Magical Sweet Gula by Johanes Park

The moment I saw this cover, I knew I had to take a peek. The pink reminds of bubble gum and promises over the top girliness, especially when combined with the title. It's the first of a, so far, two book series, and this one was already released in 2024. It's for the middle grade audience, so I'm betting it will be packed with adventure and humor...and an awkward character who is giving her best but can't seem to get things just right? At least, that slightly strained smile on her face is making me think she doesn't have things nearly under as much control as she should have.

But I'm simply ready to lean back and have some fun. So, let's see if this book delivers that!

MAGICAL SWEET GULA

by Joanes Park

Illustrated by Jessica Leman

Difference Engine

Middle Grade Fantasy  /   Graphic Novel

184 pages

Gula Gulali is a magical girl with the power to turn the things around her into cakes and sweets! But she is a Magi living in the non-magical realm of Terra, where her bright pink hair and pointed ears make her stick out like a sore thumb in the regular school she attends.

When another young Magi joins Gula’s school, his weird behaviour draws far too much attention to the Magi who are already facing prejudice from Terrans. Now, Gula has to navigate friendships, suspicious schoolmates, and a series of magical mishaps — all while the success of a school drama production is at stake! Will she find acceptance and belonging, or will she have to give up her magic to fit in?

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Sweet and simple, these pages drawn in with a girl full of heart and adorable magic, while a bit of chaos and blunder dances on the side.

Gula Gulali is a magi living in the Terran world (human). Magic isn't a secret, but magi normally stay in the magical world. Unfortunately, Gula can't seem to find friends and is always the odd one out. Add that, lately, especially one girl in the class is out to get her and life has become very difficult to steer. It doesn't help that Gula's magic sometimes has a mind of its own, and every time she tries to help someone, it ends with a little mishap. Nothing terrible, since all she can do is turn things into desserts, but her classmates seem to misunderstand her. Still, she has a plan to find friends and even joins the school play to prove she is friend worthy. But then, disaster strikes and her mother agrees to let the prince of the magi come and live with them for awhile, so he can experience the Terran world. To say that all of Gula's efforts are about to fall apart is an understatement.

This popping-pink read flows with adorable magic and a wish that almost every middle grader has—to fit in. Gula is a bundle of goodness as she always uses her magic to help those around her. While she almost always pulls this off, no one seems to notice her good intentions and instead, believes her sweet messes are, actually, her way of causing trouble. It's silly, innocent fun which lets humor flow, while carrying a bittersweet sadness that grows and grows. It's easy to understand why Gula is upset, and her plan to fix things, while clearly a little off, is as innocent as can be. She's a lovely character with a huge heart, who simply makes mistakes.

The magic adds a cheerful, fantastical touch...and who wouldn't love to be able to turn things into treats? While there is a magi world and fantasy aspects, the Terran twist adds familiarity to let readers sink into each scene. The bully is mean enough that she's easy to dislike but stays realistic enough to give the tale roots. The magic is present but doesn't overtake the main plot as Gula tries not to use her abilities, and the prince has his locked away. Instead, the tale carries a clear message of being yourself and lets this goodness flow.

The illustrations are enjoyable and light, while letting each moment come across with the emotions needed to let readers sink in. The text balances with the imagery and fits the age group nicely. It's a quick read, which will draw even reluctant readers in. As said, this isn't a difficult weave on the plot end, and that's one of the plus points about this book. It's meaningful, light, and fun to put a smile on the face.

Zombie Zoo by Melanie Abed

The title caught my attention on today's read, which is a little strange since I'm not a zombie fan. But I am a mystery fan, and this read should hold tons of that. This is the first in a planned five book series, and I'm excited to get to meet these characters, since the duo could be quite entertaining to follow. I'm hoping for some Goosebump-like vibes, adventure, and tons of sleuthing fun. 

Let's open it up and see if it holds all of this or something completely different!

ZOMBIE ZOO

Felix & Ninja

Adventures in Tub

by Melanie Abed

Oculus

Middle Grade Mystery

244 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 15th!!!

Creepy, clever, and laugh‑out‑loud funny, ZOMBIE ZOO blends STEM investigation, paranormal mystery, and friendship forged in chaos.

