THE MONSTER HYPOTHESIS is a really fun middle grade investigative mystery. Kick is living with her grandmother, a fake psychic who has taught her how to trick people, while her parents, who are scientists, are off doing important things. Kick is a little anxious about starting the new school and wants to be a scientist herself. When she starts school and encounters some mean girls, she ends up telling her classmates that she is a psychic like her grandmother.
The problem is that now people expect her to help save them from the curse that plagues their small town- a curse that Kick certainly does not believe in that says a witch cursed the town that every 100 years, their children would all turn into monsters. However, when the clues start appearing and indicate that the curse might be real, Kick is left to fight against the fake facts while also protecting the secret that she is not a psychic. Accompanied by her cousin and budding friend, Carolina, they will try to create and test hypotheses about this monster curse.
What I loved: I always adore stories which feature characters, especially girls, who are STEM-oriented and use these tools in fun ways. This was no exception, and it was so cool to watch Kick investigate and form hypotheses. There are also some really fantastic messages about being true to yourself and seeking out friendships with people who respect you for who you are. The mystery and intrigue is just icing on the cake, making this a fast and devourable book overall. I would happily read a whole series featuring these characters and this intriguing location.
Final verdict: THE MONSTER HYPOTHESIS is a highly devourable, clever, and downright delightful book that combines STEM, curses, and fantastic messages into a page-turning middle grade read. Highly recommend for mystery readers in this age range.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
WHERE THE WORLD ENDS is an intriguing historical fiction, based on a true story. The boys of Hirta are sent to a rocky island to hunt the birds that gather there and bring back the food to the people to help with their survival. During that time, they are isolated and have no way of reaching their families or loved ones. This year, the task becomes more difficult when no one shows up to get them after the three weeks are up. Instead, they must continue to survive for many long months while wondering if the rest of the world even exists anymore.
I would add some caution for readers in terms of some of the themes that can be sensitive, and I will include them here, which could be spoilers (so skip to below if you are concerned about spoilers). More specifically, I would warn for a girl who was raised as a boy (but may identify as a girl), pedophilia (one of the adults decides that she should marry him/that her presence is a gift for him), religious in the extreme with casting out of demons/religious figure not very pious, and stoning of others/bullying/mistreatment.
What I loved: The imagery here is fantastic. We feel the isolation, the desolation of the landscape, and the unforgiving nature of survival. The world-building in terms of the rocky island was very good. We got a very good feel for how this fowling trip was.
What left me wanting more: The book moves very slowly, and facts are often revealed slowly, making it hard to visualize the world outside of the island and understand the societal structure (though this may be presumed as it is historical/based on truth). The slow pace can make it hard to read in places, but on the other hand, this does help build the isolation and overwhelming nature of the trip.
Final verdict: Fans of LORD OF THE FLIES will enjoy this new tale of historical survival in an unforgiving environment and with evolving social structures. Would recommend for people who like compelling world-building and immersive scenarios.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
STUFFED follows Clark and Foon. Clark is a boy who loves stuffed animals and feels that they keep him safe. However, his mother is pushing him to move away from them and find more "manly" hobbies like baseball. He is also bullied at school, and this centers around his stuffed animals, but really seems to be about power plays (as most bullying is).
Clark's dad receives a box of things from his childhood, which begins his mood spiral into a depression (not specifically defined as such but hinted at strongly). At the same time, Clark feels like he can see a cloudy shape around his father which may be a monster. This is later confirmed by a new friend, who explains the powers of Stuffies and how they can be scored to build up a real army.
Clark becomes more entrenched in this idea and how stuffed animals can help protect his father. The overall story is split every so often with scenes from the perspective of Foon, a stuffed animal that we really meet later. The book also contains some how-to instructions for making simple stuffies in places.
What I loved: This book is really innovative in how it empowers children to be who they are (even if they are a boy who is growing up and loving stuffed animals). The story is quite clever too, in terms of what stuffed animals do and how they fight monsters.
What left me wanting more: I felt like this book could have been something much bigger and deeper than it was. Essentially, the father has depression, but instead of therapy and help, we have stuffed animals fighting the monster that is getting him down. The power of the book to address mental illness is really lessened. There are also some tidbits about his grandmother having cancer, which also could have deepened the story, but they also felt a bit glossed over. This book straddled the line between more serious and more fun, and I would have liked it more if it was one or the other, particularly for the middle grade audience. I also wish his mother had been more supportive and appreciated Clark for being himself. However, we do get the more supportive figures from other teens.
Final verdict: This book is overall cute fun giving stuffed animals a new purpose. While it could have been a much deeper story, it manages to stay pretty light and focus on stuffed animals vs. monster style plots. I would recommend for children who love stuffed animals and fantasy.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
THE GALACTIC ADVENTURES OF HAZEL - GURECOA takes place in the far future, where our planet is only vaguely recognizable. Hazel, Ritchie, and Dimitri (who is also an alien) are on an adventure to figure out Gurecoa. With quite a bit of sci-fi imagination, this book is an interesting leap into the future.
