Time to get your SUMMERWEEN READ on!

Carve the watermelons, and slip some sunshades on your ghostly decor.

Whether you're a pro at it and plan the yearly celebration in your neighborhood, or you're one of the newly initiated, SUMMERWEEN is a thing!  That's right.  Just when you thought you couldn't take another holiday, one comes along to let you celebrate the SPOOKY side of things with a little summer flair before the autumnal weather changes and the shorter daylight hours kick in.  So, with that SPIRIT in mind, I'm bringing you QUITE THE LIST of titles to check out now, then, and a little later on because when it comes to our TBRs, there truly is no limit!  😉

Ladies and gents, the incoming flood of bookish goodness contains both SPOTLIGHTS and REVIEWS, featuring spooky tales, witchy ways, autumnal celebrations, and even back to school traditions, so take in what you see, add to your reading lists, and let me know what struck your SUMMERWEEN fancy!

Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein

by Pádraig Kenny

Candlewick Press

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

An atmospheric retelling of Frankenstein, full of adventure and as thrilling as a lightning strike.

Stitch and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre. But when his wicked nephew takes over the laboratory, they soon discover that the new professor's sights are set on Henry as his next experiment. Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for—and that may only ever see them as monsters? Literary yet accessible, warmhearted yet chillingly gothic, this beautiful novel, described by the London Times as “exceptional,” explores themes of life and death, friendship and acceptance, all through a page-turning adventure about what it means to be human.

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Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

by Jessixa Bagley

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

In her town full of witches, Jazzy’s always been a little bit different. She’s not excited about magic. She forgets the steps to spells. And even though her parents run the town’s broom shop, she doesn’t want to fly.

Then, one day, she discovers what she was born to do: cycling! Now she just has to find a way to get a bicycle…and learn how to ride it. But will her new passion come between her and her best friend—and possibly get her in big trouble?

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Leila and the Voice

by Shahrzad Maydani

Kokila

On Sale: 07/22/2025

Now this isn't a monster story in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a tale that reminds us that we all have "monsters" to face, and it is in the facing of them that we grow stronger, more free, and more ourselves.  The little girl in the story is cultivating her inner voice so that one day she too can be strong enough to stand tall against the angry clouds of doubt and despair that can surround, and I think the visual aspect given to the journey will really help younger readers understand their own emotions that much more.  A unique story that truly has a place in any reading circle, aimed at not only sharing a story, but helping others to grow.

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Fall is for Beginnings 

by Rajani LaRocca

Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Abrams Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/05/2025

About the book...

Ravi can’t wait for the start of the new school year! Fall is for cool weather, new school supplies, and spending time with his best friend, Joe. But when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi and Joe’s duo suddenly becomes a trio.

Ravi’s not so sure about Ellie—she plays her horn too loud in music lessons and gets them lost on the way to class. Worst of all, she keeps saying she’s Joe and Ravi’s best friend.

All these big changes are challenging for Ravi, but with time (and a little help from his wise older sister) he realizes that fall is the perfect time to begin a new friendship.

From the award-winning team behind Summer Is for Cousins, this heartwarming picture book all about back-to-school fun celebrates the (sometimes complicated) joy of making new friends.

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The Wishing Leaf

by Kallie George

Illustrated by Paola Zakimi

Abrams Book for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/12/2025

About the book...

Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.

But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?

A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.

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Bob the Vampire Snail

by Andrea Zuill

Random House Studio

On Sale: 08/05/2025

Okay, I gotta tell you, this one was FUNNY!  Seriously, a vampire snail?  Who'd have thought!  The how, the why, and the living (unliving?) with it part are all laid out so readers have no question as to his new found features, powers, and dietary needs (which are not exactly what you might be thinking!).  In the end, as SPOOKY-tacular as this one is, at it's heart it reminds us that friendship is a beautiful thing, and accepting others for who they are in spite of newly developed fangs or wings is important...although I don't exactly blame the other "Bobs" for holding a grudge about the whole "trying to eat them" thing.  Special note for readers!  Watch for the little bug narrator imparting pearls of wisdom, fun facts, and a few jokes from time to time!

