Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Tween Reads

Tales from the TBR: On the Island of the Mad Magician

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

On the Island of the Mad Magician: An Interactive Tale from the Realm of Goblin, by Eric Grissom/Illustrations by Ava Grissom, (Oct. 2023, Frankenstein’s Daughter), $8.99, ISBN: 978-0988951679

Ages 8-12

One of my favorite books to come out in 2021 was a graphic novel about a goblin on a quest for vengeance that became a journey of self-discovery. It’s called Goblin, and there’s a sequel, The Wolf and the Well, that came out last summer. I start with that because Eric Grissom was wonderful enough to send me a PDF of his then-upcoming book, On the Island of the Mad Magician, just as I had a few ups and downs that kind of sent me out of control of my inbox, reviews, and life for about a year. But as I get on top of my inbox, past and present, I’m trying to do right by folks, and Mr. Grissom is on the top of that list.

On the Island of the Mad Magician is a choose-your-own-adventure type story, which is just so much fun. I grew up with the Choose Your Own Adventure series which has made a comeback in recent years. I enjoy choose your own adventure-type storytelling because 1) it puts decisions in the readers’ hands, and 2) it’s basically an RPG (role-playing game), which is awesome, because I teach kids RPGs here at my library.

Here’s the story: told in the first person, you are a kid working at your family’s inn, when a strange old man shows up on the same night that there’s a huge storm. Your mom puts him out when he tries to pay for lodging with what looks like a trinket; you follow as you do your clean-up for the evening, and quietly accept the man’s trinket: SURPRISE! It’s not just a trinket, it’s mysterious crystal pendant that transports you to an island. Now, it’s up to you: your choices will either steer you safely around dangerous adventures and return you home, or… not. There are over 40 possible endings, with a heck of a lot more choices on the way through. This is a book that you’re going to enjoy again and again, whether you burn up in a library (sigh… of course I did) or safely find your way off the island. Black-and-white illustrations from Ava Grissom add to the atmosphere and make this an overall fun read. Give this one an add to your fantasy shelves… heck, host a read-aloud and turn it into an RPG. It’s that much fun.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Tales from the TBR: Hedgehog and the Log

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Hedgehog and the Log, by Pam Fong, (Jan. 2024, Union Square Kids), $18.99, ISBN: 9781454948537

Ages 4-8

Hedgehog outgrows his old home, and finds the perfect spot to build his new one – but his home is destroyed once he’s finished! He’s devastated; he cries, he rages, he feels sorry for himself… but once he changes how he views the situation, he is able to change his circumstances. The artwork is the star here; this story is beautiful, with a minimalist color palette and soft touches that you can almost feel under your fingers. Fong writes a story of resilience with a character that readers will relate to and be inspired by. An easily-read storytime selection, this one will work well in picture book and SEL collections.

Posted in picture books

Tales from the TBR: Don’t Be Mean to 13!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Don’t Be Mean to 13, by Douglas Harris/Illustrated by Robyn E. Blumner, (Oct. 2023, Label Free Publishing LLC), $12.95, ISBN: 978-1952843136

Ages 4-8

I’ve always gotten a kick out of Friday the 13th, but I get that it’s a real phobia for some people. Harris and Blumner mean to help folks get past that fear with this informative and fun book that dives into triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13. Our narrator is a kid who introduces us to their friend, 13, illustrated as an adorable black fluff with googly eyes and a big smile. They’re cuddly and affectionate, and seem to be pretty horrified that folks would be afraid of them… or their buddy, Friday, shown as a bright red sphere with a “FRI” headband. The narrator discusses triskaidekaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia, the fear of 13’s friend, Friday and works on quelling fear through education: some think the fear of the 13th comes from Norse mythology; others, from ancient cultures. A conversational tone paired with sweet illustrations of a friendly fluff who wouldn’t hurt a fly ease readers into confronting fears, but Harris leaves room for growth by acknowledging that just one book may not be enough. A good addition to consider for collections.

