Happy Book Birthday, Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose!

It's time to shoutout another book birthday! This one hits the shelves early next week, so I might be a bit early, but is it ever too early to celebrate? Plus, this book looks like an ideal read for Spring. The huge amount of flowers on the cover and bird and butterflies...yep, definite Spring vibes. And isn't it wonderful to walk into a blooming, overfilled garden? Or at least, I think that's what this one is about.

Let's sit down, open it up, and find out!

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

by Sharon Rose

Illustrated by Erin Brown

The Collective Book Studio

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 7th!!!

A classic story for the modern era, Through the Garden Gate is a beautifully illustrated picture book that takes readers on a journey from the mundane to the magical, exploring the wonders of the garden through a child’s imagination.

Miles is bored one summer’s day—until a visit to a neighbor leads to a surprising a mysterious garden gate—and the adventure of a lifetime. What begins as an ordinary afternoon transforms into a magical journey filled with fairies, curious critters, and the most enchanting plants.

Every plant Miles encounters is based on real-life flora, carefully and accurately illustrated by Erin Brown. Readers can learn more about them in the back of the book, too!

Written by debut author and renowned garden designer Sharon Rose, Through the Garden Gate will take root in your imagination, delighting young readers and reminding us all of the magic that lives in the garden.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

 MY TIDBITS

The wonders of a garden come to life with a touch of fantasy to create a read which inspires and offers something to learn.

Miles is a bit bored and isn't convinced helping the neighbor pull weeds will be exciting, but thanks to a broken leg, the neighbor needs the help. The moment he enters her yard, he meets baby chicks, a dog, and more. Soon, he's learned how to clear crab grass and discovers a tiny door buried behind the weeds in the garden wall. The neighbor encourages him to explore beyond the door when his work is done, which he does. But when he opens the door, he discovers more than just a beautiful place. He meets a bit of magic, too.

The illustrations bring the garden with its flowers and animals to life. Every page is colorful and packed with small details to make gazing enjoyable. The illustrator has also taken time to keep each plant truer to reality, so that readers can learn more along the way. Even the magical moments meld wonderfully into the scenes and will have readers wishing they could spend time in the garden with Miles themselves.

The text is very fitting for a read-aloud during story time and also makes a lovely read for beginner readers, who are mostly sure of their words. It does hold a little more text than some picture books, but the story flows nicely and offers a complete adventure. While the first section lets the reader visit the neighbor's yard and get to know a bit about the plants as Miles pulls the weeds, the rest shifts into a fantastical mini-adventure with animals and more plants to learn about. The plant facts meld with the adventure to make sure that the learning takes place subtly on the side. And the adventure holds tons of goodness as friendship, working together, and helping others comes into play. So, it's a well-rounded read.

The end of the book holds a type of glossary where the main plants are shown again along with a short description about each one. This makes it also useful for themes surrounding plants and gardens or for other activities.

And here they are...

Sharon Rose is an award-winning garden designer and environmental artist based in San Francisco, California. She is the founder and owner of STUDIO SF Landscape Design, established in 2018, where she specializes in revitalizing natural landscapes and crafting distinctive garden spaces. With over two decades of experience and deep expertise in California native and Mediterranean plants, her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, and Luxe Interiors + Design. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and inspiring children to discover the magic and wonder of plants.

Erin Brown is an award winning Northern Irish illustrator who lives and works on the beautiful island of Jersey. After graduating university with a bachelors degree in Fine Art, a passion for stories and children’s books took hold. She combines her love for hand drawn lines and traditional techniques with the flexibility and freedom of adding colour digitally. She has worked with clients all over the world but particularly loves illustrating Irish stories and folklore. Her love of stories comes from her Grandad who lived by the sea and was always ready with a tale or two. When she’s not working in her tiny studio, she can be found baking something overly sweet, exploring the forests and cliff paths of Jersey or down at the sea shore, watching the tide roll in.

The Ultimate Activity Book For Smart Kids Ages 8 to 12 by Nathan Fields

 I'm going to start off April with a bit of fun, and something to work those brain gears. I was a huge puzzle fan as a child and even enjoyed creating my own mazes and such. So, this book definitely catches my interest. I'm curious to see what level it's at, since making puzzles to easy always kills the fun. But then, too difficult isn't great either. 

Let's see if this book finds that balance...and really is for 'smart' kids.

THE ULTIMATE ACTIVITY BOOK

FOR SMART KIDS AGES 8 TO 12

by Nathan Fields

Good Vibes Puzzle Books

Middle Grade Puzzles

141 pages

ages 8 to 12

Unleash your child’s brainpower with “The Ultimate Activity Book for Smart Kids Ages 8-12: 101 Fun-Filled Puzzles of Mazes, Sudoku, Crosswords, Word Search, Mine Finder, Word Scramble, Brain Teasers, and More!” This engaging book is packed with a diverse range of puzzles designed to challenge and entertain young minds.

