Happy Book Birthday, You Are Loved by Sujean Rim!

Happy Book Birthday! It's been a while, since I've been able to scream that out, and it feels good to celebrate a new release today. 

This read screams simple wonderfulness...but then, I do enjoy a positive read with no hidden agendas or messages outside of simple goodness, sometimes. I'm hoping that's what this one is. Plus, those bunny ears are so adorable! (My youngest daughter always loved to wear little animal accessories all the way up into elementary school). I also love the play of colors against black and white on the cover, since it makes those flowers pop that much more.

Anyway, let's dive in and see if this book is worth celebrating.

YOU ARE LOVED

by Sujean Rim

Caitlyn Dloughy Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 3 to 5

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON     /    B&N

A young child learns all the ways they are loved by nature and, most of all, by the person reading to them in this gentle and lyrical picture book reminiscent of Love from the Crayons and Alison McGee’s Someday .

You are loved…by the grass...
As it softens your path...
You are loved…by the wind...
How it plays with your hair.

A little tyke wanders through a welcoming world of sun, grass, and flowers, dancing to bird chirps, spying new friends in the clouds, and waving to waves. After hello-ing stars and giving a hello-there to the moon, the explorer finally returns to someone who loves them as deeply as all the world.

MY TIDBITS

Simple but potent, this read invites to warmth, snuggles, and embraces the positive wonder of love and life.

A child heads outside, ready to experience whatever comes its way and finds joy in every moment. It's the little things, which make the difference in this read and demonstrate how amazing these things can be. From the grass under the feet to the clouds in the sky, the child simply enjoys the moments. 

The text flows along in calming rhyme, adding to the warm atmosphere. The first phrase of each verse is printed large and flowy on one side of the page, using repetition to draw in the comfort of familiarity and giving something for listeners to 'read along with' if desired. The second phrase adds a bit of action and emotion, but this is where the illustrations take the lead with their simple and inviting style. The child is kept in basic outlines with general details, allowing listeners to easily identify with it. (And the bunny ears is such a nice touch!) The scenes, however, are colorful and dreamily artistic. These only take up an area of the white page, keeping attention centered on the colorful scene. These hold familiar moments almost every listener can identify with and solidify the positive theme.

Everything fits very well to the intended age group and makes a nice read-aloud for a calmer, group setting or for a one-to-one bedtime/snuggle moment. It offers a very supportive and uplifting message of love and leaves a off with a sense of security and warmth. Simply said, it's a lovely, feel-good read.

And here she is...

Sujean Rim is the author and illustrator of Take a Breath, Take a Chance, Birdie’s Big-Girl Shoes, Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress, Birdie’s Big-Girl Hair, Zoogie Boogie Fever!, Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland, and more. She has illustrated for clients including Tiffany & Co., Target, and the website DailyCandy. Sujean lives in New York with her favorite artist and husband Bob, and their son, Charlie. Find her online at SujeanRim.com.

The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi

Today's read is the 2nd in a duology, and I did read the first one (yay!). I remember enjoying the very rich world building and lovely flow of magic in verse...not the entire novel. Just the spells, and these were a nice touch. Since there was still quite a bit to be cleared up at the end of that book, I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. I'm expecting more world-building richness, wonderful relationships, and a heroine with tons of determination.

So, let's see if this second book spins its spell as well as the first book did.

THE CITY BEYOND THE STARS

by Zohra Nabi

Illustrated by Fredrica Frenna

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

320 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

MAY 14th!!!

The captivating sequel to “perfect for fans of Philip Pullman and Tahereh Mafi” ( Booklist ) The Kingdom Over the Sea follows Yara and her friends as they change the fate of the kingdom and their magic forever.

Yara may have stopped the magical plague spreading its way through her new home, but to do so, she had to leave her mother in the hands of the sinister alchemists.

Now Yara longs to return to Zehaira and free her mother from her prison. Yet when her mother’s familiar arrives, close to death and bearing a message, Yara must put aside her plans to rescue her and instead set off with her friends to the official residence of the Grand High Sorceress, convinced it holds magic powerful enough to defeat the alchemists.

After a treacherous journey, Yara finds her mother’s house, and in it, a girl claiming to be the daughter of the Grand High Sorceress—a sister Yara didn’t know she had. Meanwhile, the alchemists are circling ever closer, and the magic that Yara’s mother was working threatens the foundations of their world.

