Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano

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

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

MILTON MAKES A MOVE

by Jonathan Graziano

Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Margaret K McElderry Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 4th!!!

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

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

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

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

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

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

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

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

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

And here they are...

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

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

Gloom and Bloom by Nancy Loewen

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

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

GLOOM AND BLOOM

Ghost School

by Nancy Loewen

Illustrated by Mike Moran

Picture Window Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 5 to 8

COMING AUGUST 1st!!!

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

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

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

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

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

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

And here she is...

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

 

What's Coming in July?

Well, here we are, July! June, actually, seemed to drag for me. There was quite a bit going on...planned and surprises. We helped my oldest daughter with a move, my oldest son paid a surprise visit (so amazing since he's in the army and we rarely see him!), my sister and her family popped by (another very rare event), and my back deck suddenly collapsed. That was not so amazing and means a new project for me in July. Add the never ending weed control and mowing and cows and chickens and....and....and... Oh, hay season is in a week or two, too!

July is picture book heavy because I'm not going to get in as much reading time as I usually do. But that's not a bad thing. I do love a good picture book. I also seem to start out the month in the realm of dogs. So, furry friend fans be ready for that. At the end of the month, I'm heading into more young adult and middle grade reads, since I should have more time by then. Otherwise......(taking a look at the list)...there's some science fiction, fiction which incorporates knowledge building (fiction which works in nonfiction facts)....ummm....

Actually, the themes are all over the place. Spooks, beach adventures, romance, mystery, humor...all sorts of things. So hopefully, you'll see something you like and find a book to take outside and enjoy!

GLOOM AND BLOOM

This one immediately caught my attention when I saw it. Not only did the title make me smile, but the idea of a ghost school opens up all sorts of adventure possibilities. Considering that this one is for beginning readers, I'm thinking it could be quite fun. I'm hoping for some silliness and friendship. We'll find out more tomorrow because I'm hitting this one right away on the 1st.

Beginning Readers

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE YOU CAN LEARN FROM A DOG

I'm just going to stay in the pet theme a little bit longer as we see what this read is all about. I'm hoping for some dog facts and all sorts of furry-friend goodness. Maybe, it will get readers involved, too? It heads toward the youngest listeners out there and will, hopefully, make more than just dog fans smile. We'll be visiting this one on the 7th.

Picture Book

OPERATION: TRUE LOVE

What's summer without a little romance? Combine that with graphic novel goodness, and I'm hoping that this read will make teens smile. The cover caught my attention first...and I'm not sure whether it's for good or bad. He definitely sets the scene for promised tension. I believe it centers around a girl who like her boyfriend more than he likes her. And what that really means is something we'll discover on the 10th.

Young Adult Romance

SQURREL AND DUCK'S AUTUMN ADVENTURE

I'm definitely into animals this month! This pair caught my attention right away, and I'm hoping they will bring all sorts of friendship excitement. I'm hoping for a touch of adorable with nature adventure, too. Oh, and we can't forget friendship, can we? Let's see if this book is as wholesome as it appears to be on the 12th.

Picture Book

BEATRICE AND THE DIRTY DIGGERS

This is the 4th book in the Far and Away series. Nope, I have not read the first three, either. But I'm hoping that doesn't make a difference. These pages follow a girl as she joins a summer camp to learn to discover secrets from the past...archaeology. There is some mystery involved as well, and it simply seems like an unique twist...oh, and it's only 150 pages or so. I'm digging into this one on the 14th! And yes, the pun is intended.

Middle Grade Historical

KINGDOM UNRAVELED

I picked this one up due to the instant, unique vibes. It's a graphic novel and holds a very, original character...a 70-year-old woman. She's joined with even more unique friends as she's chosen to...ummmm....save a kingdom? I'm expecting humor and adventure and tons of fun. I'm, actually, really excited to dive into this one because I think it might be quite entertaining. See if it meets my expectations or not on the 18th.

Middle Grade Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

TOOFER & THE GIBLET

I just loved the cover and title on this one and decided to give it a whirl. It's a story collection aimed at different age groups depending on how it is used: younger for story time and older for self-reading. I'm excited to meet these two characters since they are supposed to have very different personalities. I'm hoping that opens the door to all sorts of adventures and situations. Let's see if this is a book that is placed on the shelf and read again and again on the 22nd.

