Thirst by Darren Simpson

What better way to start out October than with an original horror tale? This book hit the shelves last year (I believe) and has gotten great reviews. It dives into the realm of folklore and should take a very, creepy twist. According to the blurb, this one is about a very evil river. I'm curious to see what it holds. So, grab those blankets and flashlights because it sounds like this is one to keep you up until late into the night...or early morning hours.

THIRST

by Darren Simpson

Pushkin Children's Books

YA Horror

288 pages

Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children's game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, nobody dares whisper their doubts about the river they have worshipped for centuries.

Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal - in return for a year of plenty - seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.

Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal's life to sate its thirst...

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Chills mount as the secrets weave tighter and tighter in this grabbing read.

The small town of Maimsbury seems to be a balanced place where people still stick to the customs their ancestors practiced hundreds of years before. Their practices often include the river, one that their ancestors once worshipped and feared. But the tales and customs aren't as innocent as they seem. While the residents of the town seem unaffected by the need to sacrifice animals to the river every year and know that the river holds terrible secrets, they've long accepted it as part of life. That is, until a Faye comes to town in search of a job to help keep her family fed. Now, the river is hunting her.

This is folks horror as it should be. The tale dives deep into the myths of the town and brings them to life in a way, which digs under the skin. Everything about this world is vivid and lures in with details, which even dance into fantasy...and one with deadly bite. From the wishing tree to the town itself, the scenes come across very well and hook in. This creates a solid and inviting basis for the dangerous situation Faye finds herself in and makes it hard not to fear for her as the river seems to be gaining the upper hand. It's inviting yet eerie and creates a wonderfully dark atmosphere to let the tension take hold.

The tale is told from Gorse's and Faye's point of view, allowing the reader to get to know both. Both are sympathetic and easy to root for. The situation they face is not only dangerous but has centuries of weight, which seem undefeatable. It's just right to set the stage and give everything delicious depth as the terror takes over.

Teens who enjoy horror will want to give this one a go as well as fans of dark folklore and mythology.

What's Coming in October?

I'm not sure I'm ready for October this year. I think much of that is to blame on the ridiculous heat, which kept us at almost 100 degrees most of September and completely killed any Autumn happiness. Even the last week of September greeted with a couple days of high 80's when we should be in the low to mid 70's. So, the idea of pumpkins and ghostly decorations just seems completely out of place. But it is October and Halloween is coming, and my reading list isn't going to just let that pass by.

I have quite a few reads to match the eerie holiday. There's some Halloween fun reads, monsterly classics, mysteries, and tension packed fantasies. Of course, I have a few non-seasonal reads hitting nonfiction goodness, bedtime tales, and wholesome thoughts. It's also a fairly balanced month on the audience age level end of things. 

Here's a sneak peek at where my schedule is at this time...but it can and does change for various reasons.

FRANKENSTEIN

We're starting the month with a classic, one that slides right into the Halloween season. This is a graphic novel version of the original from Mary Shelley. I went through Frankenstein during my homeschooled daughter's junior year—'Monsters in Literature' easily made a year-long theme with so many possibilities! Anyway, I'm excited and curious to see how this version does. Find out with me on the 3rd.

Classics as Graphic Novels

WHEN DARK WORLDS RISE

This is the 3rd novel in a series which embraces fantasy and science fiction with the atmosphere of a dystopian world in one big hug. Well, dark, intrigue packed, and tension filled hug. And believe it or not, I've actually read the series up to this point! I'm excited to see what happens next and will be diving into this one on the 6th.

Young Adult Science Fiction

INVISIBLE

I was excited to get my hands on this read. Not only does it beckon from overseas, Spain, but it's entered Disney's doors...and I think is getting a visual version? Don't quote me on this last part because I'm going to have to recheck that one. Anyway, I'm expecting tons of heart in these pages with some food for thought. It's done very well and has gotten rave reviews over the years. Oh, and this is the 3rd in the series. Obviously, I haven't read the first two, but that's nothing new. I'll let you know what I think on the 8th.

Young Adult Contemporary

THE MYSTERY OF INSCH BRAE HOUSE

I have a weak spot for mysteries, and they just happen to be perfect for the Halloween season, don't you think? I'm not sure if this house holds paranormal secrets or eerie ones, but I'm hoping it keeps readers at the edge of their seats and guessing what the truth really is. With a warm blanket, a cup of steaming tea and, maybe, a crackling fireplace, we'll dive into this one on the 10th.

Middle Grade Mystery

SPOOKY SCOUTS

I have tons of Halloween reads this month, and this one takes a spooky dive into a boy/girl scouts' trip. My mind is already spinning at the possibilities, and yours? Can't wait to head out with this group on the 13th!

