Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface

While I have my reading pile stacked to the tippity-top with books ringing in the spookier time of year, a bit of me is also silently celebrating the ever-closer season of Christmas. It's still early. I know. And if I see any Christmas deco in the stores, I'll grunt and roll my eyes, but I also have to admit that I'm getting ready to sit down and start those gift projects for Christmas. I try to give a couple homemade items each year...bigger projects, actually. So, I need to get started on them latest beginning October to make sure they're done in time. 

I'm not jumping into the holiday joy too much, yet, but can't help but sneak in a little pre-joy here and there. 

CHICKA CHICKA

HO HO HO

by William Boniface

Illustrated by Julien Chung

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book   /   Holiday

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

OCTOBER 1st!!!

In a much-anticipated new companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the rollicking alphabet chant gets a holiday twist.

A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you in the branches of the Christmas tree.” In this holiday alphabet rhyme, the crew of beloved letters get their chance to shine as decorations on the Christmas tree!

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Learning the alphabet and some basic shapes takes a holiday chant direction for Christmas, learning fun.

This book is great for those wanting to revisit (or discover) the alphabet and basic shapes, and that in a bright and cheerful, holiday style. The author takes the much-enjoyed Chicka Chicka Boom Boom rhyme and twists it into a cute tale about a string of alphabet letters making their way as decorations on a Christmas tree. The presents, of course, can't be forgotten, and their shapes add the extra, learning touch.

This is a shiny book with lots of foiled glisten to reflect the holiday shimmer and shine. In general, the illustrations take a more simple, shape and color direction, though, letting the letters come across distinctly and remain front and center. The text is easily readable (great for read-alouds) and the letters are in bolder font to make them clear in the rhyme. It fits the well-known chant nicely and will add a bit of zest and fun.

While the letters are revisited and listeners can strengthen their alphabet skills, there's also silliness built in. The letters try to take their positions on the tree but end up with a bit of a problem. This will, no doubt, bring some giggles. There's also a message about working together, and the entire thing ends on a positive note...and leaves with Christmas excitement, too.

And here they are...

William Boniface is the author of more than twenty-four books ranging from pre-school novelty to middle grade novels. His books—which include the Oprah Best Books for Kids selection The Adventures of Max the Minnow, as well as the middle grade series The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy—have sold more than 2 million copies.

Julien Chung has been a professional designer and illustrator for over twenty-five years. He is the illustrator of picture books such as Becoming Blue by Ellen Tarlow; Vrooom, Vrooom! by Mary Lyn Ray; and 365 by Miranda Paul. He has created licensed characters for brands worldwide and works for La Presse newspaper in Montreal, Quebec. He lives in Montreal with his wife and a lovebird named Cookie.

Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

When I first saw today's read, I thought it might make an awesome addition for the up-coming, spooky season reading list. I don't think this one will be spooky; I'm just not getting that vibe. Which is great! Because I love fun books to squeeze into the theme, too. Or cute books. Honestly, I have no idea which direction this one will take, except that it does hit on friendships. Oh, and this isn't it's first edition...it's been republished a few times, so that has to mean something good, right?

(Note: after reading this, I would love to place it on my 'Favorites of 2024' list, but since it's a re-release, I can't. But it is that awesome!)

OWL BAT BAT OWL

by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 7

COMING OCTOBER 22nd!!!

“A warm and clever tale celebrating tolerance and friendship.” —School Library Journal

A mother owl and her three little owlets live happily on their branch. That is, until the bat family moves in. The newfound neighbors (owls up top, bats hanging below) can’t help but feel a little wary of one another. But babies are curious little creatures, and that curiosity, along with a wild, stormy night, might just bring these two families together. With subtly and hilariously shifting facial expressions and gestures, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick brings her accessible graphic style to a warm and ingenious wordless tale that is sure to bring smiles to readers of all ages.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Without words, this tale runs through forming friendship, difficult situations, motherly love, and tons of moments to drawn in with smiles and warm sighs.