Posted in picture books, Toddler Reads

Color Our World with stories!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Are you thinking of Summer Reading yet? I am, because we’re working with the theme that the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) has for this year – Color Our World – and I’m enjoying the different books I can fit into this. We’ve got destination books; we have concepts; we have stories of people from all over the world. Naturally, I’ve got some new books that fit the bill. Let’s take a look!

Our World: Cuba, by Terry Catasús Jennings/Illustrated by Marla Cruz Linares, (Oct. 2024, Barefoot Books), $9.99, ISBN: 9798888592304

Ages 2-3

Any time I get a book from Terry Catasús Jennings, it’s a good time; pair that with Barefoot Books’ Our World board book series, and you can’t go wrong. The series is a hit here at my library, thanks to kid-friendly illustrations, a day in the life story, and vocabulary from different languages. Each author draws on their personal cultural experiences to communicate to their readers, which really makes this a unique series. Jennings invites readers to enjoy breakfast and a day full of activity at the park and the beach. Led by a young narrator, readers enjoy toast and café con leche at home; a ride to the beach on the guagua, and a game of los escondidos in the park. The child narrator spends a happy with parents, who are free with affection and a sense of play. Words in Spanish are also spelled phonetically on the page, allowing for easier pronounciation. Back matter provides deeper context to day-to-day life in Cuba. It’s an invitation to a day in Cuba, with warm illustrations and a joyful story. A great add to your board book collections – get some literary stamps in your passports with this book and this series.

 

Many Things at Once, by Veera Hiranandani/Illustrated by Nadia Alam, (Jan. 2025, Random House Studio), $18.99, ISBN: 9780593643907

Ages 4-8

A biracial girl reflects on her Jewish-Indian heritage, ruminating on her parents’ stories: her mother’s mother, a seamstress in Brooklyn, New York; her father’s mother cooking daal on a coal stove in India. The memories go deeper, exploring struggles on both sides of her family; her paternal grandparents separated during the Partition of India, and her maternal grandfather’s escape from the pogroms in Poland. Her families came to America for safety and a new beginning. Her parents tell her that she’s lucky to be “both Jewish and Hindu, to be part of many things at once”, but she sometimes feels neither “Jewish enough” or “Hindu enough” for her parents. Seeing a butterfly, the girl remembers a teacher telling her no two butterflies are the same, and she reflects on this and the roots anchoring the flowers from which the butterfly draws nectar. It all comes together: “I think of all the journeys I’m connected to and grow from”. Hiranandani tells an emotional story of struggle and love and the journey of self-discovery that biracial children travel, inspired by her own family background. An author’s note gives further texture. Pencil and digital illustrations show a diverse family and historical context: the girl views family photos from different decades and she imagines the struggles endured by her grandparents. Relating her cultural heritage to a butterfly will lift hearts. An excellent choice for collections.

 

I LOVE Blueberries!, by Shannon Anderson/Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett, (April 2025, Feeding Minds Press), $18.99, ISBN: 9781948898195

Ages 4-8

Jolie from I LOVE Strawberries! (2022) is back and this time, she has a friend! Jolie, who still loves growing strawberries, learned how to germinate blueberry seeds thanks to a local farmer. While showing her germinated seed and sprout in class, she meets new neighbor Margot, a homesick girl who’s just moved from Maine. The two hit it off – Margot’s love of blueberries is a delightful catalyst – and become interested in their teacher’s hydroponic gardening setup, which would let them grow blueberries even quicker. The teacher, who happens to be married to the friendly blueberry farmer, explains hydroponic gardening; the girls are inspired and proceed to hold a local blueberry festival and fundraiser to raise the necessary monies needed to invest in hydroponic equipment. I LOVE Blueberries! is a great story encompassing many areas that will interest readers: friendship, innovation and entrepreneurship, hydroponic gardening, and food farming. The way the community rallies around the two friends to support their ideas is gratifying and inspiring. The illustrations are filled with journals, as with I LOVE Strawberries: Jolie’s journals are joined by Margot’s this time, allowing us some insight into both characters in addition to illustrating the scientific method. Blue endpapers feature line illustrations of blueberries, and back matter includes a note on hydroponics, gardening, and blueberries as a superfood, A great choice for STEM/STEAM collections.

