What's Coming in August?

Hello, August! And where in the world did July go??? I've been running around all over the place this last month. Okay, it was more like driving. My eldest told me to unplug my phone and get my life back. Thank heavens I only use my cell is for when I'm underway. (A little issue when living in a valley is bad cell service). I can't imagine what it'd be like to be constantly at everyone's beck and call. Anyway, reading is a great get away, and I'll always find time to squeeze in several amazing tales.

This month is an odd month on the reading end. While I thought last month was going to be low on the picture books, I was wrong. This month is slimmer on those. Instead, I'm swinging much more toward middle grade and young adult reads. I also have several obvious themes, it seems. Time travel as well as dinosaurs are each getting a few books, this time. Mid-month, I have several books with main characters named Lizzie and Eliza on the schedule (what an odd coincidence!) There are also more nonfiction reads sliding into the mix than usual. Maybe, it's perfect for the upcoming school year?

But here's a peek so you can see some of them yourself.

 

WESTFALLEN

I'm starting the month off with more serious tones and picking up this read, which mixes time travel with history and a touch of fantasy. This follows a best-selling novel, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and promises quite the adventure as friends in present day accidentally expose too much information to a voice from 1940, which ends up effecting time and changing the world as we know it. I'm curious to see how this tale weaves and will be revealing my thoughts on the 1st.

Middle Grade Time Travel Fiction

MEDICI HEIST

A heist adventure set in 1512 (yep, we're all about history this first week), and that involving the Vatican and Italy? Sign me up! I'm excited to grab an iced tea and relax with this read. Or maybe not so relaxed, since it should be exciting. I love a good heist tale with action and some mystery...not that I know if that's part of this read or not. Travel back into time with me on the 6th to find out if this one is well done or not.

Young Adult Historical Fiction

ATLAS OF CATS

This read hits perfectly, since it happens to be National Cat Day on the 8th. Isn't that a nice coincidence...okay, it's planned, but still just as much fun. I'm ready to expand my knowledge about felines around the world and hope it's well done, too. I'll be sharing this one on the...you guessed it! The 7th.

Children's Nonfiction

WINX THINKS: DINOSARS!

Time travel drives this read forward as it jets into adventure with Stinky Socks rules (?) I really have no idea what that means, but I'm ready to find out. This is part of a series (the first, maybe?- gosh, I have to do more research). But I love the thought of middle grade time travel with dinosaurs and some slap-stick comedy. Let's find out more about this one on the 8th.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

ON A MUSHROOM DAY

We've been enjoying chanterelles the last couple of weeks...there's so many growing in our forest! So, this book completely slides into our lane. My son is a mushroom fan, which also means I'll have high expectations for this one. I'm getting my basket and knife ready to explore this one on the 11th.

Picture Book

LITTLE GHOST MAKES A FRIEND

I'm ready for a little Fall, and this read slides exactly in that direction. It might be a bit early for Halloween (despite what stores believe), but the falling leaves and cooler temperatures are definitely on my radar. Plus, this one looks adorable, doesn't it? It's probably too early to grab a scarf, but I'll be heading into snuggly thoughts with this one on the 15th.

Picture Book

HOUSE OF THORNS

Every reading list must have, at least, one tale with chills and thrills, right? This one takes a gothic twist and focuses in on a haunted house as well as the loss of a sister. There might be some ghosts, angsty feelings, family drama, and who knows what else. I'm hoping it is well-woven and carries a wonderful, dark smoothness to taunt and lure in. Grab that flashlight because we'll be sneaking into this one on the 20th.

Young Adult Horror

THE LEGENDARY MO SETO

This one is marketed as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Stand Up' and promises martial arts goodness and heart. Now, this one doesn't seem to head toward the sport side but rather slides into the film industry as a girl has the chance to perform next to her idol and finds herself in competition for the role with her arch-nemesis. We'll see how to does on the 22nd.

Middle Grade Contemporary 

MILES MORALES UNTANGLES A WEB

Marvel is strengthening its hold in the chapter book realm, and this book is the first in a brand new series surrounding...well, isn't it obvious from the cover? I'm always thrilled to see books for this age group, which are sure to catch especially reluctant readers' eyes. I'm betting this one will draw some attention. Now, I'm not always a fan of books from large money-making endeavors. So, I'll be critical, too. I'm looking into this one on the 24th.

Chapter Book /   Graphic Novel

GOOD NIGHT COWBOY

I might have been a bit prejudice when I ran across this one, since my family has run cattle for years, and I've tended my own small herd now for over a decade.  So, this hits my heart, and I hope it's a lovely read, too. We're headed into cowboy dreams on the 30th.

Picture Book

My review schedule, while I try to keep it somewhat organized, often becomes a bit of a mess. Thanks to changed publishing days, delays in the postal service, or simply reads which turned out to not be quite my thing, it's hard to know what exactly will happen each month. Plus, my review pile isn't exactly small. So, I always have a book or two (or three) at the top of my pile, which I really hope to get to and am ready to slide in when a sudden space appears. This month's joker read is...

THE UNSEEN KING

It's been awhile since I've headed into the world of the fae. Plus, this cover drew my attention. Maybe, it's the sparkly title. Anyway, this is the third book in the series, and I haven't read the first two...which could mean I'm in for quite the jump. But I do seem to enjoy doing that. I'll be picking this one up and diving it....

Well, I have no clue when.

Young Adult Fantasy

The Hippopotamus Thesaurus by Samuel Jennings Vinson

Today's read should head in a humorous direct and teach some vocabulary along the way. I'm really not sure what to expect with this one, but I do hope it mixes fun and learning together nicely. And who doesn't love a pink, friendly hippopotamus?

THE HIPPOPTAMUS THESAURUS

A Hefty Menagerie of Delectable Words, Vol. 1

by Samuel Jennings Vinson

R & Stone House Publishing

Children's Fiction

100 pages

ages 6 to 10

COMING AUGUST 6th!!!

This 100 page feast of storytelling vocabulary, poetry, and prose allows children ages 6 and up to embark on a fantastic adventure through whimsical contextual definitions of extraordinary words. Unlike other children’s vocabulary books, The Hippopotamus Thesaurus is presented with the implicit trust that children have the ability to not only understand, but thoroughly enjoy complex language and ideas.

Volume 1 of The Hippopotamus Thesaurus encourages children to dig into the richness of the English language while being impossibly fun to read, and impossible to explore without learning. Hidden riddles, an in-depth glossary, and loveable watercolor characters are all part of the first installment of The Hippopotamus Thesaurus, ready to be enjoyed down to the last morsel by early readers, parents, and educators alike. 

WEBSITE   /    AMAZON    /    B&N

 MY TIDBITS

Unexpected and amazing words are presented in a way, which will have readers smiling and likely to embrace and remember more than a few long after the book's been put down.

This is a smorgasbord of seldomly seen words, which are whimsical in their own right and way. At the beginning of the book, the author makes it clear that this isn't an usual thesaurus, but rather, a celebration of fun words to enjoy by thumbing and flipping through the pages at will. The word is presented at the top of the page along with the pronunciation...because some of these are quite the mouthful. Then, there's a silly poem about the word, which expands on the meaning or aspects surrounding the word in humorous ways. Add the lovely, aquarelle illustrations, and it holds fanciful tones mixed with the poetic silliness found in some of Judith Viorst's works. But only slightly because this book does take it's own twist on things.

When I picked this up, I was expecting somewhat of a style, which resembles a thesaurus at least loosely, but it doesn't. The poems play with the words and let readers sink their teeth into each one. There's no particular order, and definitions and facts are only added, if at all, as part of the fun. The exact meanings aren't found until the glossary at the very end. Here, each word is listed in alphabetical order with the pronunciation, a dictionary type of meaning, and then, there's a little history or tidbits or information concerning the word as well as the page on which it's found. 

The illustrations and text hold a light atmosphere the entire way through and invite readers to visit the book a little here and a little there. It's longer at 100 pages, but then, this is a book which is kept on the table or shelves with the intent of being read as the mood or time allows. The approach allows readers to see the words through different eyes and not as vocabulary words...and the fun will make some of them stick for a lifetime. 

It's a lovely collection with tons of humor, poetry, and fun.

And here he is...

Samuel Jennings Vinson is a life-long explorer of all things creative. Whether it be in visual arts through his work in pediatric healthcare design, fine art curation or writing and doodling, the one constant is his drive to positively contribute to the world of young minds.

"We can’t just write for kids. We owe it to them to write to the person they will become.” -SJV

The Dragon Spy by Bill Blume

 

THE DRAGON SPY

The Daemon War, Book 1

by Bill Blume

Time Killer Publishing

YA Fantasy

326 pages

COMING...

OCTOBER 1st!!!