Yara is unsure if her newfound sister can be trusted, but she is going to need all the help she can get if she wants to save their mother and take back Zehaira from the alchemists’ rule.

GOODREADS     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Magic and adventure hit with every page, while friendship, family, and determination create drive and heart.

Yara wants to put an end to the problems, which are killing magic, and free her mother from prison, especially since nobody else seems to be doing much about it. After an argument with her friend, she stumbles across the injured familiar of her mother. It carries a message from her mother, telling her to return home. Clutching to the hope that she'll find a powerful magic to defeat the Grand High Sorceress, she sets off with her friends on a dangerous journey. What she discovers isn't only very unexpected, but threatens magic as they know it.

This takes off where book one left. So, it is important to read this one as a series, and that best with one shortly after the other.

From the very first page, the troubles facing the magical world and Yara take off. The first scenes unveil Yara's concerns and frustrations, and display the dire need she and the others around her are facing as the magic slowly dims. Her personality hits like a whirlwind, especially when unfolding with her friend, Leyla. The relationship between the two is something to enjoy in these pages, but then, many of the characters bring personality and heart. 

There is quite a bit going on. Not only do several plot threads continue from book one, but new ones layer in, too. It keeps the story moving along and something happening on every page, and yet, it wasn't quite as smooth as book one. Still, it is an enjoyable, rich read. Yara's facing quite a bit more and has several new things to learn. Her sister brings an unexpected and tale-changing twist, which slides into another unexpected direction toward the end. All of this seemed as if a book three were underway, but the entire tale rounds off at the end in a quick way. 

There is quite a bit of richness in the story, not only in the magical setting with clashing sides and intrigue, but family and friends bring warmth, rough moments, and heart. The lyrical magic continues to spin with enjoyable flair, and even takes on a slightly different direction than book two. Then, there's the growth of Yara, who is a character to root for from beginning to end, and has her own issues to overcome underway.

Fantasy friends, who enjoy adventure, tons of magic, and slightly darkish intrigue, will enjoy this duology, and I'm looking forward to see what the author produces next.

And here they are...

Zohra Nabi grew up inventing stories for her two younger sisters. She studied law at Cambridge and Oxford universities, but secretly dreamed of being an author. Now she lives in London, browsing bookshops and writing magical adventures. She’s the author of The Kingdom Over the Sea series. 

A little something more...

I adore book trailers and ran across the one to the first book in this series. So, I though I'd share that, too.

Cloud Puppy by Kelly Leigh Miller

The pastel burst of joy on hyper-drive is what caught my attention on this one. And the idea of a cloud puppy. What in the world is a cloud puppy? I see this read as either being good or terrible, and can't wait to see what direction it goes. 

CLOUD PUPPY

by Kelly Leigh Miller

Atheneum Books

Chapter Book  /   Graphic Novel

160 pages

ages 6 to 9 

COMING...

MAY 28th!!!

Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball in this first book in a delightful graphic novel chapter book series about Cloud Puppy—part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable—and her forays into friendship, adventure, and all things geeky!

Meet Cloud Puppy! Her hobbies include making rainbows, super sniffing, and, of course, reading the Pretty Princess Warrior Dragonetta series with her best friend, Berry Rose. After Cloud Puppy finds out that her favorite author will be a guest at the local comic book convention, she and Berry Rose decide to attend in homemade costumes.

But when they both insist on dressing up as the same character, Cloud Puppy and Berry Rose have their first fight ever! Now, they’re going to the convention separately. Will these feuding friends be able to make amends?

, 

GOODREADS    /    ATHENEUM BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

Adorable characters wrapped up in a cloud of sweetness invite with friendship and fun in the most delightful ways.

Cloud Puppy is a huge Pretty Princess Warrior Dragonetta fan and can't believe that the author is going to be at a comic convention in town. Berry Rose is ready to go with her, and the two quickly create their costumes. But there's a misunderstanding and both are going to go as the princess warrior. There can't be two of the same character! Neither wants to give up on their costume idea, and the two refuse to speak to each other, but this might not be as great as either of them thinks.