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Pumpkin & Squash: #Squashgoals

by G.G. McQueen

Illustrated by Michael Slack

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

You know the moment that FALL has hit, or even hinted at it, because suddenly it's PUMPKIN EVERYTHING.  Seriously, if you're a fan, you're in heaven; if not, it's a bit of a spicy HELLo until December when peppermint takes over, but I digress.  In this charming autumn tale, Pumpkin is the popular one, but longs for the days of the other three seasons when she's not bombarded with requests on her time, flavor, and scent.  On the other side of the gourd, Squash has been having trouble playing second (or lower) flavor to the season, and is going all out this year to become the GOURD KING they know they can be!  Only, it doesn't go exactly as planned for either of them, and yet in the end, they still get what they were BOTH looking for thanks to good friends, consideration for others...and a well timed distraction so they can enjoy each others company and all the fun Fall can bring.  A great reminder that having #Squashgoals is important, but it's the friends/company we keep that make them worth having in the first place.

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Lost on Doll Island 

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

About the book...

Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.

Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.

Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life.

So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.

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Special thanks to the authors, publishers, and publicists who made this post possible.  (THANKS!)  For more information on any of the titles listed above, please feel free to click through the links provided.  Titles available now are listed, while others are waiting for your pre-order or wish list addition, so you know what to do!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

SPRING(ish) CLEANING... Bookish Style!

The weather has been RIDICULOUSLY HOT. 😓

Work has been uber busy, and not so much fun...same old, same old. 😕

Home life has been what it is...making the best of things; some highs, some lows. 😟

Reading has been...STILL a bit of a challenge and honestly, I'm not certain when, or even if, my focus will come back to me there. It all started with the losses last year, and I've not been the same since. 😞

HOWEVER, I've seen plenty of memes recently that remind us that reading is for the JOY of it, not the numbers, so I'm taking it a page at a time. 😌

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Despite the lack of focus, I do have a few titles that have unintentionally piled up, so it's time to do a little SPRING(ish) CLEANING of my HAVE READ and HAVE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION pile. What's that mean for you? A nice size helping of shorter reviews to tantalize, tease, and tempt these titles onto your MUST READ list, or if you happen to have read some of them already, invite you to share your thoughts. You're welcome. 😁

Ready or not, here they come!

Bored Panda

by Mike Bender

Illustrated by Chuck Dillon

Random House Books for Young Readers

All day, every day, big ones, little ones, and all those in-between are attached to one thing...their phones or other digital and electronic devices.  Whether playing games, reading books, doom scrolling, watching videos, completing homework or work work, there's almost no time where our eyes aren't glued to a screen...at least, until they need a charge.  But wait, what's this?  The power is out?  This simply won't do!  What's a girl, boy, or PANDA to do?  What indeed!  This is where our little bored panda learns about all the things that can be enjoyed once you unplug.  A little digital detox never hurt anyone, especially in today's go go GO world, and this story is a charming reminder to slow down and smell the roses, or draw them, or spruce up their beds!  With full color, full page illustrations throughout, even the youngest readers can catch the lesson being thrown, and it's never too early to develop a GOOD habit.  😉

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I Am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery

Candlewick Press

Okay, I'm going to spoil this one from the start...the dog does not die, although the brushes with his expiration date are many!  Sorry, not sorry for the spoil.  It's one of those things I feel is important to know, especially considering it's aimed at a Middle Grade audience first and foremost, but I digress.

This story is told through the eyes/voice/mind of Rebel, a proud young pup that loves his boy very much, and would go to the ends of the earth for him, even when all seems lost.  Times are more than trying as they teeter on the brink of an uprising against the king, and it is in these trials that Tom finds himself caught up in growing up way too fast, and forgetting the simpler things...like the love of a dog.  That's okay because Rebel hasn't forgotten, and he knows that by his boy's side is where he belongs.  Come heck or high water, and despite the boy's command to stay behind, he knows that this is one in order to be the "good boy" he is, he must follow his heart.  It's moving and sad, but also uplifting and heartwarming all at the same time.  I loved seeing how he stayed true to himself and Tom throughout his journey, and how he allowed his heart strengthened by love to reach out to others, even when they weren't reaching back in return.  It's a story for animal lovers, and historical fiction lovers in equal measure, with an ending you won't soon forget.

