Happy Book Birthday, I'm a Dumbo Octopus! be Anne Lambelet!

I need to apologize. I'd put this up earlier today, got busy, and just received an email telling me that the review had been deleted before posting!!!!! That's what I get for not checking really quick first. I hope everyone can forgive me. And take a peek because this is really a lovely read!

It's time to shout-out another book birthday! This time, I have a graphic novel for the younger end of the middle grade audience. But what caught my attention was that this nonfiction...maybe, more than fiction. We'll see. It's the first in a brand new series, which will introduce various sea creatures, and I'm very excited to see how it goes.

Let's take a peek!

(Note: I'm putting this one on my favorites of 2025 list)

I'M A DUMBO OCTOPUS!

A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods

by Anne Lambelet

Graphic Universe

Middle Grade Fiction

pages 72

ages 7 to 11

COMING MARCH 4th!!!

Meet Grimpy! He’s a dumbo octopus, and he’s taking us on a tour of the whole cephalopod class—underwater creatures such as cuttlefish, nautiluses, octopuses, and squids.

Grimpy knows all about what makes these many-armed marvels so special, like how the coconut octopus uses tools or the cuttlefish talks with color! It seems like every creature has a special ability—except him. When Grimpy gets stuck on everything a dumbo octopus can’t do, the other cephalopods show him why it’s great to be a dumbo.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

The underwater world of cephalopods comes to life with lots to learn, while an adorable character has his own, little adventure to experience along the way.

This book is all about cephalopods, which is much more exciting than a reader might first think. It begins with Grimpy, a cute dumbo octopus, who leaves his darker depths of the ocean to take the reader on a swim, while introducing all sorts of cephalopods along the way. Each one is interesting, and this comes across with excitement as Grimpy happily tells the reader about each and every one. Until he realizes that he's not sure what his special talent is.

This is a cute read and written with the younger end of the middle grade audience in mind. Even stronger chapter book readers will have no problem diving into this read. The adorable dumbo octopus insures a light and enjoyable read. He's cheerful, friendly, and always enthusiastic about each cephalopod he introduces. It's contagious, especially since the variety of creatures is vast. Some change color, others squish through the tiniest space, while others can speed through the water with sudden bursts. I learned more than a few things along the way and was surprised how interesting these creatures are.

Grimpy speaks directly to the reader with a fun tone. The creatures are easy to identify and their specialties are well-illustrated. This is never dry even in the illustrations but lets the life of the ocean come across with energy. While some facts might be familiar, quite a few are eye-opening. And it's easy to understand and sympathize with Grimpy as he notices that none of these talents seem to apply to him. But he has his own surprise for the reader at the end.

It's a great way to introduce readers to sea life, while showing them how exciting it can be. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next books in this series lead.

Up-coming in the series:

Spring 2026: We’re Dwarf Sperm Whales: A Graphic Guide to Cetaceans

2027:  A yet untitled Graphic Guide to Sharks

Steve McEvil and the Twisted Sister by Lucas Turnbloom

Since the next couple of weeks will hold a heavier load of darker reads, I wanted to hit some lighter ones first. Although this one might not be 100% light. Today's read is the 3rd in a series, and nope, I haven't read the first two. But I doubt that will make much of a difference, since these types of books for this audience level can often be grabbed up on their own. 

Anyway, this is a graphic novel with super-villain, scifi twists and should include desolate planets and mischievous sisters. Sounds interesting to me. So, let's take a look.

STEVE L. MCEVIL AND THE TWISTED SISTER

Steve L. McEvil #3

by Lucas Turnbloom

Crown Books for Young Readers

Middle Grade Science Fiction

256 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

MARCH 11th!!!

When a twelve year-old supervillain wannabe and his friends get stranded on a desolate planet, it's up to his younger sister to bring them back to prevent a dangerous intergalactic threat. That is, if she decides to help. Don't miss the last installment of the Steve L. McEvil series!

Move aside Steve, Eve is the new villain in town!

After being sucked into a wormhole, supervillain-in training Steve L. McEvil and his friends find themselves stranded in space! But with their new alien friend Lux, they might just find a way to stop the evil Perses from destroying Earth. If they manage to get home first. 

Back on Earth, Eve is ready to enact her evil plans and finally be seen as the real supervillain in her family. When Gramps comes to her for help, Eve's first instinct is to say no. But the glory of rubbing it in Steve's face might just be enough for Eve to help bring him home in time to stop Perses. 

