Animals do, too!

by Etta Kaner

illustrations by Marilyn Faucher

age range: 4 years old and up

Kids Can Press

Kids love to pretend they are animals, and roar, walk on four legs, or move they arms like flying. For this reason I find the idea of this book incredibly interesting. Animals sometimes "act like kids", since they also dance, play tag or leapfrog, have piggyback rides. For each of these examples there is an explanation for this behavior. Grey Tree Frogs, for example, blow bubbles to build a nest on trees above water where they lay their eggs, allowing the tadpole to fall into the water when they hatch.

The illustrations are colorful and bright, and help to compare kids and animals doing the same activity. I liked that the kids are shown in different spaces, like a park, beach or their home, and accompanied by their family and friends. Each animal is also portrayed in its environment and surrounded by their own. Beautiful picture book. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The year of the garden

by Andrea Cheng

illustrated by Patrice Barton

age range: 6 to 9 years old

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

The year of the garden is a prequel to The year of the book and the Anna Wang Series. In this novel Anna meets Laura who, like her, has just moved into the neighborhood. They like each other right away, but sometimes it is not that easy to be friends. Even being the same age and prospect of attending the same school at the end of the summer is not always enough. They like to do different things, and have different personalities. Sometimes the different cultural background plays its part too. But they learn to focus in what they have in common, and the importance to know more about each other to better understand their interests, fears and dreams. Making a garden and saving a little bunny prove to be amazing plans to do together. 

This short novel was a pleasure to read. The story is sweet, with lovely characters. It not only is funny, but it has simple facts about seeds, flowers, soil, bunnies, Chinese food and festivities, soccer, and specially friendship, and how some difficulties don't mean it is impossible. Friendship is something we build while growing in the process. And it's worth it. There are many cute illustrations along the pages, which make the layout of the book beautiful. Looking forward to read the rest of the series!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The art of the possible

An everyday guide to politics.

by Edward Keenan

art by Julie McLaughlin

age range: 10 to 14 years old

Owlkids 

You are a politician. This is the approach and reason for this book. Even if you are not old enough to vote, or think you don't need politics, or you choose not to pay attention to politics. Politics is the way we decide as a group how we do things. As a part of a community the decisions your make, or do not make, have an influence in the group. We need politics, and politics needs us. This is why is important to be a good politician, and that means being an informed and active member of the group.

This idea is repeated and explained along the different chapters of the book, and always in a positive way. The point is not to make the reader feel the burden of this responsibility, but understand how politics are the art of the possible. What is politics; how we decide things as a group, how do you make a good argument, and on the other hand how do you listen at other people's arguments, why conflict is good, and when it starts to be bad, how to keep all of this process honest, are some of the questions addressed by the book. The text is very accessible, and the author manages to avoid difficult or "big" words. The only few that are used are very well explained. The chapters include case studies to better illustrate how things work in real life, and at the end of the book there is also a glossary, index, and list of sources. I was surprised by the fresh and hopeful approach of this book. I am glad I crossed paths with it, and plan to buy a copy for my kids soon. Indisputable 5 stars to me.

Take a look at the author's introduction to the book in this short video.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Animal planet strange, unusual, gross and cool animals

by Charles Ghigna

age range: 7 years old and up

Animal Planet
Time Inc. Books

Have you ever seen a vampire squid? Did you know that the proboscis monkeys are born with blue faces? Would you like to take a close look at a water dragon's eye? This book contains a huge amount of interesting things to read and learn about a wide range of animals. It is diveded in four parts, Strange, Unusual, Gross and Cool, although many animals are all these things at the same time! And the pictures are wonderful and abundant.