When mysterious bioluminescent green goo turns orphans into wood‑eating zombies, 13‑year‑old naturalist Felix can’t hide in his tree fort anymore—someone unleashed this plague deliberately, and they’re still out there. Forced to team up with Ninja, a shadow‑dwelling orphan who trusts no one, Felix must trade his field journal for action. Two loners with opposite methods—Felix relies on scientific observation and data; Ninja depends on instinct and spycraft—race to uncover who released the plague and find a cure before their wooden island town of Spinachi is devoured. As the outbreak spreads and Doc Brunne’s loyalties crumble, buildings collapse, and clues point to sabotage, the pair must solve the mystery, deploy a cure, and learn to trust—before they become the next victims.

First in a 5-book series exploring the territories of Tub. Perfect for readers who loved Goosebumps,Amari and the Night Brothers, Last Kids on Earth, It Found Us, and anyone ready for a zombie adventure where being different might just save the world.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Quirky and tense adventure unfolds in an odd town, where spinach flourishes and an orphanage holds more secrets than first appears.

Felix is a naturalist and takes pride in documenting the world around him in his little notebook. If it weren't for the orphanage's bully, who was constantly demanding chocolate tax, life would be okay. That is...until Felix discovers glowing green slime, while trying to hide from Felix and his gang. Thanks to Ninja, a fellow orphan he never knew existed, he's able to escape the gang for that night. While he and Ninja are very different, they soon realize they have a couple things in common. Both work alone in the shadows, and both have noticed that very strange things are going on. When the other orphans seem to mutate into zombies, Felix and Ninja are forced to work together to figure out what is going on. After escaping the orphanage, they head to the only person that might believe them and, more importantly, help. But even the odd doctor is at a loss when animals in town float in the air, and the people chew through every piece of wood they see. 

There is a lot going on in these pages, and it melds together to form an exciting, rich, and quick paced adventure. The first chapters let Felix's focused, observational personality shine through to the extreme as he views the world through a fact-based lens, jotting down everything he sees. The first clue for the mystery and a tiny dash of paranormal tension hit immediately to hook readers' interests right before the life in the orphanage unfolds...which adds tons of tension during the world building, too. Ninja brings another layer of spice thanks to her amazing, ninja skills and confident personality. But then, every character beams in their own way, and each even holds a little edge to make it clear that no one is as simple as they first appear. The author seems to be already using these introduction chapters to lay clues and hints for the books to come, too. So, there are tons of layers building from the very beginning.

Tension, which already hums gently in the first pages, mounts right along with the increasing action and danger. After all, if the mystery isn't solved, Tub will cease to exist. The paranormal aspect adds unexpected moments and makes it very difficult to guess what will happen next. Still, everything weaves together nicely to create a logic of its own that works. There are even little dashes of science sprinkled in here and there, which gives a little knowledge goodness while the green goo and flying cows and otherworldly ocean life and... As said, it's a packed, fun read.

Then, there's the friendship. Felix and Ninja have two very different ways of handling life. Felix hides in the shadows and maintains distance from everything around him, documenting rather than participating. Ninja also remains unseen but uses this to change and influence things to help others. The two viewpoints crash hard, which creates another layer of tension and clever dialogue with humor. Of course, there's a message about learning to work together, and each of their weaknesses is fill be the other's strength. And this works wonderfully to mix right along with the already, racing plot. Add that their points of view switch every other chapter, and the reader gets to know both very well.

It's a fun read with some paranormal edge, tense mystery, danger, action, quirky humor, odd situations, vibrant imagination, and many, many surprises. Readers who love the unexpected and that in a fantastical way...and very rich, fast paced reads...are sure to enjoy this one quite a bit.

You can learn more about Melanie Abed and her works HERE!

Come Catch A Dream by Brittany J. Thurman

Yesterday's read allowed me to dream of snowflakes, so I'm going to continue my Winter dreaming and head right into a book about ice skating. This one was released last November, which means it's available right away. I had to smile at the cheerful child on the cover. This child's excitement and joy just radiates from the page, doesn't it? 

Let's open it up and see what these pages hold in store.

COME CATCH A DREAM

by Brittany J. Thurman

Illustrated by Islenia Mil

Greenwillow Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nothing is impossible--not even being brave enough to ice skate again after a fall! With a poetic text and dazzling illustrations, Come Catch a Dream will appeal to every child chasing their dream, and fans of The Snowy Day, Jabari Jumps, and After the Fall.

A young Black child passes an ice rink every day walking home with Momma. Last year, the rink was tricky. It looked clear and smooth, but felt rough and rude after a fall. Brrr! Ouch! Even so, the child hasn't been able to stop thinking about that rink. The young skater is determined to do something for the first time: a spin on the ice. Because, as Momma says, nothing is impossible.

