Early Book Review: A Place For Pluto by Stef Wade, Melanie Demmer

A Place For Pluto was written by Stef Wade and illustrated by Melanie Demmer. This informational picturebook is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2018.Pluto got the shock of his life when he was kicked out of the famous nine. His planet status was stripped away, leaving him lost and confused. On his quest to find a place where he belongs, he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. He doesn't fit it anywhere! But when Pluto is about to give up, he runs into a dwarf planet and finally finds his place in the solar system. 

A Place For Pluto tells the story of Pluto's change of status to dwarf planet from Pluto's point of view. The poor guy was crushed! As he searches the universe for anyone like himself readers not only learn a bit about space and the things in it, but they also get a lesson in acceptance, friendship, and self discovery. The artwork is bright and cute, with small blurbs of explanatory text about who Pluto comes across in space. Pluto talks to other planets, Halley's Comet, asteroids, and more until he finds other dwarf planets and discovers what he his. I like that after his journey he returns home to find his old friends missed him and now has more friends than ever before. I only wish he could have been happy with himself before finding a label, because putting people in categories is not always the best path, but it worked for the story and can be used to start discussions. There are extra materials included at the end of the book to encourage more reading and research on the subject, which could be helpful and curiosity inducing. 

Early Book Review: The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness by Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi

The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness is a graphic novel written by Robert Kondo and illustrated by Dice Tsutsumi. It is currently scheduled for release on July 10 2018. It is the second book in the series, and I have not read the first. I think that reading the series in order is recommended, but if the art draws you in, most readers could pick up the story to a certain degree. However- those that have read the first volume or watched the short animation it was based on will get much more from it than those of us that jumped in here.

Beyond the dam lies certain death—this is something every citizen of Sunrise Valley knows well. Yet, when a poisonous black tidal wave carries Pig, Fox, and Hippo over the dam and into the wastelands, they don’t find death. Instead they find bustling cities, each with their own dams. Pig can't help but wonder, who is the mysterious dam keeper behind it all? But he doesn't have time to unravel this mystery. The wave of deadly black fog will return to Sunrise Valley in four days, and its dam can't withstand another assault. In a stolen truck and with a deranged lizard leading the way, Pig and his friends are in a race against the clock. but can they reach home in time?

The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness is a graphic novel that I was tempted into reading because of the art. Even when I had no idea whatsoever about what was happening I fully enjoyed the artwork. The story lost me more than once, there were flashbacks and references to the past, which mostly went over my head because I missed the first book. However, the majority of this book felt like a buddy or roadtrip movie with some interesting twists and turns, some suggestions of secrets, and meeting new characters. As the group tries to make it home, assuredly to save their families and friends, they find themselves in some very weird situations with stranger characters, but I never really felt like I got to the meat of the story. There is a good climax, and hints to what is next for Pig, but since I was so uncertain about what was going on I never got invested in the characters or the story.

The Dam Keeper: World Without Darkness is  a well drawn and colored graphic novel for middle grade, and perhaps younger and older, readers. I think readers that have read the first volume and enjoyed it will definitely want to pick this one up. I prefer series with a more complete feel to each of the installments, but that is jusyt my personal preference and I know others are not as bothered by this. 

Book Review: Pennybaker School is Headed for Disaster by Jennifer Brown

Pennybaker School is Headed for Disaster is the start of a new middle grade series by Jennifer Brown. Thomas Fallgrout always thought of himself as a regular kid until the day he accidentally creates a little big of magic using his grandpa's old potions. Suddenly, he's pulled from public school and enrolled in Pennybaker Academy for the Uniquely Gifted, where kids are busy perfecting their chainsaw juggling, unicycling feats, and didgeridoo playing. Pennybaker is full of spirit thanks to its most beloved teacher: the late, great Helen Heirmauser. The school has even erected a statue of her head on a pedestal. Then, life is uprooted when the statue goes missing -- and everyone thinks Thomas is behind its disappearance. Now his head is on the line. As his new friends turn on him, Thomas finds himself pairing up with the only person who will associate with him: his oddball next door neighbor Chip Mason. Together they work to hunt down the missing statue, only to discover that maybe what they've both needed to find all along was true friendship.

