The Scarlet Ship by Claire Grimond

THE SCARLET SHIP

by Claire Grimond

Translated by Rebecca Potters

Illustrated by Leo Verrier

Middle Grade Fantasy   /  

Graphic Novel

Andrews McMeel Publishing

112 pages

Ages 10 to 12

COMING...

OCTOBER 7th!!!

Twelve-year-old Malo and his grandmother board the Scarlet Ship in this beautifully illustrated, full-color graphic novel for young readers. A super fun, high-stakes pirate adventure with the heartfelt themes of identity, courage, and the power of art!

Join Malo, a spirited young artist, on an exhilarating journey as he strives to match the incredible talents of his famous Grandma Zita. For fans of Disney's Encanto, Jennifer Muro's A Superhero Graphic Novel, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, and those who are eager to chase their dreams in the face of doubt.

When Malo and his grandmother board a mysterious, floating vessel called the Scarlet Ship, they're not quite sure what to expect. After all, the ship’s crew are no ordinary pirates; they specialize in art . . . piracy!

At the helm of the ship is the fearsome Captain Magenta, a ruthless man with a singular to wipe out artistic expression from the world forever . 

Armed with brushes, paints, and unwavering courage, Malo and his new friend Cyane must stand against Captain Magenta’s tyranny, save Grandma Zita from certain doom, and demonstrate that art possesses the power to inspire, unite, and stand up against oppression.

Brought to life with vibrant, expressive illustrations by renowned French comic artist Léo Verrier, The Scarlet Ship brims with heart, humor, and high-flying adventure. This graphic novel   invites readers of all ages to uncover the magic of creativity and the importance of discovering their own artistic voice.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Grandmother and grandchild goodness meets magic and adventure to form an exciting and wholesome tale.

Malo's grandmother is a renowned artist and sees amazing potential in Malo's abilities...although he doesn't agree because he never even knows what to create. When a trip to the gallery coincides with the theft of one of his grandmother's paintings, more than a mystery is set into play. Instead, Malo follows his grandmother to the building's roof where they find a flying elevator. That takes them to a flying pirate ship, with a crew which loves to paint. Add a questionable captain, a scared muse, and a very determined detective, and Malo is on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a playful fantasy, which lets the imagination take flight in original ways. A flying elevator already will raise the first eyebrows, but it's the artistic pirates which adds unique flair. While the pirate ship and its crew hold traditional flair (outside of flying, of course), these pirates 'raid' by dropping overboard with giant paintbrushes to decorate the sides of buildings. Their love for color is fun, too. Then, there's the muse with her little wings, who disappears into artwork at will, as well, as a captain, who has a surprising side to add a sense of danger and tension...something every true adventure needs. There's also a nod toward steampunk with the detectives mechanical bird. In other words, there's a lot of unexpected details to let dreams soar and keep the pacing quick the entire way through.

There's also food for thought built in. First, there's the grandmother's desire for the grandson to follow her path. She isn't really pushy but just the high-expectations bug Malo. Then, there's a bit of self-discovery as Malo learns to open up and step beyond his comfort zone. There's also lessons about greed, and a discussion-worthy visit to graffiti's place and rightness in society. 

The illustrations let the fantasy flow and keep the tension high to accompany the text wonderfully. It's enjoyable to simply flip through these and enjoy the story. But the text also does a nice job and bringing zest and plot in the right ways. It fits well to the age group, especially the middle and lower ends. The art direction will settle better with some readers than others.

It's a lovely read with tons of fantasy goodness and will delight especially creative readers. 

The Witching Hour by Jennifer Harris

I saw this cover and found it so magical and full of love that I had to take a peek. 

 

THE WITCHING HOUR

by Jennifer Harris

Illustrated by Adelina Lirius

Tundra Books

Picture Book

ages 3 to 7

32 pages

A family of witches desperately tries to entertain a cranky baby in this delightful picture book for fans of Little Witch Hazel and Go the F**k to Sleep.

In the witching hour between dinner and bedtime, anything can laughter, tears, fun screaming, not-fun screaming . . . parents, siblings, pets and neighbors are all familiar with this dreaded time of day.

What happens when that cranky baby is part of a family of witches?

Turns out, it's pretty much the same, except sometimes the toys levitate and the soothing songs sound a little different . . .

The Witching Hour is a spare, slyly funny and deeply familiar slice-of-life story featuring a fussy little witch and their increasingly desperate family.

AMAZON     /     GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Whimsical tones accompany the difficulties of the last hours before bedtime to form an adorable read.