From twisting mazes and clever crosswords to intriguing Sudoku puzzles and exciting mine finders, each activity is crafted to enhance problem-solving skills, boost logical thinking, and promote concentration. Word scrambles and brain teasers offer additional layers of complexity, pushing kids to stretch their vocabularies and think outside the box.

Ideal for both fun and educational moments, this book provides hours of entertainment while helping kids develop critical thinking skills and mental agility. Whether on a long car trip, during school breaks, or as a daily brain exercise, “The Ultimate Activity Book for Smart Kids” is the perfect companion for any child eager to learn, solve, and explore. Grab a copy today and watch your smart kid become even smarter!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

For rainy days, road trips, or just some simple, quiet hour fun, these pages offer tons of puzzles to challenge the mind.

This book contains 101 puzzles. Word searches, number searches (like word search but with numbers), Sudoku, Kakuro, mazes, mine sweepers, crosswords, and word scrambles make it a varied book to pick up and work through. At the very beginning, the author gives directions for most of the puzzles to make sure readers know what to do. These are mostly clear, and each one has an example puzzle with the answers next to it to help readers understand what is going on. The puzzles are grouped together by type in sections with some repeating later on in the book. For example, there are several Sudoku puzzles, one after the other, and later, there will be another batch. This also adds a nice variety to keep things interesting throughout the book. All answers are found at the end of the book.

Puzzle fans are sure to find more than a few they enjoy, and these pages give them an ample amount of opportunity to sink in for hours and hours. The puzzles work well for the middle and upper end of the age group, and even for slightly older tweens. In general, they are nicely set up and easy to use. The Sudoku could have used darker lines to separate the 9x9 boxes, and the mazes do not have a marked entrance/exit point, which adds a bit of difficulty.

Puzzle fans are sure to enjoy these pages quite a bit.

What's Coming in April?

Ready for April? I think I am. We're just about to hit Easter, which is a perfect way to begin the month. I'm curious to see what the Spring will bring as the weather warms and everything sprouts to life, again. It means more work outside on the farm and more projects to complete, but that's how I stay healthy and limber. 

On the reading front, it's another month with tons of surprises. Looking through my pile, I see there are several mysteries...I do enjoy a good mystery...some fantasies, nature themes, a few humor reads, and a mix of several other genres. As to age groups, it's going to be a little lighter on the young adult end with plenty of picture books (as always) and more than a few middle grade reads. There are some graphic novels in the mix as well as a couple of board books. 

Here's a peek at several books on the list:

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

Hello, Spring! This books will hit the season wonderfully as everything outside seems to be growing, blossoming, and ready to bloom. Not only should it take a peek at a garden, but this will hit with a little imagination. I'm curious to see what this one holds and will find out out on the 4th.

Picture Book

THE LEGENDARY ADVENTURES OF DOC COOPER

AND THE MAD DASH OF FIRE FACE

Wow—what a long title! The book isn't short, either, at over 450 pages. But I didn't want to pass-up on this one. First off, there is a male main character...I'm kind of looking for more of these. And it's about a race across the desert, and that could be very interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing what these pages hold and expecting adventure, action, tension, heart, inner-struggles, cultural broadening, and so much more. So, I have high expectations and will be taking a look at it on the 8th.

Young Adult Adventure

SEARCH FOR A MYSTERIOUS MUSHROOM

Nature is waking up as Spring rolls in these next weeks, and this book should prepare readers to head out doors...and that in a choose-your-path format. Readers will be given choices as where to explore for a mysterious mushroom. While not every path leads to the mushroom, each one will introduce readers to interesting insights into the biological realm. I'm curious to see how this one works out on the 11th.

Children's Nonfiction

THE LEAGUE OF DANGEROUS YOUNG LADIES

The moment I saw this title and cover, I couldn't wait to dive in. It's sold as a Emma Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and that sounds like an exciting mix to me. I'm hoping for personality, historical atmosphere, tons of mystery, and more than a few surprises. And there better be danger. Tons of it. Join me on the 13th to see if this one is as amazing as I hope it will be.

 Young Adult Mystery  / Fantasy

FIVE DAYS AT THE HOTEL ADAMS

I must have a weakness for mystery and historical settings this month because this read heads in that direction, too...just with less fantasy, I believe. It's part of a series, which I haven't visited before, and looks like it could be fun to follow these two friends as they try to solve a mystery. Lets see how well this adventure flows and what secrets lie in store on the 15th.

