Today's read... Loveykins by Quentin Blake

Today's read hits two directions of time. What does that mean? Well, this book was first released back in 2002 and has done very well (the author is also a much appreciated illustrator, so no surprise there).  Now, it's being re-released through Candlewick Press. So, theoretically, you can get your hands on a copy or, maybe, find it at a library...or you can enjoy the early excitement for the latest, upcoming edition. 

Either way, I haven't read it yet. so when I ran across it, I had to take a peek. 

LOVEYKINS

by Quentin Blake

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

DECEMBER!!!

When Angela Bowling rescues a baby bird after a storm, she finds her very own Loveykins.

Following a blustery night, Angela Bowling finds a baby bird blown out of his nest. She names him Augustus, and he quickly becomes more to her than just a bird to be looked after. He's her little Loveykins.

But Augustus is growing larger and rounder and soon requires a special garden shed to house him. He seems content enough . . . until another night brings even stronger winds.

From the UK's first Children's Laureate, this droll tale about the improbable friendship between a determined, eccentric matron and a young bird is classic Quentin Blake. With his quirky, humorous watercolors and his distinctive storytelling style, Blake gives readers a charming and sensitive treatment of the issues of loving and letting go.

PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Whimsical meets touching with a pinch of silliness in a read which makes the heart fly.

Angela Bowling is out for a walk, when she discovers a baby bird on the ground. Of course, she's determined to save it and takes it home, where she keeps it warm inside of scarves and quilts, and feeds it only the most delicious foods. They head out for walks together with a new stroller, greet friends, and enjoy each other's company...more or less. When the bird grows too large for the stroller and basket it's been living in, she builds it a shed, and then, things take an interesting turn.

There's such a lovely balance between heart and humor as well as illustration and text. It holds a nice, short story, perfect for story-time and follows an older lady as she adopts a baby bird. The text flows smoothly with a more traditional tale atmosphere, while weaving in dabs of subtle silliness, which will catch listeners' attentions. 'Huh's', comments, giggles, and snorts are sure to sound as quirky details mold right in with the slightly-odd characters. There's sense in nonsense, and it creates a fun read from beginning to end.

Among the silly-seriousness, there is a message of forming friendships and letting go, which leaves off on a nice note. Animal fans will wonder about Bowling's care of the bird, which can open up to a bit of discussion, but this one is all about fun and is sure to become a reading favorite. But then, it already is.

And here he is...

Sir Quentin Blake is one of the world’s foremost illustrators, particularly renowned for his collaboration with writers such as Russell Hoban, Michael Rosen, Joan Aiken, and Roald Dahl. His books have won numerous awards, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration. In 1999 he was appointed the first UK Children’s Laureate, in 2005 he was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), in 2013 he received a knighthood for his services to illustration, and in 2023 he was made a Companion of Honor. He lives in South West London.

Happy Book Birthday, All of Those Babies by Mylisa Larsen!

ALL OF THOSE BABIES

by Mylisa Larsen

Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

Beach Lane Book

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 3 to 7

COMING...

FEBRUARY 6th!!!

Come meet babies across the animal kingdom and learn their adorable names in this bouncy, rhyming picture book celebration of how—no matter what species—everyone grows!

Puffins have pufflings, porcupines have porcupettes, and echidnas have…puggles?! All these babies start out little, and then, just like humans, they grow and grow and grow. Featuring dozens of different animals, all adorably illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, this book is a vibrant celebration of little ones, growing, and love.

GOODREADS   /   PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Cute, sweet, and adorable with something to learn and even a bit of humor, too.

These pages are all about animals, ones well-known and lesse- known, too. Each page introduces a few, parents (mother, father or both) with their babies. The playful and rhyming text highlights each species and uses the term used for the animal's babies—puffins have puffling, wombats joeys, and many more. Every few pages, a repeated phrase about growing takes over. At the end, the book shifts the focus to include young, human children and ends in a warming, satisfying way.

The illustrations bring across each animal in an adorable way, give them personality, bring across a very positive atmosphere, and make each one recognizable, too. It's a smorgasborg for animal fans, and will draw more than a few awwws with the cute babies. The text is kept very short but still introduces the animals and the names of their babies, making it great even for impatient listeners. A catch phrase enables readers/listeners to join in every few pages, which adds an extra dab of fun. Young listeners aren't the only ones who will learn something, since adult readers will, most likely, not know all of the terms, either. 

Not only is this a cute read, but it offers a sense of security and belonging. The animals are shown in loving scenes, and when this switches to human babies, it draws a smile. It's a wholesome read and even works well as a bedtime tale, since it is calming and radiates care and love. I do see this one as gaining an 'again' and becoming a snuggle-time favorite.

And here they are...

