Category: Series - READING STYLE GUIDE

Shape Search

11/30/2020

Bronxshapes by Alex Rivera

Using photographs of common objects, Rivera celebrates his urban community the Bronx with shapes found in a bodega, park, and vendor's cart. In addition to introducing geometric shapes, the book also introduces readers to city scenes that may be unfamiliar to those living in rural areas.

Bronx Baby board books are chunky little packages of bilingual delights. Found objects are named and identified, expanding youngsters' English and Spanish vocabulary. A simple line of large text, with the noun boldly accentuated serves as a vehicle for infant and toddler language acquisition.

These books make excellent gifts for welcoming a newborn or celebrating a toddler’s birthday. Package the books with shape blocks and a box of crayons for a great holiday gift.

A companion title is the Bronx Baby Book series is Bronxtones, a book about colors.

My Shapes

This concept can be expanded and adapted to many different locations, cultures, and languages.
Here's an idea for youngsters confined to home during the winter months. Read Bronxshapes and then create a shape scavenger hunt. Document with drawings or photographs the many shapes discovered within the walls of your house.
Weather permitting, expand the shape search to your neighborhood. Let the fun begin!

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 8, 2020 Publisher: Kolika ISBN: 978-0593110812

Mayan Mythology

11/9/2020

Rise of the Halfling King (Tales of the Feathered Serpent)
by David Bowles ill by Charlene Bowles

What a terrific concept: A series of graphic novels featuring Mayan mythology. Bowles brings his extensive Mesoamerican expertise to younger audiences. Stories from an often-overlooked culture are brought to life with colorful panels, intriguing plot and characters who jump off the pages and into the reader's imagination.

Rise of the Halfling King is the first title in Tales of the Feathered Serpent series. Readers are introduced to Sayam, a boy hatched from an egg. Almah, a witch and a healer, has cared for this strong-willed halfling since he emerged from the egg. As he grows older, the inevitable is apparent. It is time for Sayam to fulfill prophecy and dethrone the king.

It won't be easy. The malevolent despot employs the Guardian of the Underworld, a gigantic snake, to assist him with his diabolical schemes. Illustrator Charlene Bowles gives the serpent a frightful menacing quality that dominates each panel into which it slithers, fangs ready to strike.

A generous trim size of 7 by 10.5 inches, oversized panels, and an easy to follow narrative make this an excellent choice for young readers.

Background information is placed at the beginning of the book. The map of Mexico clearly identifies cities and surrounding regions. The cast of characters features a small portrait with accompanying short bio. This facilitates reading from the story's onset, helping readers to place unusual locations and individuals in context.

It's a rich mythology, replete with magical powers, witches, and sorcery. The struggle between good and evil, featuring a diminutive hero fighting against powerful forces will captivate readers. Make room on your shelves for this graphic novel series.

Dig Deeper

Interested in an in-depth exploration of Mexican mythology? Bowles has you covered.

Feathered Serpent: Dark Heart of Sky is compilation short mythological tales from Mexico. The introduction offers valuable background information. A Guide to Pronunciation and Glossary are particularly helpful.
An excellent resource for those interested in exploring epic tales, world mythologies, history and culture of Mexico. Highly recommended for students, teachers, historians, and storytellers,

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: November 3, 2020 Publisher: Cinco Punto Press ISBN: 978-1947627376

Twisted Tale

10/16/2020

Straight on Till Morning, A Twisted Tale
by Liz Braswell read by Lorna Bennett

Childhood dreams are never simple

Listen to a sample.

Braswell takes Peter Pan in a new direction. Straight On Till Morning centers around two females: a sixteen-year-old girl and a tiny, determined fairy. Wendy, on the cusp of adulthood, faces the prospect of the dreary predictable life that society expects of her: caring for her younger brothers and ultimately becoming a governess. This girl who delights in spinning stories wants more.

Under cover of darkness she escapes England for her land of make-believe. Bargaining with Captain Hook, she offers Peter Pan’s shadow in exchange for passage to Neverland.

The result of her plan is not exactly what she envisioned. The pirates want her to be their “mother.” She will do the cooking, mending, and laundry. Wendy wonders: Where is the adventure she longed for? And where is Peter Pan?

She discovers that there’s a lot more happening in this fantasy world. Hook’s objective is to destroy Neverland and Wendy has unwittingly become an accomplice in his sinister plan. She realizes that she has played into his schemes and determines that she must outwit Hook. This involves obtaining Peter's shadow and returning it to its rightful owner, recruiting the Lost Boys to help her defeat Hook and save Neverland.

