(“Summer, Please Come Back,” photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• “I Want to Read All the Books” is a great title for this special and fun new picture book. (Written/illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024, ages 4 and up, $18.99.) “It all started with a raindrop. ‘I wonder where rain comes from,’ asked Hana.” And our story begins. If you read all the books, Hana speculates, maybe you’ll be able to answer all the questions, yes? The illustrations are sweet, with lots of details and (of course) pictures of our star: Books. What direction do you go, though, when your good habit veers into obsession?
• “Beach Hair,” written by Ashley Woodfolk, with wonderful illustrations by Niña Mata. Hair — all different kinds of hair — is important, dang it, and we needed this book in a big way so we can remember why. It’s unique! It’s what helps make us individuals, and also? Lots of people have cool heads of hair. (Also, shout-out to the bald heads, you rock, too.) (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) A little girl and her parents wake up with wild bedhead and decide to make the best of it with a trip to the beach. Excellent story and nice to see a family, a realistic, blended, modern day family, just hanging out and playing. Woo-hoo!
• “Birthday Soup,” by writer Grace Seo Chang and illustrator Jaime Kim is my pick of the week because… you’ll see why in a minute. (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2024, ages 3 and up, $18.99). Oh, this book will make you happy and give you all the feels while learning about family, open-mindedness, Korean culture and foods. It’s Maia’s birthday, and her mom is fixing her a big pot of miyeok guk, the same soup that Korean mamas eat for strength and nutrients after their babies are born. Maia loves this soup… but will her friends? Sweet, funny, lively and yummy just like the dishes — and yes, the soup — which are served at the party. This one warmed my heart, I’m telling you. PS — two recipes are included, yay! One from Grace’s mom, and one from world-famous chef David Chang (Grace’s husband, and Gus and Hugo’s dad)… just fyi.
• “Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown,” by author Xochitl Dixon, with illustrations by Sara Palacios, is a cool new picture book that introduces us to a young boy who is exploring his favorite color, brown, which is the color of his skin, too. Love this one. “I look up. I look down. I’m searching to see something wonderfully, marvelously brown… just like me!” (WaterBrook/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $13.99.)
• Last review for today: “PictureFace Lizzy” is a new picture book about trendy-cool-gotta have them toys. Written by Josh Gad, with funny and sweet illustrations by Marta Kissi (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House, 2024, ages 3 and up, $19.99). Eve has, eh, a pretty good life, but she doesn’t have a brand-new, awesome, all of her friends have one (so why doesn’t she?) “PictureFace Lizzy.” She also doesn’t have a Superhero Lizzy, or an Itty-Bitty Lizzy, or any of the accessories. No fair, Mom and Dad! Great for talking points, this one, and finding some creative ways to ride out the trends.

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(Photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Hello, dears, and welcome back! What are you reading this week? There’s so much out there. Let’s explore.

• “Camp Twisted Pine” is a cool new young adult novel, written by the talented and irrepressible Ciera Burch. I’ve been a fan of Burch’s since “Finch House,” (WM review is posted here) and this latest title is another hit. The writing is real, natural and engaging. “Camp Twisted Pine” ties together family conflict, friendship and its challenges, a summer camp in the Pine Barrens, and the Jersey Devil. Wait, what…?!? Naomi (not Nomi, thank you) is big sister to twin brothers Aman and Omar, and they don’t know that their parents are thinking of divorce. Naomi does, though, and is worried. Lots of interesting secondary characters. Nothing in this book is an afterthought or included just for the heck of it. It’s a great read, highly recommend (Margaret K. McElderry Books/ Simon & Schuster, ages 8 and up, 259 pages, $17.99).
• “Being Home,” by Traci Sorell (author) and Michaela Goade (illustrator) is my pick of the week. It’s moving day for a smart and creative young Cherokee girl, and that means many things: leaving the only city she’s ever called home, being with family and starting a new, big, unknown life. (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) I appreciate the author’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail with this story. This picture book’s art is gorgeous, with movement and joy.
• Oliver Jeffer’s “Where to Hide a Star” is a new story about friendship, loss, hide and seek, and Martians. This is the latest in Jeffer’s series, which started with the picture book “Lost and Found.” (Philomel/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $22.99.)
• “The Royal in You” is a vivid, stirring new book about an age-old topic: Jesus, God’s love, and the pearly gates. Beautiful art and a fine story. (WaterBrook/Multnomah; scheduled for release Oct. 22, 2024; by Jordan Raynor, with art by Jonathan D. Voss; all ages; 48 pages; $12.99.)

