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.