(“These Two”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Up first this week: Books for the holidays and yes, I know I’m early, or late, depending on your schedule. Order or shop for them now and thank me later. Belated (in my humble opinion) is always better. Then it’s a gift and a surprise. xoxoxo WM

• • “Santa Mouse Finds a Furry Friend,” is a new story from “Santa Mouse” author Michael Brown, who dreamed up the original story when he found a piece of fabric decorated with a small Christmas mouse. I loved this book when I was a kid, and a whole new generation is now being introduced to our friend. Sweet and charming illustrations are by Robert McPhillips (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, $18.99). “One Christmas Eve, as they set out in boots and suits so neatly dressed, this little friend asked Santa  Claus which gift did Santa think was best. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘we need good foor, warm clothes to wear, a place to live. But sometimes it is friendship that can be the finest gift to give.'”
  • And just for fun and happiness, here are two little board books: “Light,” by Ruth Forman, with illustrations by Katura Gaines and “What’s Mine is Yours,” by Hannah Eliot, with illustrations by Sally Walker (both from Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, $8.99 apiece.) In “Light,” a child takes a journey, his eyes laughing bright, seeing all… just like you. In “What’s Mine is Yours,” a mother and child spend peaceful time sharing everything — pancakes, smiles and wonders. Quiet and delightful.
  • Well, hello, again, Airi Sano, Prankmaster General, how’ve you been, kid? “International Menace” is the latest novel in the series by Zoe Tokushige, with illustrations by Jennifer Naalchigar (Philomel/Penguin Random House, 2024, grade 3 and older, $14.99). Airi and family leave Hawaii for the summer to visit her grandparents and cousins in Japan. I’m sure it will be a typical boring vacation, lol. I love Airi, her hijinks, spirit and big heart, and I also love the roadmaps, clues, keys and illustrations sprinkled throughout the books. They make it really fun and engaging for readers.

The pick of the week is… “Light,” for the perfect illustrations and the uplifting story.

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(“Fall Scarecrow,” photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• • The team of Rocco and Rocco (Haley and John Rocco) bring us a new series, and it’s pretty cool. “Meet the Wild Things: Hello, I’m a QUOKKA,” “Hello, I’m a SLOTH” and “Hello, I’m a PANGOLIN” are picture books filled with stories, facts and references about endangered species (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2024, all ages, $16.99 each book). “Hi! Hey! G’day, mate! I’m a quokka. If you haven’t heard that before, it sounds like KWAH-kuh when you say it out loud. Can you say it?” and just like that, the little guys win my heart. (They’re related to kangaroos and wallabies, but are tinier, so that’s awesome.) The drawings are vivid and help readers get to know the animals. These titles are my pick of the week, highly recommended, and would be nice ones to donate to classrooms and libraries.
  • “Little Ghost Makes a Friend” is a new picture book (ages 3 and up) written and illustrated by Maggie Edkins Willis (A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024, $18.99). It’s Halloween today, by the way, so happy trick or treating, kids. Hope you have fun. Little Ghost and his mama are in charge of haunting the house where they live. A little girl moves in next door, and Little Ghost makes it his mission to become friends. The book’s art is so pretty — reminds me of Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham’s books. And “The Sugar Mouse Cake,” a book I’ve adored my entire life. (As long as we’re on the subject of sweetness… The author dedicated this one to her grandma, and how sweet is that? “For my grandma, Margie Edkins. Thank you for reading me all those books.” That’s all I need, honestly, to make today beautiful. That, and it’s Halloween.

• • And now for a book that introduces Indian cultures and traditions to young readers: “Sari Sisters,” by Anitha Rao-Robinson and Anoosha Syed, author and illustrator, respectively. (Viking, 2024, ages 3-7 and older, 32 pages, $18.99.) Meet sisters Ruhi and Kayra, who are at different stages in their lives but are still best buddies. When Ruhi finds out that Kayra is learning to wear a sari, she wants one, too, and decides to throw a dance party so everyone can celebrate together. Things don’t always go as planned. Thoughtful, lovely book about being creative and flexible while growing up and experiencing changes.

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Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(“Boo!” photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• • I love the cover on this one, and the story. Many, many cool details. “Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine,” written by Seth Fishman, with illustrations by Mark Fearing, is a fast and funny new picture book. (Penguin Workshop, 2024, ages 5 and up, $18.99.) “This morning started like any other day. EXCEPT THAT… BRANDON INVENTED A TIME MACHINE.” Now. To go back in time and meet Alexander Hamilton? Or go back a little while, maybe to yesterday, and fix that homework? Asking for a friend. 
  • Our hero in “Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All” has a goal. It’s a small goal, but it’s an excellent goal: find the matches for all the mis-matched, unloved socks she finds at her parents’ New York City laundromat. Harriet the Spy has met her match. Magnolia is daffy and sweet, brave and funny. With her new friend, Iris, they set off to explore the city and figure some things out. Author/artist Chanel Miller did a fine job with this one. (Philomel, 2024, ages 10 and up, 145 pages, $17.99.)

• • Tis the season… “All By My Elf,” is a new board book for the holidays, just for the babies. Author Jeffrey Burton and illustrator Nanette Regan have done a nice job with this one, and I love the bedazzled cover. (Little Simon, 2024, 18 pages, babies and toddlers, $9.99.)

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The pick of the week is… “Magnolia Wu,” because you know I love my friend Harriet and this is just a great novel. And the fun illustrations add to the book. (That’s the link to the author’s website, check it out.)

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM

(Photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please) Just received a new crate (aka cardboard box) full of baby books and oh, yes. As you probably already guessed, they are cute. The cutest ones yet, really. But first: “The Outer Space Mystery Pizza Club” is here:

• • “Elvis is Missing” is yes, a pretty great title, but when you, dear reader, learn that Elvis is the family dog, gone missing… Well, get him back here! We love dogs! Bruce Hale (author who brought us the Chet Gecko series) and Luke Séguin-Magee (artist) are in charge of this series, “The Outer Space Mystery Pizza Club,” and they’re doing a fine job, keep it up. “Grunthar’s Revenge” is the next title, and it’s more adventures for Tina and Mateo, our heroes. (Penguin Workshop, 2024, ages 6 and up, 156 pages, $7.99 each book.)

• • Um. Were you that there’s a series called The Weenie Books? There is. The latest addition to the series is “Relish the Season” (a pretty hilarious little board book) and enough, I say, enough with the funny-clever titles, people. OK, I’m kidding. I love wacky titles, thus the name of my blog. Had I known I was going to be writing on this website 20 years later, I might have chosen a different name, though? Mebbe. