The Smell of Wet Dog by Barney Saltzberg

While my son is away for training (it's amazing how often the Army has trainings and such!), we've been taking care of his dog. With our dog, that makes two, and they definitely double-dog life in every way. So, today's read had me smiling. Now, I'm not always a huge poetry fan but do have my favorites and enjoy them every-now-and-then. 

Let's see how this one goes!

 

THE SMELL OF WET DOG

And Other Poems and Drawings

by Barney Saltzberg

Neal Porter Books

Children's Poetry

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

Equal parts heart-melting and stinky, The Smell of Wet Dog is a must-have illustrated poetry book for every young canine fan.

The smell of wet dog is not a good smell.
When a dog is wet it’s easy to tell.
Imagine moose and skunk perfume.
An odiferous stench, a paint-peeling plume.

Beloved author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg offers up twenty-seven poems on the evergreen topic of human’s best friend. Many have all the humor of a Shel Silverstein classic. Others are unexpectedly poignant, about separation anxiety or older dogs growing less spry. All are accompanied by Saltzberg’s lively and loveable artwork. 

Whether you are a dog lover, love a dog lover, or are simply dog-curious, The Smell of Wet Dog is for someone in your life. One thing’s for You’ll leave this book inspired to write an ode to a furry friend of your own!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON  /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Keeping things light and fun but with a sigh-worthy string of truth, these poems will have dog fans smiling, nodding, snorting, and gazing over at their favorite pup.

This is a collection of poems surrounding dogs and all of their wonderful (and not so wonderful) attributes. The poems stick to a light, humorous tone and flow very nicely. Some are written from a dog's perspective (with a little imagination, obviously), and others are from a human's perspective. Each one is accompanied by a fitting, simple illustration of a dog to round off the atmosphere.

From the first poem on, a smile was plastered on my face. So many small attributes of dogs are  touched upon and the truth ringing behind them is one dog-knowers will appreciate. Yet, the poems are very well suited for this younger reading level...and they'll catch the silliness and meaning too. It makes each poem go by easily and enjoyably. Several are sure to become favorites to read again and again.

This book not only makes a lovely read-aloud for group settings but also works nicely for cuddling up in a chair with and enjoying. Those readers, who have a pretty good grip on words can grab it up on their own. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself reading some of these to your own dog, too. Oh, and the last poem adds a cute twist!

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Today's read is one I was hoping to get to last month and just didn't make it. Which means I have something to look forward to! I do enjoy a good spy thriller, and this one should be just that. It's not a new read but has been around since last year. It has been getting great reviews and has even been nominated as a Goodreads Choice book, and I believe I heard whispers of this one turning into a movie?  So, my expectations are high. Plus, tomorrow...

Yep, tomorrow!

...the second book in the series releases!!!

Let that Mission Impossible music start playing in your head because off we go!

THIEVE'S GAMBIT

by Kayvion Lewis

Nancy Paulsen Books

YA Thriller

384 pages

The Inheritance Games meets Ocean's Eleven in this cinematic heist thriller where a cutthroat competition brings together the world's best thieves and one thief is playing for the highest stakes of all: her mother's life.

At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother's life hanging in the balance.

In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves' Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn't exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world--a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined.

Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn't Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Never a dull moment as high-stakes, twisted surprises, and secrets rush in from every side.

Ross is a master thief, one of the best of the best, and she's only seventeen. But that's not a surprise considering she comes from a line of well-known thieves and has known nothing else her entire life as her mother incorporates her into every job as long as Ross can remember. It's a fine life except that Ross has absolutely no friends. Trust isn't something anyone in the family can afford. Still, Ross has dreams at being normal...at least, a bit...and wants to attend college or something. Not that her mom will listen. When a weird email invites her to the Thieves Gambit, Ross' aunt makes it clear that this isn't a 'good' contest of thieves, and Ross listens. That is, until her mother is kidnapped and she has no choice but to enter a very dangerous game.

Anyone who enjoys high-tension tales such as Ocean's Eleven is in for a treat with this read. It's an edge-of-your-seat type of read and can be read in one go if time allows. It's very hard to put down and packs all sorts of action, dangerous situations, secrets, and more. So, action and mystery fans can find tons to enjoy in these pages.