Steve L. McEvil and The Twister Sister is the hilarious final installment in this humorous superhero series about friendship, standing up for other, and being true to yourself.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Get ready for quite the adventure because these pages pack wormholes, planets, high-tech, evil plans, and tons of sibling rivalry. 

In hopes of saving Earth from the evil Perses, Steve and his friends accidentally get pulled through a wormhole to a far-away planet...well, at least, that's kind of what happened.  They are, after all, super-villains in training. In any case, they are stuck there and might have the chance to stop the alien for good, but they still need to figure out how to return home. The only one who can save them is Steve's little sister Eve, but she has no interest in helping them. She's determined to be the best super-villain of the family, and not only does the 'disappearance' of her brother offer a sudden, bright path to her goal, but she can now freely execute her own evil plan. If her grandfather would leave her alone, that is. But he's determined to make her help Steve...and grandfathers aren't always the easiest to deal with.

This book packs quite a bit of action and runs on two parallel plot lines—Eve's evil plan at home and Steve's survival on the other planet. These switch back and forth nicely to keep confusion at bay and add to the sense of urgency with every switch of the scene. The illustrations pack bold colors and a style, which brings each moment across with energy and power. 

While imagination and adventure overflow from these pages, there's also enough goodness and heart slipped in to make readers smile. The grandfather's concern clashes against his super-villain exterior to add an underlying warmth, which gives wholesome goodness and humor. But then, Steve and his friends aren't far behind with tons of surprises, humorous back-and-forths, and super-villain awesomeness...which may or may not be always very evil. It makes all of them to cheer for. Almost. Eve makes this read interesting. While the usual, sibling rivalry hits a familiar tone, she has a sharp edge, which almost makes her unlikable, at first. But this also opens up a wonderful character arc...and adds plenty of humor to balance the action and her super-villain evilness. 

It's a fun read from beginning to end which is sure to delight action fans, who enjoy a hint of evil (but humor and heart, too) along the way.

And here he is...

Lucas Turnbloom is the award-winning cowriter and illustrator of the Dream Jumper series, Nightmare Escape and Curse of the Harvester, and the creator of the How to Cat and Imagine This comic strips. He and his family make their home in San Diego.

Sneak Peek at Immortal Dark by Shermon Kodi with Giveaway!

Immortal Dark

by Shermon Kodi

YA Fantasy

COMING...

MARCH 10th!!!

The shadows awaken as darkness falls. And these shadows have fangs.

Seventeen-year-old Bexis has survived the frozen streets of Coppejj by trusting no one but herself. With her shadow magic, she’s scraped by as a freelance thief, working for local gang lords and politicians.

But when a routine heist goes horribly wrong, Bexis is branded with ancient magic, making her the target of a bloodthirsty spirit.

Desperate for answers, she turns to an eccentric demon hunter. Together, they uncover a deadly plot by a sinister cabal, threatening to plunge the world into eternal night. As Bexis confronts her haunted past, she faces a grim choice: Embrace the shadows within, or lose everything she holds dear.

To destroy the darkness, she must first become it.

Add to Goodreads

SNEAK PEEK

The job is simple.

Enter the room unseen. Wait for Ajjan to distract the mark—a foreign dignitary from the south. Then acquire her handbag and deliver it to the other side of town.

No blood. No trace.

My employer was very specific about that last bit. It’s common protocol in my line of work, along with an understanding that pay will be docked by half if I’m spotted. If there’s blood, I might not get paid at all. My mark must never know I was here. Personally, I thought I’d outgrown grabbing purses in the night. But it’s an easy job, and I can use the money.

The red night moon casts the world in crimson light as I pull myself onto the third-story balcony of a slummy brothel in the west end. The window is webbed with ice, obscuring my view inside—I can only make out pale blotches of yellow light. There doesn’t seem to be any movement, but I can’t be sure the room is empty. I just have to hope the Blackbones did their job and set everything up.

I give the windowpane a shove, but it doesn’t budge. Damn. The thing hasn’t been opened in months, and it’s frozen shut. For a common thief, a frozen window stymies a job. But I’m no common thief.

I take out my trapper tone pipe, a metal cylinder with a single reed, tuned to one specific note. The reflective surface catches light from the lanterns below, illuminating my name inscribed along the side in big bold letters: BEXIS. It was a gift from my deadbeat father right before he abandoned me. It’s the last thing I have from him, and if it weren’t so damn useful, I’d have tossed it years ago.

I bring the pipe to my lips and blow. The note is inaudible, like a dog whistle, too high for the human ear to hear. But the vibration weaves through the air and seeps into my skin, where it sparks like flint on steel, and a sonorous ember catches deep in my chest. Resonance hums through my body. The ambient darkness around me shimmers with feathered lines of silver that only I can see.

