What's Coming in May?

May is always a busy month. Gardening hits hard—while lettuce and such have already been growing, it's time to set out tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, and...and...and...  School is ending, which isn't as major a twist as it once was, but it still switches up the pace in our household and adds stress for a week or two. Then, my eldest daughter is graduating with her Master's and that needs to be celebrated! Maybe, we can sneak in a short road-trip somewhere? I do love a nice road trip. 

And of course, there's the reading end. 

This month is a little odd compared to my usual list. I have a pretty good sized stack of graphic novels, which leans especially toward the young adult side. There are several reads centered around the arts, and a couple hitting time travel, but then, science fiction is stronger this month, anyway. Then, I have more than a few reads, which seem to dance to their own tune... By than, I mean that they seem to have some very original twists and mixes, and I'm not sure what to expect. Could be bad; could be good. I also have a few deeper reads and a fantasy or two, so it's going to be a surprising mix!  

A CRANE AMONG WOLVES

When I read the blurb, I was hooked. Set in 1506 in Korean, it wraps historical facts around two people from very different backgrounds, who despite being enemies, need to work together to save their country. It promises intrigue, a bit of mystery, romance and tons of historical goodness. I'm going to shoot off the month with this one and hope it rings in a great May reading list.

Young Adult Historical

THE REAL COWGIRL

This read screams fun for young horse fans. While it's not hard to find books about girls and their horses in chapter books and middle grade reads, I don't see them very often in picture book form...that could just be me. This one promises friendship and more. I'm looking forward to taking a peek at it on the 3rd.

Picture Book

THE CITY BEYOND THE STARS

This is the 2nd in a series, and I did read the first. (Wow!) It continues where the first book left off and follows a girl's magical adventure as she heads against evil with friends at her side, this time, to see if she can't free her mother. Since the first one was an enjoyable read, I am looking forward to see where the tale goes next. Join me on the 6th to learn more.

Middle Grade Fantasy

YOU ARE LOVED

May flowers (or I'll call them that) add so much color to this cover and fit perfectly to the season. Plus, feel good books are a must for young readers, and the character on this one with its bunny ears made me smile. I'm looking forward to diving in and don't know quite what to expect...except warming goodness. Join me on the 7th and be prepared to smile.

Picture Book

TIME BUDDIES

This is the first in a new graphic novel series, which slides in a similar direction-ish as Cat Ninja. But this one centers around an owl and a out-of-his-comfort-zone boy as they explore time. I believe it weaves in some history along with adventure and fun, but I'll figure that out and share it with you on the 12th.

Chapter Book Science Fiction  /   Graphic Novel

MONET CHASES THE LIGHT

Time for some knowledge goodness! This book highlights Monet and introduces young readers to not only his art but should take a peek at him as a person, too. I am curious to see how this one goes...the cover hints that it should be fun too. I'll be grabbing inspiration and heading into this one on the 13th.

Picture Book Nonfiction

TAGGING FREEDOM

I'm a little late to the game with this read, since it hit the shelves early November last year, but I'm looking forward to finally having the chance to take a peek. It centers around art, culture clash, the impact of war on kids, and trying to have voices heard. It also rotates around a character from Syria, which adds a twist I haven't seen often in kidlit, either. Settle down with me on the 18th to hear more.

Middle Grade Contemporary

INFINITE WHEATPASTE, VOL. 1

I'm ready to walk into the amazing world of science fiction with this read...and that with not only graphic novel goodness but with unique flare. Or so I believe? It hovers around "relationships...androids...car repair...time travel...gods", so we're looking at quite the mix to add in tons of twists, excitement, and unexpected moments. And there should be STEM wonders as well. I'm sitting down with this one on the 21sr.

Young Adult Science Fiction   /   Graphic Novel

MOVIES SHOWING NOWHERE

Time travel, memories and loss are the key words surrounding this read. I haven't really studied this one too much, yet, but maybe, the movies transport the main character? That would be so neat! I'm expecting mystery, secrets, and a capturing world, but whether or not it will be anything like that, remains to be seen. I'll be able to say more about it on the 26th.

Middle Grade Time Travel

THE SPACE YOU LEFT BEHIND

I'm going to end the month with a read to pull at the heart-strings and twist in a bit of mystery, too. Written in verse, this novel follows a girl with mild cerebral palsy as she tries not only to find acceptance but is on the hunt to discover the truth behind her father's donor. There's romance, emotion, and...well, I'll discover more and share it with you on the 30th.

Young Adult Contemporary

Let's not forget this month's joker read! This is a book, which I have waiting on the sidelines to get its time to shine. And it will receive it. But right now, my month is booked out (word pun not intended), and I'm going to have to simply wait to see when it will have a chance to slide in.

A ROVER'S STORY

This one isn't a 'new' read and already hit the shelves two years ago. I just ran across it and loved the idea of a moon rover adventure...so original! It actually going to be a library read, and I'm hoping to sneak it in around the end of the month...at least, that's what I'm suspecting. Depends on what happens with the rest of the books I already have scheduled. 