And there's heart as well as character development. Ross is understandably ready to see more of the world and life, although she does adore her family. Her dedication and love is inspiring and wholesome as are the relationships in the family...not that they're perfect, and that makes it more enjoyable. Ross also has trust issues, which is more than understandable, and it's this aspect which creates a well-formed arc to connect with her, root for her, hurt with her, and cheer with her until the end. There's also romance, but this was a could-leave-or-take one and doesn't carry the story. It does add an extra twist and works well in the character arc, but Ross already has her hands more than full with everything else. I'm curious to see which direction this aspect takes in the rest of the series.

The author also manages to pack in more than a few very unexpected surprises, and this was a nice treat. Especially the end adds a stab to the gut out of the dark, which rings in expectations on the next book. Luckily, it's about to hit the market, too.

And here she is...

Kayvion Lewis is a young adult author of all things escapist and high-octane. A former youth services librarian, she’s been working with young readers and kidlit since she was sixteen. When she’s not writing, she’s breaking out of escape rooms, jumping out of airplanes, and occasionally running away to mountain retreats to study kung fu. Though she’s originally from Louisiana, and often visits her family in The Bahamas, these days you can find her in New York—at least until she takes off on her next adventure.

 

Pro Gamers Guide to Healthy Habits! by Brian Saviano

Any young gamers out there? Stupid questions, right? I bet there's more than a few of them who would love to become pro gamers one day, too. My own kids always thought it'd be fun to be commentators on Youtube...but it was only one of their many dreams. 

Today's read is for all of those pro-gamer-hopefuls out there and should not only offer encouraging words as they work hard to meet their goal but will give a few tips on how to keep their minds and bodies at the ready. While I have no doubt that this is a very important theme (that's why I'm taking a peek), I'm really hoping it doesn't ruin the gaming fun and head in a preachy or boring direction...because future pro gamers are ready for excitement and, for all things, gaming.

So, let's see how this one flows!

PRO GAMERS GUIDE TO HEALTHY HABITS!

by Brian Saviano

Illustrated by Kevin Hinkle

Mascot Kids

Picture Book

ages 5 to 8

Do you know what it takes to move your gaming skills to the next level? Should you have sugary snacks and energy drinks, or practice endlessly? No way! The real path to success is by leading a healthy lifestyle.

Join Brian on his journey to become a pro gamer! With proper hygiene, hydration, and help from his parrot pal Pauly, Brian will conquer every obstacle in his path toward gaming greatness.

This story explores themes of self-care and generosity for a digitally-driven generation. An instant classic for any game room!

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Bright illustrations mix with gaming happiness to encourage young readers to achieve their pro-gaming dreams while steering away from bad habits, which might actually ruin their hopes in the future.

This book fits the younger audience level nicely. The pictures take on a blocky world (a bit reminiscent of Minecraft), while adding enough rounder elements and styles to open up in other directions, too. There is only a line or two of text on each page, and while readers who have a good grip on their words can tackle it, it also works nicely for a read-aloud. 

The whole thing is set in a gaming-style world to keep the theme up-front and fun. It starts with  energy and enthusiasm, and—what I especially enjoyed—supports the reader without a smidgen of doubt in their pro-gamer dreams. It offers encouragement and never even hints at the idea that the reader can't achieve this high goal. Then, it slides in several habits gamers often have, which aren't really as helpful as they might seem (playing until early morning hours, bad hygiene, forgetting friends, unhealthy snacks, etc.) and shows how healthier habits lead to more energy, a better attitude, and more gaming readiness. 

There is an obvious message in these pages, but thanks to the main character and way these habits filter somewhat into the story, it's remains an entertaining and supportive read the entire way through. 

And here he is...

Brian Saviano is a full-time content creator known as “Bricks ‘O’ Brian.” Through his gaming videos, podcasts, livestreams, and books, he positively engages audiences of all ages. He loves to share meaningful and funny life stories with his fans. His favorite game is “Paper Mario the Thousand-Year Door” on Nintendo Switch

Happy Almost-Book Birthday, Fortune's Kiss by Amber Clement!

It's not quite release day, but it's pretty close (3 days!). Since I love shouting out book birthdays and celebrating, I consider that close enough.

Today's read grabbed my attention the second I read the blurb; it sounds so exciting! The cover, actually, had me unsure what to think. I think because of the circus-y, mummy, and fortune-teller flair...an odd combo but should fit to the book by the sounds of it. I'm always ready for surprises and have a feeling this one will hold more than a few. Hopefully, they're good ones!