Children's Story Collection

THE SOLARBALL SLIP-UP

Does anyone remember The Jetsons? Yes, I'm aging myself with that question, but this book is kind of giving me those vibes. It's about a family in the future, and this kid has a problem to solve before he gets into tons of trouble with his dad. There are pop-up pictures and humor too. I'm just interested to see how this tale goes and hope it's as entertaining as it seems to be. Let's head into the future with this one on the 26th.

Beginning Reader Science Fiction

DANGEROUS INFLUENCE

I was won over by the blurb on this one...see, it's not always the cover! It hits upon the timely topic of children, who were starred in their parents' vlogs/influence videos, and have become teens. This girl isn't comfortable with always having her life presented online and needs to convince her mother of the problem. But it also involves a stalker and some thriller story threads, too. So, I'm curious to see where this one leads on the 29th. 

Young Adult Thriller (?)

TICKET TO MARS

We're heading to the future in this book and following a boy, who wants to escape Earth for a better life on Mars. It promises to hold tension, space excitement, mystery, and adventure. I'm looking forward not only to the scifi aspects but am delighted that it has a boy as a main character...I always feel like I have to search for these. Anyway, I'm ready to head off to the stars and see what the universe holds on the 28th.

Tween Science Fiction

Happy Book Birthday, Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceres!

Yay! I have another book birthday to shout-out to the world! This one releases tomorrow, carries graphic novel goodness, and might be the beginning of a new series....I'm not sure on this last one, though. It involves an orphaned girl and a boy, who happens to be a musician. I thought that twist was interesting and can't wait to see what music lies in store. It should swing around fantasy, although I'm not sure how far it dives in this direction.

Let's open it up and see if this music weaves a spell or how it works!

THROUGH THE BLACK GATE

by Alfredo Cáceres

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Middle Grade Fantasy   /

Graphic Novel

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

Thirteen-year-old orphan Irene believes her father’s soul is trapped inside her cat, Moses. Living at her caregiver Ruth’s hostel, Irene spends every waking hour studying a mystical book that her parents left behind in the fire that took their lives. Irene thinks the book can help her see them again, if only Moses will give her a clue.

Then, just as a strange fog sweeps over their quiet Chilean town, a mysterious young musician named Francis moves into the hostel. Irene and her new roommate don’t particularly get along, but Moses soon leads them both through the fog to a strange tear in reality: an entrance to the Land of the Dead.

Believing this is the key to seeing her parents again, Irene and Francis cross to the other side. There, they encounter the Ferryman of the Dead, who is desperate to escape into the Land of the Living. The Ferryman offers to return Irene and Francis’s loved ones in exchange for their help. In the face of such a massive promise, Irene and Francis must decide whether to risk the fate of both the Lands of the Living and the Dead or be braver than they ever thought possible.

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Determination, family love, and the magic of music mix together to form an exciting adventure.

After loosing her family to a fire, Irene has reason to believe that her father's soul is trapped inside the family cat. While Irene does her best to hold on to this last thread of her family, the cat is determined to escape the new home at a hostel. When a boy, Francis, moves in with the intention of improving his guitar technique at a local academy, him and Irene immediately hit like fire and ice. But then, Irene notices that his music seems to be having a positive affect on her father's soul. When the cat escapes again, she drags Francis along, hoping he can help her get her father to cross over. Instead, they open a portal to the land between life and death, and discover that the entire realm has been corrupted by a very dangerous Ferryman.

I promised myself not to do any grief books this year after last year's overwhelming supply in that direction, and yet, here I am. And I'm glad I took the leap into this book. While the loss of Irene's family and the determination to help her father crossover into the afterlife drive Irene's every decision, the tale doesn't weigh down in loss and grief. Irene has accepted her parents' fate and heads into danger out of sheer love for them. Well, mostly as the ending pulls a last twist of emotional goodness...but adventure, danger, and forming friendship drive the plot forward and keep this read exciting. There are dangerous foes, sticky situations, misunderstandings, secrets, unexpected friendships, and secrets to be discovered. The land in-between offers a dive into pure fantasy with many unexpected moments. It was also nice to see that while Francis' music could act like a golden ticket, this was by no means a guarantee, and he had to struggle with his own side-plot. 

 

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy quite a bit of adventure and dives into the afterlife. 

And here he is...

