Review: Let's Play Outside by Pat Rumbaugh

 We're starting off the week with a call to play outside! Today's book is written by the co-founder of Let's Play America and brings to life the joy (and importance) of playing outside. 

LET'S PLAY OUTSIDE

by Pat Rumbaugh

Photographs by Daniel Nakamura

Star Bright Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

The world has so much for children to explore and discover. There's no better way to see it all--and grow with healthy bodies and curious minds--than by getting outside and playing! Playing outside is fun to do with family or friends, and is a great opportunity to embrace new and exciting experiences. With this book, youngsters can discover many different ways to enjoy the outside--at a playground, in a park, in safe neighborhood streets, or in one's own backyard--including running, biking, swinging, hula-hooping, doing handstands, and exploring. There's no shortage of play activities to choose from! Featuring bright photos of children in motion from mixed backgrounds and abilities, this read-aloud book will inspire young ones everywhere to get outside and play in their surroundings. Author and play expert Pat Rumbaugh offers helpful resources to promote successful play, including suggested activities, play locations, and rules. Let's Play Outside! is a marvelous way to excite and encourage children and adults alike to get outside and play! 

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MY TIDBITS

Every page is a celebration of playing outside and the fun it brings.

This book is put out by the co-founder of Let's Play America and centers around the enthusiasm for playing outside. The book is chucked full of bright and lively photographs, each one depicting various kids on the playground or enjoying games outside. It's vibrant, full of energy, and definitely inspires. 

The photographs show everyday kids enjoying outside play activities, and this with a broad diversity. Their smiles and determination radiate from every page, making the positive atmosphere impossible to miss. Young readers will be familiar with all or, at least, most of the activities and playground equipment. I can see them picturing themselves doing the same thing or recalling memories and experiences they enjoyed while playing outside. 

The text follows the photos and seems to grow in length and complication as the book goes on. But it's still well suited to the age group. It encourages and tries to bring across excitement with a bit of explanation. The photos, though, definitely carry this book

At the end of the book, there are hints and suggestion surrounding the possibilities for kids to play outside. Especially caretakers will enjoy this last part and possibly find ideas they want to incorporate themselves.

And here they are...

Pat Rumbaugh, affectionately known as “The Play Lady,” is the cofounder of Let’s Play America, an organization that brings play to all ages, everywhere. Pat has led two TED talks and conducted numerous interviews on the importance of play. She has encouraged all ages to play since she started her thirty-year career as a physical education teacher. In 2018, Pat received the Heisman Trophy of Play and the National Youth Development Award.

Daniel Nakamura, cofounder of Let’s Play America, took all of the sunshine-filled photographs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LET'S PLAY AMERICA AT:

https://www.letsplayamerica.org/

Songs from the Wood by Kelly Pawlik with Giveaway!

  

Songs From the Wood

Olympic Vista Chronicles Book 2

by Kelly Pawlik

YA Horror, SciFi

Delve into the mystery of the strange, small town of Olympic Vista, WA.

In the days following a foray into a dilapidated house, twelve-year-old Darius Belcouer becomes desperate to find another unexplained phenomenon to investigate.

When animal attacks around town are reported in the news, Darius and Adelaide band together to solve the mystery. The trail leads them into the forest beyond Adelaide’s house where the pair discover that much like the small town itself, nothing in the woods is as it seems.

An eager new kid, a deadpan music-lover, a fast-talking troublemaker, an anxious bookworm and a girl torn between popularity and adventure. Follow this group of friends as they delve into the mysteries of their small town while juggling the trials and tribulations of their home lives.

Songs from the Wood is the sequel to Yesterday’s Gone, and the second novella in the Olympic Vista Chornicles.

Praise for the author:
“Pawlik has a flare for writing about this period and I could truly visualize the eighties vibes through her description of music, fashion and even food.”

Pick up your copy today and join this motley group of friends as they journey into the strange!

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Yesterday's Gone

Olympic Vista Chronicles Book 1 

Delve into the mystery of the strange, small town of Olympic Vista, WA.

“Pawlik has a flare for writing about this period and I could truly visualize the eighties vibes through her description of music, fashion and even food.”

Book one of the Olympic Vista Chronicles follows Darius and Adelaide as they explore a house rumoured to be haunted. What they find is so much worse.

