Early Book Review: Minnie and Max are OK!: A Story to Help Children Develop a Positive Body Image by Chris Calland, Nicky Hutchinson, Emmi Smid

Minnie and Max are OK!: A Story to Help Children Develop a Positive Body Image by Chris Calland, Nicky Hutchinson, Emmi Smid is a children's book that is currently scheduled for release on May 18 2017. Minnie has had a bad day at school. Some children made fun of her looks, and she wishes she was more like them. Max, Minnie's dog, wishes he looked different too. And he doesn't understand why Grandma doesn't like his singing! When Grandma sees that Minnie and Max aren't OK, she takes them to the park. There, they see lots of children and dogs - all with different shapes, sizes, colors and special traits. If they all looked the same, would it be better or worse?

Minnie and Max are OK! is a charming read for children dealing with any self esteem issues. While the official blurb for the book focuses on body image, I think any child that feels like they are different- via physical, emotional, economical, or any difference really- can benefit from the book. I think readers that might join in on mocking or commenting negatively on others might also benefit from the read, since it would help them understand how hurtful their words and actions can be. This would be a good book to share with preschool and early elementary school students- either through class  or one on one reading. It would be a great discussion starter on diversity, kindness, and bullying. Best of all there are questions for parents or other adults to share with children to further enhance the lessons of the story.

Book Review: Baba Yaga by An Leysen

Baba Yaga is a picturebook that was written and illustrated by An Leysen. Once upon a time, in a land far away from here, lived a girl named Olga. Olga lived with her father in a beautiful house, and they were very happy together. Until Olga’s father one day fell in love again but his new wife was cruel and mean. And her sister Baba Yaga, who lived in a dark forest, was even meaner. Baba Yaga was a real witch! There was a rumor she was fond of children on her plate! One day Olga’s stepmother sent her to Baba Yaga. What was she supposed to do now?

Baba Yaga is a retelling of the classic Slavonic myth. Olga is a sweet girl put in a bad situation, a common start to fairy tales world wide. I have heard different tales about Baba Yaga over the years, and I found this version to be simple enough to share with younger readers than most of the versions I have read. The illustrations are lovely and add a great deal to the atmosphere of the story, and included details that enrich the story. This would be a wonderful addition to a classroom unit of fairytales and legends, or just for sharing. It is a little text heavy, which is necessary to tell the story, so I would label this an older picturebook or one to share.

Baba Yaga is a wonderful version of this classic tale. I think the illustrations are what really sold it to me, with their soft ethereal feel. A delightful book for sharing a fairy tale that some might not be familiar with.

Early Book Review: A Guide to the Other Side (Beyond Baylor) by Robert Imfeld

A Guide to the Other Side is the first book in the Beyond Baylor series by Robert Imfeld. It is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2016. There are a few things you should know about Baylor Bosco: He’s thirteen-years-old, he has a twin sister, and he really does NOT like ghosts…which is problematic because he’s a medium and sees ghosts everywhere. Oh, and his twin sister, Kristina? She’s a ghost too. They’ve been working as a pair for years, expertly relaying messages from ghosts to their still-living loved ones. Baylor’s even managed to come up with an introductory phrase—one that he has to use far too often. But when a strange ghost shows up close to Halloween, a grown man, covered in a sheet, with only his black leather shoes showing from the bottom, Baylor starts to wonder if something else has taken notice of him. And when his sister goes missing, somehow ghost-napped, he’s forced to figure out the truth about the Sheet Man and his sister’s disappearance, all without his usual ghostly ambassador.

