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

Melodies of The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes

 When I got my hands on today's read, I thought from the title and imagery, that it was a book about Blues music (which I enjoy). Obviously, this highlights my lack of knowledge, and I'm glad to say that I've now learned that it's the title of a poem by a well-known poet, Langston Hughes. I bet I'm not the only one to learn something from these pages. I do enjoy poetry, too, and am excited to learn more about his work. Plus, these pages promise a rainbow of illustrations thanks to 23 artist contributions. So, it should be an artistic treat in so many ways.

Let's sit down and explore the world of Hughes' poetry and enjoy the illustrations!

MELODIES OF HTE WEARY BLUES

Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People

by Langston Hughes

Completed by Shamar Knight-Justice

Illustrated by 23 Artists

HarperCollins

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 6 to 10

A gorgeously illustrated centennial of Langston Hughes' first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, this picture book includes select poems paired with vibrant artwork by more than twenty talented Black illustrators, including award-winners Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Janelle Washington, and more!

Brought to new life by lively illustrations on every page, Melodies of The Weary Blues introduces Langston Hughes’ intimate reflections on the Black experience in America to young readers in a fresh and approachable way. Featuring poems like “Dream Variation,” “Winter Moon,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, Hughes’ still resonant words shine like never before for readers everywhere.
Includes an introduction by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice, Langston Hughes’ biography and timeline of life, and biographies of all the contributors.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This is an ode to Langston Hughes, highlighting several of his poems while letting illustrative artistry flow.

This begins with a word about Langston Hughes and the compilers own inspiration at the age of fourteen by own of his poems. After that, twenty-three poems from Langston Hughes, surrounding various themes, are presented. Each of these is accompanied by the artwork from a different artist to create a colorful combination of word and illustration. At the end, there's a biography and a timeline surrounding Hughes' life and works as well as a rundown of the various artists who contributed to this book.

The poems carry a broad range of topics, lengths, and types, making sure that there is something for a variety of readers and age levels. Some are simple, while others carry much more depth and a higher level of vocabulary, which will hit best with even older readers. The artwork is a treat, since each one displays the personality and care of a different artist. This creates a kaleidoscope of directions, and yet, the color tones make sure everything slides together to maintain harmony. It's well-balanced and enjoyable.

I see this as a lovely way to introduce children to poetry. As said, some of the poems will be too advanced for the younger end of the age group, but there are still poems they can connect with. It's not a book to take as a read-aloud in its entirety with this age group, but rather, hits best when used to pick up and discover one or two poems at a time. This especially works well for themes surrounding poetry, Black History Month, African American artists, and the like in group, classroom, or homeschooling environments.

And here he is...

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) ranks as one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century. A landmark figure in the Harlem Renaissance, his work profoundly captures and celebrates the trials and triumphs of his exquisitly drawn characters. In addition to his poetry, he was also the author of the novels Not Without Laughter and Something in Common, the play Mulatto, and two volumes of autobiography.

Deluxe Sticker Book: On the Farm by Joli Hannah

While I usually hit books whose purpose is to be read, I can't imagine a world of kidlit without activity books. Today's read takes a look at a sticker book from a series. I haven't seen the other books in the series and am looking forward to see how this is put together. 

Ready? Off we go!

DELUXE STICKER BOOK

ON THE FARM

by Joli Hannah

Illustrated by Malgorzata Detner

Albatros Books

Children's Activity  /  Sticker Book

24 pages

ages 3 to 6

This delightful sticker book series offers vibrant scenes with more than 340 stickers in each book that inspire curiosity about the world while encouraging creativity and imaginative play in young children.

• Interactive Sticker Fun: More than 340+ gorgeous stickers for creative play and learning.
• Skill Development: Enhances fine motor skills and encourages creativity through sticker placement.
• Educational and Engaging: Combines fun with learning, offering both entertainment and educational value.
• Independent or with Others: Designed for solo play or shared learning with parents.

GOODREADS     /    PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Busy farm life hits with cheerful scenes and lots to do thanks to the multitude of stickers readers can place however they'd like.

This is a sticker book with seven, two-page farm scenes. Each one lays out the foundation with the main characters performing farm activities. Then, readers can choose from several hundred stickers and add to each one until its just right. From goat tending to working in the fields, familiar tasks related to farms come to life. The main characters, Kate and Tom, help their family to perform each one with a smile on the face.

There are quite a few stickers, meaning there is a broad scope of possibilities as to how readers create their farm scenes. This makes the book great as an activity for road trips or rainy days. The book also tells a story. This flows with a few sentences on each page, which are appropriate for the age group and work nicely as a read-aloud. Each one gives a brief description of the various activities Tom and Kate help out with on the farm. It's simple but enough to raise awareness for all the different things farmers do. 