Picture Book

TIME-TRAVELING CHICKENS

Sometimes, a ridiculously quirky read is exactly what is needed, and this book should fit that need. I, honestly, have no clue what this one will be about. Only that it involves time-traveling chickens and a blast to the past. It's a graphic novel and should be anything but serious. I know there are plenty of young readers, who enjoy out-of-the-ordinary humor and imagination to push the limits. I'm hoping this one is as awesome as it could be and will take a look on the 17th. 

Middle Grade Science Fiction  /   Graphic Novel

SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS

While I'm usually a cover girl, it was the title that caught my attention. Then, the cover, since it does appear it might slide into mystery and spookiness. Maybe? I'm hoping for adventure, tension, action, friendship, intrigue...all those things which hold a reader in the pages from beginning to end. I'm assuming this one will hit a fantasy world with historic atmosphere and hope it lets readers sink right in. Join me on the 21st to find out.

Middle Grade Fantasy

DRAGONFLY DOWN

This isn't a new release but it ran across my radar and had me intrigued. I've always had a fascination with dragonflies, and the cover is so colorful. But it's also a mystery...so super yay! I'm really, really hoping this one doesn't head too much into romance and lets the rest of the story shine and grab and keeps me on the edge of my seat. I'm assuming there are quite a few emotional moments, too. So, I'll grab my tissue box just in case. I'll be burning to get my fingers on this one on the 23rd.

Young Adult Romantic Mystery

BE MY HOWLENTINE

Is this a Halloween read or a Valentine's Day read? That is the question! I'm read for this mash-up to see what in the world this witch and werewolf are up to. Right now, I'm wanting to join that wolf and howl into the night. Seems inviting for some reason. Anyway, I'll be opening this one up on the 28th.

Picture Book

A WITCHY MISTAKE

This book is the first in a five book series, which was released in 2020. It's not only done very well on the review end of things, but happens to be a cozy mystery series...a direction I tend to enjoy. The best aspect, however, is the length, since it's under 150 pages! It's always nice to be able to snatch up a read for an evening snuggle in front of the fireplace and know it won't keep you up all night. Let's see if this one does just that on the 31st!

Young Adult Paranormal Mystery

My reading pile always holds more titles than I have time, but I think that's true for all book fans. 

Since every month also holds quite a few shifts in my schedule due to publishing world changes, postal delays, and simply books, which weren't what I hoped they'd be, I always have a few days open up and can slide in some reads I didn't think I'd necessarily get to. The Joker Read is one of the top ones on my list and will make it into the month's schedule at one point. 

THE INTERGALACTICS

This book promises tons of excitement and food for thought. Starting with a test-tube grown child from a genetics experiment, this scifi adventure heads into a crash landing, fight for survival, and a 'last kids on Earth' kind of atmosphere. I'm expecting a lot of action and high tension moments. There should be more than enough surprising creatures with outer worldly scenes. Then, there's also a group of misfits that don't fit together (I believe) as well as the entire question of gene mutations and finding the truth behind intrigue. So, this should be an edge-of-the-seat read. Now, the question remains...when will I be staying up all night to read this one?

 Middle Grade Science Fiction

Doom and Gloom: The Worst Is Yet To Come by Jane Walker and Darin Henry

It's the title that caught my attention on today's read...so dark and dreary sound, and I bet it's anything but! Why do I say that? Hmmm...there isn't a particular reason. But my gut is telling me to think of Pinky and the Brain and wondering if two cats can really be super evil in a book for ages 8 to 10. Do any of you remember Pinky and the Brain? Anyway, I also thought this is a nice way to start dreaming of October and the upcoming Halloween season because that is just around the corner, and I truly need a boost to get my brain into that mood, this year. Today's read is also the first in a brand, new graphic novel series, and I'm hoping it's fun, humor-packed, and, maybe, will even carry so friendship goodness.

There's only one way to find out what these pages hold—so let's take a look!

THE WORST IS YET TO COME

Doom & Gloom, Book 1

by Jane Walker

and Darin Henry

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Animal Fiction   /   Graphic Novel

144 pages

ages 8 to 10

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

Two cunning cats set out to run their own evil empire—until an animal-whispering niece ruins everything! A spooky, silly, laugh-out-loud full-color graphic novel for fans of Cat Ninja and Bunnicula.

Despicable Me + cats + comics = Doom & Gloom! Doom and Gloom were the purr-fect partners in crime . . . until Doom maybe-possibly-definitely caused their evil boss's unfortunate mid-heist demise. Now the cats need a new home, ideally with someone wicked who can also open the wet food.