A Guide to the Other Side is the story of a very special middle grade boy that has the ability to see and speak to ghosts. While dealing with the inopportune requests from the other side he still needs to get through school and family life without constantly freaking out other people with his abilities. The added complication of a ghostly twin acting as his companion, confidant, and protector make things more complicated. By the time readers join Baylor on his adventure he is well versed on blending in and feels fairly confident in his skills and place as messenger for the dead. However, things are about to get harder and Baylor needs to face his responsibilities and learn more all aspects of the world around him. I like that he has both scary moments, and some very emotional issues to face. While the mystery of the sheet man and the danger Baylor faces is a huge part of the story, I really love that his emotional growth and understanding- including empathy for his family and friends- is just as important to the story. This is not just a paranormal adventure full of mischief and mayhem, it is also a heartfelt coming of age story, I also enjoyed the fact that while the adults in Baylor’s life dogged upset with him for putting himself in harm’s way and breaking rules, they are also aware and intelligent characters rather than the bumbling adults that seem to frequent children’s fiction. 

A Guide to the Other Side is a wonderful middle grade novel with plenty of heart, excitement, and wonder for readers. I am very glad I read it and can think of many I would recommend it to. 

Early Book Review: Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard

Lila and the Crow is a picturebook by Gabrielle Grimard which is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016. Lila has just moved to a new town and can't wait to make friends at school. On the first day, a boy points at her and shouts: “A crow! A crow! The new girl's hair is black like a crow!” The others whisper and laugh, and Lila's heart grows as heavy. The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away. Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a special encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.

Lila and the Crow is a heartfelt look at how it feels to be different, picked on, and self conscious. Lila is new, and just wants to make friends. she is teased just because she looks different, not because of her actions or personality. While only one person is doing the teasing, no one stands up for her which only makes her heart heavier. It is only when she embraces, in fact flaunts, what makes her different that the words of others no longer have power over her.

While most people, regardless of age, have felt this way at some point, it is important to show your children that if they are feeling bad about being different for any reason, they are not alone. the story shows those that feel left out that they are not alone. It can be used to start discussions on what makes everyone different and why we should embrace those characteristics rather than try to hide them. It could also be used to show how a fellow classmate or two standing up and not joining in the laughter or offering to play might have stopped Lila from being so sad and lonely for the majority of the book. There are so many wonderful ways to use this book to start important discussions as a family, in a classroom, or in a storytime stetting that I think it is a must read. 

Early Book Review: The Night the Stars Went Out by Suz Hughs

The Night the Stars Went Out by Suz Hughs is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Alien is the star controller for the entire galaxy, which was a big job for a very little alien. He is so busy polishing the stars that he has no time for fun or friends. One night something disastrous happens, and Alien faces the biggest problem of his life. Will Alien be able to fix the stars?

The Night the Stars Went Out is a bright and boldly colored picturebook, which fits the story and characters perfectly. Alien is dedicated to his job, he has no friends or fun because he spends all his time polishing the stars. However, one night all the stars go out despite all his hard work. The only solution is some special star polish that is only available on Earth. Once there Alien has a few surprises, like the fact that he floats on Earth and making friends with a boy. I like that it is in finding a friend, and discoving the fun and importance of friendship, is what actually restore the stars. The adventures the fiends have, and the way the keep in touch, keep the heart of the story strong. 

The Night the Stars Went Out is a delightfully fun book about making friends, and making time for fun. While doing our duty and meeting our responsibilities is important, it is also important to take time out to enjoy life.

About the Author: Suz Hughes’s work has been published in a number of books. She studied art and design with a main focus in children’s illustration, which has served her well. Suz likes to mix imagination with everyday life in her work, hoping to make her readers smile. Suz grew up in Wales and currently lives in Manchester.

Early Book Review: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck. Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. Madeline Finn can pet her until she figures the word out. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's okay to go slow. And to keep trying. And to get support from a friend.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that tells the story of one young girl that does not like reading, mainly because it is a struggle for her and she does not want to be laughed at. The desire to do everything we try well, and to fit in, is universal. When Madeline gets the chance to read to a therapy dog at the library she learns that she can do it, she just has to be patient and kind to herself as her furry reading companion.A supportive audience make everything easier, and pretending to be reading to the library dog Bonnie helps Madeline conquer her fears at school. I think children can relate to Madeline even if they do not struggle with reading, but struggle instead with math, sports, or anything else.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog is a wonderful way of showing struggling readers that they are not alone, and that they really can do it. It can also help other kids have more understanding for those that might be struggling. It would also be a good read for introducing a similar program the library. We had a dog program that was briefly a hit at our library, and would have been a long term winner if not for particular issues that had nothing to do with reading. 