(Note: After reading this, I'm adding it to my favorite of the year list. I couldn't put it down, and that's enough for me)

FORTUNE'S KISS

by Amber Clement

Union Square & Co

YA Fantasy

368 pages

RELEASE DAY...

NOVEMBER 12TH!!!

The legendary Fortune’s Kiss has returned to Ciudad Milagro for the first time in ten years. The magical gambling house shows up twice a year in a new city during the solstices to lure those worthy enough to wager their souls for wealth, the realization of their greatest desires, and, even, immortality.

Known by many names throughout the years, it returns to Milagro as El Beso de la Fortuna . . . and the game is Lotería. And best friends Mayté Robles and Lorena (Lo) de León are determined to change their lives, escape the dangerous men who threaten them, and gain riches.

Mayté, the sole daughter of the disgraced Robles family, wishes to leave her family and become a successful painter, while Lo suffers at the hands of her powerful and abusive father and seeks to find her mother, who escaped to Fortune’s Kiss years ago but never returned.

When Fortune’s Kiss finally returns to their city, the pair follow on their childhood blood pact to enter the gaming salon. But once inside, Mayté and Lo quickly realize that beneath the marvelous glamour, the salon is hiding dangerous secrets and the house always wins. And the game of Lotería is not the children’s game they grew up playing—it is a deadly lottery of chance.

With the help of a young, handsome croupier, the girls embark on a mission to unravel the mystery of the salon’s magic, find Lo’s mother, and try to win a nearly impossible game as their friendship is put under the greatest of tests.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Fate and fortune intertwine in a dangerous game of chance, where the stakes are higher than death and the weight the players bring with them is immeasurable.

Mayte and Loteria have been best friends forever. Mayte's family may have plummeted from their high position in society to the lower levels, but Loteria's holds their own dark secrets. Both girls suffer, which is one reason they swore long ago to wager their very souls if Fortune's Kiss ever reappeared in their city. The mysterious gaming salon only appears twice a year and always in a new place. The winner will have any wish granted, while all others are never seen again. So when the salon appears, Mayte and Loteria decide to hold their oath and see if they are picked to join the game. Both feel they have nothing to lose, but Fortune's Kiss reveals even the most hidden secrets...and these are more than either girl could have ever known.

The historic atmosphere of this novel lays a fitting scene for this tale, while adding a dusting of magic to create a rich world. Both Mayte's and Loteria's circumstances are brought to light, packed with emotions and pain to draw sympathy. Neither has it easy, and both in very different ways. The reader gains a good understanding of both before they turn to Fortune's Kiss...and the reasons behind their decision to wager everything is more than understandable. The tale switches back and forth between the two girl's perspectives, and during their time in Fortune's Kiss, their real souls and intentions are laid bare. Neither is perfect, and the author demonstrates how pain and experience weave in thorns and scars to warp good intentions. At times, it did seem like both girls were a bit distanced from the reader, but in general, both are easy to root for...even if this is a rollercoaster, at times.

The darker corners of the human soul are examined in these pages and show how even the purest wish might not be as glowing as it first appears. People are even good at fooling themselves. But there's a sense of hope, selfishness, and true friendship to keep a ray of hope even in darker moments. Considering the violence and cruelty, at times, the rays are needed. 

This does hold a few triggers surrounding drugs, family violence, alcoholism, a tad bit of gore, and nods toward human trafficking (although this last one is very light). All of this weaves into the tale well to work its purpose and bring across the messages without drudging deeper than necessary. 

It creates a grabbing read, where the next twist is hard to see coming and nothing is as it first appears. 

Wonder & Awe by Annie Herzig

Snow? Not yet. But our household is dreaming!

WONDER & AWE

by Annie Herzig

Paula Wiseman 

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

This enchanting debut picture book tells the story of two friends—a girl and a snowwoman—who help each other see the beauty and wonder in the world around them.

One magical morning, a little girl makes a new snow friend. She calls her Wonder. Everything is new to Wonder, and they spend many enchanting days together. But as winter turns to spring, Wonder must go. Without her friend, the little girl is sad… Until one day when she rediscovers her sense of wonder.

As the seasons continue to change, the little girl witnesses the beauty all around her and waits for the first magical snow of winter to bring Wonder back home.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

The wonder of snow and the world around us comes across with warming emotions.

