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

The No-Brainer Brain Explainer by Crab Museum

We're heading into the nonfiction realm with today's read and taking a peek at brains. No, zombies are not invited (for some reason, that was one of the first things I thought about). I found the cover very unique, and I can't remember ever picking up a book specifically about brains before. According to the blurb, this one should expand past humans and take a peek at the animal kingdom. I'm hoping that this will bring all sorts of fun facts with it, since there are so many possibilities on this front. 

Let's see where these brains lead us!

THE NO-BRAINER BRAIN EXPLAINER

by The Crab Museum

Illustrated by Bruno Valasse

Wide Eyed Editions

Children's Nonfiction

64 pages

ages 6 to 9

COMING JUNE 9th!!!

Welcome to the Crab Museum's guide to the incredible living machine that is the brain!

Through unbelievable facts and hilarious jokes, The No-Brainer Brain Explainer explores the smallest, biggest, toughest, foldiest, brainiest brains in the animal kingdom.

Take a tour through the imagination of dung beetles, marvel at cockroach brains that are spread all throughout their body, and meet octopuses with their nine brains. Discover the brains behind massive insect colonies, flocking birds and intelligent fungal networks, and of course, the smartest brain of all, according to itself: yours! You'll also uncover:

• What brains are made of and why they're important
• Where to find your second brain
• How brains help us time travel
• The fruitfly brain, the most well-studied brain ever
• The evolution of brains
• What makes a brain 'intelligent'
• The limits of brains, like confusion, phobias and mental wellbeing
• Much, much more...

Accompanied throughout by quirky illustrations, this book asks BIG questions about consciousness, types of intelligence, language, co-operation and other brainy topics, perfect for any young scientist, animal lover or just plain brainiac.

Need your brain explained? This is a no-brainer!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a cast to delight, these pages run through all sorts of aspects surrounding brains and take a look at the vast possibilities brains have to offer.

This book is about brains. Obviously. I'll admit that the first pages had me raising my eyebrows, but after I sunk into the humor and things got rolling, I was completely immersed. The humor is quirky with tons of spunk...to the point that it almost feels chaotic, but it adds zest, and it works. While the illustrations are bright, energetic, and full of commotion, the information delivered is interesting, descriptive, and well done. All of it together hooks in a way, which makes it fun to discover what's next.

Starting off with some brain basics which explain neurons, the cerebral cortex, chemicals, and the like, the pages shift into the various attributes different creatures have thanks to their brains. From the electric eel to octopus dreams to elephant memories, these pages slide through all sorts of capabilities various creatures have and how their brains pull this off. The illustrations, while packing tons of nonsense and humor, also support the explanations in a way which makes them understandable. 

While the humor flies in the illustrations as the characters taunt each other and make silly comments, this dialogue easily stays separate from the main text. The main text sticks to strict paragraph form and usual font to immediately make it stick out from the rest of the page. I was surprised at how small this font is in comparison to everything else, but it works. The information is brought across with interesting personality, keeping a light atmosphere while making the explanations clear and understandable. Plus, there is something for almost everyone to learn....it's the first time I've heard anything about the special attributes of a woodpecker's brain. 

This is for readers who enjoy chaotic, silly fun while learning interesting facts. There's a lot of information packed into these pages and much of it includes lesser known things. This book is sold for ages 6 to 9, but I see this as going over many of their heads and would strongly recommend this one for the older, middle grade audience.

And here they are...

Crab Museum, Margate, UK, is run by Ned, Bertie, and Chase, but more importantly, it is Europe's first and only museum dedicated to the humble decapod. Crabs are a sideways-scuttling guide not just to the history of life on Earth, but also its future—from capitalism to climate change, there's nothing that can't be understood through the lens of these fascinating crustaceans. With inventive exhibits that combine humor, science, and philosophy, the award-winning Crab Museum pursues the noble claws of seeking to understand the natural world, and through it, ourselves.

Bruno Valasse has been designing, drawing, and making books, covers, posters, and illustrations for over 10 years, working with clients such as Tundra, Storey, the Mexican Film Academy, Penguin Random House, Santillana, Ediciones Castillo / Macmillan, Harper Collins and the Centro Cultural de España MX. He recently graduated from the Children’s Books Illustration MA at the Cambridge School of Arts, ARU. Bruno's first book, Shine, was released in 2024.