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Now this is one that simply caught my attention when it made the rounds because, first of all, that cover is beyond curious, and then when you work in the talking plants, grumpy goldfish, and a curious spider...I'm not even sure my imagination knows where to start!

Growing Home

by Beth Ferry

Illustrated by Terry and Eric Fan

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

About the book...

Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.

First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!

It turns out Toasty’s fishtank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?

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Special thanks to the authors, publicists, and publishers listed for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on any title listed, feel free to click through the links provided above.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Storybook Sunday... SEVEN: A MOST REMARKABLE PIGEON by Sandra Nickel, Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro - REVIEW!

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday appears every now and then!

Today's featured title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday via Candlewick Press and arrived on my radar thanks to Blue Slip Media.  It's the perfect selection for Pigeon Appreciation Day this June (learn more about that celebration here, WildCare and BirdTipper.com), and stars a remarkable pigeon that learns the best thing to be is truly yourself.  So, if you're ready, let's set our sights on the skies as we wing between the epages of today's book of choice...

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon

by

Sandra Nickel

Illustrated by

Aimée Sicuro

Candlewick Press

RELEASE DATE:  May 6, 2025

Seven was an only pigeon hatched by two loving parents.  He was already unique from the word go because normally they are born in twos, but his parents saw him, and themselves, as lucky and named him after the furthest distance his kind had ever flown to return home.  Seven enjoyed the life of a pigeon, seeing the sights, feeling the breeze, sampling the air, AND smelling the smells.  Oh yes, he loved nothing more than to be led by his nose, and revealed in adding fragrant petals to his nest, or snagging rice on the hidden streets in town.  All the while, his parents were trying to get him to understand the ways of being a pigeon...stay with the flock, build with twigs and straw, and find home visually with the mental map in his head.  He wanted to make them proud, so he tried his best to be the best pigeon that ever flew and follow the status quo...until one day, his particular skill set is exactly what the flock ordered.

I loved the illustrations in this one.  It brings the town, and countryside to life, while making us a temporary part of this pigeon family as we learn their ways, and become a part of the flock.  Watching Seven grow from hatch-ling to his own pigeon was heartwarming, and seeing him be appreciated for being himself was inspiring.  We all want to be a part of something, but we also want to be accepted for who we truly are, and the best way for that to happen is by being ourselves.  Seven shows readers that in a really big way, and when all is said and done, he teaches his flock a thing or two as well!

A great pick for readers of all ages, and a wonderful reminder that it takes all kinds/types to make this world go round.

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About the author...

Sandra Nickel is an award-winning author of picture books and has two new books coming out in Spring 2025: Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon, an uplifting tale that celebrates differences, and Making Light Bloom, Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Lamps, where Sandra continues her mission to celebrate extraordinary individuals who have been nearly forgotten by history.

Sandra holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and has presented workshops throughout Europe and the United States. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, the winner of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author. To learn more about Sandra, and to download free curriculum materials and activity sheets, visit sandranickel.com.

INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER

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About the illustrator...

Aimée Sicuro is the illustrator of many books for kids. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Parents magazine, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. To learn more, visit aimeesicuro.com.

INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Merry GIFT-mas...for one and all!

It’s the most MAGICAL time of the year and you know what that means...the holidays have arrived! In all the rush and the fuss, it’s easy to forget to make your own list and check it twice because we all know you’ve been nice...or at least naughty in a “still-on-the-nice-list” kind of way, right? Right! If not, you know you know someone that has, and I’m here to give you a little nudge in the direction of a couple titles that should be on those MUST BUY lists for your gifting needs. So whether you’re shopping for the kiddos, your grandparents, friends, or even yourself, there’s bound to be something bookishly delightful in today’s MERRY GIFT-MAS post! Ready, set, here we go… 

