The Bible in 52 Weeks: Devotional for Boys by Lord Badu

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm going to take a look at a year-long devotion book aimed at boys. I enjoyed using these type of books with my own children over the years and am looking forward to see how this one handles things. 

Let's open it up and find out what goodness lays in store, shall we?

THE BIBLE IN 52 WEEKS

Devotional for Boys

by Lord Badu

Callisto Kids

Middle Grade Religious

152 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

An interactive, yearlong journey through the Bible for boys ages 8 to 12

This one-year journey through the Bible guides young boys into the habit of reading, reflection, and prayer, with inspiring passages from Scripture that show them how God's wisdom can help and support them as they learn and grow. Spending a little time with their faith every week will give boys the confidence to tackle anything—because they'll know God is cheering them on!

One year of weekly Scripture—Each of these 52 weekly devotions features a Bible passage, stories and commentary that explain the theme for the week, a prompt to respond to, and a prayer to keep in mind.

Reflect on what matters—Young boys will find God's guidance on topics that relate to their lives, such as being a good friend, dreaming big, not judging others, and practicing honesty.

A few minutes at a time—These prompts and prayers are simple and brief, so it's easy for kids to find time for them no matter how busy they get!

Study with the whole series—Give the gift of deeper faith to everyone in your life with the companion books from this USA Today bestselling series, including The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women, The Bible in 52 Weeks for Families, and The Bible in 52 Weeks Devotional for Girls. 

Help preteen boys grow into the smart and strong men God created them to be with this inspiring boys' devotional!

GOODREADS 

MY TIDBITS

Concise, direct, and easy-to-digest, these devotions easily fit into any schedule.

This is a collection of 52 devotions, one for each week of the year. The author begins with a few words about himself and his intentions; quickly explains a bit about which translation of the Bible he prefers and why; and dives right into the devotions. Each one starts with a paragraph, which hits real-life scenarios and directly speaks to the reader, and then, slides in one more, which connects each situation with a similar one from the Bible. After presenting the verses directly, the author asks the reader or makes a few statements to make the reader think about how it connects with their own lives. Then, there's a little, written activity, where the reader makes a list, writes notes, or other things to help the solidify the message for themselves. Lastly, there's a short prayer, which addresses the theme in a personal moment with God.

The author presents everything in an open and honest fashion, opening the door to the reader as if he were sitting there with them in a conversation. The presented situations are ones most readers will feel with familiar with, either in their own lives or in those around them. The atmosphere never comes across as preachy and the author never seems to talk down to the reader. Rather, it's a simple explanation and thought presentation. Even the connection to the Bible itself flows naturally, and readers can learn a little more about the individuals in the Bible and their situations. This, actually, makes them seem more realistic and touchable. It's aimed nicely at the middle grade range, doesn't come across as a preachy chore, and leaves plenty of room for thought and brings insights.

The activities are short and easy, allowing readers to put in as much effort as they want. It's a nice way to reemphasis the messages without making things feel like a task. Add that these are for only once a week, and it doesn't come across as too much too often, either.

It's a well thought-out devotional, which takes a relaxed yet personal direction and keeps in mind the interests of the age group as well.

My Life As An Asthmanaut by Jake Lockett

Today's read heads in a more helpful direction and is one in a series of books, which centers on children and disabilities. I'm very particular when it comes to books in these directions, but due to the good amount of great reviews, wanted to give it a go. Plus, two of my siblings suffered from asthma, and I'm curious to see how this author handles the topic. But I'm hoping it keeps the child-reader in mind and doesn't preach at them.

So, let's see if this book gets a thumbs up from me or not!

MY LIFE AS AN ASTHMANAUT

Disability Books for Kids

by Jake Lockett

Illustrated by Adriana Predoi

Free Spirit Publishing

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 5 to 9

COMING APRIL 14th!!!

A child’s relatable reflections on what it’s like to live with asthma In My Life as an Asthmanaut, a young boy explains what it’s like to live with asthma. When an asthma attack occurs, Jacob feels like an astronaut floating off to outer space— with an empty air tank. Sometimes outer space is lonely—Jacob can’t always join his family and friends when they exercise or play outside during allergy season. But he has tools to manage his asthma. He stays calm as he reaches for his inhaler to refill his air tank. He counts to 10 and comes back down to earth, where he can breathe easily, surrounded by people who love him. And when Jacob sees someone else who’s low on air, he helps them find solid ground too. 