What I loved: There are some interesting sci-fi elements that imagine the future and life on other planets in a really engaging way. It is always interesting to take a leap through time, and this is a unique take.
What left me wanting more: The characters often fell flat, and the main characters were often not very likable. The book focuses more on dialogue than other events, so it is hard to really get into the characters' mindsets. I would have liked to go a little deeper into the characters and understand where they are coming from.
Final verdict: This book is interesting for sci-fi fans who may enjoy the glimpse at the future as imagined by this author. However, the book would benefit from more character development and deeper plotting.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
BATMAN NIGHTWALKER: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL converts the YA novel by Marie Lu into graphic novel format. The plot remains the same, and the graphic novel focuses on the dialogue. Bruce Wayne has newly turned 18 with interest in criminology because of the events with his parents. When he leaves his birthday party, he sees a Nightwalker, criminals who are killing the wealthy and emptying their bank accounts, escaping from the police. Knowing that his car can take them, he pursues, flipping their car and getting the police the guy.
In an effort to teach Bruce a lesson, Draccon, the detective on his case, forces him to do community service at Arkham Asylum. Although he is just supposed to be cleaning up, a Nightwalker who is imprisoned there begins to speak with him. Since she has not spoken to anyone else, and the police need answers about the rest of the group, they reluctantly agree to let him try to speak with her for information. Even though they pull the plug pretty soon, Bruce is becoming attached and keeps trying to speak with Madeleine. As things escalate, Bruce finds himself in a web of the Nightwalkers' making.
What I loved: The illustrations and pace are perfect in this graphic novel adaptation. This is a pretty fast read, and having read the novel it is based on, I appreciate the inclusion of all the important scenes from the novel. The images really bring the story to life in black-and-white with some yellow accents. The text is easy to attribute to the character speaking and spaced well with the images. This is definitely a story which is seen and not just told.
What left me wanting more: While the graphic novel does add a lot to the visuals of the story and brings it out of the words, we also lose some of the internal discussions/feelings of Bruce in particular. Some of these are included, but it was harder to connect with him and feel for his connections to Madeleine in the graphic novel format. This was a relatively small point, but I would recommend also checking out the novel if you enjoy the storyline.
Final verdict: With great illustrations, clear text, and a fast pace, this graphic novel adaptation does a great job of converting Lu's story into something that is also seen in addition to read. Highly recommend for anyone who loves graphic novels, YA fiction, and backstories.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
RAT RULE 79 is charming, ridiculous, and completely engaging. Fred is about to turn thirteen in a new place, as she and her mother keep moving. She does not have any friends yet and feels completely awkward, to the point that she would rather just not have a birthday party. After she goes to bed, she decides to come back and speak with her mother some more, when she sees her mother dressed for a party, stepping through a large paper lantern.
Fred follows to find herself in the Land of Impossibility, where she first encounters an imprisoned white elephant, Downer, who explains the basics about the Land and its Rat Queen, particularly her many rules and the very important Rat Rule 79, where so many things are outlawed, including birthday parties. As Fred begins her quest to find her mother, she will encounter puzzles, riddles, and all sorts of magnificent and clever creatures.
What I loved: This is a very thoughtful book that presents a lot of ideas in interesting and reflective ways (such as why children must go to bed when they feel less need for sleep but adults, who love sleep, stay up late). The text and characters are completely charming, often taking colloquialisms to the literal (e.g. when people could not talk about the elephant in the room, Downer was ignored for being that elephant). It is very humorous and quite clever that makes it an engaging read, even for adults. The book is also quite unique, as I am not sure I have read anything quite like it.
I also really enjoyed the celebration of childhood, as children are the best thing in the world in the Land of Impossibility. The snippets from Fred with her mother were also marvelous, and some of the puzzles and games quite imaginative.
Final verdict: In the vein of Lemony Snicket, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, and THE WIZARD OF OZ, prepare to be transported to a fascinating, clever, and often comical land along with Fred, as she begins an incredible journey. Highly recommend for middle grade (and all aged) readers who are looking for a book that does not fit any mold.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID is quite a heavy YA contemporary. We follow Naima and Dew in alternating sections. Naima is dealing with anxiety and OCD- and the recent death of her father on his military tour. Her stepmother has brought her to her grandparent's house, which was where Naima wanted to be. It is also next door to Dew, who has a bit of an obsession with Naima, as he feels that their paths have been meant to collide ever since he started hearing about her from her father a year earlier.
Dew is also dealing with his own problems, including anxiety/PTSD. His parents died when he was younger and he has been recently adopted by a couple that is making a new family/home for him and his adopted sister, Faith. He wields his recorder for protection and often gives wisdom far beyond his years. He is still coping with the death of his parents and trying to forge his own way forward.
What I loved: This book tackles some heavy issues in a really great way. I loved that we could actually see some of the therapy sessions for Dew to see how he is working through things. We also hear about therapy/meds for Naima. This book is great at presenting mental illness in a really authentic and constructive way.
