Happy Book Birthday, Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceres!

Yay! I have another book birthday to shout-out to the world! This one releases tomorrow, carries graphic novel goodness, and might be the beginning of a new series....I'm not sure on this last one, though. It involves an orphaned girl and a boy, who happens to be a musician. I thought that twist was interesting and can't wait to see what music lies in store. It should swing around fantasy, although I'm not sure how far it dives in this direction.

Let's open it up and see if this music weaves a spell or how it works!

THROUGH THE BLACK GATE

by Alfredo Cáceres

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Middle Grade Fantasy   /

Graphic Novel

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

Thirteen-year-old orphan Irene believes her father’s soul is trapped inside her cat, Moses. Living at her caregiver Ruth’s hostel, Irene spends every waking hour studying a mystical book that her parents left behind in the fire that took their lives. Irene thinks the book can help her see them again, if only Moses will give her a clue.

Then, just as a strange fog sweeps over their quiet Chilean town, a mysterious young musician named Francis moves into the hostel. Irene and her new roommate don’t particularly get along, but Moses soon leads them both through the fog to a strange tear in reality: an entrance to the Land of the Dead.

Believing this is the key to seeing her parents again, Irene and Francis cross to the other side. There, they encounter the Ferryman of the Dead, who is desperate to escape into the Land of the Living. The Ferryman offers to return Irene and Francis’s loved ones in exchange for their help. In the face of such a massive promise, Irene and Francis must decide whether to risk the fate of both the Lands of the Living and the Dead or be braver than they ever thought possible.

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Determination, family love, and the magic of music mix together to form an exciting adventure.

After loosing her family to a fire, Irene has reason to believe that her father's soul is trapped inside the family cat. While Irene does her best to hold on to this last thread of her family, the cat is determined to escape the new home at a hostel. When a boy, Francis, moves in with the intention of improving his guitar technique at a local academy, him and Irene immediately hit like fire and ice. But then, Irene notices that his music seems to be having a positive affect on her father's soul. When the cat escapes again, she drags Francis along, hoping he can help her get her father to cross over. Instead, they open a portal to the land between life and death, and discover that the entire realm has been corrupted by a very dangerous Ferryman.

I promised myself not to do any grief books this year after last year's overwhelming supply in that direction, and yet, here I am. And I'm glad I took the leap into this book. While the loss of Irene's family and the determination to help her father crossover into the afterlife drive Irene's every decision, the tale doesn't weigh down in loss and grief. Irene has accepted her parents' fate and heads into danger out of sheer love for them. Well, mostly as the ending pulls a last twist of emotional goodness...but adventure, danger, and forming friendship drive the plot forward and keep this read exciting. There are dangerous foes, sticky situations, misunderstandings, secrets, unexpected friendships, and secrets to be discovered. The land in-between offers a dive into pure fantasy with many unexpected moments. It was also nice to see that while Francis' music could act like a golden ticket, this was by no means a guarantee, and he had to struggle with his own side-plot. 

 

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy quite a bit of adventure and dives into the afterlife. 

And here he is...

Alfredo Cáceres is an author and illustrator from Santiago, Chile. He has worked in picture books, magazines, newspapers, and video games, including the acclaimed Blight Harbor series and New York Times bestseller The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. His debut graphic novel Through the Black Gate is based on the city of Valdivia, Chile, where he grew up between rain and moss. Visit him on Instagram @RedoLaf.

Happy Book Birthday, Sundays Under the Lemon Tree by Julia Busuttil Nishimura!

 

It's time to shout out another book birthday—yay! It hits the shelves tomorrow, but that's definitely close enough for me. The moment I saw today's read, I snatched it up. Yellow just happens to be my favorite color, so it caught my eye. Also, lemon cake sounds amazing, right now. Add the content girl smiling away and this invites to calm, enjoyable hours outside in the shade. Lemon tree shade, obviously. So, what's not to like? 

I'm betting that this one will rotate around family goodness...although it might hold some surprises??? I have no idea. The only way to find out is to open it up and take a look!

SUNDAYS UNDER THE LEMON TREE

by Julia Busuttil Nishimura

Illustrated by Milo Yim

Scribble US

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

A heartwarming picture book celebrating family, tradition, and culinary adventures.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura, known for her acclaimed cookbooks and heartwarming food stories, teams up with talented illustrator Myo Yim for their debut picture book collaboration, Sundays Under the Lemon Tree. The book, filled with family moments and culinary discovery, will captivate readers of all ages.

Sundays Under the Lemon Tree follows a young child’s memorable Sunday, with the smells and sounds of family cooking, the adventure of collecting seawater to make ricotta, and the triumph of learning to bake a special family apple cake. Busuttil Nishimura’s prose and Yim’s illustrations bring to life the comforting rituals and loving bonds that make Sundays special.
With themes of connection, heritage, and simple pleasures, this collaboration between Julia Busuttil Nishimura and Myo Yim celebrates the multigenerational bonds between food and family history. The book will also include the cherished apple cake recipe and promises to be a beloved addition to any child's bookshelf.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Family traditions and togetherness warm with the thoughts of sunshine, ocean water, and a lemon tree.