Alfredo Cáceres is an author and illustrator from Santiago, Chile. He has worked in picture books, magazines, newspapers, and video games, including the acclaimed Blight Harbor series and New York Times bestseller The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. His debut graphic novel Through the Black Gate is based on the city of Valdivia, Chile, where he grew up between rain and moss. Visit him on Instagram @RedoLaf.

Happy Book Birthday, Sundays Under the Lemon Tree by Julia Busuttil Nishimura!

 

It's time to shout out another book birthday—yay! It hits the shelves tomorrow, but that's definitely close enough for me. The moment I saw today's read, I snatched it up. Yellow just happens to be my favorite color, so it caught my eye. Also, lemon cake sounds amazing, right now. Add the content girl smiling away and this invites to calm, enjoyable hours outside in the shade. Lemon tree shade, obviously. So, what's not to like? 

I'm betting that this one will rotate around family goodness...although it might hold some surprises??? I have no idea. The only way to find out is to open it up and take a look!

SUNDAYS UNDER THE LEMON TREE

by Julia Busuttil Nishimura

Illustrated by Milo Yim

Scribble US

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

A heartwarming picture book celebrating family, tradition, and culinary adventures.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura, known for her acclaimed cookbooks and heartwarming food stories, teams up with talented illustrator Myo Yim for their debut picture book collaboration, Sundays Under the Lemon Tree. The book, filled with family moments and culinary discovery, will captivate readers of all ages.

Sundays Under the Lemon Tree follows a young child’s memorable Sunday, with the smells and sounds of family cooking, the adventure of collecting seawater to make ricotta, and the triumph of learning to bake a special family apple cake. Busuttil Nishimura’s prose and Yim’s illustrations bring to life the comforting rituals and loving bonds that make Sundays special.
With themes of connection, heritage, and simple pleasures, this collaboration between Julia Busuttil Nishimura and Myo Yim celebrates the multigenerational bonds between food and family history. The book will also include the cherished apple cake recipe and promises to be a beloved addition to any child's bookshelf.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Family traditions and togetherness warm with the thoughts of sunshine, ocean water, and a lemon tree.

It's Sunday, and that means it's time for the extended family to meet under the lemon tree and share food and time together. Mother is already cooking in the kitchen, father is watering the plants, and grandmother is podding the peas. Too bad the little girl isn't allowed to help, but everyone claims she's too small. Then, something extraordinary happens and her father asks her to help him get a bucket of ocean water to make the fresh ricotta for the apple cake. 

This is a warming read in so many ways. Every page is as bright and cheerful as a lemon tree. Then, the strong bonds of family act like a caring embrace as everyone works together. Even when the little girl feels left out, she's right in the middle of the lively atmosphere and surrounded with love and care. Young listeners/readers will understand her feelings and connect with the situation. When she does, finally, get the opportunity to assist her father, a little tension and uncertainty grab in before the book slides into more family goodness. To round the entire experience off, the author has included the apple cake recipe at the end so readers and caretakers can also work together and create the warm treat.

The illustrations are bright and bring across the family excitement nicely. It's easy to sink into the familiar scenes. A little humor is also built in as necessary and the details give plenty for listeners to discover when they flip through the book on their own. The text makes a lovely read-aloud and works for those readers, who are mostly sure of their words. 

And here they are...

Julia Busuttil Nishimura is the bestselling author of four cookbooks. She writes for Good Weekend Magazine and Gourmet Traveller. Julia's work  celebrates the joy of family meals, drawing inspiration from her Maltese heritage, time spent living in Italy and Japanese family. Sundays Under the Lemon Tree is her debut children's book.

Myo Yim has worked as an illustrator of children’s books. Her work has appeared in more than fifteen books, including Wilder Child, Dorothy, Shoes Off, Please and Rajah Street. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Myo now lives in Byron Bay, Australia, with her husband and two boys.

(Biographies take from publisher's website)

Luz Makes a Splash by Claudia Dávila

Today's read seems to be perfect for the heat in upcoming July. It's the second in the Luz series, and I did not read the first one. I'm pretty sure this won't be an issue, though. Also, this series hit the shelves already in 2012 and is getting a slightly new look. That's great because I wouldn't have noticed it otherwise. Not only do I love the theme... I mean, who doesn't love to splash in water outdoors when it get warm outside? But I also like the short length of under 100 pages, especially for the middle grade audience. And it's a graphic novel, which is also fun. Add that this book is still being published, and it's sure to be a treat.

Grab those towels because it looks like we're in for tons of fun.