The characters generally felt quite heartfelt, and it was easy to connect to them, even when they were not always the best of themselves. They felt very three-dimensional. Their grief, struggles, and healing was all really well done. Also, not to give anything away, but this is not a romance, and I really appreciated that. The book is deeper and goes into bigger issues with aplomb.
What left me wanting more: The way that Dew obsesses about Naima was a bit troubling to me, as it seemed almost stalker level. I found it a bit weird that most of the adults (except his mother) were encouraging this, especially when Naima was pushing him so hard to go away/not interested. I would have liked a more organic meeting/friendship. This felt a bit disturbing to me, and made it a little harder for me to get into the story. It does, however, get better later, but it did not set a great tone for me.
While the topics were strong, the plot meandered in places, and it seemed to get off-topic every so often that made it harder to keep going through. It was a book that was easy to stop reading without a clear driver (not quite a page-turner for me). This is personal opinion, but it just meandered a bit too much for me to be completely engrossed.
Final verdict: I would recommend this book for the way it handles mental illness and therapy as well as grief beautifully. For readers who may be struggling with similar issues, this book has a lot of power.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
UNSTOPPABLE MOSES is quite an interesting YA contemporary. With dark humor, grief/healing, and guilt/blame, this book takes on some big themes. Moses and his BFF/cousin, who is described as his other half, were trying to pull an epic prank. However, Charlie did not tell Moses about all his plans- a not infrequent occurrence- and the result was something far worse than Moses ever could have imagined.
Alone and blaming himself for all the things he possibly could have done differently, Moses has a huge chip on his shoulder. The sentencing comes down, and Moses is sent for community service at a children's camp that is primarily supervised by teens, a.k.a Buddies. As Moses attends the camp, he is drawn to three friends who may help open him up to new possibilities outside of his guilt, as well as a young camper who really changes everything.
What I loved: This book pulls the reader in quickly and really builds up Moses and his personality well. He feels like a very close friend whose life we are watching. Moses and the other characters felt really authentic and well crafted. He undergoes a lot of growth during the story, and this ended up being quite a healing, coming-of-age read. The book also manages to infuse some humor even amongst the darkest of stories.
What left me wanting more: There was a lot of space here for some professional help, which would have been nice to see. Of course, people are imperfect, and Moses addresses the way people deal with him, but it would also have been nice to see him getting more help. He is dealing with some big things. There are also other characters who are dealing with big issues that are hinted at but not fully explained, and I felt like some threads were not completely woven into the story by the end. I still had some questions, which was not bad, but it would have been nice to get more answers.
Final verdict: Overall, this is an engaging contemporary young adult fiction that deals with some major issues, such as loss, grief, and finding yourself. Would recommend for people who enjoy similar YA contemporary reads that deal with big issues like THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER or ULTIMATUM.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
ON SNOWDEN MOUNTAIN is a heavy historical middle grade read, which deals with depression, alcoholism, war, domestic abuse/violence, and child abuse as well as possibly dyslexia. Ellen's father left for war, leaving her mother to fall back into her depression. Although Ellen had not experienced this before, her mother did have a history of such illness. Luckily, when Ellen contacts her Aunt Pearl, she brings Ellen and her mother home with her to Snowden.
Ellen is reluctant about going, but she learns a lot about herself, people, and her family while she is there. Although she is somewhat of an outcast, she begins to befriend a boy who is older than she but still learning to read with the younger students at school. He also smells like skunk. Russell is abused by his alcoholic father who forces him to miss school to trap skunks (because their pelts are worth a good amount of money). As Ellen gets to know Russell better, she is also able to help him learn to spell and read a bit (it seems he has dyslexia).
This book ends up being a little scary owing to the domestic/child abuse/violence, so it should be selected with some care for the maturity of readers.
What I loved: There is a lot to unpack in this book, and it uses simple terms to introduce these big concepts to young readers. This is not an easy book to read, but it does a good job of talking about depression in somewhat abstract terms (as well as showing how other people to react to it/dismiss it) and dyslexia. The historical context of the war and concessions that had to be made for rationing and the like was also interesting.
What left me wanting more: I do wish there had been more resolution/resources for Russell and his mother, but this is a part of the historical context maybe and even exists now as well.
Final verdict: This is an engaging historical middle grade read that deals with some heavy topics. While it may be worth considering the maturity of the reader in selecting this book, it does have a lot of strengths in discussing the era and presenting these topics to the reader in ways that are understandable (with discussions to be started after reading).
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
THE LITTLE GREY GIRL is the second book in a trilogy, but I found that it could be read on its own as the story is contained and past events recapped. It does leave room for the next book at the end. Mup and her family are moving into the newly vacated castle after the end of the first book. Her mother is dealing with the ramifications of the past in unseating the former queen (Mup's grandmother), as the people are looking for her to be the same type of ruler.
