Daisy Helps With the Dress and Interview with Author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Today, we're doing something a little different and special. First, we have an amazing read. This one caught my attention because I sewed and 'remade' all sorts of cloths as a child. As with many families, funds were often tight and hand-me-downs from the cousins lagged up to 10 years behind on the fashion front. So, reworking things was my solution as a teen. Plus, my own kids learned how to sew, too, and designed more than a few projects themselves. I can't wait to see what Daisy is up to on that front!

Also, the author has been kind enough to agree to answer a few questions for us! I don't do interviews very often, but it's always a treat to learn more about the people behind the books. So, don't forget to scroll down a bit and take a look at her wonderful thoughts, too!

DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS

by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Illustrated by Charis Jackson Barrios

Denene Millner Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 18th!!!

Calling all budding thrifters, eco-warriors, and precocious, mischievous makers! In 

DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS (August 18, 2026), by award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Daisy, a recycling, re-making, re-doing kind of person in the making, tries to bring a little razzle-dazzle to her cousin’s vintage wedding dress.

Daisy loves helping her family, and she knows the best kind of helpers never wait to be asked. That’s why she doesn’t ask before adding finishing touches to her family’s special reused, re-tried, remixed things, like a leftover broccoli topping for Auntie Fontie’s cakes or a good bath for Nana DJ’s “back-in-the-day, rusty, dusty” vintage albums—much to their chagrin.

What Daisy wants most is to help by giving her cousin Simone’s recycled wedding dress a little flair—a little glitter here and a few stickers there should do it. But, Simone and the rest of the family are not so happy with Daisy’s vision or her decorations. Can Daisy make things right and help her cousin find a new, relived, reloved wedding dress?

DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS is a fun, hilarious celebration of a big day seen through the eyes of a determined little character with good intentions who teaches readers about things that matter: family, togetherness, the importance of contributing to community—and honoring how people want to receive help.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This book is all about livening 'old' things up and adding new life in a way which inspires.

Daisy's entire family holds two things dearly: never wait to be asked to do something and reused, retried and remixed is awesome. Daisy is more than ready to help out where she can and loves adding new, original touches to anything she can. Even broccoli. Unfortunately, her good intentions always seem to land her in trouble, especially since the family insists that they wish she would ask before acting first. Despite Daisy's not-so-great track record, she especially wants to help out when she learns that her cousin is having trouble finding the perfect wedding dress. But Daisy's latest attempt at making things better work out this time?

While I thought that this book would be about sewing, it is about so much more. Daisy loves to be creative on any and all fronts. Be it improving food or helping younger family members with building blocks, Daisy hits all sorts of directions with her creativity. Her enthusiasm and determination are heart-warming and inspiring. Even when things go wrong, the disappointment melds with humor, which is sure to make readers smile. The family is golden, too, as they always support each other, and when unhappy with some of Daisy's endeavors, make their feelings clear without falling into negativity. This creates a wholesome atmosphere, which makes it clear what Daisy's mistake is without coming across as preachy. 

The illustrations are as full of energy as Daisy. It's entertaining to see what she's up to next, and the moments are brought across clearly. The text flows well and works nicely as a read-aloud. Beginning readers, who are sure of their words, can pick this one up on their own, too.

It's a fun read with family, inspiration, and heart.

INTERVIEW

I'm excited that Olugbemisola has been kind enough to agree to answer a few questions for us. Inquiring minds want to know, after all, and it's always fun to learn more about the authors behind such well-done stories. 

1)      Just skimming through your biography made me feel like I had to take a step back and catch my breath. To say that you’re active in all sorts of directions seems like an understatement—and so impressive! What has inspired you and drives you forward?

 I'm very much inspired by my family--they had and have so much ingenuity, curiosity, tenacity, and hearts for social justice. And there are so many makers in my family, I was raised to see making as an act of love, community, rest, empowerment, and creative expression.

I was and still am deeply inspired by stories--the books that I read, the family stories I was told (or overheard), by forms of storytelling like theatre, music, and dance. I'm so grateful to live in a city with so much free or low-cost art available--there's always fuel for creative fire!

2)      I’ve noticed that you enjoy crafting and wondered if you’ve done similar sewing/creation projects as Daisy in Daisy Helps With the Dress?