Mother owl is sitting happily on a branch with her three owlets When a mother bat and her three babies fly over and hang directly below them, Mother owl is unsettled and not really pleased. The tense situation, however, is interrupted by a sudden, stormy wind, which causes havoc and puts both mothers into a difficult situation.

No wonder this tale has been around and enjoyed for several years. The illustrations masterfully bring across the story and let readers really dive into the scenes. The colors carry a more subdued atmosphere, which fits nicely to the feel of the story. Each creature is brought across naturally and with a touch of cuteness to make them sympathetic. But the most amazing aspect is the subtle story telling. Many scenes aren't overly dynamic but allow the expressions and slight shifts or movements to bring the tale across. It creates a powerful message wrapped up in familiar goodness, which will touch and warm the heart.

This is a read to sink into and enjoy. It works well for a read-aloud in smaller group settings (need to have a good view of the illustrations) or for individuals, too. 

The Grimthorpe Grave by K.H. Saxton

 Today's read fits so perfectly to the season! At least, the cover is giving me Autumn vibes. Add the mystery, and I'm excited to dive into this read. Plus, I'm now pumpkin patch dreaming...gosh, I hope this one involves a pumpkin patch. 

This is the 2nd in the series. I read the first one around this time last year and enjoyed it. (You can see that review here).

THE GRIMTHORPE GRAVE

The A&A Detective Agency, #2

by K.H. Saxton

Union Square Kids

Middle Grade Mystery

32 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 17th!!!

"It’s a delight to see Asha and Alex solve clues and help some clueless adults right a wrong. I can’t wait for the next book!” —Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series on The Fairfleet Affair

How do you save a witch who’s been dead for centuries? 

Alex and Asha of the A&A Detective Agency are on the case! Summer is over, and Asha and Alex haven't had a decent case in months. But just as a chill begins to stir the air, and the autumn leaves start to turn, Dr. Wright from the Fairfleet Institute comes to them with a cryptic note, signed by “The Witch of Waverly College,” about Hannah Grimthorpe, the notorious witch from Northbrook’s colonial past. This is the perfect case to reinvigorate Alex and Asha's interest in keeping up the agency, but distractions come their way as school activities divide their attention. When more clues appear and Dr. Wright is forced out of the Institute, the two detectives decide they are going to need help from their classmates to solve the mystery. 

With sneaky adults out to thwart the kids' mission, shadows lurking in corn mazes and cemeteries, and a Halloween deadline looming to uncover the truth about Hannah Grimthorpe, it's a race against time and a lesson in who to trust for the young detectives of Northbrook.  

The A&A Detective The Grimthorpe Grave is the perfect autumnal read for kids ages 8 to 12.  

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Ghosts, unidentified skeletons and the witch trials come together to form a mystery with more than a few surprises.

Alex and Asha are getting settled into the new school year, both busy with school activities and wondering if the A&A Detectives will ever have a mystery to solve again. But when a self-declared Witch of Waverly College leaves threatening notes surrounding a legend of the death of a supposed witch during the colonial era, Alex and Asha's friend and head of the institute's job is in danger. Although the institute wants to keep the secret past under wraps, Alex and Asha promise to discover who this witch is and what they truly want.

This is the 2nd book in the series, and while the first book does add a little background, this can be read as a stand-alone.

After seeing the cover, I was expecting a bit more of a Fall Fair atmosphere, which this read doesn't have. It's about unidentified skeletons, creepy mausoleums, ghosts, grave robbers and more. While it doesn't grow super creepy, it does carry grim tones, at times, and has the sleuths on an eerie trail with unknown villains and criminals in the background. Even with new found friends and a growing detective group (this mystery is challenging enough to need to add a few more heads to their gang), it's not an easily solved mystery. They have to do plenty of research, figure out codes and clues, and wonder about more than a few very suspicious entities. It's a well-laid mystery which takes thought, and the solution isn't clear until the end.

