Tuggoat by Kersten Hamilton

I saw today's cover and wondered how in the world this would even work. We've had goats, and they weren't as easy to care for as cattle. Plus, they ate all of my flowers whenever they escaped, and they are clever creates. I do find the cute, though. Especially from a distance. My brother and his wife have raised goats for decades, and it's fun to see them grazing and playing around on the pasture. They can do amazing things and should never be underestimated. But a tuggoat?

Hmm...I'm definitely curious to see where this one goes.

TUGGOAT

by Kersten Hamilton

Illustrated by Adriane Tsai

Beaming Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 28th!!!

Kids will giggle with joy at Cordelia the goat's antics in this whimsical tale about self-confidence, empathy, and never backing down from big dreams.

Cordelia is not like other goats. While others gambol on the hill and nibble on interesting things, she looks out with longing at the tugboats in the bay. Cordelia may be a goat, but she wants to be a tugboat. And she's going to be a tugboat--a tuggoat--no matter what anybody tells her! Even if the world doesn't believe in her, Cordelia knows exactly who she is.

With plenty of heart and lots of laughs, Cordelia's story will inspire readers to be themselves, no matter what other people say. Sometimes that means extending a helping hand--or hoof--to the ones who doubt you. Tuggoat reminds kids that anything is possible when you believe in yourself.

GOODREADS    /     BEAMING BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

Never underestimate a goat, especially a tuggoat who is determined to accomplish its goals and knows how to have fun along the way.

Cordelia loves to gaze at the tugboats in the bay at the foot of the grassy hill. She dreams of being a tuggoat and decides it's time to give it a try. When she runs across a tire with a rope attached, she finally has her chance to show what she can do. Tugging her best friend around the barnyard is so much more fun than she ever expected, but the other goat won't just let her be and constantly criticizes her every effort. Still, Cordelia isn't about to give up her dream.

Giggles and smiles are sure to come during this cute tale. Cordelia is such a fun goat, which becomes clear with even the very first scene. She's sitting straight up on a hill right next to her best friend, a small pig, as they watch the boats in the bay below, while the other goats behave like normal goats around her. This tight balance on the border between realistic and fantasy holds throughout the read and gives it an interesting atmosphere. But then, the entire read doesn't head quite where a person might think, and the reactions from other characters even surprise...in a good way.

The story flows well and holds quite a bit of humor. Cordelia is an active goat, and her pig friend is ready to join right in. This fun slams against the more serious goats to work in a dual message surrounding the importance of helping others as well as the golden lining life holds, when we don't take everything overly seriously. If this read felt like it was heading into a serious message direction toward the end, the author quickly shifts gears to make sure the fun holds strong. 

It's a lovely read for story times and I think readers might even hope to see this goat again in future reads.

And here they are...

Kersten Hamilton is a critically acclaimed author of books for toddlers, teens, and all people in between. She is the author of Red Truck, which received a starred review from Booklist, First Friend: How Dogs Evolved from Wolves to Become Our Best Friends, and the YA novel In the Forests of the Night, among many other books for children and teens. She currently lives in New Mexico

Adriane Tsai is a Taiwanese American illustrator from Southern California. As someone who has wanted to be an artist since childhood, she encourages everyone that they can acieve their biggest dreams. 

Wrath of the Rain God by Karla Arenas Valenti

I'm excited about today's read because it happens to come from a writer I worked with years ago. I'm so happy to seeing her works appearing, and each one looks exciting, too! This is the first in a brand new series for middle graders, which circles around Mexican legends. I curious to see where it heads, so let's dive in!

WRATH OF THE RAIN GOD

Legendarios, Book 1

by Karla Arenas Valenti

Illustrated by Vanessa Morales

Aladdin

Middle Grade Fantasy

144 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

APRIL 16th!!!

Twins coping with moving to a new city get swept back in time by a magical book in this first book in the Legendarios chapter book series that’s Magic Tree House meets Heroes in Training!