Pennybaker School is Headed for Disaster has a little bit of everything. Our main character is an earnest middle school boy starting a new school and wanting to fit in, but the people in that new school are more like his grandmother and willing to stand out. Thomas just wants to be seen as normal, and he is having trouble finding his footing. The family dynamics of Thomas, with a controlling mother and daring grandmother at odds with each other, as well as the younger sister and easy going dad was both realistic on some levels but over the top funny in others. I like that Thomas was a sympathetic character, and while I might not have always agreed with his choices, his reasoning and thought process we very relatable and I think will hit a cord with a wind range of readers. I like that there was a touch of mystery, as Thomas tries to solve the theft of the head, but also a strong focus on the friendships and development of self that carried the story forward. I also like that there was a good amount of new vocabulary for readers to learn as they enjoy the series. I also found the occasional pencil drawings to be charming and a nice tough to the book. 

Pennybaker School is Headed for Disaster is a middle grade novel with heart, action, and plenty of angst. I liked the characters and the story, the balance between completely believable and wacky was perfect for me. I am looking forward to checking out the second book in this series, which is scheduled for release the summer of 2018.

Early Book Review: Sir Tim Wants a Dragon by Judith Koppens, Eline van Lindenhuizen

Sir Tim Wants a Dragon is a picturebook written by Judith Koppens and illustrated by Eline van Lindenhuizen. It is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2018. Sir Tim wants a pet, but not just any kind of pet. Tim wants a dragon, because “All knights have dragons.” Tim says decisively. “I’m a knight so I need a dragon!” Tim and Mom go to the pet shop together, but the pet shop does not sell any dragons. Or do they?

Sir Tim Wants a Dragon is a cute picturebook about a young man with a big imagination. As he plays knight he becomes determined that he needs a pet dragon. Not an unexpected result to any parent or caregiver to be honest. When they go to the pet store he is disappointed that there are no real dragons. I liked the illustrations, I found the artwork to be very nice to look at, and offering extra details and some humor on each page.

I was glad that Sir Tim refrained from having a temper tantrum when a dragon was unavailable, but disappointed that a bearded dragon or other aptly named lizard was not the solution, I was half expecting it. I did like that he was able to compromise- although I was less than thrilled Tim ends up with a labor intensive pet with no talk of responsibility and no preparations. I know it is a book for the youngest readers, but the idea of getting anything you want without working for it or responsibility bothers me.

Book Review: Bob by Wendy Mass; Rebecca Stead

Bob is a middle grade novel by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house. It turns out she’s right.Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise. Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.

Bob is a wonderful look at childhood imagination, friendship, and folklore. Livy does not remember her first visit to her grandmother's house, since she was only five at the time she does not really worry about. When she makes a return trip she tries to remember, little things come back- but it is not until she comes face to face with a little guys non-zombie in her closet that she starts to work on the mystery. Together she and Bob work to fill in the blanks. I love that readers get an insight to Bob's thoughts, not just Livy's. I found the fairy tale nature of the mystery to be sweet, and now I need to do some reading and research to see if the story of Bob, and those like him, is based on a folktale I do not know or a fresh creation. I like that the book allows young readers to act like kids, for tweens to do things like truth and dare- but also let lose and dance and play with dolls. My only disappointment as that I was reading a pre publication galley, so I did not get the full impact of all the illustrations that will be included with the final copy. This is a wonderful book that I hope will find its way into personal, school, and public libraries.


Bob is a heartwarming story about friendship and folklore that stuck with me long after I finished the book. The characters were well written and the story left me with hope and a quiet joy.

Early Book Review: Johnny by Guido van Genechten

Johnny is a picturebook written and illustrated by Guido van Genechten. It is currently scheduled for release in English on June 1 2018, but was previously published in Dutch.  Johnny is a very sweet spider, but nobody knows it. Because everywhere Johnny goes, the other insects run screaming out the door without giving him a chance. Filled with humor and heart, this book will show young readers the importance of not judging someone by appearances. A book filled with humor and heart for spider lovers ages 3 and up.

Johnny is a sad spider. He just wants to be friends, and share his birthday cake but the insects he asks are too afraid to look past his appearance, and that he is a spider that in nature might be interested in snacking on them, to trust him. I can understand their reluctance, they do not want to be lunch, but their words and actions are hurtful to Johnny who is just trying to be nice. I think this book could be a great discussion starter about why we should give people a chance, and not judging others based on things they have no control over, like appearance. However, I think it might be better learned when the characters are not likely to actually eat each other in the real world- or at least have a reasonable substitution plan. Spiders need to eat insects (or bigger stuff depending on the spider) and I think most spider lovers are well aware of the nature of spiders.

