Sonic the Hedgehog: On the Go, Vol. 2 by Ian Flynn

We're heading toward a familiar character today and taking a look at the second book in a comic series for middle graders. Sonic the Hedgehog was popular when I was younger and my own kids definitely know him. I didn't read the first book in this series but doubt diving into the second will be too difficult...although there probably are some story arcs which stretch between the two.

Let's just open this one up and see what Sonic and his gang are up to this time.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG:

On the Go, Volume Two

by Ian Flynn

Illustrated by Evan Stanley, Tracy Yardley,

Adam Bryce Thomas, Jack Lawrence

IDW Publishing

328 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

Sonic may be ready for a break, but the excitement never stops in these collections of the comic series in recommended reading order!

The thuggish duo Rough and Tumble are back, and they’re looking for vengeance against Sonic and his friends. And they’re not the only ones… Some of Sonic’s greatest foes have returned and, with the help of some new evil allies, have created a threat that’s guaranteed to take over the world.

Then, join two of the most popular new characters from Sonic’s world, Tangle and Whisper, in this classic odd-couple team-up adventure! Can Tangle and Whisper help solve each other’s problems, or will they just make things worse? Plus, join Sonic and some of his coolest friends in adventures that show just how wonderful Sonic’s world really is.

Collects issues #13–20 from volumes 4 and 5 (Infection and Crisis City) of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, the 2019 Annual, and the Tangle and Whisper four-issue miniseries.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Action hits nonstop with a tiny touch of humor and fantasy to create more than a couple exciting adventures.

This book starts with the main tale arc of volume 4, Infection, and thanks to the peaceful beginning of this volume, wasn't difficult to dive right into the scenes and figure out what was happening. Then, it dives into the various stories from the 2019 Annual, heads into the Tangle and Whisper miniseries, and rounds everything off with the main arc of volume 5, Crisis City. So, there's a ton packed into these pages and the pacing makes this obvious when heading through. There is a Table of Contents at the beginning to help readers find their desired story right away. Each change-over during the read is accompanied by a single, full-page illustration as a quick break. 

Sonic the Hedgehog fans are, obviously, going to enjoy this collection and get quite a bit adventure during the read. The action is non-stop with scenes that bring each moment to life and pack tension as well as energy. The dialogue drives each moment forward, while the well-done illustrations carry the rest. While Sonic drives much of these pages, the others from the group have their own chances to shine due to the various stories in these pages. It creates a lovely playground of personalities, adventures, and worlds for fans to sink into and enjoy. It fits nicely to the middle grade audience as well as slightly older readers.

Little Bunny's To-Do List by Helen Kemp Zax

We've just made it past the big holiday season, but the first notes of Easter are in the air. Well, there's Valentine's day, too, but the publishing world already has bunnies and eggs hitting the shelves. So, I'm going to go with the flow and let you take a peek at some of the Easter goodness coming our way. 

LITTLE BUNNY'S TO-DO LIST

A Magic List Book

by Helen Kemp Zax

Illustrated by Kiersten Eve Eagan

Harry N. Abrams

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

From harvesting jellybeans to practicing mega-hops, the Easter Bunny will get through his daily to-do list one item at a time in this funny picture book that gently teaches time management.

Deliver treats by moonlight / Bunny Hop with gnomes
Fill every Easter basket / Hide eggs at all the homes

Little Bunny is very busy from morning to night—good thing he has a to-do list! From stirring pots of pastel colors to dye eggs to knitting lambswool sweaters for tiny chicks, he has many tasks to complete before bedtime.

But it’ll all get done; one thing at a time. And when all his tasks are finally completed, Little Bunny is rewarded with a fantastically finished list and a warm cup of parsley tea.

The textured glitter-stamped cover is so inviting that young readers will be eager to accompany Little Bunny during his very busy day, and they will be in for another sparkly surprise when they unfold a secret flap at the end of the book to see all the items in Little Bunny’s to-do list checked off in glittery ink!