I found this book surprisingly absorbing. It is all a curious kid would enjoy. The facts are punctual and concrete. The text accessible for the age range. To make the content more clear some animals are joined according to one feature, like "Venomous Creatures" or "Newly Discovered Cratures", while some other are portrayed individually for a deeper view, as in chapter such as "Thorny Dragon" or "Blue-footed booby". And again, the photography is amazing. A strange, unusual, gross and cool addition for the non fiction shelf!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The case of maker mischief

#2 in the West Meadows Detectives

by Liam O'Donnell

illustrated by Aurélie Grand

age range: 7 to 10 years old

Owlkids Books

Myron is a detective third grader, and Hajrah is his partner. In this second book in the series they are trying to find out who stole Robson, a robot built by their classmates, Jordan and "Glitch", for the Maker Faire Robot Maze Challenge. So far this sounds like an good mystery like many other mysteries for this age range. So, what makes this book different? 

The West Meadows Detectives series is told in first person by Myron, who happens to be in the autistic spectrum. The reader will notice from the very first pages how this is mirrored in the writing style, which is focused in the facts, without unnecessary descriptions, or needless extra words. Myron also express in many opportunities along the story how he feels about the situations in his everyday life, like noisy places, unexpected changes in the routine, or how sometimes his brain feels overloaded by the world around him. And at the same time how much he loves logic facts, and his ability to find and process clues. At the same time Hajrah happens to be hyper-energetic, with difficulties to sit or stay still, but also a great sense of how to help Myron when he feels overwhelmed by a situation. And Myron and Hajrah are not the only ones, since they are part of a neuro diverse group at the West Meadows School. The readers will also meet Sarah "Smasher" McGintley, who is a female bully bulling boys, something also uncommon to find in children's novels.

These nontraditional characters already make the story more than worthy. Now add a pinch of science, robots, coding, and challenges. Serve with black & white enjoyable pictures, that also complement the story showing the characters' body language and actions. And there you are.  A wonderful book I recommend you to try. I will keep a close eye on this series myself.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Everton Miles is stranger than me

sequel to The strange gift of Gwendolyn Golden

by Philippa Dowding

age range: 9 to 12 years old

Dundurn

Gwendolyn is a fourteen years old girl who also happens to be a Night Flyer, which means she has the ability to fly without mechanical assistance. As every Night Flyer she has a Mentor and a Watcher, and she also has all the problems a "normal" teenager has. Everything gets even more complicated when Everton Miles, another Night Flyer, moves to town. Everton is strange, it's true, but not as strange as the black feathered creature who follows Gwendolyn calling her when she flies at night. What it is happening here?

This middle grade novel was very enjoyable to read. The plot is absolutely engaging from the very first pages. Although it clearly has fantastic components, the story is set in a pretty normal small town. There are many funny moments, and some scary ones. Some of the issues of being a teenager are addressed along the way: gifts and responsibility, grief and expectations, dreams and reality. Friendship, in its different forms, is probably the main theme. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I will do it soon. And I really would love to see more books in this series. I think Gwendolyn, Everton, Martin and Jez has still much more to give us.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the land of broken time

by Max Evan

illustrations by Maria Evan

translation by Helen Hagon

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Everything stars when a circus arrives to town and Christopher decides to sneak away at night to see it. There he meets Sophie, they are chased by a guard, and decided to hide in the basket of a hot air balloon. Afraid of being caught they undo the knot, and the balloon flies free caught in the wind. That's when Duke, a talking golden retriever who was sleeping in the basket, appears. All of this is exciting enough. Now imagine when they land in a strange place where time is broken...

In the land of broken time is a short fantastic novel in seven chapters full of action, and adorable characters. The themes are time and friendship. Information about how to measure time and how it affect us is exposed as part of the plot, and the way the characters love and take care of each other is beautifully touching. The illustrations are lovely, colorful, and add to the dreamy feeling of the story. I think this book is an interesting option for kids who love fantastic plots, time travel, and action. It is also a quick read. 