A little girl heads out in the winter-white world outside and discovers a living snowwoman. The snowwoman has never seen the world before and finds everything amazing. The little girl loves discovering everything with her. But one day, winter ends and the snowwoman disappears. The little girl is sad, but the world holds more than just one wonder.

The wintery landscapes and fun activities outdoors create an enjoyable atmosphere. While much of the book focuses on Winter, there are other seasons quickly visited before the entire book rounds off to a lovely ending. The friendship between the little girl and the snowwoman is inspiring, and it's easy to sympathize with her when the snowwoman is gone. The author takes the reader through the rollercoaster of emotions from joy to sadness and back, touching the heart and leaving with wholesome goodness.

The read makes a nice story time book and fits the intended age group nicely. The touch of fantasy adds a nice touch and invites to dreams.

And here she is...

Annie Herzig is an author-illustrator who grew up in the awe-inspiring mountains of Colorado. When not making picture books, Annie takes illustrated notes at conferences, goes for long wonder-filled hikes with her sweet dog Honey Pot, and enjoys watching her plant friends grow. Wonder & Awe is her debut picture book. Visit her at AnnieHerzig.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Scare School Diaries: Forest Frights by Jarrett Lerner!

It's time for another book birthday...well, two days ago, but celebrations should last more than one day, right? This one comes from a much-enjoyed author, who has more than a couple books under his belt. And I haven't run into any bad ones yet. So, I'm expecting this one to be fun like the rest of his works. It is the second in the series, and I didn't read the first one. 

Also, I wanted to apologize for not being here yesterday for IWSG. We were hit by a big storm Tuesday carrying 11 inches of rain. It wiped out our road (yep, I'm backpacking out of here, climbing through ravines, and marching through small creeks for 1/2 a mile in each direction. Luckily I left a car parked at the end of the road) and took down about 250 feet of fence. So, I've been a bit busy and will be for a little while longer. I am looking forward to popping in next month again and seeing how everyone is doing!

SCARE SCHOOL DIARIES:

FOREST FRIGHTS

by Jarrett Lerner

Aladdin

Chapter Book Horror

144 pages

ages 5 to 8

Bash the ghost learns to work with trouble-loving vampires in this second book in the sweet and spooky chapter book series by acclaimed author Jarrett Lerner.

At the start of his second session at Scare School, the world’s premiere institution for elementary scare instruction, Bash is feeling a bit more confident and excited about his classes starting up again. But when Vlad and Vicky, the mischievous vampires, join his group project, Bash starts worrying if this mean-spirited duo are going to take a bite out of his good grade!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A monster school with surprises, a touch of adventure, and lots of heart.

Bash can't wait to go back to Scare School, especially since he now knows how fun it can be. Of course, seeing his friends again on the first day is a huge bonus. When classes begin, things take a difficult turn as they're given group projects, and his group has Vlad and Vicky in it. The two vampires aren't exactly his friends, but he's sure it will be fine...until they refuse to show up and help. But that's not his only problem. The project circles around one of the scariest places at the school, and he's not sure he's brave enough to visit it.

This is a fun tale for chapter book fans. Bash is a friendly ghost, who is up against many of the same problems that readers face themselves...just on a monsterly level. It circles around friendship, bravery, and learning to see the reasons behind an individual's actions. The message is clear and can be translated into real life situations (to a certain extent). 

While it does swing along school and friendship problems, it never steers away from fun. The font is large and carries a relaxed atmosphere as all sorts of quirky and surprising moments and details are added in. The characters carry great personality and keep the entertainment factor high. After all, a Scare School does have it's own style. More than a few illustrations sprinkle the pages to add a touch of comic book feel, every now and then, and break up the text.

It's an enjoyable read and is well-set for the age group. It will be exciting to see what adventures Bash will face next.

Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin by R.G. Fraser-Green

Today's read starts to ring in the up-coming holiday season, but should still take on a very original twist. From what I can tell, it centers around a girl who needs to save her younger sister from goblins, who only come to the surface during the twelve days following Christmas and steal children. I'm hoping for a hint of darkness without overpowering the pleasant atmosphere surrounding the holidays. If it maintains the balance, it could be a lovely read.

Let's see how it does!

FOTINOULA AND THE CHRISTMAS GOBLIN

by R.G. Fraser-Green

Fota Press

Middle Grade Fantasy

182 pages

 ages 9 to 12

A thrilling battle of wits between girl and goblin in snow covered Athens...