However, Mup's mother does not wish to be a cruel ruler- she wants the people to have freedom and not live in fear. Convincing them of this is no easy task. It also made harder by the curse the former queen has left behind, and the dangerous drawings that seem to keep appearing. Mup is a key player in all this as she thinks about her mother and family's decisions as well as tries to keep everyone she loves safe from the powers at play.
What I loved: The story is beautifully woven and flows well. While prior knowledge is not needed, it does help in starting this book. There are some important themes here about power and the strength of a ruler, as well as the value of freedom. Other key themes include actions of fear and the consequences of decisions as well as the redeemable nature of people, even when past actions were bad. Mup is a forceful, brave, and lovely character who really carries the story well. The magic and fantasy elements here add to the charm of the story, presenting a great middle grade read.
I will add a small note to say that this book and series can be a little scary for those who are sensitive with mentions of torture and pain (not shown, just mentioned) as well as ghosts and bad witches.
Final verdict: Magical and fantastical with great themes, THE LITTLE GREY GIRL is a beautifully written story about freedom and forgiveness as well as bravery. Highly recommend for the middle grade fantasy audience.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
THE EDGE OF THE WORD is another absolutely delightful interactive story, where you are the main character in the book. In these books, you have been thrust into Astorya, a fictional land, where you don't know your name and are only armed with a pencil. The book includes fill-in-the-blank mad-lib style entries, puzzles, mazes, and places where you can draw the way you would imagine something. The vast majority of the book remains the actual plot/story line, so the entries are a bonus for the tenacious middle grade reader.
The first book ended with you saving Astorya from Queen Rulette. This second book starts right after the first one ended where you must again save Astorya by protecting the Original (the story that created Astorya). In this journey, you and the gang must go to the Other Side (of the page). A whole new and completely ridiculously delightful story awaits. Filled with funny moments, clever puzzles, and all sorts of interesting characters, this book is another charmer in the series.
What I loved: These books have a lot of potential in that they can be really interactive and engaging. I could easily see these being a classroom read, where students complete the puzzles/tasks together or alone. The story itself is really strong, so the interactive parts are just a bonus. Astorya is quite imaginative with plenty of comedy and action/adventure. The footnotes are also completely delightful and add some extra fun to the book.
Final verdict: This is a really fantastic middle grade series that I would highly recommend for this audience. Fans of SIDEWAYS STORIES OF WAYSIDE SCHOOL, CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE books, fairy tales, mad libs, and puzzles will all find something to delight in this unique new series.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
Part mad libs and activity book plus fully developed fictional story, MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is a delightfully interactive read for the middle gradePart mad libs and activity book plus fully developed fictional story, MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is a delightfully interactive read for the middle grade audience. Told entirely in the second person, the book takes the reader through an adventure in which they are cast in the starring role. The reader gets to interact with the book by filling in the blanks, solving puzzles, and even drawing their version of a more or less scary villain.
In the land of Astorya, you are surrounded by fictional creatures with only your pencil. However, as you soon learn, that pencil is the most powerful of tools, as anything you write can become a part of the story too. After finding a letter calling for help, you set out on a quest to find out what happened to you and rescue Prince S. There's villains, magic, and more in this charming and funny story.
What I loved: This book is a pleasure to read and would do well in a classroom setting, where children can giggle and create together. The chapters could be easy to read a couple at a time aloud, with children filling in the blanks together or separately. There are plenty of activities that are a part of and/or could be derived from the book, making it quite interactive. The book is overwhelmingly a comedic adventure, so it will appeal to a broad audience.
Final verdict: Delightful, hilarious, and full of heart, this interactive book has great potential to appeal to young readers. I would put it on a similar level as the SIDEWAYS STORIES OF WAYSIDE SCHOOL but with fairy tale elements, mad libs, and puzzles. This book is perfect for middle grade (8-12yo) classrooms or solo reads, but I bet you'll want to talk about it!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
Gina and Stacy are twins who play for rival baseball teams. This flows off the field into intense and sometimes unfriendly competition. The two live with their grandmother, who is also a witch. After the competition becomes a little too fierce, the two break into their grandmother's spell-casting stash and chaos ensues- beginning with a zombie coming out of the ground during Stacy's team's practice.
Stacy's team had been having a rough losing streak, but the zombie may just be what they need to whip the team into shape. As the two girls try to resolve their magical problems, they reconnect over their sisterly connection and ultimately love for each other.
What I loved: The illustrations in this graphic novel are great, and the dialogue bubbles are easy to follow. This is a good choice for reluctant readers. While the topic matter might seem scary, this is not your typical zombie (no brain eating- just baseballs). The book holds a lot of comedy as the kids realize they have an adult who will do what they want and try to take advantage. The ultimate message is one of family love and the strength of working together vs. against each other.
Final verdict: A solid story with great pacing and pictures makes this a middle grade graphic novel worth picking up. With ultimately good messaging, magic, and zombies combined with a hand of the comedic, this book is sure to appeal to even reluctant readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
GOOD DAY, GOOD NIGHT follows a bunny on his journey from sun-up to sunset, as he travels around town, plays soccer, and lives his day. The text is accompanied by full page images and includes various other animals, such as a kitten, birds, and bees (as well as other insects).