Despite the darker scenes and more dangerous situations, this stays nicely set for the middle grade audience. It's not gruesome but tends toward clever. And there's a weave of history tossed in to give it a thought-filled feel. There is some back-and-forth on the friendship end to add a little character depth, but it's the mystery and clue-solving which keep this plot going. Every moment reveals something important, even subtle points, which weave into a larger picture, bit by bit. It's a grabbing read with a lovely pacing and a group of detectives to root for until the end. 

And here she is...

K. H. Saxton is an English teacher and boarding school administrator in Connecticut. She is also the author of The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair. 

TTHE FAIRFLEET AFFAIR

The A&A Detective Agency, #1

Here

How to Make a Sandwich by Lorena M Proia

 Today's read heads in the food direction... Isn't that enough to make a person smile? And the cat on the cover. After reading the blurb, I'm expecting that this will be a very, sneaky cat. Will it be a humor packed read? Or carry some important messages? Honestly, I don't know. So, let's dive in and find out.

HOW TO MAKE A SANDWICH

by Lorena M. Proia

Picture Book

32 pages

Making a sandwich is fun and easy! And Rae knows just how to do it. The bread is like the parents, it keeps the sandwich safe and happy. The turkey is the love, the lettuce is the fun. But every time Rae adds an ingredient, it disappears, and she soon realizes there is a sandwich-stealing thief intent on eating her creation!

​Will Rae ever get to eat her lunch? Suddenly making a sandwich isn’t so easy after all!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Cat antics mix with hungry expectations to create a cute read, which guarantees more than just a couple smiles.

Rae can be all sorts of things. Sometimes, she's an artist, while others, she's a scientist. Today, she's going to be a chef because she's hungry. Luckily, she knows all about sandwich making...well, somewhat, anyway. Making a sandwich can't be that difficult, especially since she has all the necessary ingredients. But somehow, the simple task soon becomes very complicated.

While the first pages start out simple enough, a full story soon unfolds and creates a nice, story time read-aloud. Rae loves explaining and talking while making a sandwich. The constant gabbing is cute and makes her adorable as she tells the cat all sorts of things. Meanwhile, the cat has food on the mind, and what a sneaky kitty it is! This will have readers giggling, especially when Rae's frustration grows and grows. Her family members also come in to add a sense of warmth and love, while adding a fun touch to Rae's growing problem. It creates a natural moment and brings enough familiarity to gain sympathy.

The illustrations are detailed and let subtle humor glide into the familiar scenes. The text is a little longer and builds out a lovely, rounded tale while making each character come across realistically.

It's a fun read with heart and does leave off with good vibes and satisfaction.

And here she is...

When Lorena graduated years ago with a BFA in Graphic Design and Painting, she never imagined she’d become an Information Architect in high-tech. She thought her creativity was lost until she was rescued by an Australian Shepherd named Phebe. Inspired by Phebe’s antics, Lorena started drawing again, leading to the creation of Phebe-n-Me, a t-shirt company that eventually blossomed into a children’s book!

​

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Interview with Debbie Ridpath Ohi and I Want to Read All The Books!

I'm squealing! Today, I have another awesome interview...and this one especially made me smile. I've been enjoying this author/illustrator's works for several years. So, to finally get the chance to ask a few questions was a huge honor. 

I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS

by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 17th!!!

An insatiably curious girl decides the only way to answer all her questions is to read all the books in this funny and charming picture book in the spirit of The Library Fish and Tom Chapin’s The Library Book.

Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction. But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what?

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

INTERVIEW 

Thank you so much, Debbie, for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions. It's always fun to learn more about the person behind the books, and it's a treat to have you on Bookworm for Kids!

Q.      While I’d love to dive right into the book themes with you, first I have a very important question. What are your three favorite board games? Yep, my household loves board games, and when I read that you’re currently working on books in this area, I had to ask.

 

Thanks for asking about board games, one of my favorite hobbies!

It's tough to pick just one favorite board game because it really depends on the situation and (most importantly) the people I'm playing with. That said, my preferences have evolved over the years. I used to be open to any board game but now I prefer games that don’t rely heavily on betrayal and backstabbing – unless there's a cooperative or humor element involved.

