Keystone Plants and Fungi by Laura Perdew

It's time to head out into nature! With the great outdoors calling, there are plenty of opportunities to go exploring. Today's read should help out on that end as it explores various plants and fungi, and looks at certain ones, which have a special role in the balance of the ecosystem. Or so the blurb claims. Telling by the cover, these pages hit exotic as well as, maybe, local categories. There are activities included, too, and I'm eager to see how practical and fun these are.

Grab those explorer hats because we're headed outside with this one!

KEYSTONE PLANTS AND FUNGI

Discover the Organisms Vital to Ecosystem

Health and Biodiversity

by Laura Perdew

Illustrated by Micah Rauch

Nomad Press

128 pages

ages 9 to 12

COMING OCTOBER 15th!!!

A fascinating companion book to Keystone Species!

Who's keeping the ecosystem healthy?

In any ecosystem, every species has a role to play. From towering trees and enormous whales to the smallest microorganisms, and from plants and fungi to animals and insects, each species is important to the overall health of the ecosystem. But some of those species play such vital roles that without them, the ecosystem is in danger of collapsing. These are called keystone species.

In Keystone Species: Meet the Animals Key to Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity with Hands- On Science Activities for Kids, young scientists are introduced to several different types of keystone species from around the world as they discover the crucial roles these organisms play in their ecosystems. Meet the sharks, gray wolves, beavers, American alligators, bees, flying foxes, wildebeests, bison, and coral that all play a vital role in regulating an ecosystem.

Try these science activities!

• Map a wildebeest migration
• Create an African savannah food web
• Dissect a flower
• Model ocean acidification

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Keystone plants and fungi gain the spotlight in an interesting and hands-on way.

After carefully defining and making clear what a keystone in terms of the ecosystem means, these pages dive into various examples from the plant and fungi realm. These examples comes from around the world, each one gaining clear explanations and clarification as to what it is, it's purpose in the ecosystem, and what happens if it disappears. But that's only the beginning. These pages offer quite a bit more as small sidenotes help broaden the knowledge surrounding ecosystems, biology and science, in general. There are many Qcodes spread throughout the pages, where readers can view short videos about the topics. These help liven things up and also give real life views to help make the information clear. There are also plenty of activities, which readers can do themselves to experiment with the knowledge and gain insights on their own. 

The text is pretty straight-forward but stays interesting. I especially appreciate the list of vocabulary words along the edge of the page with the words placed in bold within the text for easy referencing. There are interesting tidbits dropped in here and there to make sure things don't get too dry. Even the visual end is well done thanks to the images. It almost has the feel of an interactive classroom. The information is supplemented nicely to help keep boredom away. The activities tie directly into the section's theme and offer various possibilities each time. These are no problem to do these almost anywhere and most don't even require much supervision, since they are very age appropriate. This allows readers to become researchers themselves and go hands-on into nature. 

This is a packed book, which would even work well for groups and homeschooling themes, since it offers a rounded variety of information and activities. 

And here they are...

Laura Perdew is a writing coach, presenter, former middle school teacher, and the author of The Fort (Page Street Kids, 2020) as well as dozens of nonfiction STEM books that focus on nature and the environment. This includes Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) which is on the Booklist editors’ list of the Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020. She lives  in Boulder, Colorado where she spends as much time as possible outdoors, hiking and watching wildlife.   lauraperdew.com

Micah Rauch is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator from the beautiful state of Montana. He received a BFA in graphic design from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and has illustrated several books for Nomad Press, including Kitchen Chemistry, Fairground Physics, and Crazy Contraptions. micahrauch.com  Instagram: instagram.com/micahrauch

Our Children in the Shadows by J.T. Bird

I had to pick this one up the moment I saw the cover...but the cover only gives a hint of what this really is for a read. At least, that's what I'm getting after reading the blurb. This is, actually, a spy thriller with more. It sounds intriguing, and I do have a huge soft spot for mysteries. This book also already hit the shelves: so you can get your hands on a copy without having to wait if it sounds interesting to you.

So, let's put on our thinking caps, grab our clue notebooks, and head on in!

OUR CHILDREN IN THE SHADOWS

by J.T. Bird

Illustrated by Andy Catling

Middle Grade Spy

271 pages

ages 8 to 12

HOMEWORK'S TOUGH. SAVING THE WORLD IS TOUGHER.

Perfect for fans of Crookhaven, Spy School and The Mysterious Benedict Society

Spirited cockney, Haven, longs for adventure beyond the classroom walls. But when she's thrust into a world of spies and monstrous villains, fantasy turns to danger. Armed with only wit and courage, will she survive her very first mission - or will it be her last?

Packed with mystery and humour, Our Children in the Shadows is a story about courage, friendship, and believing in yourself — even when the world expects you to fail.

Perfect for readers who love:
• fast-paced spy adventures
• brave and determined young heroes
• mysterious secrets and hidden worlds

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Spunkiness meets clever twists and many surprises in a spy thriller with an unique direction.