A small mishap at dinner makes a difficult start to the evening hours. Already growing tired, the youngest easily cries. The witches try their best to calm her down, but the usual tricks aren't working. 

This is an enjoyable twist on a familiar situation. By the end of the day, it's not unusual to feel tired or have the need to relax, and babies tend to let their emotions flow. Toys, silly antics, and extra attention might solve the problem but don't always work. These witches try all sorts of things to cheer the baby up, and that with a touch of magic as toys levitate, pink poodles appear, or a broomstick offers a ride. It's familiar and, yet, carries enough fantasy to invite to dreams.

There's a lovely sense of care and warmth as the witches go out of their way to comfort the baby. It was especially nice to see an older sibling helping out as much as it could. Even fairies get involved to give an extra sense of community and support, while the bats and magical sparkles make sure to keep the imagination involved as well. 

Colorful illustrations make each scene inviting and keep the atmosphere light. These hold fun details, which invite readers/listeners to come back and explore each moment again on their own. The text flows smoothly and, usually, consists of a short phrase, which flows as smoothly as a lullaby. This makes it a lovely read-aloud even for more impatient listeners. 

 

Thank You, Old Oak by Britt Crow-Miller

Today's read made me smile thanks to the curious animals and the oak tree. We have quite a few oaks in our woods, so the theme hits home. Plus, it's a great time of year to head out into nature...or it should be thanks to the decreasing temperatures this weekend. (I'm sick of the 100s). I'm also curious to see the artwork, since the cover already promises goodness on that end, too.

Let's dive in and see what this book is about!

THANK YOU, OLD OAK

by Britt Crow-Miller

Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford

Barefoot Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 6 to 8

COMING AUGUST 26th!!!

A charming story about the lifecycle of a mother tree and the creatures who rely on her.

Just like that, Old Oak’s rooted life came to an end.
Even with her tap root severed, Old Oak would bring new life to the forest.

After 400 years in the forest, it’s time for Old Oak to fall. With a pop, frenzy of snaps, and a flurry of movement, she leans to one side and falls heavily to rest on the forest floor. When news of beloved Old Oak spreads throughout the forest, creatures big and small gather to show their gratitude for all she gave in her rooted life.

The squirrels thank her for the acorns, leaf buds, and catkins. The rabbits remember the cozy burrows her roots provided. Even the weevils scuttle aboveground to acknowledge all she gave them as tiny grubs. But the creatures soon discover Old Oak’s life is actually just beginning, and her legacy will serve the forest for hundreds of years to come.

• Teaches kids about all of the unique ways trees provide resources for the forest ecosystem
• Features a wide range of forest creatures
• Includes endnotes about oak trees, tree rings, and the forest ecosystem

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With lyrical grace, these pages unveil many ways an oak tree supports the ecosystem in a forest.

After a long life, an old oak tree falls to the ground. Soon after, the various animals and creatures, which were helped by the tree, come by to offer their thanks. Squirrels, insects, and more appear in groups, one after the other, while a short explanation of the benefits they received from the three unfold. When the final guest has paid its visit, the cycle of the tree continues. Even in this fallen state, it provides to the forest and opens the door to continued support in the future.

The illustrations bring the forest beauty and life across with care, offering  textured details and a visual glimpse into the various ways the oak tree adds to the life in the forest. The other animals and creatures hold more vibrant colors and hint of playfulness as they pay honor to the tree in their own ways. The scenes are lovely and invite for a little gazing as listeners/readers will recognize most of the visitors as they come and go.

The text is very descriptive and adds beauty to harmonize with the illustrations. When I first saw this book, I wondered why it was recommend to ages 6 to 8 rather than slightly younger reading bracket (4-8).  The writing style as well as information surrounding the oak's contribution to the ecosystem would be why. The text is kept short, but more impatient or younger readers/listeners, might have trouble enjoying the descriptions and manner in which the information flows into the poetic text. The writing is almost an ode to the oak tree itself.

There are quite a few facts melded into the flow. The tree's importance to each creature and the forest, in general, is mentioned on each page and remains the main theme throughout the book. At the end, several pages offer more information concerning oak trees, nature, and more. This makes it a nice addition to themes surrounding trees, forests, and other biological topics for homeschoolers and classrooms as well.

And here they are...

Britt Crow-Miller's life has played out against the backdrop of incredible, old trees — from climbing their branches and enjoying their shade, to walking among their roots. She now explores the forests and advocates for trees in western Massachusetts, USA, where she lives with her family and too many pets. In addition to writing, Britt also works as a professor of environmental geography and as an environmental educator.