Key Features:

Offers an honest portrayal from an author who lives with asthma, describing what it’s like to experience asthma attacks and how kids manage it

Celebrates disability joy and offers an empowering self-representation for disabled kids

Helps children develop empathy and understanding with first-person storytelling from a child’s perspective

Centers disabled voices by drawing on the author’s experience with asthma 

The Disability Books for Kids Series series explores visible and invisible disability in the first person, as seen through the eyes of children and written from lived experience. The series builds allyship, challenges ableism, and celebrates difference, empowering and educating all readers. Each book includes an author’s note to the reader.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With an eye on the stars, a boy goes through daily life with asthma and doesn't let it get in his way, as he handles it with thought and care.

Jacob dreams of space and the stars, but while his thoughts can soar, he has his a few difficulties to master on Earth. Asthma makes him feel different from others, and often, alone. He sees it like he's drifting alone in space and, suddenly, loses oxygen. Luckily, his inhaler can come to the rescue. Plus, he has other tools he's learned which help. While he finds these moments difficult, he also knows that many around him like and love him. And he can even help others, who have the same problem as him.

This read centers on a child's challenge with asthma. Jacob goes through various activities, which can set the problem off. Each of these are familiar scenes, readers can easily identify with. When Jacob's asthma attacks strike, he knows how to handle it...and this makes the book great for kids, who find themselves in the same (or similar) situation. While Jacob explains the various items and techniques he uses, it doesn't come across as preachy, either. Instead, Jacob is relaxed and tells exactly how it is. His dreams of space, add a fun and imaginative twist, which keeps things light and inspires, too. As it rounds off, there's a sense of helping others, which also shows how those without asthma can stand at someone's side and assist them. 

While there's an obvious message and purpose to these pages, it's well done and keeps the young reader in mind. The illustrations maintain a cheerful atmosphere and don't let moments grow overly heavy even when Jacob needs to deal with his asthma. The space scenes step everything up another notch and bring across the planets and stars with a sense of adventure and dreams. It adds a hopeful direction and lets a little imagination flow in as well. The entire thing is narrated from Jacob with a few lines of text for each scene. This flows naturally and well, and is just long enough to bring across each point clearly with growing too long. Add the glossary of terms in the back and a personal note from the author, and this is a helpful read to raise awareness of asthma or give to those who battle with it themselves.

And here he is...

Jake Lockett writes books and stories for children, including My Life as an Asthmanaut. His short stories for young readers have appeared in Smarty Pants Kids, Skipping Stones, and Spider. Jake enjoys learning about space, exploring nature, building Lego sets, and watching movies on his home theater projector. He resides in the forested Allegheny Mountains, where the night skies are clear and blanketed with countless stars!

Luna Express by Campbell Whyte

LUNA EXPRESS

by Campbell Whyte

Top Shelf Productions

YA Superhero  /   Graphic Novel

280 pages

ages 12 and up

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

Between crummy day jobs and nights out on the town, Celeste and her friends can barely find time to use their super-powers! Sailor Moon meets late capitalism in this deliriously epic graphic novel, bursting with life and vibrant color. Celeste was always told that she could grow up to do anything she dreamed of, but she didn’t exactly dream of being a delivery biker for her parents’ bakery, Luna Express. Life is so much more exciting at When the stars come out, so do her magical powers of super-strength and speed! Those gifts haven’t made her destiny any clearer, though…until Celeste and her friends are targeted by a series of strange, supernatural attacks throughout their hometown of Perth. Now this reluctant team must battle land-sharks, roller-skating disco mushrooms, mind-bending art exhibitions, and their own personal drama, while trying to unravel the unsettling mystery that connects them and their city.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Modern, urban flair meets something similar-ish to Sailor Moon to create an exciting read with more than a little unique fun. 

Celeste has been working as a delivery girl at her parents' bakery since she graduated from high school, which might sound mundane, but each day has it perks, calms, and surprises. Plus, she meets friends and familiar faces, which always adds social zest. It's different, but then, Celeste isn't your average young woman, either. Not only does she dance to her own tune and carry tons of personality...even the local ragtag gang wants to constantly compete with her...but she harbors a secret. Every night, she gains superpowers, which give her increased speed and strength. While logic makes it clear that destiny holds something in store for her, she has no clue what until strange, unexplainable things start happening in the town. Together with her friends, she's going to have to take on an odd mix of dangerous and quirky things and figure out what's really going on.