Haven isn't exactly a star student, but everyone at school knows her well. She's got the reputation of weaving trouble as she conducts her so-called missions...and her means are more than questionable. When one of Haven's teachers connects her with a secret society of spies, which work against very dangerous villains to keep the country and world safe, it might be exactly right for her. Might. Thanks to her ever-present attitude and different perspective on how to approach things, she isn't always what people want or expect. Plus, the missions are more than deadly, and Haven might not be able to wiggle her way through even the first one.

This is a fast-paced spy adventure, which lets an unique girl take the lead into dangerous situations and gives her the task of working through clues. Everything is well laid out, making it difficult to see what is coming next. The characters are all vibrant and full of personality, and each situation grabs and draws in. But it's Haven, which demands the limelight. Her cockney accent already gives her a very different feel from the rest of the characters...and it's this aspect, which could cause a little reading difficulty for some. There's even a glossary at the front of the book to immediately prepare the reader for some of her more unique terms. But this slides right in with her vibrant personality and adds to her character in all the right ways. She sticks out, and not always in a good way, and that makes her so fun.

There's a lot going on in this read as Haven has to sink into new situations. This also includes some school drama, messages about friendship, and pulling through even when it seems no one is behind you. The world building is also well done and draws into each moment. 

It's a fun read for mystery fans who love characters with strong personalities, like a dash of humor, and are ready to sink into a read.

Lionel Messi's World Cup Triumph by Chris Barish

Ready for another soccer read and World Cup excitement? Today's read hits graphic novel fun and takes a look at the famous Lionel Messi, too. I'm curious to see how this one is compared to yesterday's. Also, I'm hoping that it stays interesting throughout and doesn't weigh down with boring statistics and facts (although real fans will love those). Since this is the first in a sport's series, I'm also excited to see if it will be one to keep an eye on in the future.

So, let's get excited and be ready to see if this one gets some goals!

LIONEL MESSI'S WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

History's Greatest Games #1

by Chris Barish

Illustrated Nate Sweitzer

Abrams Fanfare

Middle Grade Nonfiction   /   Graphic Novel

136 pages

ages 8 to 12

It’s the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and Lionel Messi—one of the greatest players to ever take the field—is one match away from victory. Despite his many awards and accolades, Messi has never been able to add a World Cup trophy to his collection. If Argentina wins, this would be a historic moment not just for the country, but for the entire legacy of soccer on the international stage. Travel back in time to learn how the World Cup began and see the incredible players—from Maradona to Mbappé—who built it into the global phenomenon we know today. This exciting new graphic novel series offers a portal to the past, putting young readers in the middle of the most epic moments in sports history.

Along with action-packed games and nail-biting victories, this series zooms out to explore the incredible backstories, social and political issues, and larger historical context that truly make these games the greatest in history.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Messi fans are in for a treat but so are general soccer fans, since these pages bring many aspects about the World Cup to life.

This book attacks everything from the view of a sport's commentator, and this it an exciting, game feel from the very first page. To keep expectations high, it begins with the pre-game moments at a World Cup game. The tension comes across nicely as does Messi's nervous excitement and hope for the game. These first scenes then open up to all sorts of dives into history, World Cup facts, other players, trivia, and, of course, the highlights of this tense game. It runs smoothly and allows everything to meld in without letting the pacing fall or the atmosphere grow boring. In other words, it does a lovely job at bringing everything across and keeps the reader in the pages the entire way through.

While much of the book concentrates on Messi and his soccer history, it also dives into other aspects surrounding the World Cup. These are glided off from the main story with pages marked as Water Breaks or titled as history. This allows information to sink in with the atmosphere of a game pause. These are never boring, either. The information is constantly brought across with energy, and the graphic novel form makes sure that it remains lively and carries atmosphere, while also making some details clear. The history isn't dry and even touches upon some lesser known facts, while adding in personality and interesting situations. There are trivia moments, where the reader needs to guess an answer to a question. These answers are found in the back of the book. Then, there are moments of humor added, too.

The graphics are well done and let the action, emotions, and information come across clearly. The text fits the middle grade audience nicely and stays in a more conversational or commentator style. It creates an interesting read even for those readers, who aren't strong soccer fans, and it will be interesting to see where this series goes from here.

And here they are...

When Chris Barish is not reading about sports or history, he’s writing about sports history. Much like the first person who ever put together the chocolate and the marshmallow, he realized that it was possible to combine his two favorite things to make an even cooler thing. Barish currently lives in New York with his family, in a house filled with sports gear, books, instruments and lots of muddy boots. 

Nate Sweitzer became an illustrator shortly after he could hold a pencil. His work bridges the past and present, blending techniques from art history with fresh approaches from the digital world. He brings human stories to life with dynamic illustrations full of action, suspense, and striking perspectives. A lifelong fan of history and sports, Nate draws inspiration from the drama of real-life events and athletes competing at the highest level. He works out of his studio in New York, creating artwork for books, magazines, and posters. When he’s away from his desk, you’ll likely find him exploring the outdoors, watching sports, or stubbornly refusing to change his guitar strings.