Early Book Review: The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Doherty

The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Doherty  is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Even though Leo would rather sit at home and read, his parents send him out into the world to deal with a dragon, in the hopes that Leo will become a famous knight. During his journey Leo comes up against the land’s most fearsome beasts, he soon discovers that scary monsters enjoy a good book as much as he does and finds his own path to victory.

The Storybook Knight is a fun story about the power of a good story, and the wonder of reading. Leo loves reading, and would rather get lost in his books than do anything else. I can relate, and so can me kids. We would all much rather relax with a good book than go out and face the real world. What I really like about this book is that when Leo does face the world he gets to share his love of reading, and talk about stories and books with those that he meets. He does not just get to have a mental adventure, he gets to share his adventure with others, which makes it even better. Perhaps this book will not only encourage a love a books and reading, but also help get us book lovers up and sharing our favorite stories with each other!

The Storybook Knight is a wonderful story that just happens to also encourage a love a reading, books, and storytelling. A winner all around as far as I am concerned.

Helen and Thomas Docherty are the husband-and-wife author and illustrator team behind the award-winning children's picture book, The Snatchabook. They live in Bristol, England, with their two daughters. For more information, visit, thomasdocherty.co.uk. 

Early Book Review: Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke is a graphic novel that is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. Jack might be the only kid in the world who's dreading summer. But he's got a good reason: summer is when his single mom takes a second job and leaves him at home to watch his autistic kid sister, Maddy. It's a lot of responsibility, and it's boring, too, because Maddy doesn't talk. Ever. But then, one day at the flea market, Maddy does talk, but only to tell Jack to trade their mom's car for a box of mysterious seeds. It's the best mistake Jack has ever made. What starts as a normal little garden out back behind the house quickly grows up into a wild, magical jungle with tiny onion babies running amok, huge, pink pumpkins that bite, and, on one moonlit night that changes everything, a dragon.

Mighty Jack is an imaginative graphic novel that starts with a pair of siblings that are devoted to each other, but like all siblings get annoyed or frustrated with each other as well. While their mom is busy working so that family does not have to leave their home the trouble with the garden starts, and a new friendship begins. I really like the dynamics between Jack and Maddie, and then the neighbor Lilly. Jack both adores his sister and is frustrated with the level of responsibility on his shoulders. In other words he is an ordinary kid facing both perfectly normal, and some seriously unusual challenges.  I think we could have seen more of Lilly's time away from the siblings, since it was clear that she was hiding something. However, my real complaint is that that action really ramped up at the end, only to leave readers with a serious cliff hanger and needing to know what is going to happen next. As always the characters, story, and artwork are all wonderful just as I expect from Hatke. It was not quite as awesome as Zita the Spacegirl, but still an engaging read that fans of all ages will enjoy.

Mighty Jack is an engaging graphic novel, as I have come to expect from Hatke. My only complaint is that it is clearly the beginning of a series, and the ending leaves the reader hanging and waiting for more.

Early Book Review: A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen

A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. A young boy wants to write a story, just like his big sister. Athough he knows his letters, he doesn't know many words. “Every story starts with a single word and every word starts with a single letter,” his sister explains patiently. “Why don't you start there, with a letter?” So the boy tries. He writes a letter. An easy letter. The letter I. And from that one skinny letter, the story grows, and the little boy discovers that all of us, including him, have what we need to write our own perfect story.

