Kitty-Corn Club: Parts of Us by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Today's read is the second in a series for the youngest readers out there...a board book. I haven't read the first one (because I barely ever do...call it fate), but I'm confident that this doesn't make a difference. I picked it up thanks to the fun animals on the cover. So colorful and playful! According to the description, it concentrates on the various body parts of these animals, which will help little bookworms learn the parts of a body. I'm assuming this won't go too deep and remain easy with things like wings and paws and such. But we'll see.

So, let's open this one up and take a look!

 

PARTS OF US

Kitty-Corn Club #2

by Shannon Hale

Illustrated by Leuyen Pham

Harry N. Abrams

Board Book

24 pages

ages 0 to 3

COMING...

MAY 18th!!!

This original concept board book celebrates what makes our bodies unique—from head to toe and horn to tail. From the bestselling and award-winning Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn creators, author Shannon Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham

All are welcome in the kitty-corn club! Whether you’re long-tailed or short-tailed, furry or feathered, taloned or tentacled, you are just right.

From head to toe and horn to tail, join Kitty and Unicorn—alongside Gecko, Parakeet, and a new Octopus friend—as they demonstrate, with humor and creativity, the many ways our bodies may be different, unique, and amazing.

Teeny-tiny mini-moo
Kitty-corns will read with you
Silly-willy hardy-hars
Let’s all look at body parts

Also Available in board
Kitty-Corn Things That Go

Available in
Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn
Party-Hearty Kitty-Corn
Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn
Itty-Bitty Kitty-CornT

GOODREADS     /     ABRAMS

MY TIDBITS

Super cute and quick, this is a fun book to grab some very simple body part basics while adding tons of smiles, too.

The unicorn, kitty, gecko, bird, and octopus show off various body parts they have in common. From backs to 'toes', a few parts are highlighted, each with the animal's twist. While joining in nicely, at first, the octopus soon runs into some snags...and a realization, which makes him a bit mopey. But the rest of the animals have a plan, which is sure to cheer him up again.

The book is brightly illustrated and concentrates on the animals. These are cheerful and energetic as they present their various body parts for all to see. The text plays around the illustration to add emphasis to increase the fun. The words are simple, and each phrase is kept to a few words at the most. 

Even reluctant listeners will be drawn in thanks to the familiar terms. The octopus's situation is no problem to understand for most listeners, and they will probably sympathize with the creature. There's a wholesome solution, which rounds the entire book off on a joyful note. It might also open up the door for a fun craft activity.

And here they are...

LeUyen Pham and Shannon Hale are the team behind the bestselling picture books Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn, Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn, Party Hearty Kitty-Corn, and Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn; the bestselling graphic novels Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever; and, with Dean Hale, the early chapter-book series the Princess in Black. They’ve made a bunch of other books, too. They are both moms of cat-loving kids, wives to book-creating husbands, honor award winners (Caldecott and Newbery), and believers in unicorns. Pham lives in Los Angeles, Hale lives in Utah, and together they know they can be—and make—anything.

If You Want to Make a Wish by Jennifer Adams

Today's read rings of hope, good feelings, and inspiration...at least, that's what I'm getting from the title and cover. A feel good read to calm and let the positivity of dreams flow. I remember trying out the wish making as a child. We wished on stars, birthday candles, and tossing pennies into fountains. None of them came true, but we didn't really expect them to. It was more for the fun of wishing with the tiny hope and dream that it might come true. Of course, not even a half an hour would go by, and the action was completely forgotten. But it was fun during those moments.

What did you wish on?

I'd say close your eyes and get ready to dream as I picked this one up, but that probably won't work since it is a book. So, off we go!

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A WISH

by Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by Sara Gillingham

Harry N Abrams

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

From the author of the bestselling BabyLit series, Jennifer Adams, comes a lyrical and empowering picture book about the many ways children can make a wish and how they can make their wishes—even the tough ones—come true

You can make a wish on many on a star, on a penny, or by blowing out the candles of your cake. Some wishes are easy but some are hard, like wishing people would be kind to each other or that your grandparent isn’t sick. But by taking action, we can make even the hardest wishes come true.

This mindful, warm text from author Jennifer Adams paired with the upbeat, bold art of Sara Gillingham shows the many ways we can help along even our toughest wishes.

GOODREADS     /     B&N     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This atmospheric read opens the door to many possibilities of making a wish with the dream of having them come true.

There are more than a few ways to make wishes, and these pages explore several of them. From pennies to flowers to stars, the various ways people make wishes is briefly explored. These are very simple methods, making them perfect for the intended reading audience to run out and try themselves. Never does the book claim that the wishes become reality, but rather, it invites to the dreams of what ifs which drive everyone.