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this one and hope it's as fun as it could be.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

Today's read should be unique and exciting. I say that because I read the first book from this pair of authors, How to Eat a Book, last year and enjoyed it quite a bit. I don't know what this one will be about....well, a door that had never been opened before, I'm assuming...but knowing these authors, that is only a small peek at what the fun might be. 

So, let's open this one up and see what it holds.

(Note: This one was so much better than I even thought it might be and is now finding its place on my possible favorites of 2024 list.)

THE DOOR THAT HAD NEVER

BEEN OPENED BEFORE

by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

Union Square Kids

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod, authors of the award winning How to Eat a Book, present a whimsical, thought-provoking picture book about coming face-to-face with the unknown. Beautifully illustrated and lyrically written, The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before has strong read-aloud appeal for families, libraries, booksellers, and educators.

The Grunions' house had many doors. But there was one door, that had never been opened before!

The door that had never been opened before was built closed shut, locked tight, and never opened for a reason. A reason that nobody knew.

Geraldine opened every door she ever found. Geraldine opened every door and went everywhere and met everyone and did EVERYTHING. Everything, except ONE THING. Geraldine had never opened the Door that had NEVER been opened before...NOT yet!

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before is a contemporary look at a timeless question—with hints of Shel Silverstein and a smattering of Edward Gorey. Fantastically illustrated with dipped pen-and-ink cutout art, photographed in a three-dimensional stage diorama and hand-colored, this children's picture book is a HIT from the talented Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON     /    B&N     /      LINDEN TREE BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

If you ever wondered whether a single, closed door can be exciting, this book answers that question and more.

The Grunions, a group of three children, live in a very large house which has many, many doors. Geraldine loves to open every door she finds. Gerald likes to keep them closed. Sheila spends time wondering about the only door in the house, which has never, ever, ever been opened...not for the 150 years since it was first built. The three are determined in their own ways, to handle the situation with the closed door. But none of them consider what might happen if the door ever does open.

This book is described as a meeting of Shel Silverstein, Lewis Carroll, and Pete Mondrian, and while this first sounded like a pretty wide range to me, it does fit. Sometimes, there's a poetic feel, and yet, it never really goes that direction. There is a good heaping of quirky adventure. Then, there are hints of a message, which whispers behind a very ridiculous back and forth between the characters....or maybe, behind that closed door. 

The three kids are normal and easy to understand. Each of them has a very different (and stubborn) personalities, and that already promises quite a bit of fun as they clash against each other.  But the true fun comes when imagination explodes. At that moment, the mystery turns into an amazing adventure with silliness and tension. 

The illustrations and text are very well done. 3D flair makes each image seem to stand off the page to add a hint of life. While most of the scenes stay in black and white with simple and thick lines, there are pops of color right where it matters most. It's a technique, which is handled masterfully. The text flows with purpose, making every word count and plays as much as the images with various font sizes. It makes a great read-aloud and works for early readers, too.

Listeners will laugh, giggle, gasp, cringe, scoot to the edge of their seats, smile, and probably be saying that beloved phrase—"again".

And here they are...

Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod are an award-winning, critically acclaimed author and illustrator team living with their five children in California. Their debut picture book, How to Eat a Book, won the Barnes & Noble Picture Book of the Year Award in 2023.

Yellow, Red, Green—GO! by Ellen Mayer

 It's been a little bit since I've presented a board book, and I don't want to forget the youngest readers out there! This one is part of a series, which introduces the very first foundations of math...which aren't as scary as some people might think. The positive cover has me believing this won't be a boring read, but we'll see.

YELLOW, RED, GREEN—GO!

by Ellen Mayer

Illustrated by Ying-Hwa Hu

Star Bright Books

Board Book

20 pages

ages 1 to 4

COMING JUNE 25th!!!

Helmet on, buckle up, and off they go! As mother and young child bike together through their neighborhood to visit grandma, they see many things. They slow down as the traffic light turns yellow, then stop when it turns red, and then pedal forward when it switches to green, not only talking about what the color of each light means, but also about the pattern the lights make as they repeat. What other patterns will they discover along the way?

Yellow, Red, Green—GO! is a delightful addition to the Small Talk Books® math stories. This story explores patterns, an important early math concept.

GOODREADS    /    STAR BRIGHT BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

Discovering patterns in the world around us meets familiar scenes with happy moments and fun.

A child and its mother are off to Grandma's house, riding a bike to get there. On their way, they pass traffic lights, which turn yellow, red and green. The mother points this out to her child, and when they make a stop at a store, the child notices the pattern in something else. Soon, they discover other patterns together.