Amy Schimler-Safford recently relocated from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her family. She is having fun discovering new plant and animal life to draw and paint. Having grown up by the beach, she is also finding it wonderful to be reacquainted with the local seagulls. She has illustrated many children's books including The Seagull and the Sea Captain, Inky's Amazing Escape, Look and Listen, and At the Pond.

Happy Book Birthday, Gilbert and the Ghost by Heather Pierce Stigall!

Yay! It's time to celebrate another book birthday! Today's read looks spooky, and that would be fitting to the soon-approaching Halloween season. Looking at my schedule (and thinking back on yesterday's post), I really do have more eerie reads on my schedule right now. But today's read has me wondering if it's really spooky, since it seems to circle around friendship, too.

Let's find out if this haunted house and a little boy have a tale to enjoy or not.

GILBERT AND THE GHOST

by Heather Pierce Stigall

Illustrated by Jess Mason

Beaming Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

The ghost at 632 Savannah Street is real . . . right?

Gilbert often feels invisible, just like the ghost living at 632 Savannah Street. Despite his family's disbelief, Gilbert leaves gifts for the ghost: a friendship bracelet, a plate of cookies, even a drawing with a note. When each disappears one by one, Gilbert finds that believing and friendship are worth the effort.

​For kids who might often feel unseen, Gilbert and the Ghost is a ghostly tale of overcoming obstacles and finding friendship in mysterious places. Gothic, whimsical illustrations make this picture book perfect for spooky season, while its earnest themes make it worth a read all year round.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Friendship takes a cautious and spooky twist in this enjoyable tale.

Gilbert isn't a kid who is always surrounded by friends. He often feels invisible, kind of like a ghost...like the one that lives next door in an eerie house. If it exists, that is. He decides it needs a friend, too, and begins to leave little presents on the doorstep. These always disappear. Gilbert thinks that proves there's a ghost, a friendly one, but his family and friends know the presents might be disappearing due to animals, the wind, and such. Still, Gilbert isn't about to give up and is determined to be this ghost's friend.

The balance of spooky and inspiring messaging makes this an intriguing read, which fits well even with more sensitive readers. The illustrations lean toward the eerie direction thanks to the darker, earthier tones, but this remains in the general atmosphere of the artwork, not the details. Everything feels dreary and uncertain, but a closer look shows usual school and family activities. Even the moments where Gilbert is more isolated from his classmates holds no signs of bullying or contempt, although it's also clear that he's a bit uncomfortable on the social side. The text brings the rest of the story to life as Gilbert claims even ghosts need friends. It's a subtle play along the border of spookiness to delight and entice.

Gilbert's desire to make friends with the ghost is inspiring. The steps he takes to form this difficult friendship are very fitting to the age group and keep both feet in reality. The family's reactions were also very realistic and not overly perfect. They offered a level of support...didn't discourage him by any means...but at the same time, reminded him that there could be other reasons for the disappearances of the items. While a little more support would have been nice, this also creates more sympathy toward Gilbert's endeavors and will have the reader/listener hoping he succeeds. 

The ending offers a lovely surprise to round off everything nicely and holds a tiny bit of possibility to, maybe, even lead to a little discussion afterwards of what happened. 

It's a touching read for the upcoming Halloween season but easily works for the entire year through.

And here she is...

Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in child development, psychology-based human relations, and social work to create stories that speak to kids. Heather is the Critique Group/Meet & Greet Coordinator for the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of SCBWI and the author of Paisley's Big Birthday (Clavis Publishing) and Gilbert and the Ghost (Beaming Books). Born and raised as a beach-loving, corn-and-tomato-snob Jersey girl, Heather now lives in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, pup, and five children. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, relaxing (hopefully at the beach), working out, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures.

Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

How many of you remember or have read Doll Bones by Holly Black (published in 2013)? That was the first thing that came to mind when I saw this cover...although it doesn't give quite the same feel, does it? The blurb compares this one to a mix of Rick Riordan and R.L. Stine, which definitely sounds interesting, but I also am skeptical when such huge names are used, since those are some pretty big shoes to fill. 

I have mixed feelings about diving into this one. There are quite a few doll-horror movies out there and such, so it's not a new direction, by any means. Plus, my two sons are not fans of clown horror, animatronics, or anything doll-like which leans to spookiness. My daughters have no problem with it, which makes me wonder. Anyway, I know horror is always a big genre, which never seems to have enough for readers, so I decided to give this one a chance. And that doll on the cover is creepy!

So, let's take a peek and see if this read is chill-worthy or not.

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

LOST ON DOLL ISLAND

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Horror

192 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

AUGUST 26th!!!

Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.

Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.

Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life. Maybe he doesn’t have to move to Mexico City, his parents don’t have to separate, and he could even reunite with one of his oldest friends who’s still visiting him in his dreams…

So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Creepy dolls hanging from trees, the silent call of a doll in the mind, and a myth about making dreams come true meld and mold to form an eerie tale.

Diego's been sent to Mexico City by his mother, while she and his father work through marital issues. Since Diego has always lived in Texas, this is anything but thrilling. When he gets lost in the city, an antique store owner informs him that his school will probably be taking a trip to the La Isla de Munecas, an island filled with dolls. But it's not the real island. The true island is nearby and hides a doll, which can fulfill any wish. With the desire to return to Texas and make his problems disappear, Diego makes a plan to sneak off to the true island during the field trip, but the doll he seeks isn't what he hopes it will be. It demands a price.

First off, I do appreciate the shorter length of this read. At less than 200 pages, it works well for a fun, spooky dive which won't scare more reluctant readers away quite as much. The story remains quick-paced and doesn't spend much time on background information or deeper thought swirls. It offers just enough to get the story going and make Diego's situation clear, while adding a familiar problem surrounding parental issues to inject sympathy and a little bit of depth and drive. There's also friendship goodness and loyalty, which inspires.

As for horror, the island and dolls make it a chilling read. The eeriness builds the moment Diego meets the antique owner and, shortly thereafter, hears a voice in his head, but the dolls on the island notch it up to creepy. His bad decisions driven by his emotions are understandable and add those moments to make readers hope things work out. The antique store owner, who slides in another level of secrets, builds up a mysterious undertone along the way. Even as the stakes rise, the tale never leaves the middle grade level and works well for the lower end of the group thanks to the lighter writing depth. Sensitive readers might be uncomfortable, though.

All in all, it's a quick-paced read, which keeps the plot going . Readers, who want a shorter, direct read with chills and thrills, are sure to find exactly that.

And here she is...

Cassandra Ramos-Gomez is a Mexican American writer focused on creating middle grade and young adult fiction that centers Latinx experiences. She has a master’s degree in education and an undergraduate degree in art history and has taught middle school language arts and social studies. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and two kids. Her hobbies include painting, collecting animal bones, and playing Minecraft with her kids. Lost on Doll Island is her middle grade debut.

Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town by Li Chen

Who's ready for a cute mystery? I know I am! Today's read will, hopefully, be an adorable adventure, which gives a fun twist on detectives and cats. At least, those are the vibes I'm getting from this cover and the blurb. There are already two books in this collection, and I'm pretty sure these are stand-alones, since there doesn't seem to be a specified order to them (no 1 or 2 anywhere to be seen).

Plus, these are cats. So, cat lovers are sure to smile, right? Let's just dive into this graphic novel for beginning readers and see what it holds.

DETECTIVE BEANS:

Adventures in Cat Town

by Li Chen

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Mystery

Graphic Novel

208 pages

ages 6 to 9

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 9th!!!

The world's cutest cat detective is back on the case in this indie bestselling series. Li Chen's newest Detective Beans adventures are a must-read for anyone who loves mystery stories, cute animals, and hilarious original storytelling.

Detective Beans is back on the case! In this series of mysteries and adventures, the world's cutest cat detective comes to the aid of her fellow villagers, searching for a cooky thief (with surprising results!), aiding a deceptive duck in the recovery of lost goods, and even doing his best to help a confused bear prove that the moon is made of cheese. In addition to these small capers, Adventures in Cat Town features behind-the-scenes footage of the crime-solving documentary directed by Beans best friend, Biscuits, as well as comics, stories, and even horoscopes illustrated by Beans himself. Called a "must-read" by School Library Journal and "absurdly funny and clever" by Kirkus, it's no mystery why this new series is such a hit!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Small capers and adventures pack these pages to keep boredom far away.

When I saw the length of this book and the intended audience age group, I wondered if it might be a bit on the heavy side, but it's a smorgasbord of short adventures, which can be read in any order with as many pauses in between as desired. There are thirty-three short stories, each one around 3 to 6 pages. These are lined out in the Table of Contents at the beginning of the book to make it easy to find favorites or jump back in where readers left off. While the overall theme sticks with Detective Beans' mystery solving skills, some of the stories head in other directions, too, such as a day at the beach. The variety keeps monotony far away and lets readers really get to know Detective Beans well...and he is a kitten with tons of energy and ideas.

