Happy Book Birthday, Odd Bugs by Laura Gehl!

What? Another book birthday? This week is definitely packed with tons of new releases. Today's read, again, heads more into the nonfiction direction, and this time takes a look at the world of insects. I was drawn in by the cover...so bright and colorful! Then, there's bugs. While I'm not a fan of bugs inside my house, I find them horribly interesting (outside of the house). It's always fun to learn something new and with bugs, there's always something unexpected to discover.

So, let's open this one up and see what it's about.

ODD BUGS

Meet Nature's Weirdest Insects

by Laura Gehl

Illustrated by Gareth Lucas

Abrams Appleseed

Board Book

pages 22

ages 2 to 4

Meet nature’s oddballs in author Laura Gehl and illustrator Gareth Lucas’s engaging board book about some of the most unique insects in the world

Get ready to buzz with excitement! Odd Bugs introduces babies and toddlers to highly unusual creepy-crawlies, including a beautiful glasswing butterfly and the treacherous robber fly! Lively rhyming verses provide the comforting repetition that little ones crave, even as their minds are opened to new and fascinating creatures from around the world. At the end of the book, readers will find photographs of each bug, along with more detailed factual information. The eight insects featured are the goliath beetle, Picasso moth, red-headed bush cricket, saddleback caterpillar, robber fly, glasswing butterfly, and the leaf insect.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This is a book for the younger range of readers out there and dives into the world of bugs with a playful touch.

Each two-page spread introduces a single, interesting insect...a baorisa moth, weaver ants, saddleback caterpillars, and more. The insect is presented large and bold. It's easy to distinguish and, still, each one pops with color and carries an artistic flair thanks to the illustrations. Each one is introduced with a very short sentence, which doesn't name the insect, but rather, hints at a special aspect it holds such as stings, is enormous, and so on. Then, at the end of the book, there's a real-life photo of each insect as well as a short paragraph giving more facts about it.

The illustrations are very vibrant, which gives everything a playful and interesting touch. It almost overpowers the insects...but just almost. The insects are still identifiable (well, except the last one, since hiding is its ability), and by mixing them with this style, they gain an approachable and more relaxed atmosphere. This will probably be more inviting to some readers than others. The real-life photos in the back of the book add a nice foundation to compare the insects to. I was surprised that the name of the insect isn't presented with the illustration, but by doing this, the author gives young readers time to soak in the appearance and specialty before getting to the names. This is especially nice for the youngest end of the age group.

It's definitely a bright and inviting book, which holds interesting insect facts for little bug fans who enjoy learning new things.

And here they are...

Laura Gehl is the author of 20 books for young readers, including One Big Pair of Underwear (Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title, International Literacy Association Honor Book, Booklist Books for Youth Editors’ Choice); the Peep and Egg series (Parents’ Choice Recommendation, Children’s Choice Book Award Finalist); My Pillow Keeps Moving (Junior Library Guild selection, New York Public Library Best Books of 2018 selection); and I Got a Chicken for My Birthday (Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2018 selection). Her recent picture book, Except When They Don’t, received a starred review from School Library Journal, and the fourth title in her Baby Scientist board book series, Baby Paleontologist, received a starred review from Kirkus. Gehl lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her husband and four children.

Gareth Lucas is an illustrator and designer living in Essex, England with his wife and five children. After studying at Brighton and Central Saint Martin's Art Schools he has worked on a variety of projects, but enjoys nothing more than illustrating animals, birds, and the natural world. When he is not working he can be heard indulging his other love—the banjo!

Happy Book Birthday, Tiny Garden by Deborah Underwood!

We're just going to keep the celebration going and shoutout another book birthday. Today's read heads outside and should let sunshine, garden, and good feelings flow. The cover hints at lovely artwork, and I'm enjoying the joyful butterflies. Now, it's time to see what the rest of this book holds.

So, grab those sun hats because we're going outside!

TINY GARDEN

by Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Jax Chow

Abrams Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

On a street that covets big, showy gardens, Andrew sets out to grow his own tiny garden in this picture book about slowing down, appreciating the little things, and staying true to yourself. From bestselling, award-winning author Deborah Underwood and debut illustrator Jax Chow

Andrew loves plants, but he’s overwhelmed by the fancy plots in his neighborhood—too big, too tall, too much.

With soil, seeds, water, and patience, Andrew’s tiny garden blooms into a size his neighbors may not understand, but that’s perfect for tiny leaves, tiny colors, and tiny visitors.

Beloved author Deborah Underwood’s ode to cultivating and caring for one small rectangle of the world, paired with Jax Chow’s exquisite debut illustrations, is also about caring for oneself—and staying true to both, no matter what.

GOODREADS    /   AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

 

Beautiful illustrations mix with carefully laid words to create a story to get lost in time and again.

