Sign Up for Adventure: The Doodling Duo vs Spaghetti Monster by Lavanya Karthik

Today's read heads in a direction, which interested me as a child: sign language. Although I never got too far past the usual language basics (asking name, locations, etc), my siblings and I became very good at spelling everything out.  Why? (get ready for this because it is SO kid...) So we could talk to each other during church services and other quiet places without anyone complaining. It's not hard to hold a hand down by your knee and sign like crazy. And considering my parents didn't know it... well, you can just imagine how golden that was.

Anyway, this read takes a dive into friendships formed with people who need to use sign language in daily life. I knew a few at school and thought this would open some young readers' eyes and maybe, inspire them to take a peek at this language. If nothing else, I hope it raises awareness.

So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds!

SIGN UP FOR ADVENTURE!

The Doodling Duo vs. Spaghetti Monster

by Lavanya Karthik

Modern Marigold Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 5 to 8

Finding ways to understand each other when words-and languages-aren't easy.

Adil is the new kid in Neel's class and Neel thinks he's pretty cool! Adil runs like the wind and swims like a fish. He also uses his hands and body to make words. This is because Adil is Deaf and he uses sign language. Neel wants to be Adil's friend but can't figure out how to communicate with him. One day at lunch, Adil spots Neel sketching in his notebook. What if Adil learns to draw like Neel and Neel learns to sign like Adil? Just imagine the amazing adventures the Doodling Duo could go on!

A heartwarming picture book that centers empathy and the surprising superpowers of friendship between a Deaf student and his hearing classmate.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON      /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Friendship flows naturally and brings tons of fun in these pages.

Neel finds the new kid at school really neat and would like to be friends with him. After all, the boy is amazing at so many things. But Neel has no idea how to approach him, since the boy is Deaf and uses sign language to communicate. When the boy sits down next to Neel one day during lunch, Neel realizes that the notebook he's sketching his comics in might be perfect for the task, and soon, he and the boy are forming a great friendship.

This book is full of good feelings and illustrates how easy friendship can be if just a little bit of effort is given. While there's a little hesitation on Neel's part, since he really isn't sure how to talk to Adil, this stays light (doesn't weigh down). Instead, the two hit it off immediately after the first step, which leaves this to be an inspiring read. But then, positivity radiates the entire way through, anyway.

While readers can smile at the warmth the new friendship brings, the author also works in some aspects to raise awareness for such situations. I appreciate that Adil doesn't behave any different than the other kids, and Neel is drawn to him out of admiration for things like swimming and running. Adli also has a great sense of humor and imagination, and is, actually, the one who takes the first step in the friendship. It also shows that learning sign language isn't instantaneous, but like with every language, takes time and practice. There are also a few basic phrases highlighted in the illustrations, so that readers can do these themselves. 

The story flows well and works nicely for the intended age group. It can easily be used as a read aloud in a group or single setting and also works in connection with a theme surrounding the topic. The illustrations stay light-hearted and offer visual assistance when necessary. The inside flaps of the book hold the alphabet for anyone who wants to start learning a little. It's mentioned in the author's note at the end, that this book was originally written with Indian Sign Language in mind, so the reader can use the flaps to compare the differences this holds with American Sign Language.

It's a enjoyable tale for anyone interested in learning more about this theme.

And here she is...

Lavanya Karthik is an award-winning Indian author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the ongoing Ninja Nani series of middle grade novels. She has written over fifteen picture books and middle grade novels and has contributed to several story anthologies. She has also illustrated over twenty books. Lavanya lives in Mumbai, India with her husband and daughter. When not writing or illustrating, she enjoys visiting schools and literature festivals across the country, meeting readers of all ages.

The Violin Family Plays New Music by Melissa Perley

Today's read heads in a different direction with the main characters and visits the world of music. I had Christmas in mind when I was flipping through possible read titles, so the winter landscape was the first thing to grab my attention. I found the trees and snow so well done, and just wanted to head out and shake some of that snow off of the branches to enjoy it flopping down around me. (I do love winter!) Then, I saw the violins...maybe, you noticed them first? The hats on the tops had me smiling too. I assume this one will head in the fantasy direction with a little music knowledge goodness...maybe?

Let's dive in and find out!

THE VIOLIN FAMILY PLAYS NEW MUSIC

by Melissa Perley

Illustrated by Tim Knickerbocker

Rootstock Publishing 

Picture Book

38 pages

ages 3 to 8

On a cold, snowy day, Celia Violoncello meets her neighbor, Clarence Clarinet, a woodwind who looks and sounds different from anyone in her string family. They spend a wonderful afternoon making new music together. When Celia tells her family about her new friend, it's clear they don't approve. Clarence is a different shape and color, and he doesn't even have strings-how can he make beautiful music?