 I very much enjoy crafting!  I come from a family of makers, thinkers, dreamers, explorers, and yes! I've done group projects or refashioned items that belonged to family members, and it's such a special experience. We can bond and connect in ways that might not happen just through conversation--or just make conversation with family members while we are creating together. I believe that working with our hands can provoke memory and break down boundaries. I've also contributed to projects like a group quilt or blanket for a cause, and there's something so wonderful about strangers coming together to create things for others. I think it contributes to helping us live lives of service, of empathy, and of care.

3)      You’ve lived in several very different countries. What is your favorite aspect about each of them?

  I love to get to know the "everyday" of each place that I live in or visit--the community gathering spaces, the dining customs and habits, etc. I am a walker, and I love to just explore, chat with longtime residents, especially elders, check out street art, public spaces. And I always check out the libraries and bookshops! I think that being curious about the world and people is such an important part of being a writer, and I'm so fortunate that I had early experiences of travel to nurture that. I think that it's also important to be OK with being uncomfortable at times, to be the "new" person with humility and a willingness to learn--that's a wonderfully challenging aspect of travel.

4)      Do you have any future endeavors already in sight? Or something you’re particularly looking forward to that’s coming up this year?

  I'm so excited about Daisy--I've already started working on a stage adaptation! I think it can be a really dynamic piece of participatory theatre. I'm also working on a novel about a talking library cat, her rat best friend, and the little girl who helps them save New York City. In terms of future endeavors, I have been itching to write  graphic novel. I got a taste when I worked on a DC comics project, and loved it!

5)      What was your favorite book as a child? And what are you currently reading?

 Ahhhhhhh! I freeze up at this question!😂 I had so many favorites. I think that certain stories can come to us just when we need them, and I love that. A few that helped me through were Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield, Black Folktales by Julius Lester, Cornrows by Camille Yarbrough, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, the "Shoes" books by Noel Streatfeild, lots of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, and Maya Angelou. I know I've forgotten some book loves, and I'm already sorry!

Thanks Tonja!

Thank you, Olugbemisola. And here's wishing years of success in all of these endeavors and more to come!

And here they are...

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the award-winning author of several children’s books, a member of The Brown Bookshelf, and former Board member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB). She is a two-time African American Literature Book Club bestseller and edited the WNDB anthology The Hero Next Door. She’s contributed to several collections, was recently commissioned to write the Operation Sisterhood stage adaptation, and has written for various outlets, including PBS Parents, and classic hip-hop fanzines, like the iconic Right On! and Word Up!. Olugbemisola has worked extensively in youth development; she was twice awarded a public service fellowship from the Echoing Green for her work with girls and was the 2024 writer-in-residence at Bank Street School for Children. Olugbemisola lives with her family in New York City where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep.

Charis Jackson Barrios, a.k.a. Charis JB, is a Black and Paraguayan artist raised and based in the American South, drawing from all corners of their multicultural upbringing. Their work is continually inspired by the women, textiles, flora, and vibrant colors of their cultivated background. Charis graduated with a degree in fine art from the distinguished art school Cooper Union in New York City. As a commercial artist, they worked with several notable clients, including Google, The New Yorker, and Disney. From their studio practice, they hope their work can find a home in any space that wishes to invite an eclectic spirit, a soft elegance, or some modern cool. Charis presently lives and works from their cozy mid-century home studio.

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup by Angela Cervantes

There's several exciting things going on this year here in the U.S. event wise...and I mean BIG even wise. One of these is the World Cup. So of course, I have a few reads in the next weeks, which celebrate this event. I am happy 

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN 

WORLD CUP TROPHY

by Angela Cervantes

Henry Holt and Co.

Middle Grade Mystery

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 5th!!!

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament's stolen trophy in time for the championship match.

“Humor, heart, and fútbol... everything a middle grade mystery should be.” –Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lemoncello series

Diez Espada—named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father’s favorite player, Lionel Messi—would rather be chasing clues than soccer balls. When the World Cup trophy disappears at a glitzy party in Miami, he’s suddenly at the center of the most thrilling match of his life—a race to find the trophy before it’s gone for good.

Teaming up with his crush, Rio, and the world-famous Detective Enzo, Diez dives headfirst into a one-night whirlwind of secret tunnels and a squad of suspicious a spoiled son of a Miami tycoon, a famous sportscaster, and even Rio's two prankster younger brothers.