Perfect for Easter or everyday read-alouds, Little Bunny’s To-Do List offers a gentle lesson on the importance of organization.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A pinch of magic and the dusting of dreams mix to set off a very, Easterly adventure.

Little Bunny wakes up one morning in a great mood. After eating a magical carrot, he transforms from an average, white rabbit into the busy Easter Bunny. And he has a huge list of things to get done. Collecting jelly beans from the jelly trees, collecting eggs, creating dyes, and so many more activities keep him busy from dawn to dusk.

This is a book to get young listeners into Easter Bunny mode. It begins calm enough with the bunny waking up in a normal house to enjoy the flowers, but with the hint of magic, takes on Easter egg fun pure. The transformation itself did confuse me for a second...I didn't realize, right away, that the transformation was leading a normal bunny into the Easter Bunny, but the story really took off from there to create an exciting read with many activities young listeners will recognize. Things such as the jelly bean tree add smiles and keep a slight hum of imagination going. It makes for a quick-paced and grabbing read until the end.

The illustrations hang in the pastel direction to stick to the Easter theme. Each scene brings across energy and activity...until the end, which rounds this off into a nice bedtime read as well. The text rhymes smoothly and is divided into short phrases over the pages to make it a flowing read-aloud. 

It's a cute read to ring in the Easter season for groups, classrooms, and single settings. 

And here they are...

Helen Kemp Zax could spend all day musing over rhymes, so daily to-do lists keep her life on track. Her poetry has appeared in many anthologies and magazines, and she was co-awarded the 2021 YorkMix International Children’s Poetry Prize and won the 2018 Middle Grade Katherine Paterson Prize. A former lawyer and teacher, Kemp Zax holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Leonard, and their Aussie-doodle, Huckleberry Finn. 

Kiersten Eve Eagan is an illustrator working in children’s publishing and design for television and film. Eagan is passionate about storytelling and loves using design to help bring stories to life. She studied illustration at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she loves exploring the mountains or spending time by the sea.

Pup Chef by Margot Philips

Since moving back to the U.S., our farm life has made more than enough space and fun for a furry, family friend. I guess I do have to specify, since many of our 'friends' are furry or feathery—in this case, I'm speaking over our lovely dog. We're now on our 2nd pal, since our loving Fullhouse passed away thanks to a series of strokes and cancer a few years back. Now, Pumpkin has joined our ranks the last several years and should be around for several to come. We get our pals from the rescue, so the age isn't exactly known. Just a good guess.

Anyway, my youngest daughter has baked treats for them, every now and then. So, when I had the opportunity to pick up today's read, I didn't let it pass me by. This doggy cookbook is sold for adults, but I know other kids like my daughter, who enjoy baking and would, no doubt, love to create treats fitting for their own pals. 

Let's see if this book works for them!

PUP CHEF

50 Recipes Your Furry Best Friend Will Love

by Margot Philips

DoodleLife Publishing

Cookbook

162 pages

Dive into Pup Chef, a delightful cookbook filled with 50 scrumptious and healthy recipes to enjoy with your dog. This collection is ideal for pet owners looking to pamper their furry friends with tasty, nutritious, dog-safe ingredients that promote overall wellness.

Each recipe is simple to prepare and suitable for every tail-wagging occasion, ranging from quick snacks and frozen favorites to baked delicacies and festive bites. This cookbook enhances the time spent with your pup, strengthening your connection through the joy of homemade goodness.

Embrace the fun of treat-making with Pup Chef and discover the perfect way to make moments with your dog a little sweeter.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

These pages hold more than a few recipes, which hit all sorts of directions to make almost any pup smile.

This is a cookbook for dog treats and offers fifty possibilities, covering a large range of directions. The author begins the book with a personal note before heading into a brief overview of what cooks need to keep in mind when creating food for their furry friends. There are some dietary notes as well as a list of items dogs shouldn't eat and why. This allows young cooks to understand why some foods are appropriate and what harm they can cause. After this, it's recipe time.