I have a soft spot for themed board games, especially those with a horror theme. It might seem odd, given that I’m a picture book creator, but I've always been a fan of horror. Cooperative games, where players work together to beat the game, are my favorite. So, naturally, horror-themed board games like Mansions of Madness, Arkham Horror, and Betrayal at House on the Hill are right in my sweet spot.

I also enjoy casual party games like Just One and So Clover, which are perfect for lighter, fun-filled gatherings. Most recently, I’ve also been really enjoying Heat: Pedal To The Metal - it’s my favorite racing board game.

 

Oooo... You just added to our gaming list! I have no doubt that, at least, one of these will get my husband to swing away from his current favorite, Mysterium.

(Q. Not only are you a board game enthusiast, but I saw you play several musical instruments, are a computer programmer, have introduced more than a few writing platforms to the online world, and are a successful author as well as an illustrator. Considering that large variety of talents, what drew you to the Kidlit realm?

 

Thanks for the kind words!

This was a challenging question to answer because I feel like I’ve ALWAYS been part of the kidlit realm. I’ve wanted to write books for kids ever since I was a kid myself. I loved the feeling of getting so involved in a book that the rest of the world disappeared, of immersing myself in the story. I feel similarly when I’m playing or composing music, writing or illustrating, am coding, or even when I’m playing a really good game.

Ultimately, what drew me to creating kidlit books is wanting to create that kind of experience for a young person: to make them FEEL, to be so immersed in someone else’s creation that they’re able to look at the world a different way, even for just a short time.

 

Q. Do you enjoy writing or illustrating more?

Honestly, both fulfill a different part of my creative need to create. When I was younger, I drew all the time just for the fun; it never crossed my mind that I’d ever be able to make illustration part of my career. I’ve also enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember.

I find there is an ebb and flow to whether I lean toward writing or illustrating, depending on my mood and whether I’m creating just for myself or for others.

It does sound nice to be able to switch things up like that!

Q. What were your favorite books while growing up?

 As a child, I used to gravitate toward books that mix elements of fantasy and mystery, like the Half Magic books by Edward Eager, for example, The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis (a gift from my father), and The Diamond In The Window by Jane Langton. I loved books where I identified with the main character is some way, like A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle and Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh.

 But I also loved scarier books like The House With A Clock In Its Walls by John Bellairs and Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.

Q. What was your biggest wish as a child?

I always wanted to be a writer. I wanted to write stories that engage readers so thoroughly that the rest of their regular world falls away, to make them feel the way I did while I was reading a good book. I used to fill many notebooks with stories, some with scribbly illustrations, just for myself and some for my teachers.

Here’s a sample from my very first chapter book. I feel sorry for Miss Heinbuck, my second-grade teacher, having to read all that faint pencil writing. Her comments really encouraged me!

 

I was shocked but delighted when Simon & Schuster editor Justin Chanda discovered my art at an SCBWI conference portfolio showcase in 2010.

I still haven’t given up my dream of someday having my novels for young people published. After my current picture book illustration project is finished, I plan to turn my focus to getting some middle grade projects ready to submit. Wish me luck!

Tons of luck to you! I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures are still to come. 

Q. And what about your favorite snack? Or don’t you snack?

Your second question made me laugh. I am QUEEN of snacks! I don’t really have a favorite snack, but I do try to keep fruit and cut up vegetables and hummus easily accessible so I don’t go straight for my husband’s favourite snacks, which tend to be not as health-conscious.

Thank you so much for letting me visit your blog, Tonja!

 

 

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s writing or art has appeared in over 20 books for young people. She is the award-winning author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva with Simon & Schuster. Her illustrations appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black and Linda Sue Park, among others. Her upcoming book, I Want To Read ALL The Books, launches Sept 2024. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. For more info, see DebbieOhi.com.

MY TIDBITS

A little spark of curiosity can lead to something much more mountainous...and not necessarily in the direction a person might think.