The illustrations depict each moment with bright colors and details, which invite readers to come back and explore on their own. There's a playful touch to each one to give it a hint of child-like hope without leaving reality. The text stays light and carries the sense of dreams. It creates a calming read, while offering hope and good feelings the entire way through.

This makes a lovely read-aloud before quite moments or even bedtime. It works for group settings as well as single ones, and can also be read alone by those, who have a pretty good grip on their words. While it explores the various (and mostly, well-known ways of wishing), it keeps an almost prose-like atmosphere...and I can see more reluctant listeners scooting around if they aren't already on the way to settling down.

With wishes and dreams, it's a read to lean back and enjoy.

The Right Call by Tommy Greenwald

It's sports time! Today's read circles around baseball, umpires, pressure and more, and I'm curious to see how all of this is packed inside these pages. The cover does attract attention and makes the theme clear, which I do appreciate. Plus, it's from an author, who has several well received reads...although I don't believe I've read any from Mr. Greenwald before. So, I'm excited to see how it goes.

Grab a hot dog...or maybe not since ketchup doesn't mix well with paper...and let's settle down to see what these pages hold!

(Note: This one is being added to my possible favorites of the year list because it was very grabbing the entire way through.)

THE RIGHT CALL

by Tommy Greenwald

Harry N. Abrams

Middle Grade Contemporary

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

From award-winning author Tommy Greenwald comes a thrilling companion novel to Game Changer that explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents will go to make sure their kid comes out on top

Cal Klondike’s life revolves around baseball. He’s the Walthorne Baseball Academy’s star pitcher, and everyone from his coach to his dad to the town sports blogger is telling Cal he has an unlimited future in the sport. But with all this attention comes a lot of added stress, especially as the season kicks into high gear and college and pro scouts start to show up at the games. Inevitably, tensions that have been bubbling under the surface finally boil over, culminating in a confrontation that could change Cal’s relationship to baseball forever.

Told through a combination of transcripts, articles, texts, and emails, The Right Call is a gripping, fast-paced story for middle grade readers about our split-second decisions, facing the consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON      /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Tension and determination mix with right and wrong in a grabbing read surrounding sports.

Although only fifteen, it's clear Cal is a very talented pitcher, and he's already drawing quite a bit of attention. Thanks to his trainers, even pro scouts are already taking a look at him. While he's trying to just enjoy the game, his father's enthusiasm and support is becoming extreme, and it's beginning to wear on Cal with the increased pressure to impress and succeed. When his desire to catch the scouts' attentions lands him with an injured shoulder, he's even more determined before and soon not only overcomes his injury but seems to be, maybe, better than before. During his first game back on the diamond, an umpire makes a call many don't agree with, especially Cal's father. Throwing insult after insult at the umpire, Cal's father is finally kicked out of the stadium, leaving Cal to fight to keep his head where it needs to be.  But Cal's problems are only beginning, since he finds his father arguing with the umpire after the game in the parking lot. A shove ends with the umpire in the hospital and Cal's father arrested and facing charges. While Cal loves baseball, he's not sure how to handle the situation and soon is looking at life in an entirely new light.

The entire tale is told through various forms of media. Newspaper articles, text messages with friends, prose like thoughts, and more forms build up the entire story to create a mosaic, which weaves together effortlessly. The author has done a wonderful job at using the different forms at exactly the right time to create a grabbing atmosphere while bringing across the information as it's needed. It creates a quick and potent read, which even more reluctant readers are sure to enjoy.

While the story centers around Cal and highlights the huge stress involved when talented athletes face scouts, increasing popularity, and growing expectations, it also increases awareness concerning the difficult position umpires can find themselves in because of these high expectations. Bullying and even violence in the face of supposed bad calls comes to the forefront. But there's also a sense of goodness and hope as the true meaning behind the love for sports is explored.

Not only sport fans are sure to enjoy this read, but it packs tons of good messages and food for thought. Add the clever usage of media types, and it's one that even teachers and homeschoolers might want to pick up.

And here he is...

Tommy Greenwald is the author of Game Changer, Rivals, and Dinged. Game Changer is on 19 state lists, was a YALSA Top Ten pick, and a Junior Library Guild Premier selection. Rivals was a Junior Library Guild selection, and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Greenwald is the author of the Crimebiters! and Charlie Joe Jackson series, among many other books for children. Day jobwise, he is the cofounder of Spotco Advertising, a theatrical and entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter (with Andrew Lippa) of John & Jen, an off-Broadway musical that has been produced around the country and internationally.

