Tuck and Tina and the Dinosaur Thief by Jess Brallier

Who is ready for some fun and a little adventure? I definitely am, and today's read promises plenty of both of these. This is the third in a series, and I, actually, did review one of the other books last year HERE. These two are quite the pair, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they are up to next. I'm wondering if this read would fit in nicely with a trip to a history museum. Hmmm....maybe, I'll plan a trip to one myself. It's been a very, very, very long time since I've gone to one or have even had the chance to view dig sites at a State/National Park. Time to change that!

But first, let's see what these two are up to, since the book is right here in my hands...or on my laptop...and seeing actual bones will involve a few hours of driving.

TUCK AND TINA 

AND THE DINOSAUR THIEF

by Jess Brallier

Illustrated by Jack Keely

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Humor

144 pages

ages 6 to 8

COMING JUNE 23rd!!!

Everyone's favorite mice are back for a prehistoric mystery! This hilarious, full-color chapter book adventure is perfect for emerging readers and packed with action, laughs, and dino-sized surprises.

In their third hilarious adventure, Tuck and Tina return just as the Boone School faces its biggest threat yet.  

Water fountains are erupting, crickets are swarming classrooms, and the school board is ready to shut things down for good. But Tuck and Tina suspect something bigger is at play. A masked troublemaker is after the dinosaur fossils buried beneath the school, and it's up to two tiny mice to save the day! From a kidnapped principal to a runaway bear to a high-flying chase in a model airplane, this laugh-out-loud mystery is filled with twists, teamwork, and tons of action.

Perfect for emerging readers, this beautifully illustrated, full-color chapter book proves even the smallest heroes can take on dino-sized adventures. 

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

These two mice are already excited to head with the class to the museum, but they aren't ready for the huge adventure it leads to.

Tuck and Tina can't believe their luck when an escaped bear changes the field trip from the zoo to a visit to the museum...so much safer for two mice. While the day at the museum involves some tense mini-adventures, it's the tale they hear about a mysterious bone thief which sticks in their minds. Back at school, attention switches to the upcoming science fair and the strange...very strange things which are happening around the school. When the head of the school is blamed for everything, Tuck and Tina realize something isn't right, and it's about to lead them on a very amazing journey.

These two mice are ready for anything...more or less. The two head from one unexpected situation to the next, many with a sense of accidental ridiculousness to keep the humor aspect as high as the action. There's never a boring moment, and the predicaments place them in silly extremes, making this a tale which keeps readers in the pages until the end. The text fits those readers who are sure of their words but need a little more praxis, and it's one even reluctant readers won't mind diving into. The illustrations hold as much power as the text and bring across each moment with tension and fun. It creates an exciting read for those who enjoy action, a bit of mystery, and quite a bit of silliness, too.

While the plot rolls along with its exciting goodness, there's also a tiny bit of facts tossed in, word strengthening, and of course, friendship goodness. These aspects are only gentle, so the read stays concentrated on the entertainment side. The illustrations are mostly black and white, but pops of single colors are added in to emphasize certain things...and this gives power to the humor nicely.

It's a fun read with over-the-top silliness, adventure, and a pair of mice that should live in every class's classroom.

And here they are...

During his years as a publisher, Jess Brallier became known for breaking rules and launching bestsellers. Under his creative guidance, the Planet Dexter imprint produced a string of hits including the New York Times bestselling Grossology and its sequels. Linking storytelling and gaming literacy, he launched the world’s largest kids’ site, Poptropica, and digitally published Jeff Kinney’s phenomenal Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Jess is the author of over thirty books including Who Was Albert Einstein? (NYT bestseller) and Tess’s Tree (illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds). Jess is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (B.A.) and Boston University (M.S.).

As an illustrator in both New York and Los Angeles, Jack Keely's projects have included over thirty books for kids. The characters he created for the bestselling Grossology series have come to life in an animated film and in a video game, and as robotic performers in the record breaking international Grossology museum exhibitions. Jack is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design (BFA) and Cranbrook Academy of Art (MFA) and has taught illustration and graphic design at several universities.