Andrew loves plants but finds many gardens overwhelming. With seeds, he heads outdoors and creates his own, small plot, and watches what happens.

I'm just going to start with the illustrations because they are gorgeous. The watercolor scenes allow readers to sink into the world with a playful vibrance, which invites to dreams and, yet, stays in the lovely reality of flowers, plants, and being outdoors to watch everything grow and thrive. It's a treat to flip through each one and simply enjoy the scenes...which works great, since not every page has words.

The text is as potent as the illustrations, and carefully used to propel the tale forward but never overtaking the illustrations. The words feel poetic, at times, and lead the actions at others. It creates a nice read-aloud for even more reluctant listeners and works well for the age group.

Andrew's love for plants is contagious, and these pages show readers that they can grow their own, colorful plots as well. They don't have to be big to be enjoyable. So, there's a lovely message about community, growing plants, cultivating, and enjoying the world. In other words, there is quite a bit enjoy in these pages. This even works well to lead into an activity of planting seeds.

Happy Book Birthday, Taking Turns With Turtles by Shari Becker!

I have another book birthday today! I love celebrating, and this week will hold plenty of opportunities for that. Just like yesterday, today's read leans toward the nonfiction end. This one swirls around turtle rescue and will, hopefully, hold a few interesting, turtle care facts.

TAKING TURNS WITH TURTLES 

by Shari Becker

Illustrated by Brittany Lane

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 3 to 6

COMING MARCH 3rd!!!

Turtles have been tending the ocean for millions of years. Now it’s my turn to tend to the turtles.

One chilly morning in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a child and their parents wake up early to search the beach for cold-stunned turtles. When they find one, they keep it warm and safe until another rescuer can bring it to a rehabilitation center. There, a volunteer cleans the turtle before it goes to a biologist who glues its cracked shell back together. The turtle then moves to a tank room to recover. Finally, a volunteer pilot flies the turtle south to a warmer beach. At last, a parent and child place the turtle in the ocean and watch it swim away as a crowd of cheering volunteers look on.

Sea turtles have been an important part of ocean and shoreline ecosystems for millions of years. But the changing climate is shifting migration cues, trapping some turtles in frigid waters in late autumn and early winter. Luckily, many volunteers are working together with scientists to help them. In this story, follow a months-long journey and many human helpers working together to rescue a cold-stunned turtle.

Includes back matter with more information about cold-stunned turtles.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Saving a turtle involves so much more than the first moments at the beach, and these pages take readers on the long journey involved  before injured turtles can be released back into the ocean.

A child helps find an injured sea turtle on the beach and keeps it warm until a rescuer comes. Then, the turtle is brought to a center, where it is carefully taken care of. After its wounds are cared for, it spends a longer time in a tank, recovering before it can be released again. Finally, the day comes for it to be returned to the ocean.

The first scenes grab as a child wakes up before sunrise, one morning, to head out to the beach and search for injured turtles. Readers will be drawn in as the darker scenes bring a sense of urgency and tension as the child tenderly covers the turtle. It warms the heart to watch the concern and inspires readers in their own view of wildlife. When the turtle is taken to the facility, the story shifts to a more relaxed tone as the scientists care for the injuries and help the turtle to recover. Not only are the various steps in the process brought across in an understandable way, but readers should gain a greater awareness for the time and effort it takes to help a turtle recover to the point of being able to reenter the ocean. It doesn't drop facts directly but lets the reader accompany the process and see it unfold. Plus, there are phrases to inspire readers to learn more themselves and small tips on how they can assist animals in similar situations.

While this one is advertised for ages 3 to 6, I'd slide it up a bit to audiences 4 to 8. The text level fits nicely to this slightly older age group. Plus, listeners/readers can better understand the process, since it is a little longer than a quick, step-by-step. The text flows smoothly to form a nice read-aloud or to be read by those beginning readers, who are more sure of their words. The illustrations are done in watercolor, which fits nicely to the theme and brings across the scenes with gentleness and calmness.

And here they are...

SHARI BECKER has been writing and creating content for children and teens for over twenty-five years. Shari’s books include Sprouting Wings, which she co-authored with Louisa Jaggar, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, The Stellow Project and Maxwell’s Mountain. Her books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections as well as Bank Street Best Books. Shari is the founder of Whale Rock Literary Workshops, a

master-level writing education company for kidlit authors. Shari lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her family.

BRITTANY LANE is an illustrator and fine artist based in a small town in rural Ontario. She worked for a decade as a wildlife biologist before turning to illustration as a way to highlight and share the wonders of the natural world. Her debut picture book, Rock? Plant? Animal? How Nature Keeps Us Guessing, written by Etta Kaner, won the Silver Birch Express Award. The Day Dancer Flew, by Tiffany Stone, was named a CCBC Best Book for Kids and Teens, and an Ontario Library Association Best Bet.