A Squiggly Story offers encouragement for developing readers and writers to be creative and take chances. Writing a book can be a daunting task for adults, never mind young children still learning how to read and write. I loved the example his big sister sets, and her encouragement. Like any art form, with writing you need to start with a single word, a single letter, and expand from there. Much like the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds encourages artistic expression by encouraging children to start with a simple mark on the page, this book suggests that inspiring writers start of much the same. Anyone can tell their story with art or words, but only if they get started. The story is told as the young boy writes his book, and while my advanced digital copy has some formatting issues- which I fully expect to already be fixed in the final copy- the fun illustrations and story panels with dialogue bubbles come together to engage the reader and give the pages a nice textured look. I really enjoyed the read and think it will be a favorite among many readers, teachers, librarians, and parents.

A Squiggly Story is a great picture book for encouraging young children to be creative, and to ret new things (like writing their own book). The sibling relationship and persistence of the young author are great examples for readers of all ages. 

Early Book Review: Herbie’s Big Adventure by Jennie Poh

Herbie’s Big Adventure is a picturebook by Jennie Poh which is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2016.Herbie is a little hedgehog who is perfectly happy at home with his mother. But one day Mommy tells Herbie that it's time to go exploring all by himself! Herbie is so not sure he is up for it, but ready or not as soon as he begins a westerly wind sweeps Herbie into the wide world and his adventure begins!

Herbie’s Big Adventure is a very cute picturebook. I really enjoyed the artwork, it had plenty of detail and emotion without being overwhelming or loud. Instead, it was subtle and realistic. Herbie the hedgehog loves to do all the things a young hedgehog should, especially enjoy the hugs and affection of his mother. However, as he grows his mother knows it is time for him to go out to explore and forage of his own. She trusts his skills and that he will come home to her, even when Herbie doubts himself. As he steps out the door for his big adventure the wind sweeps him further away than he wants, but he does all the right things and finds himself carried back home again. This would be a great choice for reading with more timid or dependent children in order to encourage to trust in themselves, particularly when their parents express their faith in them.

Herbie’s Big Adventure is a fun book about trusting in yourself and exploring the world. I loved the artwork and the sprinkle of imagination that is thrown in the mix. It will be a hit with many kinds of young readers, and caregivers alike.

About the Author/Illustrator: Jennie was born in England and grew up in Malaysia, in the jungle. At the age of 10, she moved back to England and went on to study Fine Art at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, as well as Fashion Illustration at Central St Martins. Jennie loves the countryside, animals, tea and reading. She lives in Woking, England with her husband and two wonderful daughters.

Book Review: The Girl in the Well is Me by Karen Rivers

The Girl in the Well is Me by Karen Rivers is a middle grade novel. Longing to be one of the popular girls in her new town, Kammie Summers has fallen into a well during a (fake) initiation into their club. Now Kammie’s trapped in the dark, counting the hours, waiting to be rescued. As hours pass, Kammie’s real-life predicament mixes with memories of the best and worst moments of her life so far, including the awful reasons her family moved to this new town in the first place. And as she begins to feel hungry and thirsty and light-headed, Kammie starts to imagine she has company, including a French-speaking coyote and goats that just might be zombies.

The Girl in the Well is Me starts just after Kammie has fallen into a well due to a stunt the girls she desperately want to fit in with ask her to perform. As she sits stuck in the well, waiting for help and hoping the girls will either do something to get her out or find someone who can, she thinks about how she ended up there. She remembers her desperation to fit in, and how she should have tried to make real friends rather than trying to be accepted by the popular clique. She thinks about why her family moved for her home, why they are no longer rich, and what has separated them from her father. She thinks about some of the worst moments in her life, which all seem to be recent. She thinks about the good things, like the record store and the cat she likes best at home. Thoughts of suicide are included and is parental incarceration, so if those are anxiety triggers for you then you might want to skip the read. However, I think it is handled very well to make the reader feel less alone and better understood. I will admit to tears, and more than a few moments when I had to put the book down and take a moment. Thankfully, there was also a good amount of witty or otherwise amusing moments to balance the read out a little. A very good read, but not for a light read or an escape. 

The Girl in the Well is Me is an emotional read that actually had me in tears a few times. I think any reader that has faced family problems, depression, or even just fears about fitting in will find something to relate to here- and the knowledge that they are not alone.  

