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READING STYLE GUIDE

Magic Magic Magic

5/2/2022

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Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater

There are two kinds of people. There are people who seek magic, and people the magic seeks.
Stiefvater works her magic, taking story threads from an animated children's movie and interweaving them with a trio of of formidable challenges. This tapestry includes a measure of medieval life and sparkles with fibers of Scottish mythology. The result is epic YA fantasy.
Merida, a fiery redhead girl whose prowess with a bow is legendary, is now a restless young woman. A series of travels have left her unsettled. She wonders: What is missing from her life? What needs to change?
To save her country, she strikes a bargain with two gods. Within one year she will travel to three prearranged locations throughout the land, proving that her family and country can change. It's a daunting task. She is working against time and deeply entrenched traditions.
Seasons play a role, as progression of time is a critical plot point. The text eloquently describes the splendor of each season with sensory details.
The narrative captures the essence of family life: the messy, complicated, frustrating all-of-it. DunBroch castle is brimming with busy, boisterous interactions. ​​“You jam-handed scab!” Merida lashes out at her brother.​
Her parents and three younger brothers are dimensional individuals who change as the story progresses. The evolving relationship between mother and daughter is particularly touching.
As with all her novels, Stiefvater's prose is masterful. She embroiders scenes with her characteristic slightly acerbic wit and ear for language.
  • ​Geese fly in a "forever-dim summer"
  • ​​Her parents "arranged their faces to look less like taxidermied animals."
Signature motifs are sprinkled throughout the text: gloves with oxblood stitching, "the Sight," and a knock at the door.
Just when readers think they know what comes next, the plot takes a one-eighty. The ending is what I hoped for but believed could never happen.  Bravely took my heart on a tender journey.
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A major theme is the push and pull between renewal and ruin, the tension between complacency and change.  Bravely is a study of both external and internal change. Some situations can be controlled. Some events are beyond human intervention. 

​Disclosure: I have not viewed the Pixar movie Brave and can affirm that the book stands independent of the movie. However, now that I have read the book, I want to view this version of young Merida. How does the impetuous sixteen-year-old compare with the young woman in her early twenties, searching for answers, longing to resolve the incomplete pieces of her life.
A story of magic and the power of love, Stiefvater brings her considerable storytelling skills to this novel that is part fairytale, part mythology, and a whole lotta hopes and dreams.
I rarely immediately reread a book. However this richly layered tale drew me in for a second reading, which was as rewarding as my first encounter with Merida. Knowing the eventual outcome helped me appreciate and enjoy the story even more. I am itching to read it again. It's a sumptuous medieval feast.
Images: Picture the Story
The story's skillfully constructed world includes an introduction to Celtic history and mythology. The goddess Cailleach, and a Scottish king are featured characters. She takes liberties with the historical figure Feradach, refashioning the Irish king into a god. All three play pivotal roles in the unfolding saga.
 Stiefvater's gorgeous prose brings the setting and characters to life. 
Dásachtach, Donald II, King of Scotland. Known as the Madman.
Scotland. Photos posted online by the author.
​

Images of the goddess Cailleach as imagined by various artists.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: May 3, 2022 Publisher: Disney Press  ISBN: 978-1368071345
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Make Me a Map

3/18/2022

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The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

Fast-paced adventure that is jam-packed with secrets, intrigue, and narrow escapes.
Twelve-year-old Sodsai leads a double life. Each morning this impoverished girl sneaks away from her home in the slums and furtively exchanges her rags for the professional attire of an assistant to Paiyoon, the Kingdom of Mangkon’s Mapmaker. She can make exact copies of complex documents,
a talent that makes her invaluable to her employer.
Recently the Queen of Mangkon commissioned several sailing expeditions to search for a legendary southern continent that may be the home of dragons. Sai joins the Mapmaker on this voyage, helping him create maps to chart the ship's course. If the expedition is successful, she hopes to be awarded an honor that will remove the stigma of her low social class and grant her legitimacy as a respected member of society.
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The voyage is fraught with peril. It’s not just motion sickness and fear of dragon-infested waters. An illegal stowaway, a mutinous plan, and a crew member who recognizes her might jeopardize Sai's future. Who can she trust? She must determine who are her allies and who are her enemies. 
Woven throughout the narrative are scenes depicting the dehumanizing effects of colonization, class differentiation, and poverty. Empowerment of woman is a dominant feature in this society, to wit: a queen rules the land and the ship’s captain and most of the high-ranking ship officers are women. If you are looking for fantasy with bold and daring women, this book for middle-grade readers delivers.
There's a lot at stake including the mapmaker’s reputation and the safety of the ship's captain and crew. Soontornvat's tale contains major plot twists, daring escapades, and surprising revelations. It has a WOW factor to the max.

