Lionel Messi's World Cup Triumph by Chris Barish

Ready for another soccer read and World Cup excitement? Today's read hits graphic novel fun and takes a look at the famous Lionel Messi, too. I'm curious to see how this one is compared to yesterday's. Also, I'm hoping that it stays interesting throughout and doesn't weigh down with boring statistics and facts (although real fans will love those). Since this is the first in a sport's series, I'm also excited to see if it will be one to keep an eye on in the future.

So, let's get excited and be ready to see if this one gets some goals!

LIONEL MESSI'S WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

History's Greatest Games #1

by Chris Barish

Illustrated Nate Sweitzer

Abrams Fanfare

Middle Grade Nonfiction   /   Graphic Novel

136 pages

ages 8 to 12

It’s the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and Lionel Messi—one of the greatest players to ever take the field—is one match away from victory. Despite his many awards and accolades, Messi has never been able to add a World Cup trophy to his collection. If Argentina wins, this would be a historic moment not just for the country, but for the entire legacy of soccer on the international stage. Travel back in time to learn how the World Cup began and see the incredible players—from Maradona to Mbappé—who built it into the global phenomenon we know today. This exciting new graphic novel series offers a portal to the past, putting young readers in the middle of the most epic moments in sports history.

Along with action-packed games and nail-biting victories, this series zooms out to explore the incredible backstories, social and political issues, and larger historical context that truly make these games the greatest in history.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Messi fans are in for a treat but so are general soccer fans, since these pages bring many aspects about the World Cup to life.

This book attacks everything from the view of a sport's commentator, and this it an exciting, game feel from the very first page. To keep expectations high, it begins with the pre-game moments at a World Cup game. The tension comes across nicely as does Messi's nervous excitement and hope for the game. These first scenes then open up to all sorts of dives into history, World Cup facts, other players, trivia, and, of course, the highlights of this tense game. It runs smoothly and allows everything to meld in without letting the pacing fall or the atmosphere grow boring. In other words, it does a lovely job at bringing everything across and keeps the reader in the pages the entire way through.

While much of the book concentrates on Messi and his soccer history, it also dives into other aspects surrounding the World Cup. These are glided off from the main story with pages marked as Water Breaks or titled as history. This allows information to sink in with the atmosphere of a game pause. These are never boring, either. The information is constantly brought across with energy, and the graphic novel form makes sure that it remains lively and carries atmosphere, while also making some details clear. The history isn't dry and even touches upon some lesser known facts, while adding in personality and interesting situations. There are trivia moments, where the reader needs to guess an answer to a question. These answers are found in the back of the book. Then, there are moments of humor added, too.

The graphics are well done and let the action, emotions, and information come across clearly. The text fits the middle grade audience nicely and stays in a more conversational or commentator style. It creates an interesting read even for those readers, who aren't strong soccer fans, and it will be interesting to see where this series goes from here.

And here they are...

When Chris Barish is not reading about sports or history, he’s writing about sports history. Much like the first person who ever put together the chocolate and the marshmallow, he realized that it was possible to combine his two favorite things to make an even cooler thing. Barish currently lives in New York with his family, in a house filled with sports gear, books, instruments and lots of muddy boots. 

Nate Sweitzer became an illustrator shortly after he could hold a pencil. His work bridges the past and present, blending techniques from art history with fresh approaches from the digital world. He brings human stories to life with dynamic illustrations full of action, suspense, and striking perspectives. A lifelong fan of history and sports, Nate draws inspiration from the drama of real-life events and athletes competing at the highest level. He works out of his studio in New York, creating artwork for books, magazines, and posters. When he’s away from his desk, you’ll likely find him exploring the outdoors, watching sports, or stubbornly refusing to change his guitar strings.

The Soccer Goat: Mbappé v. Haaland by Matt Oldfield

It's almost World Cup time! This year, there's a lot going on in the U.S., and one of these is the exciting soccer tournament. While I'm not a huge soccer/sports fan (can I admit that?), after living in Europe for 20+ years, it does sink into the blood a little bit. Yes, I even have a vuvuzela at hand to celebrate my favorite wins. 