I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Braxton Woods Mystique

by Adam Furgang

age range: middle graders

Howling Wolf

Leo and his mom has just moved to their new house, after loosing their old one and everything else in a fire. This new house is one of five houses in an isolated cul de sac that were part of an unfinished development. Summer is just starting and Leo hopes to have some fun with his new neighbor friends Nora, and the twins Albert and Oliver. Maybe even explore the extensive woods behind their houses. What looks like a boring vacation turns out to be the most exciting summer ever when the gang finds sinkholes, fantastic creatures, and even a buried one hundred year old carnival.

This middle grade novel was an enjoyable read. The plot is consistent and intriguing. the characters are funny and I got engage to them quickly. Even Colin, a friend from Leo's old neighborhood who you only get to know through his texts adds to the cast. Creepy at some moments, the story has lots of action and a very satisfying ending.

I received this book from the author via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.

Inside your Insides

A guide to the microbes that call you home.

by Claire Eamer

illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay

age range: 7 years old and up

Kids Can Press

Interesting and entertaining non-fiction picture book about the microbes that live in our body. With a text easy to understand, this books explains what are microbes and microbiomes, microbes that are good for us, and other that make us sick, antibiotics and antibacterial soaps, etc. The illustrations are funny, and there are also many jokes along the book microbe related. Very interesting option to explore science and our bodies.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Click here to start

by Denise Markell

Age range: 8 to 12 years old

Delacorte Books

Ted is a twelve years old boy who loves to play escape-the-room games in his computer. And he is really good at them. When his great uncle dies leaving a treasure for him to find, Ted will need all his skills to solve this real life challenge.

This book was such an enjoyable reading! It has lots of action, a trio of adorable friends, mysterious characters, treasure hunting, computer games, and literary quotes. It also approaches the topic of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought during WWII in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, as well as the internment of Japanese American in camps during that period. The plot is dynamic and consistent. The writing is very engaging, and I found myself widely smiling in many occasions. It also made me want to read some classic literary works mentioned in it, to learn more about this specific historic events, and, why no, try some escape-the-room computer games. (No. I have never played them).

The cover art by Octavi Navarro is wonderful, and I also liked the pages layout, which mirrors a computer game. If it looks so good in an e-book I guess the printed edition has to be just awesome.

There is a hint at the end of the book that suggest this might be the first one in a series. Am I right? I hope so!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Monster Science

Could monsters survive (and thrive!) in the real world?

by Helaine Becker

illustrated by Phil McAndrew

age range: 8 and up

Kids Can Press

This book was fantastic! Each chapter is dedicated to a different well known monster: Frankenstein, Vampire, Bigfoot, Zombie, Werewolf and Sea Monster, and for each of them the science, and also historic and cultural backgrounds, are analyzed in order to try to figure out if their existence could be possible. 

As an example, in Frankenstein's chapter (which is also my favorite) the reader will find the story of when Mary Shelly wrote the first draft of the novel, the Enlightenment as the background, what is electricity and if it really can wake the dead, neurons, organ transplantation, genetic engineering, monsters as lonely creatures, mad scientists, body snatchers, and more.

Going through all the six chapters you will read about an incredibly amount of topics such as blood diseases, scientific revolution, metamorphosis, hypnosis, species classification, evolution, plagues,  hybrids, Sonar, Tsunamis, and an endless etc.

The text is accessible for the age range, and the book is thoroughly illustrated with funny pictures, not scary at all. Most of the kids are interested, or at least curious, about monsters, and Monster Science is a great option to stimulate their interest in science.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I won a what?

by Audrey Vernick

illustrated by Robert Neubecker

Alfred A. Knopf

Mom and dad won't let him have a fluffy, shaggy or feathery pet, but they promised the boy he could keep anything him wins at the goldfish booth. That's why the boy is so excited when he finally holed the ball. He won the goldfish! But actually, he didn't win the goldfish, he won Nuncio, the whale. Now the boy has the hard job of persuade his parents about the advantages of having a whale.

Funny story with lovely illustrations. Great for a reading aloud time, to make voices and exaggerate expressions. 