What I loved: The board book is a great size for little hands, and the word-to-picture ratio is great! There are no more than a few short phrases on any given page spread. The illustrations are gorgeous, and young children will enjoy pointing out the many bugs and animals they see. My toddler loves the bee hive, which at bedtime, includes not only sleeping bees in various places but also a sleeping caterpillar and a parent bee reading a book to a baby bee. These details really take the illustrations to a stunningly delightful and lovely level. The text is very clear, although not printed too large, and is easy enough to read aloud. The storyline is also straightforward and simple for young readers to grasp.
What left me wanting more: That being said, the phrasing of the text is rather awkward in places, as tense and perspective rapidly changes. For instance, from one page to the next, it is second person ("Go live your day!") and then on the next it switches to seemingly third person "When the moon came up the night began." The rabbit also may be the "you" but then in other places, he is also referred to in third person. The switching of tenses also makes the language a little stilted in places (action/present tense to past tense).
Final verdict: Overall, this is a lovely read with gorgeous illustrations that really steal the show. Infants and toddlers will love examining these delightful images for their many thoughtful details. The text is readable and in a great ratio to the images but it is a little stilted in places, although this does not detract from the overall loveliness of the board book.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
DINOSNORES is another absolutely charming and delightfully ridiculous board book from Sandra Boynton. Here, the dinosaurs get ready for bed, fall asleep in a heap, and then snore very loudly. The book concludes with a rabbit saying s/he is so glad the dinosnores live far, far away.
What I loved: Every bit of this book is charming from the cartoonish and brightly colored animals to the artistic and large text. The text-to-image ratio is perfect, and the font is large and clear, making this so easy to read aloud. The board book pages make this easy to turn pages for young fingers. The colors, characters, and possibility to really get into the sounds of snoring have high appeal for infants and toddlers, who will easily fall in love with these dinosnores. I also really love that the dinosaurs brush their teeth and wash their faces when getting ready for bed, as it is always great to have healthy habits modeled for the little ones. Be prepared to snore and giggle through this new classic.
Final verdict: Absolutely delightful from images to text to story, DINOSNORES is a new favorite for our toddler. Highly recommend for children who love to laugh and parents who can get into reading some snores!
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
TBH, THIS MAY BE TMI is the second in a contemporary middle grade series, though it can easily function as a stand-alone. The book is told mainly through text messages, but also through passed notes, diaries, and emails. Prianka, Gabby, and Cece are BFFs and have been for a long time. Middle school is mixing things up, however, with new focuses on boys, social issues (bullying), and planning for the spring fair. They have also been making a point to include the new girl, Victoria, in their activities.
What I loved: This book is highly relatable for the middle school audience and great for reluctant readers who will speed through the text messages and text lingo. The problems the girls are facing are likely encountered by many children of this in between age, not quite feeling like they fit in, that their friends are getting into things that they are not sure they like, fear of being away from home at sleepaway camps (they are planning a summer camp), and navigating schoolwork and other friends. Perhaps most interesting in this book is Arjun's story. Arjun moved to their school from a place where he and his family were being bullied in really scary ways. People were calling them Muslim, even though they were Hindu, but regardless the profiling and bullying really escalated. Arjun shares his story through a planned speech, and this can be really helpful for children to learn about and understand the ramifications of.
While some of the communications seemed a little awkward, blunt or brief, I think this accurate to the age group portrayed, and middle grade readers will really enjoy reading this and the other books in this series.
Final verdict: Great for the middle grade audience, TBH, THIS MAY BE TMI is a fun and fast-paced journey through middle school issues. The unique format makes for an engaging book with broad appeal.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
This gorgeous board book celebrates the parent-child bond in an absolutely stunning way. I'VE LOVED YOU SINCE FOREVER suggests that the parent-child bond stretches long before birth until the uniting moment of meeting. Written as a poem with excellent flow, the book also illustrates many animal parent-child relationships (e.g. parent deer and baby deer) that add extra appeal for young audiences.
What I loved: The language in this book is stunning, and the writing flows so beautifully. It is lovely just to listen to, and infants and young toddlers will enjoy hearing it. This also makes it easier and more enjoyable for parents to read. In the board book format, the page size is relatively small, but the images are large enough to enjoy and this makes it easy for little hands to hold. The font is sometimes in cursive (larger size) and in an easier to read font when smaller sized, making it also easy to read. As you can see from the cover, the illustrations are truly gorgeous, easy to enjoy for children and adults alike.
I would also like to mention that on the last page, there is a silhouette of a woman (longer hair and wearing a skirt/dress) and a baby that certainly gears this to the maternal crowd. However, the overall messaging/text does not specify/imply gender, and the animal parent-baby groupings could apply to fathers or mothers. This could be enjoyed by any parents to share with their babies/toddlers.