The Cold War

To gain an advantage over the Soviets, the CIA uses genetic testing to identify children who are more than human and place them in the Greenhouse, a covert school to turn them into weapons in the war against the Soviets. Lynna Harrison, who is half-human and half-sea dragon, is among the first of these children.

1983

Lynna and her teammates are using their powers to aid in the Agency's black ops, an advantage the Soviets have yet to discover. That's until Lynna goes on a mission in East Berlin and learns someone in the unit is planning to trade their secrets.

The Soviets aren't the only ones hunting for the Greenhouse, though. An unknown party with their own super-powered soldiers has entered the race, and they're determined to capture one of Lynna's closest friends in the unit and turn her into a weapon for their own ends.

Lynna finds a possible ally with answers in the ranks of these super-powered soldiers, but the more Lynna learns, the less she knows who she can trust. Her own government has plans for the Greenhouse that threatens all of them. There's also more than one traitor in her unit, and one of them is among her most trusted friends.

THE DRAGON SPY takes readers on an adventure that blends the “X-Men” with the Cold War thrillers of John le Carré and Tom Clancy.

GOODREADS    /      B&N

MY TIDBITS

The action never stops as Lynna and her team take on dangerous agents of the KGB, ones that are even less human than they are.

The moment Lynna was born, she was recruited into the CIA. As a rare mix of human and sea dragon, there's no way the government would let someone like her slip through their fingers. She's been trained along with others like her, and it's their mission to keep the country safe. Lynna doesn't mind and finds the missions interesting enough...until one almost lands her dead. The KGB appears to now have their own breed of 'weapon', which are more than dangerous. Add that there's reason to believe members of the US government are now out to destroy her and her friends, and life's become more than a little complicated.

Action fans are going to enjoy this one quite a bit. There are plenty of fight scenes and tense moments, each which is carefully described and packs punch. The pacing is just as high. While many young adult reads slide into emotional moments and some deeper thought, this one does not. There's no time. With every step, new secrets are discovered and if the mysteries aren't exposed, the results are deadly. Add that it's hard to know who to trust, and the entire read holds unexpected twists, which dig their claws in deeper and deeper. That also means that this read races forward on mostly action, plot twists, intrigue, and dialogue. As said, it's for action fans and heads through things fairly directly and quick.

The Cold War setting is well done and gives everything a unique twist, especially with the dragon aspect. The abilities of Lynna and her teammates are original and interesting. The author tries to keep this fantastical side somewhat sidled up with reality, which gives it an unique edge. It carries a hint of X-Men vibes while falling solidly into the spy-adventure direction. As a first book, it sets the ground-work well and promises much more to come.

Blitz Bullion Buster II: Cold Gold by Daryl Joyce

Today's read heads into adventure and a bit of mystery. It definitely promises excitement from beginning to end. Cold Gold  

COLD GOLD

Blitz Bullion Buster II

by Daryl Joyce

Clink Street Publishing

Middle Grade Adventure  /   Mystery 

174 pages

ages 9 to 12

After the success of their previous gold-hunting escapades, Faiza, Jack and Wade are looking forward to a quieter summer. But in the shadows, someone is keen to make sure their summer holidays are their last. After obtaining some irresistible clues, they are drawn into another thrilling hunt and dangerous chase. Following the trail of mysteries both old and new, they venture into even more death-defying adventures, both above and below ground. Will they survive long enough to find the elusive gold?

 GOODREADS  /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fast-paced adventure mixes with mystery to create an exciting read.

Faiza, Jack and Wade were looking forward to a quiet-ish summer, but after their last adventure, they now have a target on their backs. When they discover a clue, which might lead to the still missing portion of the gold, they decide to go back on the hunt. But the closer they get to figuring things out, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

The first pages dive right into a deadly situation, and this sets the stage for this second adventure in the series. While the main villain has been captured, they are by no means safe, but they aren't about to hide or simply sit around. It's easy to root for all three friends as they try their best to stay one step ahead of everyone else. The clues are hard to decipher, keeping the tale interesting as they steer from one piece of the mystery to the next. And with every moment, it's clear that danger isn't far behind.

The writing flows as smoothly as the plot, and grabs in the more the story progresses. The danger is clear and the stakes high, but the author still keeps it appropriate for the intended age group. Readers will wish they could dive right into the mystery with these characters and be part of their small group. Especially action fans are sure to enjoy the quick pace and will wonder what is going to happen next.

And here he is, Daryl Joyce...