Middle Grade Historical Mystery

GIRL OF LORE

I've had this read on my pile for a few months and am excited to, finally, have the change to pick it up and dive in. It's the first in a brand new series and promises all sorts of spooks and mystery. There's a mysterious, dead body, evil to be defeated, and some psychological aspects as well. I believe this one leans in the paranormal direction and should hold some darker moments. Maybe, some chills and thrills? Let's find out on the 17th.

Middle Grade Fantasy

THE LAST DRAGON HOUSE

The moment I saw the cover, I was excited to pick this one up. It promises tons of fantasy as it takes place at the last boarding house for dragons and the last two protectors of this disappearing species. I'm expecting tons of imagination, vivid scenes, adventure, and moments to capture and surprise. Maybe, I'm expecting too much? We'll discover what excitement these pages hold on the 22nd.

Middle Grade Fantasy

A FISH LIKE ME

With warming temperatures and Summer vacation sliding closer, dreams of spending time in the water and splashing the days away grow stronger. I'm hoping that this book holds inspiration, some sea life goodness, and illustrations to enjoy. But we'll learn more about everything it has to offer on the 23rd.

Picture Book

NORTHWOODS LULLABY

This is another book, which has been waiting patiently on my reading pile as it's release day slides closer and closer. This is a little book for the youngest readers out there and should invite to nature's goodness while offering calming moments. I'm looking forward to opening this one up on the 28th.

Board Book

MYSTERIES OF THE MOUNTAIN MOON TRIBE

This is my unique read for the month, a graphic novel which dives into a science fiction future of possibilities. I believe the graphics will take on an original direction, and I'm hoping they draw in. It should pack adventure as a girl tries to save her tribe from extinction, too. I'm curious to see what these pages hold on the 29th.

Middle Grade Dystopia Graphic Novel

Every month, I have more books on my pile than days available on the calendar. But thanks to unforeseen changes in the reading realm, I always have a few slots, which open up. That leaves space to slide in some of those reads, which I might not have gotten to otherwise. The Joker Read is the first one on the top of my waiting pile.

THE ATLAS OF SHIPWRECKS

I'm always ready to discover something new and learn interesting tidbits about the world around us. This read takes a look at shipwrecks...and that has my very curious to see what these pages hold. It should tell the tales, maybe show some maps, and inspire to dream of what is on the ocean floor.

Middle Grade Nonfiction.

Happy Book Birthday, Danny Go's Volcano Adventure!

It's time to shoutout another book birthday! Considering how many of these I've been celebrating this month, it seems only appropriate that the last day also hits with a quick party. And I do love to celebrate!

Today's read snuggles up to a popular, online influencer and his show for kids. I haven't watched the show outside of a few minutes here and there. So, I'm hitting this through book-eyes...as should be, right? Anyway, I'm expecting imagination and adventure to hit with fun. So, let's see how this book does.

DANNY GO'S VOLCANO ADVENTURE

Illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotic

Ladybird

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 3 to 5

THIS BOOK IS LAVA!

Hey there! I'm Danny Go, and I'd love to go on an adventure with you!

Magical ice gems hide deep inside a volcano . . . but LOOK OUT for hot lava! Can you help Danny Go decide which path is safe to take? Trace, tap, and turn the pages to find the treasure in this interactive tale for young explorers from beloved children's entertainers and YouTube sensation Danny Go!

With fun challenges, cool science facts, and heartwarming moments, this action-filled story is perfect for kids who enjoy exploring the natural world and having fun with friends, inspired by Danny Go's most popular YouTube video, The Floor is Lava. Whether you're a fan of Danny Go's videos or just love a good adventure, this book will spark curiosity and joy.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Get ready for adventure because avoiding lava and steering through danger will keep everyone on their toes.

This book hits with open imagination and invites young listeners to step right in with their own. The challenge is a volcano and with that comes plenty of lava hat must be avoided to survive. It begins with an erupting volcano and the task to collect ice crystals from deep inside the mountain. So, it starts with fantasy pure...and stays this way the entire way through. Readers/listeners need to work with the main character and help find the safest path up the volcano, steer around rocks in the lava river, and collect crystals by tapping on the pages. The main character speaks directly to the reader/listener to build them right into the story, making it interactive and fun.

The illustrations are well done and draw in with every scene. It's no problem to imagine the lava forming around and sink into the adventure. Of course, this is fantasy, meaning logic isn't always necessary...and that's totally okay and actually desirable because it lets dreams fly. The book is  designed for one-on-one reading sessions, since the directions involve tapping directly on the pages or tilting the book. For group readings...and I could see this making groups smile..., the adult reader will have to alter some of the directions to make it appropriate. For example, tapping the floor for gem collection or the such. Adult readers are going to have to read through it and see what they can do before sitting down with a group, in this case. 

It's a fun read, which keeps imagination high and is sure to gain more than a few smiles, giggles, and laughs along the way.