The artwork is cute and charming, and does a good job of capturing Johnny's emotions and still being fun. I think Johnny is a good, fun picturebook but not one that blew me away. 

Book Review: Today I'll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson

Today I'll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson is a board book featuring the same characters the author uses in her Phoebe and Her Unicorn series of graphic novels. In the story Phoebe decides that she wants to be a magical, sparkly unicorn just like her best friend. 

In Today I'll Be a Unicorn Phoebe explores all the wonders of being a unicorn like her best friend; tiaras, magic, and rainbows. They have fun together, but when they get hungry and Phoebe discovers that Unicorns that do not eat pizza she decides it is time to be a little girl again. This is a fun, short board book that will be a perfect quick bedtime read or a fun read for the youngest readers that love all things magical and sparkling. I know I wanted more, but that is because I have read the graphic novels, but since this is a board book it was just the right length.

Book Review: Destination: Planet Earth by Jo Nelson, Tom Clohosy Cole

Destination: Planet Earth is a children's non fiction book written by Jo Nelson, and illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole. This book offers a visual field trip of our planet, from volcanoes and coursing rivers to towering mountains and the deepest valleys. This journey of discovery introduces young readers to physical geography in all forms: learn about weather and climate, see how the water cycle works and explore the science behind Earth's earthquakes, eruptions and tsunamis. Packed with epic facts and breathtaking illustrations, this book will take young explorers on the trip of a lifetime.

Destination: Planet Earth is well balanced between fun and informative pictures and detailed text. It is a solid introduction for children to the different sciences that describe and explain our planet, like geography, to the basics of ecology, the whys of tides and magnetic field, how we need to protect the environment in which we live, and so much more. No one topic gets extensive coverage, but the basics of each topic covered is well explained and illustrated with out crossing the line of overwhelming the younger readers. . If you are looking for a quick and concise explanation on just about everything Earth related, this is the book for you, and your library or classroom. This book just might encourage further research in the field touched upon, or inspire a future scientist's interest. 

Early Book Review: Fred Wants To Play by Janna de Lathouder, Anne Schneider

Fred Wants To Play is a picturebook written by Janna de Lathouder and illustrated by  Anne Schneider. It is currently scheduled for release on June 11 2018. It's quiet time and Fred knows he is supposed to keep still, but keeping still isn't easy for Fred. A bouncy feeling makes him want to play. Fred feels all alone until he meets Scott. Fred and Scott know how hard it is to keep the colorful feelings inside. Can these two friends help the other fish join in the fun?

Fred Wants To Play is a colorful and thoughtful picturebook about friendship. Fred is an octopus that sometimes has trouble controlling his energy, sometimes he just has to move and play. The others do not want to play with him because he sometimes gets too bouncy. Feeling alone and different he finally encounters someone that is very different from him, but that shares the same bouncy feeling that gets him in so much trouble. Together they plan a way to play together, and play with everyone else. I love that they channel their energy rather than ignoring or burying it, embracing those differences rather than trying to make them go away. So often teachers and parents feel like children need to conform rather than find away to make it work with the people around them and their environment. I really liked the artwork. The pastel colors popped and captured the emotion and movement of the characters. I loved that it took a character trait that often is seen as negative, and shows characters finding a way to turn it into a positive experience.  

Book Review: The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match by Elizabeth Eulberg

The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match by Elizabeth Eulberg is the second book in the Shelby Holmes series. The first book sets up the characters and relationship between Shelby and the world, however I think most readers would be able to catch on to the series ideas pretty quickly, even if starting with the second book. 

Being friends with a super sleuth isn't easy, especially when she's nine years old and four feet tall, and full of attitude. But for eleven-year-old aspiring writer John Watson, being friends with Shelby Holmes is just the adventure he's looking for.In the few weeks since moving to Harlem with his mom, Shelby has been training John in the art of observation-a skill that comes in handy on the first day of school. John's new teacher, Mr. Crosby, is acting suspiciously, and Shelby knows this is a mystery worth investigating. But as Shelby and John dig deeper, they discover that there may be someone unexpected involved--someone who may have Shelby beat.