Mylisa Larsen was born in Idaho, has lived in eight states and two countries, and currently resides in upstate New York with her family. She is the author of several picture books, including How to Put Your Parents to Bed and All of Those Babies, and the novel Playing Through the Turnaround. Visit her at MylisaLarsen.com. 

Stephanie Laberis is a California-based artist and Rhode Island School of Design alumna. Her childhood spent in the woods of New England sparked her love for animals and the natural world and still inspires her artwork. She is the illustrator of many picture books, including All of Those Babies by Mylisa Larsen; Fur, Feather, Fin: All of Us Are Kin by Diane Lang; and the Grumpy Cat Little Golden Book series. When she’s not drawing, Steph volunteers at her local wildlife hospital or spends quality time with her beloved cats, rats, and mice. Visit her at StephLaberis.Squarespace.com.

Today's read... The Wild and Free Adventures of Velzy and Fin Going Surfing by Marlee Mason

Although we're still in Winter, my daughter is already beach-dreaming. Today's read follows a boy and his dog, who enjoy surfing...and that sounded fun enough to catch my attention. I'm trying to think if I've ever seen a picture book only about surfing before....hmmmm. Do you know of any?

THE WILD & FREE ADVENTURES OF VELZY & FIN GOING SURFING

by Marlee Mason

Illustrated by Stewart Maxcy

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 4 to 7

Join Velzy and Fin on their wild and free adventure going surfing in tropical paradise! The two best friends take your little surfer along for epic day full of sunshine and shakas, but when Velzy has a wipe out, Fin teaches him the importance of resilience, bravery and having a positive mindset in both surfing and in life. So come along for a epic day out in the waves with Velzy and Fin!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Catching waves is a family affair with splashes and fun and lots of sun.

The entire family is hitting the waves, and Velzy and Fin can't wait to get out on their surfboards, too. The weather is fantastic, the waves are rolling in, and the day is perfect...until Velzy wipes out and goes into the water head-first. Fin, the best dog friend ever, might just have a way to make sure Velzy doesn't lose his courage to try again.

Little surfers are sure to enjoy this one and want to hop into the ocean right along with the two friends. Most of the read takes place on the water and lets the fun atmosphere come across clearly. Even the parents are involved in the activity, which adds a nice touch. Of course, the friendship between Velzy and Fin is golden. Fin, the dog, does touch on a dab of fantasy as he rides the boards and speaks with Velzy, but all of this works very well.

The illustrations are colorful but hold slightly dimmed tones, reminding of the sunny bleaching with pastels. The scenes bring across the emotions well and let the enjoyment of being out on the water radiate from the page. The text is large enough to make for an easy read-aloud. The book is written in rhyme, which flows fine, for the most part. 

While the joy of surfing stays front and center, friendship and family aren't far behind. A message about not giving up and trying again rings toward the end to round everything off into a wholesome read.

 

Today's read... Treasonous Tycoon by M.M. Downing and S.J. Waugh

Today's read is one that I've had in my pile for several months, and I've been excited to finally open it up and take a peek. Since it's coming out early March, I fought myself not to dive in sooner. This one is the second in a series and promises to pack tons of excitement...telling by that cover. It's also historically set in the 1930's, which is another bonus. Plus, it received a rave review from Kirkus. 

So, let's dive in and see what it holds!

TREASONOUS TYCOON

The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Two

by M.M. Downing & S.J. Waugh

Fitzroy Books

Middle Grade Historical Adventure

209 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING...

MARCH 5th!!!

Where is the Flash Gang? Pittsburgh’ s most notorious thieves haven’ t struck for a year, not since a devastating fire resulted in the supposed death of two streeters. Pearl and Lewis— along with their pals, Duck and Mac— are alive and well, just in hiding. But now, their hideout is crumbling under the relentless rain. It’ s been a winter of bitter winds and slim pickings, and their friendship is starting to fray. To make matters worse, streeters are disappearing. Are they skipping town or is something more nefarious afoot? When one of their own vanishes, the gang goes all out to unravel the mystery, which once again points to enemy #1: the steel tycoon who had Lewis’ s father killed. But Pittsburgh is flooding and the tycoon’ s plans are in motion. If they want to save their friends, they’ re running out of time.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Living on the streets in the late 1930's isn't only hard, it's a non-stop adventure with thieves, missing orphans, and evil intrigue.

Lewis  and his best friend, Pearl, are dead...or so one of the most notorious criminals in Pittsburgh believes. Since the entire Flash Gang survived by the skin of their teeth, they're trying their best not to draw attention...which means no more secret explosions of light. Without the help of the flashes, their ability to nab food and to find information to put the criminal, who killed Lewis' father,. behind bars has suffered. When one their own members disappears, they stumble across what might be another scheme of the criminal organization. And this time, all of their lives are in danger.

