Death Valley Summer by Brandon Wallace

With summer comes tons of outdoor time, and today's read heads exactly in that direction. This is the third book in a series, which tackles the outdoors as two boys hit various adventures. This time, they're off to camp, and according to the blurb, they are in for quite a time.

I'm excited to see where this one heads, so let's grab our gear and explore these pages!

DEATH VALLEY SUMMER

Wilder Boys

by Brandon Wallace

Aladdin

Middle Grade Adventure

205 pages

ages 8 to 12

Two brothers try to lead lost campers to safety in the fourth adventure of the Wilder Boys series.

The boys help out at a wilderness camp near Sequoia National Park, a day’s drive south of the Sierras. The camp’s main draw is a multi-day trek traversing woodlands, mountains, and desert during a team-based orientation competition that will take them to the edge of Death Valley. When Jake and Taylor’s team counselor is badly hurt in a flash flood, they must galvanize the lost campers to find shelter, aid the injured counselor, and supplement their low supplies with what can be found around them. At first, stumbling across a ghost town seems like a lucky break from the scorching heat of summer, but the town is already occupied by counterfeiters who are none too pleased about their operation being discovered. The boys must use all their resourcefulness and knowledge of the outdoors to protect their teammates from the criminals and the elements.

AMAZON    /      GOODREADS    /     B&N    /     BAM!

MY TIDBITS

The outdoors is an exciting place, but even seasoned adventurers can't be prepared enough for the possible dangers which might arise.

Jake and Taylor are glad to be back near the Sequoia National Park and their grandmother's cabin, but that stay is short as they head on to summer camp. With several outdoor adventures already overcome, they are more than prepared to take on whatever the camp might offer. It's the other campers, which throw the first issues thanks to their various personality quirks. But the group is going to have to find a way to work together, especially since they're headed into a five day competition to follow a hike through some of the roughest parts of the area. It should be fun, but as Jake and Taylor already know, nature tends to hold plenty of surprises.

This is the third book in the series, and I haven't read the first two. That didn't really pose any problems, since this adventure does hold its own. But there are repeated mentions of the past tales, so I would recommend starting this series from the beginning just to stay on top of things.

Outdoor adventure and survival fans are going to want to take a peek at this one. It takes two boys and places them in some of the most difficult situations nature has to offer. While it begins with smaller problems, such as fixing a roof and learning to work together with new people, the troubles after that increase in severity, one right after the other. The dangers they face are deadly, and the solutions take quick wit, ingenuity, and outdoor knowledge. While this did start out a little slower, it picks up pace quick and mounts in tension until the very end. And it is a tense ending.

While the two boys tackle some of the worst problems nature (and man) has to offer, the author also weaves in plenty of outdoor knowledge. This is woven right into the tale and melds well with the story. Outdoor fans might recognize some bits of information, but others will offer new insights. Either way, the mix creates a grabbing read to get lost in.

And here he is...

Trekking solo across the remotest corners of Wyoming and Montana as a young man, Brandon Wallace learned how to survive the hard way in the harshest conditions nature could throw at him. Having spent the subsequent two decades as a trail leader, passing on his knowledge to a generation of budding adventurers, he turned his hand to fictionalizing his experiences, and the Wilder Boys series was born.

 

Kathi Q. Builds A Time Machine? by Jo-Ann Scranton

Doesn't every kid try to build a time machine at one point or another? At least, I and my siblings did. My own kids, too. The results were always....hmmm...interesting? Let's just say that the trains, airplanes, and boats turned out much more complete. Oh, and rocket ships. I'm guessing that time machines are such an 'all possibilities' thing, which makes the construction of one completely left to the imagination. 

I am curious to see where today's book goes and what Kathi Q. considers a time machine. I'm betting it's going to be a bigger surprise than what even my own kids came up with.

KATHI Q. BUILDS A TIME MACHINE ?

by Jo-Ann Scranton

Illustrated by Gabi Moraes

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

44 pages

Kathi loves to tinker and make new machines, but what happens when she tries to make a TIME MACHINE? Things get a little... Upside down! At first, things seem more fun being upside down, but how far can her day go before she needs to change things back to normal...if she can!

This is a unique and original fiction story with STEM-related themes, brilliant illustrations, and an ending that will leave readers of all ages wanting more of Kathi Q!

Bonus: Remember to check out the seek-and-find adventure at the end of the book!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Building a time machine packs more than a few silly surprises, which flip the world as readers see it upside down.

Kathi loves to invent all sorts of things and can't wait to start on a new idea. While eating breakfast, it hits her—she could build a time machine! It's off to the garage to put together all sorts of...well, whatever she finds. Soon her machine is complete. She switches the switches, zips the zippers and more. When the poof of purple smoke settles, she hasn't traveled through time by even a second. Instead, the world has turned upside-down. 

This tale gets those inventor brain-gears turning and inspires readers to see what they can create. Kathi Q. is presented as a character with tons of energy, determination, and ready to take on anything (in the building world). Her excitement is contagious. It's fun to watch her head into the garage, take all sorts of odd and ends, and put them together to create an unique box-thing...ummm...time machine. When silliness ensues, not only are giggles sure to come, but it also gives readers a small nudge to see the world from a different perspective. 

