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.