While there is mystery involved and clue-sleuthing goodness, it always stays very age appropriate. From following a ketchup trail to helping an elderly cat find her missing bag, there's a large range of cases for Detective Beans to solve. Many of the tales end with an interesting twist of humor, which is sure to bring a smile or two. There's also friendship goodness and family warmth as well. But then, everyone in Cat Town seems to be kind...even if a bit odd like the ice cream cat.

The illustrations are bright and hold details to draw in. The bring the situations to life, while the text lets the stories flow. Readers, who are sure of their words but not ready for larger reads or tons of words in one go, will feel at home in these pages. It works the word skills a bit but never pushes too hard, either. The shortness of the tales makes it nice for reluctant readers or those with shorter attention spans.

At the very end of the book there's a word search, crossword puzzle, and humorous horoscope for a last dab of fun. It's an entertaining read with a very adorable main character and constant dabs of sweet humor. It's sure to be enjoyed by more than just mystery fans. 

And here she is...

Li Chen is the creator of the internationally popular ExtraOrdinary Comics. She lives in New Zealand. 

The Voyage That Changed the World by Thekla Priebst

We're back in the nonfiction realm with today's read and taking a peek at the age of exploration. Today's read visits the historic voyage of Captain Ferdinand Magellan. If I understand everything correctly, while it takes a close look into the exciting and dangerous journey of Magellan and his crew, it will also include a deeper dive into the expedition's guide, a Mayan man forced to join the crew named Enrique de Malacca. 

And that's about all I know so far. So, let's open this book up and see what historical goodness it holds.

THE VOYAGE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

by Thekla Priebst

Wide Eyed Editions

Middle Grade Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 7 to 11

COMING OCTOBER 7th!!!

Welcome to a bold new telling of Captain Ferdinand Magellan’s famed but ill-fated voyage, including the incredible tale of Enrique de Malacca, probably the first of the crew – and maybe the first person ever – to complete the circumnavigation of the globe.

Written and lavishly illustrated by Thekla Priebst, The Voyage That Changed the World will sweep you along on a globe-spanning adventure exploring the triumphs, dangers, betrayals and tragedies that marked this epic voyage.

This is a story of an expedition across oceans in search of precious treasure –not gold or other gems, but rare and sought-after spices! Spices that flourished far away from Europe. Spices that rival European countries wanted to trade. The race was on to find them. But this expedition, led by Ferdinand Magellan, would change the course of history. Through engaging storytelling and fabulous illustrations, you can discover what happened at each stage of the where the crew stopped, what happened, who they met . . . and who continued on!

You'll also meet the Indigenous leaders who encountered the crew, and discover the story of Enrique de Malacca, the Malay guide and translator who was forced to join the expedition, and who shaped the voyage in many ways. 


Of the five ships that first set sail from Spain, only one completed the voyage. The few men left onboard had survived the humid jungles of Central America, the hostile arctic landscapes of South America, the misleading “peace” of Moananui-a-kiwi (later named the Pacific Ocean), as well as danger and mutinies both on and off their ships. 

These men returned to Europe with more than the spices they’d first gone in search of. They carried home tales of faraway lands and people, and a powerful piece of their voyage confirmed that the Earth is round.

It was a voyage that changed their lives – and it also changed the world. 

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Tension flows with facts to bring across Magellan's expedition in an exciting way.

The first pages lay out the importance of the spice trade and interests of the time period before heading into Ferdinand Magellan's background, information surrounding the crew members, and details about the ships. This also includes cultural attitudes as well as political differences, which highlight basic problems Magellan faces before the journey even begins. After the ships set sail, the tension builds and the first mutiny hits. With that, the pacing remains high. The crews face one danger after the other as they discover they've truly journeyed into the unknown.  

The author makes sure to keep the text grabbing and concise as possible, while still letting the importance of various aspects of the journey come across clearly and understandably. This makes it an interesting read and showcases how much these men were up against. And how many died. While the readers will root for the crews and feel each moment, the mistakes and questionable actions of these men aren't forgotten, either. This adds extra food for thought and opens up the door to ethical discussions...and that without overshadowing the amazing sacrifices and hardships the men faced. The main point never shifts from Magellan's original hopes to find a new trade route to the Spice Islands by sailing in the opposite direction on the hope that the earth is truly round. The huge importance of his journey is made clear at the end in a respectful and inspiring way.

The facts swirl around the adventure with finesse. The main text is placed in short paragraphs, which are spread throughout the colorful illustrations. Colored boxes hold side information and facts about various aspects of the journey, including political aspects, vegetation, culture, geography, and so much more. The colorful illustrations add to the understanding by not only bringing everything across visually, but often highlighting certain plants, cultures, climates, ship details and more. These carry tags and descriptions as required. At the end of the book, there's a glossary for important terms.  

