Today's read... No Dragons for Tea by Jean E. Pendziwol

When I stumbled across today's read, I just had to pick it up. I want to invite that dragon to tea! Or maybe not. Dragons might pose some issues...which, I believe, is exactly what this book is about. So, I'm going to get a pot of water boiling, pour myself some jasmine tea (I do love a nice jasmine brew), and see if I should get ready to host an afternoon get-together with the neighborhood dragon or not.

NO DRAGONS FOR TEA

Fire Safety for Kids (and DRAGONS)

by Jean E. Pendziwol

Illustrated by Martine Gourbault

Kids Can Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

While out for a walk with her mom, a little girl has the surprise of her life --- she meets a real, live, fire-breathing dragon! Now this dragon is nothing to be afraid of --- in fact, he’s so friendly that she invites him home for tea. But their afternoon snack is suddenly interrupted when the dragon sneezes and sets the table ablaze. Luckily, the girl knows just what to do, and she teaches her new friend to be fire smart, too. With its funny, rhyming verse and spunky illustrations, Dragons for Tea shows kids that learning about fire safety doesn’t have to be scary. The story ends with “The Dragon’s Fire Safety Rhyme” --- a fun and easy way to remember what to do in case of fire.

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MY TIDBITS

Smiles, imagination, and a wonderful dragon make this a read to be visited again and again...and not even realize important fire safety is being taught along the way.

A little girl can't believe her eyes when she and her mother run into a dragon. Of course, she'd love to invite her new friend to tea, and Mom even agrees. With all sorts of delicious treats, the girl and dragon sit down to enjoy their snack...but then, the dragon sneezes. The table cloth catches on fire, the curtains begin to burn, and the two join the mother to handle the situation.

This is one of those books, which dives into imagination, draws the reader into a fun tale, and very stealthily lets the plot teach something without breaking the story flow. The little girl's desire to make the dragon her new friend is inspiring, but then, this is a friendly dragon. Readers will wish they could meet one themselves. It sparks the fantasy and lets it bloom.

When the dragon sneezes and the fire starts, it holds just the right atmosphere to keep things light enough not to scare even more sensitive readers, while still giving the needed sense of urgency. While some things are clearly stated through the mother, others come across more subtly and are woven into the story: for example, the girl crawls out of the house to avoid smoke. 

The illustrations are bright and bold with a sense of gentleness thanks to the chalky texture. Each scene comes across clearly and with little details to look for. They balance with the story and add then needed emotions and expressions.

It's just an all-around lovely read to enjoy not only the story, but as a valuable information source as well.

Today's read... A Coop, Some Goop, and a Sandwich by Mark David Smith

I saw the cover on today's read and had to pick it up. It looks crazy, and with that title it has to be quite the adventure. I'm expecting humorous situation, sticky moments, and laughs galore. Ready to see if this is as wild a ride as it appears it might be?

A COOP, SOME GOOP, AND A SANDWICH

The Weird Sisters, Book 3

by Mark David Smith

Illustrated by Kari Rust

Owlkids

Chapter Book

ages 6 to 9

COMING...

APRIL 16th!!!

Three sleuthing sisters become aware of how their spells affect others in book three of this hilarious magical mystery series
It’s autumn, and Covenly residents are gathering at the annual fall fair. 

The three Weird Sisters—Hildegurp, Glubbifer, and Yuckmina—are running a Flying Broom ride for the town’s kids and nine-year-old Jessica Nibley is overseeing the petting zoo nearby. Suddenly, a prized show chicken goes missing and there’s a new mystery to solve. Suspecting  fowl  play, the four friends team up to find the hapless hen in a madcap hunt that involves an enchanted roller coaster, a frog in a top hat, and a sticky trail of goo. As they sleuth, the sisters also discover some unfortunate and unintended consequences of their magic, bringing about a gentle lesson in apologizing. 

The third book in this whimsical chapter book mystery series is full of clever wordplay, humorous misunderstandings, and dynamic illustrations. With hints and phrases from Hamlet, readers are reminded that actions have consequences that can’t always be undone.

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MY TIDBITS

Quirky adventure, silly magic, and ridiculously clever word play make this into a read packed with fun and twists which lead in the most unexpected directions.

The three Weird Sisters are having a blast offering a Flying Broom ride at the annual town fair. Of course, they hide their magic abilities as best they can, except from their best friend, Jessica, who is running a petting zoo next to them. When one of the girl's chickens goes missing, the sisters are ready to help out, especially since something strange is going on. But what might prove the most difficult problem of all is the lasting and unexpected results of the spells the sisters have cast in the past.

I did not read the other books in the series before diving into this one, and while it wasn't too hard to get into the story, it would be better to start this series at the beginning, since it weaves in aspects from the earlier adventures. Still, it was a fun read and easy to get caught up in the silly excitement. 