The book is divided into several sections according to treat types. Each recipe has a two-page spread, one side with a large, colorful photo of the treat and the other with the recipe. The ingredients are listed clearly on the left side of the recipe along with a note (if needed) and two-stars when the recipe is gluten and dairy free. The ingredients are pretty standard, and I didn't notice anything that isn't readily available at the local grocery store. The directions are concise and clear, but then, these recipes aren't overly difficult, for the most part. Some do require certain shaped cookie cutters or baking forms, but honestly, that's only if a person wants them to look exactly like the photo. Obviously, these are necessities in most cases.

As with all cooking adventures, younger cooks will need a little supervision or assistance, but older, experienced bakers should have no problem creating most treats on their own. The text is very understandable, and there are even cute, doggy photos sprinkled in to make fans smile.

The end of the book holds several index possibilities to help readers find recipes easily. There are also a few more tips and facts at the end to round off the information goodness.

Baking fans, who want to treat their furry friends, too, are sure to enjoy this book and will find more than enough ideas to keep repeats far and few between...and are sure to find more than a few that their pals enjoy.

The Storyteller's Almanac by Elise Hurst

The first weeks of the year usually mean more time to read, since that's when our colder weather normally hits. Notice the words 'usually' and 'normally', since this year seems to be playing to its own beat with big temperature swings and no sign of the subzero temps, yet. Although I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to have to start more work outside on the farm again (I'm innerly screaming 'not yet!'), that reading pile stands waiting for me to pick today's read up.

Today's read is one I'm not sure will be good or not. I enjoy the illustrated cover but am a little lost as to the direction it will take. I'm getting short story vibes, but the blurb doesn't really hint at that direction. Instead, it should be a wordless journey, so my interest is piqued. 

Let's just jump in and see what's inside.

(Note after reading: Elise Hurst might now be one of my favorite illustrators.)

THE STORYTELLER'S ALMANAC

by Elise Hurst

Compendium

Children's Fantasy

128 pages

ages 4 and up

COMING JANUARY 20th!!!

This is an invitation to latch on to your imagination, and let it take you on an exciting ride to the extraordinary. The Storyteller's Almanac is your creative companion in unlocking new doors to your imagination and seeing where they might lead.

Created by award-winning illustrator Elise Hurst, this captivating wordless picture book features 50 richly detailed illustrations to explore. There are imaginative places to visit, mythological creatures to meet, and amazing adventures waiting for you. But the story of these illustrations is yours to create.

Open the pages at bedtime, on a road trip, or as a creative writing exercise. And when you need a little extra inspiration, there's a scavenger hunt included to help spot hidden details to fuel your storytelling journey.

Where will your stories take you? That's up to you!

It's a resource you'll reach for again and again--whether you're:
- A child discovering new ways to play and imagine
- A parent looking to connect and create with your child
- A teacher seeking thoughtful story starters for the classroom
- Someone creative searching for a fresh spark of inspiration

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Get ready to enter a world of imagination and let those dreams fly because these pages will take you on a  journey not easily left behind.

These pages hold sheer delight for fantasy fans' eyes. The scenes take different directions with each turn of the page, inviting to new stories and possibilities each time. All hold a touch of fantasy. Some twist familiar moments with a tinge of wonder, while others open up with places that only exist in tales. There are short poems sprinkled in between, only a few here and there, which seem to unlock a new door of thought, each time. These are short, pointed, and only appear every now and then to let the illustrations remain the main theme throughout.

The artist uses lighter colors, many careful strokes, and whimsical details to let the eyes sink into each moment. The creativity blossoms and blooms as every flip of the page opens up to a new world. It's hard not to stop and gaze at each one as individual tales come to life. Many hold animal figures with human-like attributes but not in the cutesy way. Instead, there's hints of rich adventure with each one. 

