The Gloom Dragon by Soren Jonsson

Today's I'm taking a look at a 'Smart Book'. This is one of two reads, which mix fantasy, Choose-Your-Own-Adventure formatting, and video games all into one tale. I have no idea how this will play out, but I'm excited to try something new.

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

THE GLOOM DRAGON

by Soren Jonsson

Illustrated by Brian Bak Jensen

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy   /  Game

160 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING MAY 19th!!!

Can you beat the Gloom Dragon? Become the hero and choose your own path in this innovative story experience. The Gloom Dragon is a Read & Play Interactive Gamebook, a new reading experience with an immersive game built in. Get reading—and playing—this thrilling adventure!

Explore deep caves, fight a Squiddo, hopscotch across a River of Lava, and sneak into the Gloom Dragon's treasure room in this turbocharged Augmented Reality game book.

You are a Swordfighter. Outfitted with the magic sword Rilgist and a shield, you begin your adventure. Solve each mini-game, puzzle, and task to beat the gold-hoarding Gloom Dragon threatening the small village of Randomia. You choose from multiple paths, all leading to different endings. Play and read, again and again.

The reading experience is made interactive with the free downloadable app. Scan the pictures to unlock new tasks, battles, and puzzles!

GOODREADS   /   PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Dragon adventure meets 'Choose-Your-Own Adventure' style with a video game to fight battles and more along the way—three thrilling worlds in one.

This is an interactive tale, which embraces the reader and brings them into the story actively. This is written in second person where the reader is a beginning sword hero, who needs to defeat the Gloom Dragon. The Gloom Dragon attacks villagers and takes their gold as well as their lives, and the reader...the swordfighter...has the self-imposed task to stop this dragon's rampage. This isn't a simple, laid out story, but rather lets the reader often decide between two choices as to what they will do next. This guides the reader to various, numbered sections, where they discover the next step of their journey, battle a monster, collect gold, or something else. Quite often, the reader is asked to pick up their tablet, phone, or whatever device they have, and using an app, actively do the activity video game style. In other words, there's a lot going on, and it's not a quiet read.

The adventure is smooth and easy to follow as it goes from one situation to the next. The text level isn't overly difficult making it appropriate even for the younger end of the middle grade audience. It's all action without much character depth, but that works very well for this tale. The scenes unfold quickly and bring each moment across clearly and with excitement. There are usually only a few short paragraphs or less for each scene, keeping the reader on their toes. It does make for quite a bit of page flipping, but everything is well laid out, so each section is no problem to find. The story holds many surprises and keeps tension rolling along.

The video game aspect adds an interesting layer. It's no problem to download the app, and the steering of each activity is pretty self-explanatory, especially for those readers who already play games. There are directions at the beginning of the read, however, for those who might needs some help. The app is simple and works smoothly. There's a magnifying glass in the middle of the screen, and the camera on the device recognizes the illustration which fits the page the reader has turned to. This unlocks various battles or other activities. Some are more difficult than others, but all are doable and fitting for the age group. 

As a pure read, it's a decent adventure for choose-your-adventure fans. The sections are short, though, which creates a lot of page turning. But it also keeps things from ever growing boring. The game aspect is a nice touch and enjoyable. Of course, this also means that the reader needs to have their device the entire time, too. I read a digital version on the laptop and used my phone for the app, which worked well enough. Also, the app downloaded quickly and was ready to use right away.

And here they are...

Peasoup Books has a mission to create a completely new reading experience for children by combining gaming elements with a printed book. These smart books use augmented reality to enhance the reading experience.

Søren Jønsson is a writer with a background in the gaming universe. He is behind more than 100 children's game titles.

A Lost Revenge by Kalynn Bayron

Today's read shoots off from an already well-known series and changes it into graphic novel form. I haven't read anything surrounding these characters, setting, or...well, anything before, but my youngest enjoyed the earlier books. So, I'll be hitting this one without knowing much about it outside of the fact that it is enjoyed...or has been enjoyed by readers in the original, text form.

So, let's see what these pages hold, shall we?

A LOST REVENGE

Disney Descendants 

by Kalynn Bayron

Illustrated by Asiah Fulmore

Abrams Fanfare

Middle Grade Fantasy /  Graphic Novel

176 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 19th!!!

New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron makes her graphic novel debut in this original graphic novel set in the massive Descendants universe, starring fan-favorite character Uma, showing how she became the headmaster of Auradon Prep!

Uma, daughter of the infamous villain Ursula, is at a crossroads. After helping King Ben and Queen Mal bring down the barrier between the Isle of the Lost and Auradon, Uma no longer knows where she fits in. Unmoored, Uma readies herself and the Lost Revenge crew to leave Auradon’s shores and take to the seas once again. But with a newly open barrier comes new a group of Auradon Prep students have vanished at sea without a trace. Worried for the students’ safety, the King and Queen ask Uma and her crew to embark on a search-and-rescue mission.
 