His Dark Materials:  Once Upon a Time in the North (GIFT EDITION)

by Phillip Pullman

Illustrated by Chris Wormell 

Knopf | November 13th, 2023

Once upon a time, I read the His Dark Materials trilogy.  Once upon a time, I was ensconced in the world of the North, Lyra, magical companions, DUST, and so much more.  Once upon a time is here once again in this beautifully rendered tale that sweeps us back into the story with gorgeous illustrations to steal your breath away.   If you read (or watched) any of the first stories, you'll remember Iorek Byrinson (the battle ready bear?) fondly, and even perhaps Lee Scoresby with a kind smile on your face.  This is the story of how they first met, so it's technically a prequel to the original trio of books, but that just means that those familiar and those just stepping into this magicial world are on equal footing.  You get to see the adventure before the biggest battle/quest has begun, while meeting those that will play memorable parts in the tales to come...all while having your eyes dazzled along with your mind because of the rich illustrations throughout.  It's an edition that collector's will adore, but readers will cherish just the same.

Three Tasks for a Dragon

by Eoin Colfer

Illustrated by P.J. Lynch 

Candlewick | October 2023

Dragons are definitely a thing right now (well, I guess they were always a thing, but I digress), and so it should come as no surprise that this tale of knights, dragons, and a maiden with magical powers (of a sort) caught my attention, and I think it might do just that for the readers in your life (even yourself!).  The illustrations are grand, the story one of the ages and yet new all the same, and it's something that can be shared with kiddos embarking on their own knightly quests because who doesn't love a challenge, especially when you get to turn the tables on the one's that sent you!

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Julie Morstad 

Candlewick | October 2023

The author alone would have drawn my attention, but when combined with the curious cover and illustrations, and I was sold.  It's a shorter story in length, but big on presentation, and the first in a projected trilogy of tales.  Puppets of different walks of life, sharing a journey to a most unexpected end...but along the way they draw strength from one another, and build courage within to face whatever comes their way.  A tale that begs to be experienced, whether on ones own, or with an audience!

Oliver’s Great Big Universe

by Jorge Cham 

Amulet | September 2023

An 11 year-old boy taking on middle school while tackling subjects like the Big Bang, Mercury, and sun burps?  I can definitely see this one being a draw to fans of the Wimpy Kid series, and even MacKenzie Blue.  It totes the fact that Science is not a subject to be shunned, nor the person who has an interest in it (score one for STEAM!), and elevates the leading lad for his brainy triumphs.  Grant it, he has a side that could end him on the Naughty List, but who doesn't love a challenge, am I right?

Adventure Game Comics: The Beyond

by Jason Shiga 

Amulet | August 2023

Part book, part graphic novel....part story, part literary escape room, this is definitely a CURIOUS read indeed!  Although it is book 2 in the series, it seems to read perfectly fine on its own, and I'm loving the fact that we, the readers, only become privy to things along the way that the author and illustrator want us to.  We don't start out with all the facts, merely a direction, and it's up to us to follow in order to uncover where we are, why we are, and find a way out.  A good selection for hesitant readers, or those wanting to crossover from one reading style to another without embarking on a lengthy tome.

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back

by Emma Carroll

Illustrated by Lauren Child 

Candlewick | September 2023

Most have heard of the classic Little Match Girl, and while it's a story that spans the ages, this one was written for a new generation.  This one takes the sad tale and spins it in a new direction.  No longer is the little girl doomed to spend her last match on dreams and visions, but empowered to spark change in her circumstances and bring about a revolution (of a sort).  I love the powerful retelling, and the striking illustrations scattered throughout where the pops of color really bring it to life.   A great way to introduce the story of yesteryear, while setting the light of forward motion in the hearts of those taking those steps towards the future. 

Outcasts (Ferryman trilogy, Book 3)

by Claire McFall 

Walker Books US | October 2023

OMG.  When I saw this one land on my doorstep, I legit did a happy dance.  No, you don't understand!  If you haven't read any of the Ferryman trilogy, you really don't know what you're missing.  I've read the first, and second...the third (TADA!) is happily added to my own reading list, and I can't recommend this series of books enough for YA lit fans that love the lush world of folklore and legend brought to life, love found against impossible odds, strength found that could conquer death itself, and ultimately the realization of whether all that fighting, all that pushing against the norm was worth it in the end.  DON'T WALK, RUN TO SNAG THIS TRILOGY!