It's Sunday, and that means it's time for the extended family to meet under the lemon tree and share food and time together. Mother is already cooking in the kitchen, father is watering the plants, and grandmother is podding the peas. Too bad the little girl isn't allowed to help, but everyone claims she's too small. Then, something extraordinary happens and her father asks her to help him get a bucket of ocean water to make the fresh ricotta for the apple cake. 

This is a warming read in so many ways. Every page is as bright and cheerful as a lemon tree. Then, the strong bonds of family act like a caring embrace as everyone works together. Even when the little girl feels left out, she's right in the middle of the lively atmosphere and surrounded with love and care. Young listeners/readers will understand her feelings and connect with the situation. When she does, finally, get the opportunity to assist her father, a little tension and uncertainty grab in before the book slides into more family goodness. To round the entire experience off, the author has included the apple cake recipe at the end so readers and caretakers can also work together and create the warm treat.

The illustrations are bright and bring across the family excitement nicely. It's easy to sink into the familiar scenes. A little humor is also built in as necessary and the details give plenty for listeners to discover when they flip through the book on their own. The text makes a lovely read-aloud and works for those readers, who are mostly sure of their words. 

And here they are...

Julia Busuttil Nishimura is the bestselling author of four cookbooks. She writes for Good Weekend Magazine and Gourmet Traveller. Julia's work  celebrates the joy of family meals, drawing inspiration from her Maltese heritage, time spent living in Italy and Japanese family. Sundays Under the Lemon Tree is her debut children's book.

Myo Yim has worked as an illustrator of children’s books. Her work has appeared in more than fifteen books, including Wilder Child, Dorothy, Shoes Off, Please and Rajah Street. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Myo now lives in Byron Bay, Australia, with her husband and two boys.

(Biographies take from publisher's website)

Luz Makes a Splash by Claudia Dávila

Today's read seems to be perfect for the heat in upcoming July. It's the second in the Luz series, and I did not read the first one. I'm pretty sure this won't be an issue, though. Also, this series hit the shelves already in 2012 and is getting a slightly new look. That's great because I wouldn't have noticed it otherwise. Not only do I love the theme... I mean, who doesn't love to splash in water outdoors when it get warm outside? But I also like the short length of under 100 pages, especially for the middle grade audience. And it's a graphic novel, which is also fun. Add that this book is still being published, and it's sure to be a treat.

Grab those towels because it looks like we're in for tons of fun.

LUZ MAKES A SPLASH

Luz #2

by Claudia Dávila

Kids Can Press

Middle Grade Fiction

Graphic Novel

96 pages

ages 8 to 12

With a heat wave and a drought threatening the city's water supply, Luz and her friends dive into the fight to save the swimming pond and Friendship Park. This graphic novel includes a guide on how to make a water-wise garden.

AMAZON    /     GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer heat mixes with water conservation ideas and working together to create an entertaining read.

Luz and her friends are practically melting thanks to the hot summer heat. Unfortunately, the constant high temperatures are also putting a strain on the local water supply. When Luz and her friends head on a day trip, they discover that the swimming pond is going dry thanks to a nearby cola company, which is using the water for their manufacturing process. When Luz returns home, she learns that the water shortage is now causing more problems: no day showers, dying gardens, and more. She knows she has to do something to help this disaster but isn't sure where to really start.

This book dives head first into environmental issues and concentrates on water conservation. While one plot has Luz and her family trying to figure out the bigger issue with the manufacturing company and the swimming pond, other problems such as a dying plants create a multi-layered tale. The message is very clear and melds with the tale to grab, especially, environmentally minded readers. Some situations are a bit exaggerated, but this also raises the tension and keeps those pages turning. It hits on solutions such as filtering gray water, mini-wetlands, and rain barrels. So, there's a nice learning factor involved.

The illustrations stick to blues, whites and blacks, and they bring across each scene nicely. Some graphic novel readers might wonder why full colors weren't used since this tends to be more standard, anymore. The text drives the story forward and doesn't weigh down. Add the shorter length, and this is very fitting for the younger end of the middle age group. 

All in all, it's an entertaining tale with some inspiring ideas and awakens awareness for the importance of handling water wisely.

And here she is...

In a world that’s becoming ever more digitized, Claudia Dávila remains a believer in and appreciator of books you can hold in your hand. She writes, illustrates and designs books for kids of all ages, with stories and themes that encourage children to be strong, thoughtful, compassionate and responsible people.

Claudia is the former art director of Chirp and Chickadee magazines, the author-illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel series Luz Goes Green and the picture book Super Red Riding Hood, and she is the illustrator of the Nansi graphic novel series and Thunderboom. Claudia was born in Santiago, Chile, and now makes her home in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and their two children.

UN-spoiled! by Marie Chow

Today's read looks adorable! I love the pink princess-ness. Add the word unspoiled, and it immediately puts a smile on my face. Telling by the cover, this little girl is definitely spoiled. Will she cast a spell to change everything? Or will she try her best to be unspoiled? I'm ready to see what this tale does and hope for fun along the way.