So, I’m an author now! How did I get here? I’ve always been interested in writing, but like most people always ‘meant to get round to it’. After reading books out to my Year 6 class in 2015 and realizing that I might be able to do just as well, I put finger to keyboard and began planning, The ideas came thick and fast and the hardest bit was working out what was interesting and what was.. chaff, for want of another word.

 

I remember writing when I was just five - a basic tale of how Santa had a lame reindeer and employed a donkey to help out. I wish I still had that story! So I grew up and almost forgot my dreams of writing. I left school, went on the Youth training scheme and got heavily involved in computers before I gave it up in my twenties to become a teacher! I’ve been teaching for a few decades now and whilst challenging and frustrating and hard work, it’s also very rewarding. I hope my years 6 classes over the years will agree! My current Year 6 class - dear Hockney Class - have also been my proofreaders and interestingly gave me lots of advice [most of it wanted] on extra ideas in the story.

 

Since my first book was published in 2022, I have been asked so many many times when the next one is out and I am pleased it has hit the shelves and screens at last. In answer to the next question, I have already started on the third in the trilogy but my teaching duties keep me away from the author process more than I would like!

Have You Seen My Monster? by Steve Light

Today's read made is the partner book to the popular Have You Seen My Dragon and originally appeared on the shelves in 2015. Since it's still enjoyed by readers, it's being re-released on September 24. I did not read the either of the books before, and was glad to pick this one up. After all, the idea of searching for a monster at a fair does sound fun...and it supposedly teaches about shapes along the way.

So, off we go to visit the fair!

HAVE YOU SEEN MY MONSTER?

A Book of Shapes

by Steve Light

Candlewick Press

 Picture Book

42 pages

ages 4 to 8

In a follow-up to Steve Light’s highly praised Have You Seen My Dragon?, the county fair is filled with shapes—and somewhere among them a monster is waiting to be found.

A little girl gallivants through a county fair, searching for her furry friend. Readers will surely spot the friendly monster as well as twenty shapes, identified here by their proper names—trapezoids, ellipses, kites, and more—hidden among iconic fair attractions from the fun house to the Ferris wheel. Maybe the monster is judging the pies? Or perhaps he’s at the monster-truck rally? Youngsters will be so mesmerized by Steve Light’s masterful pen-and-ink illustrations, decorated with vivid splashes of color, they won’t even realize they’ve learned how to spot a nonagon while looking for a monster.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

This is a monster search to giggle about and learn about shapes along the way.

Monster and shapes collide in these pages. The search for the monster is already quite a bit of fun, especially since the entire thing is placed in an energetic, fair setting. The black and white line drawings give listeners plenty to search through, not only for the monster but also for surprising details here and there. The entire thing radiates fun. While the search for the monster continues, there's the name of a shape, and this is shown somewhere in the illustration in color. These stick out brightly against the white and black scenes, making them very easy to identify. 

The monster is hairy, not scary, and ever-so-sneaky. It's not very hard to find it, which fits nicely to the intended age group. Some of the hiding spots will draw giggles and smiles, too. It's fun to search each page, while also discovering the fair scenes. The text is kept concise and entertaining, and makes the search that much more enjoyable.

With all this entertainment, there's also the learning aspect. The shapes are clearly named and shown. Plus, listeners can see if they find similar shapes in the rest of the drawing. While the basic shapes are covered, there are also more advanced ones such as a curvilinear triangle. So, this one works for more than just first shape knowledge. 

It's a fun addition for not only classrooms and early-learning situations, but for homeschoolers as well.

Twinkle the Shooting Star by Chioma Allen-Nwachukwu

 

TWINKLE THE SHOOTING STAR

by Chioma Allen-Nwachukwu

Illustrated by Robby Fimansyah

33 pages

ages 4 to 8

Twinkle the Shooting A Magical Bedtime AdventureDiscover the enchanting world of " Twinkle the Shooting Star," a beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book by Chioma Allen-Nwachukwu. This captivating bedtime story will delight children and parents alike with its gentle rhyme and magical journey.

Judy Johnson is trying to fall asleep when a shooting star named Twinkle suddenly crashes into her backyard. Twinkle, lost and alone, asks for Judy's help to return to her family of stars in space. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, determination, and the quiet poetry of childhood dreams.

Chioma Allen-Nwachukwu, a London native with a computer science and test engineering background, found inspiration in her child's eyes to create this debut book. " Twinkle the Shooting Star " captures the magic of childhood and the power of following one's passions.

