Lily's Dream by Bea Jackson

Like yesterday's read, I'm fighting myself not to scream 'Happy Book Birthday' because we're still a few days off on this one too. So close! Today's read immediately had me wanting to take a peek when I saw the cover. Isn't it gorgeous? I'm hoping this one invites to dreams with beautiful illustrations and imagination pure. Plus, I know a few little girls who love everything fairy.

Let's flip this one open and see what's inside!

LILY'S DREAM

A Fairy Friendship

by Bea Jackson

Aladdin

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING JANUARY 7th!!!

A flightless fairy befriends a human girl and discovers her magic in this enchanting picture book from the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Parker Looks Up.

Lily is a young fairy determined to learn to fly just like the others who soar on shimmering, jeweled-colored wings, but she’s worried her own colorless wings will never lift her off the ground. Then she meets a young girl named Willow who helps her not only discover her special magic, but the truly magical gift of friendship.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER 

MY TIDBITS

The realm of fairies comes across with fragile beauty, a touch of adventure, and delightfully invites into the world of imagination.

Lily is a little fairy, who can't seem to fly. She gives her best and practices as much as possible, but still, the other fairies flutter above the trees while she's stuck on the ground. Her mother insists that all is well and some things just need more time, but Lily isn't so sure that's true. While exploring in the forest, she happens across the most amazing fairy house...and a human. But maybe this human isn't so bad as fairies believe, after all.

The illustrations make this a read for fairy fans to pick up and enjoy. Not only are Lily and the other fairies lovely, but each scene mixes in enchanting details with the nature of the forest to let imagination take flight. There's even a touch of humor and lighter moments to draw smiles.

It's a gentle, yet steady-paced read and nicely fitting to the intended audience. It makes a lovely read-aloud for groups or can be tackled by individuals, who are pretty sure of their words. It flows well and builds just enough tension to draw in, while building messages surrounding unexpected friendships and working to achieve goals even if it takes time.

The story flowed very smoothly, so much so that the end, while wrapping up the message nicely, left  wondering if there could be more to come. Because this seems to open the door to many possible adventures.

And here she is...

Bea (Brittany) Jackson, the New York Times bestselling and award-winning illustrator of Parker Looks Up and Parker Shines On, attended the College for Creative Studies and was a grand prize winner of the L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrator of the Future Award. In addition to her work as a children’s book artist and a character and concept artist, Bea’s art has been featured on books and comic covers as well as in various magazines. In 2021, Target launched Wondershop, a Christmas-themed collection, which included Bea’s art on gift bags, gift boxes, and wrapping paper. She lives in Detroit, Michigan.

Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones

This read comes out in a few more days...almost close enough to scream Happy Book Birthday. This is a picture book which promises tons of neighborly goodness. I expect that the illustrations are going to be amazing and hope that the atmosphere of this read brings many smiles and good feelings.

But let's just open it up and see what's inside, okay?

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE 'SHOP

by Keenan Jones

Illustrated by Ken Daley

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING JANUARY 7th!!!

Spend Saturday morning at the barbershop in this upbeat picture book celebration of the spaces and places that bring communities together.

It’s Saturday morning. We hop in the car. Mom’s heading to work, and I’m geeked to go spend the day at the ’shop!

The barbershop is a sound booth, an art gallery, a playground, a classroom, and so much more. It’s a place for artistry and comradery and, most importantly, community. Come spend the day feeling all the style and wisdom and joy at the ’shop!

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Packed with tons of goodness, these pages bring the joy of neighborliness and community to life.

It's Saturday, and for a young boy that means it's the best day of the week because he'll be spending the day at the local barbershop. Not only do many regulars come by for cuts, to converse, and more, but there's so much to do. From friends messing around to hearing stories of the past to games and more, there's never a boring moment.

This is a book that puts a smile on the face. Not only does the enthusiasm from the boy radiate from every page, but the life, business, and good feelings pour from every illustration. It may be a barbershop, but it's also the local spot for neighbors to catch up with each other and more. The fun of friendships and playing mix with the deeper moments of tales and wise words from elders into a richness, which draws in with every new moment.

The illustrations are a treat and carry tons of atmosphere as well as details. It's enjoyable to visit each one, while the text keeps the story flowing. Together, these form a lovely read, either for groups or individual story time. Even adults will enjoy the moments and be caught up in a little nostalgia.

While many readers may not be able to identify with the barber shop directly, there are situations which will come to mind...be it the local gas station, laundromat, playground or any other place where a person runs into neighbors. It's a positive read, which shows how meaningful it can be to even 'accidentally' spend a little time and interact with others.