You might want to read another story about how to handle a whale: The whale in my swimming pool

The seventh wish

by Kate Messner

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Bloomsbury Children's Books

Charlie feels like she's always coming in last. From her Mom's new job to her sister's life at college, everything seems more important than Charlie. Then one day while ice fishing, Charlie makes a discovery that will change everything . . . in the form of a floppy fish offering to grant a wish in exchange for freedom. Charlie can't believe her luck but soon realizes that this fish has a very odd way of granting wishes as even her best intentions go awry. But when her family faces a challenge bigger than any they've ever experienced, Charlie wonders if some things might be too important to risk on a wish fish. 

The description above is taken from the blurb of the book, and to be honest it doesn't make justice to this marvelous book. I tried to write my own description, as usual, but there are so many things I want to say about this book that I felt overwhelmed, and decided to put this task aside, at least for now.

The seventh wish took me by surprise. I liked Charlie from the very beginning. She is sweet, smart, loves Irish dance, and deeply misses her sister who is a freshman in college. She is doing ice fishing with her friend Drew and his grandma, to save money for a sparkling solo dress for her next Irish dance feis, when a green eyed fish grants her a wish in exchange for its freedom. This is the little pinch of fantasy in the book, and although the wish fish will do a few more appearances in the story, this book can't be labeled as a fantasy. It is pure realistic fiction.

The beginning of the book is light and amusing. Charlie has a beautiful family, and adorable friends. And funny things happen, such as although Charlie wishes for Roberto Sullivan to fall in love with her, Robert O'Sullivan is actually the one "affected". Or Charlie's friend Catherine taking care of a flour-bag-baby for a project, and forgetting it (actually her, she named the bag Meredith) everywhere. I remember thinking this was the kind of book that makes you want to be a kid again. But at some point Charlie's family discovers Abby, her older sister, has an addiction to heroin, and their world totally changes. She can't understand how her smart sister, always academically outstanding, skillful at sports, and socially successful is now in this situation. The story goes on as Abby is put under a drug addict program, but after a short time "clean" she relapses, and this time suffering an overdose.

Messner chose on a tough topic, and developed it in the best way possible. The explanation of what is happening is age appropriate and respectful. The way the family including Abby, but specially Charlie, suffers because of this addiction is displayed without lies, but full of hope too.

All this things Charlie has to go through makes her grow in some way, but at the same time she is a girl who would like to just make things right again by wishing it to a green eyed fish. I would give ten stars to this book if it were possible.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Soar

by Tracy Edward Wymer

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Eddie inherited his dad's passion for birds, and he also learned from him all there is to know about that feathered creatures. His dad was so lucky he once got to see the Golden Eagle, although the location and the time of the year were very unlikely for the eagle to appear. That's why nobody but Eddie ever believed him. Dad never gave up trying to see such magnificent bird again, and that's why now that he has "flew away", it's up to Eddie to see it again. Eddie is planning to win the blue ribbon in the Science Symposium doing a project about the Golden Eagle, and this despite the fact Mouton, the school bully, is his partner in the project, and Mr. Dover, his Science teacher, was Dad's birding rival.

There are many interesting things is the story I would like to mention: the hard time Lisa, Eddie's mom, is having to keep things going as normal as possible after become a widower; the changes happening in Eddie because of his age, how at some moments he is a defiant teenager with a crush on a girl new in town, while in others he is still a boy wearing a ninja costume; Gabriella's efforts for making this new place her home; Mouton's struggles, and the amazing things he is able to do but hides from everyone, showing himself only as a bully; how we get to know Dad through the rest of the character's voices; how even we as readers doubt about the Golden Eagle's existence, but Eddie never doubts. He is a sweet character feeling lonely after his dad passed away, and trying to keep him close waiting for the Golden Eagle to appear again.The text is engaging, funny, and a little emotional at some points. Besides a great story, I can envision this book awaking kids' interest in knowing more about birds, what is a great plus. I'm glad I crossed paths with this author.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games

Thorfinn the nicest viking Series

by Davidd MacPhail

illustrated by Richard Morgan

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Floris Books

Thornfinn is a viking in the viking village of Indgar. Although he is the chief's son, everybody thinks there is something wrong with Thorfinn. He is nice, polite, and well mannered. He have earned himself the name of "Thorfinn the Very-very-nice-indeed". His behavior is absolutely unacceptable for a viking.