But when Celia's family overhears them making joyful new sounds as their strings and reeds harmonize, the Violin family welcomes Clarence to play with them and even share in their favorite meal-pancakes and hot cocoa!

Award-winning author Melissa Perley once again shows young readers the power of music to bring people together in this second Violin Family picture book about a friendship that harmonizes instruments from different families.

SPECIAL BONUS: Sheet music of an original composition written for the cello and clarinet-just like the music Celia and Clarence play together-is included! Composition by (c)Tom Frink and Melissa Perley, 2025.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With a touch of gentle, whimsical imagination, problems surrounding odd friendships and holding up against criticism is explored.

It's snowing and Celia Violoncello's siblings are excited to head outside and play in the snow. She's invited to head out, too, but is a little grumpy, since she's always the one making their pancakes and doing things for them. She's just feeling a little down and decides to head out on a walk in the snow by herself. While underway, she meets Clarence Clarinet, who is having fun in the snow and invites her to join in. But she's not so sure. After all, he's different that her violin family, and she's not suppose to mix with instruments, which don't sound the same as her. Giving in, she not only plays outside with him but heads indoors where they make wonderful music together. Now, she just has to figure out how to handle this new friendship when she knows her family won't approve.

This is a magical read in an original way. First, the winter scenes draw in with their beauty, and more than a few readers will wish they could head outdoors and play in the snow. So well done! Then, there's the instruments as main characters. The illustrations bring the instruments across clearly and stays pretty true to their real form while adding just enough of a hint of humanity to bring them to life in a 'human' way. It's unique and also well done. Lastly, the tale addresses the problems surrounding preconceptions and biases. The message is brought across in an understandable way, and thanks to the instruments, keeps a sense of playful imagination the entire way through to keep it from growing preachy. It does, however, offer plenty of food for thought and can be used to lead into discussions surrounding these themes.

While the imagination and plot flow, the author and illustrator also work in light, musical knowledge. The illustrations bring each instrument across clearly in a visual sense, while the text works in a few terms along the way. It's never heavy or obvious, but slides in naturally with the tale. 

This flows well and works especially well for ages five and up. Younger more patient listeners will enjoy it as well, and it works as a read-alone for those, who are sure of their words.

And here they are...

Melissa Perley is an award winning children's book author, professional performing and teaching cellist and a sheep farmer. She lives in Vermont with her luthier husband Paul. Her first children's book, The Violin Family, won the 2021 Indie Readers Discovery Award for children's early to intermediate readers, and was a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite.

Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.

Don't Call Me Sidekick!: The Contract by Brenda Hickey

I'm in the mood for some cute, graphic novel adventure and fun. I'm hoping today's read will be exactly what I'm looking for. The cover looks promising with the cute cat and hints of fantasy. The girl looks friendly, too. With the title, The Contract, I'm thinking this might be all about these two characters getting together. After all, this is the first in the brand new series. 

It's a shorter read with under 100 pages and for the upper middle grade audience. So fast and quick? Maybe, it's one for reluctant readers as well.

Let's open it up and see what this word is all about!

THE CONTRACT

Don't Call Me Sidekick! #1

by Brenda Hickey

Pegamoose Press

Upper Middle Grade Fantasy  /   

Graphic Novel

92 pages

ages 10 to 14

COMING DECEMBER 23rd!!!

Enter Hazelton Academy, where an unlikely duo must pull together to battle the monsters not just outside their school walls, but within.

Kailee Hazelton has a lot to live up to, and it's off to a bad start. After being publicly rejected in front of the whole school by her partner, a magical Neysa creature named Ary, she finds herself at odds with her family and unsure of her dream of joining the Phantom Guard.

But hot-headed Ary is nobody's sidekick, and she's got good reason for bucking back against the system - one of her Neysa friends has mysteriously vanished and no one seems to want to do anything about it.

But trouble isn't just brewing inside the school walls. A Phantom attack on the city catches them unprepared, and they must put their differences aside to face the threat.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Misunderstandings lead to messages about trust and forming friendships with cute characters, magical powers, and evil beings, who want to eat them all.

Kailee is super excited to finally be assigned to a partner, a magical Neysa creature, which will help her channel magical powers to protect against the Phantoms. While all the other students in the class form the bonds with their chosen Neysa, Kailee's refuses to complete a contract with her. Since Kailee is from one of the most respected families...and nothing like this has ever happened before...she's more than pressured to convince Ary to fulfill its role and finish the bond. Ary, however, refuses to even talk to Kailee. Of course, Ary has reasons for refusing to be 'used' by a human, but won't tell anyone what they are and leaves Kailee hanging. Add that a Phantom has managed to sneak into the town and is posing a growing threat, and the stakes are higher than either Kailee or Ary know.