A burst of power shudders through me, and I hold it within my realm of focus, like cupping a candle against a sea wind.

This is resonance trapping—the first step in performing harmonic magic. Mine is the harmony of shadow. Sparking the ember is the easy part. Trapping it is more difficult, but holding it once it’s been trapped? Well, that’s like riding an angry wolverine. If I’m not careful, I might lose control, and people could get hurt. It’s been months since that’s happened, but there’s always a chance the resonance will lash out, sending me into an episode of uncontrollable power.

Resonance quivers through my veins. I reach my hand to the glass, willing the vibration into my fingertips, and the shadows obey. Tendrils of silver swirl across my wrist and through my palm. I touch the windowpane, and the shadows run through it, seeping like oil into the hinges.

The window squeals as ice crumbles around the edges.

I shift my awareness to the space above my head. Resonance purrs in my chest as I weave gossamer strands of silver around me like a cloak. This is my greatest trick. So long as I can hold the resonance and have enough ambient shadow to work with, I can conceal myself from prying eyes. But I can’t maintain it for long; already, I can feel my energy beginning to drain as heaviness settles behind my eyes.

Best be quick now.

I heave the window open and squeeze inside.

And here he is...

Shermon Kodi is a legally blind author who finds inspiration in the quiet knolls of Chittenden County, Vermont, where the long snowy winters drive one to pair wool socks with moccasin slippers and curl up by the furnace with a pot of chamomile tea and a book about monsters in dark places doing dark things. Through his writing, Shermon seeks to explore the resilience of the human spirit, the tenacity of good people faced with hard times, and the relationships that light us up, make our hearts smile, and carry us through every storm.

When he’s not writing, Shermon spends his time thinking about writing.

He knows this is a problem— although, he contends, it’s a good kind of problem to have. Occasionally, he’ll break from his routines and really let go— sleep in till 7 AM, drink tea instead of coffee, read in the mornings, or plug in the ’07 Strat and reminisce about the days when he dreamed of being a rockstar instead of an author.

He’ll be the first to tell you: “No regrets!”

Life is funny like that.

Shermon is the author of Heart of the Valley and Songs of the Rhor, both available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Stay connected on TikTok and Instagram for updates on his latest books, behind-the-scenes insights, and creative content.

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Happy Book Birthday, Game On! Cloud Puppy Book 2 by Kelly Leigh Miller!

Today, it's time to shout-out another book birthday! Yay!!!

This one hits the market tomorrow and is the second in a graphic novel series for chapter book readers. I read the first one...(yep, I did!)...and you can find that review here. It was cute, pretty original, bubbly, funny, and a fun read for the age group. So, I'm glad that I can dive into the second adventure and see what this crew is up to next. It will definitely be original. So, let's take a look!

GAME ON!

Cloud Puppy, Vol. 2

by Kelly Leigh Miller

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Chapter Book  /  Graphic Novel

ages 6 to 9

Cloud Puppy—part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable— explores the immersive world of video games with her friends in this second book in a delightful graphic chapter book series that’s Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball!

Cloud Puppy loves playing Valley of Runes, a cozy farming video game. But when Jack says that his favorite games are better, Cloud Puppy begins to feel badly about the things that she likes…until she learns that Jack has never even played Valley of Runes!

Cloud Puppy challenges her picky pal to a trade to share their favorite games. But Jack has other he thinks it will be fun to surprise Cloud Puppy with a scary simulator. But it’s his first time playing it, too, and it’s more frightening than he thought! Can the friends find a game they both enjoy without getting too spooked?

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Friendship and gaming fun rank high on every page with adorable characters.

Cloud Puppy has a new, favorite video game, but when one of her friends tell her that it's a baby-game, and she should be playing high ranking games, she begins to doubt herself. This even gets worse when another game she plays is mocked, too. Luckily, her family and other friends offer golden support, but just to make sure their advice is leading her on the right path, she challenges this picky friend to a game exchange. And the results aren't what either expected.

The characters are quite original, not only in their appearances but other aspects as well. And they are adorable in their own ways. Their energy, good hearts, and friendship makes them so easy to like and cheer for. Plus, despite their unique qualities, readers soon realize that they are almost normal 'kids'...just with abilities and such. They share a love for video games, which will ring close to home, but also enjoy being together, whenever possible.

The graphics remain pretty much in the pastel tones, adding to the cuteness but also presenting a light atmosphere...even when small problems arise. The text fits well to the audience level and balances with the illustrations, so that both carry a part of the story. It's an enjoyable read with something always happening. While some moments take place inside the video game, there are plenty in the homes, outside in nature, or even at school. 