Despite her fears of becoming too much of a do-gooder, Uma accepts. It’s time to drop the Jolly Roger and set sail!  As the Lost Revenge weathers dangerous storms—and even stormier emotions—the pirates quickly find that the missing students are a small part of a much larger conflict. Putting her seafaring knowledge, magic, and VK wits to the test, Uma must battle sea witches, her own first mate, and a vengeance-hungry rival ship. Will Uma be able to rescue the students and put a stop a looming threat before it descends upon Auradon? Or is it all already too late?
 
New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron makes her graphic novel debut with this exciting adventure brought to life beautifully by illustrator Asiah Fulmore. Filling in events between Descendants 3 and The Rise of Red, this Descendants original graphic novel shows how Uma became the headmaster of Auradon Prep.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

High seas adventure mixes with the desire to be true to yourself in a colorful tale.

Ever since Uma tore down the barrier between the villain and hero worlds, she's been a little unsure of her own place in everything. As the daughter of the feared sea witch, Ursula, her path of evil had been clear before, but now, she's marked as a hero by many and has friends in this new world, where villains and heroes are no longer always distinct. She wants nothing more than to figure out her own place in all of it but before she can contemplate too long, she's requested to save some lost students from Auradon Prep. That would be another job for a goodie-two-shoes, but she can't let innocent kids suffer. Add that her mother isn't on board with Uma's new reputation, and things are anything but easy.

This is a quick-paced, graphic novel based on Disney's popular 'The Descendants' series, and it does a lovely job at bring the world to new life. The illustrations are very well done and carry the atmosphere with ease as the color scheme and emotions shift right along with the tale to produce a rounded adventure. Even visually, Uma walks right on the border between good and evil with darker hues and a fitting outfit, but her golden personality shines through making her easy to follow and root for. Her crew offers a bit of humor, while giving a capable impression. But then, the style for each characters fits well to give the tale new life.

The text flows seamlessly as well and works with the illustrations to make each moment clear without growing too wordy. There are moments of action, which grew a little bit hazier in their presentation, but keep the tension high. Uma's contemplation slows everything down but just enough to allow for character depth without pulling the reader out of the story. It makes her relatable and promises much more to come thanks to her tenacious personality. There are hints of romance but only slight whispers, and the message of 'following ones own path' rings loud and clear to add that last Disney touch.

Is a grabbing story, whose pacing makes it hard to put this one down, and it's an easy read, which even more reluctant readers are sure to enjoy.

And here they are...

Kalynn Bayron is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the YA fantasy novels Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart. Her latest works include the YA horror novel You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight and the middle-grade paranormal adventure The Vanquishers. She is a CILIP Carnegie Medal Nominee, a Bram Stoker Award nominee, a LOCUS Award finalist, and the recipient of the 2022 Randall Kenan Award for Black LGBTQ fiction. She is a classically trained vocalist and musical-theater enthusiast. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching scary movies and spending time with her family. 

Asiah Fulmore is a freelance illustrator currently living back and forth between Columbia, SC and Bangkok, Thailand. She loves eating, traveling and comics. She is known for her work on DC Comics Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld and the Windom’s Family Time.

Jeff O'Lantern by Charlie Greenwald

Today's read will probably seem a little out of place, at first glance. Maybe at the second, too. But I'm ready for carved pumpkin tales year around if they are good and cute and friendly...or even spooky works for me. My daughter asked me this morning why there aren't more holidays this time of year... fun ones with tons of decorations. Yes, July 4th is coming... (ahem...and I just found out we might be spending it in DC!!!!!!!), but it's still a way off and hangs out in the middle by itself a bit. A couple more holidays wouldn't hurt. So, I have a small desire to send my thoughts toward Halloween. Just like dipping the toes in ice water on a hot day for a quick second. 

Ready to visit this holiday with me and see if it makes us smile and dream?

JEFF O'LANTERN

by Charlie Greenwald

Illustrated by Jelke van Antwerpen

Magination Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 4th!!!

You all know Jack O'Lantern, with his wild eyes and crooked teeth. He's the best on the block at keeping the trick-or-treaters on Irving Street from taking more than one piece of Halloween candy. But have you met his little brother, Jeff?

Jeff O'Lantern has kind eyes and a friendly smile, and he's a little shy. Unlike his big brother, he's not very good at scaring away overeager trick-or-treaters. Even his boo sounds sweet rather than spooky. But he's going to keep trying to live up to the O'Lantern name and make his brother proud.