‘Never forget how devious a Kallikantzaros can be. It will try to snatch Mirtoula. It will keep trying until it has her. And if it succeeds you’ll never see your sister again.’

11-year old Fotinoula doesn’t believe her grandfather when he warns her about the Christmas goblins. After all, the Kallikantzaroi were just an old Greek myth. Creatures with blood-red eyes didn’t really climb up from the underworld during the Twelve Days of Christmas to steal little children, and certainly not in a busy city like Athens.

But Fotinoula soon discovers that some folktales have more truth to them than others. With her father away at sea and only an old book for guidance, she must summon up all her courage and problem-solving skills to save her little sister from one of these hideous creatures. In the process she comes to realise just how much her sister means to her.

This touching story weaves together Greek customs, music, food and history to bring alive a fascinating culture and a rather creepy festive folktale.

A great story for 9-12 year olds or any lover of a scary story with heart.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     BOOKS-A-MILLION

MY TIDBITS

This read takes a different twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas, wrapping a bit of darkness and magic into an unique, holiday read.

Fotinoula isn't sure whether to believe her grandfather's tales about the Kallikantzaroi or not. Her mother doesn't believe in the old Greek myth about the goblins, but her grandfather insists they are true and wants to make sure she keeps her promise to her father, who is out at sea. But Fotinoula's not sure the promise is really that important. After all, it means keeping an eye on her four-year-old sister and making sure she doesn't fall into the goblins' hands during the Twelve Days of Christmas. But when her sister falls prey to the horrible creatures, she has no choice but to believe and try her best to save her.

This isn't like the usual Christmas story found during the holidays but heads toward Greece and a myth I had not heard of before. It centers around creatures called the Kallikantzaroi, which live in the underworld and only come to the surface during the Twelve Days of Christmas to cause mischief and steal children. The basics of the myth are laid out in the first chapters through the grandfather's explanations, which hit in heavier dialogue. It lays a solid foundation and also allows the reader to get a sense for Fotinoula and her family, especially since it keeps a calm pacing, at first. There's a warming relationship between these characters, although these aren't always perfect, either. This is especially clear in Fotinoula's relationship with her younger sister as she finds her frustrating, at times. But then, this also sets the stage for the sibling goodness in these pages.

Greek myth and culture come to light as the tale unfolds. These aspects slide in naturally around the rest of the story. It's a nice way to broaden readers' horizons while learning more about the world, in general. While incorporating light and enjoyable traditions, the tale does hold a darker tone as Fotinoula has to save her sister from the very evil goblins, but it stays very age appropriate the entire way through. 

It makes a lovely read-aloud for those nightly reading sessions, especially since some of the traditions and parts of the myth might lead to a little discussion. It also would work nicely for anyone wanting to take a look at some lesser known Greek myths and learn a little more about the culture in an enjoyable way. 

Volcanoes for Kids by Samuel John

 Today's read is one from an entire series of nonfiction reads for young readers. I haven't read any of the other books, but they cover a range of topics: dinosaurs, water cycle, solar system, and many more. It's a light book, short and sweet. So, I'm curious to see how it handles the information.

Let's take a look!

VOLCANOES FOR KIDS

Educational Science Book for Learning About Volcanoes

by Samuel John

Picture Book

ages 2 to 6

Is your son/daughter always curious about volcanoes and other related earth movements and you wish to help him/her learn more in a fun and exciting child-friendly way that will make them grasp all the important stuff about volcanoes?

And are you looking for a guide that will make the whole learning experience memorable and exciting – in a way that ensures they want to keep learning?

If you’ve answered YES,

Let this book help your son/daughter understand volcanoes seamlessly, like the back of their hand! Volcanoes can be a bit boring to understand when you read about them from boring text. That’s why most people struggle to remember the different terms used to describe different components of volcanic activity.

This book seeks to ensure your child doesn’t struggle to understand volcanoes, with page after page of perfect illustrations depicting everything you need to know about volcanoes.

I know you might be wondering…

Is this book made for a specific age group?

Not really! If your child loves volcanoes or wants to learn about them at any age, this book is for them.

Stuff to do with magma and molten rocks can be hard to understand. Just how kid-friendly is the book?

Don’t worry; there’s no complex stuff here. We keep it light and the book only includes the essential, basic facts about volcanoes. You can also learn a thing or two from the book!

