Operation: True Love Vol. 1 by Kkokkalee

What's summer without a little young adult romance? Today's read heads in that direction...I think. Honestly, I'm not sure what to think of this one. The cover is hitting me with mixed vibes. Edgy. I'm not sure if that is a hero to root for or someone to avoid. But that's what we'll figure out when we open this one up, right?

It's a graphic novel and the first in the series. So, let's see what it holds.

OPERATION: TRUE LOVE VOL. 1

by Kkokkalee

WEBTOON Unscrolled

YA Romance   /   Manga

288 pages

COMING JULY 23rd!!!

Perfect for fans of romantic dramas with hints of the supernatural, this binge-worthy graphic novel follows high schooler Su-ae as her life takes a turn for the unexpected after she discovers a sentient flip phone in her locker.

Phones are perfect for sending messages, snapping photos, and most importantly, talking to your friends. One thing Su-ae didn’t account for, however, was that her phone would be able to talk back.

Su-ae discovers that Jellypop, a flip phone stored in her locker, is sentient—and Jellypop has a lot to say about Su-ae’s love life. High school romances are never easy, and Su-ae’s relationship with her nonchalant boyfriend seems to be going nowhere.

Lacking the charisma of her step-sister Ra-im is one thing, but seeing the growing sparks between her and Minu just adds salt to injury. It’s up to Jellypop to help Su-ae navigate the peaks and pits of teenage love, and finally get the high school love story she deserves!

This volume collects episodes 1 to 10 of the sensational WEBTOON comic with over 260 million reads, Operation: True Love.

GOODREADS      /     WEBTOONS

MY TIDBITS

Love is a difficult game in high school, and these pages reveal how uncertain it can really become.

Su-ae is completely in love with her boyfriend. He's hot, and everyone knows they're a couple...and yet, he seems distant. A bit too distant. When a flip phone mysteriously turns up in her locker, she's sure it's his. But it keeps popping up messages directed at her, and whoever it is always knows exactly what's going on. While trying to figure out who's behind the phone, Su-ae accidentally runs into her boyfriend kissing her step-sister in a classroom. That should be insta-break-up, but still, something isn't quite right. 

High school romance can be messy when mixed with growing up, and these pages let that fly. Even the first pages bring along a sense of chaos as Su-ae introduces herself and sets the foundation surrounding her life with her step-sister and her boyfriend. It took a bit to settle into Su-ae and what was happening. While that seemed a little irritating, at first, it actually slides right into the atmosphere and situation. Su-ae is confused, but then, her entire relationship realm is unsettled. The mysterious phone adds mixed vibes as well. On one hand, the person texting her seems to want to open her eyes, and yet, there's an underlying frustration as they know everything and stay hidden. 

Fans of high school drama with hints of toxic twists will enjoy this one...and I say toxic in the very light sense because this romance doesn't hit that direction very hard. There isn't any true bullying or outright wickedness. Rather, Su-ae has a lot of self-discovery to do. 

The graphics let the emotions come across clearly and break-up the usual rowed run to give emphasis to Su-ae's situation. The mysterious side also comes across well as the other characters' visual emotions tend to stay unreadable or unexpected at certain moments. This makes Su-ae's uncertainty understandable and lets readers know that even the other characters have more going on then they are admitting.

If you're looking for a sweet romance, this isn't it. This is about a girl, who is beginning a journey of discovering herself and the workings of relationships...which is a very messy journey in and of itself. Plus, there is a lot happening under the surface than this first volume reveals...or at least, I hope that's the case. These pages seem to lay the stage for much more to come and do a nice job at building the tension. I am curious to see where this goes next and hope the rich of layers, which could make this really shine, begin to peel back in the next volume. 

The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan by Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger

Today's read hits from the international kidlit realm and is from a Swiss author and illustrator, whose works have already been well-received. This latest tale hits the shelves this Fall in both German and English (and maybe, some other languages?). I found the cover adorable and definitely want to see why this Mr. Finnegan is floating in the sky. 

Let's find out, shall we?