Final verdict: Perfect for baby shower, new parent, and related gifts, this lovely book is a delight to share with young children with an ultimate message of parental love. Baby animals, beautiful colors, and lyrically flowing text make this board book a win for parents and young children alike.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
Babies and toddlers will love the colorful celebration of Christmas in this delightful board book. MY BABY LOVES CHRISTMAS is a rhythmic and rhyming celebration of the secular holiday from snow and jingle bells to trees, gingerbread men, and stockings. Each page features an adorable baby, often with her kitten, and frequently with her mother and/or father as well as plenty of Christmas decor and spirit.
What I loved: The illustrations in this book are lovely and full of plenty of colors and characters that will appeal to babies and toddlers. I also really love that the book features a family of color. The text-to-image ratio is great for young readers with one relatively short phrase (e.g. Baby loves...) per page. The rhyming phrases have audible appeal for little ones. The font is easy to read for parents who will be reading aloud. The secular celebration has broad appeal for the holiday and highlights many great things about the season.
Final verdict: This lovely and delightful board book is a great pick for young children to introduce holiday customs and celebrate Christmas. Highly recommend for parents looking for a cute read with beautiful illustrations to share with their budding readers.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own....more
RIVERLAND is a riveting and complex middle grade magical realism novel. Eleanor and her sister, Mike (nickname, everyone except their father calls her that- he calls her Mary), have created a safe space under Eleanor's bed for the bad nights. Eleanor tells Mike stories and they try to ignore the horrible sounds from downstairs. The two have also constructed many rules in their minds about how they must behave to keep their father from becoming a monster.
Eleanor and Mike believe in house magic, which is how things clean up after these episodes. When their father breaks an heirloom that they thought was a witch ball, a river begins to appear under Eleanor's bed, and they travel to another world. They learn that the barrier has been broken and now they must find a way to repair it. At the same time, their lives are becoming more dangerous and the rules are becoming more complex.
What I loved: The imagery is absolutely gorgeous and the story is absolutely heart-wrenching. This book gives new insights into the psychology of victims of abuse and the ways that they organize their lives and thoughts. The magical realism elements are really interesting and bring new insights to the characters through their exploration of riverland.
I would caution readers to approach with care, as this is a very heavy read and deals with some difficult situations of child abuse (physical, emotional). This may be better for older middle grade readers and for older audiences. Regardless, it's a powerful book.
Final verdict: Emotionally heavy with important themes and beautiful imagery, RIVERLAND is a powerful middle grade novel about dealing with the impossible. This novel is full of sisterly love and delves into the psychology of victims of abuse.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
THIS IS NOT THAT KIND OF BOOK is a humorous jaunt through book genres and classification with some messages about the necessity of expectation flexibility and friendship. The book starts out seeming like an alphabet book, before turning into a fairytale into a science fiction and then a classroom story with mystery, pirates, and joke book characters. In the end, it turns out that this is a book all of its own.
The book features colorful, cartoonish characters with their own fun quirks that come together to create a uniquely adorable story. Much of the book is conveyed through dialogue with some overhead narration, making it a book that is better for older picture book readers who can follow along with who is speaking and also who can understand the comedy. Children will adore the apple who only says “I’m an apple!” but has particularly expressive facial expressions, and whose one phrase could thus convey those emotions as per Groot (for people familiar with The Guardians). There is also the letter A, who only says words which begin with A, and the young girl in a cape, who may be a superhero in sci-fi but is likely not as she is from fairytale books, and even the tenacious Hedgible T. Hedgehog, who is awaiting her new friends who she is sure will be other animals in people clothes.
What I loved: The storyline is certainly giggle-worthy as the diverse characters appear and add their own charm. The plot will make little ones laugh as they explore different genres and types of characters, and as such, this is a great introduction into how stories are classified. The main lessons of the book are about teamwork and unlikely friends, as well as not being too quick to judge or make assumptions about a book (or a person/character, such as a person in person clothes or a letter or a robot), which are certainly universal lessons important to many situations. Children will love laughing along with the story and the many humorous situations.
Final verdict: Ultimately, this is a charming and funny book that literally crosses literary genres and will certainly be enjoyed by preschoolers and young elementary schoolers. With many delightful characters, some important lessons, and a big dose of comedy, this picture book is a win!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
DOG AND RABBIT is a charming tale of friendship. Told in four parts, the book introduces Dog and then Rabbit. Both are happy to be alone, butDOG AND RABBIT is a charming tale of friendship. Told in four parts, the book introduces Dog and then Rabbit. Both are happy to be alone, but sometimes it gets lonely and they long for a friend to play with and walk/hop with. However, making new friends can be difficult. When Rabbit arrives at Dog's house, he sees a bunny magnet/sticker on the fridge and decides to make friends with it, smiling at the bunny. Dog notices Rabbit, and wishing to be friends with Rabbit, smiles at Rabbit before Rabbit hops away. In the final part, Rabbit finds out the bunny is not real, and Dog and Rabbit become friends.