All about...

Danny Go! is a beloved live-action educational children’s show filled with music, movement, and silliness. Created in 2019 by three childhood friends in Charlotte, North Carolina, the show inspires learning and off-the-couch exercise for kids. 

The Others by Cheryl Isaacs

Today's read came out September last year, and I've had it in my sights since then. It's the second book in a horror series, and I, actually, read and enjoyed the first one back in 2024. (You can see that review HERE ) See, I can read a series from the very beginning!  The first book rotated around a myth and a very creepy lake, and the main character had to discover more about her indigenous roots to defeat the evil, which is trying to take over the town and turned individuals into The Unfinished (also the name of the series and first novel). 

I'm assuming this one will continue is a similar direction and might even build on some aspects of the first novel, especially since the main character rescued her best guy friend under extreme circumstances. Maybe, that will come back to haunt them?

Let's open this one up and find out!

THE OTHERS

The Unfinished

by Cheryl Isaacs

Heartdrum

YA Horror

336 pages

In this haunting sequel to her deliciously scary debut, Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk) explores the sharp edges of lingering trauma and the bonds of love that heal us.

Only weeks ago, Avery pulled her best friend, Key, from the deadly black water. The cycle from her family’s Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) stories is finally broken, the black water is now a harmless lake, and her problems are far from All Avery wants is a normal summer with Key, her now-boyfriend.

The trauma, however, casts a long shadow over the town. Some victims never returned. Terrifying memories threaten to resurface, but Avery pushes them down. Who she’s really worried about is Key. The two are supposed to be closer than ever—so why does he feel so distant?

Wracked by anxiety, Avery begins to see a chilling reflection in every mirror, one that moves on its own—and she’s not the only one. With her family’s safety in the balance, Avery must Run away to the safety of normal life with Key, or return to lake’s edge and face her reflection, before her home is subsumed by darkness once and for all….

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

The evil lurks in the background, carefully extending its influence in a quiet and almost unnoticeable way to make this second novel even more sinister than the first.

Only two weeks have passed since Avery broke the cycle of the black water and pulled her best friend, Key, out of its deadly grasp. She's doing her best to shove the memories and fear behind a mental wall and get on with life, which would work better if Key, now her boyfriend, wasn't acting slightly off. But then, the experience had to leave scars for all involved. Still, something isn't quite right. Anxiety claws at Avery whenever she lets her guard down, and when she believes she sees things which aren't there, tension rises. She's sure its the lingering fear and stress, which she can't completely shake off, but when an odd reflection begins to appear in every mirror or reflective surface she sees, she knows the danger isn't over yet.

I recommend reading the first book before diving into this one, since the entire plot is based on the events of book one. However, the author takes effort to recall the happenings of book one, in the first chapter and, every now and then, during the rest of the read. 

In many aspects, I enjoyed this second book more than the first. The play on the psychological aftermath of the horror of book one adds an understandable depth to the characters and provides a logical uncertainty for them and their relationships. Avery is doing her best to force normality, and that makes her desire not to see some things understandable. This allows a hum of creepiness to seep in while the 'normal' life weaves its own depth. Her father comes into the scene as well as others to mount in a few side plots, which grab and make Avery sympathetic. The horror aspect, however, doesn't really get going until 40% through the read...and combined with the recalling of events from book one, the pacing slowed, at times. When tense moments occur, though, they carry an extra level of creepiness compared to book one.

Thanks to some open-strings at the end of this book, I'm assuming there will be, at least, one more to come, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it might hold for Avery. 

And here she is...

Cheryl Isaacs can often be found running through the Carolinian forest of southwestern Ontario, where she has fearlessly enjoyed the trails for years. Her Kanyen’kéha culture often appears in her writing. Her first novel was The Unfinished.

 

Delta Oblivion by Elizabeth J.M. Walker

Today's read comes from one of my favorite batch of books from Orca Publishers. They have an entire row of various reads, which are directed toward high school (teen) readers, who may be a bit slow on the reading end or simply don't have the attention spans for longer reads. The ones I've read so far often head in the mystery, thriller, or difficult situations in life direction...all of which have been grabbing, quick reads. But I think this is the first one I've picked up from them, which dives into science fiction. The cover immediately reminded of certain animes and mangas, which if done right, might be quite interesting.

So, let's open this one up and see what it holds.

DELTA OBLIVION

by Elizabeth J.M. Walker

Orca Publishing

YA Science Fiction

144 pages

COMING APRIL 14th!!!

Sixteen-year-old Tallie and her best friend Diego have always shared the same dream: to become mechbot pilots and compete in the Mech Battles, a hugely popular sport that promises fame and fortune to successful pilots.