The clock is ticking, the suspects are slippery, and the stadium lights are ready to shine. Will Diez find the trophy in time for the World Cup championship match?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Sleuthing takes on a fun, soccer twist in this entertaining read.

Diez enjoys two things...well, mostly one since his father is, actually, the soccer fan: sleuthing. Diez is great at seeing details and connections others miss, and he's about to prove how talented he is by revealing the thief of the school's mascot costume. Unfortunately, the big reveal isn't what he'd hoped, and he ends up tricked by the true culprit, a rich girl name Rio. Since this leads him to more trouble than he deserves, Rio's guilt gets the better of her. To make up for it, she invites him to attend a World Cup Party with her, where his dad's favorite player is said to make an appearance right along with the real World Cup trophy. Unexpectedly, the trophy goes missing. Diez is ready to take on this new case with Rio at his side, but it might be more than he can handle.

This is a quick-paced read with lots of surprises, some quirky moments, and clues galore. Diez makes mention of Scooby-Doo, which fits thanks to the characters involved. After all, Diez has to deal with a bird and a poodle, too. In other words, the author mixes in light-hearted moments to keep everything interesting and boredom far away. The clues aren't easy to piece together but make sense, and it's fun to see Diez catch things the police overlook. His insights are clever and, yet, very fitting to the age group. Add friendship and whispers of first crushes, and there's heart as well. On the family end, Diez and his father still suffer a bit after the loss of the mother several years before...something I'm not a huge fan of, at the moment, due to the large amount of reads using that plot direction during the last year or so. But it works fine and isn't overplayed, either. 

It's a fun read, especially with the World Cup sneaking up on us soon, and soccer fans are sure to enjoy it at anytime. The author does weave in some facts on this end, which adds a little knowledge richness as well. All in all, it's a fun mystery with many surprises and twists, and keeps the pages turning until the end. 

And here she is...

Angela Cervantes is the award-winning author of several beloved children’s novels including Lety Out Loud, which won a Pura Belpré Honor Award. Angela’s other children’s novels include Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows; The Cursed Moon; Maritza: Lead With Your Heart, an American Girl book; Gaby, Lost and Found; Allie, First at Last; and the Frida Kahlo-inspired mystery, Me, Frida and the Secret of the Peacock Ring. In addition to her original work, Angela adapted Coco: The Junior Novelization and Encanto: The Junior Novelization. Angela began writing stories featuring Latina main characters when she was nine years old because she wanted books that reflected her friends and her community.

What's Coming in May?

Hello, May! I'm not ready for May. It's the end of the school year, and with it, the end of my journey as a  homeschooling mom. I think I've learned just as much as my daughter has  over the last years. As my youngest, it's finally time for her to head off to college in Fall, too. So, it's empty nest time for me, and I still have to figure out what I'm going to do now that I've grown up. 

Anyway, let's take a peek at the reading front because there's always more than enough activity on that end. 

This month holds a ton of goodness on the middle grade and children's fiction end (for more beginning readers). I have quite a few light-hearted reads, some mystery, adventure, and all sorts of fun. This month should be one packed with smiles. The sneak peek below seems to sum up my entire pile well.

THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY

Isn't this a timely sounding read? The World Cup is right around the corner. Add the mystery aspect, and there's no way I was going to let this one just pass on by. I'm really excited to dive into these pages and see what happens. After all, a trophy robbery at that level isn't one to be ignored. If the middle grade sleuths can solve it, I'm all in. Get out those detective hats and join me on the 1st to see what this one holds.

Middle Grade Mystery

DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS

I really enjoyed sewing as a child, so this one caught my attention right away. I'm hoping it will pack fun and inspires young readers to give this hobby a go themselves. Plus, I have an interview with the author! That's a rarity for me, but I didn't want to pass up on the chance of having her stop by. Join me on the 2nd to learn all about this one.

Picture Book

REALLY RUBIE

I'm getting Diary of a Wimpy Kid vibes from this read. I, honestly, haven't taken too much time to see what it will be about, but the scribbles and atmosphere on the cover had me hooked. I'm hoping for tons of silly moments and things, which bring smiles while hitting home. Join me on the 6th to see if this read accomplishes all of that or not.

Middle Grade Humor  /  Graphic Novel

UNDERWEARWOLF

This book is said to be one for fans of Creepy Pair of Underwear, and I did enjoy that read quite a bit. So of course, I'm going to take a look at this one and see what this wolf...or his underwear...is up to. Join me on the 11th for some smiles!

