book of the Year—as well as receiving starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. David has also illustrated stories by much-loved authors, including Kate DiCamillo, books for Stacy McAnulty’s major bestselling Our Universe series, and Smriti Halls’ Rain Before Rainbows, which was the recipient of the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award. Follow him on Instagram under the handle @david_c_litchfield

The Band From Another World by Kevin Garone

Ready for some crazy science fiction? I'm pretty sure today's read is going to shoot out of this world in many ways, especially since I reviewed the second book in this trilogy about this same time last year (see the post HERE). That book definitely danced to its own tune while offering tons of excitement. And this book sounds a little less quirky...and even more fun. 

So, let's sit back and see what these notes play!

THE BAND FROM ANOTHER WORLD

An Alien Survival Guide Novel #3

by Kevin Garone

Temor Press

Middle Grade Science Fiction

182 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 8th!!!

When Marv traces a mysterious transmission to an abandoned house, he’s ready to finally uncover proof of an otherworldly invasion. But when he and his friends sneak inside, they don’t find aliens.

Instead, they find a dusty basement full of musical instruments.

To Marv’s friends, this means one thing: instant rock band. But Marv was right to be suspicious. Strange shadows reach from the walls. Faces flicker in the dark. Worst of all, his friends start acting off. Like they’re not entirely themselves anymore.

And it’s happening to Marv, too.

Suddenly, he can play guitar like a total legend—no practice, no lessons, no explanation. But every note pulls him in deeper. The thoughts in his head aren’t all his. And the music doesn’t want to stop.

Can Marv uncover the truth behind the transmission before he loses himself completely?

Because something else is listening to the broadcast. And it’s not here for the music.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

This is an exciting mix of scifi, mystery, humor, and even some spooky nods to darker chills.

After the other adventures, Marv is definitely on the lookout for aliens, especially since he picked up a signal with a voice buzzing something about a homing device. As far as he can tell, it's coming from an abandoned house...the perfect hideout for aliens. While investigating the house with two friends, a fall through the floor reveals a basement with an entire collection of instruments for a band. There's also a noise from the sky, which can only mean one thing. Aliens. But there's nothing really there, so he can't be 100% sure. His friends, who aren't as alien-orientated as he, are excited to find the instruments, and the moment they pick them up, they can play like professional musicians. Marv is sure it's still alien related, especially since his amp keeps giving that same homing message, but the others strike it off as hobby CB signals gone wrong. When a new member joins the band, who is just as alien focused as he is, he's not sure what to think. Plus, something isn't right with the entire band thing. He even calls in a ghost-hunting team to see if they can help figure things out. But none of that ends well or brings him a step further, and he can hardly go against his friends. So, when a contest for bands arises, the entire group is ready to show their talent. And that is when everything goes completely out of control.

And yes, the blurb I just gave only warms up this adventure. So to say that  his is a very, fast-paced tale, is an understatement. It dives forward the entire way through without ever losing a beat and keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what in the universe will happen next. This is science fiction, but it's also so much more, and I can easily see non-scifi gurus enjoying this one...as long as they love fast-paced, quirky adventure with a dose of paranormal directions and even creepy vibes. In other words, it's a bit of a genre bender. Marv is a very energetic kid with a huge imagination, which isn't really just imagination since he has been battling insane, alien situations in the first two books of this trilogy (and no, it's not necessary to read those before diving into this one since each can be seen as its own adventure). His thoughts can be a bit sporadic and his decisions unexpected, but this kid has experience. It adds a hectic fun, which reminded me a tad bit of The Goonies. The darker tones also fit, in a different way. But there is still tons of science fiction, too, and that pushes belief in quirky and enjoyable ways.

Readers who love the unexpected, nonstop action, a little heart, the possibility of rocking it as a band, and strange situations will want to give this one a go.

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks by Georgia Channon

It's been a bit since I picked up a true, middle grade fantasy...as in one that heads into another world with magical creatures and the like. Today's read takes two characters from very different worlds and places them in...if I understood this correctly...a possible war between worlds. This book released in paper format last year but is, now, coming out in ebook and audiobook formats. The reviews have been pretty good, so far, so I'm curious to see how exciting it truly is.

Settle back into those chairs because we're heading into adventure pure! (I hope)

THE CURSE OF THE SILVAN OAKS

by Georgia Channon

Pushkin Children's Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

223 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st in Ebook and Audio Versions!!!

