It's Monday, Time to Share Good Books!

    

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow!   I'm going on a family vacation soon and need to take a break, but will certainly keep reading! Hope each of you is doing great!

        This must be the week for "blue" books, except for the adult one. Enjoy!

      I've read other fiction books that relate the top-secret work at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire) England, like The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. However, I had no idea of the background of its beginnings and the extraordinary details as shown in this new non-fiction book by Denise Fleming. As told in the book flap, World War II raged, and a telegram was sent to thousands of young women throughout the British Isles. It read, "You are to report to Station X, Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire in four days time." When many arrived, they had no idea who had recommended them, what kind of work they would be doing, and why they were chosen. Until about thirty years later, most would never know all that went on during that time, only the one part they did!

        Fleming follows ten specific girls as they arrive, find challenges in their billets and in their work, some working in codes and ciphers, some working with the later "bombe" machines, and well into the war, the newly created "colossus" machines. Each one is young, twenty or younger. One is a debutante who took the invitation as a chance to skip her debutante coming out! One young woman, through constant work beside another worker, a man, eventually married him, though each never revealed all of their secret work. The workers may have become good friends but were never to know what the "friend" did in the huts. There are amazing moments, like when Churchill suddenly appeared walking from the nearby cliffs. Something was happening! While focusing on one girl, Denise stops periodically to show the readers exactly how one of the tasks works. For example, if you were a code and cipher breaker, how to decipher a message. And she adds practice! I enjoyed trying and know that young and older readers will, too!

       The book is tension-filled as the workers rushed as quickly as possible to solve messages and to help those in power improve their plans of attack when learning about the enemies' plans, right up to Hitler's orders! Although all were proud to be helpful, they often realized that any attack, even successful, meant lives lost. Parts of the London Blitz felt especially sad to read about.  Many photos are added within the text that illuminate the telling.

        A thoughtful author's note, a brief bio, and an extended bibliography and index are added at the back. It's a great book that fills in details for me about this place that was set up for secrecy to help many in World War II. And, both this place and the book succeeded masterfully! 

Thanks to Candlewick Press for my copy!

        First published by Walker Books Australia in 2023. Raewyn Caisley tells a story of a young girl who (sometimes) feels a little different because she likes things that others don't always enjoy. For example, she loves making pointy hats from CONES for her dolls and stuffies, while two of her buddies prefer just pretending with her dolls. If only some friends liked PARALLEL lines, CYLINDERS, AND TESSELATIONS! Maddie just wished she had a friend who also loved math things. She really loved learning music (because of the half notes, etc.). Then one day there was a new girl at school, Priya. Soon, she, her mother, Maddie, and Maddie's father went to an extraordinary place together: an observatory! They learned quite a lot about the stars, and Maddie dreamed of "counting them"! In our world, all kinds of kids (people) are good at different things and love different things. They travel and live in different places. But they shouldn't feel strange about it, just love it all the more! Gabriel Evans helps tell the tale with lovely color and pen and ink illustrations. It's a good book to share with kids who might also love sharing that they need a friend who has the same passion. The book will bring up helpful conversations with children! 

Thanks to Candlewick Press for my copy!

       You must know Nikki McClure's usual and gorgeous, cut-paper art! Here it is from her, but in a long and artfully-written author's note, Nikki explains her process when she had to figure out how to illustrate Rachel Carson's forgotten, (and in a long process, the entire text was finally found) words about clouds. Orion Magazine wrote to Nikki to ask if she was willing to illustrate some words by Carson. Nikki, without reading them, said, "Yes."  And here is that final book, years in the making, ready for every cloud lover to allow Rachel Carson to teach them more and for Nikki McClure to show that teaching. Some words I loved: "They are the writing of the wind on the sky." And, "Without clouds and rain, the continents would have remained barren and uninhabited, and perhaps life would never have evolved beyond the fishes." There is so much more to revel in and to learn. Nikki has included people, animals, machines and of course, clouds!  
     

      Sanae Ishida writes the story of Young Sashiko who struggles with her very big feelings, yet when she learns about sashiko, the Japanese practice from where she got her name, she finds a way to clear the tangled emotions. Stitching the knots in her stomach or the tangles deep down in her heart helped to mend, just as the fisherman of long ago mended the tears in their clothes. The art of sashiko came from when those workers fished for long days, and the wind, water, and fish scales pulled at the clothes and tore them. They had to mend them and soon those menders began to make designs which solved the problem and made the clothes beautiful. 