Perfect for bedtime or anytime, this sweet, gentle rhyme is ideal for sharing with a special little one. Let the soothing words and enchanting illustrations transport your child to a world of wonder and imagination.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This magical tale invites to sweet, bedtime dreams and will have listeners gazing at the stars a little differently than before.

It's time to go to sleep, and Judy is snuggled up in her soft bed, but before she can drift away into dreamland, a star crashes down in her backyard. The star isn't only injured but has strayed way off course. Unfortunately, it has no idea how to return to the sky. But maybe Judy can come up with a helpful idea.

Written in flowing rhyme, this is read takes listeners on a gentle adventure. While the first scenes set the bedtime atmosphere with parental warmth as Judy prepares to sleep, the sudden appearance of the injured star adds just enough excitement and imagination to invite to the wonder of dreams. Judy's care for the injured star is sweet, and her desire to help the cute star will have listeners wishing they could find a star, too. 

The illustrations are bright and bold, and allow each scene to come across understandably and with positive emotions. While it does make a nice read-aloud, the scenes also invite listeners to flip through it on their own. 

It's a nice addition to a night-time routine and is sure to bring pleasant dreams.

Mister Moonfeld's Colors of Wonder by Mister Moonfeld

MISTER MOONFELD'S

COLORS OF WONDER

by Mister Moonfeld

Illustrated by Natalya Efremova

Empowered on Books

Children's Fiction

ages 6 to 12

What if an elementary school principal had to return to the age of her students to regain her sense of wonder?

Principal Grace Sensible wakes up to a world drained of its color. But when a sprinkle of magic from the mystical groundskeeper, Mister Moonfeld, transforms Grace back into a 10-year-old, she begins to see the world in a way she had long forgotten.

Guided by Mister Moonfeld's ageless puppy, Sunny, young Grace embarks on a quest to rediscover her true self before sundown.

This heartwarming tale celebrates the power of wonder and the importance of staying true to oneself, at any age.

GOODREADS    /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A touch of whimsical magic steers this into an enjoyable read about the value of staying true to ones self at every age.

Principal Grace Sensible arrives at the school to find it drained of color. Only greys and whites remain...and she has a pretty good hunch who is to blame. When she finds the groundskeeper, Mister Moonfeld, he's intent on driving a point home and transforms her back into her 10-year-old self. Grace isn't thrilled, but she's left with not choice and follows Mister Moonfeld's puppy on a path of rediscovering who she truly is.

Mr. Moonfeld is a lovely character with that wonderful hint of magic and quirkiness to make him shine. His lack of evil intentions comes across from the very first page, although Grace's frustration is also very understandable. Add the clever puppy and there's a lot to enjoy on every page.

The text fits very well to those readers, who have a good grip on their words but aren't necessarily ready for sheer middle grade quite yet. The book is sold for ages up to twelve but this will connect better with the younger end up to age nine. The tale flows smoothly, and it keeps the reader in the pages the entire way through. And the colorful and playful illustrations, and it is a fun read. 

There is an obvious message but the magical fantasy keeps it from coming across with preachiness. I would have enjoyed more children characters involved, since Grace, despite being a kid for much of the read, doesn't really leave the adult zone completely, which made her a little difficult to fully connect with. Still, it was a fun tale and I'm eager to see what Mr. Moonfeld will be up to next.

Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup by Giovanna Zoboli

Today's read gives 'story time' vibes and promises to draw in with beautiful illustrations. And who doesn't love a good soup? This one has already been a favorite since 2022 in Italy (and other countries) and comes from a popular, Italian kidlit author, but  it will be appearing for the first time in English the beginning of October.

MR. LEPRON'S MYSTERY SOUP

by Giovanna Zoboli

Illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Candlewick Studio

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING OCTOBER 1st!!!

Stunning artwork from the acclaimed illustrator of The Midnight Fair illuminates a sweet cautionary tale about a rabbit whose fabled soup-making gets away from him.

Mr. Lepron is a rabbit who lives in a cozy burrow with many offspring. Every year on the first day of autumn, he reaps vegetables from the farmer’s garden—carrots, onions, celery, beans, aromatic herbs, and much more—and makes the best soup on earth, adored by his family. As it simmers, he dozes and dreams of being a famous cook, hosted by kings. And sure enough, his soup is so good that it starts drawing creatures from all over—until one day a factory springs up in the woods, with Mr. Lepron presiding day and night and soup cans for sale in all the most renowned shops. But as demand rises, Mr. Lepron’s dreams become fretful, and soon he starts hearing complaints: his soup is not as good as it was. Has his recipe changed—or has Mr. Lepron? How can he recapture the joy he once shared with his family? Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s exquisitely detailed artwork appears lit from within as it captures the pastoral setting, a range of expressive forest animals, Mr. Lepron’s fitful dreamscapes, and the palpable sense of peace as he rediscovers what truly matters.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With gorgeous illustrations, this is a meaningful tale with characters to adore.