On the day that copilots are assigned, Tallie is devastated when she doesn’t get paired with Diego. Instead, she has to partner with Zaina Chandra, a troubled pilot who got kicked off her last team. But to drive a mechbot, pilots have to connect their minds, which means sharing your deepest thoughts and secrets. Tallie was ready to share her secrets with Diego, but Zaina? She's a complete stranger. With her dreams and pride riding on the partnership, Tallie will have to find a way to open up and convince Zaina to do the same.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading-level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

A future world of mecha-tech and giant bots hits teen dreams and hard work to form an engaging, short read.

Tallie has been preparing for years to become a pilot of a mechbot and join in the professional Mech Battles despite her parents' uncertainty. She has no choice but to succeed, not only to keep them from dictating her future but also to prove to herself that she is capable of something impressive. Being autistic has often left her feeling inadequate. When the day comes to find her future partner and connect with them on a complete mental level to smoothly control the bots, she hopes it will be her best friend but knows that's unlikely due to his relationship with his girlfriend, another very close friend of hers. What Tallie could have never suspected is that she'll be partnered with an expelled student from another school. While a great pilot, this other girl has some major issues, and no matter how determined Tallie is to make it work, she realizes this might be an impossible task...and the end of all her dreams.

The author builds an exciting world of high-tech bots and quick-paced action scenes, while still weaving in the drama and worries surrounding high school relationships. There's determination and there's heart. Both balance nicely, never letting one side take over the other to create an engaging read with enough depth to make the situation matter and connect with the reader. Tallie's fears are understandable, but so are those of the girl, who she needs to work with. There's just the right amount of tension to completely understand Tallie's frustration and root for her the entire way through, especially since she does have a heart of gold. There is romance on the best-friend side, but this remains completely detached from Tallie to add a hint without influencing the plot. It creates an engaging read with depth to make readers care.

These pages keep less excited readers in mind and offer action and scifi battle goodness to keep the pages turning. The world building is just enough to make the scenes sit but never grows long or wordy. While there is character depth, this is also kept as concise and potent as possible, making sure the pacing of the tale doesn't slow down. The end wraps things up quick and clean, since the entire tale doesn't stretch with sophisticated weaves and subplots. This makes it great for anyone not wanting to give hours and hours to a story, but still wants to dive into something interesting and enjoy the tale.

And here she is...

Elizabeth J.M. Walker has always enjoyed reading, writing and being creative. She was the author of a long-running zine of short stories and participated in community dance theater productions for many years. She writes books for young readers and teens, including Slip Jig Summer and Delta Oblivion. She lives with her husband in Windsor, Ontario with their collection of animals.

Best of California State Parks by Moon Travel Guides

Today's read was a surprise, which suddenly arrived in my mailbox. I'm thinking it was probably sent to me by mistake from a publishing house, since it definitely doesn't fit the usual kidlit direction of Bookworm for Kids. While I was about to lay it aside and let the publisher know that it isn't for me, I stopped before tossing it into my donation pile. Why? Thinking back, I realized that I would have grabbed something like this up in my tween/teen years before a family vacation. I loved to know where we might go and make recommendations to my parents on what we might visit. I realize that teens, today, will simply search the internet (I do, too), but there's something special about picking up a travel guide in book form and taking a peek.

So, while this one isn't really for the teen audience, I've decided to take a peek at it for those readers, who might enjoy hiking, exploring sites, and diving into vacation possibilities this way.

BEST OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS    

Top 50 Parks in the Golden State

by Jenna Blough and Kayla Anderson

Moon Travel

Travel Guides

560 pages

From rocky coastal coves and sandy beaches to verdant forests and quiet desert camps, experience the natural wonders of the Golden State with Moon Best of California State Parks! 

Inside you’ll Coverage of 50 California state parks and historic sites, organized by region Strategic lists and Choose from lists of the best parks for hiking, wildlife, history, families, scenic drives, and more or make your way down the list of the top ten adventures throughout the state The best outdoor recreation and unique  Wander among towering redwoods, relax on a sandy SoCal beach, or set up camp in the Mojave Desert. Paddleboard the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, immerse yourself in California’s past at a state historic park, or hike coastal bluffs with stunning views of the Pacific Regional state parks road trips that strategically combine nearby parks in Northern, Central, and Southern California Detailed hike descriptions marked with distance, duration, effort level, and trailheads Expert advice from California locals Jenna Blough and Kayla Anderson on when to go, where to stay, and how to avoid crowds Know before you  Find essential background on climate, terrain, wildlife, history, and safety precautions, plus practical information on park fees, passes, and reservations Gorgeous, full-color photos and maps throughout, plus a detachable fold-out poster map 

Whether you’re trekking to striking vistas, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, or camping under the stars, find your park adventure with Moon Best of California State Parks.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This travel guide offers a nice overview of places to see, things to do, and moments to experience while visiting California...for outdoor fans.