Award-winning author Brittany J. Thurman's rich use of language and rhythm makes for a text that is perfect for reading aloud, while illustrator Islenia Mil's vibrant artwork captures the anticipation and excitement of a winter day at the ice rink. For fans of Gaia Cornwall and Dan Santat.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Most things in life require practice, and this book shows why it's important not to give up but try again and again.

A child can't wait for Winter to come and the outdoor skating rink to open in the middle of the town. Of course, it's not dreaming about spinning on the ice because, honestly, that's not something the child has done, yet. The year before was the very first time the child had the chance to put on ice skates and it was was nearly impossible to even stay upright. But Mother says that nothing is impossible, and this child is determined to learn how to spin this year.

There is quite a bit of atmosphere in these pages with detailed scenes of the ice rink and the lovely silhouette of a city skyline in the background. The child's thoughts go from the rude and bumpy ice of the year before to the clear and smooth one before it. Each scene brings this imagery to life as it holds a poetic direction, while letting the child's journey of learning to skate unfold. It's clear that it's not easy, but the child never gives up. Readers will sympathize with the situation and root for the child, feeling the joy when it succeeds. This isn't an adventure but rather an atmospheric read, which allows the struggle of practice come through clearly as well as the joy of success.

The text fits nicely to the age group and holds a soothing flow. I wouldn't recommend it for group settings due to the more detailed illustrations as well as the gentler pacing. But it's a lovely book to cuddle up with in a smaller setting and works nicely even for a naptime read.

And here they are...

Brittany J. Thurman is the author of the picture books Fly and Forever and Always and the middle grade mystery Opal Watson, Private Eye, and the coauthor of the middle grade novels Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams and Fearless: The Takeover, both written with Mandy Gonzalez. She is a former children’s specialist, dedicated to ensuring children’s literature truthfully reflects the world in which we live. Brittany holds an MFA in dramatic writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA in theater from Kingston University, London, England. She is an avid traveler and has lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but now resides in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Islenia Mil, an Afro-Latina illustrator, blends captivating composition, intricate line work, rich textures, and vibrant hues to craft meaningful narratives. Raised in both the vibrant culture of Santo Domingo and the dynamic energy of New York City, she transports viewers into realms of imagination. She is also the illustrator of Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines by Kris Coronado. Islenia Mil lives in New York City.

Winter Pops Up! by Aurore Petit

While melting with around 100 degrees every day, I can't help but dream of ice and snowflakes. So, I've decided to stuff today's read in just a tiny bit early and enjoy the cool thoughts!

WINTER POPS UP!

by Aurore Petit

Phaidon

Board Book

12 pages

ages 2 to 4

COMING SEPTEMBER 16th!!!

From bundling up for the first snow to sipping warm hot chocolate, this bold, shiny pop-up book brings winter’s magic to life for little hands!

Perfectly portable and shaped for toddlers’ hands, this stylish and sturdy pop-up book brims with the joy of winter. Playful pop-up scenes leap from every page in vibrant, high-contrast colors and gorgeous foil effects.

Winter Pops Up! celebrates the season’s delights: bundling up for the first flurries of snow, sliding down snowy hills, sipping hot chocolate, reading by warm fires, and celebrating with sparkling New Year fireworks! With Aurore Petit’s vibrant, playful illustrations, simple, engaging text , and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents!) will love , this book is a sensory celebration of winter’s everyday magic.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Chilly thoughts and familiar moments make this a book to sink into with wintery thoughts of joy.

This board book is created for smaller hands and holds a surprise on every page as part of the illustrations pop out to give a 3D effect. The illustrations stick to shades of black, brown, minty green and a gentle red to give a cooler atmosphere with a comforting tone. They are fairly focused on the main feature (for example, a sleeping bear) with a simple background, as needed, to build each scene. These 'main features' pop out in the center of the two-page spread to add extra fun and garner attention. The text is short with one phrase for every turn of a page. These carry a lyrical feel and add a playful touch. The text works great for this younger audience level and adds familiarity to each scene without weighing down. 

The younger readers out there, who dream of snowy days and hot chocolate, are sure to smile as they flip through these pages. Most of the chosen moments will carry familiar moments and awake pleasant memories or help those, who haven't experience the snow, to imagine what it must be like. It's simply an ode to winter, so there aren't any underlying messages, either. 

It's an enjoyable way to dream and enjoy the thought of those colder months ahead.

And here she is...

Aurore Petit is an award-winning author-illustrator based in Nantes, France. She graduated the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg in 2006, and published her first children's book, Ménageries, in 2008. She has since written and illustrated multiple books for young readers, including the award-winning A Mother Is a House and a series of pop-up books about colours.