I did not read the first book in this series, which proved not to be too much of a problem. While incidents from the first adventure are mentioned and the story builds from one book to the next, the author makes sure to sneak in enough information to give readers a pretty good handle on what's going on. I do, however, recommend reading this as a series, since the adventure is written as such.

The streets of the late 1930's in Pittsburgh set the stage for this fast-paced adventure. The Flash Gang is a small group of streetlers, who pinch (steal) to survive but help others where they can. They're a fun, kind, and lively bunch of friends, and each has their own talents and quirks. The historical setting comes through nicely, and while the problems the kids face in every day life isn't hidden, the tale doesn't concentrate on that aspect. Instead, these issues slide in naturally, giving the world vividness and depth without obvious descriptions.  

It's the mystery and adventure, which drive this read forward. The clues steadily stream in, but these aren't easy to decipher...not that there's much time spent on the contemplation as the dangerous situations keep the heroes on their toes. There's quite a bit of action and tension to make to a fast-paced read the entire way through. Then, there's the characters, who aren't only dealing with the mystery and danger but also deal with issues surrounding trust and loyalty. Add a fitting sprinkle of humor, especially from Pearl's side, and it's a very balanced read with lots to enjoy. 

 

Today's read... Nose Jobs, Hair Dye, and Other Ways to Fake Your Death by Natalie Tay

Today's read is one I picked up as a Free read from a book group's (can't remember which one) special listing. There were quite a few on their list, and I was determined to keep my selection down to 1 or 2 because I really try to keep my reading lists at a manageable level...meaning I will get to most of them withing the next half year or so. While it was a very hard choice...as a cover girl, I was tempted by so many fun ones...and yet, I kept glancing back at this title. I didn't even read the blurb, when I picked it up. Now, that I've read that, too, I'm really hoping this will thrill the action fan in me and be an entertaining read.

NOSE JOBS, HAIR DYE, AND OTHER WAYS TO FAKE YOUR DEATH

buy Natalie Tay

YA Mystery Thriller  /  

Spy Adventure

264 pages

Death changes a person... Especially when their death is faked.

When your father happens to be the next Presidential hopeful, flying under the radar is about as easy as scaling a twenty-story glass building in broad daylight. Even if I was mostly in the background, staying in Dad’s spotlight would make my ambition of becoming a spy difficult at best. And he didn’t want to be the one to take away my dreams.

The plan was to fake my death a month after he announced his candidacy, but everything changed when I didn't make it home for winter break.

They insisted it was a car crash, but that didn't explain the gunshot wounds in my chest. Or why Dad said it was best to let people think that I was dead.

Six weeks and eight surgeries later, I was back at school. New name, new face, and a couple hundred classmates still mourning my death. I thought it would be easy to adopt the new identity, especially since I’d spent the last three and a half years at a special high school run by the Department of Defense.

But no amount of training could have prepared me for this.

After all, I still had to figure out who killed me.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

High-stakes, deadly secrets, and an internship at the FBI spike the tension and keep this read grabbing all the way to the unexpected twist at the end.

Kat's the new girl and three weeks late into the Semester...but not really. As the daughter of the next Presidential hopeful, she's spent her life in the lime light, which also makes her dream career in the CIA as a spy difficult. Her death changed everything. An attack she can't remember lead to massive plastic surgery, and now, she's born again, safe but having to start a new life while being reminded of her old one. Except her killers were never caught, and while they might not know who she is, their goals haven't changed. Plus, she really wants revenge.

With the whispers of an academy read, it remains so much more and doesn't slip into the cliches of that trope. Instead, it offers the backdrop to root her teen life as she already spreads her wings toward what awaits after graduation. Although this is an action novel, Kat's character carries more depth than first appears. She not only struggles with the slow recovery of the memories of the attack (a very brutal one) and constantly faces who she was before but recognizes the shift in her own perception of the world around her. Plus, there's an interesting play of redefining who she is. While none of this propels into deep moments chucked full with wisdom, it gives Kat more substance with problems and scars.

Then, there's the mystery and action. It grabs on every page and makes sure there's never the blink of a boring moment. Some clues are a bit easy, but that doesn't bother as the read smoothly flows from one sticky situation to the next. It's light, doesn't take tons of need for thought, and entertaining. I did read it in one go and couldn't put it down. 

There is romance, which worked fine, but I wished it didn't get quite as much page time as it did, since the story didn't really need it. Plus, some of the other characters missed a little depth. But none of this bothered, either, as the book flows very well for a light, exciting read. 

For readers wanting a fun read with action, tension, danger, some girl power, a bit of romance, and criminal chasing atmosphere, this is one worth taking a look at.