Little Hana is simply enjoying watching the rain through her window, when she wonders where the rain drops come from. Instead of giving her the answer, her mother gives her a book. After all, there are books about almost everything. The more Hana learns, the more questions she has...and so does her thirst for books. More and more books. If she reads every single book that there is, she's sure she'll know everything. But getting ahold of every single book that exists isn't exactly easy.

When I first picked this up, I hoped it wouldn't simply be about the joy of reading...I've seen several books (lovely reads, by the way) along those lines. These pages go above and beyond that theme, and not only take a different twist to book-love but also stuff in the cutest little adventure with an adorable and very curious character. Hana's desire to learn is inspiring, but it's her determination to meet an impossible task, which puts a smile on the face. Things don't run smoothly, and while the plot doesn't stomp into loads of humor, it uses just the right dusting of silliness to draw a huge smile.

There are several messages in these pages, and they don't rotate sheerly around books. Hana needs to understand those around her better, and she needs to work with her expectations versus reality. The mother is very supportive and patient, and there's a nice twist at the end to inspire, too.

The text flows very well, making it a nice read-aloud. The illustrations swing in a lighter-toned direction and balance with the right motions and details to let the story take gain richness. It's an enjoyable read with lots of positive goodness.

 

Camp Twisted Pine and Interview with Ciera Burch!

 I'm so excited today! Not only do I have a read, which is releasing with perfect timing to introduce some spooks and mystery to the approaching Halloween season, but the author has agreed to answer several questions. It's always interesting to learn more about the mind behind the tale...and I don't mean that in a spooky way. 

Anyway, let's head right in because this is quite the post today!

CAMP TWISTED PINE

by Ciera Burch

Margaret K. McElderry

Middle Grade Horror

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 17th!!!

Whispering Pines meets Small Spaces in this spooky middle grade novel about a girl whose first summer camp experience is disrupted by a menacing creature abducting her fellow campers.

Eleven-year-old Naomi loves all things outdoors—birds and beetles, bats and bunnies—in theory. She explores nature in the best possible the cold, hard facts in books. So when her parents’ announcement of their impending divorce comes hand in hand with sending Naomi and her younger twin brothers to summer camp while they figure things out, it’s salt in the wound for Naomi and her avoidance of hands-on experience. Camp Twisted Pine could be worse. The counselors are nice, and Naomi likes her cabinmates, especially Jackie, whose blunt personality and frank dislike of the camp draws Naomi in quickly. Jackie is also hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid, and the girls quickly develop a routine of sign language lessons in their free time, which Naomi sees as a welcome break when all the s’mores-making and nature walks get to be a bit much. But the campers aren’t the only ones who roam the grounds of Camp Twisted Pine. 

When people start to go missing, including Jackie, Naomi has to find a way to save everyone—and herself. Her practical knowledge of the outdoors may still be rudimentary at best, but she has years of studying and the scientific method to fall back on. 

Can Naomi identify and stop the dangerous predator before it’s too late?

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MEET CIERA BURCH!!!

I'm super excited that Ciera Burch was kind enough to answer a few questions for us today. It's always fun to learn more about the authors behind the tales. So, thank you very much, Ciera Burch, for taking the time to answer these!

After doing a bit of research, I discovered that one of your passions is Dungeons and Dragons. So, I’m just going to start off by asking what your favorite role(s) is/are.

Ha, yes, I do love dnd! I’ve been playing for about a year and a half now and still on my first campaign, so I’ll have to go with a warlock, seeing as it’s my current class and the only one I’ve ever played! I really enjoy a good druid wild shape, though.

*sigh* I do have a weak spot for a good druid myself.

As a successful author, you’ve already published several spooky and slightly fantastical tales (Finch House, Something Kindred).  What draws you toward this ghostly direction? Why have you chosen to write for the young adult and middle grade audiences?