Cloud Puppy is part cloud, part puppy, which might sound odd but makes her into a super cute character, especially since every ounce of her seems to be bursting with excitement and good vibes. Her best friend, Berry Rose, isn't much lower on the adorable-scale, and the two ensure a read bursting with happiness. This all-around-cheerfulness remains humming along in the background even when the two friends can't reach a compromise and refuse to speak to one another. It keeps the argument between the two from weighing down the tale, while allowing the message to come across loud and clear.

The text flows along nicely with the graphics, providing enough to keep the story going but allowing the illustrations to do their job as well. The vocabulary hits the intended reading level and does push the word skills to foster improvement. The chapter breaks are well placed to give the necessary pauses. The illustrations lean toward the light and colorful side, fitting to the atmosphere, and add the sweet, over-the-top emotional outbursts to keep the story fun and humorful.

It's a cute tale with messages to connect with and characters to enjoy. It will be fun to see where the adventures head next.

And here she is...

Kelly Leigh Miller is an illustrator and author who loves everything cute and whimsical. She is the author of I Love My Fangs!, I Love My Fur!, I Love My Magic!, and many more books. Visit her online at KellyLeighMiller.com.

A Dog's Tale by Ralph Protsik

A DOG'S TALE

by Ralph Protsik

Beaconsfield Press

Young Adult Fiction

246 pages

A beautifully told, disturbing, yet ultimately hopeful fable that lingers.

In a gloomy, dank forest in Transylvania, a lonely, homeless dog meets a frightening stranger who challenges him to reevaluate his life. He is 5 or 6 years old, and the only name he has ever had is “Dog.” He has lived with several masters, some kind, others terribly cruel. But now he is on his own, he hasn’t had anything to eat for days, and he is cold, without hope. Perhaps it’s time for him to succumb to starvation and end his misery. Then a tall, dark figure, dressed all in black, approaches him. The stranger “Good dog. Don’t be frightened.” Dog wonders how he can understand these words? Dog can converse only with animals, and this figure looks human. The man “Just say I live in the shadows between the worlds of the living and the dead. I cannot die, but the life I lead is one of anguish.” Readers soon realize that the man is a vampire. Dog begs him to take him with him, but the man “You’ve suffered a great deal in your life—I can tell that—but I’m also guessing that you’ve experienced moments of happiness.” If he takes Dog with him, the man continues, the pup will be given eternal life, but one of darkness and misery, from which there is no return. It is time for Dog to decide. And so, he ponders his life thus far. He thinks about his beloved mother, and his littermates, all of whom he has now lost. He remembers the violence inflicted upon him by his first master. Chapter by chapter, Dog reviews his experiences with humans, a few who treated him with love and kindness, but all of whom have left him behind to fend for himself. There are also treasured moments with nonhuman friends, such as the Dancing Bear in the circus and the wise Old Owl. But they too are gone.

Protsik’s achingly melancholy YA narrative mixes harsh reality with a bit of Old World mysticism, lightened by moments of humor and tenderness. Simple, carefully structured prose captures Dog’s emotions and his canine understanding of the confusing, frequently dangerous human world. When the stranger in black makes a sudden move, Dog responds with a heartbreaking plea that speaks volumes about the perilous life he has been “Don’t throw stones at me. I hate it when they throw stones. I hate being kicked. Please, please. I’d be a good dog. I’d bite your enemies. Don’t hurt me.” Dog, sweet, loving, and soulful, leaps off the pages in his attempt to find a forever home. The novel, thought-provoking, insightful, and engaging, is sure to generate more than a few tears. Thankfully, there are also inspiring sections that will leave readers smiling. And one especially lovely section includes a wealth of information about wolves and the dynamics of their pack culture. However, the tale might be too unsettling for the youngest readers.

A beautifully told, disturbing, yet ultimately hopeful fable that lingers.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON 

MY TIDBITS

A potent mix of melancholy, darkness, and hope blend with a touch of fantasy to create a thought-provoking read.

Dog has had enough of life. Although he's only 5-6 years old, he's been cast away so many times and is tired of finding himself alone in a forest with nothing to eat. His wish is to simply let his pitiful life come to an end. But then, he sees a stranger approaching. Not only does this 'man' not appear to be really human, but it can understand him and speak to him. While Dog hopes this might be his new owner and home, the mysterious man tells him that to go with him, the Dog must choose to live eternally...and that is a life filled with darkness, where even happiness has no place...or embrace life with its ups and downs.

