tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720613261188735282024-03-19T03:48:01.014-05:00Bookworm for KidsBookworm for Kids presents books for toddlers to teens and everything in between: board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade reads, tween reads, and young adult literature.Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.comBlogger4088125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-49996842891236672522024-03-18T12:54:00.006-05:002024-03-18T12:54:48.493-05:00Happy Book Birthday... The Great Puptective by Alina Tysoe!<div style="text-align: left;">I might be screaming this book birthday out a day early, but let's get the party started, anyway! This is a graphic novel for beginning readers and should pack tons of humor. The cover already has me expecting cute moments and high energy...at least, from that puppy. I'm super curious to see what cases arise and if this one is as fun as I hope it is.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686503658i/176530167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="540" height="404" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686503658i/176530167.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Alina Tysoe</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Simon & Schuster</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter Book Mystery / Graphic Novel</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>128 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 6 to 9</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>COMING TOMORROW,</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>MARCH 19th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: georgia; outline: none; padding: 0in;">Truffles the cat is the only pet in the house and reigns in peace and quiet, only exerting himself to find the best place to take a nice, long nap—preferably in a spot of warm sunshine. Then Poppy the puppy bursts onto the scene.</span></div><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: georgia; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><br style="outline: none;" />Poppy is loud, enthusiastic, excitable, and—worst of all—a puptective! She’s got an eye for crime and a nose to solve all mysteries that come her way…even though she’s not completely sure what a mystery is.<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" />Truffles cannot let this intrusion stand. Poppy won’t be able to continue disrupting his precious me-time if she’s shipped to the North Pole! But could this irrepressible new companion be just what this grumpy cat needs?</span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176530167-the-great-puptective">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7RM3DJF/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle">AMAZON</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-great-puptective-alina-tysoe/1143636220"> B&N</a></b></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="background: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #a64d79; font-family: serif; font-size: large; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;">Cuteness, mystery, forming friendships, and lots of silliness are sure to delight beginning readers, while strengthening those word skills.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;">Truffles enjoys life as the only pet in the house, but when a box arrives, things change. Inside is Poppy, a puppy with a nose for mystery and clues. And Poppy might be a bit too energetic for Truffles' taste. Poppy has one goal in life: solve the case. The first case composes of finding a case. The second, actually, might be a somewhat real one...but the games are about to change. Poppy leaves, and Truffles needs to discovers the talent for sleuthing if the grumpy cat ever wants to see the irritating puppy again.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;">Graphics drive this tale forward. Each one holds cartoon-ish goodness and brings the moments to life with the needed humor, zing, or fitting emotions. These are easy on the eyes (not too small or crowded) and very age appropriate from the style side, too. The text is kept concise and won't scare more reluctant readers away. This appears in the image or adds tidbits on the side as needed to move the story along. The words are for beginning readers but also stretch the vocabulary enough to raise the skills. It's a great balance, since readers who are a bit confused can find enough hints in the images to keep them from feeling lost or left behind.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;">The mix of mystery and fun is simply adorable, especially with two characters, who are as opposite as can be. Truffles' grumpiness can't easily coexist with Poppy's determined detective skills...a relationship, which guarantees funny moments. Poppy also has a lot to learn on the clue-finding end, and there are more than a couple scenes, which readers will realize mistakes and giggle. But what wins over is the forming friendship and heart, especially when Truffles realizes the impossible has happened and goes way beyond a cat's comfort zone. It's a cute lesson for life.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: georgia;">This is a lovely beginning to what I hope is a new series because this duo seems to be ready for many more adventures to come.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #a64d79; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; outline: none; padding: 0in;"><b>And here she is...</b></span></p><p style="background: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #201f1e; font-family: serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11pt; outline: none;"></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: georgia; outline: none; padding: 0in;">From the moment she was able to hold a pencil, <b>Alina Tysoe</b> was scribbling away and filling notebooks with doodles of dogs and comics about her family. Today, Alina is an illustrator, 2D animator, and author of <i style="outline: none;">What’s Up Beanie: Acutely Relatable Comics</i>, a collection based on her popular webcomic by the same name, the picture book <i style="outline: none;">Emi Isn’t Scared of Monsters</i>, and the graphic novel chapter book <i style="outline: none;">The Great Puptective</i>. She lives in New Zealand with her husband, Mike, who makes regular appearances in her webcomic, and, infuriatingly, no dogs.</span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-73087840647275116532024-03-17T03:00:00.001-05:002024-03-17T03:00:00.158-05:00Today's read... Shed Girl by Milana Marsenich<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe8wABe11kECjzuH1WAQNr0B9b0VYtMRzDs2Hdl2AYUGErmih4tPMBmk9n5gBcjpBkiLZR4eUEHgRV9NmK9SRGoCKdY451UoOLS4Pjp04A1vda19q5XvPKfTcUlf4lrB_52rQIA1RjMNDNmp1XMwex2Mrr6O2e4VG8b2zZQ0X32BDeoeZUf6Ac7cix8U/s1020/ShedGirl_Still%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1009" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe8wABe11kECjzuH1WAQNr0B9b0VYtMRzDs2Hdl2AYUGErmih4tPMBmk9n5gBcjpBkiLZR4eUEHgRV9NmK9SRGoCKdY451UoOLS4Pjp04A1vda19q5XvPKfTcUlf4lrB_52rQIA1RjMNDNmp1XMwex2Mrr6O2e4VG8b2zZQ0X32BDeoeZUf6Ac7cix8U/s320/ShedGirl_Still%20Banner.png" width="317" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>SHED GIRL</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>by Milana Marsenich</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>YA Crime / Mystery</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>220 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Trigger warnings: young people
in peril; abusive family and stranger relationships</span></span></p>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Shed Girl is a contemporary crime novel set
in the small fictional town of Annie’s Court on Washington’s northern coast.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Annie’s Court has a runaway problem.
Runaways arrive and then they disappear. Juliet French, an old runaway herself,
does tarot readings for petty cash at the Farmers Market. Across the market
Tony LeCrosse sells toys. Juliet notices the runaways flock to LeCrosse. Just
before they go missing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After witnessing the abduction of a young
boy, Detective Benson Picard solicits Juliet’s help. Already determined to find
the boy, she agrees to Benson’s terms. Juliet, a strong female lead, feels the
danger in the cards when Tony LeCrosse invites her to a party. He wants her to
entertain his guests with tarot readings. Juliet balks at the word “entertain”
but agrees anyway. When Kyle shows up at LeCrosse’s party, Juliet’s spine
“turns to stardust and fairies rush in.” The two team-up to find the missing kids.
But Kyle has secrets of his own.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;">Amazon link: <a href="https://mybook.to/ShedGirl">https://mybook.to/ShedGirl</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;">Goodreads link: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200215811-shed-girl">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200215811-shed-girl</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Serious problems surrounding run-away children mix with crime, mystery, and a touch of magic to form a potent read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Juliet has just turned eighteen and lives in a shed on the edge of a small town after escaping abuse from her mother's boyfriend. She's not living the high-life but gets by, which is more than most of the runaways, who flee to the town. But then, many who show up, soon disappear. Juliet has her own problems as she tries to survive with only her tarot cards to earn money from tourists. When she gains the notice of a policeman, he offers to hire her to assist him with the disappearance cases. After all, she has a special connection to the runaways that he could never have. But even with her special skills and a dusting of real magic, searching for clues becomes a dangerous game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This read dives deep into the serious problem surrounding runaways and the situations they try to escape from. It doesn't go into details, which keeps it appropriate for the young adult level, but still tugs at the heartstrings and makes the terrible circumstances clear. Juliet's background clicks her solidly into the group, gaining not only sympathy but also a bit of respect. Her life is far from perfect, but she's dealing with everything the best she can and doesn't play the victim. Even her attitude toward her mother is level-headed. She takes risks but isn't stupid and is easy to root for the entire way through. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mystery is very well laid. Each step brings the solution closer, and while some aspects fall obviously into place, enough pieces remain in the shadows to make it a grabbing read until the end. Juliet finds herself weaving between the police, a tent-town haven for runaways, and several locals, while still maintaining relationships with other runaways and trying her best to string through the suspected villains. This creates a web of subplots, which are as intriguing as the main plot itself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a read, which hits upon several difficult themes and eases in tons of heart. Add the dusting of magic, and it's a rich tale with so much to enjoy and dig into until the last page.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVtq4kzfjYl3x9YVc5M2bd8yjAJ4f0GS0PHwCIif2oXPWaMm8WkrEmbx452sNSbPbDkL1-4wnkusjAN9WPhbei45XIbiL2fqw5I4I_POS9Oje-WalNLQXI0RXSIvnM2_zIuZjApslvXzV0unuWqnBvtCWmpLajBAn2KiS1qLT8lLZL2NHKBLiFvKhChc/s2500/ShedGirl_Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1655" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVtq4kzfjYl3x9YVc5M2bd8yjAJ4f0GS0PHwCIif2oXPWaMm8WkrEmbx452sNSbPbDkL1-4wnkusjAN9WPhbei45XIbiL2fqw5I4I_POS9Oje-WalNLQXI0RXSIvnM2_zIuZjApslvXzV0unuWqnBvtCWmpLajBAn2KiS1qLT8lLZL2NHKBLiFvKhChc/w228-h344/ShedGirl_Cover.png" width="228" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here she is...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Milana Marsenich</b> lives in Northwest Montana
near Flathead Lake at the base of the beautiful Mission Mountains. She enjoys
quick access to the mountains and has spent many hours hiking the wilderness
trails with friends and dogs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lguaq7UXA3R549SCSjMfrPK6krNvfv6Y277pGwOC6ygSx7pZsvBEBlNhw2oZIabu8S_jnlyyF4Fhhez0BTYQVbfk0drMn13edmXXfL09TkrRRfvWP3HHjt9LAORQ-MOZ-0lBzOf8RUNHFMbQvnYbSCSWUWYl-lw47kAr3aOq-o9pn76kASuPqLg-A-4/s2500/Shed%20Girl_Author%20picture.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lguaq7UXA3R549SCSjMfrPK6krNvfv6Y277pGwOC6ygSx7pZsvBEBlNhw2oZIabu8S_jnlyyF4Fhhez0BTYQVbfk0drMn13edmXXfL09TkrRRfvWP3HHjt9LAORQ-MOZ-0lBzOf8RUNHFMbQvnYbSCSWUWYl-lw47kAr3aOq-o9pn76kASuPqLg-A-4/s320/Shed%20Girl_Author%20picture.png" width="213" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">As a natural listener and a therapist, she
has witnessed amazing generosity and courage in others. She first witnessed
this in her hometown of Butte, Montana, a mining town with a rich history and
the setting for Copper Sky, her first novel. Copper Sky was chosen as a 2018
Spur Award finalist for Best Western Historical Novel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">She has an M.Ed. in Mental Health
Counseling from Montana State University and an MFA in Creative Writing from
the University of Montana. She has previously published in Montana Quarterly,
Big Sky Journal, The Polishing Stone, The Moronic Ox, BookGlow, and Feminist
Studies. She has a short story included in The Montana Quarterly book: Montana,
Warts and All. She has three published novels, Copper Sky, The Swan Keeper, and
Beautiful Ghost, and one popular history book, Idaho Madams. Her
soon-to-be-released novel, Shed Girl: A Juliet French Mystery, will be
available January 18, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">In addition to Copper Sky being a Spur
Award finalist in 2018, The Swan Keeper was a Willa Award finalist in 2019, and
her short story, Wild Dogs, won the Laura Award for short fiction in 2020. She
is a member of Western Writers of America and of Women Writing the West.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="NL">Website: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://milanamarsenich.com/"><span lang="NL">https://milanamarsenich.com/</span></a></span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="NL">Twitter/X: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/milanamarsenich"><span lang="NL">https://twitter.com/milanamarsenich</span></a></span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MilanaMarsenichAuthor/">https://www.facebook.com/MilanaMarsenichAuthor/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-25997141081751996342024-03-16T02:30:00.006-05:002024-03-16T02:30:00.242-05:00Today's read... Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo<div style="text-align: left;">I picked up today's read the moment I saw the cover. While the owl and the mouse offer a nice contrast, it was the owl's tilt of the head, which had me smiling...and those big, yellow eyes. I'm expecting this to be an interesting tale of friendship with, maybe, a bit of fun. It's the first in a new chapter book series, so I am curious to see how it's going to play out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699392982i/195367863.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="627" height="361" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699392982i/195367863.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE BEGINNING</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Orris and Timble #1</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Kate DiCamillo</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Carmen Mok</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Candlewick Press</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>80 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 5 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><b>COMING...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><b>APRIL 30th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-weight: 600;">From beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes the first book in a warm and funny early-reader trilogy about a misanthropic rat and a naive owl—and the beginning of a beautiful friendship.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915;">Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris “make the good and noble choice” (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences? With humor and tenderness, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo brings us this first of three tales celebrating unlikely friendship and the power of sharing stories and doing the right thing—a soon-to-be classic brought to expressive life by the full-color illustrations of Carmen Mok.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195367863-orris-and-timble">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=series&mode=book&isbn=1536222798&bkview=p&pix=y/?date=03042020">CANDLEWICK PRESS</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This owl and rat's rocky start to a friendship has the potential to become a beloved series for many years to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Orris lives alone in an old barn...well, he does have a sort of friend, but since that's a picture on a sardine can, it might not really count. When an owl gets caught in a trap in the barn, Orris is very hesitant to help out. After all, he doesn't want to become a meal, but the sardine can king holds the saying 'make the good and noble choice', so he can't ignore the owl's pain. Orris hopes the owl won't kill him right away, but what truly happens is more than he could have ever expected.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a well-done chapter book. The font is large for easy reading purposes and carries a very age appropriate level, which fits well for those who read smoothly but still need to practice before heading on to bigger books. The chapters are kept short to avoid reading frustration, and there are many illustrations to help with the story and offer needed breaks along the way. It's a gentle tale with just enough tension to keep it exciting and holds several surprises. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations are well done and bring the personalities of the characters across well. There's a touch of humor (I had to smile at the owl's huge eye peering through the hole), and it's fun to flip through these on their own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Orris is a mouse to sympathize with as he shoves his fear aside to do what's right—very noble. And as the owl, Timble, returns, the uncertainty radiates from the page. The author weaves in the tale of The Lion and the Mouse, which adds a nice touch, while still allowing Orris and Timble's adventure to take on a direction of its own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ending wraps this first installment up well while still leaving room for plenty more to come. It will be fun to see what this duo experiences next.