All By My Elf by Jeffrey Burton

Have you noticed the Christmas decorations popping up everywhere? Honestly, I'm a 'wait until after Thanksgiving' fan, but it will be a short run this year. We always get our tree on Thanksgiving weekend and with the 1st of Advent hitting right away, it's going to be a short season.

Anyway, I'm excited to take a look at this read and see what surprises it holds...because it should have a few.

ALL BY MY ELF

by Jeffrey Burton

Illustrated by Nanette Regan

Little Simon

Board Book  /   Holiday

18 pages

ages 1 to 4

Little ones help prepare their homes for Santa’s arrival in this sweet and festive board book featuring an interactive element on every page, from glitter to felt!

Christmas is coming!
I can be Santa’s helper…all by my elf!

When the Christmas breeze swirls in the air, everyone prepares to bring out their holiday best…even the kids! A cast of eager little helpers get ready for the holidays, from rolling the perfect snowman to frosting gingerbread cookies. This time of year, there’s no such thing as being too young to help!

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MY TIDBITS

With glitter and joy, these pages awaken the Christmas excitement and dance through the traditions of the holiday season.

Already the cover gives off the popular Christmas glisten and shine with glitter to rub the fingers over and enjoy. From there, each page highlights a holiday-preparation moment, which radiates the curiosity and wonder of the season. Each time, there's a child who wants to prove their independence by showing that they can perform the activities by themselves. This comes across in text with the every-so-often, repeated phrase 'all by my elf'. 

The text is written in rhyme with only a short phrase on each page to keep it very much at the attention span for the intended age group. It flows nicely and makes a lovely read-aloud. The repeated phrase appears only every couple pages or so, giving young listeners something to join in on if the desire but doesn't overwhelm, either. The independence comes across with the pride kids have to show-off what they can accomplish. In this case, building a snowman, decorating cookies, or hanging up lights. 

The illustrations add another level as they incorporate textures for listeners to discover. These are varied and do include cloth and such, but they are also kept rather reserved to meld right in with the rest of the book. 

It's an enjoyable read during the holiday season and is sure to delight y

oung readers, especially those who enjoy a little sparkle and shine.

And here they are...

Jeffrey Burton has written several books for children. He lives in New York City with his family

Nanette Regan is a freelance illustrator based in Jersey, a tiny island between England and France. She loves making joyful, messy, character-driven work that celebrates the chaotic magic of the everyday. Visit her online at NanetteRegan.com.

Arty by Penny Schneider

I'm just going to stay in graphic novel swing and take a look at a read surrounding a beta fish and sea slug. I don't believe I've ever read a book with a beta fish as the main character. They are such lovely fish, although I always feel sorry for them when I see them at the pet store. I know they aren't exactly friendly fish, and I have a feeling that's what drives this tale.

Ready to meet Arty because I sure am!

ARTY

by Penny Schneider

Monarch Educational Services

Middle Grade Animal Fiction  /  

Graphic Novel

100 pages 

ages 6 to 10

Arty is not your typical see a fish you fight Betta. What HE wants most of all is a friend. He knows how he is supposed to be, but...he knows nothing about this "friend" stuff. Can he do it? What do friends really do? Then along comes a silly sea slug, and his world flips upside down.

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MY TIDBITS

A fish swims against the tide to find that friendship can be difficult to find but golden when it's true.

Arty is a beta fish, which means he should love to fight. But he doesn't. Still, his presence is enough to scare everyone away, and he does find himself using that as a mask against the hurt it causes. Still, he dreams of friendship and decides to search out advice from the wisest entity in the ocean. When he runs into a sea slug, things start to change, and Arty notices that friendship might not pop up in a perfect bubble like his dreams. It might be even better than that.

This is an unique read, which, at times, had me wondering if it'd work or was going astray and yet, pulls in nicely. It draws in and makes it hard to put it down until the very end. Arty is clearly uncomfortable in his own fins. The author spends the first section letting the reader get a good grasp on Arty's problem, which makes the fish sympathetic but, at that same time, slices with his sharp attitude whenever he gets frustrated...and makes him a little hard to like. The sea slug adds spice at just the right time and brings along necessary humor. The odd partnership doesn't slide together immediately, but that's what makes it so fun. It's a strange pairing and so easy to root for as the, sometimes, difficult path to friendship becomes clear.

While there's an obvious message in these pages, it's a fun tale with characters to get behind.  The illustrations are in watercolor which fits with the ocean scenes, and they balance with the text to bring across the tale nicely and insert humor. There are a few pages which invite the reader to draw their own scene...which is a nice touch and fits well in the flow.