King of the Castle by Heather Smith

If you've never had the chance to sleep in a bunk bed, you're missing out. I, usually, ended up on the bottom of these beds, since I never seemed to feel comfortable on top. The ladders were always a pain...sometimes, literally...and it felt too open as if a person might roll right off. That might have something to do with my small fear of heights, though. How are/were you when it comes to bunk beds?

Today's read takes two brothers and, I'm guessing, looks at the constant battle a bunk bed causes. This could be quite a funny read or, maybe, it showcases brotherly relationships. If we open the book up, we'll find out. So, let's do that!

KING OF THE CASTLE

by Heather Smith

Illustrated by Andrea Armstrong

Kids Can Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

From award-winning author Heather Smith, a sweet and relatable story about the relationship between two brothers … and their bunk bed.

Every night at bedtime, a little boy’s older brother climbs into the top bunk of their bed and taunts, “I’m the king of the castle, and you’re the dirty rascal.” As annoying as this is for the little brother, his big brother also provides a sense of security. Sometimes in the dark, the little brother will startle awake. “You there?” he will whisper. “I’m here, Rascal. Now go to sleep,” his brother will whisper back. As time passes, his brother starts going out more with his friends. And then leaves for camp. And, suddenly, the boy is left to ponder how it feels to be without his brother in the bunk bed, and in his life.

This touching story by multi-award-winning author Heather Smith movingly conveys the complicated feelings a child has for their older sibling. The bunk bed offers a perfect metaphor for the sibling relationship, one looking up and one looking down, the older one irritating the younger one with his big brother status while also making him feel safe. Illustrations by Andrea Armstrong complement the emotional tone of the story, with the younger boy’s expressive face at the center of many of the scenes. This endearing book will resonate with readers of all types, younger and older siblings, children and adults alike. Offering a unique look at how siblings’ relationships change as they get older, the book can also prompt discussions with young children about their relationships with family members. It’s an excellent representation of growth mindset and works for character-education lessons on adaptability and courage.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Being the constant lesser in a battle for king of beds brings tons of unexpected heart.

The older brother has long claimed his place at the top bunk of the bed, while the younger constantly deals with his antics from below. After all, the person on the top is always the king, and the one on the bottom is the rascal. The older brother uses this to tease the younger one constantly, but rather than rebel or tattle, the younger one takes it with a grumble and a little frustration. As time goes on and the two get older, things begin to change, and soon, the older one goes off to summer camp, leaving the younger one in the bunk all alone.

Anyone who has shared a bunk bed will easily relate with the situation and connect with these characters from the very first page. Even those who haven't had the chance to 'enjoy' this sleeping arrangement will understand the relationship between the brothers and sympathize. The older brother's constant jabs wear at the nerves as the younger brother puts up with everything as best he can. Listeners might begin to wonder why he puts up with it. There's a slight wrongness surrounding it, but it's exactly this which hits home and brings the odd balance sibling relationships can have to life. While this bitter-sweetness glides along with the story, there's also enough humor and bunk bed specific fun to add some smiles and lightness. What other bed can have a basket delivery system? So the wonder of bunk beds also shines through and shows how special they can be. The entire thing wraps up with tons of warmth, sibling goodness, and fuzzy feels to make it a wholesome and enjoyable read.

The illustrations and writing work hand-in-hand. While the text tells the story, the illustrations play two roles: to bring the brothers and their relationship to visual life and to offer some humorous side information such as how the basket system works or bed differences. This adds a creative and playful aspect which will bring more than a few smiles and comments. The text works very well for the age group and concentrates more on the relationship to create a nice balance. So, this works well in group as well as single settings. It's especially great for those who deal with sibling antics and reminds how oddly wonderful this relationship can be.

And here they are...

Heather Smith spent much of her early life wrestling with words. Not only was she a reluctant reader, she struggled with speech as well. Unable to pronounce certain words, she became a walking thesaurus, anxiously swapping out words she wanted to say with words she could say. Today, Heather wrestles with words in a different way – she’s a writer. Instead of dodging words, she grabs them tight with both hands and finds them a home on the page.
Originally from Newfoundland, Heather now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband and three children. Her east coast roots inspire much of her writing. When Heather is not writing, she is probably eating toast and/or watching documentaries that most people would find boring.
Twitter: @heather_t_smith
Instagram: @heather.t.smith
Facebook: @HeatherWritesBooks

Andrea Armstrong is an artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She specializes in character-driven art, children’s book illustration, portraiture and, more recently, animation.