Nine-year-old twins, Emma and Martín, couldn’t be more different in their personalities, interests, and even their looks. But one thing they absolutely agree on is that moving from Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Illinois is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, they’re not given a choice when their dad lands his dream job as a middle school principal in Chicago. To help the twins stay connected to their Mexican heritage, their abuela gifts them a book of Mexican legends. The book turns out to be more than a going away present…it’s a magical item that transports them directly into the legends!

In the first legend, Emma and Martín encounter Tlaloc, the god of rain. Tlaloc is angry because his lightning bolt has been stolen, and his rage is manifesting as a torrential downpour over the ancient city of Texcoco. The rain won’t stop until the lightning bolt has been returned, so Emma and Martín set out to recover it.

Will they find Tlaloc’s bolt in time to help the people of Texcoco save their home? Or will the wrath of the rain god mark the end of this legendary city?

GOODREADS    /    SIMON & SCHUSTER

MY TIDBITS

There's little room for boredom as the tale heads from one difficult situation to the next, while throwing in insights into Mexican legends and myths.

Twins Emma and Martin are as different as different could be, which can cause tensions, but that's nothing to what they are now facing. When their father lands a dream job in Chicago, that means moving away from their beloved home in Mexico to the United States. To help them keep their ties to Mexico, their abuela gives them a book over Mexican legends. Soon, the twins discover it's actually magical. The book takes them to ancient Texcoco, where the lightning bolt has been stolen from the god of rain. He refuses to stop the heavy rainfall until his bolt is returned, and somehow, the twins need to accomplish this or history will see the end of Texcoco and be radically altered.

This is an exciting beginning to what promises to be a fun series. The twins make a wonderful duo and a pair of heroes, who are easy to connect with and root for. There is little depth to the characters, allowing the plot to push every page forward. The tale races along, making sure something is always happening. The book seems to aim more for the lower end of the middle grade audience and offers a buffer between shorter chapter books and deeper middle grade novels. This makes it a lovely read even for more reluctant readers.

Mexican legends come to life in a fun and adventurous way. While readers learn a bit about history and legends, it's kept light. Descriptions are held to a minimum, which fits well to this younger audience, and while a little more would have added richness, the balance keeps the tale entertaining. There are also nods to a thief, which promises much more to come and adds a clever way to bond the series. It will be fun to see where the twins head next.

And here they are...

Karla Arenas Valenti grew up in Mexico, a land of great myths and many legends. From a very young age, she loved getting lost in stories (and, in fact, she considers herself the very first Legendario). As a grown-up, she still loves getting lost in stories and is now creating adventures for readers to do the same. In addition to chapter books, Karla is the author of many picture books and middle grade novels. She currently lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. 

Vanessa Morales is a Mexican illustrator, kid lit artist, and concept artist with a deep love for portraying nature, fantasy, and daily life with a touch of magic. She has been working in different fields of illustration for almost ten years.

Look by Gabi Snyder

LOOK

by Gabi Snyder

Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 16th!!!

In the tradition of Tomie dePaola’s Quiet , this lyrical, timely picture book with beautiful diorama illustrations shows that if you really look, you never know what the world might give you to see.

The natural world is full of patterns to enjoy for those who can ground themselves, be mindful, and truly see.

GOODREADS    /    SIMON & SCHUSTER

MY TIDBITS

Patterns pop out in a new way, creating a different view of the world around us.

Following the day of a child and mother, this book encourages readers to stop and take a look at the world around them. Starting with the simple shadow from the back of a chair, each page leads further into the realm of patterns. From gardens to animals to stores and more, patterns are discovered everywhere. 

Readers are directly addressed and encouraged, step-by-step, to gaze at their surroundings and discover various patterns. The text holds a playful, lyrical atmosphere as it suggests various places where patterns can be found. It fits the intended audience nicely and does make a nice read-aloud, but for group readings, it is important to have the illustrations very visible, since it's these which make this read hit home.

With a 3-D feel of texture and patterns, each page offers quite a bit to gaze at. I was surprised at how well suited this art style is for the purpose. The scenes are familiar, enticing readers to search in their own lives for patterns after the book is set down, but the scenes offer tons of seeking possibilities, too. It's fun to search through each one and not only discover the pattern mentioned in the text but see if others are visible as well. 

