A Mischief of Mice review

Join the animals and follow the clues in this rollicking, rhyming, nature-inspired whodunit story full of fun collective nouns!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

A scurry of squirrels worry that a mischief of mice who used to play in the woods have suddenly disappeared.  They wonder if other animals in the forest had something to do about this mystery.  Could it have been the skulk of foxes or an unkindness of ravens lurking in a tree? Maybe the gaze of raccoons or the band of howling coyotes knew who took them?  As the squirrels keep looking no one knows where to find them.  Until they run into a sleuth a bears suggesting they follow the tracks in the freshly fallen snow. 

 

This is a creative book that works well for the transition of autumn into winter.  It is told with collective nouns teaching readers how different groups of animals are called different things.  The rhyming text is large making it a good choice for reading aloud. The night time illustrations are in warm, soft colors with pops of fall colored leaves throughout the woods showing the different seasonal changes nicely.  Kids will follow along with the cute little mouse tracks to see where they are found in the end.  There is a glossary in the back describing the collective nouns used for each animal group.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  A Mischief of Mice

Author: Christie Matheson

Pub. date: August 2024, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saving the Spotted Owl - Zalea's Story review

Readers learn about saving threatened species — and meet real owls! - in this endearing true story of an owl chick’s rescue.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Zalea is a three week old Northern spotted owl that fell from her nest to the ground. Unfortunately, her owl parents were unable to get her back up to it.  But a group of Wildlife Biologists found her and took her back to a rescue center in Canada and cared for her.  Once there Zalea was placed with foster owl parents, so she could learn how to survive and thrive until she was able to be released back into the wild.

  

This very informative book teaches readers the true story of Zalea and the importance of owl conservation.  We not only learn about Zalea in this story but also various types of owls and other animals on the threatened and endangered species lists.  It also tells us about the dedication of Wildlife Biologists and how important their ongoing efforts are to protect our earth's creatures.  I learned so much about the rehabilitation of owls that I didn't realize. I do appreciate how the Centers care and ready so many different animals back for their wild release.  At the end of the book are actual photographs of Zalea's chicks and a wonderful glossary for the various bird terms found throughout.  This true story is very in depth and thoughtfully detailed. It would make a perfect addition to a research project or science unit for the older elementary grades.  It is also a wonderful story for kids who are interested in nature or wildlife conservation.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-10.~

 

Title:  Saving the Spotted Owl - Zalea's Story

Author: Nicola Jones, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey

Pub. date: October 2023, Kids Can Press

Genre: non fiction

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

It Happened to Anna review

This spine-tingling ghost story follows a tween girl who’s being literally haunted by loneliness until a new friendship upends her life.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve-year old Sadie has been haunted her whole life by a very possessive ghost.  After the death of her best friend Anna, she moves to a new town and school trying to start over.  But the ghost keeps her from making friends.  Whenever she tries, it reacts by making lights go out or doors suddenly slam, a constant reminder of its' vengeful force and what happened to Anna.  But the ghost doesn't seem to be around when she is with Mal. A mysterious girl she meets who is also lonely and looking for a friend.  Mal seems to push Sadie to take part in pranks on other students to seal their friendship.  At first, it was fun to have a new best friend but takes a twist when the stress becomes too much for Sadie being mean to others and the constant worry about being caught.

 

I always like to find at least one middle grade ghost story during the spooky season.  This one is moderately scary and touches on many themes throughout such as: grief, loneliness, parental leaving, social isolation, bullying, toxic friendships and choices.  Because of the haunting, Sadie has become very isolated and lonely even though she wants to have friendships.  She fears that bad things will happen to others if she does and it is best to avoid it.  When her counselor and dad encourage her to open up and make friends, she reluctantly joins the after school graphic novel club.  Shortly after, Mal's friendship becomes toxic and the pranks become cruel to the point of bullying.  Sadie grows more and more unhappy about the relationship but also fears being alone.  Going to her Guidance Counselor offers her good advice to sort out what she needs to do to change things with Mal and stand up for herseslf.  Unfortunately, this is where things get spookier when Mal is revealed and her plans for Sadie become all to real.  She must make choices when a classmate becomes the personal target of Mal's anger and ending the relationship once and for all. While the plot twist was easy to figure out early on, the story is fast-paced and definitely a page turner with good foreshadowing.  It has a sad ending about Mal but a happy one for Sadie who is ready to move on and finally be able to live a normal life.  For readers that like a spooky paranormal story for anytime of the year, I think this is a "just right book for ages 11-12.~