LUZ MAKES A SPLASH

Luz #2

by Claudia Dávila

Kids Can Press

Middle Grade Fiction

Graphic Novel

96 pages

ages 8 to 12

With a heat wave and a drought threatening the city's water supply, Luz and her friends dive into the fight to save the swimming pond and Friendship Park. This graphic novel includes a guide on how to make a water-wise garden.

AMAZON    /     GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer heat mixes with water conservation ideas and working together to create an entertaining read.

Luz and her friends are practically melting thanks to the hot summer heat. Unfortunately, the constant high temperatures are also putting a strain on the local water supply. When Luz and her friends head on a day trip, they discover that the swimming pond is going dry thanks to a nearby cola company, which is using the water for their manufacturing process. When Luz returns home, she learns that the water shortage is now causing more problems: no day showers, dying gardens, and more. She knows she has to do something to help this disaster but isn't sure where to really start.

This book dives head first into environmental issues and concentrates on water conservation. While one plot has Luz and her family trying to figure out the bigger issue with the manufacturing company and the swimming pond, other problems such as a dying plants create a multi-layered tale. The message is very clear and melds with the tale to grab, especially, environmentally minded readers. Some situations are a bit exaggerated, but this also raises the tension and keeps those pages turning. It hits on solutions such as filtering gray water, mini-wetlands, and rain barrels. So, there's a nice learning factor involved.

The illustrations stick to blues, whites and blacks, and they bring across each scene nicely. Some graphic novel readers might wonder why full colors weren't used since this tends to be more standard, anymore. The text drives the story forward and doesn't weigh down. Add the shorter length, and this is very fitting for the younger end of the middle age group. 

All in all, it's an entertaining tale with some inspiring ideas and awakens awareness for the importance of handling water wisely.

And here she is...

In a world that’s becoming ever more digitized, Claudia Dávila remains a believer in and appreciator of books you can hold in your hand. She writes, illustrates and designs books for kids of all ages, with stories and themes that encourage children to be strong, thoughtful, compassionate and responsible people.

Claudia is the former art director of Chirp and Chickadee magazines, the author-illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel series Luz Goes Green and the picture book Super Red Riding Hood, and she is the illustrator of the Nansi graphic novel series and Thunderboom. Claudia was born in Santiago, Chile, and now makes her home in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and their two children.

UN-spoiled! by Marie Chow

Today's read looks adorable! I love the pink princess-ness. Add the word unspoiled, and it immediately puts a smile on my face. Telling by the cover, this little girl is definitely spoiled. Will she cast a spell to change everything? Or will she try her best to be unspoiled? I'm ready to see what this tale does and hope for fun along the way.

UN-SPOILED!

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Arthur Lin

Picture Book

29 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nova is a young girl... full of joy, and fully committed to getting her own way. 

I'm the opposite of spoiled
... ask anyone.
It's not my fault I'm everyone's
favorite loved one.

Is she spoiled? You'll have to decide for yourself.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Smiles are guaranteed as this little girl tries her best to make the argument that she is anything but spoiled.

Nova is un-spoiled, and she can prove it. With tons of energy, a positive attitude, and loads of pink, she goes through the day and points out the many things, which make it seem like she's spoiled. But she clearly doesn't fall into that category. Right?

Readers, who adore pink princess vibes, are going to enjoy this read since Nova is as girly as girly can be. Her positive attitude is addictive, and she goes through life with a smile. This goodness radiates so much that it may make readers wonder if she truly is spoiled or not. After all, she's obviously a nice and kind person to be around. So while everyone makes sure she's satisfied and has more than she needs, there isn't the slightest hint of negativity. It creates a fun balance and shows how blurred the line between truth and perception can grow. It's cute to watch her place her well-laid arguments while she spins from one page to the next. 

The illustrations bring each scene across with pink pizzazz and family goodness. Nova's life will ring familiar with many readers thanks to the daily life scenes. The text is delivered in four-phrased rhymes, which flow well, are kept short, and keep the positive atmosphere going. This makes it a lovely read-aloud...and the shorter length keeps even reluctant listeners' attentions from steering too far away. It's a cute read, which gives a little to think about while keeping everything warm and cheerful.

And here she is...