When the time for the International Gruesome Games comes, and all the competitors from Indgar happen to be incapable for the competition, it is up to Thorfinn to win and bring Sword-Blunter, the ceremonial shield, back to the village. The shield is meant to be with Whirlwind, the ceremonial sword, which was lost in previous games  to Magnus, chief of a neighboring village.  But would be Thorfinn able to fight all these ruthless barbarians?

Thorfinn and the Gruesome Game is an amusing middle grade novel about how being nice and amicable is always a win. The characters are enjoyable. Velda, the energetic girl who wants to help bring Thorfinn's inner fury out, is just unforgettable. The illustrations are funny, and a great complement to the story. I see great potential in this series. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Frightlopedia

An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy,

and Spine-Chilling,from Arachnids to Zombies.

by Julie Winterbottom

illustrated by Stefano Tambellini 

Workman Publishing

Frightlopedia is an encyclopedia about not only ghosts, haunted houses, monsters and mummies, but also about killer bees, rats, sharks, UFOs, catacombs, flesh eating plants, and more. Each entry has a score from 1 to 3 in the "fright meter" to let you know how scary it is, so you can decide if you want to read it, or maybe just skip it. So while the fear of being buried alive is a 3, fake wounds are only a 1.
The approach of the author is that it's fun to be a little scared when we know you are not truly in danger, but being too scary is not funny at all, and it is also unnecessary. The text is also humorous, making the whole experience less scary. At the same time we tend to be less scared of things when we know more about them, and understand better when a fear is actually unreasonable, and also how we can avoid situations that are potentially dangerous.
The book is thoroughly illustrated, and it counts with "Horrifying how-tos", which are little projects like make the house look haunted, paint a vampire bite in your neck, or write your own ghost story.

Age range: Although the writing can be perfectly understood by a 8 years old kid, it also depends on how easily the kid gets scared. In the overall I would say that the goal of the book is not to terrify the reader, and most of the kids won't. But I understand parents should asses if their kids might find it enjoyable or not. I read many entries with my 8 years old daughter, and she found the book amusing.


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Max & Charlie

by Zack Lieberman

illustrated by Louis Neubert

age range: 10 years old and up

Exit Strategy New Media

Max and Charlie is a graphic novel for middle graders about the adventures of Charlie, a very imaginative boy, and Max, his unconditional beagle.

Max really is very creative and dreamy boy, with a impressive inner world, and he includes Max in all his adventures, for example exploring the universe aboard the SkyFhiter 3030, and saving an important crystal to deliver it to Earth.

One afternoon they are having a pleasant time at the park when Max sees a cat. Max chasing the cat, and Charlie chasing Max, they end both in NYC. Charlie doesn't know where his dog is, and his big adventure starts when he wanders around the city trying to find him. Charlie meets many people, and visit many places in an intriguing trip where is difficult to know what is reality and what is Charlie's rich imagination.

The art is beautiful, the use of colors wonderful, and the expressiveness of the characters amazing.

I think this is a very interesting options for kids and teenagers who enjoy graphic novels and dreamy plots.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dollars & sense. A kid's guide to using, not losing, money.

by Elaine Scott

illustrations by David Clark

age range: 10 years old and up

Dollars & sense is a well written guide containing the information kids should know about money, and how to responsibly use it. Starting from bartering and others mediums of exchange before currency, it goes all the way to how to manage your own money, covering a great variety of concepts like economy, debt, loans, credits, interest, profits, checking and savings accounts, credit cards, investment, and many more. 