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(Photo by Steven Pings Rawley/use with permission only)

Welcome, welcome, to the long-running and always entertaining Wacky Mommy Book Review.

• My pick of the week is Gayle Forman’s latest, “Not Nothing.” This is a great title for a book that is not nothing, but most definitely something. This is one of the best titles I’ve read, not just this year, but in the past few years. It’s a new classic, in my opinion. Alex, age 12, is in big trouble and we don’t know exactly what happened. Just that it’s bad. Really bad. Bad enough for a judge to “sentence” him to community service, namely, volunteering at an eldercare facility, where his new boss is a peer, Maya-Jade Spears-Sandler, “But you can call me Maya-Jade.” She’s a lot. When Alex meets Josey, though, age 107 and giving up on life, everything changes. I don’t want to say much more about this book. It’s intriguing, it’s a mystery, it’s a love story and compassionate and I would go along anywhere these characters wanted to take me. Hugs and love and all of it. (Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages 10 (5th grade) and up, serious themes, 280 pages, $17.99.)
• Reading “Rise of the Spider” and eagerly awaiting “Threat of the Spider,” the second book in the new “Web of the Spider” series by author Michael P. Spradlin. Thoughtful and provocative book about brothers Rolf and Romer, set in Nazi Germany. Learn about history or repeat it, we all know this, but that saying hits differently now. It hits hard. (Margaret K. Elderberry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages 8 and up, 144 pages.)
• For something a little (lot) lighter, try “Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters” (that’s a big ol’ title), by Jordan Kopy, with illustrations by Chris Jevons (Simon & Schuster Kids, 2024, ages 8 and up, 247 pages, $18.99). This one is being described on Amazon as “Addams Family meets Nancy Drew,” and that’s pretty cute, as well as accurate. Do monsters exist? No? Yes? Maybe? “Just ask Theodora Hendrix.” The illustrations are great, whimsical, creepy, lively and everything they need to be. Perfect title as we head into Halloween season.

All for now, cats and kittens. Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(Photo by Steven Pings Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• Here’s a sweet and funny new picture book: “Bookie & Cookie,” written and illustrated by Blanca Gómez (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99). The bright and colorful collage art (combined with digital art) really makes this book come to life. Bookie and Cookie get along great… until they don’t. Good story about conflict resolution and how cookies and bookies can bring us all together. (This has been my philosophy since birth, really. xoxo)
• Author Ariel Bernstein and illustrator Marc Rosenthal have an awesome new creation out, too: “Mabel Wants a Friend” (A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; order now for Oct. 1st, 2024 release; ages 4-8; $18.99). The theme of the week is… friendship, y’all. Cuz you got to have friends, like the old song says. Mabel (a fox) wants what she wants, when she wants it, and she’s not too concerned about this affects other people. Until she meets Chester (the bunny), that is. A great story that deftly unfolds, and the art is bouncy and fun.
• “The Ship in the Window” is an engaging new book, written by children’s librarian (yay!) Travis Jonker and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2024, $18.99, ages 3-7 but I’m gonna say… all ages! Because it’s that kind of book.) Wait a minute… we have another Mabel, friends. This one is a cute little mouse, and she lives “in a little cabin on a little lake. But she wasn’t alone.” There’s a boy. There’s a man. And there’s a model ship (“It was magnificent.”) Mabel, our Mabel, dreams of being a captain, and all she wants to know is: Will that ship sail? Great art, with tons of imagination and little details for the kids to notice.

The Pick of the Week is… “The Ship in the Window”! You know, it reminds of “The Mouse and the Motorcyle”? It does. Happy day.

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(“I Am La Chiva” cover art used with permission of author/illustrator)

• • “I Am La Chiva! The Colorful Bus of the Andes,” “Me Llamo La Chiva! El Colorido Bus de Los Andes”  by Karol Hernández (author), Lorena Alvarez Gómez (Illustrator… ooooh, she also illustrated “The Magical Yet,” another great book), and Isabel Mendoza (translator) is a sweet and whimsical new book. Love the rhymes, and the focus on Colombian culture. (Dial Books, 2024, 40 pages, all ages.)