This isn't a happy, fluffy read, but one which digs deep into questions surrounding the meaning of life, especially when everything is anything but cheery and there doesn't appear to be a way out. Dog is an ideal character to draw the reader in, while adding enough distance to make the points hit home. Dog's misery is easy to connect with and understand. Not only does Dog's beginning situation draw sympathy, but the reader learns about the harsh moments he suffered as he's been cast out from one owner after the other. Nothing is sugar-coated, letting the cruelty cut into the heart. It's not a light read but allows the seriousness of life's harshness come across loud and clear.

The dark side also meets enough warmth and joy in Dog's memories to allow the main point of this read to sink in. Dog's happy memories add needed breaks from the heavier ones and give light in the darkness to propel the message forward.

To add a touch of fantasy, the entire thing takes place in Transylvania, and while it's not said right away what the 'man' is, it soon becomes clear. Having this fantasy figure, which thrives in darkness, driving Dog to consider his choice carefully adds an unexpected powerful nudge not only for the message but for the entire atmosphere of the story.

It's a well-done read, which leaves more than a little food for thought.

And here he is...

Ralph Protsik is a writer, educational publisher, and retired executive recruiter and wine educator. In addition to his three non- fiction titles, he is author of two plays, Butterfly’s Child and Kafka in China, both performed at the Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre. He has written numerous light poems and short pieces of non-fiction and was co- editor of Our Stories (Yale, 2015) and Our Stories Continued (Yale, 2020). He lives a life of quiet reflection and rigorous hiking with his wife Susan in Asheville, North Carolina.

 

Library Day at A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

A ROVER STORY

by Jasmine Warga

Blazer & Bray

Middle Grade Science Fiction

320 pages

ages 8 to 12

A middle grade novel about the journey of a fictional Mars rover.

Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name.

Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assemble him, he begins to develop human-like feelings. Maybe there's a problem with his programming....

Human emotions or not, launch day comes, and Res blasts off to Mars, accompanied by a friendly drone helicopter named Fly. But Res quickly discovers that Mars is a dangerous place filled with dust storms and giant cliffs. As he navigates Mars's difficult landscape, Res is tested in ways that go beyond space exploration.

As millions of people back on Earth follow his progress, will Res have the determination, courage—and resilience—to succeed... and survive?

GOODREADS  

FIND IT AT A LIBRARY NEAR YOU!

MY TIDBITS

With tons of heart, this is a quick-paced read, which teaches about space rovers, friendship, and determination.

Resilience (aka Res) knows he's being created for a mission to Mars. He also knows that as a rover and machine, he can only be logical...never human. But as he watches especially two humans build and get him ready for his mission, he begins to develop feelings. The space rover in the next room tells him that his thoughts aren't only impossible but also will ruin his ability to carry out his mission when it arrives. Right before launch, Res is given a drone, who seems to be a potential friend and support. But Res isn't really ready to leave Earth and those he's known behind. Little does he know that a huge adventure awaits him.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up and wondered if it'd take a direction like Wall-E, but it hit an original chord and leaves a lasting impression. This read doesn't jet off into the future but stays put in the modern day space exploration possibilities with just enough of a twist from the impossible to let dreams take flight. The book is broken down into several parts, which fits very well with Res' journey. The first section follows his development, another his trip to Mars, another his first period on Mars and so on. This allows for well-set reading breaks for those, who might not want to read this too quickly and offers a bit of pause outside of the normal chapter breakdown. I found this nice especially for the younger end of the age group or more reluctant readers. But then, although the read heads in with over 300 pages, it carries a easy-to-read font size and is, in many ways, lighter to read than some novels.

This sticks closely to modern technology and will delight fans of space exploration. It doesn't drop details exactly, but lets the scenes flow with information seamlessly added in as descriptions. Even the Mars section comes across with a sense of possible reality and does awaken respect for the space program. That doesn't mean the story is boring. Instead, Res is a rover with heart, a little unintentional humor, and a character to root for. He's a bit naive and, yet, so determined to learn and surpass expectations, that's it's hard not to like him. He's the kind of rover a reader would want as a friend.

There are dangerous and tense moments, and other times which pull at the heart-strings. The ending rounds everything off in the best ways, too. It's a very enjoyable read from beginning to end.