The three sisters carry very distinct personalities and are quite the funny group. They handle and see life in an unique way, and when mixed with magic, chaos and humorous situations are guaranteed. I was surprised to see that there are quite a few other characters, who get their chance to be in the spotlight. The chapters rotate from one characters' perspective to the next, making subplots twist and turn in a spaghetti like knot until, somehow, it all weaves together in a perfectly understandable way...odd and funny, but it works. There are characters to like, others not so much, and some who fall somewhere in between. It's a rich mish-mash which molds into a ridiculous fun.

Then, there is the word play. The sisters' dialogue is quite the clever twist and turn, at times, and fiddles and faddles in delightful ways. At first, I was wondering at the word use, since some of the terms are going to stretch chapter book readers' abilities, but that's exactly the point. The same words are poked, kneaded and teased, not only into pure silliness, but they worm their ways into the readers' minds. The font is large, making easier reading, and fitting illustrations slide in abundantly to add to the scenes.

This is a quirky read, and that's exactly how it needs to be. Chapter book readers, who are enjoy magic with the feel of riddling fun, will find more than a few laughs and silliness...and heart...along the way.

 

Today's read... Legends of Ash and Dust by Kate Cowan

It's been awhile since I've picked up a fantasy saga. This one had such the fitting cover and a wonderful blurb. So, I was thrilled to have the chance to dive in. I'm expecting (of course) tons of action, intrigue, fight scenes, conquests, evil villains, traitors, hidden agendas, rich scenes...yeah, I have a lot on my list. 

Let's take a peek and see if this one meets all the things I hope it holds (or am I expecting too much?)

LEGENDS OF ASH AND DUST

The Fearless Saga, #1

by Kate Cowan

YA Fantasy

312 pages

COMING...

JANUARY 24th!!!

A dark YA Fantasy set in a sprawling Eastern world...

They forged her into a weapon. Now, she is the last.

Aerona was raised by legends. The Shae Warriors are the closest thing the Six Kingdoms have to the supernatural: fearless warrior monks who train their entire lives to protect the realm. Or, they were — until the massive Red Wolf army attacked, slaughtering them all in a single night.

Now, brokenhearted and defeated, Aero is the last Shae. Tasked with protecting Niran, the prince her people were caring for, she journeys to his home in the Golden City with one thing on her mind: revenge.

In the Palace of the Golden City, nothing is as it seems. The Red Wolves are in the pocket of the royals, the Emperor is blackmailing Aero into becoming his assassin, and an ex-Shae librarian is convinced that Aero has a long-forgotten power hidden inside of her.

On top of it all, a demon is wandering the halls of the Palace. If Aero can’t stop the demon and figure out the ancient and supernatural origins of the Shae, every life in the palace might be at stake.

There is a terrifying evil in the palace, and it’s hunting Aero down.

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MY TIDBITS

Tension and action drive this tale forward with a strong character to root for the entire way through.

I picked this one up hoping for a fast-paced tale and rich fantasy world, and it does a good job with both of these. The story begins with Aerona as the only female in a monk society, known for their fearless and amazing fighting strength. She rescued a young man, who's lost his memory, but with care and time, he gets it back, and when he does, the world flip-flops. Aerona's people don't even see the danger coming, leaving her as the last known survivor. Now, she has to stop an evil force and live up to her upbringing.

This is a rich read with many unexpected plot twists, tons of intrigue, quite a few fight scenes, and a heroine, who will not stop until she achieves her goals.  Not only is she strong, but she has enough weaknesses and softness to make her likeable. It was easy to root for her and hope she makes it through. There is a hint of romance, but I was happy to see that this is very slow burn. Instead, it's the challenges Aerona and the others face, which weaves the tale. 

The world building is done well enough to allow the story to flow and the scenes to come to life. Most of the characters carry enough depth to make them interesting, although a few were a bit light. The first page did distract thanks to the heavy use of italics. Luckily, this changed, and the tale immediately pulled in after that. The story does hold the reader in the pages and offers plenty of layers and richness. There was a scene (a major one) in the beginning, which I, unfortunately,  just couldn't find peace with (nothing major but it hit me wrong), and then, the ending came with a rush.  So, I'm not sure I'll be heading on to the next book, although I did enjoy this read and do recommend it.

Today's read.... Mansa Musa by Our Story Media

 I'm staying in the nonfiction vein with today's read and taking a peek at another historical figure, who changed the world. This comes from a series and concentrates on figures often forgotten in our western curriculum. I'll admit that while I've heard of Mansa Musa and know a tinsy-bit, it isn't much. So, I have something to learn.

As an extra bonus, each book sale funds one day of schooling for a girl in Africa.

MANSA MUSA

The richest man in history

Illustrated by Emanuel Colban

Our Story Media

52 pages

ages 8 to 12

History has so many stories about people who have had a significant impact on the world but are known by very few people; our aim is to change that. Our Story is made up of their stories, and through learning about them you will realise that there really is no limit to what you can achieve.