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

Kader's Quest by Nadir Balan, Yener Balan, and Duygu Balan

The cover caught my attention on today's read. I was getting science fiction vibes, but today's reaad heads in a completely different direction. If I understood it correctly...and I'm not sure I did....this is a book to help readers deal with issues like bullying, family problems, and the like while following a boy on his own journey.  And considering it's only 55 or so pages, this is happening quick. I really don't know what else to think...so let's dive in and see what it's about.

KADER'S QUEST

by Nadir Balan

Yener Balan

Duygu Balan

Productivity Press

Middle Grade Self-Help

52 pages

ages 8 to 12

Middle school student Kader is on the precipice of the turbulent path to adulthood. Join him on this journey of discovery and healing through dazzling art replete with puzzles, hidden images, symbolism, reflection and silence.

Award-winning artist Nadir Balan brings this deeply human story to life with stunning illustrations that invite readers to feel every emotion alongside Kader as he uncovers his past and searches for belonging. Written by psychiatrist Dr. Yener Balan and psychotherapist Duygu Balan, this graphic novel embraces raw vulnerability and authentic experiences, creating a story that feels real, digestible, and powerfully relatable.

Kader's Quest offers behavioral health specialists an invaluable therapeutic tool that resonates with young adults facing similar struggles with family dynamics, anxiety, friendship, bullies, and major life transitions. The carefully crafted narrative allows readers to process their own complex emotions through Kader's journey, helping them feel seen in their experiences. For professionals working with teens who struggle to articulate their feelings, this graphic novel provides a meaningful conversation starter grounded in evidence-based principles, making it a compelling read and a powerful clinical resource.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Illustrations, which demand to be dissected and pondered, follow a quick-paced adventure of a boy dealing with life.

This is one of those books, which holds its very own flair and will, either, grab readers in or make them wonder what is going on. That said, I'm starting with the illustrations because these are a treat in and of themselves. Everything is done in black and white, which while seemingly empty, at times, also is perfect due to the huge amount of details. Part of me wanted to grab the markers and use it as a coloring book, but as said, the scenes are so busy that it might overpower, too. There's a science fiction flair to the artwork and the characters carry a harsher hint, which also makes the age, sometimes, hard to distinguish. There's an abundance of woven in messaging in many scenes, and some twist reality with fantastical imagery to make readers think. The text is kept very sparse with only a dab here and there to give Kader's tale a string of guidance as the reader is invited on their own journey.

Kader has a story, but it's not so much of a distinct plot as it is an invitation to follow his handling of various situations. He deals with quite a few family issues, trying to figure out where he belongs, bullying, finding new footings, and struggles with the anxiety as the world warps around him. The problems he faces are very familiar and ones many readers can connect, at least, a little with their own lives. As Kader tries to deal with everything at an emotional level and battles at each step, the reader is drawn in with him and led to lay their own, similar problems in mirror of Kader's. It unfolds into a psychological dive, which offers plenty of room for contemplation as the fantasy aspects of the imagery allow emotions to bend and twist as needed.

As said, for the right readers, this is amazingly well done. The book is designed by a psychotherapist and psychiatrist with the intention to help certain teens deal with their emotions and situations, and it can fulfill this task. Other readers might be reminded of a fever dream. And yet, others who appreciate sinking into the psyche can embrace the extremely rich visuals and seek their own meanings and inspiration.

A Dangerous Game by Sigmund Brouwer

Who is ready for some tension, chills, and thrills? Today's read is a rewriting of the well-known short story, 'The Most Dangerous Game'. I have this one fresh in my memory thanks to the last years homeschooling my daughter. So, today's read caught my attention right away. Also, I'm a huge fan of this section of books put out by Orca Publishers. They have an entire row of reads aimed at young adult readers, who aren't super solid word fans but still need interesting tales to fit their age group.  Plus, it's nice to pick up a quick read and not dive into a huge novel, sometimes. 

So, I'm very excited to see what these pages hold.

A DANGEROUS GAME

by Sigmund Brouwer

Orca Book Publishers

YA Thriller

96 pages

COMING AUGUST 18th!!!

This retelling of the classic short story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell brings a modern teen into the clutches of an unhinged billionaire to explore the depths of our own humanity.

Rain is on the most boring vacation in existence: a sailboat trip with his parents. No video games, no friends, just floating and listening to adults talk. That is until he accidentally falls overboard in the middle of the night while everyone is asleep. As the boat sails off, Rain swims for his life and makes it to a nearby island owned by a billionaire who is obsessed with the thrill of the hunt. Unfortunately for Rain, the island’s owner has grown bored of his usual prey. He wants to hunt something smarter, something that can reason...something like Rain. And Rain has no choice but to play along.