The good vibes and positive emotions start this book out on a wonderful note and will have young listeners wanting to head out, too. The first example of a pattern, a traffic light, isn't only familiar, but listeners will have plenty of opportunity to spot this example when they are out-and-about themselves. It's a clever start. By tying this pattern to the next...and that in a store with toys...a nice flow is created, which hits the point in a way kids can connect to. This doesn't overload with patterns, either, but sticks to just a few.

The text is a little heavier than in many board books for this age group but stays at a level young listeners can understand. There are extra, repetitive phrases to add fun and invite listeners to join in. This goes beyond just the tale and includes things such as the patterned sound of the bicycle...a gentle way to illustrate the theme.

The illustrations are very detailed and hold familiar scenes. These allow for a little exploration and will have listeners discovery small things they didn't notice before when revisiting the read. 

This is part of a series, which introduces first building blocks to math logic. There's also a Spanish edition (I believe) available. So, this book has a lot to offer. 

And here they are...

Ellen Mayer is an award-winning children’s author who has worked as an education researcher and early literacy home visitor. Her Small Talk Books® series with Star Bright Books focuses on two aspects of early childhood education with engaging stories: early language development and early math development. Her most recent publication, Yellow, Red, Green—GO! is her tenth book with Star Bright Books. She lives with her husband and very large cat in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Visit Ellen's website here.

Ying-Hwa Hu is an award-winning illustrator. Her work has been exhibited at the Bologna Book Fair and The Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. Ying-Hwa has illustrated over 30 books, many of which she collaborated with her husband Cornelius Van Wright, also an illustrator and author. She lives in New York City with her husband. Visit www.yinghwahu.com

Not Nothing by Gayle Forman

 I was excited to get my hands on today's read, since it dives into history while playing in the contemporary world. Nope, no time travel. Instead, it centers around a boy, who is helping out at an nursing home and strikes a friendship with one of the residents, a 107 year-old man.

While growing up, we lived across the alleyway from a bachelor, who was 99 years old. Us siblings would take turns visiting him in the afternoon for half-an-hour or so. And we loved it. There'd be green grapes and saltines for us to snack on, while he listened to our stories (and we told him everything). Then, sometimes, he'd tell us stories about his life, while building the Panama Canal. He was on the third ship to ever cross it, too.

So many people have interesting moments in life.

Anyway, this one heads into tales from WWII, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it handles things. 

NOT NOTHING

by Gayle Forman

Aladdin

Middle Grade Contemporary

288 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

AUGUST 27th!!!

"The book we all need at the time we all need it.” —Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award–winning author of The One and Only Ivan In this middle grade novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman, a boy who has been assigned to spend his summer volunteering at a senior living facility learns unexpected lessons that change the trajectory of his life.

To say Alex has had it rough is an understatement. His father’s gone, his mother is struggling with mental health issues, and he’s now living with an aunt and uncle who are less than excited to have him. Almost everyone treats him as though he doesn’t matter at all, like he’s nothing. So when a kid at school actually tells him he’s nothing, Alex snaps, and gets violent. Fortunately, his social worker pulls some strings and gets him a job at a nursing home for the summer rather than being sent to juvie. There, he meets Josey, the 107-year-old Holocaust survivor who stopped bothering to talk years ago, and Maya-Jade, the granddaughter of one of the residents with an overblown sense of importance. Unlike Alex, Maya-Jade believes that people care about what she thinks, and that she can make a difference. And when Alex and Josey form an unlikely bond, with Josey confiding in him, Alex starts to believe he can make a difference—a good difference—in the world. 

If he can truly feel he matters, Alex may be able to finally rise to the occasion of his own life.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

'Opportunities' takes on new meaning in a novel with depth and heart.

Alex has gotten himself into trouble but has been given a second chance from the courts by helping out at a nursing home. His father left long ago, and he's been temporarily separated from his mother due to her mental issues. The aunt and uncle he's living with see him as a burden and make their opinion clear constantly. The nursing home is not exactly a place Alex wants to be. Not only does it smell and is filled with zombies, but the person in charge of him is a girl about his age, who is as bossy and irritating as can be. When he runs across Josey, a 107-year-old resident who hasn't spoken a word for the last five years, Alex finds someone to connect with...especially since Josey deems that Alex is the first person worth talking to. As Josey reveals his life during the WWII years, not only does Alex start seeing things in a new light, but his own life starts changing.

Alex is a bit lost in life, especially since he's gotten himself into trouble with the courts. It's not said what he did until the end of the book (which wasn't my thing but does have its purpose), but it's clear that he's dealing with a very rough family life. He's got an attitude and is rough on the edges, but there's enough goodness shining through to see his good heart. His situation is easy to sympathize with, and some of his comments do add just the right amount of snark and humor. So, he's a well-rounded character, which is easy to root for and connect with.