And here they are...

Keenan Jones is an author and educator based in Plymouth, Minnesota. Keenan worked as an elementary school teacher and is the founder of the educational nonprofit Literacy for Freedom. Saturday Morning at the ’Shop is his debut picture book. Learn more at KeenanJWrites.com.

Ken Daley’s art has been featured in children’s books, print publications, and exhibitions across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. He is the illustrator of picture books including Saturday Morning at the ’Shop by Keenan Jones, That Swingin’ Sound by Rekha S. Rajan, Granny’s Kitchen by Sadé Smith, and Black Boy, Black Boy by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond. Ken lives in Ontario. Visit him at KenDaleyArt.com.

Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon

 The first read of 2025 just happens to be one to make readers smile....because we need more smiles. This romance doesn't release for almost two weeks but that makes it early enough to put onto those reading lists and give readers something to look forward to.  If the book is worth it, that is.

Now, I'm not always the biggest romance fan as many of you know. It needs a little more than lovey-dovey moments to win me over. So, let us see if this book can pull that off or not.

BINGSU FOR TWO

by Sujin Witherspoon

Union Square 

YA Romance Comedy

320 pages

COMING...

JANUARY 14th!!!

This outrageously charming and infuriatingly adorable enemies-to-lovers coffee shop romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies.

Meet River Langston-Lee. In the past 24 hours, he’s dumped his girlfriend, walked out of his SATs, and quit his job at his parents’ cafe in spectacularly disastrous fashion—even for him.

Somehow, he manages to talk his way into a gig at a failing Korean cafe, Bingsu for Two, which is his lucky break until he meets short, grumpy, and goth: Sarang Cho. She’s his new no-BS co-worker who’s as determined to make River’s life hell as she is to save her family’s cafe.

After River accidentally uploads a video of his chaotic co-workers to his popular fandom account, they strike viral fame. The kicker? Their new fans ship River and Sarang big-time. In order to keep the Internet’s attention—and the cafe’s new paying customers—River and Sarang must pretend that the tension between them is definitely of the romantic variety, not the considering the best way to kill you and hide your body variety.

But when Bingsu for Two’s newfound success catches the attention of River’s ex and his parents’ cafe around the corner, he faces a choice: keep letting others control his life or stand up for the place that’s become home. And a green-haired girl who’s not as heartless as he originally thought . .

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With original and refreshing directions, this read packs a fun romance with tons of quirks.

River has managed to ruin almost every part of his life within 24- hours and not on purpose. He broke up with his long-term girlfriend (who also happened to be his co-manager at his parents' newest cafe site), walked out of his SAT, and yelled at a customer until he had to quit his job. Suddenly realizing that he'd shoved his life, basically, into the trashcan, he manages to find a new place to work to start getting his feet back on the ground...ish.  While his co-workers are awesome, he soon discovers his boss has it more than out for him because she's the customer he'd once destroyed. But he's determined to make it through even if it costs him what little dignity and future he has left.

This is a super, cute romance with a true enemies-to-lovers, which builds up deliciously from rock bottom to starry-eyed. And it is a battle the entire way, which makes it tension packed and very humorous with each turn of the page. While the writing flows smoothly enough, its the other aspects which make this one shine. Firstly, it's written from the guy's point of view, which was a nice change-up from many YA romances. Secondly, River is a mess. Don't expect a handsome, put-together, swoon-worthy guy because he's not it. Yet, he's loveable in his very own chaotic way and grows on one quickly. Lastly, there are the sub-characters, which add so much personality while harboring their own little bubbles of character depth. It throws in life from all directions to ensure heart and smiles.

While this is a romance, it leans heavily into the humor direction and keeps things upbeat. The writing includes all sorts of social media snippets and directions, which add spice to the read and change-up for those eyes. A huge, extra bout of humor waterfalls in as the employees of Bingsu for Two (the cafe River ends up working for and book's title) try to come up with more videos and such for their sudden, social media success. It's adorable. All along the female role adds bite and tension to round off for a heartwarming romance by the last page.

Romcom YA fans are going to want to take a peek at this read...if they're into a different type of couple and not always perfect characters.

What's Coming in January?

I'll start with a...

Yep, it's going to be another year of reading goodness, and I can't wait to get started. I'm always excited to see what books will be hitting my piles and am convinced I'm going to be blown away by more than a few. 