This book works well with almost all age groups, since it invites in with scenes which are sure to grab children and imagination-minded adults alike. Not only are the illustrations calming, but also inspiring. I could even see this used in classrooms or group settings...and by homeschoolers...to inspire writing sessions as well. I will be placing this one on my own bookshelf and have no doubt it will be pulled out again and again over the years by all sorts of hands.

And here she is...

Elise Hurst is a Melbourne-based illustrator, fine artist and author, specialising in children's books. She works in a vintage alternate reality, creating characters we feel we know and worlds we would like to inhabit.

The Monster and Puppet Show! by Kate Micucci

 There's so many books hitting the shelves this year...well, isn't there always? But I still get excited every year, wondering what each day will hold. Today's read releases end of next month but has already been on my reading pile for awhile. I've been restraining myself, eager to see what's inside since I didn't want to hit it too early, either.

Anyway, this one is for beginner readers, and it should be the truly beginning side of this group. I'm expecting this one to hold some humor, too. But we'll have to, finally, open it up to see what's inside.

So, let's do it!

THE MONSTER AND PUPPET SHOW!

by Kate Micucci

and Mo Willems

Union Square Kids

Picture Book

64 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING FEBRUARY 24th!!!

Award-winning actor, comedian, musician, and artist Kate Micucci teams up with #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems as part of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning early reader series Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!

When Monster meets Puppet, they decide to put on a show. Puppet knows what Monster should do! Monster should tell a joke! Monster should dance! Monster should sing! But the more Monster does, the more Puppet wants MORE. What should Monster do whenThe Monster and Puppet Show! is not fun any ... MORE!?!

Kate Micucci’s vibrant pop art and humorous storytelling cleverly explore themes of friendship, peer pressure, boundaries, and self-preservation. This funny beginning reader, for kids ages 4 to 8, supports early reading skill-building and is an ideal read-aloud book.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This duo...or single character? It's hard to say which as Monster finds a puppet, and both seem to hold their own ideas about everything.

Monster discovers a puppet and decides that it'd be great to have a puppet show, but he isn't sure what to do. Luckily, Puppet has some ideas, and soon the two are going back and forth, having so much fun. It goes on and on and on...until it isn't so fun anymore. But Monster isn't sure what he should do then.

This is a bit of a quirky tale and just right for beginning readers. Monster is simple and easy to connect with. Puppet, which should just be a puppet, seems to gain its own personality (or does it really?) While there's a bit of situation humor and some silly circumstances, there are also jokes worked in to offer an extra treat that readers can take with them. And the ending holds a tiny message about friendship, but this is really just a dab to round off the tale nicely. 

The main purpose of this book is to practice reading skills in an entertaining way, and it fulfills this task well. The illustrations are simple and colorful, but offer a visual assistance to support what is happening. The text is in speech bubbles and sticks to only a few words, and many are repeated to help recognition skills. The vocabulary stays in a beginning range, while adding a few, slightly more difficult ones along the way. But thanks to the humor, everything stays light and fun.

It's a cute and entertaining way to build those word skills while bringing some smiles, too.

And here they are...

Kate Micucci is an Emmy-nominated songwriter, comedian, and actor. She has voiced characters in numerous animated series and movies including Scooby-Doo, Steven Universe, DuckTales, and Dog Man. Kate has been in critically acclaimed hit TV series, including The Big Bang Theory and Raising Hope as well as in feature films. She released her debut children’s album, My Hat, in 2023. Kate has also performed live with her puppet, Camille, at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. She lives in New York City.

Mo Willems is a number one New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. He has been awarded three Caldecott Honors and an Eisner Award for his picture books, and two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals and five Geisel Honors for his celebrated ELEPHANT & PIGGIE early readers. His debut picture book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was inducted into the Picture Book Hall of Fame. Mo began his career as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he garnered six Emmy Awards. Mo is the cofounder of Hidden Pigeon Company, established in 2023 to extend the reach of Mo Willems characters and stories across multiple platforms.