The narrative is fantasy from Wendy's perspective, exploring the relationship between reality and the land of stories. Wendy discovers that the Neverland she and others dreamed of has become her reality. She wonders if imagined stories can truly come to life.

An interesting subplot is the relationship between Tinkerbell and Wendy. Initially Wendy is thrilled with the prospect of meeting a fairy, a tiny little being who sparkles and can fly. She hopes that they can become friends. This enthusiasm is squashed by the fairy’s excessive jealousy. Wendy examines her feelings for Peter and knows that while she is intrigued by this boy who never grew up, that’s just it. He will never grow up. She wants more from a relationship than this youngster can offer her. It takes time and patience but eventually the girl and fairy reach a truce and take tentative steps toward friendship.

After successfully dealing with pirates, fairies, Captain Hook, and The Lost Boys, Wendy comes to terms with who she is and what her life will be. She wants to return to England but no longer in the role of surrogate mother. She wants to be her own woman and pursue her own dreams. Writing stories will certainly be a part of that dream.

Bennett's narration captures the distinctive personality of each character. Her lovely British accent gives the tale an enchanting storytelling quality.

More Twisted Tales

If you like your "happily ever after" with a contemporary spin, try Twisted Tales, a Disney series reimagining classic fairytales.

Currently there are nine titles in the Twisted Tale collection. For those who like to read a series in order, here is the current list, beginning with A Whole New World (2016) to So This is Love (2020). The series is written by fantasy authors Jen Calonita, Elizabeth Lim, and Liz Braswell.

Audiobook accessed via Axis 360.

Release date: February 4, 2020 Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks

Imagine This

10/1/2020

Albert Whitman & Company has launched Imagine This, a stunning nonfiction picture book series. The generous trim size, about 10 inches square, is perfect for sharing with a large group. It also works when laid open on a table (or any flat surface) for a small group to enjoy. Eye-catching illustrations, fascinating factoids, and engaging text make this series a stellar addition to a school or classroom collection. Currently, there are four titles in the series. Informational picture books that are sure to spark questions, promote discussion, and inspire further research.

Blink! (Imagine This!) by Doe Boyle ill by Adèle Leyris

Blink! invites readers to take an up-close examination of a variety of animals’ eyes. Consider these facts: The bay scallop has over sixty eyes. A dragonfly eye is composed of thousands of lenses. Yellow-glowing "eyeshine" behind the bullfrog's eyes helps it see at night. A whirligig beetle eye splits into two different parts for separately seeing above and below water.

Boyle's lyrical verse introduces the eyes of specific animals. Leyris’ larger-than-life illustrations reveal anatomical details. Additional information appears within surrounding animal silhouettes.

Bold graphic design features the animal shapes against a solid contrasting color background. Leyris' richly hued images span the gutter, filling the entire two-page spread.

Back matter contains a diagram of the human eye and description of "How Your Eyes Work," an Author's Note, a list of Resources, and a Glossary.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 1, 2020 Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company ISBN: 978-0807506677

Dragonfly by Aimèe M. Bissonette ill by Catherine Pearson

The evolution, developmental stages, appearance, and behavior of this species are presented in detail. Did you know that a Dragonfly will molt up to seventeen times before reaching adulthood or that dragonflies can fly up or down, backward, forward, and even upside down? Fascinating! This first person narrative is delivered via the species’ collective voice. The text shifts to third person for the informational bits scattered across each two-page spread.

Bissonette introduces readers to precise terminology.
Illustrations, descriptions, and some context clues assist readers with understanding these terms: naiads, nymphs, predators, molting, aviators, external, iridescent.

Pearson's jewel tone full-page illustrations are primarily in complementary shades of purple, blue and gold. Bold shapes, particularly the wings and eyes have a prismatic quality.

Back matter includes an Author's Note which provides additional information, including the insect's environmental impact. Resources page lists books for children and adults as well as sources for activities.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 1, 2020 Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company ISBN: 978-0807558218

Compatibility Testing

9/14/2020

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake ill by Jon Klassen

My first impulse while reading Skunk and Badger: I really want to invite Amy Timberlake to tea. I imagine a delightful afternoon, chatting with someone who conjures up a tale of a peculiar little Badger, living in Aunt Lula’s brownstone and devoting his days to Important Rock Work. This fastidious fellow is in for the shock of his life when Aunt Lula also invites Skunk to live in the brownstone. Skunk’s lifestyle is decidedly different from Badger's. He loves to cook, concocting scrumptious meals, but leaves washing the dishes to Badger. A gregarious fellow, he wants to chat while Badger is accustomed to hours of quiet devotion to his rocks. The ultimate test of the roommates’ compatibility is chickens. Skunk invites an astonishing number to their home. The brownstone is filled with incessant bocking and feathers scattered everywhere. Inevitably there is skunk spray. That the conflict will be resolved is never in doubt. It’s how the pair will iron out their differences that will keep readers engaged.