How to Train Your Evil Robot by Joy McCullough

I'm sure everyone has heard of AI by now...unless you're completely shut off from even a whisper of modern life. So, when I saw today's read, I couldn't help but pick it up and see what it's about. This little robot looks cute and I'm curious how it will approach the AI theme. Especially since it's evil. 

So, let's see how this tale handles this modern topic, shall we?

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EVIL ROBOT

by Joy McCullough

Illustrated by Eduardo Medeiros

Sourcebooks Explore

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 7th!!!

A picture book that uses a tiny would-be villain to explore the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, blending comic book-style fun with big questions about technology, empathy, and what it means to be human.

Part picture book, part AI primer, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EVIL ROBOT introduces a palm-sized bot with very big plans. When a maker-minded kid and their dog Jellybean test his boasts, readers get a fast, funny tour of artificial intelligence in daily life—recommendation engines and smart maps, hospital diagnostics and traffic systems—alongside kid-friendly talk about imagination, emotion, context, and (oops) fun. The story also invites critical thinking about real-world tradeoffs, from job changes to the electricity and water powering data centers.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With a little humor, these pages hit the timely theme of AI and lead readers to some thoughts to consider while also giving a little information about it.

A child receives a package in the mail. Inside is a little robot, which immediately states that it wants to destroy humans and take over the world. That seems like a tall order for such a small robot, and the child with its dog try to figure out why the robot is so intent on doing this...and are pretty sure it can't really do it, anyway.

First off, I'm not sure this really is the best fit for the 4 to 8 age group. The book is written in graphic novel format, which makes it an easy read, but the text, format, and discussion between the kid and the robot will snuggle in better for the upper end of this age range and even slide nicely into the middle grade level. The graphics are well done and carry half of the story, while the text brings in the interactions and food for thought. The text is fitting for readers, who know their words and have decent reading skills, to pick up on their own. I'd say it works nicely as a read-aloud for younger listeners, and while it does work fine in this case for one-on-one settings, the graphic novel format makes it difficult to use for group reads. There's enough humor built in to keep a lighter atmosphere and bring some smiles, although there's also a hint of uncertainty as the robot might pose a deadly danger. This aspect is kept age appropriate, and the slight tension feeds into the messaging within the pages nicely. 

There's an obvious message and drive-to-thought in these pages as it explores several modern aspects, fears, and problems surrounding AI and it's possible role in life. While the robot seems set on destruction, the child sets forth various examples and arguments to work the little robot away from its conviction of superiority and demonstrate the importance of life (especially human). At the same time, the book dives into the problems AI currently poses in technical terms such as electricity, the environment, and data centers. So, there's quite a bit in these pages to get those thought gears churning and open up to discussions on this modern topic.

The New Norm by Matthew J. Gilbert

Today's read caught my attention due to the blurb. It's about a boy, who becomes a social media sensation accidentally and, now, has to deal with this tag at school. The cover is giving me very calm vibes...the kid is so chill. Maybe, too chill? I say that because I love to grab the atmosphere of a book from it's cover and this one...well, the character looks like he'll be really nice and kind. So, it will be interesting to mix this with the tension portrayed in the blurb. I'm hoping it will be a grabbing read.

So, let's open it up and see what this character is up to, shall we?

NEW NORM

by Matthew J. Gilbert

Simon Spotlight

Middle Grade Contemporary

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

A chronically online middle schooler tries to bring his social media fame into his real life in this new middle grade series about surviving cringe both on the internet and IRL!

Everyone’s got a lot to say on the Meadowview Middle School social media forum. From roasts of Mrs. Klinger’s morning announcements to rage-bait cafeteria pizza reviews, the tea is hot!

And in the middle of it all is Alexander “Norm” Norman, who has just gone unintentionally viral across the internet and become a middle-school celebrity. Pretty sweet, right? Well, not so much. Can Norm balance his real friends and his new fame—and make it through the first week of school without getting totally roasted in the chat?

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Norm isn't sure he's ready for the new school year, especially since he's heard that friends can change during middle school years. And he wants to keep his two best friends no matter what. He's also nervous because his dad posted a video of him doing a crazy dance after having his wisdom tooth pulled...and it, actually, went viral. Which means he's about to be a big shot at school instead of an outcast. He swears before the first day that he'll do anything to keep his two friends and keep that as his main goal, but he doesn't expect to find even the popular kids swarming around him the second he hit the school hallways. Suddenly, his promise to keep his friends turns into a huge complicated mess...and it might be his own fault.