It's a well-written dive into Magellan's journey and delivers the importance of the journey and the challenges faced in an exciting way. The text is kept concise and fits snuggly in the middle of the middle grade realm. Not only history buffs will enjoy this one, but readers who enjoy tense adventure...and wouldn't expect it from a nonfiction read...will want to give this one a go.

And here she is...

Thekla Priebst, born in Weimar in 1990, studied visual communication at Bauhaus University Weimar and Berlin Weissensee School of Art. Since 2017, she has been living with her small family on the west coast of Portugal, where she works as a freelance art director and illustrator. With her flair for composition and color, as well as a typographic sensibility, Thekla designs books from the first to the last page. The glorious The Voyage That Changed the World is her debut as author-illustrator. She has the ability to hold her breath for a long time because she likes to surf big waves.

Indu's Time to Shine by Yasmine Naghdi

Today's read is one of three books, which each take a look at one of three friends. It shines into the world of ballet and heads toward those beginning readers, who have a good grip of their words, but aren't quite ready for full-fledged middle grade novels, yet. It promises tons of friendship, some drama, and lots of ballet.

Let's take a peek and see if this one has us searching for our ballet slippers or not.

INDU'S TIME TO SHINE

Ballet Besties

by Yasmine Naghdi

with Chitra Soundar

Illustrated by Paula Franco

Candlewick

Children's Fiction

225 pages

ages 6 and up

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 9th!!!

Whether they’re devoted dancers or in it just for fun, kids of all kinds are invited to the Shimmer and Shine studio! In this second book in a series, Indu overcomes some stage fright with the help of her ballet besties.

Indu loves learning ballet at her local community dance school, but unlike her friends, she doesn’t want to be a principal dancer when she grows up. While she’s a bit afraid of being on stage, dancing is still one of her favorite hobbies. When the class has the chance to see the ballet Cinderella put on professionally, Indu realizes the other way she’s different—her mom can’t afford the ticket. Indu figures out a way to go, but it makes her think: Aren’t there other kids out there who want to learn ballet and can’t? Shouldn’t ballet be for everyone? From a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and an award-winning children’s author comes an engaging story of friendship, responsibility, and teamwork, with back matter explaining the various dance techniques and more. Black-and-white illustrations bring a diverse group of characters to life.

PUBLISHER    /     GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With tons of heart, these pages swirl through the joy of dance, fears of performing, and learning to embrace who you are to help others.

Indu enjoys dancing but isn't exactly fond of standing at the center of attention. With her friends, she attends a ballet school and wonders if this will really help her get past her stage fright. Everything at the school is wonderful, and she's enjoying the time with her friends. She does know that, unlike many of the others, her mother is struggling to make ends meet. So, when the class takes a trip to watch a performance of Cinderella, she's not surprised that her mom can't afford to pay for the ticket. This gets her thinking, and soon ballet becomes more than a class for her as she realizes others, who might want to take part, don't even have money for that.

These pages are packed with several themes, each holding goodness and lessons for life. While Indu feels a little different thanks to her mother's financial situation and often has to work things differently than other girls in her class do, she's never bitter or resentful. Rather, she understands her mother's situation pretty well, and instead, has empathy for those around her. Which also makes her a great friend. That's where the friendship tones come in to create a group of girls to giggle with, worry with, and enjoy. Also, there's some family goodness with Indu and her mother, an understanding teacher, and support in general. Add her battle with stage fright, and there's a lot, especially considering this is intended for readers, who aren't quite ready for middle grade novels.

Ballet sits at the heart of this book, and the author works in terminology and dance positions smoothly. The scenes are described just enough for readers to picture the surroundings but never weigh down the text. There's quite a bit of drama and heart, but the tale also proceeds along quickly enough to keep the pacing steady and strong. It's easy to enjoy the characters and wish to jump right in and join them. There's a very diverse scope of characters, and these deliver individual goodness as well.

This book is on the longer side for beginning readers and the vocabulary does exercise the word skills. Add the longer chapter length and heavier theme base, and I think it'd almost be a better fit for the lower end of the middle grade audience than for the chapter book side. The font is larger, the spacing generous, and there are little illustrations sprinkled throughout to lighten the mood and draw in. Ballet fans, who enjoy joining characters and dealing with familiar, life situations, will want to pick this one up.