The Temple of Fortuna (The Wolf Den trilogy, Book 3)

by Elodie Harper 

Union Square & Co | November 23rd, 2023

Book three in The Wolf Den trilogy...of which I have still only read the first (don't judge!).  It's not that I didn't like the first one (you can see how much I did or did not right here on my site if you type the title into the little search bar over there on the left), it's just that it took me a bit because it was darker, and heavier than I imagined, and ye olde reading schedule has been a bit overbooked this year (hence to purposefully open December, and a bit of January...but watch out for February! 😁).  Perhaps I can catch a break and sneak back into the set, but this is definitely one for those that like some historical in their fiction, some romantic elements in their literature, but also keep it to the ADULT READERS because some of the topic matter is definitely geared in that direction.  Don't miss what I've heard has been a trilogy that has gotten better and better with each release!

A Holly Jolly Ever After

by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone 

Avon Books | October 2023

A holiday rom-com with some steamy fun?  Yes please!  Sounds like just to ticket to heat up those cold winter nights...not that it's actually cold down here (we joke that our winter weather passed us last week), but that doesn't mean warming up is frowned at either.  😉  I'd come in from the cold to check out this tale of opposites attract, where catching feelings is easier than dodging a snow ball!

It Had to be a Duke (The Liars’ Club, book 1)

by Vivienne Lorret 

Avon Books | November 28th, 2023

I won this little beauty over on GoodReads (yeah, can you believe it because I STILL can't!), and I'm happy to say it was definitely a title on my wish list...so Merry Christmas to me! 🤶 Spinsters, dukes, enemies to lovers, and fake engagements...color me trope happy!  All I can say is that I love a good Historical Romance and this sounds like a great add to MY reading list, and even more so because it's the first of a new series!  Woo hoo!  Also...GORGEOUS cover, no?

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Special thanks to the publishers, and publicists for the copies for review and feature here today, and to the authors and illustrators for sharing their amazing talent.  (THANK YOU!)  For more information on any titles featured above, feel free to click through the links provided.  Don't forget to snag your copies when you're out and about this holiday season because books are definitely the gift that keeps on giving!

Until next time, happy holidays and remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

AWARENESS TOUR: All the Small Wonderful Things by Kate Foster - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

The reading season is kicking into full gear and I'm happy to play my part in keeping you up to date on titles you need to read.  Take today's next tour guest for example...it comes to us via The Children's Book Review from the folks at Candlewick and features a story all about friendship, being yourself, and puppers.  Sound interesting?  Well then, let's take a closer look!  

All the Small Wonderful Things

by

Kate Foster

Ages 8+ | 240 Pages

9781536225808

Candlewick

About the book...

In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the Cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity.

This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.

Amazon  |  Bookshop  |  Barnes and Noble

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Alex is a lovely young lad just looking for a friend.  He's about to make the transition to middle school next year, so it's imperative it happens NOW.  No one likes being the small fish in a big pond, especially when you don'y have another small fish to swim with...am I right?  But, as the synopsis points out, friendship is most definitely not one-size-fits-all, and it's most definitely more quality than quantity.

Alex went looking in all the wrong places for a friend, as most of us do at some point or another, and was missing the dear friendships right in front of him.  He was so laser focused on what it should look like that the fact that it might appear in any way different from that imagined mold wasn't something he could fathom.  It was heartbreaking for me as a reader to see him struggle with this issue so much.  You just wanted to reach between the pages and give him a hug, though for him, it'd definitely be better to ask first so as not to surprise, offend, or invade personal space.  You see, that's another aspect of the book to note...Alex is autistic, and I love how the topic was handled.  It wasn't kid glove treatment, and everyone on eggshells, but rather what felt like a REAL look at day to day life with this as just another facet of a person, the challenges it can present, but also ways in which those challenges are managed.  It's made clear that the path is different for everyone, but it felt like a great moment of representation in literature for kiddos that might identify with him.  Back to the friendship mission...once he sees himself clear of the obstacles he originally placed before him, Alex gets his moment, as do his newly minted friends, and his beloved four legged one that's always by his side...unless he's run off again to visit Vinnie, but that's a tail for another time.