The message in this volume circle around staying true to yourself and also being open to try new things. This works nicely into the adventure and comes across clearly as Cloud Puppy tries her best to make everyone happy and figure out how to handle the various interests. 

It's an fun read with likable characters, and I'm already looking forward to seeing what the group will be up to in volume 3.

And here she is...

Kelly Leigh Miller is an illustrator and author who loves everything cute and whimsical. She is the author of the Cloud Puppy series, I Love My Fangs!, I Love My Fur!, I Love My Magic!, and many more books. Visit her online at KellyLeighMiller.com.

What's Coming in March?

Happy March! It actually started yesterday, but I thought today was more appropriate to take a look at what goodness I have coming in the next weeks. Unlike last month, I have an entire stack of picture books. Yay! That means a little lighter reading for me...which will be very necessary with Spring probably kicking in. Farm life gets busy the next months, meaning less reading time and more outdoors!

Plus, I love picture books and am happy to discover more goodness.

Anyway, this month's load holds a few books surrounding animals for younger readers (fiction and nonfiction), a handful of graphic novels, a stack of darker and spookier reads (and it isn't even October!), and several books, which should pull at the heart-strings. The rest sprinkle across all sorts of directions to make a very, very broad mix...just with a spooky tone on the side. There's even some 'rarer' directions in there like pure science fiction and sports. Just the way I like it!

Oh, and the below books are just a peek at what's coming (I try my best to hit a book a day). Plus, the dates aren't exactly guaranteed. Things shift around a bit due to life (most often whether or not I can squeeze in as much reading as I'd hoped), late delivered reads (postal service in rural areas is....let's just say it tests the patience sometimes), or I simply didn't enjoy the book as much as I'd hoped. Oh, and some reads simply never reach my hands...poof! Industry eaten.

I guess that makes reading even more of a mystery and fun!

CLOUD PUPPY: GAME ON!

I read the first one in this series...last year? It was a little quirky, cute, and silly. In other words, just right for young readers practicing their words. I believe this one is in graphic novel form? (Oh, my memory!) I do know it was adorable and packed full of pastels. I'm hoping this new new addition will hold the same bubbliness and joy as the first one. Find out with me on the 3rd!

Chapter Book Graphic Novel

IMMORTAL DARK

This is the first in a brand new, young adult fantasy series, which is said to be a Cruel Prince meets Ninth House. It should be very dark and lean in the fantasy direction with vampires and such. I'm not sure what to expect, really, but it is fun to peek into the dark side of things, every now and then. I'm hoping the romance works and isn't too cruel, but we shall see on the 4th!

Young Adult Fantasy

I'M A DUMBO OCTOPUS!

Ready for some science facts mixed with adventure? This graphic novel for upper chapter book readers (is that even a thing?) heads into the world of cephalopods and accompanies a dumbo octopus as he meets each one and is amazed by their special attributes. But this also makes him doubt himself. I'm hoping for cuteness, humor, facts, heart, and lovely graphics. We'll find out if this read can hit all of those categories on the 5th.

Chapter Book Graphic Novel

KEEPER OF THE LIGHT

Not only did the cover draw my attention (isn't it so dark and inviting?), but the blurb definitely had me grabbing it up. It's about a girl, living in a kingdom quietly, when suddenly her entire bloodline has been sentenced for execution. There is a magical twist, and it's said to lean toward the dark side. Since this month holds several dark reads, I decided it fits right in. I'll be taking a look at it on the 9th.

Young Adult Fantasy

 

THE SECRETS OF WORTHINGTON ORPHANAGE

Time for a little ghostly horror. This one comes from one of my more favorite, paranormal authors and dives into the dark secrets of an orphanage. I'm expecting chills and thrills, mystery, and great characters. So far, the characters have always come across very naturally and the ghosts are not to be underestimated. I'm looking forward to taking a peek at this one on the 15th.

Middle Grade Horror

MONSTER MOUNTAIN

I'm going to stay on the spookier end of things and am excited to take a look at a read about a ....hmmm...yeti? It should take a little bit of a scifi twist with a portal opening up in the North Carolina forests to a parallel realm. I'm not sure how all of this will stitch together but hope it will be an exciting read with tons of tension. Find out more with me on the 17th.