• • “I Worked Hard on That!” by Robyn Wall, with art by A.N. Kang (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, all ages, $18.99) I’m a gardener, and someone who loves to knock down spider webs. I’m sorry, spider, but when you’ve stepped into one too many webs, or (blech) gotten one in the corner of your eye, it seems reasonable. I’ll be re-thinking this carelessness after reading this lovely and compassionate book about Kiara, a spider who has to keep starting over when her “works of art” are destroyed. Then she meets an orb weaver, and moves into a different stage of creativity. (I think we can all relate to that one.) Pre-order this one if you’re looking for a fun Halloween gift; the book is scheduled to be released Oct. 8th. Wall brought us the hip and arty “My Cool Family” board book series; Kang’s first work (as author and illustrator) was the sweet and dreamy “The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon.”
  • For more sweet humor, check out the new picture book, “How to Talk Like a Chicken,” written by Charlie Grandy, with illustrations by Alex G. Griffiths. (Flamingo Books — of course/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) Buh-gawk! Which I would have guessed meant bok-bok? But actually means “Bring me my slippers! My feetsies are cold!” LOL. But you can’t just talk like a chicken, dudes — you have to act like one, too. Heads up high, chests puffed out, etc. This book is hilarious. Also? I now have a nice little sub-collection, within my bigger collection of children’s books, of chicken-themed titles. Chickens do have a certain natural goofiness and charm, I can see why they’re a popular subject.

• • “I Like Your Chutzpah: and Other Yiddish Words You’ll Like” is a fun board book from author/artist Suzy Ultman (Penguin Workshop, 2024, for the babies and little kids, $9.99). “I like your mishpocha (whole big family)” is my fave new phrase, and that’s why this book is my Pick of the Week. Yiddish has been around for more than 1,000 years, by the by, and this is a great way to share the love with the kids you love! Kish’m! (Kiss!)

Disclaimer: All of the titles mentioned in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time! WM

(Photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• Today let’s talk about sharing. Wait. That’s mine! Give it back, I mean it. J.E. Morris (author of the “Flubby,” and “Maud the Koala” series) has a new picture book coming out end of August. “Sharing is UnBEARable!” brings us the story of bears Orson and Izzy and their big ol’ fight over a… what? A rock? (Not just any rock, though — it’s the best napping rock ever.) Come on you two, let’s not do this. Cute story about conflict resolution, with graphic novel-style art. (Penguin Workshop, Aug. 2024, ages 4 and up, $16.99.)
• “La Panza de Mamá,” escrito por Isabel Quintero, illustrado por Iliana Galvez, con traducido por Aida Salazar. (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99.) Sweet, loving picture book (in Spanish) about a little boy who loves his mama, and his mama who loves him back. (Even if you aren’t fluent in Spanish, give the Spanish-language books a try. Your kids might be practicing, and you can always use a dictionary or Google Translate.)
• Here’s a nice surprise from one of my favorite authors of books for grown-ups: Isabel Allende. Sandy Rodriguez provided the illustrations. “Perla la súper perrita” is a cute Spanish-language book about a small dog who is big in personality. (Philomel/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99.)
• Hello, “Doris,” you awesome elephant. (Boxer Books Limited/Rocket Bird Books/Harper Collins, author/illustrator Lo Cole, 2024, $18.99.) What does one do, eggsactly, when one wants to fit in, maybe hide a little bit, but you’re an elephant? Kinda big? Also bright, bright red? The primary colors are lovely, and the book has a great rhythm from one page to the next.
• Pssst… ready? ? Listo? Here is another fine book in Spanish: “La Verdad Sobre El Sofá” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $19.99). Lively and beautifully illustrated book from Adam Rubin, with art by Liniers.

The pick of the week is… It’s gotta be “Doris,” because this book is colorful, playful, and I like a somewhat grouchy hero. Especially when she’s a red elephant.

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(“Puppy + Sally”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• “My Lighthouse: A Story of Finding Your Way Home,” by author Ali Gilkeson and illustrator Lee Wildish, is our first new release for review this week. (WaterBrook/Random House, 2024, 40 pages, ages 3 and up, $14.99.) “This is a story about a house…” the book begins, and we are invited into the world of Fynn, his parents, and the lighthouse they call home.
• “A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration,” o “Un Alete de Esperanza: Una Historia de Migración,” a lovely book about migration, is available in both English and Spanish. I reviewed it here; check it out. Compliments to author Cynthia Harmony and illustrator Devon Holzwarth.
• “Siendo Tú: Una Primera Conversación Sobre Género,” texto de Megan Madison y Jessica Ralli, con arte de Anne/Andy Passchier, traducción de Cristina Nuñez. This is a fantastic and much-needed new book about gender. The illustrations are supercool and yes, remind me of my old favorite art kit, ColorForms. (Dude I love ColorForms.) The book is perfect for kids of all ages and their grown-ups.
• And… last two! There’s a new graphic novel version of “Amber Brown is Not a Crayon,” the Paula Danziger classic. Great fun. I’ve been a Danziger fan since I was a kid and discovered “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit.” Great fun, great title.
• Ryan Seacrest and his sis, Meredith Seacrest Lynch, are scheduled to release their first kids’ title, “The Make-Believers.” This sweet picture book shares with readers the joys of imagination and dreaming big. Look for it in early October; it’s available to pre-order now.