A touching story that will entertain and educate, while sharing the true value of friendship in a person's life.  It reminds us to hold dear the ones we let into our lives, cut loose those that don't enhance that experience, and embrace our true selves because our real friends will too.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the southeast of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

For more information, visit www.kfosterbooks.com.

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Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an autographed hardcover copy of All the Small Wonderful Things—a $100 donation will be made to a rescue dog charity of the winner’s choice!

All the Small Wonderful Things: Book Giveaway

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Kate Foster. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Children’s Book Review

Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Fairview Review

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Life Is What It’s Called

Author Interview with Kate Foster

Friday, October 27, 2023

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight of All the Small Wonderful Things

Monday, October 30, 2023

Pages for Paige

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

One More Exclamation

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Heart to Heart

Author Interview with Kate Foster

Friday, November 3, 2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things and Little Free Library Drop

Monday, November 6, 2023

Mommy’s Memorandum

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Country Mamas with Kids

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

My Reading Getaway

An Article by Kate Foster

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Friday, November 10, 2023

Cover Lover Book Review

An Article by Kate Foster

Monday, November 13, 2023

Froggy Teach Read

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Momma Spot

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Twirling Book Princess

Book Spotlight of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with Kate Foster

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

October reading SPOOKTACULAR: Spooky reading fun for everyone!

 

Looking for something SPOOKY to add to your October MUST READ list? Here's a few titles to enchant, entertain, and spook-ify everyone in your reading group from the tall to the small! These are all titles I had the pleasure of indulging in recently, so take a look, and see what catches your fancy! 

                      

  

THERE'S A WITCH IN YOUR BOOK by Tom Fletcher (Randomhousekids)

A great book series in picture book and board book versions, tips one falls into the latter and let's readers of all ages get in on the SPOOKY season fun! With a call to interact on each page, it's more than storytime; is an experience. 

THE MONSTERS ON THE BUS (Randomhousekids)

Okay, so it's definitely on the lighter side of the Halloween hubbub, but it DOES feature monsters, even if they are from Sesame Street! This all audience friendly board book gives us a new spin on the classic singalong song of yesterday, but plenty of smiles and silliness along the way. 

POULTRYGEIST by Eric Geron (Candlewick)

I was actually surprised by this one! On the surface, it'll definitely bring some laughter and spooky fun for the kiddos. Between the illustrations, and the plucky turn of events by book's end, the old chicken that crossed the road never looked so enticing. Below the surface from an adult perspective, I was actually a little shocked by the beginning of the tale showing just how our lead chicken became a "geist"... and the persumed continuance of the story circle on the final pages. Again though, surface... kid friendly and funny!

LEILA THE PERFECT WITCH by Flavia Z Drago (Candlewick)

Remember Gustavo? Our little friendly ghost? Well Leila is from the same "series" and her richly illustrated tale brings the spooky-esque fun readers want this time of year, but with timeless lessons for all ages. Perfect is fine and dandy, but perfectly you is the best thing of all!

 

THE WITCH HUNT by Sasha Peyton Smith (Simon Teen )

Read THE WITCH HAVEN? If not, you've some catching up to do. Personal opinion, you need to read the first book in this series before diving into this one. It helps to know the back story, the connections, and all the feels you're stepping into with one... and trust me, there are feels! It was great catching up with the girls again, but oh my heart! I was torn this way and that by both fellas trying to decipher who was being genuine, honest, and there for our girl! Sometimes you have to do things by yourself, but a burden shared is a worry halved, and when a helping hand honestly exists, there is no harm in opening up and letting them in. 

TRESSPASSERS by Claire McFall (Walker Books)

Though I loved all the books in this group, I think this one was one of my favorite! The first book was fantastic, and this second in the planned trilogy was amazing! All the feels, all the new experiences, all the unknowns, all the new souls, and the trouble that's followed them into what was suppose to be their HEA... oh my goodness, I couldn't get enough! 

(happy tears!)

                      

Special thanks to the publishers listed above for the copies for review and the chance to bring these titles to you!  (THANKS!)  For more information on any title listed, the authors, or the publishers, feel free to click on through the links above.  Be on the lookout for each at your favorite online retailer or local brick and mortar store to add some extra SPOOKINESS to your October reading!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!