Well, it's almost here. The end of another year and the welcome of the next. Can't say how I'm feeling on the whole matter, honestly, with the past year's events, but here we are just the same. Anywho, it's time for a round-up of the titles that crossed my path during this last part of the year, and while it's an interesting spread, they all actually interconnect. Ready to take a closer look and add to your TBR? Let's do this!
A Very Merry 90s Christmasby
J.T. Kelliher
Illustrated by
Alex Fine
9780593753200
Penguin Workshop
A holly jolly tribute to all things 90s, every kid who grew up in this decade, was raised by it, or is simply a fan, will revel in the moments, love the remembrance, and celebrate the moments. From Furbies to Uncle Jesse, the Spice Girls to Macaulay, Alanis to Mrs. Doubtfire, there's nary a movie, TV show, or pop culture reference missed...and I LOVED IT! It was whimsical and fun, and a great way to say "I will always love you" to a time that brought us such joy!
Now that we've got the CELEBRATION started, let's keep the party rolling...
by
Brad and Kristi Montague
Dial Books for Young Readers
That's right. The title is FAIL-a-bration...subtitle, You tried. You missed. You're invited. Curious? You should be because this is one that's really for all ages. It reminds us that no one likes to fall short of their goals, but EVERYONE does at some point in their lives, and THAT'S OKAY. Those moments shouldn't bring us down, but lift us up because we've made it through something, tried something new, and learned something. Now, the next time we set out to do the thing that needed doing, we're THAT much wiser, and have that much more of a chance at success. I love the fact that it gives IDEAS at book's end for how to throw your own fail-a-bration because truthfully, when we fall down, those are the moments we need a friendly face, or helping hand the most. Alongside the positive messages, the illustrations need to be noted as well, They really capture the eye because they aren't simply drawn, but created. They're made from pencil and ink, crayon and marker, but also actual pictures and textures, making you want to reach out and touch...another way to stoke your creativity.
Now, we've gone into party mode, and made new FRIENDS, but even with all that joy, we can still get a touch of the BOOS...
by
Alex Boniello and April Lavalle
Illustrated by
Olivia Chin Mueller
9781419772443
Abrams Books for Young Readers
This is the story of Ollie and Ellie who've been friends for many, MANY years. Both before and after life, they've stuck together like birds of a feather, and in their current times have loads of fun floating here and there, visiting old friends, floating furniture about, and other harmless mischief to pass the days. One day, Ollie wakes up without that bounce in his float, lacking that smile on his sheet, I mean, face, and just generally not feeling his best self. He has a case of the BOOs (which we pulse ridden beings refer to as the BLUES), and while his best friend means well with every activity, and well thought out adventure, sometimes they can't be broken with merely distraction. They have to be felt...and it never hurts to have a great friend by your side to simply just BE. I love the gentle, yet playful hand that was lent to the story's heavy topic, and the illustrations give readers even more to explore with their artfully hidden surprises. Speaking of surprises, be sure to check out the unde-cover for another smile waiting to be had even before you crack open the cover!
Now, we've experienced feelings that were less than welcome, but we made it through with the help of FRIENDS which brings us to our next gem...
by
Chris Pine
Illustrated by
Chuck Groenink
9780593528228
Flamingo Books
This charming animal tail, I mean TALE, tells of a kingly dog and a queenly squirrel that share more than a backyard domain. They both have moments in their past that were less than pleasant, he being at the shelter, and her having the shortest tale in her family, but when they come face to face with the truth...that they aren't really as different as they might at first seem...they come to understand each other and a new harmony is brought to their green garden kingdom. I love that both their differences and sameness were celebrated, and the illustrations really bring them both to life; he with his sweet demeanor, and her with her sassy attitude. Once they become dear friends, their shared space and days are that much brighter for it. A great TAIL of friendship coming in all shapes and sizes, and a reminder that bullying is never the answer...and another book to check out the unde-cover on! While the book cover itself is fun, the unde is classic storybook.
Speaking of BULLYING and animals showing you the way...
by
Isabel Allende
Illustrated by
Sandy Rodriguez
9780593623596
Philomel
Perla may be little but she is MIGHTY...and, as she'd happily tell you, she has TWO superpowers. One is she can make everyone like her...big and small alike! The second is her mighty ROAR! Don't believe me? You should know by now that big things come in small packages. The thing is that Perla is happy to share her powers with her friend Nico...it's just that the human world may not be quite ready for someone with Perla's powers. *giggle* Honestly, I loved this book from the adorable cover (and unde-cover! So cute!) to the final turn of the page. Perla is a wonderful four-legged friend and shows us just how loving and selfless they can truly be, while reminding us that size doesn't in fact matter. Nico is a fabulous friend and owner, but needs a little help with a bully at his school. Lucky for him, Perla reveals her secret to success, and just how that plays out in the schoolyard may bring a smile or two, but an effective end to him being pushed around! Readers young and young at heart will be delighted with the colorful illustrations as well as the touch of magic left behind by the magic dust from wizard's past, while appreciating the pearls of wisdom imparted before we're bid a good night.