And here they are...

Joli Hannah was born and grew up in an industrial city in Europe. She has loved books since childhood and could read before starting school. Her plan from an early age was to write books for children. It came true when she began working in the publishing industry in 2000,  developing books with international publishers. Early in her creative career, she worked with authors and illustrators from all around the world. Over time, she has begun writing herself, creating various publications and books for children.
Joli wants to work under a pseudonym, as she wishes her readers to perceive her through her stories and not through her image on social media.
Joli Hannah is raising three children in a charming house in the countryside. Every night before bedtime, she reads or invents original stories for them. Joli loves life, people, and their stories.

Malgorzata Detner is a Poland based illustrator, born in 1989. She currently lives with her family, a cocker spaniel, snails, and two lovely rats in Warsaw. Her love of drawing appeared at a young age, influenced by her mother’s paintings but grew seriously when she decided to follow art in middle school. Although Malgorzata initially  followed a career in costume design with an interest in Victorian dresses, her daughter’s birth made her return to traditional painting and digital illustration. Influenced by old animation; Mysterious, fantastic worlds, animals, and creatures in vibrant colours are what she likes drawing the most. She draws digitally but she also likes to incorporate hand-painted textures in her work. Malgorzata loves creating illustrations that remind her of childhood memories. In her free time, she makes needle felted toys and enjoys watching her favourite movies including Studio Ghibli’s Totoro.

Happy Book Birthday The Spider Strikes by Michael P. Spradlin!

Anyone up for a little history...exciting history? Today's read is the third in a series, which heads back to World War II and follows a group of friends as they do their best to figure out life and survive with the growing threat from the Nazis. I read the second and found it very grabbing. Let's see if this next adventure keeps up that quick-pace.

Sit down and snuggle in because this one could be quite the ride.

THE SPIDER STRIKES

The Web of the Spider #3

by Michael P. Spradlin

Middle Grade Historical

Margaret K. McElderry Books

144 pages

ages 9 to 12

Amid the chilling rise of Hitler’s Germany, a twelve-year-old boy and his friends confront rising Nazi threats during a family trip to Austria in this third book in the action-packed middle grade series Web of the Spider for fans of I Survived and A Night Divided.

It’s the summer of 1931 and, like most summers, Joshua and his family are vacationing in Salzburg, Austria. But unlike most years, Joshua is looking forward to escaping the upheaval and bigotry back home in Heroldsberg and the Nazi presence threatening Jewish families like his own. This year, he’s invited his best friends Rolf and Ansel to join him for one last summer before Rolf leaves for America with his father.

But the trip becomes far from relaxing as the Nazis take root in Austria as well, and a gang of Hitler Youth set their sights on Joshua and his friends. When the boys decide to hike up the mountains to camp out at Joshua’s family cabin, things go from bad to worse when they quickly realize they aren’t alone. Can the boys evade the Nazis and make it back to their families safely?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Friendship reigns as the world around three boys falls apart, and they do their best to handle a dangerous and increasingly impossible situation.

Each book in this series switches viewpoints between three friends (Rolf, Ansel, and Joshua), and this time, readers get to see the world through Joshua's eyes. With the growing Nazi influence, Joshua's Jewish family is especially at unease over the increasing tensions. After shots are fired in their town of Heroldsberg and Ansel's reporter father is injured in the crossfire, the boys follow Rolf's family to Salzburg, Austria for some needed reprieve. Plus, Rolf is about to head to America with his father, and this will give them a last chance to really enjoy hanging around each other, but during their arrival, they immediately cross paths with Rolf's older brother's troop of Hilter Youth. Thanks to their survival training, Rolf's father agrees to let them steer clear of everything and stay alone at a nearby cabin he owns in the woods. While this should give them space from the growing threats, one of the members of Hitler Youth has made it his mission to deal with them, and he isn't going to give up.

There are several aspects about this book and series, which make it highly recommendable. First, it's short. The adventures are deep and pack plenty of food for thought and historical goodness, and yet, they don't weigh down. They deliver the excitement in less than 150 pages, which makes it one to even, maybe, attract more reluctant readers. Second, the author has done his due diligence on the research end and brings this time period to life with finesse. The boys come across very naturally, give a sense of familiarity to draw in, and still, the historic setting and situation is never forgotten. Readers can sink into the tension, understand the issues, and not ever feel like they're learning history along the way. Third, the adventure remains high right along with the conflicts and character arcs. The book begins with high-tension and obvious danger, drawing in right away. As tension eases, the pacing doesn't stop but let's the worries and concerns continue to drive things forward. Before this grows too heavy, the next tense scene flows in again. It makes for an exciting read. 