Story Map

This review is based on an uncorrected copy of The Last Mapmaker.  I attempted to visualize the journey by creating a drawing of the voyage. How close will my rendition match the official map that accompanies the published work?  
Random Question: Will Paiyoon approve of this mapmaking effort?
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Creating a story map is another way to visualize a book.
Here's one reader's view of the ship’s voyage.

Award-winning Books from Soontornvat

Soontornvat is a prolific author who writes a variety genre. A Wish in the Dark, middle grade fantasy, received a 2021 Newbery Honor. A gripping account of a headline-making news event, All Thirteen, was awarded YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction, Newbery, Orbis Pictus, and Sibert Honors. She has also written several picture books, middle grade novels, and a chapter book series for young readers.
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​Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 12, 2022  Publisher: Candlewick Press  ISBN: 978-1536204957
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Monarchs and MagicĀ 

2/10/2022

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Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

The fate of my entire family and my home is in my hands.
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs opens with a description of monarch butterfly swarms taking flight in Mexico's oyamel forest. This true-life phenomenon is an awe-inspiring sight. View the PBS video below. ​
Thirteen -year-old Solimar steals into the oymel forest to watch butterflies awaken from their winter hibernation. Warmed by the sun, the monarch pattern woven into her rebozo also comes to life as butterflies once trapped inside the shawl take flight. Soli wonders what causes the magical transformation. The soon-to-be-princess considers this as she returns to her kingdom and learns of troubling events.
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Treachery threatens to disrupt the court's tranquility. King Aveno of a neighboring kingdom schemes to obtain a thousand acres of oyamel forest from San Gregorio. A traitor within the castle plans to take the royal family and staff hostage until Solimar’s father agrees to his demands.
​It is an unfortunate time for her father and brother to be absent from the kingdom. They are traveling on business to the distant city of Puerta Rivera. Upon their arrival, her brother plans to give up the throne and join the crew of a ship ready to set sail from this harbor city.
Time is running out. Solimar must make the dangerous journey to Puerta Rivera and inform her father of King Aveno's plot. This route  will require that she navigate river rapids, avoid treacherous rock formations, locate an exit in a labyrinth of caves, and evade King Aveno's spies. A monumental task!
Solimar remains her own person, determined to risk her life to save her kingdom. She agrees to a traditional quinceañera.. But Soli cuts her hair and decides that both her parents should have starring roles in her upcoming corination ceremony. She eventually convinces her family that she can capably rule the kingdom.
This story traces several journeys: the migration of monarch butterflies, a dangerous expedition to save a kingdom, the transition from girl to young woman, and a princess’ quest to set a new course for her life.
Ryan's narrative is replete with references to Latin culture. Solimar's pet is a resplendent quetzal. At her quinceañera Soli wears her first pair of shoes with heels and dances with father.
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The story combines political intrigue, adventure. and a generous infusion magic. It's a story of tradition and breaking with tradition; love of country and family; and the power that lies within one person to bring about meaningful change.

Story Map

Ryan's fascinating tale invited the creation of a story map. Tracking the numerous journeys and how they all fit together within the overall narrative was a creative and informative exercise. A story map can be a helpful way to recall crucial details and view them in context.
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Protecting Monarch Butterflies

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The World Wildlife Fund reports that the Monarch Butterfly population is threatened by deforestation of forests in Mexico, disruptions in migratory paths due to climate change, and loss of native plants, including milkweed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publishes information about Monarchs and offers suggestions for protecting these butterflies.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: February 15, 2022 Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children ISBN: 978-1484728352
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I Need a Hero