      In this story, as Sashiko makes her own stitches, she feels better and braver and page by page, Sanae Ishida's illustrations fill out her story, just as the sewing creates the designs, piece by piece and page by beautiful page. 

      It's a special story of an art I've never known about. Ishida offers two pages at the back explaining how to do the indigo dyeing for those who changed this needed skill into a form of creativity. There are named patterns, too! 

adult book

          This is quite a thriller. Earlier I enjoyed S.A. Cosby's other books, like Blacktop Wasteland, but this time, I nearly stopped because it's even more violent than the others. Yet, there was something, a bit of sympathy that I felt for the two main characters that kept me going. They are two ex-cons, Ike Randolph and Buddy Lee, Ike who has fought and worked tirelessly to create a good business since his time in prison ended; and Buddy Lee, who really is trailer trash, lying low and drinking his way to his end. Sadly, they find common ground when their gay, and married, sons are murdered. They loved them but were not good fathers to them, never finding ways to understand their choices. Now, Ike and Buddy Lee are filled with regret and begin to work harder than the police to find the killer and show love, even when it feels too late. Despite the violence, I found that these two characters became interesting, in their thoughts of their sons' choices, their memories of so many lost times when anger won over emotions. Reading Cosby's words that show how someone changes their minds about their previous actions feels important. Physical violence lurks near the surface of these two men, yet there is a part of each revealed that readers will admire, their ability to change and show love. It's a thoughtful book that includes the challenges for many concerning new life choices. 

Next: The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Jennifer Choldenko

Poetry Friday - Holding Good Things Close

 

created by Linda Mitchell

          It's Poetry Friday, and Robyn Hood-Black is hosting HERE on her blog, Life On The Deckle Edge. Thanks for hosting, Robyn! Wishing you a wonderful day with all your company!

         The world whirls and I'm getting dizzy! Are you? I am trying to find good news, yet lately, it hasn't been easy. I imagine each of you knows this poem by William Stafford, a favorite I used to send my students off with good wishes at the end of the year, a favorite I keep near. I've shared it in recent years and may share it again! 

         How did he know we needed to celebrate a moment that we can find and hold closely? If you know it, remind yourselves how special it is. If you don't, enjoy it this first time and keep it close!

       I'm taking the rest of the month off, needing some prep for a coming family trip toward the end of July, back to Costa Rica, where will hold those days very close indeed!

You Reading This, Be Ready

                              by William Stafford

Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?

Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?

     read the rest HERE

Monday Reading Share - Books Loved!

          

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow!   

Thanks to Candlewick Press 
for my copy!

         I've read quite a few 'time travel' books through my reading years but never have I had such an unbelievable and mind-blowing view of what can be if only we imagine as Kekla Magoon does in this new book. Meet Delilah Peteharrington, eleven, who enters an adventure full of puzzle pieces that are slowly revealed to her when she visits The Secret Library. She's been having some struggles with her mother, who spends so much time running the family business that she has little time for Delilah, who is called Dally. Dally wants more adventure instead of the after-school economic tutor her mother insists she has. After all, the business has made them wealthy, and someday Dally will need to be ready to take over. Imagine living in a mansion and eating alone, having one's own suite of rooms, and most of the time, now that her beloved grandfather has died, doing everything alone. She also misses her father, long dead from an accident.

         Dally remembers a packet of information Grandpa left that should not be opened until she's twenty-one. But Dally sneaks into his room and breaks into the safe to find it. She receives a map that smart Dally figures out leads to "a field"? As she walks into that field, a building appears, the Secret Library. It offers the adventure that Dally wanted,  both frightening and surprising moments, too, which will cause readers to read faster. They'll want to know what next secret Dally has discovered. And, like me, they'll never guess the amazing ending. Shh! Don't tell if you already know! It's a new and fabulous tale from Kekla Magoon!

 

Thanks to Candlewick Press 
for my copy!

        Maisy leads the way to show the youngest readers all about bees, in a fun and colorful "Explore and Learn" board book. It's those 5 W's and H about bees: Who they Are, What they need (and love), Where they can be found,  How they help, Who helps them, How they work in and out of their hives. For a basic book for young readers, it's packed with infomration and quite appealing in its presentation! 

     Mahalo to Kaylin Melia George for this story poem, answering the question "What did HULA teach her?" in various parts as a young girl watches the history through the absolutely gorgeous paintings by Mae Waite. There are several amazing double-page spreads that show so much detail from the story. Kaylin also adds a pronunciation guide and a glossary at the back of the book. Here's one brief example: "From her perch in the clouds,/she watched all that had been,/while the islands exhaled–/breathing out, breathing in." 