Early Book Review: Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman, Andy Elkerton

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a picturebook written by Julie Gassman and illustrated by Andy Elkerton. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2016. Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. This picturebook details what might go wrong with bring a dragon to the library, and thankfully offers a practical solution.

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a cute book that uses the idea of bringing a pet dragon with you to the library as a tool to help teach what is, and is not, acceptable behavior in the library. The rhyming text and fun illustrations make the read enjoyable, and keeps the lesson portion of the story organic rather than feeling forced. I really enjoyed some of the sillier situations, and the related illustrations. The proposed solution encourages checking out, reading, and sharing library materials- which is always a good thing. I think this would be a good storytime book, both for families and classrooms or library storytimes, particularly prior to a library trip or top start of a library program.

Early Book Review: Bera the One-Headed Troll by Eric Orchard

Bera the One-Headed Troll by Eric Orchard is a children's graphic novel that is currently scheduled for release on August 2 2016. Bera doesn't ask for much in life. She's a solitary, humble troll, tending her island pumpkin patch in cheerful isolation. She isn't looking for any trouble. But when trouble comes to find her, it comes in spades. A human baby has arrived in the realm of the trolls, and nobody knows where it came from, but Bera seems to be the only person who doesn't want it dead. There's nothing to it but to return the adorable little thing to its parents.

Bera the One-Headed Troll is a well drawn and written graphic novel for a wide variety of readers. Bera is a troll who is content with her little island and her job of growing pumpkins. her only companion is an owl, who is also her friend. When she finds a human baby she rescues it from a variety of creatures that either want it dead, or to give it to an evil witch. Bera is on a quest to find a hero to return the baby to its family, but in the process becomes a hero, discovers that things are not always what you expect, and finds her own little family in the process. The graphic novel has humor, adventure, some scary moments, and a nice amount of spooky fun. I like that the story shows that those considered heroes are not always what you might hope, but by doing the right thing even a one headed troll, rat, or goblin can become a hero in their own right. The artwork is detailed and expressed the mood and action of the story perfectly. Younger readers might get a kick out of hunting for the witch's spies and looking for clues in the background.

Bera the One-Headed Troll is a wonderfully spooky tale of coming of age, and becoming a hero while not trying. the message, art, and story are all quite delightful. I think readers of a variety of ages and reading levels could greatly enjoy this read. 

Early Book Review: Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about her Human’s Depression by Liza Stevens

Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about Her Human’s Depression by Liza Stevens is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on June 21 2016. Celeste thinks she is the happiest dog in the world. But when she notices something different about her human, Rupert, she wonders if things will ever be the same again. This heart-warming story reflects some of the feelings and experiences that a child whose parent, sibling, or caregiver has depression may face. The story provides reassurance by explaining what depression is and how it is possible to find help.

Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about Her Human’s Depression can be a great tool for helping young children understand what depression is, and cope with times when someone they love is suffering from it. The illustrations are charming and offer soothing colors and some smile worthy moments. Like Celeste, often children in this situation think that the mood and behavior changes of someone going through depression might be their fault. This book helps reassure them that it is not true, gives clues as to how to recognize depression in others (and themselves), and how they not just cope but also help. I really liked that is a comprehensive guide for parents and professionals at the end of the book that offers advice on discussing the topic with children. I think this book and the resources in it can be valuable for social workers, child and school counselors, psychologists, parents and foster parents.  

Book Review: Rosie the Raven by Helga Bansch

Rosie the Raven is a charming picturebook by Helga Bansch. In one raven's nest something strange has happened. When a clutch of eggs hatch, a pink girl emerges from one of the shells, along with her black raven siblings. Loving raven parents take their little Rosie just the way she is. In the beginning, Rosie tries to do everything her siblings do. She opens her mouth to receive worms from her parents, tries to caw until she is hoarse, and wildly flaps her arms in an attempt to fly. Rosie finally realizes she is different. Maybe she can’t caw or fly, but a world of discovery awaits her nonetheless.