What better way to introduce the month than with a few soccer reads? Today's is the second in a sports series, and while I haven't seen the first, I doubt that will be a problem. I'm hoping it won't be dry and let's the excitement of the game come across right along with the facts.

So, let's dive in and see how this one plays!

THE SOCCER GOAT: MBAPPE V. HAALAND

by Matt Oldfield

Illustrated by Seth Burkett

Candlewick Press

Middle Grade Sports

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

Book two in this series from best-selling author Matt Oldfield and Seth Burkett, a former professional soccer player, tackles the question that every soccer fan wants Who is the GOAT?

Each book pits two of the biggest and best players in the world head-to-head in a battle for the crown—this time, it’s the superstar clash of Kylian Mbappé vs Erling Haaland. Action-packed and full of detailed facts, trivia, stats and funny illustrations, this collectible new series is perfect for longtime soccer fans and those new to the sport.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

It's time to see who the true soccer G.O.A.T. is, and this book does a deep dive to compare two players carefully.

Starting with a definition of what a G.O.A.T. is, these pages then define the four categories used to make this determination. To give each of the two players a score in each category, time is spent to carefully lay out each ones past, achievements, personality, and more. So, readers will have a very good handle on each of the players and know a lot about them by the end of this read. 

To keep this from getting dry, there are sections in texting format, where the two authors go back and forth as to which of the two players is the G.O.A.T. and why. This adds a bit of humor and a very natural flow to connect with the reader. But then, the facts themselves are presented in a easy-flow text, which keeps things interesting. There are enjoyable illustrations of the players throughout, charts, graphs, and even some more whimsical sketches tossed in. Then, there are boxes of information tossed in with a hint of fun. There's enough change-up to keep the information from becoming paragraph after paragraph, and this creates a more relaxed atmosphere, which is easy to enjoy.

Soccer fans are sure to enjoy this one quite a bit, and those who aren't quite as familiar with the sport or into it, will have no problem understand what is going on and will learn more about the sport and these two players.

The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever by Jessie Sima

THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER

by Jessie Sima

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JUNE 9th!!!

From the New York Times bestselling creator of Not Quite Narwhal Jessie Sima comes a fantastical tale of an elf facing a dangerous dragon was inspired to write The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever to save himself!

Are you ready to hear the GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER?

Good, because THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER came to be written in the most amazing way. It all started when an elf, who happened to be a great writer, stumbled upon his greatest challenge—a sleep-deprived dragon! Nothing could get the dragon to fall asleep. Nothing except…THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER.

Any other elf would have fled. But not a master storyteller elf! Confident in his skills, he set to work writing a story that was so entertaining, so thrilling, but also so sleep-inspiring it would be forever known as…

THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER!!

So.

Are you ready to hear it now?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Anticipation meets adventure and humor in a silly read to make listeners smile.

A small elf tells the tale of a little adventure...which turned into a huge one after he entered a cave and ran into a dragon. The dangerous dragon couldn't sleep and gives the elf a choice to either to be a pre-nap snack or create the greatest bedtime story ever. Obviously, the elf chooses the second, although he's well aware that this could be an impossible task.

From the get-go, the elf directly embraces the reader/listener and speaks to them directly as he tells his tale. It begins on the calmer end as he heads out and quickly takes a turn as he finds himself in a cave and runs into the dragon. Then, the tension mounts as well as the fun. While the problem keeps a ver gentle hum of danger in the background, the elf's stress to achieve the task takes center place in a mix of silliness and his pure arrogance. Yep, this is an elf with an ego, and that gives him personality pure. 

The illustrations are well done and draw in with each scene. While the story flows along, whenever the phrase 'The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever' hits, it takes over everything to create super emphasis and fun. It adds excitement and gives listeners a chance to join in. That said, this isn't a book with a true, obvious conflict and had a part of my listeners wondering what the book was about...which surprised me. But the fun side is very obvious and brings a smile to the face.

More about the author...

Jessie Sima is the author and illustrator of bestselling picture books, including Not Quite Narwhal; Love, Z; Hardly Haunted; and more. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York state. When not making books, Jessie can be found reading graphic novels, watching scary movies, and playing outside with dogs. You can visit them online at JessieSima.com.