All is not well in the kingdom of Silvanland. An ancient feud between Queen Titania and King Oberon has turned into a merciless war, and a deadly curse festers in the sacred woods.

When young Prince Cory is kidnapped by Oberon's ruthless soldiers, the Silvan forces think all hope is lost. But fate has other plans. In the mortal world, hidden away in an old oak tree, there lies a portal. And through this portal a girl called Oli will soon fall. Her arrival in the magical land will change everything...

Thrown together unexpectedly, Oli and Cory find the fate of the Silvan kingdom now rests on their shoulders. Together they must escape the clutches of the wicked Queen Hellebore and travel to the very ends of the magical kingdom on a dangerous quest. They will face ruthless monsters and old, wicked magic, and will find help in the strangest of places.

The Curse of the Silvan Oaks is the sensational debut novel from author Georgia Channon, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is a richly imagined, multiple perspective fantasy novel, set in the opulent fairytale world of Sacromund. With echoes of the great fantasy classics such as The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, this feast of a novel is sure to delight any reader looking for a magical new read.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With the atmosphere of epic fantasy, this tale dives into danger and magic with two characters to root for.

Oli is as normal as normal can be, so when she falls through a portal in a tree to find herself in a magical land, it's the last thing she expected to have happen to her. Then, there's Prince Cory who has been kidnapped by enemy forces as his kingdom faces the wrath of an evil queen. Together, the two set out on a quest to save Prince Cory's kingdom. But with dangerous monsters, evil intentions, and magic involved this is going to be more than just a difficult task. 

If I had to compare this to a tale, I'd say it carries whispers of Narnia...but I say this with a broad reach. The world building in this book is rich. Very rich. The author adds details to bring the scenes and characters to visual life. This isn't done in a information drop, either, but rather filters in as necessary to create a smooth connection with the story flow. There are also quite a few characters and aspects involved. While Oli and Cory are the main characters and heroes of the tale, they are by no means alone. There's a huge wealth of personalities, creatures, and individuals, who play a role in the adventure and quest. From this side, the book leans toward the higher end of the intended age group and will delight fantasy fans with the imagination, intrigue, and world details. At the same time, other aspects run lighter. The magic and other rules aren't well laid out in comparison, and the vast amount of characters in less than 300 pages means that there is less development on that end. This side snuggles in nicely to the middle grade audience and leaves space for the adventure to unfold.

Oli and Cory draw in with their determination, forming friendship, and heart. Both are easy to root for as they try their best to overcome the impossible task. Readers get to know both as the chapters flip between their points of view. Other characters, however, aren't forgotten as the chapters switch to other perspectives as well. This helps the tale gain needed insight and stay compact, but also takes away from needed time with Oli and Cory, leaving them feeling a bit light, at times. The tale moves along quickly to keep readers in the pages and speeds toward the end. It will be interesting to see if a book two since there are enough open strings to latch onto, but this ending satisfies as well.

Fans of rich world building are sure to enjoy this one. 

So Many Questions by Belen Medina

Today's read caught my attention because it's a theme which sits close to home. It's simply a topic all families discuss, when an immigrant member is involved. I've always wondered what the test looks like because I've never really done the research to see, but I know there is one. So, this is going to be informative for me, too. 

Will young readers enjoy it? Well, that depends on how it's done. And that's why I'm curious to take a peek and see what's inside!

SO MANY QUESTIONS

Abuelita Becomes a US Citizen

by Belen Medina

Illustrated by Heidi Moreno

Quill Tree Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Inspired by the author’s own abuelita, this tribute to becoming a US citizen follows a young girl who helps her grandmother prepare for America’s citizenship test.

Anita’s abuela is taking a very important test soon: the exam to become a US citizen! If Abuelita passes, she’ll finally be able to achieve her life-long dream. Anita and her abuela review the questions everywhere they go: at the tiendita, at the open mercado, all around the barrio. But will Abuelita pass the test?

This ode to immigrants, beautifully brought to life by illustrator Heidi Moreno, will fascinate and educate readers about what it takes to become a US citizen.

• Includes the full list of questions for the US citizenship test – with answers
• Inspired by the author’s grandmother’s path to citizenship

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With grandparent-grandchild warmth, these pages present the tension and hard work needed to pass the US citizenship test.

Anita's abuela has lived in the US for a long time and is about to take her test to become a US citizen. There are so many questions she needs to know the answers to. Luckily, Abuelita has always been known to have a great memory. Still, she studies the questions and answers rigorously, taking them with her everywhere she goes.