Rosie the Raven is a wonderful picturebook that celebrates being yourself, and embracing differences. Rosie is very different from her parents and siblings, but that does not stop them from loving her. She tries to be like everyone else, and neighbors offer suggestions to help her with that goal. through it all, her family supports her and do what they can to help her be happy. It is only when she embraces her differences, and comes to appreciate what she has to offer, that she is really happy. The artwork adds a great deal of detail to the story and is lovely. The illustrations add to the humor, emotion, and mood to the story and really bring it to life.

Rosie the Raven is a wonderful book that readers of all ages can appreciate. It speaks to the wonderful opportunities individuality brings to the world, and how differences are not the most important part of any person, and only add to their being rather than detracting from it. 

Book Review: Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch by Max Candee

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch by Max Candee is a middle grade to young adult novel. The book blends ancient folklore with a coming of age tale about a young witch on the brink of womanhood. Anna Sophia has always known she was different. She didn’t know just how different until now. On the eve of her 13th birthday Anna wonders about her past. She never knew her parents, and all she has to go by is an unbelievable fairy tale her uncle used to tell: that she was found as a baby, tucked among a pack of bear cubs in the wilds of Russia. To make matters even more complex, Anna has discovered that she can see and do things that no one else can. It’s only when Anna receives a letter from her mother that she discovers some of the truths about her past, and begins to uncover the possibilities in her future. As Anna continues to learn more about her secret abilities, she finds out that her neighbors are hiding something of their own: a plot to harm Anna and her friends. Can Anna Sophia use her newfound supernatural powers to stop them? Can she fight back, without endangering her own soul? And maybe, just maybe, is her own secret tied up with theirs?

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch is a coming of age story, wrapped up in a magical package. Anna is our orphan recipient of great power and a future that will surly include plenty of danger. She is a good girl, that sometimes finds herself in trouble despite her good intentions. She is missing her Uncle and wondering about her family when adventure comes to find her. The rise and powerful couple that adopts girls on a regular basis is interested in her, but she does not trust them and sees that there is something wrong among those they have adopted. She receives a mysterious package via her solicitor from her mother, and things only get strangers from there. A magical card, a strange carved hand, and the slow realization that she is a witch and so is most of her lost family. The adventure is solid and there is a nice, slow reveal of the details while still keeping the readers on their toes. I really enjoyed the pacing, it let me connect with Anna, and get to know some of the secondary characters as well. A well written story with nice inclusion of folklore, even when characters from those legends are not named as I would expect.

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch is the first book in a series, and I am glad that most of the series has been released and is available for me to read now. I am looking forward to following up on Anna’s adventures sand seeing what she discovers about herself and her family as she grows.  

Book Review: The Inn Between by Marina Cohen, Sarah Watts

The Inn Between is a middle grade novel written by Marina Cohen, with illustrations by Sarah Watts. Eleven-year-old Quinn has had some bad experiences lately. She was caught cheating in school and her little sister Emma disappeared while walking home from school. She never returned. When Quinn's best friend Kara has to move away, she goes on one last trip with Kara and her family. They stop over at the first hotel they see, a Victorian inn that instantly gives Quinn the creeps, and she begins to notice strange things happening around them. When Kara's parents and then brother disappear without a trace, the girls are stranded in a hotel full of strange guests, hallways that twist back in on themselves, and a particularly nasty surprise lurking beneath the floorboards. Will the girls be able to solve the mystery of what happened to Kara's family before it's too late?

The Inn Between is a slow building story that takes readers on a unexpected journey. A road trip turns odd and dark when an unexpected stop at an inn starts and even stranger journey for two friends. Quinn is still struggling with self blame and the related stressors from her sister's disappearance. A final trip with a friend and her family to say goodbye is a bittersweet escape. However, the inn is creepy and so are many of its occupants. At first Quinn thinks she is the only one that sees the oddities around her, but soon more people are disappearing and Kara is along with her on the mission to figure out just what is going on. I will admit that I had a feeling as to what was going on briefly after the arrival at the inn, but the slow reveal and conclusion was so well done that there was still plenty of suspense and heartfelt moments to make the read more than worth my time.