The first pages spend a bit of time building the backstory, which was very helpful, since it gives the reader an understanding of the system between humans, Neysa, and Phantoms before meeting Kailee and Ary. When the reader finally meets Kailee and Ary, the reader can easily understand the situation and feel the awkwardness right along with Kailee. And she has a lot to deal with thanks to Ary. Not only does she face light bullying but there are parental expectations and pressure. Ary. instead, comes across as a little unkind and rebellious as it fights against the system its suppose to follow. While this makes Ary edgy and not 100% likeable at first, the illustrations balance it out with the visual cuteness to hint that things will change in the attitude soon. There's character depth and arc, which also propels the tale forward. There's tension and danger thanks to the Phantom, too, but this is more of a 'first taste' of what promises to be a more mysterious series. This first volume seems to simply set up the foundation, leaving it clear that there's much more to come.

This is a quick, short read, which flows by smoothly. Much of this is thanks to the short length; it's just enough to let readers have a first adventure and get to know the characters. The graphics are easy to follow and bring the scenes across nicely. This balances well with the text and lets the emotions come nicely, letting the dialogue hit just right. The text itself is kept to the point and never grows wordy. I'm surprised that this is being sold for the tween audience, since it slides nicely into the middle grade level from the writing as well as the plot. At least, this first volume works very well for readers of this lower age group as well.

It's a nice beginning to what promises to be an interesting series. 

Dual World Heroes by Paul Cecchini

Ready for some exciting scifi? Today's read promises to pack tons of action and adventure...and hopefully, humor, too. This is the debut novel of a writer I ran into during the release of my own debut, middle grade novel. When he reached out to me earlier this year, I was thrilled to learn that he'd reached his goal of bringing out this tale.

The cover is screaming action heroes to me and a lot of attitude. At first, I thought this one might be a graphic novel, but it's not, which means there should be more depth in the characters and such, too. I've already had a sneak peek at it, and I'm excited to see what this one holds...so let's dive in!

DUAL WORLD HEROES

by Paul Cecchini

PopBlast Press

Middle Grade Science Fiction

245 pages

ages 8 to 12

The start of a sizzling new series made for fans of Power Rangers, Pokemon, and Digimon!

12-year-old adventure-seeker Rob Longford was itching for an eventful summer. But the last thing he expected on the first day of vacation was to stumble on a kid in futuristic battle armor laser-punching a monster across an alleyway.

That’s when he learns that creatures from another dimension are popping up all over the city. Only armored warriors called Guardians have the power to fight and teleport them back to their world. With only one Guardian left and countless monsters to round up, Rob jumps at the chance to join the team and even the odds.

He’ll be facing an uphill battle, though. The evil overlord Clonar has crossed dimensions as well, hunting down the most powerful monsters he can find to build an unstoppable army. Can Rob convince his three classmates—a cowardly homebody, a shy sweetheart, and a fashion-obsessed party girl—to join him in the fight? And what about Wyn, the original Guardian who would rather fight alone than have anything to do with any of them? It's the ultimate case of “united they stand, divided they fall." And if they fall, so does their world.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Reminding a bit of Power Rangers, this is a read packed with personality, action, and imagination.

School's out for the summer, and Rob is more than ready to have some fun after finishing up the 6th grade. Too bad nobody seems willing to hang out and celebrate with him. While on his way home, he runs into several classmates at a police roadblock, where potholes seem to have been blasted into the road. Wanting to earn bonus points with the classmates, especially the two girls, he convinces them to follow him on a shortcut through the 'creepy' alleys, since he knows them like the back of his hand. The last thing he expects is a monster with three tails to attack them. When a superhero-like-fighter saves their lives and they overhear that he's the sole person standing between the monsters destroying two worlds, they aren't sure what to think. But when another monster immediately attacks and it becomes obvious that the fighter is going to loose, they realize they have no choice but to help. Next thing they know, they might be agreeing to join the war and fight alongside the lone warrior. Well, some of them much more hesitantly than others. But he doesn't really want their help anyway, and that isn't ideal considering the continued existence of two dimensions is counting on all of them.

This is an energetic, action packed read, which will have fans of unexpected superheroes smiling. The monsters pop up often and offer tons of vivid fighting scenes and tension. The heroes, on the other hand, are doing their best to come to terms with their possible, new situations...and that isn't just concerning the powers their suits mold and amplify. Rob and his classmates, while cordial, aren't considered friends, and the already seasoned warrior they join isn't cuddling up to the idea of working with them. Since each character holds a very distinct personality, the tension on this front is guaranteed and radiates the entire way through. So, there's a big arc on building trust, opening up to others, and forming friendships and bonds. But this book isn't about messaging. It's about fun.