Not only is the enjoyable play between reality and imagination-driven fantasy fitting to the age group, but the text rides at the appropriate reading level. It allows those who have a grip on their words to read it alone and practice their skills, while also making a fun read-aloud, which is sure to grab the curiosity of even more reluctant readers. The illustrations carry an energetic atmosphere and do a lovely job at bringing across details to make the upside-down reality come across nicely and with humor. 

There are a few aspects, which do go against the logic of the world...food likes to follow an opposite gravitational pull...but this adds to the silliness. And imagination has its own rules. 

It's a cute read with creative inspiration and will draw more than a few smiles. 

Sejal Sinha Dives for Diamonds on Neptune by Maya Prasad

I'm excited about today's read  because I'm ready to jet off to space, too, and find a few diamonds. Who wouldn't be? This is the third book in a series for beginning readers. I haven't read the first two (can't break that habit!) but don't believe that will be an issue. The cover screams fun and I already adore the pets (?) on the cover. 

Anyone else up for a quick adventure?

SEJAL SINHA DIVES FOR DIAMONDS ON NEPTUNE

Sejal Sinha #3

by Maya Prasad

Illustrated by Abira Das

Aladdin

Chapter Book Adventure

128 pages

ages 6 to 9

In the third book in the chapter book series about a young Indian American girl who loves science and has a big imagination, Sejal and the gang soar through outer space—perfect for fans of The Magic School Bus and Over the Moon !

Sejal’s puppy eats the page in her notebook with her best ideas. Her little brother throws a tantrum over string cheese. Sometimes, Sejal wishes she could escape being a big sister. After an embarrassing snot incident, her older cousin Ash is ready to leave the planet, too.

Ash has been working on a very cool science project about a theory that it rains diamonds on Neptune. Treasure hunting on another planet sounds like the perfect out-of-this world adventure to Sejal! But getting to Neptune might be harder than she and Ash think, especially when they find a couple of stowaways in their spaceship…

AMAZON     /    GOODREADS     /      BRAVE AND KIND BOOKSHOP

MY TIDBITS

It's off to space and beyond in an exciting read with nibbling puppies, math-genius cheetahs, and maybe a diamond or two along the way.

Sejal is fed up with life around her. Her puppy eats her notebook of ideas, her little brother throws a tantrum about everything, and she just can't seem to get a little calmness anywhere. Her older cousin Ash accompanies her on a walk with the puppy, which doesn't end much better, but Ash's science project gives her a great idea. Supposedly, diamonds form on Neptune, and one would make the perfect present for her grandparents, who are visiting from India. Now, her and Ash just need to transform a paper box into a rocket ship and and get one.

This is the third book in the series. I haven't read the others, but that isn't a problem, since each book holds a single adventure to make great standalones.

The power of imagination comes across with the brilliance of a gem to create an exciting adventure. While this begins rooted in reality, it jets off to space with a little humor, moments of tension, and a box full of curiosity and determination. From lacking fuel for the space ship to an unexpected stop on one of Neptune's moons, the tale stays quick paced with more than a few surprises. The entire time, the thin line between reality and fantasy blurs and illustrates how fun imagination can be. I had to smile when they first entered space and Ash says, "I forgot how strong your imagination is, Sejal!" And yet, the ending holds something, which will have many readers questioning if it was only the imagination. It's a lovely balance to make dreams take flight.

While this is a fun adventure, there's also a decent amount of science and facts worked in. With natural flow, Sejal's mother and Ash discuss the diamonds and Neptune. As Sejal considers heading there to get a diamond, the cheetah (stuffed animal) jumps in with technical support and explains certain facts as they mold into the adventure. Some are basic (like gravity), while others offer some lesser known insights. All of this melds very well into the action, keeping all dryness far away. 

The entire read is very well set for chapter book readers, who are sure of their words but need more time and practice. The font is larger, the chapters short, and the lovely illustrations add plot assistance while adding atmosphere to the excitement. It's a fun read from beginning to end, and I am looking forward to see what other adventures lay in store.

And here they are...

Maya Prasad is a South Asian American author, a Caltech graduate, and a former software engineer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys hiking, canoeing, and raising her budding bookworm kiddo. She’s the author of young adult novel Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things and the Sejal Sinha chapter book series. Maya has also had short fiction published in Foreshadow: Stories to Celebrate the Magic of Reading and Writing YA, Cast of Wonders, and Voyage YA. She is passionate about creating brown girl leads in children’s literature.

Abira Das is a freelance artist with experience in book illustration, graphic design, and video game art. She is the illustrator of the Sejal Sinha chapter book series.

Villains Academy by Ryan Hammond

Today's read promises a little evil fun and adventure. The School for Good and Evil is the first thing I thought of when seeing this, but with just the evil part, obviously. This read should be sillier, though, and it's for chapter book readers. So, I'm expecting lighter fun.

Let's go see how horrible these villains truly are!