The Inn Between is a thoughtful, sometimes creepy, but very poignant read. I think those dealing with trauma or loss will particularly see bits of themselves in the story, but that everyone can get something valuable from the read and enjoy it. 

Book Review: Max at Night by Ed Vere

Max at Night is a picturebook by Ed Vere. Max the cat (who we met in Max the Brave) returns, and this time he is getting ready for bed. Max is sleepy, and it is past his bedtime. However, after he gets ready for bed and begins saying goodnight to those around him he notices the moon is missing. He journeys to say goodbye to the moon, because he cannot go to sleep without bidding the moon goodnight.

Max at Night is a fun adventure with an adorable kitten in the lead role. Max wants to say goodnight to the moon, but that is easier said than done. He climbs higher and higher in search of the moon. The story and illustrations come together to tell the heart warming story of this little kitten in search of the moon, and offers the knowledge that the moon could have heard him no matter where he was in order to prevent young readers or listeners from attempting bedtime delays using the same type of tactics. This is a smart combination of fun and wit that will keep parents and children happy.

Max at Night is a sweet and fun bedtime book that will stand up to multiply reads. 

Book Review: The Secret of Dreadwillow by Brian Farrey

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a middle grade novel by Brian Farrey. In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that the happy people of the land do their best to ignore. Little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse holds the cure for her sadness. Yet no matter how many times she tries to enter, the terror-inducing dreadwillow trees keep her away. After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend, even if it means risking the entire Monarchy. 

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a solid dark fantasy for the middle grade set. Aon is a normal village girl trying to hide the range of emotions that she feels. She wants to be happy like everyone else, but it is only by visiting the forbidden Dreadwillow Carse that she gets some relief. Jeniah is a princess, dreading the coming loss of her mother and trying to figure out who she is, and how to be a good queen. She is desperately trying to find her way, and the harder she looks for answers the more troubling the results and her concerns grow. The point of view goes back and forth between the two characters, which might be a little confusing or off putting for some readers, but I thought getting to see the inner thoughts of both characters was important here. They each have secrets, inner doubts, and questions about the world. They are each multidimensional and likable. I like that the struggles of both girls is very different because of who they are, but still very much the same because there are aspects of growing up and self discovery that are fairly universal. I think the big themes of coming of age, and the social commentary that are included blend well with the adventure and gothic feel. No one aspect overcomes the other, leaving the book accessible and relatable to a wide audience.

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a fantasy, mystery, and coming of age tale all rolled in together. I feel like there are more stories to be told, and much more that can happen here, both before and after this story. I am curious to see if Farrey does anything else with the world he has created.

Early Book Review: Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke

Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke is a picture book which is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2016. Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. Every day, Goblin and Skeleton play with the treasure in their dungeon. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton―leaving Goblin all alone! It's up to Goblin to save the day. But first he's going to have to leave the dungeon and find out how the rest of the world feels about goblins.

Nobody Likes a Goblin meets the bar that I have set for Hatke’s picture books after the absolutely fabulous Julia's House for Lost Creatures. In this book our Goblin’s home is beset by ‘heroes’ that steal everything of his, including his best friends as the goblin hides in fear. He goes off to rescue his friend, and he discovers that the world outside have very strong feelings about goblins. Despite wanting nothing more than his friend back, you can imagine ow the people of the world react to a goblin inter midst. He has quite the adventure, only to discover that while hiding from the ‘brave’ people hunting the little goblin that he is far from alone. A fun, and wonderfully illustrated, story about assumptions, appearances, and friendship. I think children are already more willing to think outside the conventional norms or who is good or bad based on silly things like appearance but this book will only encourage them to think and look further than the surface of those they encounter.

Nobody Likes a Goblin left me with one complaint, that it was too short! Hatke is one of my favorite authors for children’s graphic novels, and picture books of course. This is a delightful read all around. I would recommend to anyone that loves great picture books and any of the author’s other work.