The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match is another great book by Eulberg that makes the Sherlock tropes and themes assesable to the younger generations. I love that the characters are unique, but still share bits of the characteristics of the Sherlock cannon. Shelby is the socially uninterested genius, with a little too much pride and confidence in her abilities. When she works with Watson they become the perfect team, with the book, observational, and social smarts to do just about anything. I got a kick out of the introduction of Shelby's nemesis, and the way they work with Lestrade and Crosby. I loved the twists and turns, and the inclusion of extra bits of struggle, like family issues and John's diabetes, make the story even more relatable to a variety of readers. I think the mystery is well built, and the methods of Shelby and James, and how they interact with each others and those around them, is extremely well done. I love the layers to all the characters, and the combination of real life and Sherlock themes makes for an entertaining and engaging.

The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match is a great middle grade mystery with a diverse group of characters that feels completely organic rather than forced, which is sadly happening with more and more books. I highly enjoy this series and hope to continue it, and add it to my elementary school library as soon as I can. 

Book Review: The Jasmine Sneeze by Nadine Kaadan

The Jasmine Sneeze is a picturebook written and illustrated by Nadine Kaadan. Haroun, the cat, likes nothing better than to spend his days sleeping in the sunlit courtyards of Damascus. But one thing always ruins his sleep; jasmine! Haroun can’t stand the sweet-scented flowers. Their pollen sends him into fits of sneezes! So one day, Haroun hatches a plan to fix the problem. But little does he know that in doing so he deeply angers the Jasmine Spirit who plans her revenge in her own crafty and hilarious way.

The Jasmine Sneeze is a story that gives a small insight into the culture of Damascus, at least in relation to jasmine. In lovely illustrations, reader see the silly cat Haroun suffer through the sneezing fits near the jasmine. He hatches a plot to stop the scent of jasmine from making him sneeze- but as expected in a fable from any culture, things do not go as planned. His efforts anger the spirit of the jasmine and suffers the consequences, at least until he makes it right. I love that the author of the work wrote about her own culture. I like that a little more of the culture of Syria was given at the end of the book. My only problem was that I wanted a even more of the folklore and culture. However, the illustrations were wonderful, and I did enjoy the little glimpse that we got. 

Book Review: Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me by David Gutnick, Mathilde Cinq-Mars

Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me is a picturebook written by David Gutnick and illustrated by Mathilde Cinq-Mars. Not long after arriving in North America from China, a young girl and her father bump into a kind old man at their local park. They have no idea that he has been teaching young people music for over fifty years. Mr. Mergler can hear music in a way that most of us can't, and he knows this little girl has a talent that, with encouragement, will grow into something magical. He gives her a gift that will tie them together forever. This story is inspired by events in the life of Daniel Mergler—a wonderful musician who loved to teach and whose generous spirit inspires author and journalist David Gutnick to this day.

Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me is a lovely picturebook about how strangers can make connections through music, and how music can effect people. I like that the story is based on real people, and the relationships that they could have built. I liked seeing the young girl connecting with the music and Mr. Mergler, and how aware she is of the fact that her family could not have afforded the lessons that Mr. Mergler offered them for free because of her love of music. I like that the connection her family made with Mr. Mergler was so real, and it was heartbreaking when he passed away. However, like many teacher of all kinds he had a huge impact on those he works with. I think this book both encourages young readers to take the chance to try to learn new thing, and to remind teachers and families how much of an impact they can have on those they take under their wing. The artwork was classic and smooth. I liked the little details with music, and emotions that shone through the illustrations. 

Early Book Review: The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw, Translated by Christelle Morelli, Susan Ouriou

The Golden Glow is a picturebook by Benjamin Flouw, translated into English by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou. It is currently scheduled for review on May 15 2018. Fox loves nature. There's nothing he enjoys more than reading about and picking flowers. One evening, he comes across a rare specimen in his old botany book -- the golden glow, a plant from the Wellhidden family, found only in the mountains, a plant that has yet to be described. Fascinated, Fox decides to set off on a quest in search of the mysterious golden glow. He packs his knapsack, a map, a compass, a flashlight, a sleeping bag and other items for his hike. Along the way, Fox observes many different kinds of trees and plants. He also encounters woodland friends who help him make it to the summit of the mountain. But when Fox eventually stumbles upon the object of his quest, he makes a surprising decision.