Now, speaking of friendship, bullying, and a touch of MAGIC...
by
Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera
Illustrated by
Jorge Lacera
9780892394524
Children's Book Press
It's a storybook presented in a comic book style with thought bubbles, who's who end pages to illustrate the mythical (or are they?) monsters within, and brilliant colors utilized throughout. The Wild Ones isn't simply the title, but also the claimed name of the foursome of friends pictured on the cover. Valentina, Jasmine, Andy, and Xander bring the flavor both from their own backgrounds, and their imaginations. They've banned together not only against the bullies at school because it's much easier to turn the other cheek when you're too busy laughing at a friend's joke, but also against the construction company aiming to tear down the place they call home. Through their beliefs in something bigger than themselves, and a celebration of each of their heritages, the day just might be saved in a MONSTROUSLY surprising way.
Now that we made a leap to the magical, and a mention of heritage and things from the PAST, let's "check out" our next title...
by
Hena Khan
Illustrated by
Nabila Adani
9781643794235
Lee & Low Books
If you've anything like me, you LOVE books about books, and this one isn't just about books, but about a LIBRARY, so yeah...SO MANY BOOKS! It's not just the books though, or where they were/are housed, but about how it came to be, the live it saw within its walls, the still time in between when all seemed forgotten and about to fall into disrepair, and the special heart that helped bring it back to its original brilliancy and then some. Did you know that the oldest library is the Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco? Did you know it was built in 859? Did you know it was founded by a Muslim WOMAN? Did you know that the one who helped bring it back to life was also a woman? Yeah, that would be a no on all accounts from me, but I was so interested in learning more. This is a great way to expose young readers to the magic that can be born from the written word, and that anyone can follow their dreams to fruition. You never know just how far you can go, or how far your dream will carry others, if you don't give it a chance! A wonderful addition to the edutainment arena, and a great pick for both story time and bedtime reading.
Speaking of LIBRARIES and MAGIC, I've got another adventure between the pages for you to explore...
by
Christopher Lincoln
with Color Assistance by
Bonaia Rosado
9780593617656
Dial Books for Young Readers
The magic of LIBRARIES is a well known thing for readers, but those being newly welcomed into the fold may not truly understand the caliber of wonder that can be experienced...and if we take into account everything that happens in THIS story, there's even MORE than we bargained for! In this full color graphic novel, Page and Turner are about to learn about a whole new level of mystery that lives within the walls of the New York Public Library...and all libraries for that matter. It seems that much like the movie The Night Museum, things aren't always what they seem at night between the stacks. It seems that the magic contained within the books, especially those that have aged to perfection and are longing for a few pages to be turned, doesn't really like to stay contained. It seems that the stories and characters like to escape the pages from time to time and experience something different, or at the least a break, from the same old same old. Too bad for this brother sister duo that their induction into this secret society type system starts with the disappearance of their father's treasured copy of Dracula...because they had absolutely NOTHING to do with it. I mean, they didn't take it from their home library, or let it escape without being able to locate it at a place that houses books upon books upon books. What? Yes, I said LET IT ESCAPE because that's pretty much what happens, and yet that's not the whole story here IN THE LEAST. A magic filled tale of the power of the written word and just how much of an escape reading can truly be.
Last but not least, we touched on the relationship of SIBLINGS, which brings us to the final book in our round-up...
by
Olivia Abtahi
9781643790435
Tu Books
About the book...
Twins Bianca and Leila could not be more different from each other. Being both Argentinian and Iranian in a small town has always been hard, but with Leila shunning her heritage and Bianca embracing it, the two walk very different paths. They run in different circles of friends, and barely talk anymore. Leila's a homebody who loves to craft and plans on marrying her high school sweetheart. Bianca's more anti-establishment and plans to get out of Dodge as soon as humanly possible.
But on their eighteenth birthday, the neighbor's barn mysteriously burns down. When Leila encounters a monster–a djinn–arising from the fire, suddenly she gains strange powers and can no longer touch iron.
What do these djinn want with Leila–or other people in town, for that matter? Can the twins learn to rely on each other–and their cultures–to banish them? It'll take a sisterly reconciliation for the girls to find out and to save their hometown in this New Visions Award-winning fantasy adventure.
...and while I've not delved between the pages of this one yet, it sounds like a fantastic premise that explores sibling relationships, family heritage, and has a healthy dose of MAGIC. So yeah, I'm in!
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Special thanks to all the promotional teams for the chance to bring these titles to you as well as the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on any of the titles above, feel free to click through the links provided...and don't be afraid to add more than one to your TBR, a new year is on the horizon! 😉
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