There's never a boring moment as the monster attacks increase the entire way through. The first chapter or so does give the reader a little time to sink into the world and Rob's character. While it starts out with a school scene and him interacting with the others students, Rob's personality shines with quirks and will have readers already smiling. He's a force on so many fronts, and his reckless, go-get-them attitude draws in with its extra dose of heart. This also makes him exciting to follow as he takes on monster battles like a second skin with the others in tow. 

This fast-paced plot with humor and tons of action is sure to delight adventure fans, and it will be fun to see what this group will go up against next.

And here he is...

Since childhood, Paul Cecchini has been enamored with storytelling in all its forms—books, television, movies, video games, and everything in between. If there was a means of telling a gripping tale, Paul was there to embrace it. It has always been a dream of his to pen his own stories that can spark the imaginations of children the world over, just as those from his youth did for him. He’s scratched his writing itch over the years as both a copywriter and award-winning journalist, but his true passion lies in fiction writing for kids. The thought of walking through a bookstore or library and seeing a youngster enraptured in a book with his name on the cover and a wide grin on their face inspires him every day to keep writing. He lives in Springfield, Missouri, USA with his two cats.

Create Your Own Webcomic With WEBTOON

I know so many young readers who dream about creating their own comics, and that's where today's read comes in. This one centers on Webtoons, and I'm betting that many suggestions work for other routes as will. I'm curious to see how this entire thing works, since I've never taken a dive into this direction from this angle. 

So, let's see what this book holds.

CREATE YOUR OWN WEBCOMICS WITH WEBTOON

by WEBTOON Entertainment

YA Nonfiction

128 pages

ages 13 to 17

COMING NOVEMBER 25th!!!

Find your way through the vibrant universe of online storytelling with this comprehensive roadmap to mastering the art of webcomics.

Guided by insider advice from popular WEBTOON creators, delve into the intricacies of scroll comics, unravel the art of storyboarding, and learn the ropes of scriptwriting to craft compelling narratives. Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned illustrator, Create Your Own Webcomics with WEBTOON offers a treasure trove of tips and tricks to elevate your webcomic game, covering:

• The basics of vertical scroll comics, including their essential anatomy, dos and don’ts for creating a compelling episode, designing for readability, and more.
• Tools of the trade such as pads and tablets and the most common programs used to create art for webcomics.
• Pre-production development that takes you step-by-step through selecting a genre, creating characters and settings, developing plots, writing scripts, and planning color schemes and effects.
• Comic creation, from thumbnails and storyboarding to sketching, inking, coloring, and final touches.
• How to succeed in WEBTOON Canvas, with tips for uploading your story, launching your series, building your WEBTOON community, and making money.

Plus, you’ll find checklists, templates, and resources to keep you organized, on track, and informed.

From concept to execution, Create Your Own Webcomics with WEBTOON empowers you to bring your unique vision to life, step by step.

Enjoy even more WEBTOON art and behind-the-scenes content with: The Official Boyfriends. Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Boyfriends., The Official Morgana and Oz Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Morgana and Oz, The Official Cursed Princess Club Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Cursed Princess Club, The Official True Beauty Coloring Book, Learn to Draw True Beauty, The Official unOrdinary Coloring Book, Learn to Draw unOrdinary, The Official Sweet Home Coloring Book, The Official Tower of God Coloring Book, Learn to Draw Hooky, The Official WEBTOON Pride Coloring Book Collection, and The Official Lore Olympus Watercolor Book.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With clarity and examples, these pages lead comic beginners into the world of WEBTOONS and writing graphic novels, in general.

I was afraid that this book might steer too heavily into the WEBTOON world to be of much use to anyone going to a more general direction, but I was happily surprised. Of course, these pages center on WEBTOONS. There's a thorough explanation surrounding the vertical scroll comic and how its used as well as tips and tricks on how to keep this format in mind during creation of a comic series. And all of the examples given are works stemming from WEBTOONS. Plus, it goes over the details on their format, submission policies, what they offer creators (not overly detailed), and the history as well as 'mission' of WEBTOONS. But this book goes further, too.

The entire creation process is studied in a quick but understandable way. Starting with the importance of knowing what the creator's goals and thoughts are, this then leads through the steps of the writing and creation process. From plot and character formations to knowing the audience to plot flow and details, this covers general story-writing steps, which are used in most forms of tale creation. It also goes through story-board organization, pitfalls when choosing/forming scenes, and much more. Then, there are suggestions surrounding software, design, and such as well. There are also several activities and various forms included to help creators really go through the steps themselves and see what works for them or not.

The entire thing is understandable and written in a grabbing way. There are plenty of examples and illustrations included, which not only make the information clear but keep it enjoyable and upbeat. It's a well-rounded book, which is great for those wanting to dip their toes into WEBTOONS but also helpful for creators, who want to go different directions too.