The Golden Glow is a picturebook that offers some nonfiction information inside the story of Fox's search for the mysterious flower. I found the plant identification and other nature information be be well incorporated into the story without making it feel like a lesson. I learned a few things, and think it will capture the attention of younger readers as well.   I also like how prepared Fox is for his hunt, and how the book might be used to help young readers get excited for and prepared for nature walks, hikes, and other expeditions of their own. I found the fact that Fox consulted others, and was willing to both ask for and accept help, to be great- so often this idea is ignored. The art was stylized,  the digital painting and hand painted textures looking more like the paper cut out art than the digital work I have come to expect lately. I liked the effect, and think it worked nicely with the story. The attention to detail and precise nature of the plant, tree, and other nature themed identification was fantastic. I think this book might inspire a new generation to explore, investigate, and observe the natural world and to appreciate it. 

Book Review: A Horse Named Steve by Kelly Collier

A Horse Named Steve is a picturebook by Kelly Collier  about a horse named Steve who is a fine horse, but who longs to be more. When Steve finds a gold horn in the forest and attaches it to his head, ta-da! Exceptional! His friends are so impressed, they, too, attach objects to their own heads, in an effort to be as exceptional as Steve. So when Steve suddenly realizes his horn has gone missing, he’s devastated! He won’t be exceptional without his horn! Or will he?

A Horse Named Steve is a charming story about a horse wanting to be special, or more special than he already is. This is something everyone can relate to- especially young readers who are still trying to figure out just who they are. I like that Steve did learn the lesson that he is still special with or without the horn, but he still likes to have a special something. This shows him as not perfect, and more relatable to young readers, and makes the story more fun which will keep readers interested and entertain by the story after it is over. The illustrations are as fun and quirky as the story and made me love the book even more.

Book Review: Sloppy Wants a Hug by Sean Julian

Sloppy Wants a Hug is a picturebook by Sean Julian.  Find out why you should never hug a tree dragon—especially a sloppy one. Sloppy the tree dragon wants a hug, but Dewdrop the sprite isn’t going to give him one, for a very good reason.

Sloppy Wants a Hug is a book seems sweet and with a message about kindness. However, the more I thought about it the more it bothered me. Dewdrop says she will not give Sloppy a hug, and that he knows why. However when Sloppy asks and does not understand, Dewdrop refuses to explain. Then- Sloppy goes for some emotional manipulation to try to get the hug she wants from her 'friend', but Dewdrop is not giving in and instead goes around giving hugs to others- and telling them that they are worthy. It is only when Dewdrop sees Sloppy do a good deed that she deems him worthy of her affection. Then we discover that Sloppy licks when he hugs. Couldn't Dewdrop have just given him a hug and asked him to refrain from the licking? 

I know I am over thinking a picturebook. But, honestly, the emotional black mail and whatnot here is not something I want to encourage. Could we have gone with the message that it is okay not to want to hug, BUT  friends accept each other's faults and find other ways to show they care. The only thing that garnered the book two stars rather than one is the charming artwork.

Early Book Review: Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt by Ben Clanton

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt is the second easy reader about this pair of underwater friends by Ben Clanton. It is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2017. The first book was Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, and it was fantastic.They do not need to be read in order, but if you want to see more about Narwhal and Jelly you will want to check it out.

Happy-go-lucky Narwhal and no-nonsense Jelly find their inner superheroes in three new under-the-sea adventures. In the first story, Narwhal reveals his superhero alter-ego and enlists Jelly to help him figure out what his superpower is. Next, Narwhal uses his superpower to help a friend find his way back home. In the third story, Jelly is feeling blue and Narwhal comes to the rescue. The book showcases the joys of friendship and the power of believing in yourself and others through this irresistible duo.

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt is another great easy reader or fun graphic novel for young readers. Narwhal is a cheerful and optimistic narwhal, ready to be a superhero. But, he does not seem to have a super power. With the help of Jelly he explores what his power might be, and they have a grand adventure in the process. They deal with being blue, name calling, friendship, and self confidence. It is also great fun, with plenty of humor. I think this series might fill the whole left by the end of Elephant and Piggie.

Early Book Review: Science Comics: Bats: Learning to Fly by Falynn Christine Koch

Bats: Learning to Fly by Falynn Christine Koch is the latest in the Science Comics series and is scheduled for release on February 28 2017. This series of graphic novels offer entertaining views of their subjects combining a storyline with interesting and important facts with illustrations. In Bats, we follow a little brown bat whose wing is injured by humans on a nature hike. He is taken to a bat rehabilitation center where he meets many different species of bats. They teach him how they fly, what they eat, and where they like to live.