The plot is pretty straight-forward and follows Norm as he experiences what it means to be a sudden celebrity. While the school life is familiar and friend drama abounds, it's Norm's character which makes this read easy to like. He comes across as natural as the kid down the street. His desire to be liked is understandable, and his mistakes, while obvious enough to make readers groan with each one, also are ones many would make at that age. He also realizes them not too long afterwards, which keeps him likeable and easy to connect with. There are a few silly situations, but mostly, readers will find themselves cringing right with Norm, sighing, and simply feeling for him. Plus, it grabs with one unexpected scene after the next, 

This is an easy read, which works well even for more advanced, chapter book readers. The pacing stays steady the entire way through, and the situations are ones middle graders can identify with. There's a nice relationship between Norm and his father, and Norm and his friends, despite difficulties, have an inspiring relationship. The last pages hold the first chapter for Norm's next, up-coming adventure...and I'm curious to see what that one will be about.

This is an enjoyable read for fans of middle school drama, who like a little bit of humor on the side.

And here he is...

Matthew J. Gilbert is the author of more than forty books, including this one! Besides coauthoring the award-nominated Classroom 13 series, he has written books for some of the world’s most beloved properties including Stranger Things, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TRON, and more. Under the pen name Jordan Quinn, Matthew is the writer for the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series. Before becoming an author, Matthew was an award-winning TV writer for Nickelodeon, working in creative advertising for big Hollywood movies…all from a tiny cubicle in New York City. He currently lives in far-too-sunny California with his wife and loyal cat sidekick.

Firesnake by Donna Barba Higuera

Today, I'm diving into a science fiction read. It's the last in a trilogy, and of course, I didn't read the other two books first. While I tend to do this quite often, I'm pretty sure it will cause some stumbles with this series, since it appears to be a very, well woven world with great characters...the reviews on the other two books have been more than amazing, so I'm assuming this. But I'm ready to give it a go, anyway, because I can always go back and visit the other two, right?

Anyway, let's just dive in and see what it holds. Oh, and it hit the shelves last week, so you can snatch up a copy right away if it seems like something for you.

FIRESNAKE

The Last Cuentista, #3

by Donna Barba Higuera

Levine Querido

YA Science Fiction

400 pages

New York Times bestselling author Donna Barba Higuera, Firesnake delivers a triumphant finale to the story that began with the Newbery Medal-winning The Last Cuentista and continued in the Pura Belpré Honor-winning Alebrijes.

Itzel has never known a life on Earth. Growing up on Sagan, the granddaughter of the Cuentista, her years have been spent among the dactyls, griblets, and billow seeds of their new planet. But when a mysterious message arrives from across the cosmos, Itzel realizes that the home they thought destroyed hundreds of years ago has survived...and with it, another community of humans. Will she and the other Saganites brave the journey back to Earth? And what will they find? For they are not the only ones who have received this message...

Master storyteller Donna Barba Higuera brings her beloved Cuentista trilogy to a close in a book full of old friends and new, jaw-dropping twists, and a journey to the stars and back.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Expectations mix with anxiousness, tension, and a pioneering spirit with a character to connect with the entire way through.

First off, I did not read the first two books in the series and went into this aware that I'd be missing a lot. And I wasn't wrong. While the author does an amazing job at letting the world quickly unfold with the richness, and Itzel's character sinks right into the heart with her inspiring personality and naturalness, this is a complex world. We meet Itzel, her grandmother, and the rest as they are going through their daily lives on Sagan. Itzel has her concerns as her school days are numbered since she's at that age, but the big twist hits, when they have reason to believe that some humans have survived on Earth. Now, they're faced with the possibility of returning, which is a danger in and of itself but also holds the uncertainty of what awaits them when they do return. So, the plot comes full-circle to round off the series nicely.