Every year, Mr. Lepron cooks a soup with the many vegetables he's harvested from his garden. Then, he invites every neighbor and friend he knows to enjoy it with him. Everyone looks forward to the day, especially since Mr. Lepron's soup is the most delicious one around. Everyone always wants to know his secret, although he claims there isn't one. When others start coming from near and far to enjoy a bowl of his delicious soup, he decides to start up a factory to keep up with the demand. He even needs to start charging for each can to pay for everything. His soup is soon found on every store shelf and enjoyed by many...or maybe not. As his business grows, the soup no longer carries the same delicious flavor, and Mr. Lepron isn't sure why.

This is a read to snuggle down with for a story time. The text is a longer than usual picture books, although it still works great for the intended age group as a read-aloud. For those, who are sure of their words, it can be read alone. It carries a more traditional story flow, beginning with the wonders of Mr. Lepron's garden and it's lush vegetables before heading into the ever-growing crowd, who enjoys his soup. The plot moves along steadily as Mr. Lepron's success and then problems build one step at a time. The ending message brings a sense of family and community, and feels like a happy sigh.

The illustrations are gorgeous and make the book worth picking up just to flip through them and enjoy. The details draw in and offer something new to be discovered with each read. The mix of both animal characters and humans adds a nice touch, adding to the imaginative atmosphere. 

It's a delightful read with traditional charm, and carries a message which never loses its importance.

Greenhouse of Horror by Liv Livingston

 I'm starting the week with a little fun...and a few spooks? Today's read is the third in a graphic novel series for chapter book readers. Nope, I haven't read the first two, but when has that stopped me from diving into an interesting read? I really don't know what to expect with this one, so let's just find out what it holds!

GREENHOUSE OF HORROR

Spirited, Book #3

by Liv Livingston

Illustrated by Glass House Graphics

Little Simon

Chapter Book Paranormal  /

Graphic Novel

144 pages

ages 6 to 9

Liv’s class visits the greenhouse and encounters some strange plants in book three of the Spirited graphic novel chapter book series.

Liv’s science class has a new botany finding the plant that best represents them. Mrs. Arber, the ghost caring for (and haunting) the Gloomsdale Botanical Gardens, comes in to give a helping hand. In a town full of ghosts, Liv isn’t even sure she knows who she is, but when she meets a new ghost friend, she discovers that maybe she’s not the only one feeling like the odd-ghoul-out.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /      B&N

MY TIDBITS

Ghosts and gloomy plants pack tons of surprises, which are sure to delight more than just paranormal fans.

Liv is the only 100% human girl in Gloomsdale, a town of ghosts and a few other paranormal creatures. To say she doesn't really fit in is an understatement, and it gets to her sometimes. Since she's still somewhat new to the town, she hasn't really found her place and wonders if she ever will. The ghosts, while fairly friendly, still enjoy poking fun at her inability to do anything ghostly. And having them 'accidentally' float through her is just plain awful! When the teacher announces the annual gardening class project, she's sure things will end with a new disaster.

This is such a sweet read! There's a lovely balance between spooky creepiness, school drama, and enjoyable humor, which draws in. The nod towards darker gothic adds a hint of creepy possibilities, but instead of heading into spookiness, the setting creates unexpected and unique situations to bring more than a few smiles. Still, this read addresses problems many readers face in their own lives and will have them rooting for Liv the entire way through.

There are messages surrounding friendship and embracing your own uniqueness mixed into the ghostly surroundings. These are clear but drift right along into the story as Liv discovers more about the interesting town and its residents. It stays very much at the level of the intended age group and brings across enough familiar aspects to let readers settle right in. 

Bright and bold graphics carry the tale, while the text offers just enough difficulty to push readers' skills a teeny-tiny bit while letting the enjoyable atmosphere of the story still capture with every scene. It's an enjoyable story which promises tons more fun to come.

And here she is...

Liv Livingston likes cats, hot drinks, and walking through the woods with her friends that may or may not be ghosts. Unfortunately, she cannot walk through walls. She lives in New York.