Then, there's Josey, the 107-year-old, who not only adds a nice twist with his wisdom but opens the door to historical aspects of WWII. His stories center around his relationship with the love of his life and take unexpected directions, which build the tension while also giving insights into the time period. Josey holds quite a bit of personality, which comes across clearly with much of the novel written from his point of view. These carry a third-person, omniscient voice, in which he refers to Alex as 'the boy'. His tales from the past are printed in a slightly different font to make it clear when he's heading back in time. So, things never grow confusing despite the constant back and forth.

Even the other characters battle with their own issues and carry distinct personalities, which help guide Alex along his way to learning to embrace opportunities. This makes the read quick-paced with something new happening with every turn of the page, since so much is coming together. 

There's a lot being explored in these pages. There are family issues, problems of living as a foster child (even when with relatives), moments of therapy, dealing with cancer, and more. Then, there's the historical details of WWII and concentration camps. All of this is set in a nursing home, where even  problems surrounding such institutions and people also somewhat come to light. Still, the story doesn't weigh down, but it does hold a pretty serious tone even with a few lighter moments here and there to keep it entertaining and molded to the middle grade age group.

Readers, who enjoy diving into heartfelt reads with inspiring character arc, will enjoy this one. It's also nice for anyone wanting to learn more about WWII and life at that time. It's not for everyone, but it does carry a lot of goodness.

And here she is...

Award-winning author and journalist Gayle Forman has written several bestselling novels, including those in the Just One Day series, Where She Went, and the #1 New York Times bestseller If I Stay, which has been translated into more than forty languages and was adapted into a major motion picture. Her first middle grade novel, Frankie & Bug, was a New York Times Best Children’s Book of 2021. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

Magical Museum: Ancient Egypt by Stepanka Sekaninova

 Today, we're heading into the realm of ancient history and nonfiction for those readers just below the middle grade (actually, I going to go out on a limb and bet mg-ers would pick it up, too). I assume it's going to be giving off a museum-visit atmosphere, and the cat on the front will be our guide (?). I'm hoping it will bring as much fun as it does information, but we'll just have to read it and find out.

MAGICAL MUSEUM

Ancient Egypt

by Stepanka Sekaninova

Illustrated by Jakub Cenkl

Albatros Media

Children's Nonfiction

64 pages

ages 6 to 9

COMING...

AUGUST!!!

When a magical scarab awakens a museum exhibit, a mummified cat leads kids on an enchanting adventure, teaching them about Ancient Egyptian history, life, and culture.
Prepare to be transported deep into the mesmerizing heart of Ancient Egypt. As you open the book's pages, you unwittingly awaken a mystical scarab, setting in motion a thrilling adventure back through history. Join a mummified cat on a quest to capture the scarab and restore normality to the museum. In their chase through the museum's various rooms, the scarab breathes life into ancient exhibits, immersing readers in the rich tapestry of Ancient Egyptian culture and daily life.
Magical Museum: Ancient Egypt strikes just the right balance between learning and entertainment, making it the ideal choice for parents and educators seeking to inspire young minds by making education fun. With its interactive story and captivating illustrations, it seamlessly introduces kids ages 6–9 to the wonders of Ancient Egypt, cultivating a love for history and exploration, sparking kids’ imaginations, and prompting them to be active participants in their own education.

 AMAZON    /    NIAGRA PEN CENTRE

MY TIDBITS

A touch of magic and a curious kitty make it fun to explore all sorts of historical tidbits about ancient Egypt, which go beyond the usual dates and facts.

When readers open to the first page, the release a magical scarab, which brings the entire Egyptian exhibit in the museum to life. Each room introduces a new aspect of Egyptian history, but this doesn't head toward boring dates, places, and individuals. Rather, it steers deeper into explanations surrounding the how and why. From every day life to religion to rulers, various aspects are explored. Readers receive a well-rounded idea of the time period and will no-doubt learn something new. Since dates and numbers are kept to a very bare minimum, it doesn't bog down, either.

The text appears in boxes. The font was a bit smaller than I appreciate for this reading level, but it's nothing out of the ordinary and no problem to read. The vocabulary does edge toward the upper end of the age group and will work well for the lower end of the middle grade audience, too. There is quite a bit in these pages to discover, but that can be taken in bits and pieces...although there is a very light story thanks to the cat, which does tie everything together to be read in one go. The text speaks to the reader, giving it a conversation direction, and this also helps to keep a lighter atmosphere.

The illustrations are well done and help to bring the information across with more clarity. The details  add a better idea as to what life was like at the time, while also tossing in a bit of humor and fun. 

It's an enjoyable read, which keeps the audience level in mind, while offering quite a bit of information. Readers will come out knowing more about Egypt and the culture, and it does offer a rounded foundation for more solid facts in the future.

And here they are...