What's Coming in June?

June? Are we really that far into the year already? So much has been going on, it's hard to keep track of time...at least, that's how it's been at our little spot of the world. Are you also surprised that we're about halfway through the year?

This month, I have a vast array of reads. It starts with a couple focused on the World Cup, but then slides into mystery, nonfiction, some romance...oh, and I'm seeing several books featuring dogs. So, a dog month! There are darker tones to wrap up the last days before July hits. While May leaned toward chapter books and middle grade reads, June seems to slide a little older toward middle grade and young adult. Quite a few of both, actually. Of course, there are plenty of picture books and chapter books, since I need lighter reads between the heavier, longer ones to help keep my schedule of a review a day, but this month definitely leans toward the older reading end. Here's a short glance at what I've got and when I'm hoping to get to some of them.

LIONEL MESSI'S WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

With the World Cup taking place here in the U.S., it'd be wrong not to jump in with, at least, a little celebration. While I'm not a sports girl, it's still fun to dive into these reads and learn something new. I'm hoping this one packs as much excitement as it does information. I'll be visiting this and a few other soccer reads on the 2nd and 3rd of the month.

Middle Grade Sports

CHANEL & MILO

This is the first in a new series for the younger readers out there and centers around two dogs' adventures. I'm hoping it carries tons of heart and situations to enjoy. I'm thinking it will slide more in the wholesome direction, but we'll find out on the 4th.

Picture Book

TUCK AND TINA: DINOSAUR THEIF

I'm pretty sure I've read one from this series before. Mostly sure (I'm too lazy, at the moment, to go back and check). I'm expecting adventure and humor with all sorts of ridiculousness surrounding these two mice. Maybe a little mystery, too, because that's always nice. I believe...again, not sure...that it's a graphic novel, but it might not be. I guess I'll uncover all of these mysteries when I visit this one on the 18th.

Beginning Reader

DOG DAYS

As said above, I have several books featuring dogs this month, and this is one of them. Between the title and the cover, I'm expecting some quirky adventures with a golden pair of friends, who are up to all sorts of mischief. I'm hoping it's silliness pure and brings more than a few laughs with just a touch of heart. We'll find out more on the 10th.

Picture Book

THEY MADE US BLOOD AND FURY

This read is the first in a brand new series and heads into a fantasy direction and circles around a world of clans...or a dying clan. There's magic involved, ulterior motives, secrets, and the struggle to release a secret weapon which isn't what those who want to be saved believe it is. I'm hoping for quite the adventure since this one has been receiving a little bit of hype. Find out if it's one to get lost in or not with me on the 13th.

Young Adult Fantasy

A DANGEROUS GAME

Anyone remember The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell? This read slides in that direction and takes a retelling into the world of a teen. It promises tension pure and extreme danger, obviously. But what I especially like about this one is that it's part of Orca's list of low-reading level books aimed at those teens, who usually don't like to read. So, it's short, easy, and should pack all the tension of a full-fledged novel. Join me on the 17th to dive into this deadly game.

Young Adult Thriller

THE CHIME SEEKERS

It appears that this series hit the shelves a few years ago, and I missed it. But better late than never! I'm curious to see where this adventure goes but it should include fairies, other realms, adventure, and more. Maybe, some of you have already read it? If so, let me know how it is! I'll be opening it up and diving in on the 22nd.

Middle Grade Fantasy

ONCE THEY SEE YOU

This is a collection of 13 short stories for middle grade readers and each one should send spooky tingles up the spine. I find the title already creepy, and the cover with the odd characters in the pupil promises all sorts of imaginative moments. Honestly, I'm hoping this is the type of book for campouts, slumber parties, or evening thrills. After all, who doesn't love a good spook tale? We'll see if this book brings the right goosebumps or not on the 24th.

Middle Grade Horror

WHO KNOWS THE WAY TO MR GRIMLY'S CLASSROOM?

While I, at first, thought this was a read about the first day of school, it appears to be something much more adventurous. There should be surprises, spooks, odd moments, and more. Find out if this one is as fun as I hope it is on the 26th.