The narrative is seasoned with charming asides, inner dialog, and clever word play. Reading aloud is an extra treat. Book recommendations appear in the The New Yak Times Book Review. Badger muses that chickens are here today, gone to leghorn. There is mention of special markings in the sand known as Chicken Scratch, the most ancient of chicken languages.

Timberlake lovingly pokes fun at her characters' idiosyncrasies which makes them all-the-more endearing. In the spirit of Christopher Robin saying “silly old bear” to Pooh, readers will be enamored with the fussy Badger who wears pickaxe-and-dynamite pajamas and strums E Huli Mākou on the ukulele. Skunk’s special chicken whistle to gather the chickens for story-reading sessions, will bring knowing smiles to teachers and librarians.

The trailer offers a sneak peek at Klassen's signature style black and white illustrations. He captures the character of these two often maligned mammals with wit and charm. Look at that grin on Skunk's face! Another reason to love this tale.

Come on over. I'll put the kettle on, and we'll have great fun getting acquainted with Skunk and Badger.

A tale of a mismatched pair who work through the inevitable difficulties of sharing a home. It's The Wind in the Willows meets Frog and Toad and it's destined to be a classic. Want more good news? This is Book 1. There will be more Badger and Skunk. Hurrah! Hurrah!

Electronic copy accessed via Edelweiss.

Pub date: September 15, 2020 Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers ISBN: 978-1643750057

Art and Nature

8/19/2020

Beatrix Potter, Scientist (She Made History)
by Lindsay H. Metcalf ill by Junyi Wu

The connection between art and science is symbiotic. Scientists record observations with accurate representations of phenomena. Artists rely on a careful study of anatomy and physiology to inform their art.

It is no surprise that artist Beatrix Potter studied her surroundings and recorded her findings with precision. What is remarkable is that her published books are not scientific treatises, but instead are delightful fantasies.

Metcalf gives young readers fresh insight into the life of the author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Each summer Beatrix’s family would travel to Scotland. It was there that the young girl met Charles McIntosh , the postman who encouraged her study of life forms. She was a dedicated researcher, making meticulous drawings, examining small animal skeletons, and preparing slides for microscopic observation.

Potter's specific field of study was fungi: the study of mushroom spores. She made a breakthrough discovery on the germination of these spores and prepared a paper for the Linnean Society of London. She could not present her paper in person, as women were not allowed to join this scientific society. She withdrew her paper from consideration after the society said her findings needed more work. Shortly afterward, she discontinued her fungi research. History does not explain her abandonment of nature studies. A century later the Linnean Society apologized for the treatment of Beatrix Potter and other women.

Metcalf enhances this picture book with backmatter that includes "More About Beatrix Potter," a Timeline, Bibliography, Source Notes, and suggestions for Further Reading. Wu's soft colored pencil illustrations honor both the wonders of nature and storytelling. Her style does not attempt to imitate the precision of Potter's studies. Her illustrations focus on Beatrix and her joy of discovery.

Beatrix Potter, Scientist explores the value of close observation in the fields of both science and art and speaks to the work of women in science. Add to biography and STEM collections.

More Women Who Changed Our World

She Made History: Women Who Changed Our World is an ongoing picture book series celebrating the contributions of women. In addition to well-known historical figures such as Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, Phillis Wheatley, and Susan B. Anthony, the series introduces young readers to other women who have been change agents. Alice Coachman the first African American woman to earn an Olympic gold medal, Kathryn Johnston the first girl to play Little League baseball, and astronomer Nancy Grace Roman who led the NASA team which built the Hubble Space Telescope are some of the featured woman who have made history.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 1, 2020 Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company ISBN: 978-0807551752

Is It Destiny?

8/14/2020

Of Curses and Kisses (St Rosetta's Academy Book 1)
by Sandhya Menon

Looking for an updated version of a classic romantic fairy tale?

Sandhya Menon has this covered with Of Curses and Kisses, the first volume in St Rosetta's Academy, her new YA romance series. Set in an exclusive boarding school nestled in Colorado’s gorgeous snow-capped mountains, a girl from India and boy from England meet. Is it destiny?