11/17/2021

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The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities:
New Stories About Mythic Heroes

edited by Rick Riordan

A book that's like a box of chocolates.
An anthology, like a box of chocolates, consists of tasty little morsels. The one you select may consist of creamy sweetness, rich darkness, or be a little bit nutty. All look so tempting. Which one will you pick?
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Discover new adventures from the worlds of: Sal and Gabi, Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz and Riley Oh. Bet you can't pick just one!​
If a hero isn't ready to lose everything for a greater cause, is that person really a hero?
Jason Grace, The Tower of Nero
Rick Riordan Presents includes stories by Carlos Hernandez, Roshani Chokshi, J.C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, and SURPRISE! Rick Riordan, who introduces an Irish hero: boy a marked for death before he was born. Is he destined for greatness or destruction?
The multiverse is home to an assortment of fascinating characters: Gum Baby will give you two pieces of her mind "one for now, and one to take home and enjoy later." Riley is the only member of her family who does not possess supernatural powers, or does she? Nizhoni battles a demon-possessed drum that contaminates everything, including the fry bread she loves to eat.
There are numerous ways to enter these mythic worlds:
Relax and plunge through the floor into a different universe. Take the elevator to the Lower Levels of Hell. Descend six thousand feet to face plant on Seventh Avenue. Visit a New York deli to find a "Demon in the Trash." Locate the red cactus flower that your mind envisioned. Slip in and sample any one of the selections, finding stories that pique your interest. They can be read in any order.
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities is an introduction to mythologies and cultures that invite further exploration. Fans of the Riordan series will relish these stories chronicling additional adventures for characters featured in the addictive series. ​ It's an enchanting potpourri brimming with danger, humor, courage, friendship, and magic.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 28, 2021  Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents  ISBN: 978-1368070836
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Moonstruck!

10/18/2021

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The Children’s Moon by Carmen Agra Deedy art by Jim LaMarche

It’s not often that you will find a picture book that is a literary gem brimming with sparkling personality,  folktale-like mythology, poetic language, luminous art, and a STEM component. Deedy's enchanting storytelling and LaMarche's exquisite illustrations combine to tell a wondrous origin tale.
Text consists of a dialog between the moon and the sun.
As the moon rises, she hears a noise "like the daintiest of silver bells" and wonders what makes that sweet music. The sun informs her that the sound is made by children. Moon laments that she is unable to see the children and they cannot see her. Is there a way for her to see the children? Sun adamantly retorts that this is not possible.
​The day is mine.
​The night is yours.
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With inventive thinking, the two devise a plan that will allow the sun to view the stars gleaming in the night sky.  Then the sun will shine on his friend in such a manner that the moon can see and be seen by the children.
It a beautiful mythology that explains an astronomical phenomenom.
Back matter includes detailed information on how to view a "children's moon" in the night sky, an infographic explaining phases of the moon, a collection of interesting scientific factoids about the moon. For example, the moon not only reflects light, it also radiates light. Interestingly, the moon is not a sphere, but egg-shaped. Links to online resources are provided.
The Children’s Moon is the perfect bedtime story and is also an excellent companion to an astronomy lesson.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 19, 2021 Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-1338216394
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Power of Story

10/8/2021

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The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

A world without story is lost.
A stunning and richly symbolic cover sets the stage for a Latinx sci-fi saga written for middle-grade. It's a daunting task, but Higuera pulls it off, sending readers on a heroic journey of mythic proportions.
When earth is destined for destruction, Petra and her younger brother Javier are selected to join an elite group that will travel through space, bound for the planet Sagan. Organizers hope to establish a thriving intergalactic colony. It will take 380 years to reach Sagan, so travelers are placed in individual hibernation pods for the journey.
On waking, Petra discovers that a group known as the Collective has assumed control of the spaceship. Adults have been eliminated and the minds of younger passengers are being reprogrammed. This carefully cultivated society will have no knowledge of the past.
Petra is determined to resist mind control. She clings to the stories told by her grandmother and shares tales of heritage and culture to a few of the ship’s young travelers, hoping to reawaken their knowledge of the past. 
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Outwitting the Collective becomes increasingly dangerous. Petra’s plan to escape, taking a few individuals with her to a nearby planet, is a high stakes gamble. She must keep her objective a secret until her group is safely beyond the reach of those who seek to destroy her and her knowledge of the past. Several shocking plot twists and tension-filled scenes will keep readers rapidly turning pages.
Those familiar with children’s literature will be pleased to note the homage to several contemporary classics: Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. Authors Douglas Adams and R. L. Stine are also mentioned.
Books became our language. Books became our home. Books became our lives.
The Last Cuentista is a tribute to the enduring power of stories. ​The saga combines Latinx folklore and culture with travel through time and space. Higuera has created an intriguing genre for young readers: Latinx Space Opera.
Never be ashamed of where you come from, or the stories your ancesters bring to you. Make them your own.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 12, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140893
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Bird's-eye View

