Today's read... Aven Green Soccer Machine by Dusti Bowling

Today's read hit the shelves around two weeks ago and is the third in a series of chapter books, which I've actually read up to this point. We're now at book four of this fun character from the original series, Life of a Cactus, and her energy is always a treat. Let's see what this girl is up to this time!

AVEN GREEN SOCCER MACHINE

Aven Green #3

by Dusti Bowling

Illustrated by Gina Perry

Union Square Kids

Chapter Book

112 pages

ages 6 to 8

Aven Green, the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling’s Life of a Cactus series, marches to her own beat in this hilarious, upbeat, and unforgettable chapter book. 

Third-grader Aven Green is an expert soccer player. She even has her own top secret moves! But when her friend Sujata joins the team, Aven has a hard time learning to help the new player shine. When the time comes to choose a new team captain, will Aven learn to share the spotlight and understand what it means to be a team player?

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N  

MY TIDBITS

Aven Green has found her sport and brings enthusiasm while weaving the world of sportsmanship and friendship.

Aven is very good at soccer, and with her dad as the team's coach, is ready to take on the next seasons...if they had enough players. With a few new openings, she's thrilled when her more quiet friend decides to join the team. Soon, they're practicing and having tons of fun, but when it's announced that, this year, a team captain is going to be chosen, the competition goes up a notch and might bring problems with it.

I have read the first books in this series and enjoy Aven's spunk and energy. She's always a force to be reckoned with and carries a positive attitude as well. This book heads into her favorite sport, which was a nice following to the instrumental theme of book two...a wide variety! The plot changes up a bit as she's not diving into this activity for the first time, but rather already excels as her lack of arms doesn't pose a direct challenge (an aspect which is always woven in with amazing, natural finesse). So it's not a rehash of a similar situation time and again, which is great.

The book is set for those readers, who have a pretty good handle on their words but could use a little more practice before heading into lower middle grade novels. The font is a bit larger and the multitude of illustrations keeps everything more than enjoyable. The characters are fun and act as any kids would. This tale rotates around sportsmanship and knowing to recognize others' talents. I would have liked to have seen more soccer in this one and did find that Aven's dad heads a bit too preachy into some themes, but nothing that would hurt this read. 

It's an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to see what Aven has up her sleeve next.

Today's review... Who Stole the Bees' Wings? by Jeff Falyn

I'm almost passed up on taking a peek at today's read, which would have been a shame. This is a book, which packs everything from a fun story, nature facts, life lessons, and more. 

WHO STOLE THE BEES' WINGS??

by Jeff Falyn

Illustrated by Dezla Falyn and Lyndsay Dawkins

Nature's Theater

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

Who would be silly enough to steal the bees’ wings?

Join a little frog and his friends on a quirky quest to find the missing wings.

“The bees are gone,” says a blue flower. “Will you help me?” Frog thinks he’s too little to help, but the animals won’t have enough food if the bees don’t buzz. Timidly, he begins the search. Along the way, Frog meets a Fox who plays practical jokes and a Know-It-Owl with a Magical Book Tree. Together, they follow the clues until they find a whole bunch of silliness in the forest.

Who Stole the Bees’ Wings? is a funny eco-fairy tale about:

Working together when nature is out of balance.

Bad things happen when you make fun of others.

Little can do BIG things.

Children 4-8 and their parents smile and giggle, reading Who Stole the Bees’ Wings? This playful bedtime story also enchants level 2 readers and up.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON 

MY TIDBITS

Creative artwork mixes with an animal adventure, a pinch of fantasy, good messages, facts about nature, and even more to create an entertaining tale in so many ways.

The flowers beg a little frog for help. The bees are no longer coming to help them pollinate, but the frog isn't sure what he can do, since he's small and...well, a simple frog. He does know that the problem is dire and heads out to find someone, who can help. To find a solution, though, isn't an easy thing.

This book packs much more than it first appears. The story is pretty adventurous for the age group (very age appropriate with just enough tension to make it fun) as the frog heads out to discover why the bees have disappeared. During his journey, he meets a few forest animals, which slips in a bit of information...especially on the predator to frogs end. But this story isn't based completely in reality, either, allowing a nice dose of fantasy to filter in, which takes quirky directions and will bring some smiles along with it. Then, there's facts about how plants, bees, worms, and animals are important in the circle of nature. Add the main message about how 'little can do big things', and several activities at the end, and it's more than just a cute read. It teaches about nature, too.

The text is a bit heavy for the youngest listeners, but then, the concepts are also better aligned with the 5 and up age group. Readers, who are more sure of their words, will be able to read this on their own. The plot is as colorful and unique as the illustrations, and I do believe kids will enjoy it...and be ready to create illustrations to their own stories. But that's after they've finished the extras at the end of the book, which not only highlight the information concerning nature, but also have several 'search' suggestions (hidden things in the illustrations) and more. 

And here they are...

Let me state this upfront; Jeff Falyn did not steal the bees’ wings. Although, he does have a long history of writing whimsical stories for young children.