Middle Grade Horror

CIRCUS OF SHADOWS

As said at the top of this post, if I didn't know it was Spring, I'd think we're approaching October thanks to the impressive amount of 'spookier' reads in my pile. This one, I don't think, really qualifies as creepy but is more magical with a ghostly tone...or shadowy. I enjoyed the idea of a night circus and was curious to see how this slides into a read for the younger, picture book audience. Find out if it works or not with me on the 20th.

Picture Book

FROM CHALLENGE TO CHAMPION

There never seem to be enough books about sports for young readers, especially ones which hit the nonfiction direction AND beginning readers. This book takes a look at twelve accomplished athletes and their journeys. It should cover several sport directions as well as both genders. I'm excited to see if this does as good a job as I hope it will and will be sharing my thoughts on the 22nd.

Children's Nonfiction

HALF-TRUTHS

It's time to jump back a little into history, the 1950s. This read spins around a girl, who wants to become a journalist but discovers family secrets, which will up-end her grandmother's legacy. I'm expecting messages surrounding family, friendship, and honesty...and all of that wrapped into the goodness of a mystery. Or at least, that's what I'm suspecting these pages will hold. We'll find out more on the 27th!

Young Adult Historical Fiction

WHAT'S LOVE ALL ABOUT, MINIMONI?

Greeting from an author/illustrator in Barcelona, this picture book is being released in English for the first time. It's about a little girl and her discussions with her pet dog as she tries to figure out what love is, since everyone uses the word in different ways and situations. Yes, dog. Why is there a dragon on the cover? Honestly, I have no clue, but we're going to find out on the 30th.

Picture Book

Like many readers, my book pile tends to stack up higher and higher each month, which means I have more books begging to be highlighted than there are days in the month. Since the publishing world is a little unpredictable, a couple slots open up every month. That means I can slide an extra one in! I just don't know when.

SHOOT THE MOON

This young adult novel, if I'm right, falls into a series for readers, who struggle with longer reads. So far, I've adored books that Ocra puts out in this category. This read centers around a girl, who needs to deal with the mental health issues of her father and come to terms with what she wants in life. I'm expecting depth, heart, and a gripping read...since this series does strive to keep tales interesting.

When will I take a peek at it, though? That's in the stars...right up there with the moon.

Young Adult Contemporary

Diary of a Bee by Štěpánka Sekaninová

 I had to pick up today's read, when it ran across my desk, since it hits a hobby found in my family. Bees! My brother and husband have both had hives over the years. For some reason, these were easier to keep in Nebraska than the Ozarks in Missouri...well, I know the reasons, but it's still fascinating.

Anyway, this book follows the life of a little bee named Matilda. While it should be a read a very cute character, it also should show the life-cycle of bees, their various activities, and simply raise awareness for everything surrounding bees. I'm hoping it holds a nice balance between information and fun. 

Grab that honey pot because we might want to take a taste after reading this one!

DIARY OF A BEE

Little Heroes

by Štěpánka Sekaninová

Illustrated by Linh Dao

Albatros Media

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

APRIL 25th!!!

Follow the delightful daily adventures of Matilda the bee in this fully illustrated diary that reveals the vital role bees play in nature and their life cycle.

Step into the buzzing world of bees with Diary of a Bee, a fully illustrated non-fiction book that takes young readers on an engaging journey through the life cycle of Matilda, a hardworking bee, and her friend Thomas. Presented in a diary format, this captivating narrative combines story with fascinating facts, exploring how bees live, their daily activities, and the various roles they play within the hive. From gathering nectar to tending to the queen, kids will discover the fascinating jobs that bees undertake throughout their lives, all illustrated with lively pictures that bring the story to life.

Perfect for curious minds aged 6-9, this book not only entertains but also educates about the crucial importance of bees in our ecosystem. By blending captivating storytelling with rich illustrations and informative details, it inspires a love for nature and fosters an understanding of environmental awareness.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

It's a treat to accompany this adorable bee through her life and see how amazing the workings inside a hive truly are.

The reader meets Matilda right after she's born. She's energetic, sweet, and expresses enthusiasm as she grows into each new task with time. The text flows like a mini-diary with the day of life given at the top before a short text lets Matilda explain what she's up to. The personal connection draws in, especially as she includes her lovely relationship with the other bees and her mother, the Queen. All the while, the inner-workings of the bee hive come to light and offer interesting insights, too.

The text is a little longer than in some picture books for this age group, but it is very well done and doesn't bore. Matilda holds tons of personality and makes each moment grabbing. The information is easy to understand, is interesting, and offers new information...probably even for adult readers. It isn't dry but molds right into Matilda's day. The illustrations are bright and bold, adding understanding to the information, while presenting a very friendly, sympathetic beehive. The bees do carry human-like aspects, which make them that much easier to connect to.

