Sleepover Sneak Attack by Kiara Valdez

Today's read comes from a cartoon series, I enjoyed watching over my siblings' shoulders. The Powerpuff Girls were always a little silly, and their adventures added superhero goodness but with an odd twist on cute. Seeing them again made me smile, and I'm curious to see how these new adventures flow. Well, I assume they are new, but maybe not? Anyway, this book is for beginning readers and should help them work those word skills.

Let's open it up and see what this trio is up to this time!

SLEEPOVER SNEAK ATTACK

Adventures of the Powerpuff Girls

by Kiara Valdez

Illustrated by Patricio Oliver

Picture Window Books

Beginning Reader

32 pages

Ages 5 to 7

COMING AUGUST 1st!!!

Grab your favorite stuffie, because the Powerpuff Girls are having a sleepover! But trouble soon arrives when naughty Princess Morbucks uses a machine to sneak into each superhero’s dream. Can the girls snap out of the nightmare and bring back the slumber party fun? Find out in this high-energy early chapter book adventure featuring super sisters Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup!

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The beloved Powerpuff Girls are back and ready to take on any villain or save the world...as long as they're done before bedtime.

For anyone who enjoyed the Powerpuff Girls as a kid, this is a nostalgic blast to the past. The girls are introduced quickly in the beginning and head into a short adventure as they put on a sleepover for the girls in their class. Of course, the ever-troublesome Princess is invited, which guarantees things will get out of control.

This is a short tale for those readers out there, who know their words but are in need of some practice. The font is large as is the spacing and the word amount on each page isn't overwhelming. There are illustrations throughout, which break things up and help readers along with the tale. There's also a glossary at the end to showcase the more difficult words, and there are a few questions for reading comprehension. So, this can be used with the purpose of working on reading abilities. 

The tale itself holds all of the wonderful things which make the Powerpuff Girls as spunky, adorable, and heroic as ever. The sleepover setting offers a familiar setting, which is easy to sink into. The entire thing is very age appropriate and offers the fun of a superhero adventure...Powerpuff Girl style. My only hesitation lies in the plot as it makes much more sense for someone who already knows the Powerpuff Girls. Anyone who is diving into this world for the first time might find a couple moments confusing. Otherwise, it's a fun read with tons of power, and I'll be keeping an eye on this series since there are so many possibilities for adventures to come.

This Book is Boring! by Ron Keres

Today's read comes from an entire row of picture books surrounding this frog. I haven't...as far as I remember...picked one up before. Since it is so popular, I thought I'd take a peek and see what this upcoming addition is all about. I'm expecting a bit of interaction with the reader and tons of humor.

Let's see how it goes!

THIS BOOK IS BORING!

by Ron Keres

Illustrated by Arthur Lin

Flypaper Press

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 7th!!!

From the creators of the beloved bestseller This Book Is Perfect! comes a laugh-out-loud story about fighting boredom with creativity…

Finn the Frog is ready for some serious FUN—sports, dancing, riddles, games—you name it! But no matter what he tries, the kid reading his book just isn’t interested. When the kid dares to call his book BORING, Finn knows it’s time to pull out his most creative idea yet.

Will his wild, unconventional idea finally win the day?

Here's why parents LOVE This Book Is Boring!
-Super interactive and full of belly laughs
-Great for both boys and girls
-Perfect for bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, and long car rides
-Gentle social emotional lesson: Helps kids not to say, "I'm bored!"

Order your copy of This Book Is Boring! today and join Finn the Frog on a ribbit-ing adventure that shows even the dullest days can end in laughter!

Other books in the Finn the Frog Collection:
This Book Is Perfect!
This Book Is On Fire!
This Book Is A Mistake!
This Book Stinks!
This Book Is Viral!
This Book Is Mine!
This Book Is A Gift
This Book Needs Color!

General Information:
Parents and teachers recommend this book for 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old and 8 year old boys and girls. So in short, kids between the ages of 3-8 yrs old. It is therefore recommended for kids in preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade and second grade.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Boredom is a word this frog refuses to accept...even if it causes tons of nonsense along the way.

This is a very interactive book, meaning that the frog speaks directly to the reader as if they were right there. The frog also requests the reader to do things with it, so it gets listeners/readers involved and makes sure they don't feel disconnected. While it is possible to pull a message about boredom from these pages and how, usually, it's more a state of mind and an individual can not be bored if they give some effort, this book is mostly about humor and fun. 

The illustrations are bright and leave the white page background behind the frog with only enough extras to make the various situations come to life (like a stack of board games). This helps to keep listeners focused on the frog and his interaction with the reader. The text is simple and consists of the frog speaking to the reader...or spitting its thoughts. It creates a lovely read-aloud and works for those readers who know their words to pick up on their own.

It is funny and will draw even reluctant listeners in. Plus, it gives the adult reader a chance to let their reading skills shine as they add emphasis to the frog's statements as desired and can coax the listener to join in. So, it is very interactive on that front. The only thing which bothered me a bit was that the frog is always assuming listeners' reactions. For example, they should catch a baseball he throws, but he claims they don't or that he requests they dance with him and claims they didn't. There are enough listeners who will grow frustrated, since they will pretend to catch the ball and will be more than happy to dance right along. 

Otherwise, this is a fun read and I understand why young readers enjoy this character so much.

 

Once They See You by Josh Allen

With summer comes campfire stories and sleepovers with blankets and flashlights...and those are perfect for creepy tales. Today's read adds 13 stories to the scary tale list. This is, actually, a re-release as it first appeared (I believe) in 2024. I'm hoping for creepy tales to have me wanting to leave my light on at night...but of course, aimed for the middle grade audience.

Let's see how this one does!

ONCE THEY SEE YOU    

13 Stories to Shiver and Shock

by Josh Allen

Illustrated by Sarah Coleman

Holiday House

Middle Grade Horror

192 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING JULY 28th!!!

There’s no escaping these deliciously creepy tales of everyday horror, perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

Once you open this book, you’re doomed . . . Cursed to stay up late, savoring every line of these terrifying stories. Go ahead and try to resist. The Night Things won’t let you get far.

Master storyteller Josh Allen, hailed as the “heir-apparent to Alvin Schwartz,” brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection. From a shiny abandoned bike, to an innocent classroom icebreaker, to a piano recital that requires unusual sacrifices, there’s no end to the shocking twists on everyday reality.

In Allen’s wondrous world, which looks an awful like our own, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places. Kids eager for age-appropriate horror will relish every thrill and chill.

Eerie illustrations by award-winning artist Sarah Coleman accompany the stories, packaged in a stunning hardcover edition complete with a glow-in-the-dark jacket. Readers will sleep with one eye open!

Don't miss the author and illustrator's other creepy collections: Out to Get You and Only If You Dare.

Named to the Maine Student Book Award Reading List

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

From fortune cookies to vampire queens, these tales visit various levels of eerie with quick spooks and scares.

This is a collection of thirteen short stories, varying in length and theme. Most are around twelve or so pages with a couple being longer or shorter. Thanks to the larger font and illustrations throughout, each tale is a light and makes a quick read. The stories will even hold the attention of more reluctant readers. They hit different themes ranging from monsters in the dark to school settings to Toasty Tarts and more. Each one is unique and twists in different ways. Some are scarier than others with a range from odd and predictable to creepy. All are very appropriate for the age group and work even for the younger end. 

Of course, there were some stories which I found better than others, but that's the fun of a short story collection—a bit of a mix. Readers are sure to pick and choose their favorites, but I have no doubt that this one will be enjoyed by a wide range of readers and can definitely recommend it.

 

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.