This year, I can't say I have any special goals outside of keeping my eyes open for an even better line-up than the year before. I would love to pack in more reads...not be as lazy as last year. Maybe I'll even find a way to grab up more. I'm still thinking and considering ways to spruce things up, since this blog has been feeling tight for more than awhile, now. But that is still in the stars.

Do you have any books you're looking especially forward to this year? If so, let me know, and maybe I can find a way to sneak them in, too!

So, let's get 2025 started!

BINGSU FOR TWO

We're going to begin the year with a little romance. This read comes out on the 4th and might hold a little humor, sweetness and heart. I'm hoping for some situation comedy and a light, enjoyable read, which leaves a smile on the face in all the right ways. Join me tomorrow (2nd) to learn more.

Young Adult Romance

LILY'S DREAM

Ready to dive into an adorable world with fairies? I'm hoping that's what these pages hold. It's a picture book for the younger end of readers and promises magic and forming friendships. I'm looking forward to the illustrations as these could be amazing. Let's dive into this realm on the 4th.

Picture Book

 

BEYOND MULBERRY GLEN

I'm going to stay in the realm of fantasy and picked up this one because of the sense of adventure on the cover. I'm betting this one has something to do with friendship, trust, and going beyond the comfort zone. After reading the blurb, I'm wondering if it will be more psychological than true fantasy...but I'm going to keep hoping that there will be an epic world in this one. Grab those cloaks and join me on the 6th to find out.

Middle Grade Fantasy

THE GENEROUS GIRAFFE

This is one of four books with each one presenting a different character and 'habit'. They look adorable, and I've decided to pick up this one see if how cute they might be...and hopefully, not overly message driven. Discover more with me on the 10th.

Picture Book

NATURE OF FROST

Marking the 2nd book in the Omen of Ice series, I'm going to be picking this one up despite not reading the first. Why break the habit? I love the cover and am pretty sure this one will pack adventure to the extreme. It heads toward fae and probably a little romance, considering it comes from Entangled Teen. But we'll find out more on the 13th!

Young Adult Fantasy

AN ALPHABOT BOOK

I'm looking forward to the illustrations in this read and some fun, robot goodness. When was the last time I read a book with a robot? Anyway, this also happens to be an ABC book, which promises a very unique twist. We're diving in on the 14th!

Picture Book

JOURNEY TO THE FAR LANDS

This will the third novel I'm hitting in this series...I know that's amazing given my track-record. They're always light, fun, and easy-to-read...oh, and in graphic novel form. I like the change-up and know several lower middle grade boys, who enjoy these books. Let's see how this adventure is compared to the other two on the 20th.

Middle Grade Science Fiction  /   Graphic Novel

CLARICE BEAN: UTTERLY ME

While this is the tenth book in a very popular series, it's the first time I'll be meeting this character. I'm pretty sure this won't be a problem, since it appears to be a collection of life adventures. I'm curious to find out more about this character and have high expectations. If you already know her, you can let me know your favorite books and whatever else you enjoy on the 22nd.

Middle Grade Contemporary

PACO THE OCTOPUS

While this is probably a very message driven book and promises good vibes, it was the cute cover which caught my attention. (Me and my love for covers!) It already has me smiling. Let's head in for a swim on the 26th to learn more.

Picture Book

GIRLS TO THE FRONT

I'm going to end the month with some nonfiction goodness. These pages will highlight various women, who made their own distinct path. I'm curious to see what it holds, since there's always so much to learn when it comes to individuals and their accomplishments. I hope there's more than a little inspiration goodness along the way, too. Join me on the 28th to take a peek.

Children's Nonfiction

As you can imagine, my to-be-read pile isn't a small one. Every month, there are more books than days. So, I end up shoving more than a few to the side. There are always a few, which I would love to dive into...if only time would allow. Since my schedule is in constant flux (I'm sure my more avid readers have noticed my not-so-always-exact-schedule), I know I'll get to one or two of these. And this is January's 'will read'. I just don't have any clue when.

ONE WRONG STEP

I don't hit adventure fiction very often, and this one even steps back to the beginnings of WWII. What that has to do with Mount Everest is something I'll figure out while reading this novel, I guess. It involves a teen, who is trying to get over his mother's death by making this dangerous climb...and while dangerous today, it was extremely crazy back then. I'm expecting many thrilling moments and situations to make the heart stop. As for the Nazi's, there's a thread, by the looks of it, surrounding spies, but I'll share more about that when I know more myself. We'll see when I get to this one...that's always a surprise!

Young Adult Historical Adventure