At UC Davis, he ran an award-winning outdoor story program for kids 3-9. Jeff has co-written twenty-five outdoor stories (called Walking Stories) and co-created and produced four theatrical stage plays. 

Fairy tales and stories with heartfelt messages have always fascinated Jeff. His favorite movie is Wizard of Oz. Jeff’s world of wonder started at a young age in the merry old land of Oz. 

Who Stole the Bees’ Wings? is his first book in the anticipated little can do BIG series.

Dezla Falyn, at age six, drew all the characters with oil pastels. In her six-year-old creative flow, Dezla gave all the characters spiral faces – we don’t know why, but we love it! The background art also evolved from her watercolor paintings at age six.

Lyndsay Dawkins spent many years in creative development and design for the entertainment business.  

She used her expertise in graphic design and blended Dezla's characters with her creative approach to placement and backgrounds with a full pallet of color. 

Lyndsay enjoyed transforming a young child's splashy free-flowing paintings into forests, caves, and landscapes. She placed Dezla's characters (drawn with oil pastels) into their own world, and the story came to life.

 https://naturestheater.org/home/who-stole-the-bees-wings-2/

Today's read... Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Today's read is one almost all of you have heard of and know. Alice's trip to Wonderland gets a new edition (came out in February) and invites modern readers to join in her ever-loved adventures. Of course, I wanted to see what this new edition holds...so let's take a peek.

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

by Lewis Carroll

Illustrated by John Tenniel

Aladdin Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy / Classic

171 pages

ages 7 to 12

When Alice follows a rabbit down his rabbit hole, she enters a fantastical new world full of strange and illogical creatures. Life in Wonderland gets curiouser and curiouser as Alice stumbles from one predicament to the next: drinking potions that make her shrink and grow, inviting herself to a peculiar ea party, meeting a disappearing Cheshire cat, and playing croquet with the Queen of Hearts, who is a little too eager to behead her opponents. Enduringly popular since its first publication in 1865, Lewis Carroll's classic tale is an imaginative adventure that continues to enchant readers today.

AMAZON : https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1665925779

B&N : https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-lewis-carroll/1116615475   

BOOKSHOP : https://bookshop.org/p/books/alice-s-adventures-in-wonderland-lewis-carroll/18562508

MY TIDBITS

This classic released end of February this year with an inviting cover, slightly larger font and wide spacing for easy reading, and the wonderful illustrations many other readers have enjoyed through the years.

The tale is word for word (as far as I can tell after random comparisons) unchanged, staying true to Carroll's ever-loved classic. The illustrations are placed so they correlated well with the tale...and these are always a treat. Even the chapter headings have a little, swirly flair (as well as the page numbers) to give it a classic atmosphere. 

The book starts with the poem All in the golden afternoon and two illustrations before diving right into the beloved tale. The rest is just the story and illustrations, meaning there aren't any add-ins such as forewords, extra information, or anything of those sorts. It's the story generations have loved so they can continue to enjoy it.

And here they are...

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was an English writer, mathematician, logician, and photographer. He is especially remembered for bringing to life the beloved and long-revered tale of Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass (1871).

Sir John Tenniel (1820-1914) was an English illustrator and cartoonist, best known for his work in the magazine Punchand the Alice in Wonderland books.

Today's read... Dark on Light by Dianne White

The days are growing longer as the temperatures climb just a little bit. Luckily, nights are still cool, but soon, we'll be spending time gazing at the wonders those evening hours hold (I'm thinking tree bats, owls, fireflies). So, today's read caught my attention. We have an entire row of flashlights lined along a tiny shelf above our potato/onion bin for sudden night excursions like the one on the cover. Okay, usually ours involve finishing up almost forgotten farm chores, but it's still a treat even then... yes, I might actually enjoy forgetting those chores and running out after dark because then, I take a moment to gaze at the stars, hear the insects, and have even seen baby skunks scurrying by (but with distance!)

Enough of my rambling! Let's dive right in...

DARK ON LIGHT

by Dianne White

Illustrated by Felicita Sala

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book 48 pages

ages 4 to 8

As the sun sets, three siblings discover nature’s nighttime beauty in this soothingly rhythmic and gorgeously illustrated bedtime picture book from the acclaimed author-illustrator team behind Green on Green.

Gentle the evening. Sweeping the skies.
Dark the shadows as twilight arrives.
Rose the horizon, gleaming and bright.
Twilight and evening and dark on light.

When the family dog trots away from the house at sunset, three siblings tumble out the door to go find him. Soon they find themselves immersed in the luminous colors, shades, and shadows of nature at night—both dark and light. They wander through moonlit lavender meadows, past a timid fawn, beneath a snowy white owl, and much, much more as the night deepens until, at last, they find their sneaky pup.

With beautiful illustrations by Felicita Sala and lyrical text by Dianne White that’s perfect for reading aloud, this book invites young readers to step into the wondrous, colorful nighttime natural world.

GOODREADS   /   B&N   /   AMAZON   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

The darkness of night unfolds into the scene of a small adventure and invites as a bedtime read.

