Imperfectly Perfect Posey by Lizzie Brooks

I was immediately won over by the cover on today's read...and the title. While I know many people enjoy yoga, I've always been too stiff to pull many of the poses. Actually, I've been quite athletic much of my life, but touching my toes has always been a struggle. It's my legs, for some reason. I'm convinced there's some weird proportion thing or something (I'm gripping for straws, I know). When I saw that this main character wobbles with her yoga, she seems after my own heart. Plus, I love the bugs and flowers around her...and the cat. So cute!

So, let's open this one up and see if it's as fun as I hope it will be...even for those readers who aren't super fond of yoga for practical reasons.

IMPERFECTLY PERFECT POSEY

A Wobbly Yoga Story

by Lizzie Brooks

Illustrated by Enni Heikura

Spinning Wheel Stories

Picture Book

32 pages ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 14th!!!

Posey is great at art, climbing trees, and dancing, so she assumes she'll be perfect at yoga poses too–her name is Pose-y, after all!

But to her dismay, Posey can’t do the poses like the other kids. Frustrated, she quits. She continues her other activities, but yoga won’t leave her mind.

One brave day, she returns and does all the poses perfectly. Just kidding! She still struggles—but this time, despite imperfection, she finds fun, connection, and joy, proving that success exists outside of perfection. We're all imperfectly perfect!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Imperfection hits a come-back in a flexible, yoga way.

Posey is one of those girls that can make gold from everything she touches. With yoga, though, she meets her match...and it's driving her insane. Deciding the best way to avoid failure is to give up, she heads back home to continue those activities she's great at. But for some reason, she seems to have lost her touch and finds her mind wandering. Plus, she begins to wonder if perfection really isn't the point.

This book weaves yoga inspiration cleverly into an enjoyable story with a character to root for. Posey might be seemingly good at everything, but her kind and positive nature makes her a character to enjoy, anyway. When she messes up at yoga, it's easy to understand her frustration as the kids around her pull off every move...and the illustrations and text make it clear that she really is failing. Each mistake glides in with light humor to keep things positive. I especially enjoyed that one of Posey's friends joins her in other activities and isn't perfect at any of them, but glides in with almost a sidenote. By the end, the message is loud and clear.

Various yoga poses are shown to the reader, opening the door for them to try some, too. When Posey fails in the first part of the book (and that with humor), the correct forms and steps are placed in lighter colors off to the side...like little butterflies in the background. They are distinct enough for the reader to see but meld right into the illustration so as not to distract from Posey's problem. When the other kids successfully perform the poses, these are partnered with bright illustrations to bring them to life. For example, when a child does the tree pose, a vibrant tree is presented around them.  The entire thing inspires young readers to try yoga in a fun, positive way.

And here she is...

Lizzie is a mom, yoga teacher, freelance editor, and writer represented by Emily Keyes of Keyes Agency. Her work appears in Spinning Toward the Sun, Door = Jar Literary, Beyond Words Literary, Tyger Tyger, Yoga International, and more. Through her freelance business, she delights in advising picture book authors on craft and industry. She’s a member of SCBWI and Courage to Create and lives in the mountains with her family who, despite her constant puns, still love her. 

Scavenger Hunt by Mary Jane McKittrick

Today, I'm diving into the first book in a new series. It centers around a cat and dog pair, and their adventures in the lively Shady Pines' Story Town. I thought the pair was adorable and looks like they will be up to all sorts of fun...and maybe some trouble, too? If I understood everything correctly, this series also concentrates on presenting life lessons as well as improving reading skills. In other words, it is for beginning readers, who are sure of their words but need more practice before diving with both feet into the middle grade realm.

I'm going to settle back and see what this cute pair is up to.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Shady Pines Story Town

Boomer and Halley

by Mary Jane McKittrick

Illustrated by Bob Ostrom

Tuxedo Cat Productions

Early Reader

55 pages

ages 6 to 9

What do you do with a couple of bored kids on a rainy day? You find a way to let them learn through play! In this National Award Winning book, Boomer and Halley’s Scavenger Hunt: Discover Rewards by Working with Others, an energetic Australian Shepherd dog, Boomerang, and a silver streak of a cat, Halley's Comet are moping around. Their "parents" Harold and Edna Sanders, stage a scavenger hunt throughout their home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane.

As sibling rivals often do, Boomer and Halley approach the task as a race against one another, each trying to find the hidden toys and treats first. They soon discover that some items are hidden too high for Boomer or they're too heavy for Halley. Maybe they should work together?

The book includes four life lessons: Teamwork, Manners, Sportsmanship and Cleaning Up embedded in the story and highlighted on the page with a PAW print. A bookmark and prompting questions allow 'stop and talk' moments to discuss.

Come join in the fun as Boomer and Halley take us on a wonderful and wacky adventure!

GOODREADS      /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Daily life meets some unexpected situations as this cat and dog hit one adventure after the other.

Halley's Comet, the cat, and Boomerang, the dog, are 'siblings' and live with a kind couple. Thanks to the weather, they are also a little bored. When they discover that their 'parents' have put together a scavenger hunt, it should be a lot of fun. But their desire to outshine each other might cause some difficulties.