It's an enjoyable read, and I do hope to see more of these two in the future.

You can learn more about Penny and her works:

https://www.pennyschneider.com/

The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen

 I'm ready for a little fantasy but don't really have time, at the moment, to dive into something longer. I'm still fence building, renovating a bathroom, and trying to build some furniture to finish my mudroom. Let's not forget Thanksgiving is around the corner and the 1st of Advent. So reading time is a bit tight, right now. 

So today's graphic novel seemed perfect with its promise of magic, danger, sisterly love and fantasy world. Let's see if it offers a great adventure and wonderful characters...and that with engaging illustrations, too.  Yep, I have high expectations for this read.

THE FIRELIGHT APPRENTICE

by Bree Paulsen

Quill Tree

Middle Grade Fantasy / Graphic Novel

ages 10 and up

The bestselling author-illustrator of Garlic and the Vampire, Bree Paulsen, brings her fantastical storytelling and warm, sparkling artwork to this story that celebrates the bond between sisters.

In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king's magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom.

When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces…

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON   /    B&N    /    ELM STREET BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

Magic mixes with difficult life circumstances, dreams, and sisterly love to create a rich world where adventure might know no end.

Ada and Safi do their best to help their father out in his lightbulb store after the war, which cost their mother's life and their father's health. Not only is money tight, but Ada knows that the magic her younger sister inherited through their parents isn't something she can steer alone. Since a mentor is out of financial reach, Ada hopes a coming magic show will take Safi in as an apprentice and train her to become a king's magician just like their parents once were. But this path isn't sure. Plus, there are liches everywhere, who want to drain anyone with magic of their powers. None of this is a world Ada really knows much about. Still, she needs to figure it out to help her sister.

This is set in a medieval, fantasy world, and the illustrations bring this atmosphere across well. The colors hang dimmed to give a sense of desperation, which works great to balance against the struggled hope Safi's family has and the joy the magic delivers. The struggles of Safi's family are clear, and yet, Safi's attitude is pretty carefree thanks to Ada and her father, who try to buffer everything as best as possible. While Safi goes through the read trying to learn to deal with her magic, it's Ada who works through the tougher plot strings and fights every step of the way. It forms a warm, sisterly bond with Ada doing everything she can for her family. So, there is quite a bit of heart.

The plot slides through smoothly with a sense of approaching danger and doesn't really have too many big surprises until the later half. Instead, the author builds the world, creates awe, and molds characters to worry about and root for. Even the side characters come to life and add depth. When the main battle hits (and this goes by surprisingly quick), it's easy to sympathize with the characters. There are a few side-plots, but these stay light, and this fits nicely to the intended audience level. 

I do hope that this is the first in a series, since this seemed like a tale to launch into so much more. It opens up to a wonderful world with many whispers of adventures to come.

And here she is...

Bree Paulsen is a SoCal writer and illustrator who loves spooky monsters, fashion history, and all things autumnal. After graduating from the Laguna College of Art and Design with a BFA in animation, she freelanced on a few independent animation and illustration projects before tuning her focus toward comics. She started her webcomic, Patrik the Vampire, in 2013 and self-publishes its printed volumes. Her first middle grade graphic novel, Garlic and the Vampire, received a starred review from The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, which called it “folkloric…a down comforter of a graphic novel.” Garlic’s adventures continue in Garlic and the Witch. 

The Boogie Barn Band by William Nephew and Natalie Neal

Today's read mixes music with reading fun...and let's see how that goes!

THE BOOGIE BARN BAND

by William Nephew and Natalie Neal

Illustrated by Karine Makartichan

Moving Melodies

Picture Book   /   Music

ages 4 to 8

Come along on a musical journey with The Boogie Barn Band!

At a farm just over the hill something amazing is happening. Animals are gathering to play together in The Boogie Barn Band! With Reggie the Dog on drums, Hank the Horse on Bass, and other animal bandmates, their music and words tell a story that pleases the ears, eyes, and body. Get ready to move and groove!

The authors William Nephew, an award-winning musician and music therapist, and Natalie Neal, a speech-language pathologist, created The Boogie Barn Band to foster early learning skills of music and language development. The book’s QR code features a song that is playable, bringing the story to life through an immersive and interactive concert experience.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Musical fun hits with an enjoyable bunch of musicians, while teaching a little about instruments and inviting readers to dance along.

These pages take a peaceful farm setting and draw readers in as music and excitement calls from a barn in the distance. It sets an inviting stage as the illustrations lead through the barn doors to discover a band of animals, playing and singing away. Each animal is introduced along with their instrument before the reader is encouraged to play the party song (thanks to a QR code) and join in with the animals.