This book does complete the life-cycle of a bee from birth to death and closes off with new life the next Spring. These moments are handle very carefully and immediately soften with the joy of the continual circle. 

It's a lovely book with tons of goodness on the bee facts, too.

And here they are...

Štěpánka Sekaninová spent her childhood near Kolín, in the Polabí lowlands region. Although she is a Bohemian at heart, fate carried her to the heart of Moravia. She is a graduate in Czech and History from the Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University. While still a student, she started work at Czech Television in Brno, where as a reporter she travelled about the South Moravia region and got to know every part of it. She later switched from reporting to the production of light entertainment and children’s programmes for the Brno studio.
Štěpánka loves books and has always longed to write, so when her life’s journey presented her with the opportunity to work as a literary editor for Albatros Media, she accepted it with alacrity.
And so she writes, surrounded by beautiful books, realizing a dream she’s had since childhood . . .

Linh Dao was born in Hanoi, where she has spent a considerable part of her life. Having adjusted to the temperate climate of the Czech Republic, she took up art, graduating in Illustration in Brno and then in Animation in Zlín. Her graduation film won several awards at international festivals. In 2016 she was a prize-winner in the Young Creative category at the ADC Creative Awards. For a while she tried the corporate life, and with the experience she gathered decided to work for herself. Now she again works as an illustrator and animator. She lives mainly on potato chips and green tea.

Charlotte and Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage by Teresa Argenbright

Wooo! Today's read has quite the title...I just realized that while typing it out to set up this post. Anyway, I'm super excited to dive into it because it looks like it will hold tons of energy and fun. Yep, I'm going off of the cover and expecting a quirky adventure with characters, who pack quite a bit of personality. And if this inspires kids to start a band of their own in their backyards, I'm going to be smiling the entire way through. Nothing like heading out doors and using the imagination!

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

CHARLOTTE & PENELOPE AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD STAGE

by Teresa Argenbright

Illustrated by Dan McGeehan

Brown Book Kids

Picture Book

32 pages

COMING APRIL 8th!!!

Sisters Charlotte and Penelope return with new rhymes and extra fun times!
Charlotte and Penelope wake up one day too sick to go out and play. To bring some fun to their recovery, their trusty pals, the menagerie, decide to put on a show! Follow these furry, feathered, and floating friends as they build the stage, rehearse their acts, and bring star-level entertainment to their neighborhood. Where else will you see a dolphin bandleader, a chorus line of rabbits, and the loudest geese ever?

Accompanied by Dan McGeehan's vivid, energetic illustrations, Charlotte and Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage will entertain new and returning readers alike with its clever rhymes and lovable fanfare!

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Sniffles, aches and pains fade as fun and excitement keep emotions positive and high.

Charlotte and Penelope are usually ready to play the moment the sun rises, but not when they wake up sick in bed. Luckily, they have a ton of friends, who are determined to make them feel better soon. While Charlotte and Penelope help to create flyers, their friends are giving their all to present a talent show, which leaves all other talent shows behind.

As the cover suggests, this book is packed with excitement, energy, and good vibes. Listeners will easily identify with Charlotte and Penelope's situation. After all, no one enjoys being sick in bed. So, when the animal friends start planning, the kindness and care is obvious. This, however, is not a read about gentle warmth, but rather, lets fantasy fly. The animals carry character and stretch with imagination to include sea life and more. Each one brings attitude and humor as well as plenty of antics to create giggles and smiles. Plus, the array of instruments adds some musical knowledge growth, too.

The illustrations are as bright and colorful as the characters and emphasize the lively atmosphere. These can be visited by readers on their own because there is quite a bit going on. The text is written in rhyme, which sometimes flows smoother than others, but it does make a nice read-a-loud. The vocabulary also sneaks in a few more difficult words to encourage word growth without ever feeling overwhelming.

It's a cute read, especially for anyone stuck in bed and needing a little imagination and tons of smiles.

Happy Book Birthday, The Not-So-Sleepy Little Panda by David Walker!

It's happy book birthday time! This one released two days ago and looks like such an adorable read. I'm going to assume that it's a bedtime read (pretty obvious, right?) and expect a calming story with a hint of gentle silliness and lots of snuggling love. Why? The cover. The purple panda in a bamboo forest seems very inviting, and the look of curiosity and wonder on his face as he stares at the fireflies is adorable. 

So, are we ready to see if it's a lovely, sleepy time read?

 

THE NOT-SO-SLEEPY LITTLE PANDA

by David Walker

Atheneum Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

A charmingly cozy rhyming picture book about a sweet little panda who has trouble falling asleep.