Darius Belcouer, a rich kid from Boston, moves to the strange, small town of Olympic Vista, Washington at the end of the summer of 1986.

Here he meets Adelaide and her friends. Eager to embrace his new life, Darius encourages them to help him explore a haunted house.

When the children discover government agents tasked with maintaining order in the chaos created by local scientists, they realize the house is only the beginning of the strange happenings.

An eager new kid, a deadpan music-lover, a fast-talking troublemaker, an anxious bookworm and a girl torn between popularity and adventure. Follow this group of friends as they delve into the mysteries of their small town while juggling the trials and tribulations of their home lives.

Yesterday’s Gone is the perfect quick read for those with a nostalgia for the 80s or who love a good kids-on-bikes story.

Praise for Yesterday's Gone:

“Nostalgic and highly readable.”

“Yesterday’s Gone is fast paced and the perfect weekend read!”

"It evokes the feeling of the eighties, bringing back some fond memories"

"A great poolside read that's impossible to put down"

"A throwback to the 80's"

Pick up your copy today and join this motley group of friends as they journey into the strange!

ABOUT OLYMPIC VISTA CHRONICLES

Everything twelve-year-old Adelaide Winter knows about her Washington state hometown is turned on its head when Darius Belcouer moves to Olympic Vista at the end of summer 1986.

The two become fast friends as they bond over the mystery of a local haunted house Darius wants to explore. The house, it turns out, is only the tip of the iceberg. They quickly discover the more they dig, the more they uncover, and the trail leads back to The Link, a research and development facility in town. Together, Adelaide and her friends delve into the strange occurrences around Olympic Vista.

A tale of horror, friendship, and coming of age in the late 1980s.

**Only .99 cents!!**

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Kelly Pawlik dabbled with story writing from a young age. She spent her childhood reading, dressing her beloved cat, Midnight, up in doll clothes and hunting garter snakes in the backyard. Her favourite cartoon as a child was Jem and she is proud to own the full box set of DVDs. Her childhood dream was to be an author and she is proud to be bringing characters to life with the Olympic Vista Chronicles.

Kelly is a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) writer and has released multiple RPG supplements with her husband under their micro-publishing company, Dire Rugrat Publishing. She has also contributed to several best-selling works with Kobold Press.

Kelly lives on Vancouver Island, BC with her husband, their three inquisitive children, and two lazy cats.

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Review: Wildfire! by Ashley Wolff

 

WILDFIRE!

by Ashley Wolff

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book

40 page

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

NOVEMBER 2nd!!!

With stunning, cinematic art, this fact-based picture book takes readers into the heart of a forest fire and shows how animals survive, how heroic first responders curb the flames, and how life gradually returns to the forest.

There is a flash. Then a crack. Bluejay spreads the news: “Firefirefire in the forest!”

There’s a wildfire on Spruce Mountain! High up in the Evergreen Tower, dispatcher Maria sees it, too. She calls on expert teams of pilots, smokejumpers, and firefighters to battle the blaze. Meanwhile, the animals of the forest, from bears to deer to turtles, take shelter from the smoke and flames.

Featuring detailed end matter about forest fires and firefighting techniques and tools, this timely picture book is perfect for anyone interested in firefighting and protecting our natural spaces.

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MY TIDBITS

 Nature's reaction to forest fires flows smoothly along firefighters' determined efforts, showing the awe and respect both sides deserve.

A fire has broken out in the forest. While the various animals follow their survival instincts to protect themselves as best they can, firefighters head out into the trees and battle the dangerous flames with never-ending determination.

Written with a poetic feel, these pages raise awareness to the impact forest fires have on the wildlife and the efforts firefighters go through to stop the flames. The author allows the tale to dance between nature and the firefighters, masterfully illustrating how both sides deal with the situation in their own ways, simultaneously. 

The book pays homage to firefighters and makes it clear that their work is dangerous and that their efforts deserve the upmost respect. While raising this awareness, the author also keeps the entire atmosphere from growing too tense for the intended age group. Various creatures of the forest are presented, and young listeners learn in a short phrase or two, how each species deals with the approaching flames. For example, the bear brings its cubs into the middle of the pond/river. It's never done with hectic but with a calmness, which balances out the angst. In these scenes, even the flames are kept out of the forefront of the picture, making sure the tension is balanced out.