Indeed, this is a perfect child/beginner friendly book about volcanoes that will leave them feeling confident about their knowledge of volcanoes without having to understand complex concepts!

More precisely, this book Basic facts about volcanoes and accompanying illustrationsThe whole book is written in an easy to understand and engaging toneThe book is colorful and each page has a unique illustration that further explains volcanoesThe book starts from the basics and works its way to the more complicated stuff (not too complicated, I promise)And so much more!🔊Includes Downloadable Audio🎧
Enhance your reading experience! This book comes with downloadable audio. Perfect for engaging young readers and sparking their imagination.

🎁And also INCLUDES 4 BONUS🎁 (By download link)

Bonus #1 - Free ebook "The The Steadfast Tin Soldier"

Bonus #2 - 19 Printable Halloween Coloring Pages

Bonus #3 - 50 Printable Mazes With Solutions

Bonus #4 - Free ebook With Sample Pages

So even if your child really struggles to understand volcanoes or they actually don’t even know they exist, by the end of this book, they will be able to tell you what volcanoes are and how exactly they work!

No, really, make sure you ask them after they are done and watch the magic unfold!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

The science behind volcanoes hits without complexity, while making it interesting and fun.

This is one of many books in a series, each one covering a different topic in the science realm. The cover already lures in with bright colors and tons of energy. It's hard not to want to join the little adventures on the front right away and go on exploration with them. 

This book starts at the beginning explaining the origin behind the word volcano, and then dives right into what one is, how it forms, and more. The illustrations hold a sense of simplicity, same style as found on the cover, which gives the entire thing a lighter atmosphere. The text follows this trend with a large, decorative font and only a couple lines or so on each page. This creates, again, a very simple atmosphere. The information and vocabulary, however, aren't quite as basic as the images and text might, at first glance, suggest.

The author dives into the workings of a volcano, sticking to this basic flow while working in the foundational concepts and vocabulary. The reader will not only know the workings of magna, lava, and basic volcanic inner workings but also learns a couple extra details. It's never overly in-depth, since this is all tucked into the short one or two sentences, and still, young readers get a good base knowledge on the subject. 

To add a little more fun, there is a downloadable audio link included as well as a link to several freebie activities. It's a nice addition for classrooms with younger students as well as useful for homeschoolers.

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri

Today's read caught my attention thanks to the cover. Anyone else ready to grab a sword and shield, and head into adventure? This one is a picture book, which I was glad to see, since this high-fantasy usually starts first with slightly older readers. Now, there is a purpose to this read, and that kept my excitement a little more at bay. This book handles the loss of a parent and grief. I'm always very skeptical about these sorts of 'help' books and really, really, really hope it doesn't damper the tale.

So, pack those bags because we're going on a journey!

(Note: This was so well done that I'm adding it to my possible favorites of the year list)

DRAWN ONWARD

by Daniel Nayeri

Illustrated by Matt Rockefeller

HarperAlley

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

In this enthralling and emotional palindrome picture book by Daniel Nayeri and Matt Rockefeller, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother embarks on a lushly fantastical adventure that illuminates what remains when our loved ones are gone.

All alone

He was not so brave…

His heart needed to know

The answer.

This lyrical, heartfelt story a young boy who’s lost all hope braves the dark forest to ask, “Mom, were you glad you were mom?” Gorgeously illustrated, Drawn Onward gently guides readers through the depths of grief and provides comfort and hope to those who seek answers when it feels like all is lost.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

These illustrations capture the imagination and lead on a fantastical journey to delight the adventurer and encourage the soul.

A boy feels lost after the death of his mother and wanders into the forest, deeper than he should go. From there a grabbing, graphic adventure begins, which draws into a world of wonder.

This book is an illustrative delight. There is some text but just enough to set the stage and add needed highlights here and there to guide the tale through. The rest is a visual quest, which takes the boy on a rich journey of discovery, surprises, tension, and growth. The details are imaginative and awaken fascination. While the main thread of the boy's journey is clear, there's quite a bit of room for each reader to notice different moments and take everything in on a more personal direction. In other words, each reader will have subtle differences in how they see the boy's journey. Even visiting these images time and again will lead to new discoveries and let dreams fly each time. It flows a bit like a graphic novel with smaller panels overlayed on the main one...like a picture book hugging the graphic novel form. This keeps the tension high the entire way through.