Happy Book Birthday, Girls Like Me by Rebel Girls!

It's time to celebrate and shoutout another book birthday! 

Today's read heads into the nonfiction realm and should pack tons of inspiration. From what I understand, this book travels around the world and interviews kids from various countries. I'm hoping for lots of cultural and knowledge goodness. So, let's open it up and see how it does on this end!

GIRLS LIKE ME

Real Life Rebel Girls All Around the World

by Rebel Girls

DK Children

Middle Grade Nonfiction

256 pages

ages 9 to 12

Take a trip around the world and hear from 70+ girls from 46 different countries in Rebel Girls’ ambitious, globe-spanning project: Girls Like Me!

Girls Like Me inspires young readers to be proud of their interests and of who they are, while learning about the lives, traditions, and hobbies of real-life Rebel Girls all around the world. No girl is quite like another, but reading about more than 70 girls, in their own words, reveals that for all our differences, we also have lots of things in common – our diversity is our strength!

From Meisa in Tokyo, Japan to Rachael in Anchorage, United States, every interview throughout the book reminds readers that being authentically you is what makes you special.

What readers can expect in Girls Like Me:

• Travel through 46 countries across six continents as you learn about a multitude of different cultures in an authentic and inclusive way, as seen through the eyes of the Rebel Girls living there themselves
• A fantastic educational resource to teach young girls about the world and all its beautiful people and cultures
• Each story is brought to life with specially commissioned photography and artwork from dozens of international creators and artists, including 72 photographers across the world

The perfect gift for kids aged 9-12, Girls Like Me is full of the inspiring true stories of girls from all over the world. Embark on a cross-continental journey of discovery as you learn about their cultures, hobbies and daily lives – and see that no matter how different our lives might be, we can all learn something valuable from each other!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

While I expected this one to spring into girl-power pure...which it does..., it also takes a great twist into geography and introduces various countries and cultures in a very grabbing way.

Hitting six continents and several countries in each one, these pages display the rich rainbow of culture and life across the globe and bring it across with a personal touch. The book is broken down into seven chapters, six for the continents and a last one for girls who have moved around the world. Each chapter takes a closer look at a few countries on that continent, using a two-page spread to showcase country facts, history, foods, hobbies, climate, issues, and more. This information is presented as a fun mosaic across the pages with a paragraph or two on each topic and an accompanying photo or illustration to bring the information across even better. The next pages present a girl from the country. Not only is there a lively photo of the girl, but this section is also written by the girls. They present various aspects of their daily lives, favorite things, hobbies, family, school, and more. There's also a 'super power' circle, where each girl reveals her special talent. At the end of the book, it's carefully explained how this book was put together.

Everything about this book is vibrant. The colors, format, lively photos, and more project energy, inspiration, and a joy for life. The facts about each country bring across important information about the various areas, lifestyles, and more. More importantly, it isn't boring but draws readers in as they desire to learn more about girls their own age. The personal touch makes the information sit and become reachable. All the while, this book also shows how much alike people are...people are people. While the differences are clear, the similarities are also impossible to miss. So, the message comes across loud and clear.

It's a fun book which packs tons of goodness on many ends.

About Rebel Girls Rebel Girls, a certified B Corporation, is a global, multi-platform empowerment brand dedicated to helping raise the most inspired and confident generation of girls. The brand purposefully creates content, products, and experiences to empower Generation Alpha girls and equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. Because confident girls will radically transform the world. With a growing community of 40 million self-identified Rebel Girls spanning more than 115 countries, the brand engages with Gen Alpha through its book series, premier app, events, and merchandise. To date, Rebel Girls has sold more than 11 million books in 62 languages and reached 85 million digital listens/views. Award recognition includes the New York Times bestseller list, Apple Design Award for Social Impact, Common Sense Media Selection, Webby Awards, and more. 

What's Coming in March?

Welcome, March! February just flew on by, which might also be due to the fact that it is a little shorter than other months. I'm heading into March with enthusiasm, not for any particular reason. It's just a gut feeling, this time. I have my first seedlings planted, my garden is beginning to get prepared (very slowly), and I've got my sights on some short hiking trips. Maybe, there will be a few other surprises in store, too. 

On the reading front, it's going to be a vibrant month with another wide range of tales. The first days will be a little more fact based, while the end lands in fantasy and even some darker reads. There's graphic novels, paranormal moments, humor and more, too. It should be a nice balance of reading groups with, maybe, the beginning readers falling a little short, this time. Guess, I'll have to make up for that in April.

Let's just take a look at some of the reads on my pile...a willie-nillie grab and glance.