Picture Book

UNDER AN EVIL MOON

I thought this read was science fiction, but after looking at the blurb, it seems to fall into the realm of fantasy...which is fine with me! The barrier between Earth's reality and that of the Fairy Realm breaks due to something hitting the moon. I'm sure that sets off all sorts of problems. Since this is the first in a brand new series, I'm hoping it will grab and let readers get lost in its world. I'll be sinking into this one on the 14th. 

Young Adult Fantasy

THE CLOCK SPA

The idea of mixing a clock with a trip to the spa seems to open up a curious realm of possibilities...at least, that's what I thought when I saw this one. Honestly, I'm not really too sure what it's about, but I'm hoping to enjoy whatever it is. I'm heading for a day to relax and quench curiosity with this one on the 15th.

Picture Book

THE GLOOM DRAGON

I saw this cover and title, and immediately thought of my nephews. They love a little chaos and quirky, monster fun, and this looks like it might pack exactly that. I'm ready for action, imagination, tension, and very fast-paced thrills in this read. Let's see if it shoots along with as much energy as I hope it will on the 18th.

Middle Grade Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

ZOOMI & ZOE

This looks like an adorable and wholesome book, which is hopefully just right for beginning readers. The monster on the front...I assume it's a monster...should add a dash of fun and, maybe, intriguing situations. I'm hoping for a little fun, a touch of fantasy, and lots of heart goodness. I'll be opening this one up on the 23rd to take a look and see what it holds

Children's Fiction

CHANNELING MARILYN

Marilyn Monroe's ghost possess that of a 17-year-old girl, who struggles with her weight and self-image. And that's all it took for me to want to grab up this one. It promises to pack humor, heart, and tons of ghostly moments. I'm looking forward to seeing where this one goes and can't wait to see what the poor girl does with a ghost like Marilyn's taking over. Join me on the 25th to see how all of this turns out.

Young Adult Paranormal Humor

OUR CHILDREN IN THE SHADOWS

I'm just going to stay in the paranormal realm and slide into this read, which promises all sorts of ghostly fun...especially since it's suppose to be for fans of Spy School. Yep, this one should take on spy thriller goodness, while weaving in ghosts and adventure and villains and more. It definitely doesn't sound like it will get boring. So, join me on the 28th for some chaos and fun.

Middle Grade Paranormal

Every month, my reading pile stretches way beyond the number of days I have time to read and review. But every month, I also have some changes in my schedule due to...well, all sorts of things. So, sometimes, an extra day opens up, and I can quickly slip in another read. This read is the one on top of my pile.

FIRESNAKE

This is the 3rd and last addition to the prize-winning Cuentista series. Before you ask, no, I haven't read books 1 or 2. Will that make this one impossible to grab up? I'm hoping not since it sounds very interesting. I'm looking forward to discovering tons of richness, food for thought, and even adventure in these pages. That's if I get to it in May. 

Young Adult Science Fiction

Summer Pop Up! by Aurore Petit

Who's ready for summer fun? Today's read embraces the approaching, hot months of the year...and that with the youngest readers out there in mind. See the words 'Pops Up' on the title? I'm very sure that means flaps and fun. These are things I always enjoy in books for younger readers (and secretly wish they had them in ones for much older readers, too).

So, let's see what this book holds!

SUMMER POPS UP!

by Aurore Petit

Phaidon Press

Board Book

12 pages

ages 2 to 4

COMING MAY 20th!!!

Winner, 2025 Best Baby Book Prize from the French Ministry of Culture
From family trips to ocean dips, experience summer’s everyday magic in this sturdy, neon pop-up book. With playful illustrations, engaging text, and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents) will love!

Designed especially for little hands, this bright, bold pop-up book brims with the joy of summer in every turn of the page. Perfectly portable and shaped for toddlers’ hands, this sturdy board book features six playful pop-up scenes that leap from the pages with high-contrast neon images – the yellow of sunshine and the pink of summer sunsets.

Celebrate the magic of summertime, from a busy bee zipping between blossoms to a bumpy ride in the family van, from spreading sunscreen on our faces to enjoying bare feet on a beach, and from diving into sunset seas to counting the stars at night. This book brings all our most-loved summer moments to life in a way that’s both familiar and fresh, clever and surprising. Every page bursting with the warm wonders of the season.