That’s a good start – what Summer Reading titles are you considering?

 

Posted in Middle Grade, Non-fiction

Is it Real? Loch Ness Monster – Candace Fleming explores cryptids

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Is it Real? Loch Ness Monster, by Candace Fleming, (March 2025, Scholastic Focus), $8.99, ISBN: 9781339037936

Ages 8-12

I loved books like these when I was a kid. Candace Fleming, award-winning kidlit author, has a new book coming out in March. The first in a new series, Is it Real? Loch Ness Monster is perfect for paranormal and science fiction fans. Fleming combines storytelling with nonfiction and puts the reader behind the investigator’s desk, inviting them sharpen research skills. Using case studies, photos, and analysis and research, Fleming leads readers through the process of evaluation and critical thinking to decide for themselves whether or not the Loch Ness Monster could be considered fact, fiction, or maybe something in between. Using a fictitious database in the story as an example, Fleming instructs readers on how to use search terms to retrieve best results, and shows readers how photos can be emphasized to tell a different story. Back matter includes additional resources. Is it Real? makes research and deduction fun and should make a good purchase for collections where creature books do well.

Visit Candace Fleming’s author website for free activities and teaching guides.

Candace Fleming is the versatile and acclaimed author of more than twenty books for children and young adults, including Crash from Outer Space: Unraveling the Mystery of Flying Saucers, Alien Beings, and Roswell; The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun’s Tomb; The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II; The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh, winner of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award; the Sibert Award winner Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera; the Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner and Sibert Honor Book The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of the Russian Empire; and the critically acclaimed Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Visit Candace Fleming online at candacefleming.com.

Posted in Early Reader, Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Intermediate

Super Magic Boy is back, and he’s a Space Tiger this time

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Super Magic Boy: I Am a Space Tiger! (#2), by Jarod Roselló, (Dec. 2024, RH Graphic), $10.99, ISBN: 9780593427811

Ages 4-8

Hugo the Super Magic Boy and his best buddy, Dino the Dinosaur, are back in another wacky adventure. This time, it’s Mami’s birthday and Hugo wants to find a gift that’s so amazing, it could be… out of this world! Transforming into a space tiger, the two travel through space and arrive at the space tiger planet only to learn that they have their own problems: their magic stone has gone missing and without it, they have no power! Space Tiger and Hugo go on their own quest to find the stone and secure a great gift for Mami. It’s a chaotic story filled with exaggerated reactions and adventure that younger readers will get laughs from. Bold and active illustration bounces off the stark white page. Reading the story reminds me of hearing a child relate a story they dreamed up; it’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere and makes perfect sense to them. Kids will love this book. A second story stars Hugo and a space tiger at bedtime and is sweet and adorable. The third Super Magic Boy book is due out this fall… what will Hugo transform into next?

Psst… both Super Magic Boy books are also available in Spanish!

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Explore anxiety and feelings with Babette: Baa Haa

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Baa Haa, by Audrey Perrott/Illustrated by Ross Burach, (March 2025, Scholastic Press), $18.99, ISBN: 9781546134039

Ages 4-8

Babette is a sheep who loves to laugh: so much that her friends have nicknamed her “Baa Haa”. But while it looks like Babette finds everything funny, she’s really covering up some big feelings, and it’s giving her a bellyache. Her friends discover her crying one day and gently let her know that “It’s okay if you’re not okay”, and that they love her for who she is. Filled with fun sheepy puns, Baa Haa examines anxiety and stress and the pressure many of us feel to cover up those feelings, whether it’s to make others feel better or to laugh off our own worries. Babette feels better after her friends support her and bolster her, and the image of the tightly wound ball of yarn in her belly immediately unravels, forming words like “icky”, “sad”, and “grumbly” – and isn’t that the best description of how it feels to embrace one’s true self? Pencil, crayon, and paint illustrations give a hand-drawn feeling to the story and the details are incredible; readers will love seeing Milton (from 2024’s Moo Hoo!) reading a copy of CosMOOpolitan Magazine, or a coffee mug in the principal’s office – Principal Lily Pad – that says, “Coffee makes me hoppy“. Baa Haa delivers a feast for the eyes and a supportive message for young readers. Download free activity sheets for a storytime extension.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Duckie and Snaps meet can they be friends?