Princess Jaya Rao and her younger sister Isha are sent off to boarding school, hoping to escape a scandalous rumor that a rival family has circulated about Isha. Jaya hopes to protect the Rao reputation from further damage and exact revenge on the family that is responsible for publishing the vicious gossip. She finds the perfect opportunity. Lord Grey Emerson, a member of the dynasty that has delivered centuries of indignities to the Rao family, is a student at St. Rosetta’s. Her plan: she will make him fall in love with her and then break his heart.

Grey, a brooding loner, is facing his own personal crisis. He is destined to die when he turns eighteen due to an ancient curse pronounced by one of Jaya’s ancestors. The clock is ticking for Grey. Just when it seems that his life is ending, he has fallen in love.

Jaya is wrestling with the question of loyalty. Must she respect the wishes of her parents without question? What should she do to protect her family’s reputation? What will become of the Rao dynasty ? Does she need to ignore her own feelings?

This modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast includes a glittering ball, several misunderstandings, a despicable cad, one stunning ruby pendant, a bookstore named Bookingham Palace and a terrific snowball fight. It's a sparkling romance with an intriguing hint of magic.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: February 18, 2020 Publisher: Simon Pulse ISBN: 978-1534417540

Ripped from Today's Headlines

7/17/2020

Illegal: A Disappeared Novel by Francisco X. Stork

Siblings Sara and Emiliano Zapata are on the run, hoping to elude an international human trafficking cartel. Illegal continues their story which began with Disappeared. After leaving Juárez Mexico, the two separately cross the Rio Grande River, hoping to outpace and outsmart the syndicate.

The story is told in the alternating voices of the brother and sister. Sara opts to legally request asylum as she believes that ample documentation will support her amnesty claim. Emiliano chooses to go underground, hiding in the back of a horse trailer to evade detection and eventually living in the basement of his father’s home in a Chicago suburb.

The two have an explosive secret: a cell phone containing damning photographs and documents detailing human trafficking that originates in Mexico and extends into the United States. Those involved include a federal government employee. Before they part ways, Sara entrusts the phone to her brother. Sara and Emiliano must protect this valuable piece of evidence without endangering one another.

Stork ratchets up the tension as both lives are on the line. Sara is locked in solitary confinement within a detention center in Fort Stockton Texas because she refuses to disclose the whereabouts of her brother. Emiliano tries to stay one step ahead of a killer hired to track down the phone. It’s a nail biting, intense read.

The narrative includes fascinating details about everything from technical processes used to open a phone to some of the legal intricacies in the asylum process. There are striking contrasts: Emiliano sharing tender moments with his half brother while Sara endures horrific cruelty. A stunning betrayal keeps the central characters constantly questioning who to trust. Both siblings are faced with moral dilemmas. There are no easy solutions. Every choice has positive and negative consequences.

An electrifying story that could easily have been ripped from today's headlines, this can't-put-down story of danger, intrigue, and corruption will keep readers rapidly turning pages. It's action and suspense to the max.
While the book’s conclusion brings resolution to the immediate dangers facing Sara and Emiliano, there is obviously more to the story. Please Mr. Stork, don’t keep us waiting too long.

Uncorrected copy provided by author.

Pub date: August 4, 2020 Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-1338310559

Here Comes Lolo

5/21/2020

Lolo Series by Niki Daly

Meet the irrepressible Lolo, a good-natured youngster who loves gold stars and embellishing her paintings with glitter. Lolo lives with her mother and her grandmother in South Africa.
This girl has a mind of her own. She is not interested in the library book with the fairy wearing a frilly pink tutu. No. She wants the book featuring a terrible monster with horns and tusks.

Both Hooray for Lolo and Here Comes Lolo are easy-to-read chapter books brimming with the exploits of this charismatic youngster. She has a lot going on. There are matters of conscience when she finds a beautiful gold ring and later attempts to rescue a neglected dog. She bravely faces surgery for appendicitis and learns about misunderstandings when she doesn’t receive an invitation to a classmate’s party. Mother and grandmother gently help Lolo learn to confront fear, conflict, and injustice.

Because the series is set in South Africa, readers will encounter some regional vernacular. For example, Molo is a common Zulu greeting and the Zulu name for grandmother is Gogo. A punctuation mark located at the end of a sentence is referred to as a full stop. Illustrations and contextual cues help youngsters decode the meaning of unfamiliar terms.

Trim size of about 5” x 8” fits nicely into small hands. Book design features large font with plenty of white space as well as delightful grey scale drawing on every page.

Daly’s illustrations capture the personality and unique idiosyncrasies of each character.