When the family dog wanders off in the evening and the three children can't find him anywhere, they grab a flashlight and head out to find him. But the puppy isn't the only thing they discover as nature settles into nighttime.

This book is written with lovely, poetic form, which flows smoothly and invites to lean back and enjoy the verbal scenes. Each phrase only holds a few words, and the author has made sure to keep the vocabulary very age appropriate. It's beautifully woven (as in adults will enjoy the poetry) without alienating young listeners.

The illustrations are cleverly done. Not only are these also well-done from the plain, artistic stand-point (and beautiful), but they take care to show that nighttime doesn't mean black and white. Instead, shades and colors fitting to the scenes create a natural and inviting atmosphere. This makes nighttime more inviting and awakens curiosity. There are animals and surprises hidden here and there as the single beam from the flashlight lightens up areas here and there. I would have wished there was more going on as some moments rang a little monotone, but this does invite to calming down and heading into those sleepy hours.

This is a lovely bedtime read, which relaxes, calms fears of the dark, and might have young listeners wanting to head out on their own nighttime adventure soon.

And here they are...

Dianne White lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with her family. She is the author of Who Eats Orange?, Blue on Blue, Green on Green, and Dark on Light

Felicita Sala is a self-taught illustrator and painter. She has a degree in philosophy from the University of Western Australia. She now lives and works in Rome. She draws inspiration from nature, children, mid-century illustration, folk art, and architecture.

Today's read... Welcome to the Island by Dela Costa

Today's read is the first in a chapter book series, which came out last year. The second one is already on the market as well, and the third is coming out the end of next month with the four, five and six hitting the shelves also before the end of the year. So, in other words, anyone who enjoys this series has a lot to look forward to.

I just loved the island vibes and the promise of tropical adventure. A small part of me still dreams of having an entire island to explore with waterfalls, caves, beaches, hidden relics...adventure pure but without venomous or dangerous creatures, please (we have enough of those where I live and I could do without). 

If this book packs tons of fun? Well, let's find out!

WELCOME TO THE ISLAND

Isla of Adventure, #1

by Dela Costa

Illustrated by Ana Sebastian

Little Simon

Chapter Book

126 pages

ages 6 to 10

Meet the ever-curious Isla Verde, a young girl with a secret—she can speak with animals—in the first book of an all-new chapter book series!

Welcome to the adventurous island of Sol! For eight-year-old Isla Verde, Sol is the perfect place to live. The sun shines bright, the markets brim with delicious food and music, there are animal friends around every corner, and her best gecko buddy, Fitz, is up for almost every adventure!

Yes, Isla’s best friend is a gecko. In fact, that’s part of her big secret…she can speak to animals—and they speak right back! No one else knows about her special talent, not even Mama, Abuelo, or Abuela! But when new girl Tora moves in next door, Isla starts finding it harder to keep her secret under wraps.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Isla of Adventure chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Life on an island is anything but boring, and teamed up with this heroine, adventure is never far away.

Isla loves spending time outdoors and never is bored on the island. When a new girl moves in next door, who looks anything but adventurous, Isla is a little unsure but decides to give this new friendship possibility a go. But the girl from the city is overly cautious and careful, and if she discovers Isla's biggest secret, she might never speak to Isla again.

Readers, who have a pretty good handle on their words, will easily sink into this read. The font is on the large side, and the vocabulary fits nicely. There is a little information about animals peppered in, but not too much. Lively illustrations on every page make the tale come to life and keep more reluctant readers from being scared away.

This is a fun mix of daily life and animal fantasy with life lessons tossed in. Isla's lives in a normal town on a usual street in an everyday neighborhood...it's just that it is on an island where the forest, beaches and such are only steps away. This settles readers down in a familiar setting before launching into the excitement on the side. The reader meets Isla's gecko friend right away and is eased into Isla's ability to talk with animals with finesse, which keeps it from slamming and makes it come across in natural style. The flow between reality and fantasy blurs with wonderful smoothness and invites readers in.

While Isla's Doctor Doolittle talents set the stage, this is only one layer to Isla's adventures. The difficulties and uncertainty of forming a new friendship with someone, who is seemingly very different, is addressed as well as the uncertainty when revealing something personal. Of course, there is some animal craziness and very good dose of humor, which makes this a fun, light read with tons of heart. Readers will want to join Isla on her island and head out into adventure with her, too.

And here she is...

Dela Costa loves nature, discovering new things, and spending too much time speaking to animals even though they don’t respond…yet. She lives in New York.

Ana Sebastián is an illustrator living in Spain. She studied fine arts at University of Zaragoza and Université Michel de Montaigne, Bordeaux, specializing in digital illustration and completing her education with a master’s degree in digital illustration for concept art and visual development. Her work focuses on color and light. She mainly works with her iPad Pro at her studio but sometimes you can find her working at coffee shops, in the mountains, or near the sea. Ana also likes to work with color pencils and watercolors. When not drawing, she will probably be reading, practicing yoga, or traveling.