This is a wholesome read with two adorable main characters. Halley and Boomer get along well but that doesn't mean they always are perfect. The situations remind of ones they experience every day, and while those with siblings will easily understand the issues, these slide into friendship relationships as well. The family warmth is ever-present even when things don't roll along as they should. This also means humor is never far away to keep a light atmosphere...but then, this is a very lively pair.

The text fits nicely to those readers who are very sure of their words but aren't quite ready to slide up into longer reads. The illustrations bring the  moments to life and let the humor and emotions flow. The messaging in this series is evident the entire way through as the lessons are clearly marked and paw prints help highlight each one. There are also questions included on the side of the story, which ask readers to think about different behaviors and actions...such as asking when the pair shows sportsmanship. This makes it a very directed read on that front as well.

This is a lovely, gentle series with tons of wholesome goodness for those wanting to dive into reads, which focus on these types of lessons. It works great for homeschoolers, single settings, and even for small group reading sessions.

And here she is...

Before becoming an author, Mary Jane  had a successful career in television entertainment (working for a TV production company; Co-Host of PM Magazine) and broadcast news, serving as an anchor, reporter, and producer at three, network affiliate television stations. She also worked in corporate communications and consulting. A native of Los Angeles, Mary Jane’s stories were inspired in part, during time living on a horse property in North Carolina.

More about Shady Pines...

The human and animals characters of all ages and backgrounds who live in Shady Pines use gentle humor to deal with the many challenges facing young kids these days. Our neighbors in this tight knit community demonstrate problem solving by working together with conversation, not confrontation.

Come on in and stay a spell. We think you'll be glad you did!

https://shadypinesstorytown.com/ 

A Dance of Birds by Angela Blair

 It's time for some art and poetry goodness! Today's read hits poetry and, hopefully, beautiful illustrations. July's weather often invites to leaning back and letting the day sink in, and I'm thinking that today's read might just be perfect for that. Plus, introducing young readers to poetry and art is always a plus. 

I'm ready to enjoy, so let's open this book up and do just that!

A DANCE OF BIRDS

Poetry and Paper Collage

by Angela Blair

Illustrated by Sherri Kay Linnenmeyer

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 2 to 8

COMING JULY 20th!!!

A Dance of Birds: Poetry and Paper Collage is a unique artistic picture book exploring the wide world of birds with a childlike fascination for our feathered friends. Bird sounds, patterns, behaviors, and formations are highlighted in a lyrical, visually engaging way with handcrafted original artwork, bringing the wonder and magic of birds to life. Enchanting children and parents alike, A Dance of Birds is a new, timeless classic.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE

MY TIDBITS

A burst of colorful, feathered friends awaits to shine on every page.

This is an ode to birds, and it does so with poetic style and illustrative grace. One by one, a bird takes the spotlight and is showcased in a natural setting. Just a few words or even a few short phrases of rhyme make each one come across with a sense of pride and beauty.

The illustrations are lovely and use a bit of texture here and there to give a special touch to each setting. The birds are recognizable and presented bright and bold. A variety of birds are presented, including everything from exotic parrots to more familiar seen roosters. The text flows along the side in a white strip to make this easy to use as a read-aloud. While carrying a smooth, rhyming flow, the tact changes a bit from page to page, steering a little away from a sing-songy direction while maintaining the lyrical atmosphere. I found this made it easier to catch the attention on each page.

At the end of the book, there's a list of the name of the birds, so that each one can be revisited. There's also a coloring page, where young readers can color their own feather friend. It awakens awareness of the huge variety of birds, while also keeping a sense of respect, awe, and emphasis on the beauty each one holds.

And here they are...

Angela Blair, also a novelist, is a world traveler and lifelong student of the human experience. With a degree in creative writing, she has spent years exploring cultures across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and the South Pacific. Her travels have deepened her appreciation for the threads that connect people across the globe and continue to inspire themes of beauty, joy, and interconnectedness in her writing. 

Sherri Kay Linnemeyer brings decades of artistic experience to the project. With a background in sculpture, printmaking, acrylic painting, watercolor, and collage, she is especially drawn to subjects found in the natural world, including birds, wildlife, flowers, and landscapes. Her richly textured paper collages capture both the personality and elegance of each bird featured in the book. 

Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano

Today's read comes from a TikTok influencer that I've never heard of, but considering I'm not on TikTok, that's not really surprising. Mr. Jonathan Graziano is known for his 'Bones or No Bones' videos. Maybe, you've watched them? I just found the dog on this cover cute. My own kids have always expressed a desire to own a pug, but we pick our pets up at the shelter, and pugs haven't been in the mix. 

I'm curious to see what this adorable pup is up to, so let's take a peek! 

MILTON MAKES A MOVE

by Jonathan Graziano

Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Margaret K McElderry Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING AUGUST 4th!!!

From Jonathan Graziano, the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos and the instant #1 New York Times bestselling Noodle and the No Bones Day, comes a charming and heartfelt picture book following Milton the pug, Jonathan’s newly adopted dog, as he makes a brave move to his forever home!