But their plans hit a snag when their old boss's relentlessly cheerful niece, Petunia, decides to adopt them no matter how many times they hiss, scratch, or flee.

• The first book in a laugh-out-loud full-color series
• A fast-paced, villains-with-heart adventure
• Themes of found family, teamwork, and doing the right thing
• From Emmy-nominated writer Darin Henry and animator Jane Walker

Will these wicked cats save the day—or their street cred? Find out in this irresistibly mischievous romp!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a slight tip-toe into the darker side, these villains try to find their place in the very odd realm of wacky evil-doers.

Doom and Gloom have mostly enjoyed being the sidekicks of their evil boss. Mostly because both believe they have hidden talents that are somewhat being ignored. When they try to help their boss with his latest heist (although they were forbidden to do so), things go wrong and the boss gets squished. Doom and Gloom are, now, faced with the horrid task of finding a new owner, who understands them and can really take care of their needs. The niece of their deceased boss, Petunia, is more than ready to fill this role, but she's the opposite of her uncle and anything but evil. Doom and Gloom are determined to continue their careers in the realm of evil and go on the hunt for a fitting boss to take them in. But things aren't quite that easy.

The blurb says that this is a bit like Despicable Me, and there is a lean in that direction as the two cats do their best to remain evil sidekicks and pull off dastardly deeds. Whatever those may be. This does dance on the darker line as there is violence-ish but this slides into humor, too, for that 'almost villain-y' atmosphere. The boss' death hits right away, and this might bother sensitive readers, but it comes with Tom and Jerry style. This type of danger pops up a few times, keeping tension high...after all, we're talking about true villains here...but it never pushes the boundaries of the age group too much, either. Instead, it keeps everything wrapped in humor and will have readers wondering if this pair of cats really understands what they're doing...and whether they'll make it through.

While the humor and plot play with the evil shadows, there are quite a few warming messages surrounding family, friendship, teamwork, and acting to do the right thing even if you are 'evil'. The entire thing stays dark even in the illustrations...well, mostly. Petunia offers the sunshine, but even this carries an odd twist as she isn't exactly normal. Still, golden goodness and hope shine through, especially when truly evil souls need to create a playdate with their parents before they can attack again. So, there's a lot of goodness snuggled into the appearance of a bleak cover.

It's a fun read, which keeps the reader in the pages since it's never clear what this pair of cats will be facing next. There are also a few secrets, which characters are keeping close to their chests, which promise fun to come. 

And here they are...

Darin Henry is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer whose credits span some of television’s most beloved comedies, including Seinfeld, Futurama, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Oddballs. He has written for series such as The Muppets, Shake It Up, The War at Home, and the BBC’s My Family and Not Going Out, as well as the Doctor Who audio adventure The Game. A veteran storyteller with a knack for sharp wit and memorable characters, Henry brings his comedic flair and decades of writing experience to the misadventures of Doom & Gloom.

Jane Walker is a Los Angeles-based character designer and illustrator whose stylistic sweet spot lands between quirky-cute and deliciously icky. She’s contributed character design and illustration to Helluva Boss, Holidaze, and the Hazbin Hotel pilot, and created background art for YouTube hits TheOdd1sOut and SomethingElseYT. In 2021, she served as Prop and Character Design Lead on Helluva Boss, guiding assets and design for the indie animation team; in 2022 she moved into layout work on SpongeBob SquarePants. Doom & Gloom marks her latest foray into spooky, silly storytelling for young readers.

 

Lou Lou's Pet Dragon Goes to School by Brenden Bott

I want a pet dragon! Or...maybe not. I guess if it was a nice dragon, it could stay in our barn but the price of food would be crazy. Although hunting works very well in our area, too. 

Today's read glides along with this fantasy and should take a look at a girl's desire to have a pet dragon. Or rather, she claims she has a pet dragon. I'm super curious to see if she truly does and how this all works. Or if it's a lovely play on imagination and fantasy? Let's open it up and find out!

LOU LOU'S PET DRAGON GOES TO SCHOOL

by Brenden Bott

Illustrated by Dong Hoon Kim

Arete Books

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 3 to 9

Meet Lou Lou—an unusual girl with a most unusual pet. On her first day at a new school, Lou Lou tries to convince her classmates and teacher that her favourite pet is a real dragon—a difficult task indeed. Filled with humour and surprises, it’s a story children will want to read again and again.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Not only dragon fans will find themselves curious and smiling at this little girl's claims that she owns a pet dragon.