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="8" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td colspan="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kate DiCamillo</b> is one of America’s most beloved storytellers. She is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Florida and now lives in Minneapolis.</span></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td colspan="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Carmen Mok</b> is an award-winning illustrator of several acclaimed picture books with experience in product design, hand-lettering, and graphic design. She studied studio art at the University of Waterloo and craft design at Sheridan College, both in Ontario. Carmen Mok lives in Toronto, Canada.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/858828536?h=0405ab15d2" width="640"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/858828536">Orris & Timble clip feat. Kate DiCamillo and Carmen Mok</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/candlewickpress">Candlewick Press</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-63630891905773171612024-03-15T02:30:00.002-05:002024-03-15T02:30:00.125-05:00Today's read... Hey, Little Night Owl by Jeffrey Burton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686503001i/176442951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="700" height="430" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686503001i/176442951.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HEY, LITTLE NIGHT OWL</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Jeffrey Burton</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Little Simon</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Board Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>26 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 3 to 5</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">In this sweet bedtime board book, parents stay awake in the quiet night with their little night owls.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">From rocking in chairs, to singing lullabies, to driving nowhere underneath the moonlight, this is a story to remind parents of the precious magic made in the late hours of the night with their little night owls.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">With heartfelt illustrations from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Joy Hwang Ruiz, this board book is the perfect start to a good night’s sleep.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Hey little night owl,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">up with the stars.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">These hours are perfect.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">All quiet and ours.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176442951-hey-little-night-owl">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7RNRX21/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle">AMAZON</a> / <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/hey-little-night-owl-jeffrey-burton/20239184">BOOK SHOP</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each page invites to sweet dreams, while flipping to the owls' favorite waking hours of day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The stars are out, which means it's time for the little owl to rise out of its nest. Mother owls spends every moment with her little one as they go from one calm and sweet activity to the next. But at one point, the sun shows its first rays, and the little owl needs to return to the nest.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a bedtime read, which manages to flip the nocturnal clock of an owl while still remaining calming enough to ease into the last, sleepy moments. The little owl is full of life and enjoys every moment of its waking hours. The mother owl spends her time singing, playing and discovering the night world around them. This gives a lovely sense of family and security, which melds wonderfully with each calming scene.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tones of brown and dark blues create a night world which also invites to a calmer mood. The text offers short phrases and follows a rhyming, lullaby-like pace, which generally flows well. It offers just enough to push the read along, while the illustrations take over the rest. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Jeffrey Burton</b> has written several books for children. He lives in New York City with his family.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Joy Hwang Ruiz</b> has worn many creative hats over the year including </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">New York Times</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> bestselling illustrator, contemporary studio artist, on-air creative for MTV, and work-from-home mom with two young kids. Her illustrations celebrate family love and embrace inclusivity. She lives in southern California with her multilingual family. Visit her online at MomIsDrawing.com.</span></span></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-54395321468596338462024-03-14T08:09:00.000-05:002024-03-14T08:09:14.436-05:00Today's read. Easter Bunny, Where Are You? by Jeffrey Burton<div style="text-align: left;"> Easter isn't far away, and there's no way I can skip picking up a read or two to celebrate. This one is a board book for the youngest readers out there, and best of all, it has flaps! From the title, I'm assuming this one will involve a little hunting and searching, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502454i/176443254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="366" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502454i/176443254.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EASTER BUNNY, WHERE ARE YOU?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Jeffrey Burton</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Juliana Motzko</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Little Simon</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>14 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 0 to 3</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="BookPageMetadataSection__description" data-testid="description" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.37; margin: 0.8rem 0px;"><div class="TruncatedContent" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;" tabindex="-1"><div class="TruncatedContent__text TruncatedContent__text--large TruncatedContent__text--expanded" data-testid="contentContainer" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: none; overflow: hidden visible; word-break: break-word;" tabindex="-1"><div class="DetailsLayoutRightParagraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: grid; gap: 2.4rem; grid-template-columns: repeat(var(--num-right-col), minmax(0, 1fr)); margin-left: calc(-1 * var(--right-col-left-offset)); padding-left: var(--right-col-left-offset);"><div class="DetailsLayoutRightParagraph__widthConstrained" style="box-sizing: border-box; grid-column: span 7;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Find where the Easter Bunny is hiding in this sweet lift-the-flap board book!</b><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Easter Bunny, where are you?</i><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Do you want to play?</i><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">I know you’re hiding somewhere.</i><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><i style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">It’s almost Easter day.</i><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-size: 16px;">It</span><i font-size:="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" times="">’</i><span style="font-size: 16px;">s almost Easter, but the Easter Bunny is nowhere to be found! Maybe the Easter Bunny is hiding behind that bush or that gate or maybe that tree. Look under the sturdy flaps to see whose fluffy tail or furry foot that really is—and find an Easter surprise on the last page!</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176443254-easter-bunny-where-are-you">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1665948205/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon">AMAZON </a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/easter-bunny-where-are-you-jeffrey-burton/1143805842">B&N</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Searching for the Easter Bunny holds many surprises and fun with every opening of a flap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's time for Easter, but the Easter Bunny isn't anywhere to be found. A little bear begins his search to find this important friend, but it's not that simple. Luckily, he receives help along the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a sturdy board book, which has thick and sturdy pages, thanks to the extra layer of cardboard needed to create the thick and sturdy flaps. So this book will take some abuse. The characters and scenes hold quite a few details while still having a gentler art style. The colors are bright and fit well to the Spring atmosphere. Each page holds joyful scenes and invites to play. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The text flows in an enjoyable rhyme, which urges listeners to join in the search for the bunny. This is age appropriate and does have enough repetition to make it a fun read-aloud. Each verse hints at a large object in the illustrations (which holds a flap). These are easy to open and uncover a new friend as well as a quick text, which adds a hint of surprise (and giggles with the right reading atmosphere). It's fun to watch the friends gather more and more as they assist in the bunny search. It's a cute book for the holidays and is sure to bring more than a few smiles.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are... </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Jeffrey Burton</b> has written several books for children. He lives in New York City with his family.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Juliana Motzko</b> is a Brazilian illustrator that has loved drawing and painting ever since she was a little girl. She’s fascinated by pets and children’s worlds and loves to create cute artwork that touches people’s hearts. After studying art and pedagogy, she worked as an art teacher.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-49630964668636249562024-03-13T02:30:00.001-05:002024-03-13T02:30:00.139-05:00Today's read... Standing Water by Wendy Day<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698639766i/201017919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="405" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698639766i/201017919.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>STANDING WATER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Wendy Day</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Open Sky Publishing</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>YA Dystopia</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>308 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">America has fallen. The fight for water has begun.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Sixteen year old Jamie dreams of adventure far from the small town where her family took refuge during the war of 2027. Ten years later, the country is beginning to rebuild.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">But when her dad is suddenly dragged out of their farmhouse by government officials, Jamie's world is rocked once again. Her mom is in denial and her little brother is looking to her for answers.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Can she rescue her dad and protect the town she is so eager to escape? Or will this adventure cost her everything?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201017919-standing-water">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CLFPRPF5">AMAZON</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The fight for water and survival faces governmental goals as a family tried to find their way through it all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie can't wait to leave the small town, where her family has settled since the war changed the country and their lives ten years before. Her father runs a repair business and does his best to help others in his own way, while her mother is a senator in the government. Their lives are fine, and most of that is thanks to the farm and the well, which provides a rarity, fresh water. When her father is arrested without clear reason, and her mother can't seem to figure out what is happening, Jamie decides to take things into her own hands...especially since she has reason to believe that the reasons behind his arrest are woven into a deeper intrigue.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only did the cover caught my attention with the meld of forest into water with the overplay of the girl (very eye-catching), but the idea of an adventure where water is a scarce resource and the land is rebuilding sounded interesting. And it does go in an original direction with a world, which borders between familiar and, yet, new.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of this is written from Jamie's point of view with chapters scattered in, which are written in her mother's perspective. Jamie and her family live in a small town with a bit of land. Thanks to her mother's role in the government, there's a bit of tension between her and the father. But life is pretty calm and ordinary...for the most part. Water is scarce in the cities, but Jamie's family has a well, so this isn't an issue for them. Much of the beginning chapters center around getting a feel on Jamie's life and that of her family. There are hints of the issues to come as well as flashbacks, which let a tiny bit of the history dribble in here and there. But most of this is about character depth, and Jamie as well as those around her come across as kind, hard-working, and sympathetic. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While character depth drives this tale forward, the intrigue, action, and world-building take a backseat. The tension and danger drip in slowly and only in bursts, which did make it a bit slower than I prefer. Even the intrigue wasn't overly strong most of the time, allowing the family and friend relationships to shine instead. The romance side does come across nicely as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While this isn't quite the read for me (I'm an action girl), it is well done for those who love to dive deep into the characters and does hold some original twists, which build by the end and promise more to come.</div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-35502246466058661802024-03-11T04:30:00.005-05:002024-03-11T04:30:00.140-05:00Today's read... Bob's Birthday Blobs by Naomi Raddatz<div style="text-align: left;"> Remember when paintings done by animals were...hmmm...I don't want to say popular, but some sold for quite a high price. Today's read did remind me of those, although I'm pretty sure this one heads in a different direction. After reading the blurb, I'm expecting a bit of mischief, giggles, and cute fun. Let's just take a peek and find out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU_P9eyMB3D40YpUxpo8Lcc46nMNXKjB2unwJIf5YfNRWV8niMuB3g12jGjgAPF7VEOmLV3-tQU1czXWRkT3Ybrbig0UywiSkseNDF6BL5WcCT_2UEvbePbUre17XTK80XKXMQa665CV2NmUVfK9DeQSbRjO7zCL3jeoYn0-oS511WOQwwkd2CRpH_qU/s595/bbb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU_P9eyMB3D40YpUxpo8Lcc46nMNXKjB2unwJIf5YfNRWV8niMuB3g12jGjgAPF7VEOmLV3-tQU1czXWRkT3Ybrbig0UywiSkseNDF6BL5WcCT_2UEvbePbUre17XTK80XKXMQa665CV2NmUVfK9DeQSbRjO7zCL3jeoYn0-oS511WOQwwkd2CRpH_qU/w362-h362/bbb.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOB'S BIRTHDAY BLOBS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Naomi Raddatz</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Palmetto Publishing</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>36 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 4 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Unleash the Magic of Imagination with Bob's Birthday Blobs! A Colorful Adventure for Kids and the Young at Heart!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dive into the delightful world of Bob's Birthday Blobs by Naomi Raddatz, a whimsical picture book that sparks imagination and celebrates the joy of creativity. Perfect for children and those young at heart, this enchanting tale takes readers on a birthday journey filled with laughter, surprises, and the magic of turning chaos into art.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">It's Bob's special day, and all he wants is a day of cake and play. However, his innocent mischief takes an unexpected turn, transforming his birthday celebration into a riot of colorful blobs! In this heartwarming story, Naomi Raddatz, a seasoned educator turned storyteller, weaves a narrative that not only entertains but introduces young minds to the wonders of art.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Claudia Gadotti's vibrant illustrations bring Bob's world to life, capturing the chaos and creativity that unfold on each page. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the visual feast, making it a perfect read-aloud experience for families.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Bob's Birthday Blobs is more than a book; it's a celebration of imagination and the power of turning unexpected mishaps into moments of joy. As Bob navigates through his birthday blooper, readers will witness the transformative magic that comes with embracing creativity.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The message is clear - every mess can be a masterpiece, and every birthday can be an adventure. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or a teacher, this book is a valuable addition to your collection, encouraging children to explore their creative side and approach life's surprises with a positive spirit.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204266017-bob-s-birthday-blobs">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Birthday-Blobs-Naomi-Raddatz/dp/B0CQTW8DK6">AMAZON</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bobs-birthday-blobs-naomi-raddatz/1144526563">B&N</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A little mischief turns into an adorable tale and even holds a twist of creative inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's Bob's birthday, and while he's suppose to be patient, he wants to play...especially with a cake on the table. After an unexpected mishap, Bob knows he's going to be scolded. Instead, things take an unexpected turn.