The book begins with an illustration presenting the questions of the US citizenship test listed on pages of paper. So, listeners/readers know right away what Anita's abuela is learning. Abuelita is then introduced as she sits at a kitchen table, studying away. Each page presents her learning in various places as Anita accompanies her through daily activities and constantly quizzes her. The scenes are familiar and add a lovely backdrop as the questions hit, one after the other. It's never boring, lets the nervousness come to life, and lets readers gently connect with Anita and Abuelita. Both come across as kind and cheerful, making it easy to hope that Abuelita can pass the test.

The text allows the questions to seep in with a sense of fun and flows nicely for the age group. It creates a lovely read-aloud, which should even hold reluctant listeners' attentions. There's a sense of playfulness to keep everything from growing serious or boring, and a littl tension grows the entire way through. The questions at the beginning of the book add a bit of fun as listeners/readers can see how many answers they know themselves. The answers are listed at the end of the book which I appreciate, too.

It's a touching read, which raises respect for those immigrants who took the path to US citizenship, while bringing in family goodness as well.

Boogy & Tee and Twinkle & Hew by Kathy Stinson

Today's read caught my attention due to the illustrations style on the cover. Plus, it involves two pairs of main characters, which could be kind of fun, too. This should surround a tale in which both pair takes a very different boat to sea, and their experiences are very different because of that. I'm ready to see what it's about, so let's just open it up and jump right in.

BOOGY & TEE AND TWINKLE & HEW

by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Mark Hoffmann

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

Two boats at sea, struck by a storm, are impacted very differently — a tale about economic inequality and climate change, patterned on a classic poem.

Four characters go to sea in two very different boats with two very different reasons — Boogy and Tee set off in a luxury yacht for a vacation, while Twinkle and Hew set out in a tiny fishing dory in search of their next meal. When a storm blows up, the fishing dory soon breaks apart, casting Twinkle and Hew into the sea. The yacht hits a large rock, and as water pours into the hold, Boogy can do nothing but wail about losing his precious possessions. Then Tee spots Twinkle and Hew clinging to the remains of their boat and insists they go to the rescue — a decision that saves them all.

Inspired by Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat,” Kathy Stinson’s story-poem with its rollicking, sea-faring rhythm and sprinkling of invented vocabulary combines with Mark Hoffmann’s quirky, playful art to create a funny tale that speaks to urgent issues.

Includes as afterword a brief quotation adopted and retweeted by Greta Thunberg: “Stop saying that we’re all in the same boat. We’re all in the same storm. But we’re not all in the same boat.”

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2

Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With sing-songy rhyme, these two adventures come together to form an interesting meeting.

Boogy and Tee decide to take a trip out on the ocean  with their yacht. At the same time, Twinkle and Hew want to go fishing and hope to find some food with their small, well-worn boat. Twinkle and Hew find themselves in dire straights as their boat is destroyed in the waves. Boogy and Tee have their own troubles as a hole threatens to end their boating pleasure, too. Luckily, Twinkle and Hew just happen to be stranded on the same rock that causes the hole in Boogy and Tee's yacht. So, the two pairs find a way to work together.

This includes a quote from Greta Thunberg, "Stop saying that we're all in the same boat. We're all in the same storm. But we're not all in the same boat." And that sums up this tale very nicely. The difference in how the two pairs approach the ocean is like night and day, and yet, they run into similar problems. There's a message about social class differences as well, but this is very subtle and won't be recognized by young listeners or readers. Older ones will take notice, though, and be lead on a path of thought. 

The entire thing is written in rhyme with repeating phrases at the end of each verse. This holds a playful touch while describing the adventure well. For some reason, I found myself stumbling on the tact at times, but it makes a cute read-aloud which invites listeners to join in. The text has been carefully planned for readers to pick up on their own as well and offers word building skills and some reading practice.

The illustrations have a lovely, layered style which works very well with the plot. It's original and catches the eye, while giving each character unique personality. Each scene makes it clear what is happening and helps listeners and readers along. 

It's a fun story with original flair and plenty of reading goodness, too.

And here they are...

KATHY STINSON, best known for her picture books, has also written children’s novels, short stories and poems. Her classic picture book Red Is Best, illustrated by Robin Baird Lewis, has been in print for more than forty years; The Man with the Violin, illustrated by Dušan Petričić, won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award; and The Rock and the Butterfly, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Kathy lives in Rockwood, Ontario.