This is a read with energy pure and heads off into its very own direction with unique characters and plots twists. Celeste's radiant attitude is contagious and it's hard not to want to join her as she rides her bike through town...even when delivering baked goods. Because nothing in Celeste's life is boring, which is mostly due to her own attitude on life. Her friends are just as colorful and add tons of personality as well. Even the bad guys pack character, but then, they'd have to just to keep up with this original band of super-friends. So, there's never a boring moment, and it's definitely a grabbing read with surprises the entire way through...and those surprises aren't only when the tension rises.

The illustrations carry an edge of colorful chaos, which seals the deal with the plot. It took me a couple of pages to slide into the flow, but that's on me since this hit with unexpected energy. Every moment draws in and inspires, while carrying a few life lessons along the way. But that's not the main point as this tale races along.

I wasn't sure about the age group, at first, on this one, since Celeste has already graduated from high school. But it works for the YA audience and sticks mostly to paths which grab that age group. This promises to be an exciting series with tons to come.

And here he is...

Campbell Whyte was born in Perth, where he makes stories about place and strives to create an inclusive and supportive comics community. His graphic novel series Home Time won numerous international awards and was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Awards. As the co-founder of the Milktooth School of Art and Stories with Elizabeth Marruffo, he provides opportunities for young people to develop their comics skills and publish their works. As a co-founder of the Perth Comic Arts Festival, he has helped grow and steer the organization to become one of Australia’s most significant comic events. 

Mud, Bugs, and Other Tales by Sue Marasciulo

Today's read is one in a row of reads intended for beginning readers and/or those with dyslexia or other reading hurdles. It's created from a teacher and is intended to add as a tool to help readers tackle those words. Using the graphic novel form to get skills across made me smile, and I'm curious how this author goes about things.

So, let's take a peek.

MUD, BUGS AND OTHER TALES

A Decodable Graphic Novel

by Sue Marasciulo

Illustrated by Mangoyu

Beginning Reader   /   Graphic Novel

83 pages

ages 4 to 7

Join Pat and his pals for another laugh-out-loud adventure in the Pat & Pals series! Mud, Bugs, & Other Tales: A Decodable Graphic Novel delivers four hilarious stories in a vibrantly illustrated, full-color format – perfect for beginner and striving readers, including those with dyslexia, who crave the grown-up feel of a chapter book.

Every tale uses decodable text tailored for readers who have mastered decoding CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, digraphs, double consonants (ff, ll, ss, zz), and the suffix -s. Kids decode with confidence while cracking up at the antics.

Plus, educator and parent-friendly extras with every story: key vocabulary, inference-sparking questions, comprehension checks, and easy ways to link reading and writing.

Fun that sticks. Skills that click. One graphic novel at a time.

AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A little adventure and quite a bit of humor make this a book beginning word-masters are going to enjoy.

This is one in a row of books, which highlights those first reading skills and concentrates on the foundation of learning and identifying words. The first pages include an explanation of what a 'decodable' book is, a quick guide into how the word learning works (CVC, digraphs, etc), and an overview around the learning tools in this book as well as how to use them. After that, there are four fun adventures...and I do mean fun. Lastly, there are questions with answers for each tale for checking reading comprehension, a list or writing ideas to expand on the stories, and, finally, adorable photos of the real life character 'Bo' for extra smiles. So, this is a complete reading theme, which can be used in classrooms, for extra practice, or for homeschoolers.

While all this goodness on the learning side happens, it's the enjoyable and silly stories which make the entire thing shine. Each story begins with a list of vocabulary words (and I mean very beginning) to make things easier on readers and help those words sit. Then, the stories shoot off with action and excitement. Each page holds about three frames, and these are brightly illustrated with tons emotion, which amplifies the atmosphere and keeps humor in high-gear. These accompany the short text wonderfully to add assistance to what is happening in the text. The text is simple and just right to keep frustration away, while concentrating on certain reading skills. The combination of simple text with exciting illustrations makes this a quick, easy read, which draws even very reluctant beginners in. Plus, the tales hit familiar tones while staying very much in the mind-set of the intended age group.

This is a very valuable resource for beginning readers and not one that should be overlooked, especially since it remembers and knows how to keep the joy of reading obvious.

And here they are...

Sue Marasciulo is a retired elementary special education teacher with a certification in an Orton Gillingham approved program (Wilson Reading System). Her passion is helping children with dyslexia to feel more confident in their abilities and gifts. Throughout her many years of teaching, she was inspired by her students’ fortitude, adaptability to learn, and how they excelled in many areas.
Now that Sue is retired, she has more time to focus on her passion for writing decodable books that will help beginner readers and those with dyslexia become independent readers. She enjoys hearing about how so many children are learning to feel successful with decodable books!