UN-SPOILED!

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Arthur Lin

Picture Book

29 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nova is a young girl... full of joy, and fully committed to getting her own way. 

I'm the opposite of spoiled
... ask anyone.
It's not my fault I'm everyone's
favorite loved one.

Is she spoiled? You'll have to decide for yourself.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Smiles are guaranteed as this little girl tries her best to make the argument that she is anything but spoiled.

Nova is un-spoiled, and she can prove it. With tons of energy, a positive attitude, and loads of pink, she goes through the day and points out the many things, which make it seem like she's spoiled. But she clearly doesn't fall into that category. Right?

Readers, who adore pink princess vibes, are going to enjoy this read since Nova is as girly as girly can be. Her positive attitude is addictive, and she goes through life with a smile. This goodness radiates so much that it may make readers wonder if she truly is spoiled or not. After all, she's obviously a nice and kind person to be around. So while everyone makes sure she's satisfied and has more than she needs, there isn't the slightest hint of negativity. It creates a fun balance and shows how blurred the line between truth and perception can grow. It's cute to watch her place her well-laid arguments while she spins from one page to the next. 

The illustrations bring each scene across with pink pizzazz and family goodness. Nova's life will ring familiar with many readers thanks to the daily life scenes. The text is delivered in four-phrased rhymes, which flow well, are kept short, and keep the positive atmosphere going. This makes it a lovely read-aloud...and the shorter length keeps even reluctant listeners' attentions from steering too far away. It's a cute read, which gives a little to think about while keeping everything warm and cheerful.

And here she is...

Marie Chow is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children's books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.

Kader's Quest by Nadir Balan, Yener Balan, and Duygu Balan

The cover caught my attention on today's read. I was getting science fiction vibes, but today's reaad heads in a completely different direction. If I understood it correctly...and I'm not sure I did....this is a book to help readers deal with issues like bullying, family problems, and the like while following a boy on his own journey.  And considering it's only 55 or so pages, this is happening quick. I really don't know what else to think...so let's dive in and see what it's about.

KADER'S QUEST

by Nadir Balan

Yener Balan

Duygu Balan

Productivity Press

Middle Grade Self-Help

52 pages

ages 8 to 12

Middle school student Kader is on the precipice of the turbulent path to adulthood. Join him on this journey of discovery and healing through dazzling art replete with puzzles, hidden images, symbolism, reflection and silence.

Award-winning artist Nadir Balan brings this deeply human story to life with stunning illustrations that invite readers to feel every emotion alongside Kader as he uncovers his past and searches for belonging. Written by psychiatrist Dr. Yener Balan and psychotherapist Duygu Balan, this graphic novel embraces raw vulnerability and authentic experiences, creating a story that feels real, digestible, and powerfully relatable.

Kader's Quest offers behavioral health specialists an invaluable therapeutic tool that resonates with young adults facing similar struggles with family dynamics, anxiety, friendship, bullies, and major life transitions. The carefully crafted narrative allows readers to process their own complex emotions through Kader's journey, helping them feel seen in their experiences. For professionals working with teens who struggle to articulate their feelings, this graphic novel provides a meaningful conversation starter grounded in evidence-based principles, making it a compelling read and a powerful clinical resource.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Illustrations, which demand to be dissected and pondered, follow a quick-paced adventure of a boy dealing with life.

This is one of those books, which holds its very own flair and will, either, grab readers in or make them wonder what is going on. That said, I'm starting with the illustrations because these are a treat in and of themselves. Everything is done in black and white, which while seemingly empty, at times, also is perfect due to the huge amount of details. Part of me wanted to grab the markers and use it as a coloring book, but as said, the scenes are so busy that it might overpower, too. There's a science fiction flair to the artwork and the characters carry a harsher hint, which also makes the age, sometimes, hard to distinguish. There's an abundance of woven in messaging in many scenes, and some twist reality with fantastical imagery to make readers think. The text is kept very sparse with only a dab here and there to give Kader's tale a string of guidance as the reader is invited on their own journey.

Kader has a story, but it's not so much of a distinct plot as it is an invitation to follow his handling of various situations. He deals with quite a few family issues, trying to figure out where he belongs, bullying, finding new footings, and struggles with the anxiety as the world warps around him. The problems he faces are very familiar and ones many readers can connect, at least, a little with their own lives. As Kader tries to deal with everything at an emotional level and battles at each step, the reader is drawn in with him and led to lay their own, similar problems in mirror of Kader's. It unfolds into a psychological dive, which offers plenty of room for contemplation as the fantasy aspects of the imagery allow emotions to bend and twist as needed.

As said, for the right readers, this is amazingly well done. The book is designed by a psychotherapist and psychiatrist with the intention to help certain teens deal with their emotions and situations, and it can fulfill this task. Other readers might be reminded of a fever dream. And yet, others who appreciate sinking into the psyche can embrace the extremely rich visuals and seek their own meanings and inspiration.