Lolo is a little charmer whose stories will enchant readers. More Lolo books please.

Hooray for Lolo by Niki Daly

Pub date: May 5, 2020 Publisher: Catalyst Press ISBN: 978-1946395382

Here Comes Lolo by Niki Daly

Pub date: April 28, 2020 Publisher: Catalyst Press ISBN: 978-1946395368

Copies provided by publisher.

Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson narrated by Kate Rudd

3/10/2020

Triple Treat

Note: This is a spoiler-free review. Readers deserve to discover each delicious clue for themselves. Suffice it to say, this is a highly addictive series. I'll follow Stevie Bell anywhere anytime she wants to plunge into another mysterious escapade.

Maureen Johnson's thrilling mystery series Truly Devious is an intricately crafted murder within a murder. High school student Stevie Bell as an expert at unraveling clues and solving cold criminal cases. She is fascinated by the 1936 disappearance of three-year-old Alice Ellingham from her family's estate nestled in the mountains of Vermont. Stevie is invited to study at the exclusive Ellingham Academy located on the Ellingham Estate. This super sleuth takes on the decades-old case.

The story alternates between the 1936 kidnapping and a present-day rash of murders at Ellingham Academy.
Although the narration is third person, Johnson gives readers a glimpse into Stevie's pysche. This high school junior suffers from anxiety and eschews many social conventions. She worries less about her GPA and more about solving crime. Flashes into the workings of her mind are a significant story element.

Kate Rudd expertly nails this audiobook performance. She delivers teen angst, pompous authoritarianism, and an objective observer with aplomb. She captures Stevie's snark, Fenton's academic slightly inebriated reasoning, and David King's quirkiness. Rudd ratchets up the tension with understated narration, allowing the drama to unfold, keeping attention on the narrative. Timing and pacing match the slow reveal of key pieces of evidence. She lets the story and the characters speak for themselves.

Truly Devious: A Mystery

Stevie Bell is accepted into the prestigious private Ellingham Academy, a school that encourages high school students to pursue their own interests. The school's buildings and surrounding grounds reflect founder Albert Ellingham's fascination with puzzles and games. There are hidden nooks and secret tunnels throughout the estate. The manor is a character with a major role in the the tragic events, past and present.

There are two distinct casts of characters within the story. The Ellingham family, friends, and household staff have starring roles in the 1936 drama.

Stevie's classmates and the school’s staff comprise the characters in the contemporary murder mystery.

The drama unfolds with intertwined narratives describing past and present Ellingham Academy.

Audiobook accessed via Overdrive

Release date: January 16, 2018 Publisher: HarperAudio

The Vanishing Stair (Truly Devious)

When a tragic death on campus is announced, Stevie's parents rush to Vermont and remove her from school. U.S. Senator Edward King intervenes and encourages Stevie to return to the prestigious school. Her parents grudgingly consent.
Things get more complicated when Stevie returns to Ellingham Academy. Two other deaths follow in rapid succession. While they may be accidental, Stevie becomes convinced that the deaths are deliberate.

She sets to work, discovering hidden artifacts and deciphering obscure clues to find the truth about the 1936 tragedies. She becomes certain that she knows precisely what happened but hesitates to share her findings. Who can she trust? Will her information put her or some of her classmates in danger?

Audiobook accessed via Axis 360

Release date: January 22, 2019 Publisher: HarperAudio

The Hand on the Wall (Truly Devious)

The final book in the series neatly wraps up the story. Johnson has kept all of the details and plot lines skillfully balanced throughout the series. She deftly catches all the balls she has kept spinning in the air. The hints which have alluded readers from the beginning come together in a smashing, but totally believable conclusion.

All of suspects gather in the Academy's Great House for Stevie's recitation of the events leading up to the murders. She begins her presentation with some solid evidence and a few hunches. Readers will be intrigued with her deductive logic and catch their collective breaths as she delays until the last possible moment to bring forward the most damming piece of evidence.
It's showstopper of an ending.

Audiobook accessed via Axis 360

Release date: January 21, 2020 Publisher: HarperAudio

There are several references to Agatha Christi throughout the series and with good reason. Like Christi, Johnson assembles a large cast of characters. She sets the story in a remote setting, similar to And Then There Were None, and Murder on the Orient Express. The culminating scene takes place during a massive snowstorm in the remote mountains of Vermont where all is revealed. It's classic whodunit.

My only complaint about this series was the one year interval between publication of each book in the series. One year is a long time to wait when lives are in the balance. A long time.
Fortunately for readers who begin reading the series in 2020, there is no wait.