Yum, 2, 3! by Sabrina Moyle

Today's read is for the youngest readers out there and caught my attention because of...

Ice Cream!!!

Plus, there's counting, which sounds like a sweet and knowledge-filled mix. I'm betting I'm going to have to go out for a frozen treat after I get done visiting this read, but that's not a bad thing. Actually, it makes a pretty good excuse.

Off we go and see if this one is an inviting as it looks!

YUM, 2, 3!

An Ice Cream Counting Book

by Sabrina Moyle

Illustrated by Eunice Moyle

Abrams Appleseed

Board Book   /   Counting

24 pages

ages 0 to 4

COMING MAY 13th!!!

Yum, Two, Three! is a fun rhyming concept board book all about counting from the superstar creators of My Mom Is Magical! and My Dad Is Amazing!

Do you want one scoop of ice cream? Or two? Or . . . maybe three or four? Let’s ask for more!

In this tasty trip to the ice cream parlor, the youngest readers will enjoy learning to count as another scoop of delicious ice cream gets piled onto a cone.

How many scoops can you put on your cone? Well, ten of course—which is revealed in a fun gatefold featuring a giraffe’s ten-scoop cone!

Sabrina and Eunice Moyle—also known as Hello!Lucky—lend their vibrant illustrations and pun-derful voice to this delicious rhyming board book, the first in a brand-new concept series for preschoolers. Future concepts will include shapes, colors, and opposites.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With ice cream and a little number-learning goodness, what could possibly not be good about this read?

This is a little board book meant for small hands and the youngest listeners. Just like the cover, the illustrations are bright and bold, and feature a popular favorite—ice cream. The entire thing sticks to a playful atmosphere and lets the excitement soar with every, very colorful scoop. Of course, there are sprinkles, whipped cream, syrup, and more involved to make ice cream lovers dream of getting their hands on a scoop themselves. Add the friendly and cheerful characters, who are enjoying the treat, and it's a positive read through and through.

While the illustrations carry this read so that even the youngest out there can flip through and enjoy, the text is kept brief. With only a few words, it fits with the intended audience level and stays on point. The number counting comes as the balls of ice cream increase, making it easy to count right along. It's quick, energetic, and fun, which helps it fulfill its purpose nicely.

That Abandoned Theater by Dana Robertson

Today's read should dip its toes into spooky mystery with hints of fantasy and starts off a new series. It just hit the shelves a few days ago, so it's hot off the press. I love the idea of an abandoned theater in the middle of the woods, and there's even whispers of murder. 

So, let's open this one up and see if it makes a lovely Summer read!

THE ABANDONED THEATER

Alderland Series, Book One

by Dana Robertson

Our Street Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

185 pages

ages 8 to 12

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there - the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared.  Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing.  When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined.  Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.

AMAZON    /     GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

A mysterious theater delights with a touch of spookiness, fantasy, and, maybe, murder.

An abandoned theater sits in the middle of the woods, once a glorious place but left alone after the mysterious disappearance of a man. Now, Beth's own friend has gone missing while exploring the theater, and she's determined to discover what happened to him. But there's more involved than just an ordinary, spooky theater, and Beth soon finds herself not only solving the mystery around her friend but also the mystery of her own past.

These pages dive into a tale, which reminds a bit of the magic of books like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as it takes a group of friends into a fantastical world...but with a twist of spooky mystery and an abandoned theater. The setting invites in with the world building—just enough to let the eerie atmosphere flow without bogging down. This allows the action to remain quick as clues and surprises lurk at every turn, especially in the later half of the read. The mystery is by no means easy to guess and will keep readers wondering at the truth behind not only the disappearances but also Beth's past.

While the secrets and spooks propel the first chapters forward, the scenes alter from the 'real' world into one of fantasy. The crumbs for this come right away thanks to Beth's amulet, which she always keeps close. She's unsure about her own past, which opens the question right away as to what's truly happening and weaves well with her attempt to find her missing friend. Luckily, her other friends are at her side, and offer the needed support and spice. The personalities and character richness isn't quite as filled out as it might be, which gears it toward the younger end of the intended age group, but the maturity of the characters and concerns steers it toward the upper end. With a bit more length, there could have been more depth and richness, but on the other hand, it keeps the read short and quick, which is also more inviting for readers with less patience.

It's a lovely start to a series, which mixes fantastical elements with just enough leans towards the spooky and mysterious to promise so much more possibilities to come.

And here she is...

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

Dana Robertson Books