The writing style is grabbing, and it's very easy to sink right into Itzel and her world. There's a lot going on, and it's handled nicely for the most part, keeping the story flowing quickly. There are some moments which speed by a bit quick and loose a little power because of it, and I did stumble on several characters, which are popped in...ones from one of the early books, it appears (my fault, though). But Itzel is a girl to cheer for and hope she makes it through. The world has an unique feel and creates an original atmosphere with familiar science fiction aspects to enjoy. I do recommend this for scifi fans, who enjoy a bit of heart. 

Who Knows the Way to Mr Grimly's Classroom? by Chris Priestley

When I first saw this one, I thought that it'd be a great read for the upcoming school year....then, I read the blurb and was very intrigued. Fogged-up playgrounds and ziplines and a hint of fantasy? Obviously, this isn't a normal situation. So, let's open this one up and see what it's really about.

WHO KNOWS THE WAY TO MR GRIMLY'S CLASSROOM?

by Chris Priestley

Illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 4th!!!

From an award-winning author and the masterful illustrator of The Midnight Fair comes a tale for anyone who has ever gotten lost in an unfamiliar place—or is drawn to gothic worlds.

When Miss Flytrap asks if anyone knows the way to Mr. Grimly’s classroom, Grace’s hand flies up—she can’t help herself, even though she’s a new kid in school and has no idea where to go. Nonetheless, with a book to deliver proudly in hand, Grace sets off on a long, strange journey through a very odd place, full of twists, turns, and creepy characters who give puzzling directions. Climbing dark, cobwebby staircases, feeling her way through a fogged-up playground, careening by zipline from the top of a treacherous tower right into a kitchen window—will she ever find Mr. Grimly’s classroom? With equal parts suspense and humor, author Chris Priestley leads an unsettling school tour for the ages, while Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s atmospheric, immersive illustrations beckon readers on with mesmerizing visual riddles.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This is a book to get lost in for those readers, who love to twist reality just enough to open up a realm of unexpected possibilities.

Grace has only been in the new school for a week or so but has the habit of always raising her hand right away. When her teacher asks her to return a book to Mr. Grimly's classroom and wants to know who knows the way, Grace can't help herself but to volunteer immediately even though she has no clue how to get there. While she finds some school staff along the way to ask for directions, each one leads her to more unexpected paths. But Grace is determined to complete her task, no matter what.

This is a read, which lets fantasy leak through the cracks of reality to form a world of possibilities, oddities, and dreams. Grace comes across as normal as can be as does the opening, classroom scene. The imaginative elements start to seep in as Grace visits many hallways, staircases, and more as the scenes grow a little eerie. The characters she meets pack unique personality, which balances a fine border between familiar and strange. The school soon becomes so much more with fog, towers, and other aspects, and yet, everything stays close enough to reality to not quite step completely into imagination. In other words, it's a grabbing mix with surprises.

The illustrations are very well done and carry a large portion of the wonder. There's a slight sense of creepy but just enough to add tension as the more whimsical elements surprise. The gray tones add to this atmosphere to help the reader wonder if Grace will make it through or what she'll run into. The text creates a nice, read-aloud as there are pages with none, and then, pages with a couple of paragraphs. Even the heavier text pages aren't overwhelming, though, as the larger and well-spaced font makes it easy to read. Plus, it never weighs down but rather keeps the story going nicely and lets the reader sink into Grace and her adventure.

It's a read, which gives a timeless impression and is going to receive a possible place on my bookshelves.

And here they are...

Chris Priestley had been a successful illustrator, political cartoonist, and strip cartoonist for twenty years before publishing his first work of fiction for young readers. Among his novel credits are Still Water, Seven Ghosts, and Freeze, each evidence of the inspiration he finds in the gothic genre and in authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley. He is best-known for his award-winning Tales of Terror series, illustrated by David Roberts, which has been translated into many languages and been performed as plays in several countries. Chris Priestley has also contributed an illustrated story to Hellboy: An Assortment of Horrors. He lives in Cambridge, England.

Mariachiara Di Giorgio studied illustration in Rome and Paris and worked as a storyboard artist and concept designer for movies and advertising agencies. Her picture books include Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup and Professional Crocodile, both by Giovanna Zoboli, and The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, which won a Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award for Illustration and was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year. Mariachiara Di Giorgio lives in Rome.