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!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The tense atmosphere from Connell's 'The Most Dangerous Game' echoes loud and clear in this teen adventure.

Rain is bored. Stuck on a sailboat with his parents and their friend, there isn't a whole lot for him to do. To detox from a day of adult conversation, he decides to stay on deck while everyone else turns in for the night, but when he accidentally falls overboard, boredom disappears. Luckily, Rain is a good swimmer, and while he can't catch up to the sailboat, a nearby private island saves him from drowning and offers a good chance at a rescue. But the owner of the island isn't what Rain expected, nor is the game the man wants to play. Now, Rain needs to find a way to survive.

This book is designed for teen readers, who struggle with more difficult texts. The sentences are kept short, the vocabulary stays more familiar, and the pacing is kept quick. There's just enough description to lock in the scenes, but the rest is action and character driven. From the moment Rain falls overboard, the danger mounts. The author keeps everything realistic making it easy to root for Rain and follow him as he does his best to outwit a deadly man. Rain isn't a survival expert but builds off of what he's seen in video games, movies, or just caught here and there. This makes him relatable as he does his best to stay out of sight. 

This is a quick, easy read, and the short length makes it one even reluctant readers are sure not to grumble too much about. The story is potent and uses action to drive it forward. That means there is less character depth and background, but it works well. The ending does come in pretty quick, but then, this isn't unexpected. Slower and reluctant readers are sure to find this tale grabbing, and more fluent readers will enjoy the quick, easy adventure, too.

And here he is...

Sigmund Brouwer is the award-winning author of over a hundred books for young readers, with over five million books in print. He has won a Christy Book of the Year and an Arthur Ellis Award, and some of his titles were finalists for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award (twice) and the Red Maple Award. Sigmund has captivated students with his Story Ninja writing program during his school visits, reaching over one million students since 1990. His many books in the Orca Sports, Orca Soundings and Orca Currents lines have changed the lives of countless striving readers. Sigmund lives in Red Deer, Alberta.

Happy Book Birthday, The Lake Trip by Katie Risor!

It's been awhile since I've shouted out a book birthday. How horrible! Well, it's time to correct this problem and give a HUGE shout-out to today's new read. This read is the second in a series, and I did read the first one last year (see review HERE). It's a graphic novel meant for beginning readers out there, who are mostly sure of their words but need more practice. I remember the first book as hitting, at first, a little different thanks to the unique characters, but it was very warming and fun. So, I'm hoping for more of that in this read. And lake trips are perfect for this time of year!

Pack that bag, grab some sunscreen, and don't forget snacks because we're heading into a promising adventure!

THE LAKE TRIP

Welcome to the Forest #2

by Katie Risor

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Fantasy

Graphic Novel

80 pages

ages 6 to 9

The quirky, lovable creatures of the Forest return in this heartwarming and beautifully illustrated graphic novel, perfect for beginning readers, English-language learners, and fans of cozy comics. Includes a fun nonfiction fact sheet about lakes.

Mossman, Wallace, Grumpkin, and Shadow are off on a lakeside adventure!

From packing for their day trip to learning how to float and discovering a magical way to cool off, every moment is filled with gentle humor, friendship, and simple discoveries that celebrate the wonder of nature. 

Perfect for emerging readers and fans of Studio Ghibli's whimsical worlds, this early reader graphic novel Fun nonfiction facts about lakes and their natural wonders 

Dyslexia-friendly font for accessible reading 

Simple dialogue and sight words for beginning readers and ESL learners

Gorgeous hand-painted illustrations in a distinctive, cozy style

Adorably quirky characters that will delight fans of Pocket Peaches, Brambly Hedge, Calico Critters, and Labubu collectors

With gentle storytelling and endearing forest friends, Katie Risor's Welcome to the Forest series is a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer adventure meets budding friendship in a fun read with tons of heart.

The three friends, Mossman, Wallace, and Grumpkin, are heading on a trip because Wallace has a new friend and wants to visit her. First, they need to cross the river, and then, it's time to find the meeting place and wait. Not everything goes smoothly, and everyone isn't sure what to expect. When the new friend shows up, she's not what the friends expected, and they aren't sure they can warm up to her the way Wallace has.