Is it weird to say that I just love ghosts? Because I do. More seriously, however, I think that the supernatural is a curious lens through which we can see ourselves or our society or the roles we play in the world, just about anything, really! Myths and legends and superstitions were our ancestors’ way of making sense of things—the world, death, themselves—and I think they’re important to keep around and share, but also to elaborate on or delve deeper into.

 In the same vein, I’ve chosen to write for kids and teens (and anyone who reads YA and MG!) because they’re still getting to see and explore a great deal of the world for the first time, but also experiencing so many new changes in themselves. I think having interesting stories in which you can see different changing or blossoming aspects of yourself, or something you’re interested in, was always comforting to me as a child and a reader.

It's also just…really fun!

I do believe you've hit the nail on the head with the ghosts and legends, and how nicely all of this incorporates into kidlit. I'm not sure adult literature could offer the same exploration of possibilities in the way that middle grade does.

Writing a novel is always an accomplishment and involves so many aspects. What is your favorite part about the writing process? If you could shove any aspects to the side, which would it be?

Hmm, I’d have to say that my favorite part is when I slip into the groove. When I’m fully inhabiting a scene or a character’s mind and I get to the point of “Yes! This is what I’m writing for!” It can be cathartic, if it’s something I’ve been thinking about or wrestling with myself, or just fulfilling to have imagined something a hundred times and finally get it down on paper in a way that really just makes thing click.

If I could shove an aspect to the side, I’d probably say deadlines! I have so many more of them now that my writing is actually being published and it’s so different to work on a schedule now compared to just scribbling something down in a notebook or on my phone and attempting to piece those things together whenever I feel like it.

Is there one message that you hope your readers can take with them after finishing your upcoming release, Camp Twisted Pine?

Ah, just one! Well, this book was borne from a love and respect for nature despite my big indoor kid energy, and so I hope that readers take away a new love for just how lovely nature is and can be to immerse ourselves in but also to appreciate, especially those of us who live in cities.

What were your favorite books while growing up? What are you currently reading?

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is forever my honorary mention when it comes to favorites. But I also really loved the Percy Jackson series (which is what sparked my desire to go to summer camp; I adored Camp Half Blood) and Girl of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor and A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there!

As for what I’m currently reading, I’m reading some adult romcoms, but most often I’ve been on a kick for the manga, Spy X Family by Tatsuya Endo.

When you were a child, what was your dream job?

Besides a writer, which I’ve always wanted to be, I did also want to be a fashion designer and an obstetrician!

I always love to end interviews on a delicious note (I might be a bit of a snack fan). So of course, I noticed in your biography that you’re an ice cream enthusiast…which leaves two questions: What flavor(s)? And bowl or cone?

Love a good snack, love a good ice cream question! My go to is normally mint chocolate chip, because it’s my fave, but lately I’ve been in a strawberry cheesecake ice cream mood, so I have to go with that. And, of course, a bowl. Cones get so messy and I’m a very slow eater, even when it’s my favorite treat.

Mmmm...I'm going to be mint chocolate chip dreaming tonight.

Thanks again for taking the time to do this, and hopefully, the deadlines leave you plenty of room to still dream!

Ciera Burch is a lifelong writer and ice cream aficionado. She is the author of the middle grade novels Finch House and Camp Twisted Pine, and the young adult novel Something Kindred. She has a BA from American University and an MFA from Emerson College. Her fiction has appeared in The American Literary Magazine, Underground, Five Points, Stork, and Blackbird. Her work was also chosen as the 2019 One City One Story read for the Boston Book Festival. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, DC, with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books.

And here are my thoughts on this amazing read:

Dark forests, unknown surroundings, and a the monster of a local legend already promise tons of spooky goodness, but this camp adds an extra, unexpected twist.

Naomi doesn't really want to go to camp...staying with her father and brothers would be so much better...but since she doesn't have a choice, she'll deal as best she can. While everyone at the camp has their own quirky personality or traits, she soon finds herself getting along pretty well with several of the kids. While not everything is perfect, and the campfire tales surrounding the Jersey Devil and creepy thoughts, nothing really goes wrong until the see strange lights during a walk through the woods. The real Jersey Devil appears, and the creature isn't exactly what they expected, especially since it claims that they are the key to overcoming a dark evil.