Despite Jeff's best efforts, the Halloween treats are going too quickly, and it doesn't seem like there will be enough for everyone. Join Jeff as he embarks on his pumpkin hero's journey to save the candy bowl, help out a new friend, and uncover his true talents along the way.

In this funny and charming Halloween tale, can Jeff O'Lantern finally get out of the shadow of his more confident sibling and find his own way to shine?

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

One of the favorite activities surrounding Halloween gains a fun, unexpected twist in a tale with heart.

It's time to go trick-or-treating and while the human family is underway to visit the neighborhood, Jeff and Jack O'Lantern are tasked with handing out candy to the kids who stop by the house. Perched on the doorstep with a bowl of candy between them, the two carved pumpkins couldn't be more different from the other. Jack carries a scary grin and an attitude to match, reminding each kid that they can only take one treat. Jeff, on the other hand, is all smiles and can't wait for the costumed children to grab up their handfuls. Still, Jeff wants to make Jack happy and prove that he can also be strict and keep the kids from taking more than one piece. But this proves to be more difficult than he thought it'd be.

This is a read for Halloween, which lets the fun of Trick-or-Treating flow. The two carved pumpkins carry tons of personality, and despite their obvious differences, get along quite well. The care between them is obvious even when Jack asserts that Jeff change his behavior. This demand is also delivered carefully to leave readers/listeners wondering if Jack is right or not. After all, there are reasons to go either way. When a huge twist of events leads to an unexpected adventure, it's easy to root for Jeff, enjoy the fun, and smile at the heart-warming message at the end.

The illustrations display the scenes nicely to bring across the tale with personality. They also flow well enough for listeners, who can't read, to pick up on their own and flip through the tale. The text makes a nice read-aloud or works for those readers, who are sure of their words to hit on their own. There is an obvious message by the end, which can be used to open up to discussions. The author also includes two pages for the caretaker, which explains more on understanding different temperaments and valuing unique abilities of each personality.

It's a read with food for thought and will work especially nicely come Halloween season.

And here they are...

Charlie Greenwald is a  passionate animal rescue advocate, he has also coauthored a series of books with his father called The Rescues. Charlie lives in Stamford, CT. Visit his website.

 Jelke van Antwerpen's passion is bringing stories to life with illustrations inspired by magic, horror, and fairy tales. She lives in Mierlo, Netherlands.

Growing Up Ladybug by Štěpánka Sekaninová

Spring is hitting full-swing as sights shift forward to Summer. I still have a few things to plant in the garden, but most seeds have already found their place. The grass...well, let's just say that my mower better not play tricks on me anytime soon. The cows are happy, though. And fat.

Anyway, today's read fits the season. This book is the forth and final in a series for those beginning readers out there who are sure of their words. Each book covers a different insect and introduces all sorts of facts about them. I haven't read any of the other books in the series and am jumping in with this final addition. But then, ladybugs have always been a favorite insect of mine.

So, let's open this one up and see if we'll buzz around with these adorable bugs!

GROWING UP LADYBUG

Little Heroes Book 4

by Štěpánka Sekaninová

Illustrated by Linh Dao

Albatros Media

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 6 to 9

Peek into the bold and beautiful world of Anna the ladybug—where tiny legs, spotted wings, and big adventures await!

Anna may be small, but her life is anything but quiet. From the moment she hatches, she’s on the move—growing, changing, and learning how to survive in a world full of surprises. Whether she’s escaping hungry predators or hunting down her favorite snack (aphids!), Anna shows that even the tiniest beetles can be fierce, clever, and full of heart.

Whether your child is a budding entomologist or just loves a good garden adventure, Growing Up Ladybug is a delightful and educational journey they’ll want to read again and again.

The Little Heroes series highlights the essential, yet often overlooked, roles that insects and small animals—from pollinators to natural pest controllers—play in our ecosystem. Through a fun and gentle lens, young readers learn about the small but mighty heroes that keep our natural world in balance.

• Fascinating Ladybug Facts – Learn how ladybugs grow, hunt, and protect themselves in the wild.
• STEM Learning Through Storytelling – Perfect for classrooms, homeschoolers, and curious kids who love bugs, beetles, and backyard science.
• Complete Life Cycle Coverage – Follows Anna from egg to adult, highlighting her role in nature and the importance of biodiversity.
• Vivid Illustrations and Engaging Narrative – Brings the garden to life with colorful artwork and a story that sparks curiosity.
• Part of the Trusted Little Heroes Series – A favorite among families and educators, this series celebrates the courage and wonder of nature’s smallest creatures.

For more than 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children’s books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to nonfiction, and fairy tales.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Excitement, care, and the enjoyment of life buzz on every page as all sorts of ladybug facts unfold.