Štěpánka Sekaninová spent her childhood near Kolín, in the Polabí lowlands region. Although she is a Bohemian at heart, fate carried her to the heart of Moravia. She is a graduate in Czech and History from the Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University. While still a student, she started work at Czech Television in Brno, where as a reporter she travelled about the South Moravia region and got to know every part of it. She later switched from reporting to the production of light entertainment and children’s programmes for the Brno studio.
Štěpánka loves books and has always longed to write, so when her life’s journey presented her with the opportunity to work as a literary editor for Albatros Media, she accepted it with alacrity.
And so she writes, surrounded by beautiful books, realizing a dream she’s had since childhood . . .
Jakub Cenkl was born in 1982 in the village of Čeladná, in the up-and-down landscape of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. Nor was his way to becoming an illustrator a straightforward one.
Having enrolled as a student of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Technical University of Ostrava, he soon discovered that this was a blind alley. He opted instead for the teacher-training programme in art education for secondary schools and primary art schools at Palacký University in Olomouc. It was here that he was drawn to graphic design, which he began to teach himself in his spare time.
He honed his skills in graphic design and illustration by working for six years at various studios, including Design Herynek and Craneballs.
Jakub Cenkl is now an established freelance illustrator. When not sitting in front of his computer, he is most often found in the hills, where he goes to clear his head by indulging his other passion, running.

Doris by Lo Cole

Today's read, for some reason, just drew a smile from me right away. Maybe due to that happy elephant. Or the flowers? This one heads to the slightly younger end of the picture book world, and I'm hoping that means gentle fun. But I'm just going to have to open it up and see...so, let's do that.

DORIS

by Lo Cole

Union Square Press

Picture Book

28 pages

ages 3 to 5

A charming picture book about a very shy elephant and her fear of standing out.

Doris does NOT like to stand out. But as a red elephant, no matter where she hides, she is easily spotted. Whether hiding behind a flock of birds, within a bed of flowers, or among a school of fish, she can be seen. Can she find a way to build her confidence and embrace her colorful self?

Doris features bright, engaging illustrations that showcase the adorable main character, and readers will enjoy the repetition throughout this elephant book as Doris tries in vain to blend in. With strong social appeal and messages about embracing yourself, self-esteem, individuality, and accepting differences, Doris is perfect for kindergarten and preschool book libraries, or anyone looking for children’s books for ages 3-5. Young readers will delight in spotting Doris across pages filled with eye-catching artwork as she learns the importance of uniqueness and gains the confidence to finally say, "Look at me!"

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /    B&N     /    AVID BOOK SHOP

MY TIDBITS

Searching and giggles mix with empathy and understanding to form a cute, fun read.

Doris is a bright, red elephant. No other elephants look anything like her, so she stands out everywhere she goes. And she hates it. Sometimes, she can hide. She's determined to find a place, where no one can notice her. This works somewhat...until it works a little too well.

This is one of those books, which will hold readers' attentions, have them excited to see the next page, and bring giggles, too. The idea is simple but draws listeners in as they not only sympathize with the little elephant but also need to search for Doris themselves. This search fits well to the age group and works even nicely for group readings; it's not difficult to find Doris but does it in a way, which will bring the 'there she is!' expression. More than a couple slightly silly situations add to the fun.

The illustrations are bright and bold. They stay simple in shape and don't concentrate on details. Sticking to what's important, they bring across the needed atmosphere in a basic way, which simply works. These also fit very well to the intended audience level.

There is a message centering around self-love and not being afraid to be different. Preachiness stays far away, though.  The message comes in very subtly and, yet, is hard to miss. The last page drives it home in a wonderful way, which surprises and brings a last, very big smile.

And here he is...

Lo Cole creates illustrations for an astonishing number of clients including The Times, New Scientist, Vogue, Sony Music, Greenpeace, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and is published by HarperCollins, Penguin, and Walker Books, among others. He is the son of Joanne and Michael Cole, creators of the UK book and TV series Bod, first published more than 50 years ago. Lo lives in Gloucestershire, UK.

Of Princes and Poisons by Brianna Joy Crump

Today's read might strike some of you as familiar. I reviewed the first book in the series, Of Cages and Crowns (here), several days ago. This smudges my amazing habit of grabbing books willy-nilly from a series. I already have book two up today thanks to the quick release dates between these novels...which is also nice, since the first one ended on a cliff-hanger.

I have high expectations for this one after reading the first novel, which usually isn't a good thing. Second novels in a trilogy tend to suffer...not always but often. Middle blues? Unsure plot twists? Characters lost somewhere in between? Well, I'm hitting this one with very positive vibes and hope it keeps pace with the first book.

So, off we go!

OF PRINCES AND POISONS

The Culled Crown, #2

by Brianna Joy Crump

Wattpad Books

Young Adult Fantasy

546 pages

COMING...

JUNE 18th!!!

Once there were ten.

Ten goddess-touched girls were born. Each was blessed―or cursed―with a unique power that set them apart. As part of an ancient ritual called the Culling, they were supposed to fight to the death in the arena until only one survived. That girl would marry the prince and ascend to the throne. Now only four girls remain.

Power in her blood.