VILLAINS ACADEMY

Baddies in Training

by Ryan Hammond

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Fantasy

255 pages

ages 8 to 12

Being BAD has never felt so GOOD! The first in a villainously funny, highly illustrated young middle-grade series from author-illustrator Ryan Hammond. For fans of Amelia Fang, Dog Man and Grimwood. Don't miss the second installment, How to Steal a Dragon, out in October 2023, and the third installment, How to Win the Gruesome Games, out in April 2024!

‘Frightfully fun – Villains Academy had me cackling from the very first page!’ Katie Tsang, co-author of the Dragon Realm series
‘I loved the spookily funny Villains Academy. It's a work of (evil) genius!’ Jenny McLachlan, author of The Land of Roar

Welcome to Villains Academy – the most prestigious villain school in the ENTIRE land. You will either leave here as a fully-formed villain . . . or in tatters.

It's werewolf Bram’s first day at Villains Academy. He really doesn’t feel like a villain at all, but the coveted Villain of the Week trophy is up for grabs, and Bram knows he’ll have to dig deep. With the help of new friends Mona the elf-witch, Bryan the lion, Shelia the ghost and Tony the skeleton, can Bram find his inner badness and become the villain he's always dreamed of being?

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

If you think school is hard, you haven't seen the Villains Academy, yet.

It's Bram's first day at the Villains Academy, and he's ready to give his best...if he felt like a villain, but he doesn't. Bram isn't sure he has a villainous bone in his body, and the teachers are noticing that, too. Everything he does ends up as a fail, and the other students make fun of him as well. When the teacher declares a group project and divides everyone up, no one is thrilled to have Bram as a teammate. Then, the Furyflumps are stolen, and the teacher blames Bram...for no real reason! Soon Bram has two strikes against him. With the third, he'll be out. Somehow he has to find his inner-villain, or he'll end up back at home and have a lot of explaining to do.

This is a fun, school drama about bullying and not fitting in, but in a very different way. Bram is a werewolf, and his hopeful-villain classmates include everything from witches to lions to toads to ghosts and more. It's a very original mix, which lets imagination fly. There is magic, but only a smidgen since villains come in all types with a huge variety of talents. Instead, it's the competitive aspect with its problems, which drive this tale forward. It's entertaining to see what the teachers expect villains to learn. Not only does it bring in more humor, but the contradictions bring a little food for thought.

The book fits well to those readers, who are sure of their words but aren't quite ready for heavier reads. The text is presented in a larger font with larger spacing for easy reading. Every two-page spread holds an illustration, which not only breaks up the text but also adds to the story and atmosphere. The tale flows quickly as there are many surprises, sticky situations, and lots of humor woven in. And there are enough emotional snippets to add depth and let the characters shine.

At the very end, there's a how-to-sketch featuring the main character, which is a nice touch. But then, this is a lovely read, in general, and a solid launch to a new series, which promises tons of friendship, adventure and fun to come.

And here he is...

Ryan Hammond is an author, illustrator, and designer. He likes cute animals, quirky characters, and villainous traits. He currently lives in an unknown location in an extremely haunted house, surrounded by lots and lots of books. He’s the author and illustrator of the Villains Academy middle grade series. 

Isaac and the Boulder by Jo-Ann Scranton

I seem to be skim on picture books this month, which has to rank as a first. Usually, I have more than enough of these and even present more each month than MG and YA books combined. So, I'm happy to raise today's book up high and smile...well, the smile is thanks to the cover. I can see those brain-gears turning in that little kid's head and can't help but wonder who's going to win: the kids or the boulder?

Let's take a peek and find out!

ISAAC AND THE BOULDER

by Jo-Ann Scranton

Illustrated by Mai Tran

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

One day, Isaac was walking to the beach, but a boulder blocked his way! Well-intentioned, Isaac tries to set things right and help the boulder return home… but how?

A warm-hearted, vibrantly illustrated children’s picture book that highlights the importance of determination and never giving up. ISAAC AND THE BOULDER is more than a story; it’s an invitation to embrace challenges and celebrate the journey, no matter how big or small.

GOODREADS     /       AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

It's boulder against kid, and the result is anything but unexpected.

Isaac is on his way to the beach when there's suddenly a boulder in his path. It wasn't there yesterday, and the thing is huge! After thinking for a moment or two, Isaac decides the boulder went astray and most likely wants to go back into the ocean to join its friends. So, he pushes and shoves and heaves, and the boulder won't move. But Isaac isn't going to give up that easily.

When I picked up this one after reading the blurb, I expected a distinct message about facing problems in life—an analogy. While a reader could weave in this comparison, it's by no means the clear message of this read. Instead, this book is about a boy facing a boulder and deciding to 'help it out' with everything he's got. Just when everything looks hopeless, a surprise pops up. Then, the story takes an even more unexpected turn, which propels it into a quirky and silly direction. It's a treat and very originally done.

The artwork is bright and brings across each scene nicely. Young readers can visit these on their own and go through the entire story, since it is clear what is happening. The text is kept separate from the illustration, making it easy to use as a read-aloud. It is age appropriate, flows well, and balances nicely with the illustrations.

This is a fun read, which should hold even the attention of more reluctant listeners and promises a few smiles along the way.