These pages are all about ladybugs and allow readers to enter this small insect's world with a hum of fun. Every page presents happy ladybugs as they go through their daily lives. The book covers everything from types of ladybugs (and there are over 5000 known species) to habits to life cycles and more. The entire time, a bubbly atmosphere keeps everything from growing boring and presents ladybugs with a very positive attitude. By the end, readers are sure to know much more than before...and even adults will pick up an interesting tidbit or two.

The illustrations are cheerful and add a mix of human characteristics to the bugs but not so much so that the facts get mutated. This opens up the door to younger readers with a sense of playfulness. At the same time, the information and explanations are given a visual foundation. For example, the various stages of a ladybug's development are shown in a way that can be used to identify them in real life. 

The text is suited to the readers, who are sure of their words, but stays short and keeps a light atmosphere. There is a general paragraph at the top of each two-page spread, which introduces the overall theme. Then, the more exact information is broken down into smaller sections throughout the page, only with a few, short sentences each time. These are also kept light and playful, allowing readers to join the ladybugs as they explain each aspect. So, the information never weighs down. 

It's a cheerful way to introduce readers to the world of ladybugs.

And here they are...

Štěpánka Sekaninová used to work as a TV reporter and in the production of children’s programs. Now she is a writer and a editor-in-chief, living in the Czech Republic.

Linh Dao was born in Hanoi and currently resides in the Czech Republic, where she studied Illustration and Animation. In 2016 she was a prize-winner in the Young Creative category at the ADC Creative Awards. She lives mainly on potato chips and green tea. 

Happy Book Birthday, Maddie's Breezy Soul by Bridgette Melton!

We're celebrating another book birthday today, but this time, we're headed under the sea! With school's beginning to open up to summer vacations, fun in the water is one of the first activities which hits many young readers' minds. Maybe not always the ocean, but water is sure to splash somewhere during the next weeks. So, today's read seemed fitting.

MADDIE'S BREEZY SOUL

The Sea's Symphony

by Bridgette Melton

Illustrated Danika Runyan

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

In Maddie's Breezy Soul, Maddie the seahorse hears a rumbling growing inside her when she discovers her little brother has accidentally broken a favorite vase she made at camp. But when she sees her brother's remorse and sorrow, the sound of a breeze swishing through her brings calm and compassion.

Through heartwarming and whimsical storytelling and vibrant playful illustrations, each endearing character's adventure provides young readers the tools to recognize, understand, and regulate their emotions.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A wholesome adventure unfolds as this adorable seahorse swims through life.

Maddie enjoys her life under the sea and always has something to do or going on. While many moments are amazing, others leave her upset...like when her brother breaks her vase. While she wants to explode, maybe there's another way to deal with her feelings.

This is a book about feelings and the range of directions they take during a day. While I'm not always a fan of such reads, Maddie is an adorable seahorse who simply puts a smile on the face. She radiates innocence and a joy for life on every page. Even when sad or frustrating things occur, she takes a breath and steers through the emotions in a wholesome way. While this, of course, is something to inspire and give readers/listeners nibbles to ponder, I appreciate that it comes across swimmingly with sea fun and not preachiness. Maddie's day is easy to connect with, and while it packs fantasy, there is also many things which will remind readers/listeners of their own lives. The situations are simple, and that makes them easy to sympathize with and understand.

The text flows smoothly and creates a fun read-aloud for the intended age group. Those readers, who are sure of their words, can tackle it on their own. The illustrations are bright and cheery to give each scene a sense of fun and energy...even when negative feelings hit. It keeps the read enjoyable and uplifting the entire way through.

And here she is...

Children’s author and former Pre-K and Kindergarten educator Bridgette Melton became passionate about children’s mental health and trauma informed practices in education while she was working on her Master's degree in Psychology and teaching in a HeadStart classroom. As she saw young students struggle to regulate their emotions because they simply didn’t know how, she taught them the Zones of Regulation (associating a color to a feeling). 

Bridgette decided to take that idea one step further and develop another way for kids to name their feelings, learn that it is ok to feel that feeling, hear the sound, but to be brave and overcome it to find a positive space (reframing). She calls this emotional regulation concept that she is developing “Emotional Recognition through Auditory Awareness,” which is essentially associating a sound to a feeling. Bridgette has created her line of children’s picture books, The Sea’s Symphony, which integrate her concept, as a tool for educators and families of young children to use storytelling to help children.

Bridgette believes that a great book is one with memorable characters and a relatable plot. She hopes her young readers come away from her stories with a better understanding of their emotions and how to regulate them and that this stays with them long after the book is closed.

When she isn’t writing, Bridgette enjoys traveling with her family, cooking new recipes, and hiking. She lives with her husband and children and their two cats in Denver, Colorado

Website: bridgettemelton.com