Monroe Benson is one of the lucky ones. With fire at her fingertips, she survived the arena and the intrigues of the palace. Now she’s turned her back on her destiny, choosing to throw in her lot with the rebellion seeking to overturn the Erydian rulers. Monroe has never wanted the throne. She knows that her future lies elsewhere, but first she’ll have to convince the rebels to believe her.

A traitorous heart.

Monroe thought Cohen was one of the few good things about the Culling. She believed that he would have made a good ruler, but that doesn’t mean that she wanted to sit beside him on the throne. And now, she finds herself drawn to a rebel leader. A man with secrets of his own. In the end, Monroe will have to trust in more than her power or even her heart if she’s to forge her own path and find her freedom.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Nothing is as it was before, leaving room for unknown dangers, growing mistrust, and intrigue beneath the intrigue.

After killing the King and Queen, Monroe and her 'friends' from the Culling find themselves with the rebels. Not only were the promises of an open armed invitation null and void, all of them find themselves teetering on a thin line just off of execution. A new fight for survival begins, one which is very different than the Trials. Wounds, inside and out, are tough to heal, especially when the difference between friends and foe is blurred all over again. Monroe's a constant breath's distance from death, and this time, her powers are the last thing that can save her.

First off, yay to having the second book releasing so quickly after book one! Not only does that keep disappointment after the first ending at bay, but the story is still fresh and anticipation high. So, extra kudos on that front.

This book doesn't start off where the last one ended...not exactly. (But this does need to be read as a series, since each book builds off the last.) We find Monroe captured by the rebels, separated from her group, in bad circumstances. While grabbing, I did stop reading twice to see if and where I'd missed part of the story. Instead, the happenings between the escape from the palace to Monroe's beginning in the prison occur in flashbacks over the next chapters. I'm not a huge fan of that approach.

Anyway, this book takes many surprising twists and turns, and flips everything on its head. It does a great job diving into the area of dealing with trauma and re-orientation. This was especially well done with the other two goddess-touched girls and Uri, and added quite a bit of character depth. Monroe's brother also returns, which adds a touch more on the sibling front. Monroe doesn't show much growth during this second book (unfortunately), since her head is busy more with the romance side of things and melding into the new circumstances. The action was notched down, too, thanks to the increased romance and building of a couple new characters. Instead, the threat from the palace and the growing war runs more in the background with a few high-tension moments tossed in here and there to remind that there's still a huge danger to deal with...although this does increase toward the end.

This book mostly hovers around Monroe's attempt to reorientate herself in the rebel camp and mentally deal with what she's gone through so far. Relationships formed during the Trial, both bad and good, are re-molded, and this takes time. The heaviest hitting of these is the one with Cohen as he slides into the background, at first, and a new character fills in the space to create the rift. The switching of gears is refreshing, in some ways, but unfortunately, not quite convincing to the reasons behind it, leaving the romance end with a slight sense of being off-balance. This also makes the end of this read hit a little weird, on that end. Monroe herself is more clumsy in this read, and while still to root for,  doesn't come across with the same lovely strength as before.

There were many unexpected moments, exciting aspects, and grabbing twists, and it will be interesting to see how everything ties together in the last book. Because the third one in this series has the potential to be very good.

Emma's Awesome Summer Camp Adventure by Amy and Grace Webb

 

EMMA'S AWESOME SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE

A Charley and Emma Story

by Amy and Grace Webb

Illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard

Beaming Books

Picture Book

32 pages
ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 30th!!!

All for inclusion, and inclusion for all! Emma is going to her first summer camp, and she is so excited! Camp Waterfall is an accessible camp, which means that Emma, Charley, and a host of new friends with different abilities can all participate, with nobody feeling left out or getting left behind. But will Emma really be ready to meet all the challenges and new experiences of camp? Join Emma and her friends as they face obstacles, overcome fears of trying new things, and discover what's possible in a place that's really built for all. Children will cheer along with Emma every step of the way, and will learn that an inclusive, accessible world for all is truly possible!

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The importance of accessibility for everyone hits, while diving into the fun of summer camp.

Emma is excited! She's off to her very first summer camp, and her brother is going with her. What's even better is that this camp has made sure that she can partake in all activities and get around by herself. Not only can she discover the forest and try things like zip-lining, but she also gets to meet tons of new friends.

It was nice to see a book, which awakens awareness for the importance of accessibility. It also shows how those kids with disabilities enjoy the same adventures as any other person...if they can get to them. All of this is set in the excitement of summer camp and shows the familiar scenes, which belong to it. There's outdoor fun, swimming, adventure, and new friendships to be formed. Everyone is positive, supportive, and open to new things even when it takes a bit more courage. 

The illustrations fit the theme nicely and let the atmosphere come across gently and with good vibes. Through these, the various situations of the characters are portrayed, since they aren't really mentioned much in the text. The text does flow well. It carries a mistake or two on the editing but does make a nice read-aloud.