Picture Book

THROUGH THE BLACK GATE

This fantasy read for middle graders takes the characters on a trip to the land of the dead. I'm not sure if it will be tense or carry lighter tones...or maybe, a lovely mix between the two. It is a graphic novel, so I'm excited to see the visuals and really dive into this one. I'll find out more and it share it with you on the 29th.

Middle Grade Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

Too many books and so little time. This is a phrase, which describes my reading world nicely, and also my book pile. Every month, there are more books waiting to be reviewed than there are days in the schedule. Since changes always happen in the publishing and reviewing world, I will be sliding in some unexpected reads at some point. That's where my joker read comes in. This is the book on the top of my pile, which I'm almost positive I'll get to. I just don't know when.

FIRESNAKE

I'm playing a little game of risk with this read, since it's the final book in the The Last Cuentista series, and I've haven't read the other three books before it. But it sounds so interesting! And I don't have time to hit the other three first, so I'm going to hope it's not too hard to sink into the characters (good books can pull that off, anyway). It also allows me to see how exciting everything ends and whether it carries heart. I also have reason to believe that this one might slide a bit about the usual, young adult level and maybe be more adult-ish. But we shall see. I just don't know when.

Young Adult Science Fiction

The Prince and the Monster by Alisa Tikhova

Today's read is the first in a series and aims at younger readers. I adore the cover image, since it opens up to all sorts of possibilities. There's also the promise of lovely illustrations, which I'm always a fan of. The only way to see if it's worth a read or not is to open it up and find out. So, let's do that!

THE PRINCE AND THE MONSTER

by Alisa Tikhova

Children's Fantasy

32 pages

ages 5 to 9

A gentle children’s fairy tale for ages 5–9 about courage, empathy, and the power of kindness.
While exploring the forest, a young Prince discovers something unexpected — a Monster living alone in an old castle.
Not angry.
Not cruel.
But tired and lonely.

The Prince and the Monster is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps children understand forgiveness, friendship, and the courage to stay when things feel uncertain.

As the Prince listens to the Monster’s story, he learns that the creature was once a king who made a painful mistake — and has lived with the consequences ever since.
Instead of running away, the Prince makes a brave choice.
He stays.

This story gently teaches:
• empathy and compassion
• courage to face the unknown
• forgiveness and second chances
• the importance of loyalty and friendship

Perfect for:
• bedtime reading
• thoughtful conversations about kindness
• children who enjoy meaningful fairy tales
• parents looking for emotional learning stories

A tender fairy tale about friendship, redemption, and the quiet strength of choosing kindness.
Book 2 in the Prince Universe series — stories that help children grow through kindness, courage, and empathy.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Perfect for story time, this read glides through a fantasy kingdom with wholesome goodness and messages about forgiveness, friendship and more.

The tale centers around a small prince, who has a very gentle attitude toward life and curiosity to explore the world around him. When he runs into a monster, he takes the time to learn that there's a huge tale behind it. The little prince might be able to help the monster figure things out, too.

An inviting, fantasy world unfolds in these pages with a prince to sympathize with and like. There's a very positive atmosphere right away, which is displayed beautifully in the illustrations. The story has a calm feel to it but holds enough excitement to make it interesting. The problems the monster has are no problem to understand, and the Prince's reactions and decisions carry goodness and heart. It's a wholesome read, which brings across the fantasy aspect in a way to invite to dreams.

The illustrations, as said, are nicely done. They present each scene with detail to bring the world to life, make emotions clear, raise curiosity, and accompany the tale smoothly. The text fits the age group and stays concise to balance well with the images and uses short phrases for emphasis. 

It's a lovely read aloud with wonderful messages and also introduces a fantasy world fitting to the age group.

And here she is...

Alisa Tikhova is a Ukrainian children’s author based in the Netherlands. She writes gentle, emotionally rich fairy tales that help children understand feelings, develop emotional resilience, and grow with empathy.

Her debut picture book, The Prince and the Shadow, is a children’s story about loneliness, emotional safety, and inner strength for ages 4–7.

Alisa is the creator of the Prince Universe series — a growing collection of meaningful bedtime stories about courage, kindness, and learning to live peacefully with one’s inner world.

https://prince.alisatikhova.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alisa.tikhova/  @alisa.tikhova