I think this is the first time I've seen a middle grade series concentrate on the rise of the Nazis, and it take the time to dive into the situation (a bit, at least) leading up to the war. The three friends each have different backgrounds, letting readers see how different people were affected and their differing, yet, similar fears and concerns. In this book, for example, Rolf's growth becomes clear, especially in dealing with his Hitler Youth brother. So, the author is weaving in quite a bit of depth without ever letting it bog down the other aspects of the read. 

I enjoyed this latest adventure even more than the last and am very curious what will happen next because there is, obviously, more to come. 

And here he is...

Michael P. Spradlin is the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author of the Spy Goddess series, The Youngest Templar series, and the Web of the Spider series, as well as several works of historical fiction, including the Western Heritage Award–winning Off Like the Wind: The Story of the Pony Express. He currently resides in Lapeer, Michigan, with his wife, daughter, and his schnoodle, Sequoia. Learn more at MichaelSpradlin.com.

The One Who Watches by Chris von Halle

Anyone ready for a little chills and thrills? Today's read comes from a horror author, who I've been following for several years. This book is his 8th and latest addition to the middle grade series, Between Dark and Light. The books I've read so far remind me a bit of the beloved Goosebumps series, but Between Dark and Light carries a darker and more true-horror edge. So far, they've fit nicely to the age group...and I know there are quite a few horror fans out there in the middle grade range...and I'm assuming this one will be just as fitting and entertaining...

And chilling.

Grab those flashlights, blankets, and maybe something to snack on because this should be a quick-paced, spooky ride.

THE ONE WHO WATCHES

Between Dark and Light 

by Chris von Halle

Middle Grade Horror

112 pages 

ages 10 and up

Some legends hide in the dark. Others watch from it.

Twelve-year-old Molly Thompson doesn’t believe in sasquatch—not really. Sure, the Bluehorn Mountains near her Michigan hometown are full of strange rock piles and creepy stories. But Molly is a science kid. Logical. Grounded.

Until one night changes everything.

While camping with her parents, Molly stumbles on something impossible. Something wild. Something that shouldn’t exist. What happens next will challenge everything she thinks she knows—about monsters, myths, and even herself.

Because some bonds can’t be explained by science.

And some creatures aren’t meant to be found.

Haunting, heartfelt, and unforgettable, The One Who Watches is a horror-laced mystery about what hides in the woods…and what happens when it follows you back.

Perfect for fans of Small Spaces by Katherine Arden and Doll Bones by Holly Black—creepy, character-driven middle grade horror with heart.

Bonus story included: Enjoy an additional original middle grade horror story included with this edition.

Between Dark and Light is a series of nonconnected children’s horror books featuring strange, eerie, supernatural events. Ages 10 and up!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Myth meets a middle schooler's dreams of friendship and warps into a deadly game, where the true monster hides in unexpected places.

Molly's camping with her parents in the woods, and her parents are playing their usual game of sasquatch 'reality' by pointing out signs of their existence. She knows they do it for fun but wishes they'd realize a 12-years-old is no long a child. When she hears an odd noise during the night, takes her flashlight, and heads into the trees, her idea of what is real changes instantly. But monsters aren't always what they seem, and she's about to learn where true beasts roam.

This latest addition to the series takes a huge twist to the normal monster direction and steers into the world of big foot/sasquatches in an unique way. The scene comes across familiar but with the right touch of suspense as the family camps in less-visited woods. This beginning sets the tone and holds the underlying sense of threatening possibility even when Molly returns home...and even when everything should normally lighten up as she finds new friendship. Of sorts. While the monster lurks in the background after those first pages, the more familiar world of school hallways and long-time friends rolls in to add middle school drama. But the author takes exactly this aspect, the normal, and melds it in unexpected ways. The result is a well-woven, tense adventure.

Even reluctant readers won't mind diving into this read. The pacing stays steady the entire way through to keep those pages turning. The entire tale is less than 60 pages, and the chapters are kept relatively short. So, the entire thing isn't overwhelming but rather, offers a quick, enjoyable read. TRIGGER WARNING: While short, this isn't a tale for younger or more sensitive readers. It does involve murder and death involving that age group. I'm definitely keeping this one as recommended for ages 10 and up because of this. But this also isn't a gore story or murder just for thrills. Rather, the author builds in plenty of food-for-thought as a side dish. 

As a special bonus, there's a second tale following the first, which also promises twists, turns, and thrills. Fans of horror are sure to enjoy this quick dive into a chilling realm of eerie possibilities.

And here he is...

Chris von Halle has always been fascinated with the dark edges of life and the light that always seems to be trying to prick through. Between Dark and Light represents the war that’s constantly raging between the two forces. Chris lives in Morristown, New Jersey, and enjoys watching tennis, playing video games, and creating the occasional comic strip.