The pick of the week is… “Siendo Tú…” for being creative and matter-of-fact.

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(Photo used with permission of author)

• “A Magic Fierce & Bright,” is a new release from Hemant Nayak, an author (and E.R. doctor! OK, cool) from my very own Pacific Northwest. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024, ages middle grade and up, 374 pages, $19.99.) Imagine you are… 500 years in the future, living in the remote jungles of South India, and looking, and not yet finding, your sister. Bam. Now imagine you’re gifted at both technology (re-starting it, cuz it’s trashed) and magic. A technomancer, they call it. I’m liking this one. Just started it, and I think you should do the same. Then leave me a note, kk?
• There are several books, favorites that I re-read, every summer, or every few years, always during summertime. Other people must do this, too? It’s kind of funny, the associations books bring into our lives. One of these titles for me is Curtis Sittenfeld’s classic from 2008, “American Wife: A Novel.” (Random House, high school through adults, 558 pages.) This novel is about a smart, thoughtful girl, Alice Lindgren, who is expected to choose the life her parents want for her. Not surprisingly, she grows into a woman who aims to please, First Lady Alice Blackwell. (There is some speculation that Alice may be based on W’s wife, Laura.) This is a gripping, inventive read about money, class, and expectations. It’s an unusual book, one of a kind, and I find something new in it every time I read it. Highly recommend.
• Another summer read for me, for decades now, is Stephen King’s genius, gripping, crazy-ass, most prophetic book. You may know it already, you may love it, like millions of other readers. Or it may just scare the hell out of you and yes, I’m talking about 1978’s post-apocalyptic/sci-fi/horror fest, “The Stand.” (Penguin Books, 817 pages, but I had to get the long-play extended version for my Kindle. I think that one adds several hundred or possibly more pages.) Mother Abagail, the Walking Dude gah, Nick, Larry Underwood, Frannie and Stu, all my favorites, every year. Maybe not the entire book, every reading, but yes, I love the hell out of this one. I like a lot of King’s other stuff, too, duh. I’ve written love letters to him and his amazing writer/editor wife, Tabby, from time to time. He’s a great storyteller, and that’s what I’m in it for. But this one, and “Carrie,” were my top two picks out of the gate, when I first discovered him. I mark this one: Pick of the Week. And Summer.
• Finished Lucinda Williams’ stellar memoir, “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You” yesterday. (Crown/New York, 2023, 260 pages, $28.99.) One of those books that you read so quickly, a page turner, right? It was. But the last few chapters? You slow down noooo I want more. And you can’t stand for it to end. That’s this book. As promised by other readers, as I knew it would be — fantastic. Just raw and gorgeous and true, like my Lu. Go read it, and listen to the songs and albums she talks about throughout. When she wrote the songs, who/what they were about, what she thinks of the work she’s shared with us over the years. I love her.
• I’m also reading my two Book of the Month Club books. (Here’s a hell yes for a subscription. So worth it. Buy one for yourself, buy one for a friend, and thanks to my sister for the birthday gift.) The first, by Marjan Kamali, is “The Lion Women of Tehran” (Gallery Books, 2024, 327 pages, $29.99). The second is Liz Moore’s “The God of the Woods” (Riverhead Books, 2024, 478 pages, $30.00). Both excellent reads. Go read excerpts on Amazon or the library or wherever you find your excerpts.

Bon appetit! Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(Pacific Ocean + Pup (fall 2016?); photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