           Because of Katey Howe's sad and sudden passing, it took me a few weeks to get this book because of many holds at the library. It is certainly one that shouldn't be missed. Among all the arts, she, with lustrous, almost seemed to be woven illustrations by Dinara Mirtalipova, offers poems that show the history of weaving in our world. From the perspective of a young girl, we learn about weaving throughout history, and it connects us to all parts of that world's history. She includes eight examples of weaving history throughout the world. 

           The back matter includes nonfiction content on the history of weaving and how weaving works, as well as an Author's and Illustrator's Note.

a re-read

       Yes, it's an older book. If you haven't read it, or re-read it lately, maybe it's time. It's alarming to read about just one family, one girl, to see what happens to them during the Holocaust. They are not Jewish, but German, living as best they can, often hungry, and then a young Jewish son from a connection years ago arrives at their doorstep. What happens then fills their lives, and us readers, too.

What's Next: The Enigma Girls, Candice Fleming

It's Monday - Sharing More Great Books

           

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow!  I have some new books to share today! They are good!

Thanks to Charlesbridge for my copy!

          
      When I received this debut book by Jeff Schill, I was drawn to what seemed like a unique and fun story. It promised a different perspective on kids who had to shoulder adult responsibilities due to the loss of both parents. And it certainly delivered on that front, but it was so much more than I expected! The story opens with a tale from a magazine called "Gunslinger Magazine", a humorous western shoot-out set in Destiny, Colorado, by an author named The Kid. This unexpected twist in the plot had me hooked from the start! 

        Then it moves to tell about Henry, fourteen, the oldest of four boys and starts by showing them all digging their father's grave way up a hill by their mom's. As they dig, he begins to figure out the duties each one will carry according to their innate skills. They certainly want very few people in town to know what's happened for fear they'll be separated and sent to other states. 

        Keeping on brings readers to a publishing house in Philly, and in a prison break-out in Arkansas, we meet a bad guy named Snake-Eye Sam. That is when I started to ask, "Wait! What?" And, I returned to re-read some of the first parts, realizing this was such an intriguing plot with varied parts, and that I could not wait to read more and more. The characters, good and bad, filled me up with smiles for the good ones, laughter at the goofy ones, and sadness for the mean ones because even they had started rough and because of that, stayed mean! The layers of each, even for the sheriff who didn't do much but had a good heart, keep piling on. Jeff Schill's descriptions simply make one want to know more and more! The language is old Western, just right if people need to share with someone and read it aloud together. Where else could you say, "You got any of those outlaw magazines in this here ring-ding store?" or "Ain't no one catch us in them hills." or "I ain't looking for no trouble." 

       It's a terrific book, one not to be missed! One last great part is that the inside of the cover unfolds to make a tall poster of THE KID! 

the inside of the cover,
unfolded

        I'd like to thank Publisher's Weekly for their "Grab-A-Galley" contest, in which I received an e-galley of this book. It debuts today! 

           For any child who has to see her Mom go away for a while, but specifically for those military kids whose parents are in the military, Sarah Hovorka lets a young girl, also named Sarah, tell the story. Young Sarah is excited in the beginning because she finally gets to see her Mom at Boot Camp graduation. But first, her mom's group comes marching by, and her mom can't even look and smile at her! It's a sensitive look at those kids and the challenge to keep the loving connections between them and their parents, this time, a mom. She brings Sarah and her brother a pair of military boots, but it's hard for Sarah to like them. She just wants her mom! This 'camouflage' may have more than one meaning here as young Sarah tries to show she's proud of her mom, yet in one scene, she says she misses cooking with her. Elif Balta Parks' illustrations are softly rendered, subtly "camouflaged"! 

       The back matter shares that this is based on Sarah Hovorka's life and shows a glimpse and tribute to her mom. She has also added tips for helping in the separations that occur. There are author and illustrator bios, too! It's a great book for those who live these experiences or shows a side of life some may not understand.  

       It's another wonderful book by Traci Sorell with gorgeous illustrations by Michaela Goade that make one laugh at all the love and laughter when a family leaves the city to move, home! That's home to trees to climb, a tire swing, and a creek that one can hear, which also has a crawdad. It's also home to a huge table of food to enjoy and family to visit. The young girl telling about her move keeps a journal, and Michaela Goade adds a marvelous double-page spread created there of the journey, showing home is in the Cherokee Nation. One final line: "No more faraway family." It's a lovely story of a journey I imagine many would love to make!