The Soccer Goat: Mbappé v. Haaland by Matt Oldfield

It's almost World Cup time! This year, there's a lot going on in the U.S., and one of these is the exciting soccer tournament. While I'm not a huge soccer/sports fan (can I admit that?), after living in Europe for 20+ years, it does sink into the blood a little bit. Yes, I even have a vuvuzela at hand to celebrate my favorite wins. 

What better way to introduce the month than with a few soccer reads? Today's is the second in a sports series, and while I haven't seen the first, I doubt that will be a problem. I'm hoping it won't be dry and let's the excitement of the game come across right along with the facts.

So, let's dive in and see how this one plays!

THE SOCCER GOAT: MBAPPE V. HAALAND

by Matt Oldfield

Illustrated by Seth Burkett

Candlewick Press

Middle Grade Sports

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

Book two in this series from best-selling author Matt Oldfield and Seth Burkett, a former professional soccer player, tackles the question that every soccer fan wants Who is the GOAT?

Each book pits two of the biggest and best players in the world head-to-head in a battle for the crown—this time, it’s the superstar clash of Kylian Mbappé vs Erling Haaland. Action-packed and full of detailed facts, trivia, stats and funny illustrations, this collectible new series is perfect for longtime soccer fans and those new to the sport.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

It's time to see who the true soccer G.O.A.T. is, and this book does a deep dive to compare two players carefully.

Starting with a definition of what a G.O.A.T. is, these pages then define the four categories used to make this determination. To give each of the two players a score in each category, time is spent to carefully lay out each ones past, achievements, personality, and more. So, readers will have a very good handle on each of the players and know a lot about them by the end of this read. 

To keep this from getting dry, there are sections in texting format, where the two authors go back and forth as to which of the two players is the G.O.A.T. and why. This adds a bit of humor and a very natural flow to connect with the reader. But then, the facts themselves are presented in a easy-flow text, which keeps things interesting. There are enjoyable illustrations of the players throughout, charts, graphs, and even some more whimsical sketches tossed in. Then, there are boxes of information tossed in with a hint of fun. There's enough change-up to keep the information from becoming paragraph after paragraph, and this creates a more relaxed atmosphere, which is easy to enjoy.

Soccer fans are sure to enjoy this one quite a bit, and those who aren't quite as familiar with the sport or into it, will have no problem understand what is going on and will learn more about the sport and these two players.

The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever by Jessie Sima

THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER

by Jessie Sima

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JUNE 9th!!!

From the New York Times bestselling creator of Not Quite Narwhal Jessie Sima comes a fantastical tale of an elf facing a dangerous dragon was inspired to write The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever to save himself!

Are you ready to hear the GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER?

Good, because THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER came to be written in the most amazing way. It all started when an elf, who happened to be a great writer, stumbled upon his greatest challenge—a sleep-deprived dragon! Nothing could get the dragon to fall asleep. Nothing except…THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER.

Any other elf would have fled. But not a master storyteller elf! Confident in his skills, he set to work writing a story that was so entertaining, so thrilling, but also so sleep-inspiring it would be forever known as…

THE GREATEST BEDTIME STORY EVER!!

So.

Are you ready to hear it now?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Anticipation meets adventure and humor in a silly read to make listeners smile.

A small elf tells the tale of a little adventure...which turned into a huge one after he entered a cave and ran into a dragon. The dangerous dragon couldn't sleep and gives the elf a choice to either to be a pre-nap snack or create the greatest bedtime story ever. Obviously, the elf chooses the second, although he's well aware that this could be an impossible task.

From the get-go, the elf directly embraces the reader/listener and speaks to them directly as he tells his tale. It begins on the calmer end as he heads out and quickly takes a turn as he finds himself in a cave and runs into the dragon. Then, the tension mounts as well as the fun. While the problem keeps a ver gentle hum of danger in the background, the elf's stress to achieve the task takes center place in a mix of silliness and his pure arrogance. Yep, this is an elf with an ego, and that gives him personality pure. 

The illustrations are well done and draw in with each scene. While the story flows along, whenever the phrase 'The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever' hits, it takes over everything to create super emphasis and fun. It adds excitement and gives listeners a chance to join in. That said, this isn't a book with a true, obvious conflict and had a part of my listeners wondering what the book was about...which surprised me. But the fun side is very obvious and brings a smile to the face.

More about the author...

Jessie Sima is the author and illustrator of bestselling picture books, including Not Quite Narwhal; Love, Z; Hardly Haunted; and more. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York state. When not making books, Jessie can be found reading graphic novels, watching scary movies, and playing outside with dogs. You can visit them online at JessieSima.com.