 

Title: It Happened to Anna

Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia

Pub. date:  August 2024, Delacorte Press

Genre: middle grade paranormal

Hardcover, 212 pgs.

Felix Powell, Boy Dog review

 

In this funny, young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog.(goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

 

Felix is excited to spend his $5 at the local thrift store that his Nan gave him.  When he spies a special blue blanket, he knows exactly what he wants to spend that money on.  Felix isn't like other 8 year olds.  When he grows up he wants to be a Wildlife Biologist who studies primates.  He also enjoys spending time with his dog Mary Puppins and has a special talent speaking to her.  But when he and Puppins play a game with his newly purchased blanket, it magically transforms him into a dog!   At first he enjoys being a dog and hanging out all day with Puppins. But soon he remembers all the things he likes best about being a boy and worries that he won't turn back in time for his Bean Fest plans with Nan.

 

This a unique story for the older elementary reader about family, friendship and imagination. After turning into a dog, Felix has an adventurous day with Mary Puppins smelling, playing and experiencing everything about being a dog. When Felix and Puppins run into the neighborhood cat with an aloof attitude, the interactions give Felix mixed emotions about some negative feelings he is experiencing. There is nice conflict resolution easy for young readers to understand expressing empathy. Felix and Puppins show problem solving and teamwork to help Gumbo the cat out of a predicament they caused.  It has short chapters and is fast paced keeping readers attention to the end and finding out whether he is successful in returning back to a boy.   There are also lively black and white illustrations to break up the pages giving great visuals along with the story. This is the first book in a series for Felix with more curiosity and adventures to come.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8 - 9.~

 

Title:  Felix Powell, Boy Dog

Author: Erin Entrada Kelly

Pub. date: July 2024, Greenwillow Books

Genre: Middle Grade

Hardcover, 149 pgs.

 

The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom review

 

 The perfect Halloween read-aloud!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

When the little Witch realizes that her broom is missing, she looks everywhere to find it!  As she searches around with her cat Gloom, she tries various other things to replace it such as; a scooter, a bike, a digger and a plane.  But each one is not the same as her beloved broom.  

 

This is a wonderful addition to the Halloween reading season.  The rhyming text flows easily making this a fun read aloud to a large or small group.  Kids will find humor in the illustrations as she tries the numerous modes of transportation. But if they look closely, they will spot her broom hiding in various places throughout the pages.  It has a surprise ending when the witch interacts with readers asking them if they know where her broom is.  Stories that include reader participation will keep them giggling and engaged and this book does just that.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-6.~

 

Title: The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom

Author: Elaine Bickell, illustrated by Raymond McGrath

Pub. date: April 2019, Scholastic

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

Feeling Boo review

 

Feeling Boo, a charming and supportive picture book that reminds readers it’s ok to feel a little boo.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ollie and Ellie have been best friends for hundreds of years. They love to float at midnight together and even play in a band.  But one night when Ollie wakes up feeling blue, Ellie tries everything to help him feel better by doing all his favorite things.  But nothing seems to cheer him up and Ellie doesn't know what else to do.