The moon is too far,
the stars are too high.
Little Panda is scared
by the dark of the sky.
But a marvelous bug,
with a magical light,
is just what she needs
to sleep through the night.

It’s time for bed, but Little Panda wants to stay awake! Her bed is too lumpy, lullabies don’t work, and the dark is a little scary. But with the help of her parents and some twinkling friends, Little Panda might face her fears after all. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll even fall asleep!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Not-so-sleepy turns into magical moments as the parents of a little panda do their best to guide her to sleep.

Written in rhyme, this is an enjoyable read from beginning to end. The little, purple panda is adorable. Her inability to feel sleepy is a problem readers can sympathize with. After all, some nights are just like that, especially when there are so many wonderful things around...like the jungle. While the parents' frustration is shown in the illustrations, everything remains in a loving, caring tone. The patience, love, and understanding radiate with wholesome goodness.

The text is large to create an easy read-aloud. The verses hold four, short lines, and stick to a vocabulary very fitting to the age group. The illustrations are done in watercolor and start out with lighter tones, which increasingly grow darker with each turn of the page. This fits wonderfully to the story and even lures listeners in with increasingly dimming scenes. 

It's a lovely story and perfect for a bedtime read.

And here he is...

David Walker is a bestselling artist and has happily drawn and painted all his life. As the illustrator of more than fifty books, he’s beginning to write them as well, including The Not-So-Brave Little Lion and The Not-So-Sleepy Little Panda. Dave’s days are spent in his Apex, North Carolina, studio in the company of two big snoring dogs, surrounded by paper, pencils, paints, and coffee cups. To learn more, please visit him on Instagram @DavidWalkerStudios.

Sam Squirrel by Suzanne Selfors

With last week's snow slowly melting away...and leaving tons of mud behind, this seemed like a great book to pick up. Yep, the cover fit to my snuggle-in-front-of-the-fireplace mood. Plus, there's something magical about the scene, which might be due to the magical plot. This one swings around Mother Nature and her granddaughter. It's also the first in an adventure for beginning readers, who are sure of their words. 

And that's all I know, right now. So, it's time to open it up and take a peek.

(Note: I'm adding this read to my possible favorites of 2025 list.)

SAM SQUIRREL

Willow's Woods

by Suzanne Selfors

Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

Aladdin

Chapter Book

95 pages

ages 6 to 9

The great-granddaughter of Mother Nature teams up with a squirrel to start the spring season in this first book in the charmingly whimsical chapter book series from bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Selfors.

Willow has agreed to house-sit while her grandmother, Mother Nature, is on vacation. Willow thinks it’s going to be as easy as watering a fern and feeding a cat, but when she arrives, she realizes her grandmother has left a long to-do list of difficult tasks like dusting the wings of a sleeping bat family, repairing the broken windows of a rabbit’s greenhouse, and ending winter.

Ending winter? In her eagerness to take a vacation, Mother Nature forgot to catch the unruly North Wind for its long nap. So, even though it’s the first day of spring, the entire land is covered in ice and snow. If the snow doesn’t melt, allowing the spring grass to grow, the critters of the Quiet Woods will surely go hungry.

With the help of Sam Squirrel and an elk prince named Errol, will Willow be able to catch the unruly North Wind to preserve the natural balance her grandmother entrusted her with?

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Adventure drives every moment forward, while weaving a snowy world full of delightful characters and many surprises.

Sam loves to make lists, which isn't a very squirrely thing to do (according to his father), but Sam just isn't into gathering and scurrying like the rest of his family. He does enjoy meeting Mother Nature every Spring, but this year, she doesn't arrive. The animals in the forest are running out of food, and so many other things can't happen until Spring arrives. Since Same is so good at lists, he's chosen to head out with the elk prince to try to find Mother Nature and save the forest.

Every page of this book grabs as Sam finds himself on a journey and mission far bigger than a little squirrel like him usually experiences. He starts out as a simple, young squirrel, who doesn't quite fit in with the rest of his family. They still love him...so this one is not about bullying (yay!). Instead, this is a magical adventure, which packs imagination, wonderful characters, tense moments, and hope. Although it's meant for those readers, who still need to practice their skills a little before heading into thicker novels, it's still a tale which draws in and leads the reader on a fantastic journey. 

The author weaves in just enough description to add a playful touch to the world, gives the characters personality, and slides in mystery and tension, which fits nicely to the intended age group. There is danger and a sense of urgency, and yet, it stays fine for even more sensitive readers. 