This does a nice job at demonstrating how patterns are found even in unexpected ways and places. It never grows dull or monotonous but keeps expanding the variety, inspiring to immediately go on a search when the book is done. The last pages do hold a bit of information about some pattern types and offer ideas on seeking and creating patterns as an extra activity. 

If nothing else, it is enjoyable simply to flip through the illustrations again and again and enjoy each and every scene.

And here they are...

Gabi Snyder is the author of several picture books, including Two Dogs on a Trike, Listen, Today, and Look. She studied psychology at the University of Washington and creative writing at The University of Texas and is a member of SCBWI. When she’s not writing, she loves taking nature walks, visiting Little Free Libraries, and baking sweet treats. She lives in Oregon with her family. Learn more at GabiSnyder.com.

Samantha Cotterill has written and illustrated many popular books for children, including the Little Senses series, Thankful by Elaine Vickers, A Grand Day by Jean Reidy, Look by Gabi Snyder, Jinx and the Doom Fight Crime! by Lisa Mantchev, and Just Add Glitter by Angela DiTerlizzi, which The New York Times called “a sparkle of genius.” Samantha lives with her family in upstate New York. Learn more at SamanthaCotterill.com. 

The Road That Weaves and Bends by Caroline L. Thornton

I'm heading back into poetry and prose with today's read. I'm always very critical when it comes to this lyrical form. So, I'm hoping this one impresses, but after a very quick glance at one or two illustrations, I have a feeling it will be worth a read.

So, let's take a peek.

THE ROAD THAT WEAVES AND BENDS

by Caroline L. Thornton

Illustrated by Leo J.

Children Poetry

48 pages

ages 5 to 10

A beautiful tale about the ups and downs of life. We all need reassurance now and then and to know that we're not alone. This book reminds us that life is a journey marked by laughter and tears, hope and frustration, happiness and sadness. That life is a road that weaves and bends.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Beautiful illustrations combine with flowing prose to follow the ups and downs of life and the emotions that come with it.

These pages are filled with encouragement and inspiration, and speak to the reader directly. It's broken down into three parts. The first one expresses individuality and the positive aspects surrounding living. This offers warming thoughts, familiar situations, and shows the joys every day moments alone and with others can bring. The second embraces the title and explores various problems and bumps, while offering words of encouragement. It gives support, doesn't brush such problems off, but illustrates how these are part of a path, don't mean the end, and strengthen/enrich the journey. These are done with care and concern, and gently handle the theme in an uplifting manner. The last section gives words of wisdom about taking things with patience and realizing that every step is part of a learning process.

There is quite a bit of depth and words of wisdom, and this comes across nicely in the prose form. The author keeps the text lovely but short, making it appropriate for the age group. The thoughts fit a wide span of ages and something will connect with most readers, thanks to the overreaching theme. 

While the text carries the meaning, the illustrations make this one well worth a peek. These are very well done and bring across a wonderful atmosphere with each page. This is what will grab readers and make them want to pick it up and glace through it again and again. It's a treat to sink into these, one by one, and get lost in the scenes.

There are many wise words, which will ring true and offer encouragement to those readers, who let things sink in. It's also a lovely addition to a look at poetry and prose, or works nicely as a calming read for more quiet moments. 

Student's Literary Toolkit edited by Charlotte Fiehn

I'm sliding in my Joker Read today and taking a peek at something for students, teachers, and homeschoolers. This is a collection of three, well-known short stories with questions to help students strengthen their literary analysis skills. As a homeschooling mom with my student now at the high school levels, this caught my interest...I'm always on the look out for good teaching material. It's not as easy to find as a person might think!

So, let's see what this workbook holds and find out exactly what it does. After all, each student is different and it's important to know if something will really work for what is needed.

 

STUDENT'S LITERARY TOOLKIT

The Most Dangerous Game

The Story of an Hour

The Garden Party

edited by Charlotte Fiehn

CAEZIK Academic

English Literature Workbook

Young Adult

207 pages

COMING...

APRIL 30th!!!