We have all had days like this. Waking up and feeling out of sorts and down just like Ollie. This book shows that it is okay to have those feelings and sometimes the best thing to do for someone else is to just sit quietly and be with them.  There are good days and there are bad days but having someone by your side can be comforting.  Older kids will find humor in the many puns and the illustrations are in Halloween colors with plenty to look at.  To help kids understand their own feelings or the feelings of someone else, this is a gentle story about having empathy and friendship.  Being still for a while just might be what you need to make those blues go away.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

Title:  Feeling Boo

Author: Alex Boniello & April Lavalle

Illustrated by: Olivia Chin Mueller

Pub. date: August 2024, Harry N. Abrams

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

It's Not Easy Being a Ghost review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Misty the Ghost doesn't want to be a cute ghost.  She wants to be spooky like the ones in her stories.  But when she tries to be someone else, she still is not happy.  When Misty gets an invitation to a Halloween party, she decides to go as herself and gets a surprise from all her friends.  

This is another story about self-acceptance and as Misty learns from her friends, she is special just the way she is.  She tries different ways to be spooky like becoming a mummy, a witch or a werewolf but nothing feels comfortable.  When she arrives at the party though, her friends help her realize that her unique qualities are what make her special. The characters are cute and the illustrations are in bright bold Halloween colors. It is short enough for a quick read aloud and will put kids in the Halloween mood.   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7~

 

Title: It's Not easy Being a Ghost

Author:  Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Steph Laberis

Pub. date: August 2024, Random House for Young Readers

Genre: Halloween, picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

Little Ghost Makes a Friend review

 

A shy ghost learns the secret to making friends is being his spooky, sparkly self in this charming debut picture book that’s perfect for fans of Stumpkin .(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

It is almost Halloween and here is a fun story to get everyone into the spirit.  A little ghost wants to meet the people of his neighborhood but is too shy.  When a little girl moves in next door, he wants to make friends but is afraid to speak to her.  So he decides a Halloween party is the best way he can get to know her and invites her over to his creaky old house.  As he prepares for the party,  he realizes that finding the best costume to impress her with is harder than he thought.

 

This is a cute friendship story perfect for the autumn season.  With determination, little ghost overcomes his fear to invite his new neighbor to his house for a party.  When she accepts, he eagerly gets ready but can't decide which costume he should wear.  It was cute when he ended up wearing a little bit of everything.  He has normal worries about things such as; will she like his costume, will she have fun or maybe not even show up?  He finds that he is not alone in his shyness when Anya tells him she gets scared to meet new friends too.  It turns out to be a wonderful party and Anya even introduces him to more friends when they go trick or treating.  In the end he learns that you can make friends by just being yourself.  The illustrations are in eye pleasing soft Halloween colors and the text is simple.  It is a sweet story about overcoming shyness and to add to the Halloween shelves.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title:  Little Ghost Makes a Friend

Author: Maggie Edkins Willis

Pub. date: July 2024, Simon & Schuster

Genre: Halloween, picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Boo the Library Ghost review

 

Boo the ghost spends his days haunting the local library and scaring everyone away. But little Poppy thinks she may know why Boo is acting so scary, and she knows just how to fix it!(goodreads summary)

 

 

Here is a cute story about a ghost who haunts a library and loves to scare all the children away!  Except a girl named Poppy who loves reading so much that she refuses to leave.  Boo tries harder to scare her away by pushing over chairs and knocking over books.  But Poppy is not intimidated and realizes that Boo might not know how to read.  At first, Boo resists when Poppy wants to teach him but soon realizes how much fun a new friend and reading can be.  The rhythmic text flows nicely for reading aloud to a large or small group.  Illustrations are colorful and watching Boo go from naughty to sweet and helpful in the end makes him more likable.  It is a fun story for the Halloween season or anytime of the year showing the love of reading and libraries.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  Boo the Library Ghost

Author: Becky Paige

Pub. date: July 2024, Silver Dolphin Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lighthouse and the Little Boat review

 

A sweet, tender, and touching tale about a wise lighthouse guiding a young boat through the turbulent waters of life. (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

The warm glow of the Lighthouse watches over the harbor keeping everything safe and secure.  When a new little boat named Brightness arrives, Lighthouse tells her to stay close and she will keep her safe.  But Brightness becomes curious of the horizon and the vast open sea.  Little by little she drifts away from Lighthouse's protective light until one windy morning Lighthouse could see not her.  As the seasons change, Lighthouse keeps watch for Brightness to return. But when a harrowing storm hits she knows she must stay steady and strong with hopes that Brightness will find her way back to the harbor.