THE FANTASTIC FLOATING MR. FINNEGAN

by Rebecca Gugger &

Simon Röthlisberger

Translated by Tammi Reichel

NorthSouth

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 22nd!!!

From the celebrated creators of A Chest Full of Words comes an uplifting modern fable about a boy who challenges convention–and takes to the sky.

When Finnegan was born, he could float–fantastic! He gleefully floats his way through childhood, until questions and concerns from friends and neighbors eventually weigh him down. Then one day, a little girl floats by him and inspires Mr. Finnegan to find out if he can still reach the clouds.

A magical and heartwarming tale of overcoming boundaries set by others–and those we set ourselves, from the brilliant duo who brought us A Chest Full of Words.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Highs and lows accompany a floating dream, which some call a miracle and other call a problem.

Finnegan was born with the ability to float. Just over the floor or swirling between the clouds, his feet never touched the ground. While he loved the freedom to soar through the air, others around him expressed more and more concern the older he grew. Worries about him hitting an airplane or accidentally being blown away by the end mounted until it was decided that he needed to be weighed down on the ground. But weight carries a power deeper than first appears.

Taking a dream so many kids have (and even a few adults), this tale immediately invites listeners in. Finnegan's joy for floating radiates freedom and joy, while adding a dose of fun fantasy. Just as emotions hit high, criticism brings everything low...a bit like the plot itself.  It's a little bittersweet but the humor and ending twist to draw a huge smile. So, there's a lot on the emotional end. All along, the illustrations add in humor. Even when the plot grows heavier, the details in the scene add subtle lightness. It creates a meaningful read while letting imagination play its magic, too.

This makes a lovely read aloud and can be picked up by readers, who are sure of their words. The text keeps a little distance as it tells the tale, while the illustrations invite the magic in. It fits well especially with the mid and upper range of the intended age group. 

And here they are...

Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun, close to the forests, the mountains, and the fresh air.

Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic artist, studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts), and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic artist, is currently working as an art director, and likes sailing.

Tammi Reichel earned two degrees in theology and then moved to Germany for a decade, where she became an editor for an international publisher. She has translated a wide range of books, from art and architecture to cookbooks to young adult novels, including My Family for the War, which received the 2013 Batchelder Award. After raising her family in Virginia, she recently relocated to western Montana, where mountains and forests and waters provide perspective and inspiration.

Counting Creatures and Their Features by Dee Leone

Today's read is a Little Golden Book!!!! I remember loving these books as a kid, and I'm so happy that their number keeps growing. Thanks to the huge amount of kidlit being released every month, Golden Books have drifted a bit out of my focus. So, I'm glad I can change that today. 

This read just sounds like fun. I'm expecting counting, fantasy silliness, and all sorts of ridiculousness. In other words, it should be more than just a little enjoyable. So, let's see if learning to count is fun with this bunch!

COUNTING CREATURES AND THEIR FEATURES

by Dee Leone

Illustrated by Kelly Kennedy

Golden Books

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 2 to 5

COMING JULY 14th!!!

Count your way through a world of quirky, silly creatures, from goblins to witches, in this original Little Golden Book filled with rhythmic, read-aloud fun!

Get ready to meet little goblins with knobby knees, growling monsters with spiky hair, fire-breathing dragons with shiny scales, and so much more! With rhyming text, adorable illustrations packed with items to find and count, plus a surprising ending, this is truly a book that makes storytime fun for the kids being read to and the adults doing the reading!

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Counting and numbers come across with quirky, creature style and lure in listeners to practice their skills on every page.

All sorts of creatures are ready to appear and show off their own, silly ways. Be it mummies surrounded by flies, weird monsters with shoelaces knotted in crazy ways, or skeletons and their constant clinking-clinking-clinking, there's never a boring moment. Each scene carries a tad bit of spooky beginnings, but the creatures are so quirky that it fades into giggles quickly. Add the surprise monster at the end...the biggest and scariest of all...and it's a read which is sure to get the word 'again'.