TAKING TURNS WITH TURTLES

I'm going to start this month off with an inspiring, save-the-world read. At least, that's what I'm hoping it will be. And turtles. I do love turtles. It's been a bit since I've seen a book raising the awareness for these creatures, and it is an interesting topic. So, get ready to dive into nature with me on the 3rd and learn more.

Picture Book

ODD BUGS

Bugs can be interesting, sometimes creepy, and for all things, they are everywhere. There's always something to learn on this front, and I'm hoping this book packs a couple new facts to grow the knowledge front. Plus, isn't the cover so colorful? I'm looking forward to seeing what these pages hold on the 5th.

Picture Book

THE OCEAN: EXPLORE A WATERY WORLD

It's time to dive under the sea and see what science goodness the waters hold and hide. This read should be packed with STEM delights and offer all sorts of insights into the biology, chemistry, and general science wonders the ocean harbors...and we already know that there is still much to be discovered below the water's surface. Get on those thinking caps so we can discover what these pages hold on the 9th.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

GLORY BE

It's time for some adventure and heart, and this read promises to hold both. Plus, it's written in verse...which is always a fun twist. This one follows a girl, who loses her dog and heads out in New Orleans to find it again. There seem to be some family issues woven in as well. However, I'm getting the impression it also takes a deep dive into the culture and life of New Orleans, which could be a treat. We'll know more on the 11th.

Middle Grade Contemporary  /  Written in verse

UNEXPECTED GUESTS

I'm super excited about this one! It was short-listed for the illustrator of the year award in the UK last year, so I'm betting the illustrations are going to be worth a visit and more. Plus, the mice under the house screams all sorts of interesting and entertaining predicaments. I'm not sure what direction this one will take, but I'm all in and willing to find out on the 14th.

Picture Book

WHEN THE RAIN CAME

I must be into water, this month. I just noticed that the read above and the one below both have something to do with this wet stuff, too. While those two dive more into the ocean and wildlife, this one takes a look upward at rain. Plus, it's a dystopian, which means deep thoughts and, usually, a darker direction. I don't know much about what this read holds, but hope it keeps me on the edge of my seat and leaves some food for thought. Let's get those rubber boots on and splash into this one on the 16th.

Young Adult Dystopian

HOME IS A DOOR WE CARRY

This one will be a deeper read, and I'm hoping it hits just right for the intended age group. It hits the theme of leaving home and moving far away (think immigration, war, etc), and how we always carry a piece of home with us. As said, I'm going to be approaching this one with a bit of caution, but if done right, it could be amazing. Join me on the 19th to see if it passed my scrutiny or not.

Picture Book

ELEPHANT IN THE IVY

It's mystery time...or at least, I think it might go in this direction a bit. This one hit the shelves last year, but I'm finally getting around to take a peek at it myself. First off, I love the title. And this touch of fun imagination should seep into the tale, from what I understand, as the MC joins in on a spy game at her new school. I'm not sure about much more but have reason to believe that it might be an engaging and fun read. Join me on the 23rd to find out.

Young Adult Mystery

GHOUL

The cover caught my attention on this one, since it promises fantasy and imagination. This one does head in the loss/grief direction (something I swore to avoid this year), but the rest of the plot direction caught my interest. So, I'm hoping I'll enjoy it and not be pulled down with the heavier aspect into sadness. Join me on the 25th to find out.

Middle Grade Contemporary  /  Graphic Novel

AMELIA SPARKLE AND THE BIG BAD WOLF

Sometimes, books need to sparkle, and I hope that's exactly what this one does. It promises a hint of fairy tale fun, pink power, and all of that for beginning readers. I'm hoping for a nicely illustrated, quick-paced, and smile-worthy read, which will entertain this level of readers, while easing them into better reading skills. Pull out that wand and pink tutu because we're going to accompany this fairy on the 28th.

Chapter Book Fantasy

Book piles grow and grow, and never seem to have an end. It's no different with my pile for Bookworm for Kids. While I have a pretty set schedule, things constantly switch-around and change. Sometimes, I don't like reads as much as I thought I would. Sometimes, they don't arrive. Sometimes, other things happen...anything is possible. So, I have no doubt that another book will find its way into my schedule, and the Joker Read is the first one on top of my 'wait' pile.

ELLEN POE: THE FORGOTTEN LORE

I'm a really, really, really looking forward to this read, but I'm not sure I'm going to get to it, yet. That's why it's my joker read. If I find even a smidgen bit of time, this one is going to get picked up and devoured. Well, if it's good. Gosh, what am I going to do if it isn't? Yes, it stems from Edgar Allen Poe. I do enjoy his works, so that's probably why I'm so excited about this one. When will I get to it?

Well, that's the question, isn't it?

Young Adult Mystery