Jesus Made A Way by Filip Radichevski

 Happy Sunday! Today, I actually have a fitting read...I really need to get more of these to highlight every week. Anyway, I loved the cover (so joyful!) and decided to give it a go. After all, we could definitely use more encouragement and reminders of who is really in control in our lives.

So, without further babbling, let's jump in!

JESUS MADE A WAY

by Filip Radichevski

Illustrated by Karina Kulikova

Picture Book Religious

30 pages

ages 4 to 8

Discover a delightful and heartwarming journey that introduces children to the wonders of faith in a way that is both fun and easy to understand. "Jesus Made a Way" captivates young minds with engaging stories and colorful illustrations, bringing the message of God's love and goodness into their everyday lives.

Through relatable subjects and interests, children will see how the ultimate source of goodness is always near, and present in their daily activities and interactions. From sharing toys to being productive and helpful, this book encourages positive behaviors and nurtures a spirit of gratitude and kindness.

"Jesus Made a Way" provides comfort and encouragement, helping children feel safe, loved, and connected to a higher purpose. The spontaneous and joyful narrative fosters a deep sense of faith, making spiritual lessons accessible and enjoyable for young readers.

Join the adventure today and let your child discover the beauty of God's love in their own lives. Perfect for bedtime stories or family reading time, "Jesus Made a Way" is a treasured addition to any child's bookshelf. Share the joy of faith and goodness—order your copy now and inspire your little one to contribute towards a world of love and kindness.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Joyful and full of hope, these pages radiate good vibes while diving into a wonderful sense of secureness.

The message of this book is pretty clear from the title—Jesus guides and watches our paths through life. Flowing with rhyming verse, much of the read takes a more general swing to build atmosphere and ring with emotions as it guides readers through various moments, which many can easily identify with. For the most part, this read steers away from specifics to stay in a more general direction. The illustrations are the same way. Packed with color and artistic flair, they invite with a sense of imagination and fun. These also change into more distinct scenes as the book continues and settles into the main message surrounding the care and watchful eyes we enjoy from our Savior. 

The text fits the age group nicely. The book makes a lovely read-aloud or can be explored by those readers, who have a good grip on their words, alone. The cheerful atmosphere is more than enjoyable and molds well with the message. It does work well to open up to discussions or as part of a theme. While reluctant readers might loose a little interest thanks to the more general flow, others will enjoy the calming atmosphere and reassurance it provides.

Keith the Croc That Lost His Teeth by Harry Fabler

Today's read seems to be a perfect fit for those readers, who are facing the loss of their baby-teeth. I find it a great fit, since my own household has been doing dentist visits this past week...although not for baby-teeth. I know my daughter wishes one of her teeth would just fall out so I new one could take its place. Too bad it doesn't quite work like that for us older peeps.

Anyway, let's take a look at this crocodile and see what the dentist might tell him. 

KEITH THE CROC THAT LOST HIS TEETH

by Harry Fabler

Illustrated by Tincho Schmidt

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 4 to 8

We all love crocodiles, right?
Yes!!
And we all know that they have strong, spiky teeth, right?
Well… not always…

Keith is a young croc that lost his teeth as he grew up….
But he never gave up!!
Embark on Keith’s wonderful story to find out more!


Funnimals is a new series of children stories, lovingly crafted to celebrate friendship, embrace diversity, and boost self-confidence!

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MY TIDBITS

Keith is a crocodile to cheer for and, actually, sympathize with as he hopes to get his mighty teeth.

Keith is very proud of his lovely teeth. So when they start to fall out, one-by-one, he's ready to jump into panic, but a wise animal friend insists there's nothing to worry about. Not that Keith is convinced. After all, what's a crocodile without his teeth? 

This is a lovely read for those readers, who are in the process of loosing their baby-teeth and waiting for the adult ones to take their place. While they may not love their teeth as much as Keith does, his fear and anxiety is easy to understand and sympathize with. It almost makes a reader want to give him a hug. Especially the support of the other animals adds a wholesome flair, and there's a teeny, tiny touch of humor to keep things light and enjoyable. It's pretty clear where the plot is going, but the enjoyable atomsphere and message remains encouraging all the same.

The illustrations are colorful and carry a gentler tone to match Keith's disposition. After all, he's not a scary crocodile. They flow right along with the tale. The book is written in rhyme, which flows fine. It works as a read-aloud or can be read in a more individual situation...plus, it makes a lovely gift for those anyone who is facing the loss of their baby teeth.