           Alyssa Reynoso-Morris tells all about plátanos, when to harvest, what time to eat, and what time to let them rest until very ripe to create a new kind of dish. The text intermixes English with Spanish, and there is a glossary at the back, if needed, along with yummy recipes! I found it easy to understand what was being said. For example, when learning about this history, Abuela says, "Plátanos son la comida of our ancestors." Young Esme and a younger sister learn all about them from their abuela, the stories from the past, and that they weren't allowed to read or write so had to memorize all the ways to prepare plátanos. Esme asks the questions as she, too, learns, and with her little sister, gets to love the tasting! I learned more ways to prepare plátanos, too, and Mariyah Rahman's illustrations fill up the book in beautiful scenes that show the LOVE that this special fruit brings. Hurrah for plátanos!

Next: The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Poetry Friday - Wabi Sabi - My Broom

 

created by Linda Mitchell

It's Poetry Friday, and Tricia Stohr-Hunt is hosting HERE on her blog, The Miss Rumphius Effect. Thanks for hosting, Tricia! 

           I've read a book that discusses Wabi-Sabi and have that special picture book of the same name. If you don't know it, here's a picture. The way some discuss the concept seems like an un-definition, a feeling, a 'thing', that is impermanent, something that is not necessarily thought to be beautiful, yet has beauty. I am not an expert, but trying out the feeling this time for the challenge by the Poetry Sisters, here at the end of June! 

          This month, the Poetry Sisters have given us this challenge: In June, we’re writing poems about Wabi-Sabi, with Wabi-sabi as the title. In Andrew Juniper's book Wabi Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence, wabi sabi is defined this way. 

Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic that finds beauty in things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. Taken from the Japanese words wabi, which translates to less is more, and sabi, which means attentive melancholy, wabi-sabi refers to an awareness of the transient nature of earthly things and a corresponding pleasure in the things that bear the mark of this impermanence.

             In his book Wabi-Sabi Simple, Richard Powell described wabi-sabi as a philosophy that acknowledges a lifestyle that appreciates and accepts three simple truths: "Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect." Will you write with us? Good! You have a month to craft your creation and share it in a post and/or on social media with the tag #PoetryPals. We look forward to reading your poems!  

          I'm unsure if it's okay to share a picture, too, but I have!

Wabi Sabi

My beloved broom

sweeps away

leaves blown onto the porch,

offers time 

      for thoughts of the day,

      the week,

      sometimes even a life.

It brings a sweet swish of a sound–

my background music.

 

Linda Baie ©

          Thank you, Poetry Sisters, it was satisfying to write about my broom. I am a sweeper at heart!

Monday Reading - Great Books!

                

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow! I need to share that these four books, varied in style and story, as well as imagined types of readers, are fabulous! 

         Sometimes, I hope it's enough to write a review that brings readers to know that it's a book that must not be missed! Lois Lowry, among all her other books to love, has written another one. It's amusing that it has to do with memory because this is one I imagine few will forget! Sophie Gershotitz and Sophie Winslow live next door to each other in what seems like an ordinary New Hampshire neighborhood. However, the people we get to know from Lois Lowry's new book are not so ordinary. They have stories to tell! Sophie G. is 88, and Sophie W. is 11, and they are best friends. The younger one tells this story of their enduring, special friendship and the recent rumblings that Sophie G. needs a little help with memory. Her son, Aaron, the young Sophie tells, is coming for a visit to take his mother to get tested, to see just what's going on. In the voices of those Sophies, we feel love and care, even when the young Sophie tries to help by letting the older Sophie practice some memory tests. What comes is more than ever imagined, connections to history that are more than dates, and secrets are revealed. Lowry never fails to make all the characters interesting, too, as she has here, with young Sophie's friends, Ralphie and Oliver, and her parents, who are realtors. Oliver's mom plays a little part, too. In other words, we readers start caring and connecting to everyone, even Mr. Katz, Sophie G.'s cat! Don't miss this story!

            Leslie Helakoski's poetic language shows how people come together to help when a natural disaster comes, this time "When The Rain Came Down." Illustrations fill the pages with beautiful collaged art showing people helping amid the terrifying destruction from, this time, flooding. "The water went down/and hope rose up. . ./meals were passed/and children slept." shows a double-page spread filled with what we've all seen during these kinds of times– people, dogs, too, all in cots, away from their homes: "hands were held/and nurses wept/come over! come over!" – a call for help! 