There's an extra section at the end of the book, which covers the various points and types of accessibility to help deepen the topic. I do wish that these were more pointed out during the tale as well. The story heads into the theme very subtly and doesn't show how accessibility is a problem to begin with. This way, it feels like the main theme is side-stepped to head for the fun and friendship instead. But it's still a nice read and does support that kids are kids in every circumstance.

The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis

I'm starting the week with dreams of beaches and sunshine. I, actually, woke up to ice on the windshield and had to scrape before heading out to make some early morning runs. Got to love Spring! 

I do hope today's read offers fun adventures, tones of friendship, and cute puppies, too. So, let's just read it and find out.

THE ADVENTURES OF DORI

A RESCUE PUP

by Kathleen Conway and 

Juanita Ellis

Illustrated by Tullip Studios

Picture Book

 34 pages

ages 4 to 8

"The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup" is a delightful children's book that promises to take young readers on a fun and adventurous journey. Join Dori and her friends as they explore the beach, showcasing the beauty of working together, the magic of friendship, and the joy of seeing the world through a rescue pup's eyes. From playing in the sand to uncovering unexpected treasures along the shoreline, every page captures the essence of wonder and the bonds formed between friends. 

This enchanting book not only offers a heartwarming story of friendship and hope but also allows young readers to become a part of Dori's legacy. That's because we donate a portion of our profits back to the rescue that helped Dori find her forever home; Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue. With each purchase, you contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue (SCMR), the organization that played a pivotal role in transforming Dori's life from uncertainty to a world filled with love.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /   B&N

MY TIDBITS

Beach fun combines with three adorable puppies to create an enjoyable read.

Dori lives at a beach house and has invited her two friends to spend the day with her, playing near the waves. Making sure everything they need is packed, they head out. Shells, crabs, and more make each moment an adventure. When they happen across a couple problems, they'll need to stick together to figure things out.

Dori is an energetic puppy, who values her friends and the world around her. She's extreme curious and open to new things, which makes her enjoyable to follow as she discovers things here and there at the beach. Her friends are just as friendly and playful, creating a fun trio. This positive atmosphere comes across seamlessly and flows through the entire read to leave a sense of wholesome goodness.

It's a simple story and will draw listeners in because of this. The moments and situations are easy to identify with and always add a playful tone. There's isn't really an over-arcing message. Instead, a couple meaningful ideas about helping others and cleaning up litter were added in as separate moments. Also, the rescue pup doesn't carry importance in these pages like I thought it might, and if it wasn't in the title, it could have just been three puppy friends. And these do get along marvelously together.

The illustrations are also simple, colorful, and bring across each scene clearly. Readers, who aren't sure of their words, can pick this up, flip through the images, and create the story for themselves...which is also a nice aspect. I do see young listeners enjoying this quite a bit.

And here they are...

Kathleen Conway is the co-author of The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup!  Kathleen is a former military veteran (Air Force) and works fulltime in the health care industry as an Occupational Therapist. This is Kathleen's passion behind the book was to share Dori with the world, while bringing awareness to rescue animals. Kathleen is already dreaming up more fun escapades featuring rescue animals. 

Juanita Ellis is a first-time author and co-wrote The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup to spread awareness about rescue dogs, and to share a little bit of Dori's spirit with others around the world!   Juanita volunteers her time with the same animal rescue group that rescued Dori.  Juanita enjoys spending time with family, both human and furry, and enjoys trips to the beaches of NC and the mountains of TN.  Juanita works full-time in the consumer service industry as an HR Executive.

Wall to Wall: Mural Art Around the World by Mary Ann Fraser

Today, I'm heading into the world of art. While I first thought this book was aimed at graffiti, a second look at the blurb revealed that it covers much more than that. While I've seen quite a few different types of wall art over the years, I've never really brought this thought together under one hat. So, I'm curious to see what this book entails.

WALL TO WALL:

MURAL ART AROUND THE WORLD

by Mary Ann Fraser

Getty Publications

Upper Middle Grade Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 10 to 14

COMING MAY 7th!!!

An exciting tour of remarkable wall art around the globe, from prehistoric caves to futuristic wonders

People have been drawing on walls since ancient times. They do it to create beauty, to tell a story, to make a statement, or just to say, “I was here.” You can find wall art in a remote cave in Patagonia and a desert castle in Jordan, a kingly palace in the Republic of Benin and the National Palace of Mexico, a miles-long flood channel in Los Angeles and a sky-high rooftop in Norway.

In Wall to Wall , award-winning author, illustrator, and muralist Mary Ann Fraser takes readers on a worldwide journey through time, stopping to see amazing mural art along the way. Stunning color illustrations and fascinating photographs illuminate both famous and little-known examples, and lighthearted text tells engaging stories about the people who inspired or created them. A glossary, suggestions for further reading, and a section on the preservation of murals conclude the book. No reader will ever again pass by a mural—whether in a historic building, a museum, or out on the street—without stopping to take a closer look.