MARK HOFFMANN is an author/illustrator of children’s books, editorial illustrator and artist who has won many awards for his illustrations. He is also a professor at Montserrat College of Art. Mark’s picture books include Explosion at the Poem Factory by Kyle Lukoff; The Note Who Faced the Music by Lindsay Bonilla; Soren’s Seventh Song by Dave Eggers (starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist) and Dirt Cheap. Mark lives in southern New Hampshire with his family, two cats and two dogs.

Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner

Today's read heads toward the deep thought and heart direction...at least, that's the vibe I"m getting. If I understood things correctly, this centers around three children with three difficult diseases. And they are on a mission to make sure each of them gets their wish from a foundation granted. I'm a bit confused on how they think they can scam a foundation or what exactly their wishes are, but I'm intrigued enough to want to find out. I'm hoping this is an entertaining read and not too serious (that's just a personal thing with me), but it sounds promising.

So, let's open in up and take a look!

WISH YO WELL

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Contemporary

288 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a luminous, sharply funny novel about three kids with big diagnoses, bigger personalities, and one outrageous plan to team up and scam a wish-granting foundation.

Violet Marino doesn’t want sympathy. And she definitely doesn’t want friends. She just wants to play soccer and deal with the whole slowly-going-blind thing on her own terms.

Then she witnesses a boy choke on a hot dog at a hospital picnic. Enter dangerously charming and full of terrible ideas, especially for a kid with a newly transplanted heart. Add sharp-as-a-blade Noor, who is always armed with excellent snacks she can’t eat, thanks to chemo. Other than their illnesses, the three don’t have much in common—except for the fact that a wish-granting foundation keeps calling.

Ever the optimist, Wyatt has a team up to game the foundation, even if it means faking friendship. One wish is fine, but three sick kids on three epic adventures? That’s history-making. The scheme starts off as a distraction. But soon the stakes feel real. Because when you finally let someone in, there’s more to lose.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

When three kids with difficult and deadly diseases meet, expect anything but a pity-party because these three have something bigger planned.

Violet is going blind, which is causing all sorts of problems with her mom, who insists she find friends and attend events with other kids suffering from illnesses. Violet just wishes she could be left alone and play soccer. When a kid, Wyatt, at one of the events chokes and needs to be saved, Violet ends up talking to him and the daughter of the nurse, Noor. Wyatt is a bit too perky and wants to be instant friends, and Violet goes along for the ride to be left alone...which doesn't work because the three start getting closer, but not for friendship reasons.Since Wyatt suffers from a bad heart and Noor is battling cancer, all three of them have been receiving flyers from a wish foundation that won't seem to leave them alone. But Wyatt sees this as a sudden opportunity. They should each make a wish and claim they need their lifelong, best friends with them to make the event perfect...a little lie. That way, each of them receives three fun events. Now, they just have to figure out what they want to do and how to weave this to trick the foundation.

Placed with three main characters with three serious illnesses, this book had me wondering if it was going to hold too heavy of a dark cloud to make it fun, but the author finds a nice balance. All three kids pack personality and none of the three are dwelling in depression. They want to live their lives and take things on as best they can. At the same time, the author doesn't underplay the seriousness of the situations. All three are struggling in their own way, and the tale allows each one growth, discovery, and learning to let others in even if they've built their walls. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but this is a fun adventure with a group who is out to scam a huge foundation. Plus, Wyatt's computer skills add a tiny hint of spy feel to add spice. Also, the three don't get along right away, and the forming friendship despite friction is inspiring and puts a smile on the face.

The tale runs along smoothly and allows the reader to sink right in. There's just enough tension to keep the reader wondering if they can pull off their scam, while subtle humor keeps things light. There is a wonderful dose of mother-daughter discord, which brings across the warmth and love but by no means seamless and, at times, even frustrated relationship between Violet and her mom. As an action girl, this did slow down a bit much for me here and there, but those who enjoy spice for life and heartfilled reads with thought won't have any trouble with those few moments. 

It's a read which digs into difficult themes but it doesn't weigh down. Instead, it inspires, strengthens awareness, and leaves a little food for thought.

And here she is...

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. 

Happy Book Birthday, The Snazzy Jazzies by Kristin Blakely

I, finally, get to shoutout a book birthday again! Today's read hits the shelves in two days and promises to carry fruity, musical fun. I find the mix of musical fruit and jazz imaginative and am curious to see how this combination plays out.