I was already won over when I opened this one up to the Table of Contents and saw that it immediately lists the best and most important sites and such before diving into the general, travel guide schematic. It starts with the top 10 experiences ....all in a nature direction, and does this by giving a colorful photo of each one with a quick phrase and the page to turn to to learn more. So, a person can see the possible highlights in one quick glance. Then, there are a few pages covering important information such as seasons, how to avoid crowds, and the like. After that is 'Best of the Best', lists of the best hiking, beaches, unique experiences, and more. So, anyone looking for main activities doesn't have to flip through hundreds of pages first to get a general idea of where to go or what to do. After that, the usual, travel guide breakdown according to areas (northern, southern, etc) takes control with a list of parks in each one.

This book is all about heading out into nature. Each park gets a general map, which is very helpful, the top sites or activities, things to do or look for, tips, food, hints, and more. There's even information surrounding campgrounds, highlighted trails and the like. Photos give a good impression of what to expect as well. All of this is formatted in a quick and easy-to-find way, keeping the information clear and understandable. Current prices are given for various sites and activities, so anyone heading to these places will have an idea of what to expect. It's a nice and organized overview, which gives a broad range of information for outdoor enthusiasts. 

It's a nice and useful guide to have at hand when heading out to explore California State Parks and is sure to even inspire when it comes to deciding where to go or what to do.

About Moon Travel  

Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.
 
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Sloths and their Moths by Katie Lee Reinert

Should there be more children's books, which take a look at sloths? I know several kids who would scream 'yes' to that question. And moths? I'm betting that one would get a little quieter answer. And how do the two work together? Honestly, I have no idea. Today's read should take care of that question and will dive into the world of sloths, ecosystems, and more. I'm really curious to see where this one goes and am looking forward to learning more about sloths and moths or whatever.

So, let's open this cover up and see what the sloth inside is up to.

SLOTHS AND THE MOTHS

by Katie Lee Reinert

Illustrated by Gabi Moraes

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING MARCH 30th!!!

A sloth’s fur is full of life. Many small creatures live there, and each one plays an important part in the sloth’s world. Told in cumulative format, SLOTHS AND THEIR MOTHS zooms in to take a closer look at each part of the unique relationship between sloths, the moths that live on them, and so much more! Kids will discover each layer of this unique ecosystem, step by step, in a fun and educational way!

Each page adds new details as kids learn about bugs, moths, algae, and how they all work together with the sloth. The repeat-and-build style supports early reading skills, memory, and language growth.

At the end of the book, kids can play a seek-and-find game to search for hidden animals and tiny creatures. This helps build focus, attention, and curiosity.

Great for:

• Kids ages 4–8
• Classrooms and science units
• Early readers
• Nature and animal fans
• Seek-and-find lovers
• Parents and teachers who want simple STEM learning

What families love:

• Simple words for young readers
• Real science in a gentle, friendly way
• Bright art that keeps kids excited
• A story rhythm that supports read-aloud time
• Teaches how animals and tiny creatures live together

SLOTH AND THEIR MOTH brings a tiny rainforest world to life—right inside a sloth’s fur.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Sloth and animal fans will see the world a little bit differently and learn there's more to life then meets the eye.

In a jungle, there's a sloth. The sloth sits in a tree. From there, each page builds and adds more. Each colorful illustration portrays the adorable sloth in its habitat and carries a short, single phrase with a detail, which adds to the scene. As the story continues, the details are repeated and constantly receive another short line. This goes on and on until an entire row of things is exposed. This also means that listeners can join in, and after a few read-throughs of the book, will be able to repeat the lines right along with the reader. But this is just the beginning of the fun these pages hold

This book takes a look at an entire ecosystem, which begins with the sloth and the tree. I think this is the first time I've seen a picture book, which heads into the fur of an animal and takes an ever-smaller look at what there is to discover. A sloth isn't a lone animal but carries an entire array of life with it. While this idea is sure to have some listeners cringing, at first, with an 'ew', it catches the attention and opens them up to how much life really has to offer. 

On each page, along with the fun text, there's a box with exact details, which describes the new level of life being mentioned. The adult or older reader can use this to explain the connections and more to the listeners. The information is simple enough to bring across easily and interesting enough to raise curiosity. Listeners are sure to take a few details with them and tell others the fun facts they learned.

To round all of this goodness off, there are a few pages in the back of the book with more facts and descriptions. There is also a list of several other creatures hidden in the illustrations, so readers can go back and explore the scenes to find each one. In other words, there are many things to enjoy about this read.

And here she is...

Katie Lee Reinert is a picture book author who loves writing books about the magic of imagination that will inspire kids and make them laugh. She lives outside of Portland, Oregon with her family where she loves exploring new hiking trails in the summer and trying to stay dry in the winter.