I found the text accessible, accompanied by many pictures, fact boxes, and some graphics. I wish it were more colorful, since the white, black and green presentation gives it a more "serious" appearance than it seems to have been the main idea. But in the overall I liked the book and would recommend it.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The adventures of Lettie Peppercorn

by Sam Gayton

art by Poly Bernatene

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Lettie Peppercorn is 12 years old, and is the landlady of the White Horse Inn. It would be more appropriate to be the landlord's daughter, but Lettie's Da spends his days gambling and drinking at the pub. Of course Da didn't use to be like that. He changed the day he lost hope in Ma coming back. Lettie's Ma was an alchemist. Not the boring kind of alchemist who turns steel into gold, but the type who turns stones into pigeons. Ten years ago Ma vanished leaving a note for Lettie behind. In the note she says she is leaving to save Lettie's life, and that Lettie mustn't put a foot outside the house since it might kill her. Ma also promised to come back. Meanwhile this is Lettie's life, bounded in her house, bearing insolent guests, and taking care of Da, with Periwinkle the pigeon and the wind as her only friends. Until the Snow Merchant arrives to the White Horse Inn on a cold, dark, winter night, carrying the secret to the most amazing invention in his mahogany suitcase.

The adventures of Lettie Peppercorn is a magical story with many condiments in it: alchemy, adventure, a great friendship, a strange but loving family, and a recipe for making snow. Lettie will travel a long way to have her family together again, an every single page of this trip is pure amusement. This is my second book by Gayton. I read Lilliput a few months ago and also enjoyed it. Gayton's books makes me feel like reading an old book with modern words. The type of fantasy he writes and the way he braids it is his distinctive trait.
Bernatene's illustrations are beautiful, and they bring to life all the Victorian atmosphere of the book.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once was a time

by Leila Sales

age range: middle grade novel

Lottie Bromley and Kitty McLaughlinare are 10 years old, live in Bristol in 1940, and are best friends for ever. Lottie's father is a promising scientist working very hard to understand how time travel works. His research is specially important at this moment, since time travel could be such an important weapon during the war. And of course it can be dangerous too. Kitty, Lottie and her father confirm this when they are kidnapped by Nazi officers who are sure Mr. Bromley has revealed time travel's secret. Just when Lottie and Kitty are going to be shot by the Nazi officers, something absolutely incredible happens, Lottie sees a portal. She knows she is the only one who noticed it, and she has to decide what to do. There's not enough time to take Kitty with her. Lottie decides to go trough the portal, and ends in Sutton, Wisconsin, 2013.

A new huge challenge begins for her. She has to adapt to a new life, accept the idea she has lost her family and friends for ever, and live with the guilt of have left her best friend behind. She knows all of these are the consequences of her decision of going through the portal, but there's only one thing she is not going to give up. She will find Kitty. This plan is brought to a completely new level when a card from Kitty reaches Lottie's hands. She will find her friend even if that means travel to a different time and place.

This story has action and heart warming moments. Although time travel is a component, it is not the most important of them. That's the reason I'm not labeling it as science fiction. I think the author uses time travel as an excuse to tell a beautiful story about friendship, perseverance and the difficulties of adapting to a new situation after a life changing event.

The characters are well traced, and both, Lottie and Kitty, are really easy to relate with. The plot is smartly weaved. Along the book I found many thing that looked like inconsistencies, but everything comes to place at the end.

And talking about the end, it deserves its own paragraph. I would say it is a happy ending, but the bittersweet-happy ending type. They exist. Believe me. :) It's a hard task to explain this without giving away spoilers. Let's say it is not the "everything-is-perfect-now" type of ending, but it's a consistent and surprising one, and it makes perfect sense with the whole story.

In the overall a great middle grade novel. It's my first book by this author. I know her previous novels are YA, so probably I won't read them (I'm a bad YA reader, sorry), but I'd be interested in future middle grade novels by Sales. And again, don't let the time travel stuff prevent you form picking this story. It's not a science fiction book.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.