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only puppy fans will giggle and smile at Bob's antics. He's a cute dog, but it's his mishap with a cake, which will have readers' eyes opening wide. The approaching trouble is clear and is something young readers will identify with as they recall similar situations in their own lives. Sympathy turns to surprise and rolls into positive scenes to make this a read filled with good vibes. Then, at the end, readers are encouraged to create similar pieces of 'artwork' and thanks to detailed directions.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations are well done and bring each scene across nicely as the tale runs through various emotions. Details invite to gazing, but then, much of the story is told through these bright scenes. The text is kept to a minimum and, sometimes, falls away completely to allow the images to show several moments of the story. This makes it lovely as a read-aloud and invites those readers, who are beginning to have a grip on their words, a chance to read the book themselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A message surrounding forgiveness accompanies the humor and heart, making this an enjoyable read in many ways.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 14pt; outline: none !important; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here she is...</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 14pt; outline: none !important; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Naomi Raddatz, a Wisconsin native and former<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">teacher, brings her love for storytelling and<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">education to life in Bob’s Birthday Blobs. With<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">over two decades of teaching experience,<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Raddatz aims to inspire young minds through her<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">joyful tales. She resides in Wisconsin with her<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">family, sharing her passion for children’s literature, <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">teaching reading and art.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; outline: none !important;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook-Bob’s Birthday blobs </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; outline: none !important;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Instagram:Naomis_childrensbooks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; outline: none !important;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter: @nlrcbooks</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; outline: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="321" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9aMUur-ADeE" width="386" youtube-src-id="9aMUur-ADeE"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-39084890129205095202024-03-10T11:56:00.001-05:002024-03-10T11:56:32.875-05:00Today's read... Reading Together by Robert Broder<div style="text-align: left;">Today's read might be more for the Mama's and Papa's out there or for older readers...I'm not sure, yet. It is a picture book, but the blurb and cover hint that it's more of a nostalgic read. So, I'm a little uncertain about what I'm about to dive into, but we'll just stay open-minded and take a peek.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images3.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9781950968923" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="380" src="https://images3.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9781950968923" width="380" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>READING TOGETHER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Heartwarming Story About Bonding with Your Child Through the Love of Reading</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Robert Broder</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrations by Melissa Larson</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blue Star Press</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>32 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 4 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>COMING APRIL 9th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Looking for a heartwarming book to read to your child over the years? Reading Together tells the story of a family's love for picture books and the special bond formed through reading together.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Filled with fond memories and playful illustrations, this book takes you on a journey through childhood and the joys of discovering new stories and characters. From the silly and sweet, to the suspenseful and sad, Reading Together celebrates the power of literature to bring families closer together and create lasting memories.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Whether you're a parent looking to relive the magic of reading with your child, or simply a lover of picture books, this book is a must-read for anyone who values the bond of family and the power of storytelling.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182506502-reading-together">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737420/reading-together-by-robert-broder/">PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Warming memories float by with whimsical twists and nostalgic reminders of time spent together while discovering the wonder of tales and words.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From page to page, the journey of reading with a child flows by with nostalgic goodness. It begins with the very first moments, when children are drawn in by illustrations and imaginative tales. Then, it heads through first reading experiences until kids are so old that they read on their own. All of this is done from the parents' point of view and is done as if they are telling these reading memories to their grown child...as a walk down memory lane. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The text is written at the level of a young child with only a couple 'difficult words' and also carries, at most, a few sentences on each page. The illustrations are whimsical and beautiful. It is enjoyable to flip through these and enjoy the various scenes...so imaginative! Young readers will enjoy gazing and dreaming with each one, while discovering the fantastical details here and there, but the main story won't resonate with them in the same way. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the blurb and title, it's clear that this one is a nostalgic read for parents and adults, but it's being sold as a read for ages 4 to 8...which surprises me, and I'm going to recommend it as an adult read. It's a lovely, niche book, which will delight parents, who enjoy looking back on the time when their own kids were little and remembering those special moments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-58479589982275776882024-03-09T13:06:00.003-06:002024-03-09T13:06:48.423-06:00Today's read... The Loss of the Burying Ground by J. Anderson Coats<div style="text-align: left;">Ready for a high-sea adventure? I haven't picked up one of these in quite awhile, and was especially excited to learn that it's about a forming friendship between two girls. At first, I thought it was about sisters (twins), but after reading the blurb more carefully, I realize it's not. I think this one will be more about coming together and finding common ground. But let's find out!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706219070i/203771633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="428" height="419" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706219070i/203771633.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE LOSS OF THE BURYING GROUND</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by J. Anderson Coats</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Candlewick Press</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Young Adult Fantasy</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>288 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>COMING...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>SEPTEMBER 3rd!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600;">In this twisting, page-turning read, shipwrecked teen girls from opposing sides of a long war must find common ground in order to survive.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">When the </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Burying Ground</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> goes down in neutral waters, it sends the delegations from two warring nations—and the peace treaty they were about to sign—to the bottom of the ocean. The only survivors are a pair of teen girls: Cora, daughter of a Duran newspaper man, and Vivienne, lady’s maid to an Ariminthian princess. Neither has known a time when war between their two countries did not rage, but now they must learn to trust each other if they are to find sustenance, avoid dangerous pirates, and have any hope of rescue from the remote island they washed up on. However, in the midst of a conflict steeped in fierce national identity, propaganda, disinformation, and radicalization, finding a common path forward seems nearly impossible, for both Cora and Vivienne and their respective countries. But when the teens’ politically charged rescue seems likely to extend the war, Cora and Vivienne realize they do have a shared purpose: peace. If only it isn’t too late.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203771633-the-loss-of-the-burying-ground">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768000/the-loss-of-the-burying-ground-by-j-anderson-coats/">CANDLEWICK PRESS</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The embedded thorns of prejudice and hate come face-to-face with the need to find acceptance in order to survive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <i>Burying Ground </i>is the meeting point of delegations from two nations, which have warred for years and are hoping to find peace. Before the treaty is signed, the ship meets disaster and ends up on the bottom of the ocean with all but two passengers dead. Cora, the daughter of a newspaper man from one side of the war, and Vivienne, maid to the princess on the other side, are the sole survivors. At first, they are unaware that the other has made it to the island alive, but when they finally do meet, their hate runs deep. The island and the dangers around them threaten to kill them both, but if they hope to survive, they must find a way to get along...especially when their own peace might later change the path of their nations as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The book is broken down into four sections, each opening up to the next stage of the plot. The reader first meets Cora and Vivienne just as they realize they've washed up on shore, not knowing the other exists or has survived. By staying in first person and switching between each point of view, the thoughts, fears, and hopes of both individuals become clear. This allows the girls to gain sympathy separately before they meet and clash. All the while, a third and unknown character has their own perspective and tale thrown in here and there, which adds a touch of mystery while also giving more depth to the world beyond the island and a taste of the stakes surrounding the war. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first fifty pages (or so) allow each character to develop individually. While this sets the foundation for the driving message, it also holds a slightly lower pace. First, at around page 80 or so, the pacing picks up and steadily increases after that as the two characters face one unexpected challenge after the next. By the end, the tension is palpable, and it's hard to see how everything will work out. I was also surprised a little by the pretty modern day language usage despite the setting, but then, remembered this isn't historical but fantasy. This lends the story familiar aspects with a slightly unique style.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both characters are easy to root for, and this makes the message come across with potency. It's not hard to notice how society and history has molded their opposing thoughts, and how a little open mindedness can clear away the storm. The darker side, however, isn't totally forgotten as strings of intrigue, greed, and more also come into play. The extra twist of the world outside is well done and adds needed tension as well as unexpected twists. Fans of enemies turning to friends against dangerous odds while facing danger around them will enjoy this one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here she is...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="TruncatedContent__text TruncatedContent__text--medium TruncatedContent__text--expanded" data-testid="contentContainer" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-height: none; overflow: hidden visible; word-break: break-word;" tabindex="-1"><div class="DetailsLayoutRightParagraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: grid; gap: 2.4rem; grid-template-columns: repeat(var(--num-right-col), minmax(0, 1fr)); margin-left: calc(-1 * var(--right-col-left-offset)); padding-left: var(--right-col-left-offset);"><div class="DetailsLayoutRightParagraph__widthConstrained" style="box-sizing: border-box; grid-column: span 7;"><span class="Formatted" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="color: #1e1915;">J. Anderson Coats</b><span style="color: #1e1915;"> has received two Junior Library Guild selections, two Washington State Book Awards, and earned starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, the Horn Book Review, and Shelf Awareness. Her newest books are A Season Most Unfair, a middle grade historical set in medieval England about a girl with something to prove; and The Night Ride, a middle grade action-adventure about horses in danger and kids who want to save them – if they can. She is also the author of Spindle and Dagger, The Green Children of Woolpit, R is for Rebel, The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming, and The Wicked and the Just. A YA novel, The Loss of the Burying Ground, is forthcoming from Candlewick Press in 2025. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bio taken from Goodreads...and I believe the date at the end is a typo, since this book is scheduled for this year, 2024.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-67519006577716614832024-03-08T09:04:00.000-06:002024-03-08T09:04:07.080-06:00Today's read... A Boat in the Kitchen by Sasha Saidman<div style="text-align: left;">Since I dived into creativity and imagination with yesterday's read, I'm just going to stay in that same flow and hit another whimsical book. This one aims for the youngest age group and should show all sorts of humorous situations, which might occur at home...okay, probably not occur, telling by the cover. But this tale should invite to fun and, hopefully, spark all sorts of thoughts and ideas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ready to board the boat and see where it sails?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1708387236i/208888980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="355" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1708387236i/208888980.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A BOAT IN THE KITCHEN</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Sasha Saidman</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Lola Svetlova</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 0 to 3</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Embark on a whimsical bedtime adventure where every room is a new world of wonder! As the stars twinkle outside, we'll tiptoe through a magical realm where toys dance and dreams come to life. Imagine cows causing chaos in the laundry and cheeky monkeys swinging from the shelves! Each page is a vibrant playground, crafted from the day's giggles and games. As we tuck away the blocks, trains, and crayons, we're not just tidying up; we're treasuring the fantastical stories spun from our little ones' boundless imaginations. Get ready to snuggle up and journey through a kaleidoscope of playful mischief and colorful dreams, where each goodnight kiss is a passport to a world of enchantment!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208888980-a-boat-in-the-kitchen">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CVZ535B7/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20">AMAZON</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Surprises hit with every page in this imaginative book, which invites to dreams and more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From one room of the house to the next, this book leads readers on an unexpected trip into adventure. No one would expect a giraffe standing in the bathroom sink or a train choo-chooing down the hallway. Each turn of the page holds the next surprise, and these are impossible to see coming.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a simple read, which leads through the creative and exciting world of imagination. It starts in the kitchen and heads from one area to the next: bathroom, bedroom, living room and more. The surprises are extremely varied, making it impossible to guess what is coming next. Each one hits with humor and wonder to keep silliness high and giggles guaranteed. The scenes are familiar and inspire readers to wonder what they might find in their own house...with a little fantasy, of course.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations are bright, playful, and hold details to make each whimsical situation fun. The various animals and objects are easy to identify. There's a nice, artistic touch, which fits well to the creative side of this read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The text is kept concise, while the font plays a bit with the illustration for visual fun. It does make a nice read aloud and flows well. Some of the surprises hit better than others, but all keep the read enjoyable. While this read is suggested for the youngest audience level, I'd knock it up a notch toward ages 2 to 5, since several surprises are a bit more complex. It does make a nice bedtime read, especially with the lovely twist at the end. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>Words from Sasha...