While this book does handle grief, it is subtle. The reader needs to read a little between the lines, but it's still clear what the boy's problem is. While the first scene gives a basic impression of the relationship and worries the boy and his father have, the rest bounds into discovery and danger, keeping uncertainty close. This changes more toward the end into amazement with new-found understanding.  The grief theme slides through as a very gentle side to the rich fantasy, drawing more meaning toward the end to wrap off with a final sense of hope.

These graphics are enjoyable for even adults to gaze through, and the meaning behind them carries enough depth to have this oldest age group thinking. I'm not sure the youngest end of the intended age group will catch much more than the basic message, since there is quite a bit of visual symbolism going on, but the older end of the intended reader level will be able to sink into the moment. It's masterfully woven and glides through the theme with wisdom and never a sense of preachy purpose.

And here they are...

Daniel Nayeri likes to read things backward even when it doesn't make sense to do so. He is the author of Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story), winner of the Printz Award, the Christopher Medal, and the Middle Eastern Book Award. He loves letter-unit palindromes, like "toot" and "God's dog," and word-unit palindromes, like "Never say never" and "Fall leaves after leaves fall," and if he didn't say how much he likes and loves his wife and son, he wouldn't be Daniel Nayeri. 

Matt Rockefeller is a visual storyteller inspired by adventuring in the mountains, interpretive dancing with friends, and pondering the many wonders of the universe. In addition to drawing and writing comics, he creates artwork for TV and film animation. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his family including a little dog that may or may not be a fox.

Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

 Today's read should hold tons of energy, chaos, and silliness. In other words, I'm really looking forward to diving into this one. So, without further babbling, let's join in on this adventure.

BUNNIES ON THE BUX

by Philip Ardagh

Illustrated by Ben Mantle

Candlewick Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

A romping, riotous read-aloud from best-selling author Philip Ardagh and award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle.

Bunnies on the bus!
Bunnies on the bus!
No wonder there’s a fuss
about the bunnies on the bus!

There are bunnies on the bus, and they’re causing mayhem in Sunny Town! Watch as they whiz past the bus stop, fly by the swings, and zoom over the crosswalk — these bunnies aren’t stopping for anyone. They finally reach the station, but where are they hopping off to now? Uh-oh . . . Acclaimed author Philip Ardagh’s rhyming, high-energy text and “Bunnies on the bus!” refrain is ideal for library or classroom read-alouds, and Ben Mantle’s colorful illustrations are chock-full of zany details perfect for repeat reads.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Chaos and silliness hit with adorable bunnies and tons of energy.

The streets of Sunny Town are definitely not safe, not when the bunnies are on the bus. Each one is a ball of energy, and there are quite a few of them on the journey to the train. The bus zips down the road, swerving, speeding, and causing all sorts of trouble and near mishaps. When the bus finally stops and the bunnies get off, the town can release a sigh of relief. But that was only the first leg of the journey. Next, comes the train, and no one knows what chaos will ensue now.

This is a book with the sole purpose to bring giggles and create smiles. These bunnies are very excited and can't sit still. But they aren't mean in any way. It's the bus driver, racing through the streets and creating all sorts of near misses, which is causing the biggest issue. It's hard not to gasp and giggle with wide eyes at every turn of the page. 

The rhyme flows almost like a children's song, making it a lovely read-aloud, which with a few readings, will have young listeners joining in themselves. The illustrations are what creates the silliness, though. These hold many details, which invites readers to flip through them and search every scene again and again.

And here they are...

Philip Ardagh is a prolific writer who has been published in forty languages. His titles include the best-selling Eddie Dickens trilogy; High in the Clouds, cowritten with Paul McCartney and Geoff Dunbar; and Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He lives in Kent, England.

Ben Mantle worked in animation, including on Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, before turning to children’s illustration. The illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman and many other picture books, he is also the author-illustrator of the Dinostars series as well as The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! Ben Mantle lives in Brighton, England.

Happy Book Birthday, Young Grandmaster Choi II by Shequeta Smith!

I'm going to shout this book birthday out a little early (it hits the shelves on the 5th) and am looking forward to diving into Rayven's second adventure. I did read the first one in the series (amazing, right?).
So, I have a pretty good idea where this might be heading and am looking forward to it. 

Let's see if Rayven is able to overcome whatever this book might hold!