GOODREADS   /   GETTY PUBLICATIONS

MY TIDBITS

From cave man designs to modern day street art, readers learn about the every-changing world of wall murals.

Already on the opening page of contents, the wide range of wall art explored in this book is revealed. Thumb-print photos are pinned by location on a map of the world, fitting to the chapters listed below, which highlight each one. Starting with the Cave of the Hands in Argentina, works from Egypt, Italy, Afghanistan, and more are explored with actual images of the artwork and fairly detailed descriptions to their creation and possible purposes. At the end, the author opens the door with a chapter about what the future might hold as well as a section on preservation of these artworks. 

Starting from the very beginning with the mural artwork found from prehistoric times, the variety of artwork through the ages and it's importance are discussed. Some of these are well-known; others will surprise. The text stays in a somewhat casual tone, letting the facts flow with the atmosphere of a conversation, but it is still a very information based read and comes across as such. So, it is for the older age group and aimed at those, who want to learn more about this form of artwork. This can be used for an art theme in classrooms (even just a chapter or two) and does offer a nice basis for homeschool settings exploring this direction.

The information isn't focused on dates and places. Instead, it takes a rounder view. I enjoyed how the author discloses possible materials and techniques used to form each work. The surrounding culture and intentions are also looked at, staying within the realm of the art piece. Other events and interesting tidbits are added, too, which offer insights into broader art trends in the area, things which might have affected the piece over time, and surprising insights, which aren't usually mentioned. It creates a rich mix, which goes beyond the usual facts.

Each chapter not only holds a photo of the artwork but includes colorful illustrations, which reinforce the other pieces of information being revealed. These stick to a colorful and simpler style, reminding a bit of picture book illustrations. This loosens up the atmosphere, since the text does carry quite a bit of knowledge. These also help bring across the information with more clarity. 

This is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in discovering more about mural art and hits the intended audience level well.

Korgi: The Complete Tale by Christian Slade

 Today's read is one I picked up thanks to my youngest daughter. She's a corgi fan (among other animals). So, when I saw this one run across my screen, I didn't even hesitate before snagging a DRC copy. This also means I have no clue what it's about, what to expect, or anything, actually. Only that it's a graphic novel and appears to have done fairly well, since it's a collection of the material brought out in the series.

So, without any prejudices or forethoughts, I'm just going to dive right in!

KORGI: THE COMPLETE TALE

by Christian Slade

Top Shelf Productions

Children's Animal Fantasy

584 pages

ages 6 to 12 

COMING...

MAY 7th!!!

The beloved wordless fantasy graphic novel is now collected in a single epic volume! Fall in love with the wondrous world of Korgi Hollow, packed with thrills, laughs, and exquisitely illustrated animal magic.

One of the most adorable comics of our time now arrives in a bookshelf edition for all time. When day breaks in their woodland village, Ivy and her corgi pup, Sprout, have no idea that they’ll soon be swept up in an astonishing adventure! Soon they’ll journey across land, sea, and air, from past to present and beyond, to learn more about themselves, escape the forces of evil, and uncover the ancient mysteries behind their magical world. The sumptuously detailed pen-and-ink drawings of former Disney animator Christian Slade make every page a joy to behold, using the power of “silent comics” to bring every moment wordlessly to life for readers of all ages. What’s more, this deluxe softcover collection includes not only all five Korgi graphic novels but also every bonus short story previously exclusive to comic books. The result is a complete fantasy epic that is truly timeless.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Wordless but holding amazing illustrations, this is a collection from a well-loved series, which opens up to a world of monsters, adventure, and cute corgis.

This collection includes all five of the Korgi graphic novels as well as several short adventures. Each of the five books begins with a short and entertaining introduction, which does happen through text...but those are the only words during the adventure. Each moment is brought across through very detailed and extremely well-crafted, black and white line drawings. These are more demanding on the eyes than the illustrations usually found in graphic novels, in so far that they take more time to take in and digest. And it's well worth the extra time, especially since these do carry the entire tale in every way.

This is sold for children but will also satisfy older readers and some adults. The story isn't fluffy and happy, but rather, packs fantasy and adventure. The monsters take a creepy lean, which fits right with the illustration style to make each one come across with that dark atmosphere of off-ness. There is a hint of gore without really going there completely (an eyeball pops out and flies away), and while this might bother more sensitive readers, others will find the edged fantasy just right. The main characters  fight off the danger and land in some pretty sticky situations, which bring exciting action scenes. It is a positive read with promises of hope and even will bring smiles and cuteness at the right moments. 

There is a list of characters with descriptions at the end, which I do wish had been shoved to the front of the novel, instead, but that's only a side thought. It's an exciting adventure with an unexpected lean toward darkish fantasy (think The Labyrinth), which is sure to grab more than just corgi fans.