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My husband and family were asleep, and I was tiptoeing around the house cleaning up toys. I saw a little boat covered in water in the kitchen from my sons bath time and picked it up just like I normally do. Then, I went over and saw a toy cow in our dirty hamper with all of the clothes. I started to think about what my children see when they’re playing; do they see this little toy cow that I’m seeing, or do they imagine this huge full-size cow in the laundry with socks hanging off their ears? I just started walking around my house looking at all these things and jotting down on a piece of paper, which I very thankfully still have and cherish.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That is just something I like sharing about the making of this book. Most parents share some of those late night habits: cleaning up in silence or listening to music or catching up on binge TV while your kids are sleeping.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-73539691926951552062024-03-07T09:14:00.001-06:002024-03-07T09:14:35.863-06:00Today's read... What If... by DeLovell Earls<div style="text-align: left;">What's one of the best things about being a kid (or and adult version of one)? Imagination! At least, that's my take. There are other 'kid' benefits, too. Anyway, this book is all about inspiring readers to be creative and letting their imaginations free. I did take a tiny, little peek before picking this one up and that was enough to know that I wanted to read this one. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ready to shoot of to space and beyond...without leaving your bedroom?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV3JMHU36iQ5zX985Uuy29vz-rvPuJC1n6AzkND9JOvWhWuJOZUAL2bBz6uTxJ95VPtYTJt63Lo32JsjyMtMw2ecMjZHffHg6JHoT_J9mf1B_KkRAt35eVZOoR9t7jXCphvjBTRmsefoxTtrElr5mGVTBnH2NjMdVlrwg0zBzVknTCLyIhIsMHXjAfNs/s1500/wf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV3JMHU36iQ5zX985Uuy29vz-rvPuJC1n6AzkND9JOvWhWuJOZUAL2bBz6uTxJ95VPtYTJt63Lo32JsjyMtMw2ecMjZHffHg6JHoT_J9mf1B_KkRAt35eVZOoR9t7jXCphvjBTRmsefoxTtrElr5mGVTBnH2NjMdVlrwg0zBzVknTCLyIhIsMHXjAfNs/s320/wf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT IF...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by DeLovell Earls</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Ellie Bird</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Early Birdy Publishing</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>46 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 6 to 10</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Step into a realm of wonder with "WHAT IF...", a children's book that nurtures creativity and questions the ordinary! Travel alongside characters Tinker and The Kid as they traverse through different eras and dimensions, posing the transformative question, "WHAT IF?" while finding innovative paths back to the here and now.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Journey of Navigate through the engaging story of "WHAT IF..." and grasp the fundamentals of design thinking. Watch as the characters convert simple thoughts into actionable solutions—aid ancient civilizations in technological advancements, sail across imaginary seas, venture into unknown skies, and return home wiser!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Learning Through The story emphasizes that it's fine to make errors as long as one learns from them. "WHAT IF..." aims to empower young readers to question the norm, think creatively, and recognize the opportunities that lie in challenges.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Contribute to a Better The story highlights the value of collaboration, innovative thought, and perseverance in making a positive impact. It invites readers to ponder over real-world issues, visualize alternative scenarios, and act collectively to improve circumstances.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Get ready for a captivating experience with Tinker and The Kid, who guide us to look beyond "WHAT IS" and dream about the endless "WHAT IFS."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200189398-what-if-children-s-book-for-grades-1-4-on-fostering-innovative-young">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CLC7249Z">AMAZON</a> / <a href="https://oddsandendsemporium.com/products/what-if-by-delovell-earls-and-illustrated-by-ellie-bird#:~:text=In%20WHAT%20IF%E2%80%A6%20a%20toy,%3F%22%20to%20the%20timid%20kid.&text=When%20faced%20with%20challenges%2C%20the,%E2%80%A6%3F%E2%80%9D%20and%20create%20solutions!">ODDS AND ENDS EMPORIUM</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Possibilities fly to the ends of the universe and beyond in pages packed with inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This book accompanies a young boy as he struggles to create something...anything. Inspiration seems to be side-stepping his grasp. That is until something amazing happens and he discovers, bit by amazing bit, how a spark of imagination can ignite creativity in the most unexpected ways.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While this book seems very message based (and is), it's able to dodge the preachy approach completely and open the doorway to imagination and inspiration. Readers will be able to sympathize with the boy as he sits in front of a project, unable to go any further because he simply isn't having any ideas on how to proceed. He's stuck ,and the frustration and helplessness come across with familiar tones. That's when the excitement begin. A robot suddenly taps him on the shoulder to show him the closet, overspilling with knick-knacks and construction possibilities...that is for those who let creativity know no bounds. It reminds me of those moments when my own kids headed out to build a time machines or space rocket from whatever was in the basement or garage. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations are well done and let the little details come across nicely. But then, it's details which also make construction fun. Fantasy and dreams have no problem soaring through every page and invite to adventure and spontaneous moments. Plus, I do enjoy the robot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is sold for ages 6 to 10, but I'm scooting that one down just a tiny bit and recommending it for the 4 to 8 group due to the text level. It's an imaginative read, which inspires young readers to let their creativity take them anywhere they want to go and even further than that. Just be prepared to have those forgotten corners of clutter and storage raided because this read will probably inspire the next unexpected invention, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-34243704717293191962024-03-06T08:09:00.002-06:002024-03-06T08:09:39.142-06:00IWSG and Happy Book Birthday, Forsynthia: Rise of the Cupcakes by Rachel Dinunzio!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxNeo-k5mFwAgZquclV3QfPWnm4lSYlgm2ZCRiC-_LyuDRBFUX1AXbLlU1O-4lm8dEZxHfzPTXH5r5FVTy7e3I12f2OMOKCSv4h2H5Rl4Cxiv7RI-5CdESCUSU1v7BW7u1y_N69NaCA3U/s182/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="182" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxNeo-k5mFwAgZquclV3QfPWnm4lSYlgm2ZCRiC-_LyuDRBFUX1AXbLlU1O-4lm8dEZxHfzPTXH5r5FVTy7e3I12f2OMOKCSv4h2H5Rl4Cxiv7RI-5CdESCUSU1v7BW7u1y_N69NaCA3U/w237-h233/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's time for March's IWSG! <span style="background-color: white; color: dimgrey;">This amazing group of writers started with </span><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #049bff; text-decoration-line: none;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: dimgrey;"> and has flourished and blossomed to an inspiring group. It involves so much more than just this monthly hop, too. Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts:</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="http://kristinaseyes.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Kelly,</a> <a href="https://miffieseideman.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Miffie Seideman,</a> <a href="http://jeanddavis.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Jean Davis,</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">and </span><a href="http://middlepassages-lcs.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b>Liza @ Middle Passages</b>!</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This snuck up on me...again. I seem to have issues keeping track of my days as they flutter on by. Today, I'm sticking to the month's question because it is an interesting one, which I'm not sure a person can even answer yet, since the future holds tons more in this direction.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have not and, at this time, won't. I'm sure it has it's uses in this area for extra hints and brain-idea-launchers, but I'll admit that I don't know enough about it to really use it yet. I mean, I'm still struggling with our dinosaur internet out here, which has an impressive .85 mg download and .2 mg upload speed. The struggles of living very rural and in a valley without clear sky view.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As a reviewer, I've already been receiving picture books created with AI assistance, and they're pretty easy to spot. So far, anyway. The writing misses that extra spark, which only a writer can bring. It's hard to explain, but AI generated feels...um...flat-ish? Follows a 'good' format but is just that. Generic. That unexpected human touch isn't there, although I can't really put that into words, either. Let's just say that it's not hard to notice it when you read several hundred books a year. As for the illustrative end...well, don't even get me started. Yeah, I have a huge opinion on computer generated illustrations for picture books just because those authors, who use them, often believe just slapping a picture down is all kids need...which might be true to a certain extent but...ugh! I just want to scream "It's a picture book, for crying out loud! Effort, people. Effort."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anyway, what are your views on the AI end and writing?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*******</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's time for another book birthday! Today's heads in the graphic novel direction and is the first in a new series aimed at chapter book readers. It appears to head into a fantastical, science fiction direction with tons of humor and a dash of cuteness. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1685355906i/123368771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="282" height="374" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1685355906i/123368771.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FORSYNTHIA:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RISE OF THE CUPCAKES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Rachel Dinunzio</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paw Prints</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter Book Fantasy / Graphic Novel</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>144 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 7 to 9</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">n Rise of the Cupcakes , the first installment in a brand new funny and fun-loving early reader graphic novel series, author-illustrator Rachel DiNunzio introduces us to Forsynthia, a young dragon, and her family, and puts them in all sorts of adventures that blend science, fantasy, mystery, and fun. Forsynthia and her little sister Daisy bake their Mom (a scientist for the Secret Magical Bureau) cupcakes for her birthday. But they all get more than they bargained for when a cupcake merges with the magical artifact Mom has been studying and a villainous mega-cupcake forms, multiplies, and then attempts to take over their town of New Harmony! Will Forsynthia and family capture Megacupcake, save mayor Loren, put stop to the chaos, and save the day? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123368771-forsynthia?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=N97BXLeaaw&rank=2">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1223187160">AMAZON </a> / <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/forsynthia-rise-of-the-cupcakes">KOBO</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Secret science meets magic and dragons in a sweet and quirky explosion of cupcakes and world domination.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Forsynthia enjoys the new home with her mom and sister, especially when her mom's lab from the Secret Magical Bureau is finally delivered. Now, she can watch her mom (and sometimes help out a tiny-little bit) as she researches top-secret magical artifacts. But when one of the latest magical devices accidentally meets the birthday cupcakes met for Forsynthia's little sister, evil cupcakes try to take over the entire town!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Readers who love humor and adventure with a spark of imagination are going to enjoy this one. It packs tons of quirky twists and shoots off into non-serious fun, and that while trying to save the world. Forsynthia is a sweet, young dragon, who gets along with her younger sister and mother very well. There aren't any negatives whatsoever in this direction, which offers a snuggly, family warmth the entire way through. But then, with evil cupcakes on a rampage, unexpected heroes like Forsynthia need this solid basis because they have enough to do with trying to save the town.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The illustrations are bright and bold, and remain on the simpler end, while still delivering the emotions, tension, humor, and a touch of cuteness. They fit well to the age group with imaginative characters and positive color tones. The text is bold and placed on the background to meld with each scene. It pushes reading skills more than I expected but is playful enough not to scare off more reluctant readers. It's cute, adventurous, definitely quirky, and promises tons of adventure to come.</span></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-74406065537706785792024-03-05T07:32:00.001-06:002024-03-05T07:32:18.359-06:00Happy Book Birthday, This Wolf Was Different by Katie Silvensky<div style="text-align: left;"> It's time to celebrate another book birthday! I don't think I've had one of those for a few weeks now...horrible, right? I do love to party and this book looks like it might be worth the extra effort. If the artwork is anything like the cover (and I have reason to believe it is), then this will be a visual treat. Plus, I have a soft-spot for wolves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, let's just get this party started and take a look.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686501633i/176442836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="800" height="342" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686501633i/176442836.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THIS WOLF WAS DIFFERENT</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Katie Silvensky</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Hannah Salyer</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beach Lane Books</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>48 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 4 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Inspired by natural history, this captivating picture book imagines how humans and wolves first came together, exploring individuality and how true friendship means embracing differences.</b><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Long ago, a wolf pup was born in a forest. This pup was a wolf, and so were her brothers and sisters. But this wolf was different. She liked staying close to the den instead of hunting and chasing her tail instead of chasing other animals. She wished she were more like her siblings—more like a </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">real </i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">wolf.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Then she meets a new kind of creature, no more like the other wolves than she is. As a new friendship blossoms, the wolf discovers that it’s okay to be different and, better yet, it’s a gift to be something new.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">This gorgeously illustrated book includes extensive backmatter with scientific information about how wolves and humans first connected.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176442836-this-wolf-was-different">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1665900954">AMAZON</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-wolf-was-different-katie-slivensky/1143636050">B&N</a> / <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-wolf-was-different-katie-slivensky/20164399">BOOKSHOP</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">With the atmosphere of an ancient myth, this is a gorgeously illustrated read to lean back with and enjoy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Long, long ago, a litter of wolf pups was born. They tumbled, played, and chased everything around, but one pup didn't quite fit in. It wonders why it's different, although it seems to get a bit more like its siblings as it gets older. Then one day, it accidentally lags behind the rest of the pack and is left alone. While lost, it finally finds a place where it belongs.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm going to start with the illustrations because these are a treat in and of themselves. They carry so much atmosphere and remind a bit of ancient, indigenous tales with a slightly mystic twist, yet bring across the story wonderfully. The pups and scenes invite to flip through and revisit these time and again.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The text is also well done, offering exactly what is needed and no more. It flows right along with the images to create a dreamy atmosphere, while drawing in with all the needed emotions. The pup is easy to sympathize with, and yet, never takes a victim role, but rather is on a search of itself. It's well-paced and makes a lovely read-aloud.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As extra goodness to the tale, the end of the book carries information and historical details surrounding the history of wolves and dogs. This section is meant for the older/adult reader and offers a basis to teach the younger reader. This also would work well with a fitting historical or biological theme in groups, schools, or for homeschoolers...or even interested individuals. But with or without this information, it's still so nicely done and well worth taking a peek at.