The illustrations are lovely and bring across each scene clearly and with care. Even in the more dangerous scenes with the firefighters, these show the danger but never let it go overboard for the age group. This makes the illustrations as informative as the text and give something young listeners can explore on their own, as well.

The ending leaves a positive atmosphere. On the very last pages, there is a glossary and several more bits of information for those, who want to delve deeper into the topic.

And here she is...

Ashley Wolff lives in Vermont and is the author and illustrator of more than sixty books for children, including the modern classic Miss Bindergarten series by Joseph Slate, and her own celebrated Only the Cat Saw; Where, Oh Where, Is Baby Bear?; Baby Bear Counts One; and Baby Bear Sees Blue. Visit her at AshleyWolff.com.

Review: Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli

 

EDGEWOOD

by Kristen Ciccarelli

Wednesday Books

YA Fantasy

384 pages

COMING...

JANUARY 22nd, 2022!!!

Internationally bestselling author Kristen Ciccarelli weaves an epic love story of a girl forced to return to the home she's left behind in order to break a terrible curse

No matter how far she runs, the forest of Edgewood always comes for Emeline Lark. The scent of damp earth curls into her nose when she sings and moss creeps across the stage. It’s as if the woods of her childhood, shrouded in folklore and tall tales, are trying to reclaim her. But Emeline has no patience for silly superstitions.

When she learns her grandfather disappeared from his nursing home, leaving only a milky orb in his wake, the stories Emeline has always scoffed at suddenly seem less foolish. After searching for him almost everywhere, Emeline finally succumbs to the call of Edgewood, entering the forest she has spent years trying to escape.

Emeline finds herself in the court of the fabled Wood King himself. She makes a deal—her voice for her grandfather’s freedom. Little does she know, she’s stumbled into the middle of a curse much bigger than herself, one that threatens the existence of a life she has worked so hard to forget.

With the help of a handsome and brooding tithe collector, a surly blacksmith, and a lost childhood friend, Emeline sets out to not only save her grandfather’s life, but to right past wrongs, and in the process, discover her true voice.

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MY TIDBITS

Mossy forests, an evil witch, a Wood King, music and a curse, which threatens to destroy it all...this one is rich with fantasy and and a vivid world.

Emeline is finally about to reach her goal of becoming a famous singer, and that despite the woods, which only she sees, sprouting around her when she sings...one that brings troubles. When her grandfather disappears from the retirement home, she's forced to return to the town she wanted nothing more to do with because she refuses to believe that the folklore surrounding it truly exists. But when a search for her grandfather has her facing the deadly creatures, she finally gives into the truth and realizes she must seek out the Wood King, she always believed to be a myth. He has her grandfather but will only release him for an exchange...one that ties her to the kingdom for the rest of her life. That's if she survives.

The world grows and expands off the page, drawing in with magic and wonderment. The scenes are well depicted, and that without long paragraphs of descriptions. Rather, the pacing remains steady and increases as the tale moves along in a hard-to-guess adventure. While some moments are predictable, most are impossible to see coming, and this is what holds the reader in the pages until the end.

This is a rich fantasy, which starts out in the modern day world, and then, dives into the realm of myth and folklore. It gave a chance for Emeline to gain a bit of personality and background, which does make her easier to connect with before the ember horses and shadow creatures appear. There were a couple hazed areas in some of the connections and logic, but when the rest of the story unfolds, this becomes unimportant. Emeline is easy to root for, and her determination is inspiring the entire way through.

While battling evil witches, dragons, curses, an insane king and sly court members, Emeline also has a lot of character arc as she needs to discover who she truly is. This involves a romance...which I thought would be more epic than it is. It all leads to an unexpected and lovely ending, which rounds off the entire to create a wonderful fantasy in one book.

And here she is...

KRISTEN CICCARELLI grew up on her grandfather’s grape farm where she spent her childhood running through his vineyards and adventuring in the deep, dark woods behind his house. She now resides in a blustery seaside cove on a misty island in the North Atlantic. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking in the headlands with her dog, playing board games with her husband, or sipping tea by the wood stove. She is also the author of the internationally bestselling Iskari series.