             An author's note adds more information, including hope and suggestions for how we can all "help" avoid these in the future! 

          The dictionary defines 'anthem' as "a rousing and uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause. This is indeed an 'anthem' for Asian America. We Who Produce Pearls, written by Joanna Ho, feels like music, the words illuminated in glorious colors by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. Its few words are filled with many references I know I didn't understand, but I did recognize a few, like "We are the water that coaxed spring shoots from the soil," referring to the work done in irrigation and agriculture in California, also references to laying railroad tracks across the country which I've read about in other histories. I realize I am woefully ignorant of this history and there is a wealth of information in the back matter, several pages of questions, background historical references, lists of important names to know, varied areas of colonialism effects, and much more! 

         Kate DiCamillo never fails to tell a great story. With Carmen Mok's illlustrations that show the emotions and fright, the decisions to be made by "a good and noble choice," a tale of a possible friendship emerges through stories! One thing that gave me a big smile was Orris, the rat, using the phrase, "For the love of Pete." I haven't thought of those words in a long time - perfect! From the ending, I think we readers can look forward to more, a wonderful thing!
 

Next Up!  The Kid by Jeff Schill

Poetry Friday - One Summer Day

 

created by Linda Mitchell

It's Poetry Friday, and Tabatha Yeatts is hosting HERE on her blog, The Opposite of Indifference. She has a special guest that's resulted in a spectacular poetic interview. Don't miss it! Thanks for hosting, Tabatha! 

            I almost wrote a list of 'summer' things, but ended up with one day of celebration. So many signs of summer have emerged these previous weeks. A favorite is when I'm out walking and find the flax in a nearby park has bloomed! Hooray, it's summer! Happy Solstice!

One Summer Day

 

Bedroom curtains

dance in wisps of summer air.

Callings for unplayed games

send un-tied shoes running out the door.

A watermelon awaits 

the midday of summer sweat,

plump and deepest green.  

The cut unveils a madness of red.

The first bite is taken

with drips of pink laughter

dribbling down the chin.

The sun circles through the afternoon

of Monopoly and naps.

Supper’s cold cuts cool the palate.

We take our iced tea to the porch,

listen to the locusts sing the day’s elegy,

and the sun leaves the fireflies to do their duty.

Linda Baie © 

It's Monday - Books I Loved

               

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow! I'm back from a lovely visit with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson where we saw Yo Yo Ma in concert! It was very special! 

         If you like thrillers, I've finished the third in Don Winslow's trilogy, a saga of the illusive and conflicted Danny Ryan, coming from the mob back east and settling in Las Vegas. The outcome will both dismay and thrill readers and those close to Winslow.  It's been quite a journey Winslow took us on, from 2022 to 2024. I imagine he might be sad it's complete. Yet, as Dr. Seuss wrote, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

     It took a while for me to get into this. It felt rather repetitive and I was confused about the characters, who was who, etc. But as it kept going and becoming more intriguing, I started to like the attitude of Olive Cobin Zang, the main young one who's found herself dropped off at a new school, like no other, while her parents go on still another business trip. As the story deepens, Olive ends up in a small (secret) group set to solve some mysteries. Each group member has unique qualities, but they learn as a team and to "work" as a team, despite some who are a bit more negative than others. The story, and the mystery of "Who stole the jewels?" deepens and becomes more exciting, not too scary, but just intriguing enough for middle readers. Dan Santat adds just the right amount of illustration to heighten the excitement. Seeing kids do some dangerous things will entertain the readers! It's a satisfying and surprise ending I didn't imagine at all, too!

 

Thanks to Charlesbridge for the following two special picture books!

Poetry Friday - Celebrating Fathers

created by Linda Mitchell

It's Poetry Friday, and Denise Krebs is hosting HERE on her blog, Dare to Care. Visit Denise to learn about a new form, "the sacred seven" and then read the thoughtful poem she crafted in that form! Thanks for hosting, Denise! 

There are several themes to choose at this time in June. It's ALMOST the first day of summer, next Wednesday is Juneteenth, and Sunday is Father's Day. Today, I'm giving a shout to all the fathers, real or otherwise, in my life. 