Milton is a curious little pug who loves adventure—especially when it involves snacks, stinky smells, and playing with his dog friends. He’s heard that some dogs go off to live with forever families… but that kind of adventure feels a little too big for Milton.

So when Milton finds out he’s moving to a new home of his own, he packs his tiny suitcase (stuffed toy included) and does his best to be brave. He's surprised to find that his new human friend, Jonathan, seems nervous too! But as Milton settles into his new home, he and Jonathan will learn that being brave means giving new things, and new friends, a chance.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Moving into a new home can be stressful, but this dog has it covered.

Milton enjoys playing with the other dogs at his home, but then, he learns that he's being moved to a family all of his own. He packs his little suitcase, nervous that the new home won't have his favorite treats, smells, or friendship. When he meets his owner, everything appears to be good. There's even treats and smells he enjoys. Still, there are all sorts of new things, too, and he's not sure he's brave enough to discover them.

Milton is an adorable pug with a very playful personality. The book begins with all sorts of dogs, having fun, running around, and playing together. So, everything starts off with energetic positivity. The move to the new home holds a bit of uncertainty, but watching Milton pack his bag keeps a light dab of fantasy and fun. There's tons of goodness as Milton meets his new owner and the two learn to live together. Each situation carries a little hesitation, which is met with encouragement and understanding. Still, it never grows overly serious as Milton faces silly situations and makes sure there's never a boring moment.

The text  runs smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud. While this side makes sure readers know what's going on, the illustrations carry quite a bit of the tale, too. Even those readers, who aren't sure of their words, can grab this one up on their own and follow the scenes. Plus, there are fun aspects to draw giggles and smiles, too.

It's a cute read with a very fun pup, and listeners/readers will be wishing Milton lived in their family, too.

And here they are...

Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they're looking to add a new member to their family. You can find Jonathan on TikTok at @JonGraz.

Dan Tavis is illustrator living in New Hampshire. He has been doodling ever since his first math class in elementary school! He is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Common Critters, and Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, among other projects. Learn more at DanTavis.com.

Gloom and Bloom by Nancy Loewen

It's time for a little spookiness...which doesn't really seem to fit to July. Unless it's ghost story time, of course, and today's read is a story about ghosts! I was captured by the idea of a ghost school, and the title already had me smiling. I'm getting Little Shop of Horrors vibes from the cover...although I highly doubt that this goes in any direction even similar to the movie. But what do I know?

I'm hoping that this group of ghosts is one that readers would like to meet and go to school with themselves. I'm expecting some mishaps, humor, friendship, and more.  Let's open it up and see what ghostly adventure lies inside.

GLOOM AND BLOOM

Ghost School

by Nancy Loewen

Illustrated by Mike Moran

Picture Window Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 5 to 8

COMING AUGUST 1st!!!

Welcome to Ghost School—where young ghosts learn how to float, fright, and find their spirit! In this adventure, Glint is excited to grow his very own ghostly plant. But when his Floating Forget-Me-Not sprouts into a spook-tacular flop, he feels like the odd ghost out. With help from a quiet friend, Glint discovers that sometimes the strangest plants—and the most unexpected friends—are the ones that truly shine like the moonlight.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Pressure to avoid failure slides into ghostly surprises in a classroom to enjoy.

Glint can't wait to see his own plant sprout and grow in this ghost school class, but his plant isn't cooperating. The others have long seen their seeds shoot up into all sorts of odd vegetation, but his is stubborn. When it finally does produce some leaves, they are very droopy and nothing like the radiant flower pictured on his pack of seeds. So, he does the only thing that can make him feel better and hides the plant so he doesn't have to be reminded of how much he's failing.

This ghost school carries a fun mix of familiarity while bringing in the uncertain atmosphere of paranormal fun. The scenes of a teacher, an assignment, and the fear of failing will connect with many readers and their own lives, while the colorful ghosts and their unique plants adds imagination and humor. The illustrations help readers along while offering enjoyable scenes. And at only 30 some pages, the book doesn't immediately feel overwhelming. This works great for those beginning readers, who are pretty sure of their words, but need a little more practice before heading into slightly longer reads.

The book begins with a quick vocabulary list and definitions of a few words. Then, the book dives right in. The author makes sure to let the silly moments shine while working in a message about not immediately meeting expectations. This message comes across smoothly and never preachy as it melds right into the tale. The illustrations keep the ghosts light and in a cheerful pastel direction, while the plants add a dab of creepy. At the end of the book, there's an activity, a discussion question, and a quick, reading comprehension exercise. This makes it great for solo-readers, groups, and even homeschoolers, too.

And here she is...

Nancy Loewen grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, surrounded by library books and cats. She's published more than 140 books for children and young adults. The LAST Day of Kindergarten and Four to the Pole (co-authored with polar explorer Ann Bancroft) were Minnesota Book Award finalists. Her Writer's Toolbox series received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers. Nancy has also received awards from The American Library Association, the New York Public Library, and the Society of School Librarians International. Nancy lives in St. Paul and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She likes to read, cook, take long walks, and photograph oddities from thrift stores. Please visit her website at nancyloewen.net.