Snuggle back because we're going to see what these fruits are up to.

THE SNAZZY JAZZIES

by Kristin Blakely

Illustrated by Lauren Austin

Notable Kids Publishing

Picture Book

ages 5 to 8

32 pages

Through jazzy wordplay and vibrant illustrations, a day at the market becomes a toe-tapping musical feast for the senses.

Harvey just wants to play his trumpet, yet he reluctantly goes with his Mom to the 'boring' Farmer's Market. But in the car, he hears the jazz classic, "Cantaloupe Island" which inspires Harvey to dream up a rainbow fruit band while shopping at the market. Harnessing his imagination, Harvey shows how to find musical fun anywhere in this bebopping book. "The Snazzy Jazzies" introduces jazzy cats to musical instruments and their families (brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, and keys) and is packed with jazzy wordplay, lyrical alliterations, and vibrant illustrations.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Music and, especially, jazz fans will enjoy this quirky little tale ,which adds music to even mundane situations.

Harvey loves playing his trumpet, and he's got a huge love for jazz. When his mother makes him put his trumpet down to join him on a trip to the market to grab some veggies and fruits, he's frustrated but has no choice but to do as she asks. At first, the market is dull, but then, the jazz song Cantaloupe Island comes up and sparks an idea. His imagination takes over as he sees the fruits around him exploding into rhythmic goodness.

This is an up-beat read, which opens up the world of jazz to young listeners/readers. While Harvey grabs immediate sympathy and connection to the listener as his mother forces him to go with her to the market, it's his bubbly personality which makes him so likable. He might be down, at first, but he lets himself ride on the joy of life and music, making the best of the situation to turn things around. The illustrations pop with color, letting the positive atmosphere come from every page which the fantastical elements play along to add pizzazz. It is clear, however, that the fruits are fantasy, so it stays with both feet in reality.

While there's a cheerful tone to the book, there's also musical knowledge being slid in with purpose. Harvey mentions jazz terms along with a quick definition that flows right into his dialogue. He introduces things such as timing, terminology, and alliterations. All of this is visited again at the end of the book in a glossary of terms.

This book will work for themes surrounding music and jazz, and can be used in groups or smaller settings to add a playful touch. Otherwise, it's more for listeners/readers who enjoy jazz or want to know more about it, since there is more than a little musical knowledge built into this tale. Harvey mentions various songs as well, and of course, playing these songs would also be helpful so listeners/readers know what he's talking about. 

It's a cute, upbeat read for jazzy moments.

The Upside Down Girl by Keith Negley

The first thing that caught my attention on today's read was the bright, red hair. Then, I had to smile at the smile on the girl's face. She looks so peaceful just hanging there like that. As a child, I had a phase where I enjoyed bending over with my head to the floor and staring at the world around me, pretending it was truly upside down. I wondered what it'd be like dancing on the ceiling or how awkward it might be to step over a small wall to get to the next room. So, I'm curious to see what this little girl is doing as she hangs there upside down.

Let's open this book up and find out!

THE UPSIDE DOWN GIRL

by Keith Negley

Clarion Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

From the acclaimed creator of Mary Wears What She Wants and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) comes a silly and sly investigation of what happens when one girl dares to do her own thing.

Who is the Upside Down Girl?

How did she get up there?

Most importantly . . . 

Why is she upside down?

This cheeky, charming tale about seeing things from a different perspective is perfect for readers who march to their own kazoo. Perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett!

Perfect for:

• Classroom and at-home storytime
• Building confidence and independent-thinking
• Readers who like to laugh!
• Conversations about mindfulness and slowing down

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Being yourself gets flipped onto its head in a meaningful message which brings smiles, too.

There's a girl in the tree, hanging upside down on a branch from her knees. She doesn't do anything else. She just hangs there. And while that shouldn't make any difference to anyone who sees her, for some reason everyone who passes by seems to want to share their two cents. And none of them find what she's doing as good. Still, the girl is content and without saying much, unwillingly instigates an uproar.