         Many of you know that my father was killed in action in World War II. He was a pilot and his plane was shot down in Leyte Gulf, the Philippines, never recovered. I was two. My mother and I were already living with her parents, dear grandparents whose home became my home until later when my mother re-married. My father's parents were dear to me, too, and I spent a month there every summer from the time I was about eight. And, my step-father's mother became a third dear grandmother. His father was already gone when they married.

There's no date on this old picture, just a note on the back that
says "a splendid couple"! These are my maternal grandparents, Sarah Ann Morris
(from whom my daughter received her name) and James Hardy Coleman.

           With my own fathers and grandfathers, watching my late husband become a most wonderful father, and now watching my son, son-in-law, and brother as great fathers, I know how special that role in a child's life can be, starting with my own life. My mother's father, "Pop" to me, the first "dad" in my memory, was a farmer, feed store owner, and full of wise support to me all my years until he passed. He is who taught me that all people deserve respect and love. I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. He and I spoke on the phone often when I moved further away. The poem that fits, the poem that is him is this one. In my own memories, I see the washing up with that grainy bar, while I waited to be with Pop at the end of the day. I wonder if any of you connect with Lava soap in your memories!

         I am aware that Father's Day may be a sad one for some, am hopeful that you will find a way to honor fathers, whether in your lives directly or by only seeing them in your daily lives. 

         David Allan Evans was the poet laureate of the state of South Dakota from 2002 to 2014. The poem can also be found in Ted Kooser's The Poetry Home Repair Manual.

 

It's Monday - More for your TBR lists!

               

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow! 

       I'll be off to Texas and visiting my son and family next week. It'll be hot, though we're heating up in Denver, too, but lots of fun! Happy June reading, everyone!

         Maybe there's more than one ghost in Violet Hart's life. Her life feels like it's continuing to change. Now she's starting middle school, and one long-time friend thinks adding more friends to the usual circle is important. Now, Violet's growing family, with her mother and her stepfather having a new baby who's growing older, and her older sister has no interest in Violet anymore at all, also means life is different. The family finds an old house whose space seems just right, and they're moving! Violet's room, rejected by her sister, is an attic room with old wallpaper crawling with vines and flowers. After the move, Violet begins a sickness that no one seems to understand, even her long-time pediatrician. Her long-time friends think she's pretending, and her parents try to help, but it is a mystery. Some nights hold nightmares in that old house and things move in Violet's room that even her cat seems to see! It's a complicated story that made me sympathize with Violet but, like others, lost in wondering how she was going to get help. "Not Quite A Ghost" is a apt title, and giving a voice to the house itself adds to the many layers in this poignant story. Readers will experience a range of emotions when reading, in particular when reading of Violet's challenges. 

Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!

         A young girl and her mother move to a new place. The girl is shy and feels perfectly satisfied playing alone and has no interest in meeting new friends. She even becomes tearful when taken to storytime at the library. Then she meets Millie, a young rescue dog, friendly and fun! When this girl sees Millie's excitement meeting anyone and everyone, she notices, and finally finds the courage to greet a young girl who may become a friend. Lauren Castillo tells a story for those who might feel the same way, or those who see others like this and don't understand. Everyone will learn! The illustrations by Castillo are always sweetly drawn, showing her stories with heart and understanding for young readers. 

        Bonus! Just yesterday, The Children's Book Review shared Just Like Millie, too. You can find a special interview with Lauren Castillo in this post! 

Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!

       Timothy Basil Ering, illustrator of Kate Dicamillo's Tale of Despereaux, wrote this story of Earnest Sandpiper, the day Earnest and his siblings are set to fly for the first time. Off they go, well, the siblings, just not Earnest. It looks very far off the dune and down to the shore. His wings are too heavy. He just can't! Mama draws a heart in the sand and gives Ernest some love and support, and she, too, flies away with the others. Then, Ernest sees a balloon, one with a smile and a heart like his mother drew! He's curious and follows it, drifting in the water, but "Oh, no." the trailing string wraps around one leg. What happens next depends on the family love and Ernest's courage. Illustrations are gorgeous as can be seen from the cover. They pull one into the new adventure of someone that needs a little nudge, from outside and inside! 

      Ering adds his own note at the back about these popular helium balloons when let free in the wild and their danger, even when finally deflated. 

       Two boys build together, and their creations become more and more complicated. The question is will they last? It's an adventure that ends with an answer that will bring a smile to all, what really will be important to last! Amazing, full-to-the-brim illustrations by Dan Santat bring Minh Lê's meaning-filled story to life with a roar!

   What's Next? Reading The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum and the last of the Don Winslow trilogy, City in Ruins.