With lovely, colorful illustrations and simple text, this book could easily work for older infants and toddlers as well as preschool/early elementary schoolers who are emerging readers. The text-to-picture ratio is ideal for both, and while the text is repetitive with simple words, it is not boring and tells a truly charming story.
What I loved: The images are lovely with charming characters featured on every page. They are simple with a few small details but tell the story perfectly with Dog and Rabbit having very expressive faces. The field of flowers and stars in night images are truly lovely. The text is simple, clear, and completely adorable. Friendship is complicated, and it can be difficult to make friends. This story also gives hope and shows the value of smiles and patience. The pages themselves are also nice and thick, making them easy to turn and difficult to tear- a valuable trait in books for young children.
Final verdict: Ideal for emerging readers and young listeners, this lovely story of friendship is certainly worth picking up. Elegant illustrations combined with charming text make this a fantastic picture book about patience, smiles, and making friends.
Please note that I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own....more
If you adored FROZEN, you need to get your hands on this Twisted Tale which reimagines the story if Anna and Elsa did not know they were sisters.If you adored FROZEN, you need to get your hands on this Twisted Tale which reimagines the story if Anna and Elsa did not know they were sisters. CONCEAL, DON'T FEEL follows Anna and Elsa in alternating perspectives, where Elsa grows up in the castle wishing she had siblings, and Anna grows up in a bakery making cookies with her adoptive parents.
After their parents die, Elsa starts to develop powers and hides away so that no one will know. Luckily, she accidentally creates Olaf, a snowman with a delightful personality who keeps her company. Olaf tells her that she had made him for Anna, and Elsa knows that Anna is important though she does not yet understand.
Anna dreams of going to Arendelle and working at a bakery there, even though she loves her parents a lot. Anna is hoping to attend the coronation of the new queen when the world turns to ice. As she sets off with Kristoff, a boy she has met who intrigues her, her world will change quite a bit, leading her back to the sister she has forgotten and putting her in the way of a curse which has been dormant for years.
The book flows beautifully and hits all the beloved characters from the books (and those less-adored like the duke of Weselton) perfectly. The story is again ultimately one of love and sisters, and I enjoyed this take. I would definitely recommend for fans of the movie, who will gush over meeting their favorite characters again and going a little deeper into their minds and actions. There are not a lot of surprises here, but mainly just some variations on events.
Although the book is billed as young adult, I think it could be well-suited to the middle grade audience also. Would highly recommend for fans of the movie.
CONCEAL, DON'T FEEL is an engrossing and delightful read that brings the reader deeper into Anna and Elsa's minds and hearts. With all the characters known and loved making appearances, this is a lovely read for FROZEN fans of any age.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
SANTA MOUSE is a cute rhyme about a mouse who did not have a name but does have a special piece of cheese. When Christmas comes, he decides to leaveSANTA MOUSE is a cute rhyme about a mouse who did not have a name but does have a special piece of cheese. When Christmas comes, he decides to leave the cheese for Santa. Santa is touched and invites the mouse to help him deliver presents, naming him Santa Mouse. The book leaves the reader with the suggestion of leaving some cheese under the tree for when he visits the reader's house.
The illustrations in the book are simple with elegant borders and character vignettes with mostly white pages. The text is large and very clear, making it easy to read aloud.
What I loved: The illustrations are very vintage and lovely with a realistic looking Santa and mouse. This book certainly has nostalgia appeal for parents and grandparents who may remember the book (or similar style of illustrations) from childhood. The story is simple and easy for children to follow with a very sweet message of being generous. The text is very easy to read and has a good flow. The simplicity makes this ideal for toddlers.
Final verdict: Overall, this is a charming and vintage story of a generous mouse who now accompanies Santa, adding a little extra fun to the holidays. Easy to read with lovely illustrations, this is a nostalgic addition to Christmas-themed book collections.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
Boynton is a hit with toddlers, and this is another charming book that makes it easy to see why. SILLY LULLABY is full of delightful nonsense. TheBoynton is a hit with toddlers, and this is another charming book that makes it easy to see why. SILLY LULLABY is full of delightful nonsense. The book contains a song that is a completely ridiculous lullaby, with the chickens in the bathtub, a closet full of sheep, and sneakers in the freezer. The book contains the musical bars to allow you to follow the made up tune. If, like me, you are out of practice at reading music, you can listen to the song (or download it) from sillylullaby dot com. This helped me a lot.
What I loved: This book is complete nonsense, and toddlers will certainly love it. They can understand that the owl should not be saying moo and that sneakers don't belong in the freezer and love that they are in on the joke. The actual song is really well composed and clever. The book is short with very clear text, making this a great choice to read out loud. It is also very interactive which can help with settling young children down before bed. Although this may spark some giggles, it's a really fun read with a lovely melody (once you learn it) that will certainly appeal to the young audience. The illustrations are perfectly suited to the book with plenty of bright colors and cute, cartoonish animals.