Sue lives in South Carolina with her husband, Al and their two rescued dogs, Scrappy Doo and Sunny. Sue has three sons, Matt, Greg and J.P. Her middle son, Greg is a professional wrestler with AEW and every now and again, Sue makes a brief appearance on the show with her famous van!

https://suemarasciulo.com/

Mangoyu, also affectionately known as Mango, spent the 2020 pandemic online happily bothering wrestlers with funny cartoon drawings of themselves, blissfully unaware that someday, the beloved world-famous Sue (mother of wrestler Trent Beretta) would discover her silly wrestling doodles. Two years later, Sue would ask Mango to join her on the exciting adventure of illustrating a children's books for kids with dyslexia.

Werewolves Don't Keep Diaries by Suzanne Sutherland

I'm ready for a little humor, and today's read should slide in a funnier direction. It's a lighter read for younger readers, who are pretty sure of their words but need more practice before diving into thicker tales. It was the title on this one which caught my attention. I'm assuming that the boy on the cover is either a werewolf or dreams of being one. Either way, I'm expecting some silly situations, a little awkwardness, a touch of adventure....well, you know me! I always have my expectations set high.

So, let's get ready to howl and open this one up.

WEREWOLVES DON'T KEEP DIARIES

by Suzanne Sutherland

Illustrated by Dharmali Patel

Orca Book Publishers

Children's Fantasy

96 pages

ages 6 to 8

COMING MARCH 17th!!!

Lou Chandra-Pine is tired of being teased by his older brothers and getting lectured for what his parents call "bad choices."

When his birthday comes and all he gets is a dusty old book and a card with his name spelled wrong, Lou makes a secret wish as he blows out his birthday to be a huge beast. That way, his family would treat him with more respect.

Soon afterwards, though, his body starts doing weird things—like growing hair on his feet, sprouting extra-sharp fingernails and craving foods like raw steak. Could it be his careless wish coming true? Tired of hiding all these strange changes, and worried he might actually be dangerous, Lou decides to run away. But, with the help of a surprising ally, Lou finally discovers that he belongs in his family pack after all.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHERS

MY TIDBITS

A family with slightly odd quirks is hard to steer for a boy, who doesn't feel like they really understand him.

Lou is the youngest of three brothers and bears all of the teasing and jokes. He's sick of it, but every time he thinks he can pay his brothers back, things go wrong. Instead, he finds himself being blamed for almost everything. His parents scold him a lot about his 'bad choices' but don't seem to understand that most aren't his choices at all. When they claim they have a huge surprise for him on his birthday, all sorts of amazing gifts run through his mind. Instead, he receives an old book, and his parents keep nagging him to read it. Yep, actually read a book. But he's got other problems. Big ones. And he doesn't have anyone who would ever understand.

Lou is an average kid trying to deal with a not-always-so-average life. His family quirks are weird but not completely ridiculous as they offer a home to bats in their attic. (This might sound weird, but when we lived in Germany, they had a push for this sort of thing due to declining bat populations). Lou does have a tendency to cause trouble, but it's very fitting for most kids at that age. It's easy to sympathize with him, since many events aren't really his fault. His brothers also offer familiar sibling dynamics with tons of irritation but underlying support and care, too. And while the parents do seem to ignore facts, at times, there's more to the picture than Lou is aware. So, the family relationships are familiar and golden. Add the humorous situations and surprises, and it's a fun adventure.

The text fits readers, who are sure of their words and are almost ready to head into 'bigger' reads. The story stays light on details, letting the action, dialogue, and situations propel the plot forward, which keeps boredom away. The illustrations add zest and enjoyment, too. While the title is what grabbed my interest in the first place, it also, unfortunately, makes it clear what's happening when things start going strange for Lou. Any mystery and Lou's surprise is killed by this. Luckily, the story is still fun, and Lou is a great character. Also, the ending hits pretty quick but did carry a huge surprise to add a last blast of suspense.

It's a fun read with lots to enjoy and not just for werewolf fans.

And here they are...

Suzanne Sutherland is the author of a number of books for young people, including the Jordan and Max series. Jordan and Max, Field Trip! was named a Children's Book Council Librarian Favorite and a CCBC Best Book for Kids & Teens. Suzanne lives in Toronto with her family.

Dharmali Patel spends her days creating illustrations for different publications and working as an animation director, designer and concept artist for various animated series. In her 18-year career she has worked in the roles of art director, visual development artist and published children's book illustrator. Dharmali lives in Toronto.