Peekaboo Dinosaur by Camilla Reid

PEEKABOO

by Camilla Reid

Illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius

Nosy Crow

Board Book

10 pages

ages 0 to 4

A new dinosaur-themed title in the hit novelty series with multiple sliders!

Easy-to-use peekaboo sliders, a funny rhyming text and surprise mirror ending combine in this stylish and interactive board book for babies and toddlers! With a total of 10 smooth mechanisms to push, pull or turn on every spread this beautiful book is packed full of fun! From Camilla Reid and Ingela P Arrhenius, the award-winning team behind the bestselling Felt Flaps Where's Mr? series.

Connecting with faces and playing peekaboo is one of the first games that babies play. It's why the very youngest of children will love this cute dinosaur-themed book - and want to read it again and again.

GOODREADS      /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Short and sweet, this little board book is sure to bring some smiles to the youngest reading audience and even a giggle or two.

This is a very short book and perfect for the intended audience. The illustrations are simple, bright, and bold. The dinosaurs are easy to identify and these are placed in simple surroundings. Each page holds a dinosaur, which is partially or completely hidden until a little flap is pulled or a lever is moved. Then, the smiling dino comes out. 

There's a very short text on each page with only two words, the first always peekaboo. The second works with things such as small, tall, and the like. These also form a cute, simple rhyme, which adds even more reading fun.

It's an adorable book for dinosaur fans and for those young readers, who like moving something to discover a surprise underneath. 

And here they are...

Camilla Reid has written, conceived and edited children’s books for over twenty years. Her titles for Nosy Crow as an in-house author include the Pip and Posy series (illustrated by Axel Scheffler), the Bizzy Bear series, (illustrated by Benji Davies), and the Felt Flaps series, (illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius). Her titles for other publishers include The Littlest Dinosaur and the Naughty Rock (illustrated by Michael Foreman, Bloomsbury), the Seriously Cute series (illustrated by Katherine Lodge, Bloomsbury) and the Lulu series, (illustrated by Ailie Busby, Bloomsbury).

Ingela P Arrhenius graduated from art school in the early 90s and has been working as an illustrator ever since. At first, she worked in advertising and magazines, but her focus over the past ten years has been on products and books. Ingela has created patterns for fabrics, wallpaper and stationery, as well as packaging and home accessories. She has also collaborated with several toy producers around the world and her love of retro style, typography and colour is reflected in all her work. Ingela lives in Stockholm with her husband (an author) and two sons.

The Richest Cow in the World by Barroux

After hitting nonfiction yesterday, I thought it was time for a bit more fun. The title of today's read caught my attention, and the lovely pig body guards surrounding the cow. I have a soft spot for secret service vibes and pigs...never knew I did until I saw this book.

Anyway, I'm expecting a message...not sure why, but something about it screams 'message'. And I'm pretty sure I know what it will be. I just hope there's enough humor along the way to make me smile or even raise an eyebrow. 

So, let's jump in and see if this cow is something Wall Street needs to watch out for or not.

(Note: I'm shoving this one over to my possible favorites of the year pile, since it was quite cleverly and carefully done)

THE RICHEST COW IN THE WORLD

by Barroux

Kids Can Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 2nd!!!

A tranquil cow is presented with an amazing entrepreneurial opportunity in this delightful fable from Barroux.

Cow enjoys lying in the shade of her apple tree, listening to the wind blow through the leaves and watching the clouds float across the sky. Looking at all the apples on the tree, Pig begins to spin an elaborate and ever-expanding tale about how Cow could sell the apples, make pies and applesauce and sell those too, plant more trees, and on and on … Soon, Cow could have a multinational food company and become the richest cow in the world! Cow listens patiently to Pig’s grand ideas. But what comes next after fame and fortune? Cow shows Pig that she’s got a much better plan.

This charming picture book from internationally renowned, award-winning children’s book creator Barroux offers a captivating 21st-century take on the classic fisherman parable about what really makes people happy in life. The fantastical story is illustrated with simple, humorous watercolor artwork in a limited palette. It’s sure to enchant, even as it sparks deeper discussions about money and what it means to be content. This book makes a crowd-pleasing read-aloud. It also highlights critical thinking, career aspirations and self-respect.

PUBLISHER     /      GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Dreams clash against a comfortable reality to create food for thought, which will delight not only young readers but make older ones think.

Cow spends her days lazing under an apple tree, gazing at passing clouds. And she has tons of apples around her. When Pig asks if he can have an apple, too, he begins to speculate about what could be done with the apples. He tells Cow about the various ways she could really make something out of the apples...and how she could become amazingly rich from it. But Cow isn't quite convinced.