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Duckie and Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends!, by Ame Dyckman/Illustrated by Tim Miller, (Feb. 2025, Orchard Books), $14.99, ISBN: 9781338837872

Ages 2-6

The unlikeliest of friendships begins when one egg rolls into another’s nest. Duckie, a bright yellow duckling with a pink bow on her head, boisterously greets a more reserved crocodile and names him Snaps. As she’s describing all of the adventures the two new friends will have her, an adult crocodile shows up on the scene to inform the two hatchlings that they CANNOT be friends, because Snaps’s folks eat Duckies! This doesn’t sit well with either Duckie or Snaps, who just started getting used to his new friend, but when Snaps’s tummy starts a-rumbling, Duckie has to do some fast thinking. Dyckman’s hilarious back-and-forth dialogue, paired with Miller’s expressive facial expressions and body language, makes for a laugh-out-loud tale of friendship against all odds. Illustrations are organized into graphic novel-type panels, with dialogue taking place via word bubbles. The message is clear: friendship (and bananas) wins all. A great add to collections; I can’t wait to see what Duckie and Snaps will do on their next adventure.

 

Posted in Fantasy, Teen, Young Adult/New Adult

2025 is all about the dragons: A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

A Language of Dragons, by S.F. Williamson, (Jan 2025, HarperCollins), $19.99, ISBN: 9780063353848

Ages 13+

Dragons have always been popular, but 2025 is shaping up to be THE year for Dragon Lit. We all know about Onyx Storm hitting shelves later this month, but do you know about A Language of Dragons? Pull up a chair, let’s talk. Set in an alternate London in 1923, dragons are in the world but it’s an uneasy existence with humans. A rigid class system is in place that moves people up and down among classes like chess pieces. Viv Featherswallow isn’t concerned with any of this, though. She’s got a level of privilege as a member of the Second Class, and has her life sorted: she’s going to get a summer internship studying dragon languages and attain a comfortable job as a dragon translator. She may have done some awful things to keep her comfortable spot, but she did what she has to do. Until the night her parents are arrested for being part of a rebellion. Viv’s world is turned upside down; desperate, she leaves her sister with family friends, focused on one task that will destroy evidence against her parents. All she has to do is free one dragon. By midnight, she’s sparked a civil war. Viv is brought to Bletchley Park as a codebreaker – translate the dragons’ hidden language, and she and her family will go free. But it’s never that simple, and the more Viv discovers about the hidden language, the more she learns about the Peace Agreement between Britannia and the dragons, and the corruption that goes all the way to the top: the Prime Minister. Will Viv give the Prime Minister the information she needs, putting all of dragonkind at risk, or will she risk her family’s safety? A Language of Dragons has it all: a conflicted heroine, a romance, and a richly layered story with very high stakes. Unputdownable for fantasy fans and dragon aficionados.

A Language of Dragons has a starred review from School Library Journal.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Kids will love The Most Boring Book Ever

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Most Boring Book Ever, by Brandon Sanderson/Illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi, (Sept. 2024, Roaring Brook Press), $19.99, ISBN: 9781250843661

Ages 4-8

“A boy sat in a chair”: so begins the boring story of a boy, a chair, and thoughts of laundry and math homework. Or is it? Sanderson pairs with Amulet creator Kibuishi to wink at readers as they take them through an incredible steampunk journey with sky pirates and dragons, soaring through clouds and crashing through clotheslines. Sanderson’s story never veers from the straightforward “boring” storytelling, allowing Kibuishi’s illustrations to run wild. It’s exciting, fun, and will have readers giggling through this not-boring-at-all adventure. The boy, light-skinned and red-haired, dressed in a blue shirt, suspenders, and brown pants, never leaves his chair (mostly) as he careens through the sky dodging airships and explosions. A red, scaly dragon emerges from the clouds and creates further excitement as the boy falls through the sky, quickly doing math to calculate his landing. The Most Boring Book Ever will for sure be a repeat readaloud. Download free activity sheets to share!