‘Mansa Musa - The richest man in history’ is a biography for children about the richest person that ever lived.

Written and published independently by Our Story Media Group, the book features outstanding illustrations by Emanuel Colban.

This is a 52 page picture book with activities, discussion points and QR codes to further information and a pronunciation guide for our young readers to interact with.

Did you know that the richest person in history was a West African Emperor? Learn more about his epic journey from Africa to Arabia and how he founded a world renowned university with his wealth in this spectacular book!

We are also delighted to have partnered with CAMFED to provide one day of schooling for a young girl in Africa with each book purchased.

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MY TIDBITS

The history of Mansa Musa comes across with unexpected food-for-thought and insures readers will remember, at least, some aspects of this historical figure even long after they've read the last page.

This is one of, so far, two books, which introduce historical figures, who had a large impact on the world, but are often overlooked in Western world curriculum. It does a lovely job at delivering the information in a way readers can easily understand. A larger font is used to create reading ease, and the text stays relatively concise, while delivering the information in a smooth and interesting way.  But this isn't just a dry read, anyway. There are questions, activities and even QR codes mixed in to give readers pause to consider and contemplate the material. Plus, there's a glossary at the end to help with the more difficult terms and vocabulary. The illustrations add visual keys to the history and make various situations clear. These are bright and hold a positive, cheerful atmosphere to make each page inviting. 

While this is recommended for ages 8 to 12, I'd slide it down just a slight bit and put it more in the range of 6 to 9. While the information is interesting, the text is a bit light for the older end of the suggested age group...but that's just the text. This book also offers plenty of openings for thoughtful discussions. It goes beyond the surface facts and invites the reader to consider the broader aspects surrounding the time period, life, and situations of the time. These can lead to deeper discussions or even essay ideas. I do see this as a nice addition to classroom, group, or, especially, homeschooling settings.

Today's read... Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Today's read was released a little less than a week ago... so here's a very late, Happy Book Birthday shout-out! It's also a early shout-out for Black History Month, which is coming up in a couple weeks. I'll admit that I didn't know very much about John Lewis before picking this up. I'd heard the name, knew a bit about what he did, and was excited to learn more. 

So, settle into that chair and let's find out if this is a history well-done or if it's not.

FIGHTING WITH LOVE:

THE LEGACY OF JOHN LEWIS

by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Contributor: John Ransome

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book / Nonfiction

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

The story of a groundbreaking civil rights leader, John Lewis, comes to life in this compelling and beautifully told nonfiction picture book.

John Lewis left a cotton farm in Alabama to join the fight for civil rights when he was only a teenager. He soon became a leader of a movement that changed the nation. Walking at the side of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lewis was led by his belief in peaceful action and voting rights. Today and always his work and legacy live on.

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MY TIDBITS

From working hard to the desire to learn to fighting for his beliefs, the life of John Lewis comes to life with bright illustrations to accompany every step.

In these pages, readers learn about civil rights leader, John Lewis. Beginning with his childhood surrounding cotton fields and gliding through his teen life all the way to his historic march from Selma to Montgomery, readers discover where he came from and what he accomplished. The author brings him across with enough familiarity for readers to identify with and sympathize with, while introducing the injustices and problems of the time. The information comes across clearly and manages to still flow with story telling smoothness. 

This is sold for ages 4 to 8, but due to the length and difficulty of the text, I'd recommend this to a slightly older group, ages 6 to 10.  The situations are presented in a way the age group can understandh and stays appropriate even when heading through more violent, historical moments...this was done with exceptional care and stuck to the general meaning behind the situations and outcomes rather than the brutality. So, very age appropriate. 

At the end of the book is a more detailed summary of John Lewis' life, which will assist parents, teachers, and caretakers in opening up a theme or discussion surrounding John Lewis. It's a nice edition to themes surrounding the Civil Rights Movement and brings across the gentleman's tale with heart.

And here they are...

Lesa Cline-Ransome is the author of numerous nonfiction and historical fiction titles for picture book, chapter book, middle grade, and young adult readers including Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams and The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne. Her verse biography of Harriet Tubman, Before She Was Harriet was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and received a Jane Addams Children’s Book Honor, Christopher Award, and Coretta Scott King Honor for Illustration. Her debut middle grade novel, Finding Langston, won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and received the Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and frequent collaborator, James Ransome, and their family. Visit her at LesaClineRansome.com.

James E. Ransome’s highly acclaimed illustrations for Before She Was Harriet received the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. His other award-winning titles include the Coretta Scott King winner The Creation; Coretta Scott King Honor Book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; and Let My People Go, winner of the NAACP Image Award. James is also a recipient of the ALA Children’s Literature Legacy Award. He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome, and their books include Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams and Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis. James is a professor and coordinator of the MFA Illustration Graduate Program at Syracuse University. He lives in New York’s Hudson River Valley region with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.