YOUNG GRANDMASTER CHOI II

by Shequeta Smith

Shero Comics

Middle Grade Graphic Novel

ages 7 to 12

After earning her yellow belt in Hapkido, Rayven is chosen to do a short stick solo at the upcoming Cultural Festival in Seoul. Rayven is excited about her good fortune until a jealous classmate bullies her for not being Korean. Rayven loses confidence in herself until she attends the Cultural Festival and finds a bit of Korean history that directly connects to her African American heritage.

GOODREADS

 MY TIDBITS

Rayven has earned her yellow belt in Hapkido and has been chosen to do a stick solo at the next event. She's already nervous , but when a girl at school insists that, as an African American, Rayven can never be a true part of the Korean culture, Rayven feels uncertain. This soon affects her practice. Her family and friends insist that the girl is only jealous, but Rayven isn't so sure there isn't some truth to her words.

This is the second book in the series, but it's no problem to dive right into this one. Rayven is trying to find her place in Korean, now that she's moved from the the US. Especially the food is throwing her for a loop, and readers will feel for her as there isn't even pizza available. She has a lovely friend group, which offers support, too. When the bullying comes in, this is only for a few frames twice. It hits with the needed potency but pulls back before overwhelming. Still, it's just enough to leave the needed impression. There's a clever twist to bring everything together, and Rayven grows as a person and character in inspiring ways. She's easy to connect with and root for.

The illustrations offer enough details to make each situation clear and even bring across the Korean culture. They are colorful and work well with the speech bubbles. The text carries the story in the speech bubbles, which are fitting to the age group.

While the main message comes across clearly, and Rayven is obviously a character, who will experience many more small adventures, there is also quite a bit about the Korean culture. Readers learn various aspects about the people, habits, and country, which will have them seeing Korea differently. It will be fun to see what Rayven will deal with next.

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Over in the Meadow by Chandler Strange

Today's read rings in more of a spring feel, when I look at the cover...and I do love the flowers! We are now in November, and Winter should be showing its head. But it's not. Yesterday was finally a little cooler than 80 degrees and the forecast does show upper 60s/low 70s for the next week, but still. Where are my cold temperatures? I haven't even had a reason to stoke the fireplace yet. So sad.

Anyway, I have had thoughts of planting spring bulbs (normally would be too late) and see this cover as inspiration. I'm also hoping that the read is full of energy and warmth. And a little fun. Let's peek inside and see if it's one to grab up!

OVER IN THE MEADOW

by Chandler Strange

Forward by Celestia Loeffler French

Picture Book

57 pages

ages 4 to 8

Over in the Meadow is a popular traditional rhyme that has been loved, celebrated, and sung many times since its original release in 1870.This rendition honors the love and wisdom mothers share with their young in a modern light. It is a celebration of all mothers, children, families, and our collective meadow, our great Mother Earth, and will be loved by all who read it, for generations to come.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    AUTHOR

MY TIDBITS

The wonder of nature comes to life and invites to exploration outdoors.

From the very first page, a calming atmosphere hits while the vibrance of nature flows in bright display. The illustrations are lovely and bring across each scene with detail, while still holding a simple lean and not bogging down with too many extras. It's enjoyable to flip through these and sink into the mix of colors and variety of life as the personality of each animal shines.

Each two-page spread holds a few lines of playful rhyme, which flow extremely well and add a whimsical tone without breaking the spell of the illustrations. They follow a numerical direction, starting with one and heading all the way up to ten. So, there's a little number practice involved as well. The entire thing fits very nicely to the younger age group and puts a smile on the face. 

To add another layer of goodness, each animal is highlighted at the end of the read with a short summary of information and facts. This will especially delight animal fans.

The entire thing is a wholesome read, packed with goodness on many levels.

And here she is...

Chandler Strange studied Fine Art and Photography at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, she finisher her undergraduate degree at Fordham University with a major in Art History and a minor in Theology. She studied old master drawing techniques at the Grand Central Studio. She worked at the Delorenzo Gallery on Madison Avenue, a gallery that specialized in Art Deco and masterpieces of 20th century design, for 10 years. She now has two small children and lives on a trout and flower farm in Durango, Co, where she continues her art career. Her work focuses on flowers, nature, portraits and animal life, mostly in water color and pencil, she also is a children’s book illustrator.

https://www.chandlerstrange.com