This is a lovely picture book, which glides smoothly through the story and creates a world to get lost in. There's a wonderful balance between text and illustrations as not every page holds words. Instead, the text comes when needed, and that as much as needed. It makes sure that everything leaves the intended impact and lets the atmosphere remain strong the entire way through. It creates a nice read aloud and invites listeners to pick up the book later and explore it on their own.

The story is also clever. Pig's dreams show that huge things can be achieved if effort and thought is put into something. While Pig might go a bit extreme at the end, it still inspires readers/listeners to think beyond what might seem simple, at first. There's a sense of entrepreneurship and determination, which might awaken ideas in listeners'/readers' minds. But the book, then, takes a different twist to show that it's important to know why a person chases a dream. While there are promises of success and riches, the purpose of sacrificing for these goals also has to have a sense to it. And that becomes clear in these pages. 

It creates plenty of food for thought in a very entertaining way, and offers a nice step into discussions and further contemplations in all the right ways.

And here he is...

Born in Paris and raised in Morocco, Barroux has a passion for travel and exploring other cultures. It’s no surprise that he approaches each new book he is illustrating as if it’s the beginning of an adventure. Barroux strives to create unusual artwork, and when creating picture-book art, he always tries to surprise the little kid that’s inside of him. Despite all of the countries and faraway lands he’s explored, Barroux still believes that life in books, where dogs can fly and trees are blue, is more extraordinary. He has illustrated and, in some instances, written numerous books for children for various publishers, including Blue Apple Books, Running Press, Simon & Schuster, Viking and Kids Can Press.

Wacky Contraptions by Laura Perdew

 I reviewed a book about engineering and machines a few weeks ago, and then, saw today's read, too. This one should be a bit more fun...I think...and not quite as serious. Maybe, I'm wrong, though. Either way, let's dive into another book about contraptions, engineering, building and such!

WACKY CONTRAPTIONS

Gadgets That Whiz, Whoosh, Whirl, and Twist

by Laura Perdew

Illustrated by Micah Rauch

Nomad Press

Middle Grade Nonfiction

128 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

 SEPTEMBER 15th!!!

A hands-on project book for kids who love building wacky contraptions!

How do we make contraptions that zoom, bounce, tower, and collapse? By using hands-on STEAM engineering!

In Wacky Contraptions: Gadgets That Whiz, Whoosh, Whirl, and Twist with Hands-On Engineering Activities, young engineers ages 9 to 12 brainstorm, design, and build devices using the engineering design process. Kids learn about simple machines, mechanical advantage, forces, energy, motion, electricity, and other physical science concepts while creating fun and fascinating prototypes that do different kinds of work. Plus, this book encourages kids to adopt a growth mindset and understand that when their projects don’t work, that’s a sign that it’s time to revise and try again!

Built around a plethora of hands-on projects―a conveyor belt, magnetic slime, and a water wheel are just a few examples―a fun narrative style engages kids in discussions of the forces that define our world and the work we do in it. Tension, magnetism, electricity, and chemistry affect our daily lives in ways we often overlook―but armed with the power of knowledge, kids can identify and use the science that surrounds them. Graphic novel style illustrations, photographs, fun facts, sidebars, links to online resources, and more make Wacky Contraptions entertaining and educational.

Additional materials include a glossary, a list of media for further learning, a selected bibliography, and index. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

GOODREADS 

MY TIDBITS

First comes the theory and knowledge, and then, comes the fun as this books invites readers to create their own machines.

These pages take on the five, basic mechanisms found in the engineering world, explains the basic theories behind them, and then, leads readers into a basic project before opening it up to so much more. Starting with inclined planes, levers, wheel/axle, pulleys, wedges, and screws, these pages then expand them with aspects such as magnets, tension, gears, water, and more. Each chapter covers one of the aspects and explains the basic theories, uses, and such. The information is easy to understand, fits the age group, and flows fine. Sidebars on each page slip in vocabulary words, QR codes to watch videos, and questions to push those thought gears. While this is all written with as much lightness as possible, the fun begins with the projects.

Each chapter introduces a basic project with the required items (most around the house) and easy-to-follow directions. Then, there are more possibilities suggested and other projects presented, too. The point of this is not only to have readers create something to help the themes and information sit, but to lead them to go beyond and add twists or projects of their own. It's stated several times that mistakes happen and are, actually, helpful...and that things don't always go as planned.

The illustrations assist in making the presented information clear, while adding bold colors to add a little more excitement. This works nicely not only for those, who want to learn more about creating machines and such, but even opens the door to projects for individuals, group settings, or homeschoolers.