While this is a counting book, numbers are nowhere to be found. Instead, listeners are asked to count odd things like patches, toes, newts, and more. There are three objects to be discovered and counted on each page. This counting task is smoothly glided in with the sillier lines, which introduce each creature and their special quirks. The rhyming is very well done to create a seamless read. This also allows the fun and humor to take control and draw listeners/readers in.

Of course, this is a perfect book for the Halloween season, but it also slides in for counting fun all year around. Especially monster fans are going to enjoy the parade of characters and their antics. It's a lovely way to practice those counting skills and promises tons of smiles along the way.

And here she is...

Dee Leone has written several reproducible books for the educational market, covering themes such as science, language arts, and holidays. In addition, many of her stories, poems, plays, and activity puzzles have appeared in children’s magazines. Dee taught at the elementary level in several states and was also a gifted program aide. She is married and has two daughters. The author enjoys writing fiction, non-fiction, and silly verse. Her interests include amateur photography, traveling, and scrapbooking. Her cooking expertise, however, only extends about as far as that of her zany little bee characters, Bizz and Buzz.

Happy Book Birthday, Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn From a Dog by Bruce Littlefield!

It's book birthday time, and today's book is getting an extra big party thanks to some extreme generosity.. I received an entire, birthday package!!!! 

Thank you so much!!! It put a huge smile on everyone in my household's faces. 

My husband ran around with the dog mask and even took photos of himself.

Pumpkin, our wonderful dog, loved the little birthday treat, too. She's a bit silly....

and ridiculously spoiled. I have a feeling she's going to sleep all day long, today. We had a severe flooding this last weekend and spent all of yesterday moving debris, chasing run-away cows, and getting up necessary fence line as fast as possible. So, she had a good ole time running everywhere. Pumpkin ended her day with a swim with my daughter in a side branch of the creek (water was pretty calm there). As said, she's spoiled.

I've been looking forward to reading this one the second I saw the title. Not only is it a super long title, but I'm very curious what we can learn from dogs. Before I say anything else, let's open up and take a look!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW 

ABOUT LIFE YOU CAN LEARN FROM A DOG

by Bruce Littlefield

Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

Nancy Paulsen Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Want to learn how to live your best doggone life? Ask a dog!

In case you haven’t noticed, dogs have life figured out. They wake up each day looking to make the best of every moment. They understand what’s important. They get over things quickly. They love a good walk. And they certainly know how to relax! Whether young or old, we can all learn a few tricks from dogs. So, sit, put your paws up, and delight in the wisdom of dogs!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Dog awesomeness hits full force and inspires in surprising ways.

The title says it all. While all sorts of dogs meet these pages and delight furry-friend fans, there are also interesting insights which will have readers rethinking some aspects of life. In a good way, of course. Each trait is first mentioned in two, purple words (like 'Be patient'). Then, a few lines of text explain how dogs live out these traits naturally. Each one comes across in a relaxed way to keep it interesting and never preachy. While the explanations don't directly mention that each attribute is important to the readers/listeners too, the message is clear and understandable. 

The text is ideal for the intended age group and works great as a read-aloud for groups and individuals, or can be picked up by those readers, who are sure of their words. While the text explains how dogs fulfill each trait, the illustrations really make everything shine. Various dogs are displayed doing the mentioned tricks or behaviors and always in the cutest ways. It makes every page lively, adds a bit of humor, and draws listeners in to consider the wisdom. It's interesting to see how dogs, actually, meet every criteria just by being a dog. It adds a nice ah-ha effect and also deepens the appreciate for dogs. 

And here he is...

Bruce Littlefield is the bestselling author of 20 books, including The Bedtime Book for Dogs and Use What You've Got) with Barbara Corcoran). Hailed as a 'lifestyle authority' by the New York Times and a 'modern day Erma Bombeck' by NPR, he has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, and The Today Show. He's been blessed with wonderful dogs who've brought him joy and taught him how to live in the present, love unconditionally, and give each da his all.

Learn more at www.BruceLittlefield.com

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.