This fully annotated anthology is a meticulously curated guide that serves as an indispensable and convenient resource for students and teachers. The combination of annotated texts of these classic stories with additional aids including detailed explanations and incisive critical essays will greatly aid students in their journey through literary analysis. Each story has been thoughtfully chosen to address specific themes and concepts that are vital to literary studies, ensuring that students not only enjoy the narratives but also gain a profound understanding of their significance in the world of literature. 

The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Edward Connell Jr — This story is a cornerstone in literature education. By diving into themes of morality, empathy, and survival, it offers students the perfect platform to hone their skills in character analysis and situational ethics. The gripping narrative draws students in, challenging them to think critically about human nature and the complexities of morality. Its timeless relevance ensures that it remains a topic of vital discussions in classrooms, enabling students to connect with and reflect on profound ethical questions. 

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin—This tale is a powerful lens through which students can explore the intricate dynamics of women's roles and personal freedoms in the 19th century. As a landmark piece of feminist literature, it serves as an invaluable springboard for discussions on gender, societal norms, and the essence of individual identity. By engaging with this narrative, students are encouraged to think analytically about the societal constructs of their time and the timeless challenges of self-definition.

The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield— Beyond its captivating narrative, this story is a treasure trove of themes that are pivotal for comprehensive literature studies. By delving into topics of class distinction, mortality, and self-realization, it offers students a unique opportunity to dissect social constructs and ponder the intricacies of the human condition. As students navigate this narrative, they are propelled to think deeply about society's layered structures and the profound questions of life and identity. 

With this anthology in their hands, students are equipped with the tools they need to embark on a rich and rewarding literary journey, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling and its profound impact on intellectual growth.

GOODREADS    /      AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

With three, well-chosen short stories, this workbook guides students through literary analysis, centering on themes, characters, and vocabulary.

The three tales in this collection hit a variety of themes, lengths, and styles, offering a nice spread of directions for students to work through. Each story is included in the workbook in its entirety. Each tale is then followed by around eight questions surrounding themes, author's intentions, and so forth, with enough space for a paragraph or two answer. Next, there is a section for vocabulary. The students are to locate chosen words in the text, write the meaning as taken from the text, and then, write the dictionary definition. After this, each word is to be placed on a semantic map, which allows a little more creativity to help strengthen the memory as well as gain greater insight into the importance of these words in the text. After that, comes the character analysis of the main characters, each of which contains several pages of questions to dive deeper into those as well. Finally, there's one last, longer essay question to dig deep into the theme with ten, lined pages to insure enough space for even lengthy answers.

For teachers (or to help self-study), there's a section which holds background information for each story, character insights, vocabulary definitions, a sample essay for each ending essay, and one sematic map example to help students understand the exercise. 

So, this is a well-rounded workbook with everything included. 

I do enjoy the choice of tales and find the selections nice for the purpose. There is an empty sidebar along each tale, allowing space for student notes. The questions following each tale are very in-depth and help develop needed inquiry skills, especially if students are planning to head into higher education. These aren't for lower English levels, and I'd recommend them more for 11th or 12th grade English levels as they do require quite a bit of analysis and thought. The heavy emphasis on writing will fit better to some students than others and does offer quite a bit of writing practice. The teacher information for each story is short but gives the necessary foundation for most of the questions. The answers to the questions, however, are not included.

The vocabulary section is well done, and I was especially glad to see that it weaves in how certain words play along with meaning and symbolism. There is a concentration on connotation versus denotation, which gets those brain gears turning. I would have liked to have closer reference to where each word was found in the text, since it does require extra searching to locate each one.

At the very end of the book, there is a list of end notes, which were notated during each story. These offer nice insights, which are very helpful and interesting. I do wish these were placed at the end of each story, or better yet, as footnotes during the tales, rather than a compiled list at the end of the book. This does cause unnecessary flipping and searching, but it isn't a true problem, either.

This workbook includes many essays and questions for students to get a good hold on literary analysis and does offer deeper questions and opportunities to enhance those writing skills. While advertised for eighth grade and up, I'd recommend this one more advanced English inquiry and those who don't mind essay writing.