Lou Lou enjoys school, especially since her teacher has something fun that day. The teacher introduces the class to her pet cat and everyone finds it adorable and playful. When the teacher asks the kids which pets they have, everyone is more than happy to answer as they adore their dogs, pet pigs, and more. Only Lou Lou remains quiet as she sits there and comtemplates how to answer the question. After all, she has tons of pets and isn't sure which one she should mention. As she says 'dragon', no one believes her.

If you're looking for a light-hearted, smile-worthy, and quick read, this is it. The plot is rather simple on the surface as Lou Lou announces that she has a dragon, no one believes her, and she's determined not to let them think she's lying. But that's just the surface story as there's a lovely, rich underplay. The author and illustrator keep Lou Lou's pet claims on a delicate fence between reality and fantasy, making the lister wonder until closer to the end which side her claims really sit on. Even when it appears the answer is clear, this unsureness hangs on just a bit longer until there's, finally, no doubt. It ends on a warm, huge smile of endless possibilities and will have the listener hoping they can see Lou Lou and her 'pets' again.

The illustrations do a marvelous job at playing right along the plot's edge. First, the unsure emotions as Lou Lou considers how to answer the teacher's question about pets comes across clearly enough for listeners to wonder how she'll handle the situation too. Then, the illustrations keep the possibility of reality or fantasy alive with shadows and not the true objects. Even when the dragon first appears on the page, it's not clear which direction it goes. The text flows right along to create a grabbing read the entire way through. Even reluctant listeners will enjoy this one and wonder what happens next. 

It's a fun read with imagination and simple enjoyment, and is sure to get the word 'again'.

Wake Up! and Eat Up! by Gramma Jujoo

It's time for a little farm fun! Living on a farm means a new adventure every day, especially thanks to the animals. So, I'm excited to see what these two books are all about.

Let's take a peek!

WAKE UP! Roosters Have Rough Mornings, Too

and

EAT UP! Goats Can Be Picky Eaters, Too

by Gramma Jujoo

Illustrated by Spartac Cebanu

Silver Linings Press

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

Real-life frustrations. Ridiculous farm animals. Giggles guaranteed.
That's the UP Series in a nutshell.
These laugh-out-loud picture books for ages 4–8 are packed with goofy farm animals, upside-down surprises, and everyday chaos kids instantly recognize.
Each funny story turns everyday struggles into everyday giggles, helping families discover that even tough moments can end with a grin.
UP Stories lift kids UP!

The series can be purchased on Amazon HERE!

MY TIDBITS

Humor ranks high as these farm animals try some unexpected things to make everyday life a huge, chaotic surprise.

The first book, Wake Up!, centers around a rooster, who is more than a little irritated by the horrible noise his alarm clock makes every morning. Soon, he realizes that the animals he awakens with his very early crow are just as irritated by his noise. So, he decides to change things up and make their mornings more enjoyable. From a morning greeting of a glass or orange juice to a gentle, soothing tune, he does his best to find a way to get them going each and every day with a smile. But each attempt only leads to them staying asleep, and he's not sure what to do.

The second book, Eat Up!, rotates around a goat, who happens to be a very picky eater. (Anyone who owns goats knows how silly this idea is!) Anyway, the mother decides to follow this young goat's desires and prepare more exciting food than just vegetable stew. Of course, the mother does this with an interesting twist and the dishes soon take on extremely odd directions.

When I first saw these books, I wasn't sure if they would be heavy messaging or what to expect. To say I'm pleasantly surprised is an understatement. These reads are silly, packed with humor, and simply well done. One ridiculous situation after the next guarantees more than just a smile or two, while the entire thing still carries heart. Everything remains very wholesome, and there is a message of sorts underneath. But these are all about lovely fun, and they pull that off nicely. 

The illustrations are done with love and let the personalities of the animals shine. The colors pop and very well-balanced at the same time. It's enjoyable to flip through the book and watch every moment as they bring across the silliness nicely. The text flows very well and creates a lovely read-aloud. The humor carries a clever note, making the characters sympathetic and enjoyable to follow...while giving listeners plenty of reasons to giggle. It's an adorable series that listeners are sure to enjoy.

And here she is...

Hi! I'm Jude—better known to young readers as Gramma Jujoo!I believe laughter is oxygen, and I hope everyone breathes in enough chuckles, snorts, and belly laughs to make life delightful. 
Through quirky farm animals, upside-down surprises, and playful adventures, my UP Series is designed to Turn Struggles into Giggles.
I write with one hope:
To create stories that help kids and the grown-ups who love them find less stress, more joy, and more fun.
The inspiration for my books comes from the happy chaos of raising four daughters—and now my grandkids are keeping the ideas (and the giggles!) coming.

amazon.com/author/grammajujoo