Come What May by Ms Debi Gliori

Today's read hit the shelves a couple weeks ago, and I've been very eager to, finally, have a chance to read my copy. I find the cover super adorable, and I'm betting that this is the type of book to snuggle up with and enjoy with a favorite young listener. I'm hoping for parental love and a sense of security and love. 

Let's see if this book is one for those quiet hours or not.

COME WHAT MAY

by Debi Gliori

Bloomsbury Children's Books

Picture Book

30 pages

ages 4 to 8

**A touching and timeless follow-up to the much-loved No Matter What**

Come What May follows Debi Gliori's much-loved foxes, Large and Small, as they head out on a picnic in the countryside to wind down after a rather trying afternoon attempting some baking. As their walk takes them across flower-strewn meadows, through cool woods and eventually up onto a gentle hill from which they can see their cosy home below, they reflect on all the moods a single day can hold. And as a squall of rain briefly threatens their picnic, they eventually decide that moods may change like the weather, but their love for each other will always remain constant.

A warm-hearted, uplifting story, told with genuine affection and flourishes of humour, perfect to read at bedtime – or any time!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON     /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Get ready to snuggle into a chair with your young listener/reader because this book is all about love and care.

A little fox is having a bad day...one of those days when everything seems to be going wrong. Large fox realizes this and offers a few words of comfort, and that gets little fox thinking. Will the larger fox really always love the little fox? That's when the little fox's imagination shifts into high-gear and tests how enduring the larger fox's love truly is.

These pages are filled with warmth, security, and love. The larger fox's care for the little fox is inspiring, and this feeling radiates from every page. While the good vibes flow, the author works in quite a bit of humor, too. The little fox has a huge imagination and asks the larger fox if the love still qualifies if he/she changed into a tiger. Or a stinging insect? The list goes on and on. The illustrations follow suit wonderfully and let each mutation come across with playful fantasy, vibrant colors, and a touch of silliness to keep smiles huge. The text rhymes smoothly and works in a little repetition to give listeners a phrase to recognize, and maybe, repeat themselves. 

It's a lovely read with tons of goodness and is sure to become one of those reads, which receives an 'again'. 

And here she is...

Debi Gliori is the award-winning writer and illustrator of over eighty picture books and novels for children of all ages, including the bestselling modern classic No Matter What (Bloomsbury) and the Mr Bear series (Orchard). Her picture book about depression, Night Shift (Templar), was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She is also author of the Little Owl series of books, illustrated by Alison Brown, for Bloomsbury. Debi lives near Edinburgh and has twice been writer-in-residence in the Shetland Isles. Her favourite colour is blue or, more precisely, four different shades of blue: cerulean blue, cobalt blue, Mediterranean turquoise blue and warm ultramarine blue. She has sold over 600,000 books in the UK alone.

Soccer Kicks by Emiliano Migliardo

Sports, humor, and a graphic novel, too? That sounds like a perfect mix to me, so I was very eager to grab up today's read and take a quick peek. It should hold 60 comic strip jokes, and all of them will rotate around soccer. I have no idea if these will be clever, weird, slap-stick, or...well, I have no clue.

Let's open it up and see what kind of humor these pages hold!

SOCCER KICKS

by Emiliano Migliardo

Happy Yak

Children's Humor

64 pages

ages 7 to 10

COMING APRIL 7th!!!

Soccer Kicks is a hilarious collection of comic-strip soccer jokes, filled with over 60 laugh-out-loud silly scenarios! 

Emiliano Migliardo’s outrageously funny full-color comics are perfect for avid soccer fans and reluctant readers, as the jokes are mostly wordless. This awesome compilation of one-page comics is a winning combination of silly yet clever gags and pranks, filled with the joy—and frustration—of soccer!  

Full of soccer japes about mischievous tactics, doing whatever it takes to get the ball in the back of the net, and even the perils of being nutmegged, this is the perfect gift for any young soccer fan. These short, sporty jokes will be the talk of the playground… or soccer field! 

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Smirks, giggles, and laughter are guaranteed thanks to the varied humor offered in these jokes.

This one is not only for soccer fans, since the humor is very understandable even for those, who don't know much about the sport. Each page holds a short comic strip, which forms a humorous, short situation. Every single one connects with soccer, although it can simply be a situations, which includes a soccer ball of sorts, or swirl around playing the game. Most of the jokes are purely visual, but then, that's all that's needed to make most of these sit. There are various characters, various situations, and various types of humor. Some are slap-stick, some are clever twists, some are mischievous, and others pack sudden surprises. 