1. “The Storyteller” is a new release from author Lindsay Bonilla, with illustrations by Noar Lee Naggan (Nancy Paulsen/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $18.99). Griffin’s grandmother, The Storyteller, adores him, tells him stories, feeds him fresh bread and warms his heart and soul with stories. Gorgeous fairytale of a book. I love the washed, earth tones of the art, just lovely. Good book to share with kids who are grieving or facing loss.
2. “What Color is God’s Love?” is a sweet new picture book from author Xochitl Dixon and illustrator Darshika Varma (WaterBrook/Penguin Random House, 2024, all ages, $14.99). Colors, nature and rhymes combine to bring a celebration of God’s love and Biblical knowledge.
3. If you’ve been wondering what America really is all about, read “America’s Dreaming,” by author Bob McKinnon and illustrator Thai My Phuong. America starts at a new school and feels alone in the crowd, until the kids share their dreams, and Mr. Downs, the teacher, shares a Welcome Wagon of books about American heroes, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Sojourner Truth; and Emma Lazarus. Bios and a to-read list are included in the back. Happy, cheerful art, dreams and courage. Just a cool book.
4. Hello, “Little Miss Sunshine.” I hear there are 183 books in your series? Really? Cuz that’s awesome. Thanks, Roger Hargreaves, for these titles, which have always made my own kids, my students, and me smile. (Price Stern Sloan/Penguin Group; all ages; various prices.)
5. “Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park,” written by Maria Dolores Àguila, with illustrations by Magdalena Mora, is a heroic, triumphant picture book about San Diego, Calif., neighbors who banded together in 1970 to build a park (instead of a police station) along the Bay. (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House; scheduled for release June 18th, 2024; all ages; $18.99.) References/photos included, and the story and art make this book my pick of the week.
6. Last (not least): A new picture book by Rilla Alexander, “The Thingamajig” (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024, all ages, $18.99). When you misplace… something that doesn’t really have a name? Is it a thing-a-ma-jig? A habbijabbi? A duppedit? Or do you call it something else? A little elephant and parent enlist all their friends in a search for their special whozeewhatzit. Will it ever reappear? Fun, playful art and a cute story.

Disclaimer: All of the books reviewed today were sent to me free to review, except for “Little Miss Sunshine,” which I nabbed from a Little Free Library cuz I don’t have enough books, apparently. I ain’t sorry. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(“Baby Me, Camping,” photo by Dad, probably, or one of my uncles (better guess); use pic with permission only)

Remember I said I had a good photo for you? There it is, from the family archives. LOL spells loll. Lucky Strikes? Don’t smoke, kids. Just don’t.

Reading this week:

• “Better Must Come” by Jamaican/New York/Boston author Desmond Hall is my top pick of the week. I’m loving this book, a tale set in Jamaica about a girl, a boy and $500,000 dollars’ worth of tainted American money. Hall has several East Coast appearances slated; check the author’s website for info. (Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages middle grade and up, 317 pages, $19.99.)
• “With Just One Wing,” by Brenda Woods, is a poignant, thoughtful book set in L.A. We’re introduced to adoptee Coop, his friend Zandi, and an adopted mockingbird, a rescue bird with just one wing. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2024, 156 pages, $17.99.) This is one that will get to you.
• “Camp Prodigy,” by Caroline Palmer, is an awesome new graphic novel about two nonbinary kids, Tate and Eli, who meet at summer orchestra camp. Deals with themes of sexuality, anxiety, identity and friendship. The art in this one is really good, and the author includes some of their concept art in the back of the book. (Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release June 11, 2024; ages 8 and up; 249 pages; $22.99.)
• Preview! Cuz it’s not scheduled for release ’til the end of July, but Christopher Lincoln’s “The Night Librarian” is also a super cool new graphic novel, so add it to your list. He’s an older author (he wrote the Billy Bones series) and this is his first graphic novel. I’m older, too, and find this fact to be incredibly cool. Why not try something new, y’all? Our heroes, twins Page and Turner, get themselves in a bit of trouble trying to figure out how much money their dad’s prized first edition book is worth. Yes, it’s a vintage copy, British, at that, of “Dracula.” The New York Public Library, shrine and beloved spot to many of us, is a character in the book.Lincoln’s books are highly recommended by moi, book reviewer to the stars. (Penguin Kids, ages 8 and up, 248 pages, $19.99.)
• “Past Present Future” by Rachel Lynn Solomon (sequel to “Today Tonight Tomorrow”) is a perfect romantic read for summer. (Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages middle grade and up, 374 pages, $18.99.) Rowan Roth is now attending college in Boston; her beloved, Neil McNair, is in New York. Will a long-distance relationship work for them? Told in two points of view, this is a truthful, honest depiction of young people in love, and struggling.
• Liz Kessler’s “Code Name Kingfisher” is a fantastic new historical drama (published first last year in Great Britain). We meet 13-year-old Liv, who brings us the story of her grandma’s involvement in the Dutch Resistance during World War II and a sister no one remembers. Intriguing book about a horrifying time in world history that still haunts us today. (Aladdin, 2023, ages 8 and up, 329 pages, $18.99.)
• “Mission Manhattan: City Spies,” by James Ponti, is another fun summer read. (Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages 8-12, grades 3-7, 420 pages, $18.99.) In this fifth book in the series, a young climate activist is threatened. Our youthful crew of spies heads to Manhattan, visits the outer boroughs, and hits the New York Public Library!! but of course. Good, engaging series that the kids will enjoy.

Bon appetit! Read all summer, okay? Keep a list and leave it in comments, if you feel like it. Have some lemonade for me.

xoxo

WM