This is a quick-paced read for spook fans, especially those who enjoy a good camp story.  The camp has many usual traits (kids facing various problems, odd counselors, mysterious places), which make it easy to sink into before taking off in a fairly unique direction. There isn't as much drama as some camp stories hold, and for that, I'm grateful. This group has enough to go up against, anyway. While there still are some personal issues to add character depth and a few messages, these don't threaten to take over the more general plot. Instead, the hidden shadows, secrets, and approaching danger keep these pages turning.

The addition of the Jersey Devil adds a nice local legend aspect, which was a nice touch. Just when it seemed that this might be heading in that sort of spooky direction, it takes an unexpected turn. Not only does this give the a unique touch, but it keeps readers guessing. There are spooky moments and scenes with higher tension, but it doesn't head into the extreme, either. This feeds more into delicious creepiness as new friends do their best to figure out what is going on. 

It's an enjoyable read with a touch of fantasy, a little imagination, and a creepy tone to delight fans of paranormal, monsters, and mystery.

The Unfinished by Cheryl Isaacs

Today's read just hit the shelves a few days ago, just in time for the upcoming Halloween season. I'm not usually a huge fan of horror, but this one promises to slide a little more into the legend and myth direction while incorporating indigenous aspects. So, I figure it's definitely worth a peek.

Let's see how it did!

THE UNFINISHED

by Cheryl Isaacs

Heartdrum

YA Horror

336 pages

In this debut YA horror novel by Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk), small-town athlete Avery is haunted by the black water and Unfinished beings of Kanyen’kehá:ka stories and must turn to the culture she hasn’t felt connected to in order to save her town.

The black water has been waiting. Watching. Hungry for the souls it needs to survive.

When small-town athlete Avery’s morning run leads her to a strange pond in the middle of the forest, she awakens a horror the townspeople of Crook’s Falls have long forgotten.

Avery can smell the water, see it flooding everywhere; she thinks she’s losing her mind. And as the black water haunts Avery—taking a new form each time—people in town begin to go missing.

Though Avery had heard whispers of monsters from her Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) relatives, she’s never really connected to her Indigenous culture or understood the stories. But the Elders she has distanced herself from now may have the answers she needs.

When Key, her best friend and longtime crush, is the next to disappear, Avery is faced with a choice: listen to the Kanyen’kehá:ka and save the town but lose her friend forever…or listen to her heart and risk everything to get Key back.

In her stunning debut, Cheryl Isaacs pulls the reader down into an unsettling tale of monsters, mystery, and secrets that refuse to stay submerged.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Dark secrets, sinister legends, and the call of Indigenous cultures gives depth and lays a wonderful foundation for evil to haunt before unleashing its deadly intentions.

Avery loves to run, and as most serious athletes, takes her training seriously. During one morning run down one of her more favorite paths through nature, she follows the voice in her head to take a slightly different path. And this is a mistake. She discovers a dark pond and unwillingly releases an ancient evil onto the town. When the boy she's always adored disappears along with others in the town, she knows it's time to step up and embrace her indigenous culture, despite her desire to ignore it before. The stories of her relatives hold the key to saving the town, and she's determined to stop the monster no matter what the cost.

Starting  on the very first page, this tale dives head-first into tension. The dark forest fits Avery's own emotions and mood, and sets the perfect scene to set off the story. It was a bit confusing, at first, with the thoughts playing around in her head, but the entire uncertainty in that beginning scene matches with Avery's own life as the secrets begin to come to light. These continue to unfold bit by bit, as the tension and danger mount. All along we learn more about Avery's own struggles and life. This creates an enticing weave, which lures in and allows the eeriness to sink in its claws. The legends add depth and richness, while never threatening to overshadow the chills and thrills. Even the monsterly evil is more of a lurking danger, which doesn't poke out its head unless necessary. The constant unease raises tension and adds a dangerous whisper in the shadows to let unrest grow.