 

This is such a sweet story perfect for reading to the young ones.  The text is gentle, calming and flows easily for reading aloud.  It could be a great story for going back to school or cuddling at bedtime.  The beautiful illustrations in sea shore colors had me feeling the activity of the ocean and harbor.  Parents will connect to the story as little boat wants to go exploring but lighthouse worries about her venturing to far away. We want to protect our children but yet we know we have to let go when they feel the need for some independence.  There is a wonderful message about letting go but also finding the way back home again.  I think this is a "just right book"  for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  Lighthouse and the Little Boat

Author: Katie Frawley

Pub date: May 2024, Quill Tree Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

How to Make a Picture Book review

 

Make your own picture book with this hilarious, activity-filled guide (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Here is a wonderful step-by-step guide book to help with the creative writing process for younger grades.  It offers great tips along with activities for kids on writing and illustrating their own story or picture book.  

 

By showing kids how to start with story ideas, then character development and setting, Elys the worm helps with sentence starters to form a plot.  An activity is added after each one so readers can put what they learned into practice.  When their story is finished, there are details on how to put it into a picture book format, illustration blocks and how even color affects the feelings and thinking of a reader.  There is so much useful information to learn and the illustrations are bold and bright.  It is an engaging activity guide but entertaining to read as well.  Perfect for the start of the new school year. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-9.~

Title: How to Make a Picture Book

Author: Elys Dolan

Pub. date: November 2022, Walker Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 48 pgs.

Faker review

 

The story of a family of liars... and the son who wants to break the family tradition.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trey is used to moving around and being the new kid in school.  While attending boarding schools, he knows how to make friends with the rich kids.  Once they are hooked,  it is then his dads turn to lure in the parents for one of his investment scams.  Trey's dad is a con artist and good at his profession.  But once the investment scheme is completed and the money is all set, Trey and his family pull a Houdini.  A Houdini is when it is time to take the money and run, immediately leaving everything behind to disappear for a while.  But Trey starts questioning what he has been taught to do after settling in Boxelder, Tennessee and starting a public school for the first time.  His dad offers a new investment on a fake start up electric car company, the biggest scam by far.  Trey longs to lead a normal life but does not know how to tell his dad he is tired of lying and running.  

In this new middle grade novel, readers will find themselves pulled into Trey's story.  It is filled with internal conflicts and life lessons as Trey tries to navigate his 12 year old self while being his con man dad's partner in crime. When his social studies teacher does a unit on debating ethical issues, he begins to take a different look at the family business.  On top of this, his teacher's daughter takes an environmental stance to save a local pond polluted with sludge.  Things begin to become personal when Trey joins the cause and he begins to care for the friends that he is making at his new school.  He also questions his dad's swindling lifestyle and sees things differently after his 10 year old sister becomes a little to enthusiastic about ripping people off.  She is quite a feisty character but does not have the maturity to fully understand what is going on.  Trey has a lot of character development and readers will connect with him as he questions right from wrong and longing for a normal life.  His dad promises it will stop after the big one but will it ever?  The book touches on many themes such as; morals, values, friends and family relationships, trust, lying, guilt and even environmental issues.  The book is a quick read and has some twists and turns. The ending wrapped up a little fast but had a positive outcome.   If kids are looking for a book to start the school year off with this would be a great read.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-12.~

 

Title:  Faker

Author: Gordon Korman

Pub. date: July 2024, Scholastic Press

Genre: middle grade, realistic fiction

Hardcover, 224 pgs.