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;"><b>Katie Slivensky</b> is a professional science educator and enthusiast with science degrees from the University of Michigan and Stony Brook University. She is the critically acclaimed author of two middle grade novels, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">The Countdown Conspiracy</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;"> and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">The Seismic Seven</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">, and the picture book </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">This Wolf Was Different</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">, illustrated by Hannah Salyer. Katie lives just outside Boston with her family, including her cat, Darwin. Visit her at KatieSlivensky.com.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;"><b>Hannah Salyer </b>received her BFA in illustration and communication design, with a minor in environmental studies, from Pratt Institute. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she writes and illustrates picture books, including her own </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">Packs: Strength in Numbers</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;"> and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">, as well as </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;">This Wolf Was Different</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-size: 16px;"> by Katie Slivensky. She also teaches art classes for young kids and illustration classes for undergrad students at Parsons School of Design. Visit her at HannahSalyer.com.</span></span></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-7839771327840298412024-03-04T08:35:00.004-06:002024-03-04T08:59:31.126-06:00Today's read... How We Became Intergalactic Heroes by Chris van Halle<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's time to launch into space! I had to smile as a picked up today's read due to a recent idea from my husband. A week or two ago, he ran across something on the internet, which reminded him of a science fiction show he and his brother enjoyed as kids—Raumpatrouille (German/French collaboration in 1966). I'm adding a short video below for those who are curious. So, I'm hitting this read after some online research and shopping for gifts hitting this theme, since, I've been told, this is going to be someone's birthday present. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, my mind is all set for space adventure, and I do hope this will be a fun one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704901364i/204949696.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="544" height="415" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704901364i/204949696.jpg" width="282" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HOW WE BECAME INTERGALACTIC HEROES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Chris van Halle</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Middle Grade Science Fiction</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>175 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 8 to 12</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">All his life, twelve-year-old Ben Grishop has been practically nonexistent. Hardly anyone knows who he is, he’s not good at anything no matter how hard he tries, and he blends into all chairs and benches. But when he and his friends Joe and Dana are abducted by aliens one fateful summer night, they have the chance to become famous for saving the universe. That is, if they can survive a planet full of giant, man-eating, French-speaking crabs, a pair of tuxedoed, gibberish-spouting men with handlebar mustaches, and the mysterious “immensely powerful, evil force from The Realm Beyond.”</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Jampacked with action, humor, and heart, How We Became Intergalactic Superheroes will have middle-schoolers and the young at heart alike hopping the closest spaceship to their own next cosmic adventure.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204949696-how-we-became-intergalactic-superheroes">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CRPNGD54/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20">AMAZON</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Saving the universe becomes an adventure with unique aliens, unexpected situations, and heroes, who aren't quite sure what they're doing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ben is hanging out with his best friend Joe, trying to enjoy one of the last nights before school starts, but it's turning into the most boring night ever. When the third friend, Dana, stops by, all of that changes as aliens march into the house shortly behind her and escort the trio to see the leader of the universe. After all, the three friends are the only ones who can save the universe from the evil force of The Realm Beyond...at least, that's what the strange aliens claim. But things run sideways and what was supposed to be a super simple push of a button turns into a fight for survival and more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These pages shoot into the realm of galactic imagination and never-ending, ridiculous situations, which pack danger, too. While the first pages had me a bit confused and wondering, it soon slid right into nonstop action. The three heroes carry quite the subtle, silly wit, while still passing as pretty ordinary...at least, enough so for readers to connect with them and want to dive right into the adventure themselves. While the threats are dangerous, they carry tons of quirks to ensure snorts and eyebrow raises. And we learn that aliens speak French and Italian, too. But none are to be underestimated and often carry more of a threat than might first appear. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a fast-paced adventure, which will keep even more reluctant readers in the pages. It's plot and dialogue driven, meaning little time for deep thoughts and heavy descriptions. There's just enough world building to sink into and let imagination fly. While this is very humor and action driven (and that is a treat), there is a message about learning to realize ones own capabilities. There's also goodness surrounding friendship and working together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Space fans, and especially those who enjoy a fun read, will find themselves wanting to join in and save the universe, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">******</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>And here's the clip that someone pieced together for all who are curious about German/French television's thoughts on space adventure during the 1960s.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="325" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vnDo6Z43vdY" width="391" youtube-src-id="vnDo6Z43vdY"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-50889404712147775402024-03-03T08:55:00.001-06:002024-03-03T08:55:21.438-06:00Today's read... Mind Over Monsters by Betsy Uhrig<div style="text-align: left;">Who wants to go on a monster hunt? I'm always on the look-out for a light-hearted, fun read, which pulls into an exciting adventure...and I'm really hoping I found that in this book. Oh, and I love the lacrosse rackets on the cover because I could totally see that as a great monster-hunting tool. Hmm...maybe that would scare away the possums, which have been relentlessly attacking my chicken coop this year (Can you believe we've already caught six of them?) Only one chicken lost, so far, though. So, I'm winning the battle this round.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, let's head into today's read and see if it's a winner!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699721482i/199797590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699721482i/199797590.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIND OVER MONSTERS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Betsy Uhrig</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Margaret K. McElderry Books</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Middle Grade Paranormal</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>302 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 8 to 12</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>COMING...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>JULY 16th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">Gordon Korman meets Scooby-Doo when anxiety-prone middle schoolers try a mindfulness app that has them face their fears all-too-literally in this spooky and humorous middle grade adventure.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">FACE YOUR FEARS! That’s what the meditation app with the cheesy name De-stress-o-rama is telling Lena to do. She’s one of seven always-worried middle schoolers trying out this new app to see if it can help students handle stress. But something is going wrong—very, very wrong.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">The group’s fears are becoming all too real, first lurking and dangling, then chasing them around and threatening to swallow them whole. From a stubborn inky blob that is fear of the dark, to the queasy giant in sweaty underpants that is fear of public speaking, monsters are invading Cranberry Bog Middle School! Can Lena’s group of worriers figure out how to conquer their fears before the whole school is swarmed?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199797590-mind-over-monsters">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Mind-over-Monsters/Betsy-Uhrig/9781665950534">PUBLISHER</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Monsterly tension hits humor and heart in an exciting adventure with characters to love.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lena is in the seventh grade and a born ball of stress. When she's called to the school's office, she's sure the world's about to end. Instead, she's asked to skip Homeroom every morning and take part in testing an app meant to reduce stress. At first, everything is great, and she's actually enjoying the calming sessions. But when nightmares begin, and she discovers a blob of goo on her pillow the next morning, the calm part is over. The students' fears are turning into monsters, and those are more dangerous than a semester test could ever be.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This book is sold as a Scooby-Doo meets anxiety prone kids, and the comparison isn't bad. Lena's a kind person, who isn't quite comfortable in her own skin but does her best to deal with everything even with a constant hum of anxiety. The author lets us sink into her situation (family, friends, and school), while slowing edging into the growing threat. The meditation-app had me smiling, especially as it sets off the main plot (clever and time fitting!). It also allows the other characters to gain a foothold with their, obviously, distinct personalities and quirks before the monsters begin to trickle in. And these monsters are imagination pure with a dangerous touch to keep the tension high. While there is heart and threats galore, it's the constant, gentle humor, which makes it fun.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While the main plot circles around the anxiety-ridden group of monster fighters as they literally face their fears head-on (got to love this bunch!), there are a couple sub-plots to add heart. Lena's best friend is changing, and while she tries to bare with her friend's new interests and priorities, the rift between them grows. There's also a lovely, family dynamic, especially on the sibling end as Lena's personality sits seemingly on the opposite end of her older brother's. Mix in the new forming friendships, and it's a rich adventure from beginning to end. And tons of fun, too.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here she is...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Betsy Uhrig</b> is the author of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">The Polter-Ghost Problem</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Welcome to Dweeb Club</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Mind Over Monsters</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">. She was born and raised in Greater Boston, where she lives with her family and way more books than you are picturing. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in English and has worked in publishing ever since. She writes books for children instead of doing things that aren’t as fun. Visit her at BetsyUhrig.com.</span></span></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-85499464773202541802024-03-01T09:16:00.000-06:002024-03-01T09:16:09.634-06:00Today's read... The Quiet Forest by Charlotte Offsay<div style="text-align: left;"> Can I start by saying that forests are anything but quiet? Well, in Winter they are but, otherwise? No. Not at all. We lived nestled up to one...which I love...but it is so loud. Forests are calming, though, but maybe not in today's read. When I saw the cover on this book and read the blurb, I had a feeling it was going to go off in an interesting direction. Plus, I'm ready for some green, outdoor vibes. So, let's take a peek!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Note: This one is going onto my possible favorites of the year list, which is really unexpected, but I can't deny how much I enjoyed this one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502090i/176443933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="800" height="358" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502090i/176443933.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE QUIET FOREST</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Charlotte Offsay</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Abi Cushman</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paula Wiseman Books</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>40 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 4 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;"><b>COMING MARCH 12th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">When a small action creates a snowball effect that disrupts the peace of the animals, the forest and a bear cub restore order once more in this delightfully funny picture book.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">A mischievous mouse wanders alone in a quiet, nothing-to-do forest. Until one small mishap snowballs into a chain of outrageous events, causing the whole forest full of animals to have a very loud day indeed. Can they find a way to bring calm and quiet back to their home?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176443933-the-quiet-forest">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Quiet-Forest/Charlotte-Offsay/9781665926423">PAULA WISEMAN BOOKS</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a read that grabs listeners' attentions, has them giggling, and even will have some joining to 'read' along. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A mouse wanders through the forest and finds something, which inspires to a bit of mischief. What starts out as a rude but isolated incident, takes an unexpected turn...which leads to something even worse. A hilarious chain reaction soon has the entire area of the forest in an uproar until a sudden gesture changes everything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The little mouse with its backpack seems harmless and cute, at first, so when it suddenly does something slightly mean, it flips the entire atmosphere on its head and rolls right into a delightful, mounting chaos. The animals' surprise and reactions come across wonderfully in the illustrations and guarantee giggles as they helplessly find everything going crazy around them. The illustrator has built in some traits and objects from the 'human' world, making each moment that much more familiar and sillier. Even flipping through the illustrations without the text will bring smiles.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the illustrative side adds the right humorous twist, the text cleverly plays its own game. It presents the tale to make sure its clear what's happening but creates a light-hearted repetition, which builds with each scene. It invites readers to join in, especially since this is one of those books, which will be getting that ever-loved word 'again'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Making sure goodness settles in, a heart-warming solution opens the door to friendship with an unexpectedly simple gesture. It brings calming forgiveness and care as it makes sure to settle things back down...but not without leaving off with a last, fun twist. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do see this one becoming a favorite for some listeners.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Charlotte Offsay </b>is the author of several children’s books including </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">A Grandma’s Magic</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Challah Day!</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">The Big Beach Cleanup</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">. When she is having a particularly loud day, she can always count on her two small bear cubs and husband to bring calm and quiet back to their home in Los Angeles, California. Learn more at CharlotteOffsay.com. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Abi Cushman</b> is the author-illustrator of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Soaked!</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Animals Go Vroom!</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Wombats Are Pretty Weird</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">. Abi is also the illustrator of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">The Quiet Forest</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> by Charlotte Offsay. She lives deep in the wooded suburbs of Connecticut with her husband and two mischievous kids, who make her home very loud indeed. Visit her at AbiCushman.com.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-57749859924783772282024-02-29T02:30:00.237-06:002024-02-29T02:30:00.178-06:00What's Coming in March?<div style="text-align: left;">Whispers of Spring are in the air, and while I do love reading by my fireplace, I also can't deny the freedom and possibilities that open up as the temperatures rise. I'm going to ignore the quickly increasing garden/farm work...okay, not really. But I will find some time to sit in the sun and read a few pages here and there. At least, the bugs aren't here quite yet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what books will I be hoping to catch some warmer days with outside? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502090i/176443933.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="800" height="205" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502090i/176443933.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE QUIET FOREST</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A tale about a forest and animals seems like a great way to get ready for Spring. This one should be humorous, too. It's centered around a timid mouse, its small mistake, and the huge amount of chaos, which results from it. The cover has me curious to see what else is involved. I'm looking at this one on the 1st.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Picture Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698724595i/201103845.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="387" height="246" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698724595i/201103845.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>MAMA'S LOVE LANGUAGE</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;">Growing up between two cultures is the theme of this read. I believe a girl goes through personal growth as she first goes against her mother's 'oddities' and wants to fit in with the kids at school. I'm hoping it carries as much goodness as that steaming bowl of rice in the picture. Let's dive in and see what it's about on the 3rd.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b>Picture Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704901364i/204949696.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="544" height="260" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704901364i/204949696.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>HOW WE BECAME INTERGALACTIC SUPERHEROES</b></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was missing a scifi read last month, so I'm going to make sure to hit it early this time. I've read books from this author before and do enjoy his writing style. Plus, I'm sure that this bunch of kids is going to offer quiet the adventure. Maybe some humor, too? Ready those space suits because I'll be launching into this one on the 4th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Middle Grade Science Fiction</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyAqx9Jb0ye7B1RXpTFa2aI4gBdFcdM27f_TBp51UGlSsAySO7q-81dKNnb0kuWnGspg96_qvsz_RRIt3dATCTpuObb761CIJt2IA21inrFjumZPB8uBKr2B9Jow66K8p7AihRytAKNcLUEUEsUFMfeUMzeJ5Wd2bpWhX_tdSnhrW7Oub-KsaU9xA1XQ/s408/sw.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="255" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyAqx9Jb0ye7B1RXpTFa2aI4gBdFcdM27f_TBp51UGlSsAySO7q-81dKNnb0kuWnGspg96_qvsz_RRIt3dATCTpuObb761CIJt2IA21inrFjumZPB8uBKr2B9Jow66K8p7AihRytAKNcLUEUEsUFMfeUMzeJ5Wd2bpWhX_tdSnhrW7Oub-KsaU9xA1XQ/w167-h268/sw.png" width="167" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>STANDING WATER</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">The cover caught my eye thanks to the artistic flair. The switch from forest to girl to water intrigued me. Anyway, this heads into the dystopian realm and one in the not-all-too-far-away future. I don't know much about it; the blurb was pretty scant on details. But I want to give it a shot and see what happens. I'll be diving into this one on the 6th and really can't even tell you what to expect, since I have no clue.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b>Young Adult Dystopian</b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706219070i/203771633.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="428" height="276" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706219070i/203771633.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE LOSS OF THE BURYING GROUND</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">High-seas adventure, warring nations, twins, and (my favorite) historical fiction mark this read. It's been a bit since I hit something with ships. Combine that with a sibling twist, and I was instantly intrigued. The twins find each other only to discover they are on different sides of a war. It promises non-stop action and should bring all sorts of tension. Find out more with me on the 9th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Young Adult Historical Fiction</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502454i/176443254.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686502454i/176443254.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>EASTER BUNNY, WHERE ARE YOU?</b></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;">It's flap-book time! I've always loved books with flaps and, of course, won't pass on the chance to take a peek at one. With Easter coming up, it's a perfect fit to this month's list. Let's take a peek and see what we can find on the 15th!</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b>Board Book Seasonal</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781665938242/the-great-puptective-9781665938242_lg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="270" height="262" src="https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781665938242/the-great-puptective-9781665938242_lg.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE</b></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't think I have to even say why this one caught my interest... isn't it super cute? It's the start to a new graphic novel series for chapter book readers and promises tons of fun and a little mystery, too. I'm looking forward to see what these characters are up to and have a feeling it's going to put a smile on the face. Join me on the 18th to solve this mystery and swim in cuteness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chapter Book / Graphic Novel / Mystery</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1676324164i/101139779.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="267" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1676324164i/101139779.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>FINCH HOUSE</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Sold as <i>Encanto</i> meets <i>Coraline, </i>this read holds haunted house goodness, a move, and a girl, who doesn't want to let go of her family ties...not that I know what's going to make her lose family ties, but I'll find out. The cover carries a spooky tone, and the blurb promises a bit of adventure, friendship and more. I'm hoping it strikes a nice balance between paranormal and character depth, and am excited to see if it hits my expectations. I'm exploring this one on the 20th.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b>Middle Grade Paranormal</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706808347i/205649597.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="265" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706808347i/205649597.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CLOSET OF DREAMS</b></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Walking on the border between dreams and reality, this tale heads into a closet, where a boy has stored all sorts of dreams. I believe this one sits in reality while exploring the realm of imagination. I'm, honestly, not sure what to expect but it has received good reviews and appears to be a wholesome read while inviting in with dreams and adventure. I'll let you know what I think...and what this one is really about on the 25th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Children's Fiction</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686580348i/172848464.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="293" height="252" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686580348i/172848464.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE INFINITY RAINBOW CLUB</b></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;">This is part of a series, which centers around neurodivergent characters. This one centers around a boy with ADHD, who is doing his best to concentrate on his taekwondo classes and battles with distractions...especially thanks to a nemesis. It's written for early readers, and I'm curious to see how the author tackles this. Find out with me on the 28th.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b>Chapter Book Contemporary</b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://see.fontimg.com/api/renderfont4/nRLyO/eyJyIjoiZnMiLCJoIjo2MCwidyI6MTAwMCwiZnMiOjYwLCJmZ2MiOiIjMjZDNzU0IiwiYmdjIjoiI0ZGRkZGRiIsInQiOjF9/Sm9rZXIgUmVhZA/alloy-ink.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="60" data-original-width="401" height="60" src="https://see.fontimg.com/api/renderfont4/nRLyO/eyJyIjoiZnMiLCJoIjo2MCwidyI6MTAwMCwiZnMiOjYwLCJmZ2MiOiIjMjZDNzU0IiwiYmdjIjoiI0ZGRkZGRiIsInQiOjF9/Sm9rZXIgUmVhZA/alloy-ink.png" width="401" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every month, I have a larger pile of books next to me than I could ever get to. But every month, books are delayed or don't meet my expectations, which means I have a few openings suddenly pop up. The Joker Read is the book on the very top of my pile, which I'm looking forward to, somehow, squeezing in.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701121045i/182094226.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="537" height="289" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701121045i/182094226.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE WILDCAT BEHIND GLASS</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This read was first published in 1963 in Greece and has been enjoyed in many countries over the years. For the first time in 50 years, it's being re-translated into English. It's a historic read with a hint of fantasy and hits many social issues. It's received quite a few prizes over the years, too. Since I haven't taken a look at this one, yet, I'm looking forward to finally diving in. But when will I get to it? Well, that's the question.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Middle Grade Historical</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-22781975680163732502024-02-28T02:30:00.001-06:002024-02-28T02:30:00.145-06:00Today's read... Ballerina Wisdom for Dance and Life by Once Upon A Dance<p> </p><!--wp:image {"id":8406,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"}-->
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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-align: center;">Ballerina Wisdom for Dance and Life</h1><h1 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-align: center;">Reflections and Advice for Pre-Professional Dancers by Once Upon a Dance</h1>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blackberrybooktours.com">Blackberry Book Tours</a></h2><h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-align: center;">February 27 - March 01</h2>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>27 pages</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 8 to 18</b></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955555680" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Book on Amazon</a></p>
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: georgia;">* A Celebration of Ballet and Beauty! *</span></em></h4>
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</span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Discover the magic and grace of ballet in this charming book that features <strong>tips and advice</strong> from dancers, alongside <strong>gorgeous watercolor illustrations</strong>. Whether you're an aspiring dancer or a fan of the art form, you'll find <strong>inspiration and joy </strong>on every page.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><em>Ballerina Wisdom for Dance and Life</em> is the perfect gift for <strong>anyone who loves dance</strong>. Performers and artists of all ages will appreciate the sage wisdom. Teen and adult dancers who dream of a professional ballet career will relish the stunning images and apply these <strong>secrets to success</strong>!<br /><br />Brought to you by the mother-daughter duo, Once Upon a Dance, named a <em>Top 10 Author </em>(2022) by Outstanding Creator Awards and honored with over 50 book awards and a Kirkus Star. They donate all royalties to charities through 2030. Teacher Terrel grew up dancing, and she taught dance for decades. Ballerina K is living her dreams as a professional ballerina.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><p>With inspiring and uplifting messages, this book offers a bounty of wisdom for ballerinas, dancers, and more.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Each page holds words of wisdom with dancers in mind. The passages are short and pack punch, making them just right for a small jolt of encouragement, support, inspiration, or simply warmth. They are easy to digest and bring food for thought as they address various moments all dancers face at one time or another. It's clear that the authors speak from experience, and each saying comes across as honest and open. It's the type of book to grab up time and again, picking out those words which are needed most at the moment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations display ballet dancers in various moves and positions. These are very well done, carry a dreamy atmosphere, and will ring familiar with anyone involved in ballet. It was a treat simply to flip through these and gaze at them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the end of the book, several more thoughts and tips are presented in a blocked style...as if trying to stuff in extra goodness. These are also very insightful and offer gems of wisdom and knowledge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This makes a great gift or is even a lovely edition to the home library. While the words do concentrate on ballet, they ring true for many other areas, where resilience, patience, continual practice, and more are constantly required. It's a book, which offers so much more than a quick read. </div><p><br /></p><div class="wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid alignfull column1-desktop-grid__span-8 column1-desktop-grid__start-3 column1-desktop-grid__row-1 column1-tablet-grid__span-8 column1-tablet-grid__row-1 column1-mobile-grid__span-4 column1-mobile-grid__row-1"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid-column wp-block-jetpack-layout-grid__padding-none">
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="about-the-author"><span style="color: #a64d79;">About the authors...</span></h2>
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<p>Once Upon a Dance is a mother-daughter duo who share a passion for dance and storytelling. Teacher Terrel and Ballerina Konora create books that spark imagination and inspire children to move, breathe, and connect.<br /></p>
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<p>Five series span ages 3-16::<br /><img alt="📖" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f4d6/32.png" /> Dance Stories with Props (for age 3+)<br /><img alt="📖" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f4d6/32.png" /> Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories (4-9) <br /><img alt="📖" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f4d6/32.png" /> Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness (6-9)<br /><img alt="📖" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f4d6/32.png" /> Ballet Inspiration & Choreography Concepts (8-12)<br /><img alt="📖" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f4d6/32.png" /> Ballerina Moments: Insights, Ideas, and Inspiration aboutDance (12-16)<br /></p>
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<p>Once Upon a Dance was named a <em>Top 10 Author</em> of 2023 by Outstanding Creator Awards, and they’ve been honored by over 50 book awards and 2000+ 5-star reviews. They donate all royalties this decade to charities supporting the arts, animals, environment, or people. Visit <a href="http://DanceStories.com" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">DanceStories.com</a> for more info.</p>
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<p><a href="https://onceuponadance.com/">https://onceuponadance.com/</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/once_uponadance/">https://www.instagram.com/once_uponadance/</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/20931758.Once_Upon_a_Dance">https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/20931758.Once_Upon_a_Dance</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Terreld2">https://twitter.com/Terreld2</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnceUponADanceViralDancing">https://www.facebook.com/OnceUponADanceViralDancing</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com.br/Once-Upon-a-Dance/e/B08PCB7FRN/">https://www.amazon.com.br/Once-Upon-a-Dance/e/B08PCB7FRN/</a></p>