This isn't a fast-paced read from beginning to end but takes time to ease down as necessary to allow Avery, those around her, and the surroundings to gain more depth. It's also not a slam-it-in-your-face horror, but rather, gives secrets room to work their magic and the horror the lovely space to taunt with deadly promise. 

In other words, it's worth a peek for paranormal horror fans and works especially well for the upcoming, spooky season.

 

Will's Adventure to the Candy Mountain by Dr. Gerry Haller

Today's read made me smile the moment I saw the title. Not because I have an over-active sweet tooth (which I do!), but it reminded me of camping with my family when I was young. We sang a lot, especially when sitting in the car for longer drives. I had quite a few brothers and sisters, and nothing seems to keep a load of kids content like singing (my parents were wise enough to know that). Every now and then (not often), we'd sing the refrain from Big Rocky Candy Mountain by Burl Ives. This was especially necessary when our camping trips would head towards Utah, since Big Rock Candy Mountain was always visible on the map. I can't recall ever camping there and don't believe we ever even stopped there, but I know I dreamed we would. In my little brain, there had to be candy there somewhere. 

WILL'S ADVENTURE TO THE CANDY MOUNTAIN

by Dr. Gerry Haller

Illustrated by YM Cho

Westwood Books Publishing

Children's Fiction

ages 4 to 10

64 pages

Will's Adventure to the Candy Mountain" by Dr. Gerry Haller is a delightful journey that captivates young readers with its vibrant illustrations and engaging storyline. Will, a curious and brave young boy, embarks on an exciting quest to find the legendary Candy Mountain. Along the way, he encounters whimsical characters and overcomes playful challenges, each teaching valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance. Dr. Haller's storytelling is both enchanting and educational, making it a perfect read for children. The book's charm lies in its ability to transport readers into a world of imagination and wonder, leaving them eagerly turning pages until the very end.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With delicious fantasy, these pages lead readers on a sweet adventure, where imagination soars.

Every night, Will's mother tells him a bedtime story and one of his favorites surrounds a candy mountain...how he wishes it were real! When a train conductor appears next to his bed in the middle of the night and invites him aboard a train, which goes there, he can't believe it's true. He soon finds a friends on the train, and when they arrive, each child receives a basket to collect whatever treats they want. The only stipulation is that they must return by a certain time or might be left behind. But there is more than enough time for Will to explore the terrain and discover his favorite sweets.

The beginning of this read gave me slight Polar Express vibes, which whispered promises of tons of magical fantasy to come. It begins with a warming scene of Will's mother telling him a bedtime story before opening up to the fantastical conductor and train. It gives the reader a little time to sink into the characters and situation before the amazing candy mountain scenes take over. After that, it's fun pure as Will and his friend head from one scene to the next to discover all sorts of various characters and treats. The ending holds a tiny bit of suspense, but it's very slight to keep calming tones high and invite to dreams. I was expecting a bit more of a plot twist, but also appreciate that the imagination and fun remained key in this tale.

Readers, who are sure of their words but still practicing hard, will be able to sink into this one without much trouble. The text helps to improve skills and vocabulary, while keeping the enjoyment running along. It's an exciting world, which invites in...because what child doesn't dream of finding a mountain of treats? The illustrations are done on a my personal level and invite in with their simple charm, while adding a nice touch to the fantasy. 

This makes a nice read-aloud as well.

And here she is...

Author Dr. Gerry Haller is an accomplished educator having received many awards in the teaching, curriculum and administrative fields. Some of these awards include being recognized for The Golden Apple, The Carnegie Foundation for her teaching in the Inner City of Chicago and receiving the Phi Delta Kappa Award for being outstanding Principal of the Year. Dr. Haller received Primary, Gifted and Art Degrees form Bradley University, a Master’s in Administration from Augustana, and Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. She is a gifted public speaker having presented at conferences from London to the U.S. and has taught principals, teachers and children throughout her career. Dr. Haller is also a proud mother and grandmother.