5/21/2021

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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Meet Homer, a carrier pigeon with extraordinary abilities. He always finds his way home, even when he must travel long distances. He also possesses a most unusual trait: Homer reads.
It began when he noticed the newspapers lining his cage. Homer recognized people and places in the newspaper’s photos. Eventually this smart bird connected the pictures with their printed captions. Viola! He became a reader. In addition to news reports, Homer discovered the funny pages and now follows the exploits of comic strip detective Dick Tracey.
Enter a partner: Homer meets Lulu, a parrot who perches on the shoulder of her owner Charlotte. The birds become fast friends and look forward to friendly avian conversations whenever their owners are in the park.
A series of outdoor jewelry thefts come to the attention of Homer and Lulu. They decide to investigate the robberies.
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The story’s premise is ingenious. A pigeon has a bird’s-eye view to possible crimes and can fly around, gathering evidence without arousing suspicion. His accomplice has an extensive human vocabulary. These savvy spies find clues and piece together the evidence. Here's the complication: Homer and Lulu must communicate their discoveries, reveal the perpetrators, and recover the stolen jewelry. There is an element of danger, but these are brave little detectives. Homer on the Case is an engaging sleuthing adventure for young readers. Let's hope that there will be more mysteries for this detective duo.
Listen to the author read as he draws a pigeon.
Learn some surprising facts about homing pigeons.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682632543
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It Takes a Thief

3/30/2021

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Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson

Sixteen-year-old Estella is an orphan living on the streets of London in the 1960’s. She lives with two sleight-of-hand con artists in the crumbling remains of an abandoned building. The trio’s principal source of income is derived from carefully planned and brilliantly executed pickpocketing. These lifters are masters of their craft. But Estelle is more than a common thief.
Her passion is fashion. She designs and constructs stunning one-of-a-kind styles. This clever seamstress scouts high-end establishments for luxurious fabrics, furs, lace, and elegant accessories. With the help of her accomplices, she nicks the best materials and takes them back to the sewing machine in her grimy little hovel. The resulting ensembles are amazing.
Estelle has a dark secret. There is another personality residing inside this resourceful girl-of-the-streets. It’s Cruella, a vicious and spiteful evil twin who occasionally pops into her head offering diabolical suggestions. Usually Estelle can keep Cruella in check by saying to her alter ego “Thank you for coming, but you may go now.”
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One day she is noticed by two wealthy siblings who take a fancy to this odd young woman with exceptional style. They invite her into their world of excess and decadence. Soon her days are spent lounging in their posh residence and her nights are devoted to an endless stream of parties. She becomes a dressmaker for the elite, creating couture for members of London’s hip social set. There are stolen kisses with the guitarist of popular band. It’s a life that she never dreamed could be hers.
Until...Estelle’s world of opulence evaporates. All gone. Literally overnight.
Johnson brings readers along for Estelle’s journey from rags to riches.  In the "I never saw that coming" catagory, there is an unexpected plot twist in the book's final pages. Hello, Cruel Heart is filled with fascinating characters, 1960's trivia, and vivid scenes contrasting abject poverty with exorbitant wealth. A cinematic tale that is as savvy as Estelle’s fashions.
Post Script: The story features two dogs. Buddy, Estelle’s dearest companion was rescued from a trash heap. Wink is a a one-eyed Chihuahua. Estelle clearly loves both of these canines. There is no depiction or suggestion of animal cruelty throughout the tale.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: April 6, 2021  Publisher: Disney Press   ISBN:  978-1368057769
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Mysterious & Magical

3/18/2021

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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