The illustrations are bright and bring across the moments clearly with the familiarity needed to make the humor hit. The characters stay in the animal kingdom, which adds a nice detachment and keeps the humor high. The jokes fit very well to the intended audience level and even older readers are sure to giggle if they get their hands on a copy. Younger readers can enjoy many of the jokes as well, although some might be a bit over their heads and a couple take on a slightly dark twist...not directly obvious, but a little logical thought makes it clear that something unpleasant really happens. 

It's a very well done book with tons to enjoy. The visual layout gives it a relaxing and fun atmosphere, while the jokes are sure to gain more than a giggle or two.

And here he is...

Emiliano Migliardo is a cartoon illustrator, a career that he knew he would want to pursue ever since his childhood days of watching cartoons. His favourite shows were The Pink Panther, The Three Stooges and The Simpsons. Emiliano feels that his style generally reflects his personality; his work tends to be neat, well defined, fun, and colorful. He works and lives in Buenos Aires with his wife, his son and his dog Lenny, a Chihuahua.

Happy Birthday Book, From the Fields to the Fight by Angela Quezada Padron!

March had held quite a few book birthday shoutouts so far, and it isn't stopping yet. I love the energy and wish it would continue the entire way through...always a reason to party! Today's read falls into the picture book category and heads in the nonfiction direction. It takes a look at two women, who worked to help migrant workers here in the US. I'm, honestly, not sure what to expect and am going to learn something in these pages.

So, let's dive into this book and see what these women did.

FROM THE FIELDS TO THE FIGHT

by Angela Quezada Padron

Illustrated by Sol Salinas

Atheneum Books

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

A timely and inspiring picture book biography of Jessica Govea Thorbourne, 

a Latina labor activist who worked alongside Dolores Huerta to bring attention

to the plight of migrant farmworkers.

When Jessica Govea Thorbourne was four years old, she began picking crops in the 

California fields. One resilient girl, doing what was needed to help her family. As 

Jessica grew up, she saw her community struggling. Farm workers were being treated

unfairly. But she was just one child. What could she do?

Jessica stood up for justice and learned to organize for change, passing out flyers, speaking 

to crowds, and rallying other kids to petition for a neighborhood park. As an adult, she 

joined the United Farm Workers and played a pivotal role in the success of the California 

Grape Boycott. Though her journey started when she was very young, Jessica found her 

voice and empowered others to fight for their rights.

Jessica showed that making a difference can start with just one child.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Following a young migrant girl, Jessica Govea Thorbourne, these pages are written to inspire.

Jessica's parents worked as migrant field workers in California, and as soon as she was able, she joined them. She saw not only her own parents' struggles with low pay, hot days, and long hours but also how it affected the workers around her. Grabbing inspiration and ideas from individuals and her surroundings, she joined groups to raise awareness for people like her and her parents. 

This is a well-laid out, smoothly written journey surrounding Jessica Govea Thorbourne and the difference she made to help other workers like her. The beginning allows younger readers to sympathize with her as she works as a young girl in tiring circumstances. From there, she grows up, and the book follows the steps she makes on her life path, fighting for rights. The various problems and set-backs she faced are understandable and inspire. The illustrations bring across each moment nicely and make sure to express the desired emotions clearly.  At the end of the book, there is a short list and definition of several important words, tips on how readers can  organize their own protests, and a timeline of the United Farmworkers Labor Union. It forms a solid biography which can easily be used as a theme in a classroom or group setting.

The overall atmosphere shows fighting spirit and leans into Jessica's drive and not as heavy into detailed facts. The amount of text sits on the slightly heavier side for a picture book for the intended age group and fits better with the upper end. More reluctant readers/listeners might find this one more difficult to sink into, since the pages depict Jessica's life-long, steady determination. It works well in those situations, where the readers are meant to learn (and maybe discuss) either about the movement of the UFLU, migrant workers, or about Jessica Govea Thorbourne. 

And here they are...

Angela Quezada Padron is a Latina author-illustrator who spent her childhood days writing stories and doodling on the garage walls of her New Jersey home and her summers visiting family in the Dominican Republic. As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernández Hammer and the 

Fight for Climate Justice is her author-illustrator debut. She’s also the author of From the Fields to the Fight: How Jessica Govea Thorbourne Organized for Justice. She won first place in the Portfolio Showcase at the 2023 Florida SCBWI Conference and was a semifinalist for the SCBWI Tomie dePaola Award in 2014. Visit her at AngelaPadron.com.

Sol Salinas is a non-binary artist from San Antonio, Texas. At a young age, they fell in love with history while watching old Hollywood movies with their grandmother. When they aren’t drawing, Sol can usually be found playing Dungeons & Dragons, collecting rose quartz, drinking warm cups of tea, and listening to their favorite music: Fleetwood Mac. Find more at SolSalinasIllustration.com or on Instagram @SolsticeIllo.