With Aurore Petit’s vibrant, playful illustrations, simple, engaging text, and pop-up surprises that toddlers (and parents!) will love, this book is a sensory celebration of summer’s everyday magic.

This is the first title in Aurore Petit’s seasonal pop-up series, publishing alongside Autumn Pops Up! and to be followed soon by winter and spring-themed books.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Summer beams with vibrant, contrasting colors and surprises on every page.

This little board book runs through an array of things people can correlate with summer. Be it bees or sunscreen, every page presents something most young readers can recognize. And it's pointed. For example, the mention of bare feet on a beach very much centers on those bare feet and pops them up big and bold. Each flip of the page reveals an illustration, which literally stands out thanks to cleverly placed folds, cuts, and mounting. These are created from carton, making them fairly durable under normal usage. Not only are they recognizable and enjoyable to see raise from the page, but there's also a little humor involved...very slight and just right. The text carries only a few words to make each moment clear and keep it very appropriate for the intended age group as a read-aloud. 

This book is as bright as the hot sun and lets the colors reflect that. Neon pink, bright yellow, jet black, and pure white make each page vibrant and somewhat feel like staring at the world under a very bright sun. By the last scene, the nighttime, it condenses into a calm, enjoyable sunset to wrap everything off nicely. 

It's a fun, little read to spread summer joy.

Happy Book Birthday, Northwoods Lullaby by Mary Casanova!

I'm shouting out another book birthday, today, and screaming as loud as I can. Got to celebrate, right? This one has been on my radar for....oh my...over half a year? I've seen its cover peeking at me, asking me to pick it up, and begging to be read, but I had to wait until it hit the shelves. Oh, the pain of being a book reviewer! (Was that dramatic enough?)

Anyway, today's read comes out of the press at the University of Minnesota, and the books I've seen from there have always touched a chord with my love for nature. This book shouldn't be any different. Plus, I've had this one on my pile for a reason...it should be amazing. 

Let's open it up and see if it's been worth the wait.

NORTHWOODS LULLABY

by Mary Casanova

Illustrated by Jordan Sundberg

University of Minnesota Press

Board Book

32 pages

ages 0 to 8

A springtime stroll transforms into a heartwarming bedtime lullaby

It’s time to sing a lullaby, and all through the northwoods, different wild animals join in. Come along as a child and their grown-up enjoy an evening hike. Loons drift by on the serene lake, a baby on papa’s back. On the banks nearby, swans hatch, and deer graze in the grass. Look, and you’ll find bear cubs climbing trees with mama, foxes and hares, and wolf pups playing in their den. Celebrating new life as spring unfurls, Northwoods Lullaby blossoms from a melody Mary Casanova began to hum while rocking her newborn grandbaby to sleep, a lullaby that can now be shared with generations to come.

Pairing Casanova’s signature lyrical writing with collage illustrations by Jordan Sundberg of Tin Cup Design, this bedtime story invites readers of all ages to explore the world of nature and discover the unexpected along the way. It’s time to sing a lullaby, a pine bough swaying lullaby, a lady’s slipper lullaby . . . a lullaby for you.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The wonder of nature mixes with calmness and lovely scenes to invite into the world of dreams. 

From the very first page, this book sinks into nature's calming atmosphere and showcases an adult and child as they wander through the hills and forests. They spy bears, lakes, and more, always watching the life and world around them. As they progress on their journey, each moment is accompanied by a section of a lyrical lullaby to make this a lovely, bedtime read.

The illustrations are created in watercolor with a tissue paper like overlapping to give everything a gentle feel. Yet, each scene is brought across clearly and simply to fit the age group. Especially animal fans will enjoy the various, forest creatures as they make their appearance, one by one. The text flows right along. It swirls around various details of the life found in the forest, while sticking to wording which is very fitting to the intended age group. The phrases are short and flow smoothly to create a nice read-aloud. Plus, there's a sense of parent-child warmth to snuggle up with and offer security. 

Fans of nature, animals, and simply those, who enjoy discovering the world around them, are sure to enjoy this lovely, bedtime read.

And here they are...

Mary Casanova is author of dozens of books for young readers, including Hush Hush, Forest and Wake Up, Island, both also published by the University of Minnesota Press. She and her husband live in a tiny cabin near Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.

Jordan Sundberg is an artist and illustrator based in Duluth, Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and two bunnies. She is coauthor and illustrator of Fables of the North Shore.