Final verdict: Delightfully ridiculous, SILLY LULLABY is a fun addition to any Boynton collection. Toddlers will adore the jokes that appeal to their level plus the great illustrations and lovely melody. This is a quick and fun board book that can be used as a bedtime- or just-for-fun- book.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
TWINS is an adorably charming picture book that celebrates close friends, siblings, and twins (whether identical or not). A boy and his twin (giraffe)TWINS is an adorably charming picture book that celebrates close friends, siblings, and twins (whether identical or not). A boy and his twin (giraffe) know they look alike, and they like a lot of the same things, even if they do them a little differently. Sometimes they even disagree, but at the end of the day, they put their differences aside and compromise.
The simple text is accompanied by colorful and often comical images of the twins as they go through their day and work to build a tree house. The ultimate messages are about handling disagreements with compromise and working together. Whether you have a twin, close sibling, or even very good friend, children will be able to empathize with the main characters and enjoy the lovely images.
What I loved: I was really excited at seeing characters who love to eat salad and like to read. These set great examples for young kids. There is also a great example of disagreeing, taking some time apart, and then coming together to compromise that works really well with the story and lays out how to handle arguments for children. The illustrations are cartoonish and exciting, with broad appeal for young children and toddlers. They vary between simple vignettes of the twins and more complex images which include surroundings and lots of details, adding some extra fun with simplicity and complexity. The text is very simple, with a great word-to-picture ratio, making this great for even young toddlers. The font is large and clear enough that the book is easy to read aloud at the typical distance.
Final verdict: Adorable, clever, and engaging, this picture book has broad appeal for young toddlers through young elementary schoolers. With great examples of conflict resolution and delightful fun, this book is a charming read to share with little ones.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own....more
Take a magical journey with Princess Alice in this delightful picture book. HAVE YOU SEEN MY BLANKIE? tells the story of Alice as she goes in searchTake a magical journey with Princess Alice in this delightful picture book. HAVE YOU SEEN MY BLANKIE? tells the story of Alice as she goes in search of her missing blanket, following the clues from her brother, Prince Jack, to Giant Jim, to the witch, and finally the dragon. However, Alice has a hard time taking the blanket back as the dragon needs it to help him sleep too.
As Alice searches for a replacement, the dragon and Alice go through potential items before finding just the perfect thing. With messages about empathy, patience, sharing, and making new friends, this book is a pleasure to read to young children.
What I loved: The text is written as a beautiful poem with plenty of rhymes that will appeal to young ears and give a great rhythm while reading. The font size is easily readable from a distance and is made for reading out loud to little ones. Illustrations perfectly compliment the text, bringing the story to life with a cute sketching style. There is a lot to look at in the book, including with the witch's house, Prince Jack's fort, and more. The text can be a little lengthy in some spreads, but the rhyming nature and detailed illustrations makes it easier for younger toddlers to love it regardless. The addition of some sounds (e.g. Achoo! when the dragon sneezes) add some extra fun for toddler ears.
Final verdict: Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even young elementary schoolers, this picture book is an absolutely delightful journey. HAVE YOU SEEN MY BLANKIE? is a lovely story about Princess Alice's search for her blankie which ultimately contains positive messages about sharing, generosity, empathy, and determination. Highly recommend for any young readers looking for a joyous new adventure.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD is a compelling and atmospheric YA fantasy/science fiction. In the future, the world has been completely flooded,THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD is a compelling and atmospheric YA fantasy/science fiction. In the future, the world has been completely flooded, the surface rendered unlivable and humanity lives under the water in pods with submersibles. Seasickness, a form of depression, has taken hold and is a very big problem. People also face terrorism threats by anthropoids, humanoid creatures that can breathe underwater and were created by people to help them adjust but ultimately are at war with people instead.
Leyla is 16, and her father has been arrested under the guise that he was helping people with seasickness to take their own lives, a big crime. However, Leyla knows this is unfounded, but she cannot get through to the proper authorities or a lawyer who will take the case or even find out where her father is being held. When she is lucky enough to gain entry into the London Marathon, a dangerous submarine race, she knows she must win- especially since the prize is a request of the prime minister which will be granted, and Leyla knows this is her chance to request her father's freedom.
After the race, Leyla's life is again changing, and the truths she thought she knew are murky at best. In her quest, she not only begins to question herself but the life that the government has built and the value of truth.
What I loved: This is a book about family, truth/lies, and the lengths one will go to to help the ones you love. Leyla is tenacious, courageous, and absolutely fantastic as a heroine. I loved following her journey in this book. I also adored Ari, who we slowly get to know through the book.
The world-building here is top notch, and I really felt like I could imagine this future and the people in it. I seriously wish I could have Leyla's submarine (it's incredible!). This is a book that easily sucks you in and keeps you turning pages quickly to the end.
What left me wanting more: The only thing is that there is a cliffhanger at the end! I wish there was more, and I will be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Final verdict: Engrossing, compelling, and fantastically built, THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD is a book that raises interesting questions all while entertaining the reader completely. Highly recommend for fans of YA fantasy/dystopian/sci-fi. This book does not disappoint with incredible characters and beautiful world-building.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own....more
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