Bats: Learning to Fly combines interesting information with a story and comic illustrations. The balance between the story and the included facts is well balanced. There are significant chunks of information included in the comic story, as out injured little brown bat learns about the other bats in the rehabilitation center. The inserted information pages go into more detail and infuses infographics, images, and relevant facts that can lead readers to a greater understanding of bats, and their importance to the ecosystem. I always liked bats, and this book has only increased my respect and care for these creatures. I think many middle grade and older readers will enjoy this read, and gain a new respect for a creature that is too often feared or looked down on. 

Bats: Learning to Fly does a wonderful job of combine facts with a compelling story. I think readers that are interesting in science, animals, or graphic novels would get a lot out of this read. The series as a whole is worth reading and exploring by interested parties. 

Book Review: Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon & Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham

Princess in Black Takes a Vacation is the fourth book in the Princess in Black series written by Shannon & Dean Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a “ROAR!” Seriously? A monster? Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black? 

 Princess in Black Takes a Vacation is another great installment in this transitional chapter book series. The Princess in Black is a wonderful character that takes young readers on grand adventures, even when all she needs into relax and take a nap. I really like tat the Goat Avenger gets some adventure of his own while Princess Magnolia tried to rest- only to end up fighting yet another monster. I love the ending, which I will not spoil, and the colorful illustrations are a perfect pairing with the text. I think this series will continue to be a favorite for many young readers. I read it with my eight year old (we already own the previous books) and she reread it in the morning. I think this will be staying on my Kindle for quite awhile.

Book Review: Farm Animals and Wild Animals (Animal Bites) from Animal Planet

Farm Animals is part of the Animal Bites series from Animal Planet. This is a children’s non fiction book with more than 200  animal photos of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas, and others. It includes a habitat-by-habitat guide that offers young readers a bite-sized view of their favorite farm animals. The book is divided by theme, including animal behavior and family relationships, animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more. There are Quick Bites sidebars with cool animal facts, simple infographics, and illustrated maps of life in on the farm and at the petting zoo.

Wild Animals is part of the Animal Bites series from Animal Planet, like Farm Animals. This book the same abundance of photography of lions, giraffes, ibexes, flamingos, hippopotamuses, and many others as well as the habitat-by-habitat guide of  wild animals. Arranged thematically with focus on animal behavior and family relationships, young readers will explore sections about animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more. Special book features designed for this age group include Quick Bites sidebars with cool animal facts, simple infographics, and illustrated maps of life in the African Savannah and Amazon rain forest.

It looks like this entire series would be a nice addition to any library, including personal  collections. The photograph are crisp, bright, and sometimes beautiful. I think the photography work alone will capture the attention of young readers. The information, especially the Animal Bites in the sidebars are well worded and organized to keep the interest of young readers while still being very informative. I think animal lovers will quickly take to this book, and not want to giver it up. I think Animal Planet found the perfect combination of fun and information to keep readers of all ages interested own the book and wanting to revisit it time and again. As a bonus to those buying these books, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.) campaign that partners with leading animal organization to make the world a better place for domestic and wild animals.

Book Review: The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem by Laura Gosselin, Jake Gosselin, and, Billy Kelly

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is a transitional chapter book written by Laura Gosselin and Jake Gosselin, and illustrated by Billy Kelly. It is the first book in a new series, with the second book, Belladonna and the Nightmare Academy, released this month. 

This is going to be the best year ever for best friends Bitterly, Abyssma and Belladonna as they are starting a new school year at Fright School! But when Bitterly, the most promising fright, is faced with a school bully and some nightmares of her own, she finds help from the last place she expected—the little girl whom she has sworn to protect.

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is the start of a new series that is about facing fears, dealing with bullies, and finding your place and talents. I like that our main characters are those who should be scary, but are dealing with school pressures and self doubts like their readers. These young frights are in school to learn how to help their assigned human to deal with nightmares in fears. In the process of figuring out how to help her girl, Bitterly figures out how to handle her own fears and worries. I think this is a great new series for readers just venturing into chapter books. This book is right up my daughters alley and I think there are many other readers that will enjoy it as well. 

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is an empowering  series for young readers that presents the challenges of childhood through a magical world filled with not so scary frights.