This adventure is just right for those readers, who know their words but could use a little more practice. The characters are so easy to like and carry quite a bit of uniqueness to make them memorable. Their friendship is golden, and even the grumpiest of them is, actually, very kind. The trio heads out on their first trip, which is entertaining, especially with some slight mistakes. But these friends work together to work everything out. Even the meeting with the new friend adds humor and keeps a tiny tad bit of tension to make the adventure grabbing. It wraps up with tons of wholesome moments and proves that friendship reaches past many boundaries. In other words, its very well balanced and great for the intended age group.

The text is short enough not to grow frustrating but still works those word skills. Thanks to the plot, it runs smoothly and is sure to keep readers' interest. The illustrations are bright, bold, and let the scenes come to life. The right atmosphere hits with each moment to keep everything lively. These are also helpful to readers to make sure they know what is happening in the text.

I can't wait to see what this group of friends is up to next.

And here she is...

Katie Risor is a professional illustrator and author who loves all things weird, interesting, and whimsical. In her personal work, she's all about weird creatures, hidden themes, and childhood adventures. She gets a lot of inspiration from nature, animals, and history. When she's not painting or writing, you can find Katie gardening, cooking, eating fancy cheese, going on walks, making specialized playlists, or looking for cool new restaurants to try. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas but recently moved to Syracuse, New York with her partner and three cats. 

The Chime Seekers by Ross Montgomery

Today's read is the first in a series, which hit the shelves for the first time in 2021. Somehow, I missed it completely, at that time. Luckily, it's getting a re-release this next month, and I'm not letting slip through my cracks this time around. 

I'm expecting a rich, fantasy world with tons of adventure. I believe it steps into the realm of the fae, and I'm getting a bit of Labyrinth vibes (think 1986 movie with David Bowie) from the plot. But just a bit. 

Grab iron and remember not to eat anything while on this journey because the fae can be a tricky folk in many tales.

THE CHIME SEEKERS

by Ross Montgomery

Candlewick Press

Middle Grade Fantasy

368 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING JULY 7th!!!

From the #1 New York Times best-selling and critically acclaimed author of I Am Rebel comes a middle-grade fantasy adventure about siblings, courage, and the magic that hides in the cracks.

Step into a world of fairy tricks and hidden danger . . .

When an evil fairy steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. After all, fairies delight in tricks, and rescuing her won’t be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way.

Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own if he’s to outwit the fairy and save his sister . . .

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The world of fae and goblins takes a darker twist in this quick-paced adventure, where sibling love runs deeper than first appears.

Yanni is sick of his baby sister. Not only does she never seem to stop crying, but her birth meant the end to his cozy life with his mother and father in their town apartment. Now, they've purchased a house in the country, and it's immediately clear that this 'improvement' doesn't mean he finally gains a little more attention. When his parents leave him and some weird cousin of his left babysitting on Halloween, his life has hit a new time low. But things can get worse, and they do when a strange man appears in his sister's bedroom and steals her away to the realm of the fae. Luckily, his cousin is a little more informed than he is, and between the two of them, he's praying he'll find a way to get his sister back. The fae, however, are not creatures to be trifled with.

This read immediately had me thinking back to the movie Labyrinth with David Bowie, and there are several strong threads throughout the book, which dance along a similar line. So, I suspect that the author took quite a bit of inspiration from this original tale. That said, there are also enough unique twists to guide this book into its own direction. 

The author lets the reader sink into the world and gain a good handle on Yanni's situation before jumping into the fantasy realm. Yanni's beginning attitude toward his baby sister is understandable, but he's let the negative thoughts sink in so deep that it's obvious he needs a little realigning. Especially his attitude toward his cousin will have readers wondering. So, when he enters the land of the fae, it's easy to root for him as he's determined to save his sister no matter what. His cousin takes an assistant role, and while quirky in her own right, is someone to truly like. The other characters hold distinct personalities to make the imagination shine. While this is a world packed with imagination, it's not a happy one. It carries sinister secrets and danger, making it more suitable for ages 10 and up, and/or for those readers, who like a slightly darker twist.

As to the tale, it's quick paced and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next and how the two main characters will make it through. The world building isn't deep but holds just enough to bring the scenes to life. The dialogue adds a touch of humor but this is light so that the tension remains high the entire time. It's a grabbing read and will delight fantasy fans who don't like a gothic hint.