What's Coming in October?

With October comes Halloween! So, of course, I have more than a couple books scheduled to celebrate. Spooks, creepy mysteries, haunts, and a bit of paranormal fun and giggles, too. But this isn't all...(is it ever?)

Adventure, wholesome contemporary tales, deep thoughts, and even a few nonfiction books are stacked in this month's pile. And, unlike last month, I have an even spread of picture books for the youngest, middle grade reads, and young adult novels. 

It's going to be a reading trick-or-treat!

EDGEWOOD

What better way to head into a month of dark creatures and even darker magic then with a book about a curse? This one embraces the love for a grandfather, fantastical creatures, and the threat of everything being destroyed. Plus, it's from an international bestselling author. Dive in with me on the 3rd.

Young Adult Fantasy

THE ORPHAN WITCH

What would October be without a witch tale? This one is about an orphan, who doesn't understand why strange things always happen around her. It involves curses, family feuds, and packs a bit of romance, too. Discover more with me on the 5th.

Young Adult Urban Fantasy

WHEN CAN WE GO BACK TO AMERICA?

With a collection of more than 130 thoughts from various young adults during the Japanese Incarceration from WWII, this is a book packed with history and emotion. It's also said to be a celebration of freedom and what it truly means to be an American. I'm looking forward to sinking into the past and will tell all on the 11th.

Young Adult Nonfiction

VAMPENGUIN

There's no way I'd forget my youngest readers this month. The idea of a penguin and vampire swapping places caught my attention right away. Find out more about the fun wrapped up in this one on the 13th.

Picture Book

STUNTBOY, IN THE MEANTIME

What's life without superheroes? And this one just happens to come from one of my more favorite authors. Of course, this isn't any ordinary superhero tale, either. It's one about a superhero, whose power centers on making sure other superheroes remain super. Curious? I sure am. Find out more on the 14th.

Middle Grade Superhero Fiction

IGNATIUS AND THE SWORDS OF NOSTAW

Time travel weaves around a teen boy, who, in modern day life, isn't exactly special. But whenever he's dragged back into the medieval period, he finds himself facing horrible dangers and becomes a true hero. It's supposed to be action-packed and filled with fantasy. Check it out with me on the 18th.

Young Adult Fantasy

DIARY OF AN 8 BIT WARRIOR: AN OMINOUS THREAT

I read the first book in this graphic novel series a few months ago and enjoyed it quite a bit. So, of course, I was thrilled to get my hands on the second one. (I know a boy, who will be excited about this one, too). Let's have some fun on the 20th!

Middle Grade Science Fiction / Graphic Novel

BETWEEN DARK AND LIGHT: THE OLD PERSON CURSE

This is the first in a new horror series for middle graders. I'm wondering if it will be a bit like a Goosebumps read or take a different direction. In any case, it looked perfect for an October read. So, experience chills and thrills with me on the 22nd.

Middle Grade Horror

BONE TREE

If this one doesn't scream spooky, than I don't know what would. It deals with friendship and, obviously, all sorts of creepy things, which go bump in the night. Plus, there should be a perfect amount of humor and heart. I'm looking forward to discovering what is under this tree on the 24th.

Middle Grade Paranormal

KNOCK KNOCK, TRICK OR TREAT!

This one looked so cute that I had to get my hands on it! It's a board book for the youngest and full of flapping, open fun. But I'm still hooked on the adorable! Trick or treat with me on the 27th.

Board Book

RIPPED AWAY

The title already hints at the theme: Jack the Ripper. Yep, we're taking an historical twist, while keeping mystery and tension high. It sweeps modern day teens back into Victorian London and places them right in the middle of the famous murder spree. Find out more on the 29th.

Young Adult Historical Fantasy

Of course, this month also has a Joker Read...and what a read it is! I was excited to get my hands on an ARC. I mean, isn't that cover amazingly catching? If only I knew, which date I was going to share this one with you. 

GOOD GIRLS DIE FIRST

Talk about goose bumps pure! This read centers around an abandoned amusement park, ten teens with horrible secrets, betrayal, and a fog, which encompasses them all. If that isn't perfect for Halloween, I'm not sure what is.

Young Adult Thriller