This is a cute way to introduce readers to instruments, get them moving, and raise music appreciation along the way. The entire thing is written in rhymed, short phrases with music notes dancing around to keep the song atmosphere present. For the most part, the rhyme flows fine. When the animals and the instruments are presented, the rhyme breaks to allow readers to make the noises of the instruments (like the bass goes Do-do-do doo doo doo) and invites readers to join in.

At first, I thought the included song would match the text so readers could listen or read along, but instead, the included song offers readers a chance to join in with the party at the end. The QR code for the party song is found in the last pages of the book and introduces each animal with their instrument again but not quite in the same way as the text. The music has an up-beat rhythm and is easy to dance to. Plus, the singers are enjoyable to listen to. The song itself is on the longer side, which will delight dancing fans. The chorus is smooth and easy to listen to but it's not an earworm, either due to the complexity and length. Still, it brings across the music and intentions nicely. 

It's a cute introduction to what appears to be the beginning of a series.

And here they are...

William Nephew and Natalie Neal were drawn to each other by their shared purpose of helping others. William is an award-winning musician with over 20 years of experience in therapeutic songwriting and music production. Natalie is a speech-language pathologist and child development specialist with over 20 years of experience working in clinical and educational settings. William and Natalie have a passion for connecting with children through music and movement.

How to Fool Your Parents: 25 Brain-Breaking Magic Tricks by David Kwong

Any young magician wanna-bes out there? How about kids, who wouldn't mind messing with their friends or showing off a little? While I'm not sure magic tricks are as big a thing as they were way back when I was a kid (my own kids haven't been drawn to these), I have no doubt that there are still young readers out there, who would love to know a few tricks. These kind of things are always fun and do draw a comment or two, if nothing else.

Now, I'm hoping this read doesn't have only the more traditional tricks but offers a few new ones as well.

Let's grab those cloaks and hats, and see how much magic is in the air! 

HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS

25 Brain-Breaking Magic Tricks

by David Kwong

Illustrated by Michael Korfhage

HarperCollins

Middle Grade Nonfiction

194 pages

ages 8 to 12

Congratulations -- by finding this book, you’ve just taken the first step to becoming a true magician!

How to Fool Your Parents is a fun-filled how-to book with more than two dozen tricks to dazzle your friends, amaze your family, and confound everyone in your audience. With step-by-step instructions and illustrations on every page, each illusion is made to be easy to master for aspiring magicians at any level. And it all comes from the maestro of magic himself, David Kwong—professional illusionist, beloved author, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, and expert in all things enigmatic.

Whether you’re fooling parents, friends, or frenemies with a deck of cards or even your cell phone, this book will give you all the tools and confidence you need to amaze!

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The traditional wonder surrounding magic melds with secrets and tips, while spinning some modern twists into several tricks.

This is a book for modern day magicians or those, who are just wanting to learn a few neat tricks to share. But before diving right into the how-tos, these pages go into the main secret behind creating good tricks—the act. No magician can be a good magician without entertaining the audience in all the right ways. The magic tricks described in this book aren't only easy to understand, but with a little practice, aren't too difficult to perform. There's also a short paragraph at the beginning of each one with ideas on how to keep the audience's attention where it needs to be. To round off the fun and add some fact goodness, well-known magicians are highlighted throughout the book with a little history and what made them so special.

While some magic books simply list the tricks, one after another, these pages take a more personal, informed approach. The author starts out with a couple pages describing the birth of his interest in magic, speaking directly to the reader. Then, there's a pledge for the reader to sign as well as a brief glossary of terms used in the magician realm. Then, come the tricks, but before the list of supplies and steps are given, it's explained how to best present each one to the audience. Each trick is clearly laid out with illustrations as needed to demonstrate steps as necessary. Even this part is written as if the author is speaking directly to the reader instead of sticking to dry information. 

The tricks offer a nice variety of possibilities and mediums. There are card tricks, disappearing tricks, coin tricks and more. Some take preparation, while others can be done with only an object or two. Fitting to modern day lifestyles, smart phones, the internet, and other aspects are also worked into several of the tricks. So, this does give a modern atmosphere, gives a fresh twist to simple tricks, and offers readers something they can surprise their parents or friends with. 

And here he is...

David Kwong is a magician and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor. He holds a degree in history from Harvard, where he studied the history of magicians. Kwong was the head magic consultant on the worldwide hit Now You See Me and is the secret code advisor on NBC's Blindspot. Other films he has consulted on include Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation, The Imitation Game, and The Magnificent Seven. A TED Talk favorite, Kwong regularly lectures and performs for companies worldwide. He lives in Los Angeles.