Wages of Empire by Michael J Cooper with Giveaway

 I was excited to get my hands on this one, especially since my homeschool daughter and I hit this time period (WWI) already this year. We did make sure to delve into the situation surrounding the Ottoman Empire and the division of the states as influenced by Europe. So, this will be a treat to read and see how it reflects the various situations we learned about (although I'm more than sure she won't be nearly as excited to grab up this one as I am). 

So, let's just dive in and take a look!

 

In the summer of 1914, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine since it's from Jerusalem where Kaiser Wilhelm II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor. 

Wages of Empire

by Michael J. Cooper

YA Historical Fiction

Grand prize winner - 2022 CIBA Dante Rossetti Award for YA fiction
First place honors - 2022 CIBA Hemingway Award for wartime fiction
#1 Amazon Best Seller—Jan 2024—Historical World War I Fiction

In the summer of 1914, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.

Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, Wages of Empire follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning, and become part of a story that never ends.

“Masterful storytelling will keep you furiously turning the pages of this compelling (historical WWI) novel. A winner!”–Andrew Kaplan, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Blue Madagascar and the Homeland Novels

“The characters, historical and fictional, come to life on the page as the storyline drives relentlessly forward. Bravo!”–Matt Coyle, bestselling author of the Rick Cahill novels

“A beautifully written tale...exhibits seamless research in illuminating unforgettable historical and fictional characters...a tour de force!” –Professor Ronit Meroz, Dept of Jewish Philosophy and Talmud, Tel-Aviv University, Israel

“This superb historical novel is a must read...directly relates to issues we face today.” –Rizek Abusharr – Emeritus Director General of Jerusalem International YMCA

“Cooper has made this period of history come alive. It is a treat to read.” –Rabbi David Zisenwine, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Education, Tel Aviv University

“A Young Indiana Jones–style adventure.” –KIRKUS reviews

“Story is gripping and the characters that he describes come alive through his skillful writing. I couldn’t put it down!” –Rabbi Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., Rabbi Emeritus, B’nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA

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MY TIDBITS

History comes to life as the intricate weave of power plays, hopes, dreams, and oaths knot together in the thorns of war.

This tale takes a look at a sixteen-year-old, who desires to fight for all that's good in WWI, but it also goes way beyond this single character's aspirations and struggles. The author has clearly done his research and offers a solidly based dive into the time frame. The leaders, families, and leading influences in Europe during WWI seep into the problems surrounding the dissipation of the Ottoman Empire and create a tight knit tale, which hits personal and emotional levels while still incorporating the political and cultural difficulties these areas faced. Well-known figure heads of the time add a solid foundation, while fictive aspects glide in between to add excitement, tension, and, for all things, heart.

While the factual side will draw in history fans, the story fills in the important human aspect, which is so often forgotten in dryer history books. Especially the relationship between the father and son stabs the heart and creates a close connection with the story. The vast array of individuals involved (from political heads to sworn protectors of their religious beliefs) presents a detailed landscape. This also means that it takes a little more thought while reading this novel than a lighter, quick read might. But for more engaged readers, this tale promises richness and so much more.

While it is sold as a read for the young adult audience, I do see adults enjoying it as well.

And here he is...

Michael J Cooper writes historical mysteries set in the Holy Land at major turning points of history—all the while subtly promoting the notions of coexistence and peace. His books have won multiple awards and include; Foxes in the Vineyard (winner of the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest Grand Prize), set in 1948 Jerusalem, The Rabbi’s Knight (finalist for the CIBA 2014 Chaucer Award for historical fiction) set at the twilight of the Crusades in 1290, and his current novel, Wages of Empire set at the start of WWI in 1914 and winner of the CIBA 2022 Grand Prize for young adult fiction as well as the Hemingway first prize for wartime historical fiction. A sequel of Wages of Empire, Crossroads of Empire, will be published in the fall of 2024, and the unpublished manuscript has already won first prize honors in the 2023 CIBA Hemingway wartime historical fiction category.

A native of Berkeley, California, Cooper absconded to Israel after high school and spent the next eleven years studying and working there. He lived in Jerusalem during the last year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan, studied at Hebrew University, and graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School. He returned to the US to specialize in pediatric cardiology, and after 40 years of practice, he continues to return to the Middle East for biannual volunteer missions serving Palestinian children who lack access to care. Otherwise, he lives in Northern California with his wife and a spoiled-rotten cat. Three adult children occasionally drop by.

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