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Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-39582521226794622702024-02-27T10:15:00.004-06:002024-02-27T10:15:43.056-06:00Today's read... Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald<div style="text-align: left;">It's time for a bit of mischief! The title on today's read will probably give most of you a hint in which direction this tale will go...or sort of. I had to smile when I saw the pair running around with toilet paper. Does anyone teepee houses anymore? (Gosh, toilet paper has gotten expensive.) Anyway, this is a chapter book for those beginning readers and promises...well, I'm not exactly sure what this one will entail. So, let's jump right in and find out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5gWvssCysrKPA69UFdt3G4w9VIssvhon8xaerWdj97V8_kNO93bKHkdFXt1dmcIQ5KQQxAmZxNx-yDcf-BR-pBuAQmVXSHt1e6i7RHvnWNZCP9A422jkp1Drw66EnEhfjrGCkttci6b_ADiubm_z0u_zM7IeCTYXBAXq7343N4_wbIPBDuHviaVAD4w/s450/bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="318" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5gWvssCysrKPA69UFdt3G4w9VIssvhon8xaerWdj97V8_kNO93bKHkdFXt1dmcIQ5KQQxAmZxNx-yDcf-BR-pBuAQmVXSHt1e6i7RHvnWNZCP9A422jkp1Drw66EnEhfjrGCkttci6b_ADiubm_z0u_zM7IeCTYXBAXq7343N4_wbIPBDuHviaVAD4w/w259-h367/bc.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BUNNY AND CLYDE</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Megan McDonald</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Scott Nash</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Candlewick Press</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter Book / Adventure</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>128 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 5 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><b>COMING...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><b>MARCH 12th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Two </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">New York Times</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> best-selling creators—Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody series, and lauded illustrator Scott Nash—team up for a droll comedy about an endearingly inept pair of outlaws.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Get ready for a wild ride with Bunny and Clyde! These by-the-rules buddies, a rabbit and a chipmunk, are sick and tired of being good. For once, they want to know what it’s like to be baddies—rotten to the core! They want thrills and excitement! But to get really good at being bad, they’re going to need some experience . What if the dastardly duo started returning library books late on </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">purpose</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">? Or borrowing markers </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">without asking</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">? Everyone knows it’s a swift downhill slide from there—as long as there’s an unprotected piggy bank in town! Unless, of course, their best attempts at mastering bad deeds are strangely misconstrued . . . Author Megan McDonald brings her quick wit and ear for dialogue, matched by Scott Nash’s deft animal characterizations, to a hilarious caper of criminal intentions gone awry.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/177721401-bunny-and-clyde">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746929/bunny-and-clyde-by-megan-mcdonald-illustrated-by-scott-nash/">CANDLEWICK PRESS</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bad has never been so bad as this duo does their best to turn their goodie-two-shoes reputation around and slide into the world of crime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bunny and Clyde have a reputation of being very good, but they're sick of it. It's time to ditch rules and become as bad as bad can be. The question is how. Since they don't have a clue what truly bad means, they head to the library to find out. After some research, they're ready to lead a life of lawlessness and head out to cause as much trouble as possible. But for some reason, being bad isn't nearly as easy as it seems.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm going to start with the illustrations and just say how much I enjoy the depiction of these two. There are slight nods toward the namesakes (love those outfits) for the older audience, but the rest of the scenes stay familiar to readers. They balance with the text to help readers along with the plot and add a wonderful touch to the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tale moves along at a constant pace, offering something exciting during each, short chapter. Bunny and Clyde's escapades tiptoe into trouble, which will have readers amazed at their 'bad' ideas and wondering if the two will really go that far...because some of their ideas will definitely get them into trouble. It's a tantalizing dance along the line between good and evil (age appropriate), which will have eyes widening, frustration hitting when things don't work out, and silent sighs of relief hiding behind smiles. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It fits the audience level nicely with a larger font, appropriate vocabulary, and still an fun tale with surprises. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm hoping to get a chance to see what these two might come up with next.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;">Megan McDonald </b><span style="font-size: 16px;">is the author of books for young readers and the creator of the Judy Moody and Stink series. Her other titles include </span><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;">Daisy Jane, Best-Ever Flower Girl</i><span style="font-size: 16px;"> and </span><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;">Shining Star.</i><span style="font-size: 16px;"> She lives in California.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="seemoreenable" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;"><section class="overview" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;"><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;">Scott Nash</b> has illustrated more than 40 children’s books, including <i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;">Camping Day, Beach Day,</i> and the <i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: none;">Flat Stanley</i> series. He loves to visit schools to talk about his work. He also operates a graphic design studio called Nashbox, and lives and works in Peaks Island, Maine.</span></span></p></section></div></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-66832548992789329392024-02-26T09:10:00.002-06:002024-02-26T09:10:18.843-06:00Today's read... Haru: Spring by Joe Latham<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686494257i/176440237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="406" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1686494257i/176440237.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HARU: SPRING</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book 1</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Joe Latham</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Andrews McMeel Publishing</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Middle Grade Fantasy / Graphic Novel</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>272 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 9 to 12</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>COMING...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>MARCH 12th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Haru, a small bird who dreams of flying, and their best friend Yama, a talkative boar, are used to being in the shadows. But when Yama finds a strange artifact that causes sinister effects, the two are swept into an epic journey to destroy the artifact and save the world.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">In The Valley, best friends Haru and Yama both dream of leaving as they’re bullied at school, frustrated at home, and struggling to figure out who they are. One day, a powerful artifact connects itself to Yama, and they discover that they’ll have to journey to The Beacon in search of answers.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Created by artist Joe Latham, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel series is a coming-of-age tale that spans the changing of seasons. Beginning in spring and ending in spring—the cycle complete. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176440237-haru?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8BrvjZPh6U&rank=1">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.lindentreebooks.com/haru-book-1-spring.html">ANDREWS MCMEEL</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adventure, friendship, and an exciting adventure swirl around unexpected heroes, who are determined to stop evil and save the world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Haru is a small bird, who would love to fly, visit the world beyond the forest, and escape the small-minded bullies at school. Luckily, Haru has a best friend, Yama, who might be a boar but shares some of the same problems. Together, the two head out for adventure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the first book in the series, and the plot runs exactly along the same lines—a beginning with much story to come...which means that diving into the following books will be a must to see where the adventure is heading. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This starts with a short tale about a battle between dark and light, where darkness' heart is left behind. It sets the background as well as a bit of urgency to the adventure. Then, we meet Haru and get to follow along through a bit of family and into troubles with others at school, where bullies reinforce Haru's desire to see more. When Yama comes in, sympathy builds and makes the friendship that much more golden. It's after this that the adventure first sparks. While the characters seem adorable, there's quite the dark side to the adventure...so much so that it eases this more toward the upper end of the age group and tweens. I wouldn't suggest it to more sensitive readers. For those readers who enjoy more, this darker side does create a nice tension and gives it a unique edge.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations carry an interesting mix and are well-done. It's enjoyable to flip through these and see the colors mix with the mood. The characters and their lean toward 'cute' meet this darker edge in all the right ways. The illustrations carry the tale well and make the moments sit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the cover seemed to radiate cuteness, this is a read with tension and dark twists. There are messages surrounding bullying, dreams, friendship, and going beyond the comfort zone to do what's right as well as the first sense of a coming-of-age adventure. The pacing felt a rough, grabbing at times and having me skimming at others, but it's a unique read in many ways. Fans of adventure with darker moments and heart-filled characters will enjoy it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here he is...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Joe is a Human Person, based in Bristol (UK). He makes comics, illustrations and designs for other humans. In his own words, he is "a tall nerd" and he plays the drums. He also likes to hang out with his cat. He uses Instagram and Twitter to post project updates and artwork.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-27861525317246567202024-02-25T16:58:00.001-06:002024-02-25T16:58:06.969-06:00Library read... Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt<div style="text-align: left;">It's library time! I ran across a post on Twitter recommending today's read. It's set in the US during World War II and takes an new twist on some interesting, historical details. It's written in verse for the middle grade (which already has me hoping its done well...I'm picky on verse novels) and promises to hit the emotions hard. It caught my curiosity enough that I did a search online at our library, and while it isn't available in our small town, I was able to order it in from a few towns over. (Got to love modern libraries!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This one was released just last September and is relatively new to the market. I'm a bit surprised that I didn't see it floating around earlier, but my radar does tend to have a few blind spots. So, off we go and see what this one is about! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682153750i/137999953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="406" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682153750i/137999953.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Dana VanderLugt</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zonderkidz</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Upper Middle Grade / YA Historical</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>288 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 9 to 18</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600;">Set against the backdrop of WWII, this achingly beautiful middle grade novel in verse based on American history presents the dual perspectives of Claire, a Midwestern girl who longs for college even as she worries for her soldier brother, and Karl, a German POW who’s processing the war as he works on Claire’s family farm. This poignant and moving story of an unlikely connection will stay with readers long after the final page.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">It’s October 1944, and while Claire’s older brother, Danny, is off fighting in World War II, her dad hires a group of German POWs to help with the apple harvest on their farm. Claire wants nothing to do with the enemies in the orchard, until she begins to notice soft-spoken, hardworking Karl. Could she really have something in common with a German soldier?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Karl, meanwhile, grapples with his role in the war as he realizes how many lies Hitler’s regime has spread. But his encounters with Claire—the serious girl with gentle eyes—give him hope that he can change and become the person he wants to be.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Inspired by the little-known history of POW labor camps in the United States, this lyrical verse novel is told in alternating first-person poems by two young people on opposite sides of the war. Against a vivid backdrop of home front tensions and daily life, intimate entries reveal Claire’s and Karl's hopes and struggles, and their growing attraction to each other even as the war rages on. What are their chances of connection, of redemption, of peace?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/137999953-enemies-in-the-orchard">GOODREADS</a> ..... AND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every word counts in this beautifully formed novel, which explores war, hatred, loss, and human connections.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With Claire's older sister married and her brother across the ocean to fight in the war, she feels a bit out of place on the apple orchard with her parents and wishes things could return to a somewhat normal state. While she constantly worries about her brother's safety, her father has more to deal with and is also concerned about the pending apple harvest, since workers are scare. So, he's more than ready to sign-up for a governmental program, which has POWs (German soldiers) working on farms. Claire not only catches comments about the evil workers at school but isn't convinced its safe herself, especially since soldiers like these are trying to kill her brother abroad. As the days pass, tensions ease, and she's even willing to talk to one of the captives. But when news of her brother's death arrives, everything changes again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've read several novels in verse, but this is, by far, the best one I've come across, yet. The author manages to weave the story naturally into poetic form...never feeling forced or fake...and masterfully uses the words to build the world and emotions. All the while, the reader is drawn into the story until the fact that it's in verse, almost disappears.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is told from both Claire's and Karl's point of view with the chapters switching back and forth between them (for the most part). Not only do the titles of each chapter keep any confusion away, but the voices are very distinct, and the perspectives, coming from opposite ends of the situation, are more than easy to distinguish. Claire's fears and concerns are very understandable as she tries to find footing in an uncertain time. While there are scenes at the small school, these only filter in when it drives the story forward and add fuel as needed. Karl's thoughts come across just as naturally. With the two juxtaposed positions, the similarities, concerns and hopes of both sides come across nicely and open up food for thought. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The world is well set in the time frame. Not only did the author stay grounded in life during the time but also did an excellent job on the German direction. Kudos on that front! It was no problem to sink into the scenes and see them coming to life. It draws in, never leaves a moment of boredom, and hits on the emotional level well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do recommend this one to even those readers who aren't huge poetry fans, since this one really flows that well. I do, however, see this as a slightly better fit to older audiences (tweens and teens) rather than the middle grade group. While this is perfectly fine for the age group, Claire's concerns surrounding schooling, future carrier, and the growing romance itself, are more geared to this slightly older age group.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="335" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aGzn3Ou5Lnw" width="403" youtube-src-id="aGzn3Ou5Lnw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-41389949595116160342024-02-24T13:14:00.003-06:002024-02-24T14:00:48.986-06:00Today's read... Just Try It! by Phil and Lily Rosenthal<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687711945i/176442690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="800" height="351" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687711945i/176442690.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>JUST TRY IT!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Phil and Lily Rosenthal</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Luke Flowers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Simon & Schuster</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>40 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 4 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><b>COMING MARCH 5th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">From Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author Phil Rosenthal and his daughter Lily comes a hilarious picture book about a food-loving dad encouraging his picky eater daughter to just try something new.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Phil has one rule about try everything at least once. Otherwise, how will you know what you like? His daughter Lil disagrees. She already knows what she likes—just bread and pasta with no sauce—and that’s all there is to it!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">When the two go to a food truck festival, Phil tries introducing Lil to all kinds of delicious cuisine, but she doesn’t budge. Just when it looks like it’s going to be a very long day, an unexpected mustard accident changes everything.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176442690-just-try-it">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Just-Try-It!/Phil-Rosenthal/A-Phil-Lil-Book/9781665942638">SIMON & SCHUSTER</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A father's enthusiasm slams against the picky eating habits of a daughter in a way, which leaves a smile.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's a rule in Phil's family: try everything at least once. Lil, his daughter isn't convinced that it's a good rule, though. When they head to a festival to find food trucks offering all sorts of treats, Phil can't wait to try everything. Lil won't touch a thing until a strange accident changes everything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is an energetic read, which hits upon the simple idea that everything should be given, at least, a try...well, when it comes to food. The father, Phil, is a food enthusiast, and his excitement beams from the page. Lil's attitude clashes hard, creating a wonderful contrast. While her behavior could slide into a negative direction, the author has cleverly made sure to use slightly odd food choices to keep readers sympathetic and understanding her attitude. After all, who wants clams on their noodles? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations and text work well together and build the words around various scenes. It adds to the active atmosphere of the colorful food trucks and smiley Phil.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The message also hits with a bit of humor and seals off in the expected, positive direction. This does make a nice read-aloud for various settings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>And here they are...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Phil Rosenthal</b> is the creator and host of the Emmy-nominated </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Somebody Feed Phil. </i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">He also</span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">created the hit CBS comedy, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Everybody Loves Raymond</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">,</span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">which was nominated for over seventy Emmy awards, and won fifteen awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2003 and 2005. He is also the bestselling author of the book </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Somebody Feed Phil the Book. </i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Monica Horan (who played Amy on </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Everybody Loves Raymond</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">), and their two children. Visit him at PhilRosenthalWorld.com.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Lily Rosenthal</b> is an actor, writer, and producer known for her love of food across platforms. After graduating from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Lily ventured into the world of acting and influencing, working with restaurants and brands to establish herself in the LA food scene. In her free time, Lily developed the concept for Liv a Lil,</span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">a nonprofit that brings restaurants across Los Angeles together for cultural collaborations, giving all proceeds to an organization of the chef’s choice. She credits her father, Phil, for giving her a love of travel and genuine excitement towards food due to the family rule instilled in Lily at a young age: just try it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Luke Flowers</b> is the illustrator of more than fifty children’s books. He illustrated the </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">New York Times</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> bestselling </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> and Disney’s </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px;">The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Holiday Classic</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">. He is also both author and illustrator of the Moby Shinobi series which has sold more than one million copies. When Luke isn’t in his creative cave he enjoys puppetry, playing banjo, basketball, and outdoor adventures with his family. He lives with his wife and three children in Colorado Springs.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-44020796815729754972024-02-23T11:40:00.000-06:002024-02-23T11:40:00.668-06:00Today's read... You Stole My Name Too by Dennis McGregor<div style="text-align: left;">I'm heading into the realm of poetry with today's read. It was released a couple of weeks ago and is the companion to the author's first book, <i>You Stole My Name . </i> I didn't read this first one, but it appears it pointed out shared names between animals with subtle humor (bull — bullfrog). In today's read, the author now shows how some plants share the names with animals. I'm expecting amazing illustrations and enjoyable poetry to go with it. And I'm curious to see how all of this fits together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, off we go!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684796662i/150065182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="622" height="334" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684796662i/150065182.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>YOU STOLE MY NAME TOO</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Dennis McGregor</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blue Star Press</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Picture Book</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>32 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 4 to 8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">The second addition to Dennis McGregor's fun picture book series features vibrant, hand-painted illustrations and curious questions like "why does the crab apple share its name with the crab?"</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">You Stole My Name Too features another amazing collection of illustrations that takes you and your child on a colorful journey through nature's most fascinating plants and animals and their namesakes.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">The fun pairs of flora and fauna that are featured in this sequel</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">• Chick and Chickpea</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">• Cat and Catnip</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">• Dog and Dogwood</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">• Hedgehog and Hedgehog Cactus</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">• And many more!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">A beautiful "children's coffee-table-art book" for all ages, You Stole My Name Too is a clever, creative follow-up to You Stole My Name , a perfect book series for parents and children to read and enjoy together.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150065182-you-stole-my-name-too">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1941325998">AMAZON</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-stole-my-name-too-dennis-mcgregor/1143467102?ean=9781941325995">B&N</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Subtle humor melds with poetry, animals, and botanic goodness in this beautifully illustrated book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These pages take a peek at names shared between animals and plants. It's a large book, allowing for viewing space, and with these gorgeous illustrations, that's a plus. One side of the two-page spread holds a poem, written in large font. These are whimsical, most flow well, and each introduces an animal as well as a plant, which holds a similar name. The text is age appropriate and does work well for a read-aloud. The illustrations are on the other side. The animal and a section of the plant are depicted. That's it. The background stays white, which works extremely well since it allows the animals and plants to remain at the focus of attention. And these are beautifully done.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While gazing at the illustrations already makes this an enjoyable read, the unique plants offer a bit of educational goodness. Some are recognizable, but most are more unfamiliar. There's something to be learned for both young readers and older ones. The poetry holds cute twists and fun, but its the name sharing which makes it fun. While some poems explain a bit about the name or plants, others don't...which is to bad, since a little bit more information would have been nice. It's a lovely poetic read, which can be visited and enjoyed time and time again.</div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-84045718554475608792024-02-22T10:06:00.003-06:002024-02-22T10:17:31.683-06:00Today's read... The Backyard Kids: Snowed In by Regina Oakes<div style="text-align: left;">The kids headed north (road trip!) this last weekend to discover the slopes, and for all but one of them, the first time snowboarding down the hills. While there isn't any sign of snow here on the farm, their pictures had me snow dreaming. That made today's read a great grab for the week.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is part of a series about a group of friends and should be written in a somewhat journal form (?) I'm excited to see how it's put together and meet this smiley bunch. So, grab those gloves and scarves because we're heading into a wintery adventure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701718061i/203191891.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="409" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701718061i/203191891.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE BACKYARD KIDS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Snowed-In</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Regina Oakes</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Danielle Devine</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Middle Grade Contemporary</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>203 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 8 to 12</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Backyard Kids are at it again with another thrilling adventure. This time they find themselves on an unforgettable and snowy quest. The kids stumble upon a mysterious time capsule that takes them on a scavenger hunt through the City of Somerville. Who buried the time capsule? Where is the scavenger hunt leading them? Is there really a reward at the end? AND why does one clue lead them to a place no person has ever gone before? Find all the answers (and more) in their TOP secret journal.</span><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"></div><div class="BookDetails" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="CollapsableList" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;" tabindex="-1"><span class="Text Text__body3" color="var(--color-text-body-light)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; line-height: 1.8rem;"><div class="FeaturedDetails" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 3.2rem;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203191891-the-backyard-kids---snowed-in">GOODREADS </a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Kids-Snowed-Regina-Oakes/dp/B0CPGF81L1">AMAZON</a></b></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">M</span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Y TIDBITS</span></b></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;">With this group of friends, life is guaranteed to be tons of fun.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;">A 120-question math test marks the next torture arranged by the school, but then, the Backyard Kids don't expect anything else, thanks to the evil principal waiting to drag them to the dungeon...umm office. Luckily, a huge snowstorm hits and shuts down the school for an entire week. Determined to see each other, they shovel snow paths between their houses (tons of work) but discover a strange box along the way. Inside is a surprise, which sends them on a scavenger hunt...which might mean the best snow closure ever.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;">This is written in a journal format, in which each character writes their perspective and thoughts. It makes for a fun read with personality galore, since each personality is so different from the other. Add the illustrations, and it's a read that even reluctant readers won't shy away from. It's quick, fun, and invites in.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;">The predicament is one that many readers would enjoy finding themselves in...well, outside of the massive amount of shoveling the kids do and the evil principal. Snow-dreams hit with the huge storm and set a great scene for the following adventure. The secrets of the box and the hunt, which ensues, might be a classic plot direction, but it works well and adds some unexpected twists along the way. </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;">While friendship, obviously, rings true in these pages, the journal style with the different voices brings each character to life. It's fun to root for them every step of the way and wish to jump right into the fun, too. It will be exciting to see what this gang has planned next.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jWK8PToeE0X-bNKEzsJI4TpJK8p7Wy2gNsNThDbCq_Vl3SLgIwojNS3oehZ_ufV87LGPbt7d47CP17yC8nLc9L13IkEt1ga52zZZJhUybZRMRPNzptl9n102mfqVRBDypt60oVnHvlwuxX8zBJFBdsBlHuQnQlXpgygR9Kksm6wVHn8L3n8MFN0UHv4/s2245/About%20the%20Authors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jWK8PToeE0X-bNKEzsJI4TpJK8p7Wy2gNsNThDbCq_Vl3SLgIwojNS3oehZ_ufV87LGPbt7d47CP17yC8nLc9L13IkEt1ga52zZZJhUybZRMRPNzptl9n102mfqVRBDypt60oVnHvlwuxX8zBJFBdsBlHuQnQlXpgygR9Kksm6wVHn8L3n8MFN0UHv4/w416-h588/About%20the%20Authors.png" width="416" /></a></div><br /><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; margin: 1.2rem 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></span></span></div></div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772061326118873528.post-34721846720862662062024-02-21T08:20:00.002-06:002024-02-21T08:20:29.507-06:00Today's read... Shells... and what they hide inside by Helen Scales<div style="text-align: left;">We've had some warmer days lately, which has me garden dreaming. Actually, I'm heading out to buy some seeds today and get the first seedlings started. It also has my kids vacation-dreaming, which usually includes water and shell hunting. No, we don't always go to the beach, but they manage to discover shells (and rocks) everywhere.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today's read heads right down these lines and opens up to the world of shells. It's a board book with...and this always makes me excited...flaps! It promises tons and tons of flaps, which, I'm guessing, means the shells can be opened up. (Yay!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, let's take a peek and see what treasures we can find.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698225465i/200653541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="423" height="414" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698225465i/200653541.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHELLS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>...and what they hide inside</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Helen Scales</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Illustrated by Sonia Pulido</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Phaidon Press</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Board Book Nonfiction</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>16 pages</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ages 2 to 4</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><b>COMING APRIL 17th!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A richly illustrated, informative, and interactive introduction to shells for children aged 2-4 with over 40 interactive flaps In this board book companion to What a Shell Can Tell , award-winning marine biologist and documentary maker, Helen Scales, introduces children ages 2-4 to the wonders of shells. With over 40 flaps to lift creating interactive opportunities on every page, stunningly lifelike illustrations, children are encouraged to observe, engage with, and understand a range of shells and environments. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">From where shells are found and who lives in them, to what a shell’s look and feel can reveal about its inhabitant and environment. The book expands on a child’s natural instinct for collecting things, nurturing their interest and curiosity in nature by giving them simple observation skills that will help them to explore the connections between objects found in nature and the wider ecosystem, as well as building their vocabulary. With a timely message of environmental stewardship combined with stunning illustrations, this book encourages children to explore and care about the world around them. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200653541-shells-and-what-they-hide-inside">GOODREADS</a> / <a href="https://www.phaidon.com/phaidon-kids/ages-3-5/shells-and-what-they-hide-inside-a-lift-the-flap-adventure-9781838667887/">PHAIDON PRESS</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>MY TIDBITS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Grab those buckets and bags because this one inspires to head outside and discover the world of shells.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This book is like going on a shell hunt with tons of surprises to find. From beaches to gardens, a variety of shells are explained and portrayed. Young readers learn that shells come in many colors and shapes, and can be found in more places than just along the ocean beach. To add to the fun, each shell can be opened (a flap) with more to discover inside. And there are quite a few flaps.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While this is a board book sold for ages 2 to 4, I'd recommend it more for ages 3 to 8. The board book style makes it robust, which works especially great for the flaps. The text is a little heavy for the youngest readers, but the slightly older audience will have no trouble understanding it. The facts aren't heavy, but rather, are more intuned to introduce readers to the variety and purpose of shells. The fun of discovering shells stays front and center throughout the read, and this is especially true with the flaps. Inside aren't just surprises on the illustration side but also hints, tips, and words of encouragement. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The illustrations project energy, joy and life on every page. The portrayed individuals are playful and full of smiles. The shells are large and detailed as their environment, habits, and more are shown. While many young readers will connect shells with the beach, this pushes beyond that and shows where they can, sometimes, even be found in the backyard. All of this is done in a gentle flow without heavy facts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shells, their variety, and the fun in discovering them come across on every page, making this a great read to inspire shell hunting or simply to get readers to discover more about the world outside. It works well for individual as well as group settings and can be used to inspire a project or used with a group theme.</div>Tonja Dreckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.com0