It's never said why the girl is hanging in the tree, but it's also unimportant. The illustrations make it clear that she's happy just hanging there, minding her own business. It's easy to sympathize with her, especially since she's not doing anything wrong or bothering anyone. Yet, everyone who passes seems to find it upsetting and is more than happy to share their opinions. Her refusal to listen or get upset makes her inspiring, although listeners will probably wonder how long that can go on. Her attitude also adds a touch of humor...never rude but it still upsets those passing by in a way they can't really do anything about. As the situation builds, so will the smiles on listeners' faces, and the 'what will happen' adds to the tension, too.

The illustrations let the emotions come across clearly and familiar while adding just a little artistic flair to keep the atmosphere light. The girl is kept front and center with her peaceful attitude, and this visually steers the entire book without a single word. The text flows nicely adding a repeated phrase every few pages to give listeners something to grab onto. It creates a lovely read aloud even for more reluctant listeners and works nicely in group as well as single settings.

And here he is...

Keith Negley is the author and illustrator of A Lot Like Batman, The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl, Mary Wears What She Wants, My Dad Used to Be So Cool, and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too). He has received multiple medals from the Society of Illustrators as well as recognition from American Illustration. His artwork has been featured in many publications, and he is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker. Keith lives in Bellingham, Washington.

We Are the Keystones by Katy S. Duffield

We're on a roll this week with literature involving animals, so I figured we might as well toss in some nonfiction goodness, too. Today's read looks a the term 'keystones' and should present various animals and how they work in nature's system. I'll admit that I'm learning more and more about this term myself, since it seems to be popping up in the biology world more and more. So, I'll probably be learning something, too...or at least, seeing what falls into the definition of this term. That's the lovely thing about books; there's always something to learn!

So, let's open this one up and see what awaits inside.

WE ARE THE KEYSTONES

Animals That Hold Habitats Together 

by Katy S Duffield

Illustrated by Salyer

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book Nonfiction

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

Meet keystone species—the hidden heroes of the natural world—and learn about the ecosystems they support in this marvelous nonfiction picture book from the author of Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals.

Keystone species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have a huge effect on the environments around them. From beavers to elephants, alligators to hummingbirds, keystones help themselves and other species survive. Whether it’s creating habitats for themselves and other animals, leaving behind leftovers that fertilize the soil, or clearing out harmful algae, keystones live up to their name in their essential contribution to the harmony of our natural world.

GOODREADS   /   PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With an air of gentleness and a dash of curiosity, these pages present various animals to show how important they are to their ecosystems.

This book is all about Keystone animals. With a gentle poetic style, it begins as an adult and child wander into  the forest in the dim lighting of dawn, dressed for discovery. It offers a calm, quiet atmosphere as they find each animal, one by one. Each creature is presented with a six line verse and takes the animal's point of view as they describe some of their main activities. For example, the beaver is building dams. The animals aren't introduce by name, which gives the entire thing the feel of a riddle. Of course, it's obvious from the illustrations what it are. But this adds a dash of fun as listeners can name each one themselves. At the end of the six lines of rhyme, there is the repeating phrase 'We are the keystones', which adds a nice touch and makes the entire read feel founded. At the bottom, there is a several sentence paragraph of slightly smaller text, which explains how the animal contributes and supports their part of the ecosystem to qualify them as a keystone. At the end of the book, the history behind the term 'Keystone' is presented and a list of other Keystone species shown in the illustrations is given. 

These pages flow very nicely and offer a sense of wonder while introducing the idea of Keystones and giving readers more than a few familiar examples from the animal kingdom. It's a gentle and narrative way to bring the information across. But it's the illustrations which really steal the show as they offer each animal a chance to shine in their habitat. Animal enthusiasts will want to flip through these on their own and peer at the various details and surroundings. The text fits the age group nicely and is separated from the information blocks clearly, giving adult readers different possibilities on how they want to use the book. It also works nicely for those readers, who are fairly sure of their words, to pick up and discover on their own.

And here they are...

Katy S. Duffield is the author of more than twenty-five books for children, including the celebrated Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals, which was an ALA/ALSC Notable Book, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and the recipient of the Eureka! Excellence in Nonfiction Gold Award. She lives in Florida with her husband and her wild and crazy Australian Shepherd. For more information about Katy, please visit her website at KatyDuffield.com.

Hannah Salyer received her BFA in illustration and communication design, with a minor in environmental studies, from Pratt Institute. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she writes and illustrates picture books, including her own Packs: Strength in Numbers and Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art, as well as This Wolf Was Different by Katie Slivensky. She also teaches art classes for young kids and illustration classes for undergrad students at Parsons School of Design. Visit her at HannahSalyer.com.