Esther is the middle child, sandwiched between thirteen-year-old Imogene and younger sister Astrid. She is the ordinary one, nondescript, often overlooked by her mother.
What should have been a normal year at boarding school opens with several unexplained incidents. Esther’s best friends do not return for the next school term. Two new students have taken the absent girls’ places. A tiny woman with a bizarre ritual for greeting students is Esther’s teacher. Life seems to have taken an unsettling turn. School is the same. Only it is not.
Set in a land of Empires and Kingdoms, it's a tale of mystery and magic. Mythological creatures abound. A Water Sprite absconds with a young child. ​ There are Faeries, Ogres, Whisperers, True Mages, Spellbinders, and Shadow Mages such as Radish Gnomes and Sterling Silver Foxes. They usually inhabit realms far away from Esther’s school. But lately they are sighted nearby.
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst is a story of a girl who doubts herself. Her supportive family is occasionally dysfunctional. Boarding school is rife with rumors. An earth-shattering event stuns the community. These disparate elements are woven together to create a compelling mystery.
Moriarty's storytelling technique is dazzling. The narrative asserts a generally agreed-upon statement as true. This is immediately followed by a detail which turns the truism on its head. Readers will wonder about the veracity of what they witness through Esther’s eyes. Is her recital of events based on partial knowledge, personal bias, or second-hand information?
And that, as I said, was the happily ever after...
​But was it?
First person voice allows readers to see not only the world from Esther’s point of view, but to witness her evolving comprehension of what is happening. At times she makes mistakes in judgement. Others thwart her efforts. But she remains determined to learn the truth.
I adore Esther. As she considers the strange, sometimes frightening events which topple her world and threaten its existence, she must summon a courage she never knew she possessed to save herself and those she loves. She becomes the hero that she was always meant to be.
The title was a puzzle. This is really Esther’s story. She narrates the account which takes place primarily at her school. References to a prince are few with seemingly little relevance to her life. But all is revealed on the final pages of the book. Readers are rewarded with a conclusion that is logical, anticipated, yet in some ways unexpected. It all fits neatly together, creating a satisfying conclusion.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: March 23, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN:  978-1646140763
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Painting With Words

2/23/2021

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Mr. Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon
​by Sally Gardner ill by Nick Maland

"Painting with words"
From the brilliant mind and wild imagination of Sally Gardner come Mr. Tiger and Betsy books. This is not your ordinary garden-variety tale of a princess who must be rescued from an evil witch.
Told by the letters of the alphabet, it’s a fantasy jam-packed with a delicious blend of stuff and nonsense.
The story takes place on an island that has been left off the map of the world. Betsy K. Glory’s father creates the most amazing ice creams and her mother is a mermaid. With the help of mum’s tin bathtub on wheels, they make the marriage work. There is also a princess who was once a toad, a sea orchard of golden apples, and the debonair Mr. Tiger. Did I mention that there are two pages devoted to a discussion of the word “discombobulated?”
Plot centers around a sea dragon’s egg. The captain of a pirate ship arranges for his pastry chef to steal the precious egg. He plans to exchange the embryonic dragon for a golden apple.
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A running subthread features girls and women as decisive individuals who determine their own fates and positively impact the lives of others. In a critical scene Betsy must perform a dangerous rescue mission that no one else can accomplish. She is terrified. Mr. Tiger encourages her.
Betsy K. Glory, you are the bravest girl I have ever known. You can do this.
Of course, there is a happy ending. The pirates are defeated. The baby sea dragon egg is returned to its dragon parents. There is a lovely wedding. And everyone enjoys a new flavor of ice cream that tastes like happy-ever-afters.
"Just because you're dyslexic does not mean you can't be a writer."
Sally Gardner is dyslexic. The book’s appearance reflects her sensitivity to readers who have difficulty navigating pages of text. Mr. Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon is printed in blue and uses the Dyslexie font.
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Look at the dust jacket. Don't you love how the dragon straddles the spine and bridges the gap between land and sea?
​Nick Maland’s blue-hued line drawings match font color and add the perfect touch of whimsy.

Further Adventures for Mr. Tiger and Betsy

Discover the origin of Mr. Tiger and Betsy stories.
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C​opy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: February 23, 2021  Publisher: Penguin Workshop  ISBN: 978-0593095850
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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