The word choice and sentence length is great for those readers, who know their words but still could use more time before moving on. The illustrations add fun and atmosphere, and let the characters come to life. Plus, there are some messages about being proud of your own, unique abilities as well as persistence and determination.

It's a fun read, and I'm looking forward to what adventures are still to come.

And here they are...

Suzanne Selfors is a bestselling author who lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest where rain falls like music and slugs frolic beneath ferns. She has a husband who works as a pilot, two grown-up kids, a rescue cat who was found living in a hole in a wall, and a nutty corgi named Fiona.

Ramona Kaulitzki has always spent her days doing something creative, from sewing to photography, but her biggest passion has always been drawing and storytelling. She is the illustrator of many picture books, including Bravo, Little Bird! by Annie Silvestro, The Christmas Owl by Gideon Sterer and Ellen Kalish, and the #1 New York Times bestseller Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush. Born and raised in a small city in Germany, Ramona enjoys riding horses. Her love for animals, and for nature, is a major inspiration for her work. Her illustrations are created digitally, but she also enjoys drawing and painting with traditional media. Visit her at RamonaKaulitzkiArt.com.

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

It's time to read something, which I know will be enjoyable. After all, this author tends to write with a bit of poetic feel and playful tone, which is simply fun to read. And I've really enjoyed several of her works already.

So, let's see how this latest tale goes!

FERRIS

by Kate DiCamillo

Candlewick Press

Middle Grade Fiction

256 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

APRIL 1st!!!

It’s the summer before fifth grade, and for Ferris Wilkey, it is a summer of sheer pandemonium: Her little sister, Pinky, has vowed to become an outlaw. Uncle Ted has left Aunt Shirley and, to Ferris’s mother’s chagrin, is holed up in the Wilkey basement to paint a history of the world. And Charisse, Ferris’s grandmother, has started seeing a ghost at the threshold of her room, which seems like an alarming omen given that she is also feeling unwell. But the ghost is not there to usher Charisse to the Great Beyond. Rather, she has other plans—wild, impractical, illuminating plans. 

How can Ferris satisfy a specter with Pinky terrorizing the town, Uncle Ted sending Ferris to spy on her aunt, and her father battling an invasion of raccoons? As Charisse likes to say, “Every good story is a love story,” and Kate DiCamillo has written one for the ages: emotionally resonant and healing, showing the two-time Newbery Medalist at her most playful, universal, and profound.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With tons of quirky family drama and a ghost in the mix, this read holds more than a couple surprises.

Ferris wants to enjoy her summer before fifth grade begins, but quite a few monumental things are happening... and many things aren't quite as normal as people might think. Her little sister is determined to become an outlaw and, unfortunately, is spunky enough to really give it a go if she has the chance. Ferris' grandmother now sees ghosts, which even becomes more unsettling when the older woman is discovered to have a heart problem. Ferris' uncle has decided to use her to spy on her aunt as their marriage has gotten more than a little rocky. And her father...well, he has his own issues. Add a horrendous haircut, and the summer is quite the ride.

This is set a bit back in history (the 1980s?), although this is never directly stated. This gives Ferris tons of romping room, and she needs it for everything going on. As always, this author writes with a playful tone, carefully picking words, which add liveliness to the descriptions and a slightly quirky atmosphere. Yet, the problems Ferris faces are real...although a bit over-the-top thanks to the dramatic family members. Her energy mixes with her good intentions as she steers the, at times, ridiculous situations, while keeping her love for her family golden. It's this constant flow of odd occurrences, which push the story forward and create much of the plot.

The characters pack personality. The grandmother is a treat with her wise sayings and unusual attitude toward life and the world. The aunt puts a smile on the face, while the uncle comes across a bit as a lost professor to make a lovely mix. The younger sister definitely packs her own direction, but this one takes a slightly darkish turn, and I wondered that there weren't more consequences. Her character contrasts with the wholesome goodness of the rest of the family, which will hit some readers better than others.

It is fun to read through each moment and enjoy the chaotic atmosphere, and the paranormal twist gives extra spice. I'm not sure this one will resonate as well with reluctant readers, since the clever wording and older phrases doesn't always create the easiest read. Still, it is one to put a smile on the face and enjoy family silliness the entire way through.

And here she is...

Kate DiCamillo is the author of Because of Winn-Dixie (a Newbery Honor book), The Tiger Rising (a National Book Award finalist), and The Tale of Despereaux (a Newbery Medal Winner). She recently completed a series of early chapter books about a pig named Mercy Watson. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was the winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Kate lives and writes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but she spent much of her childhood in Florida.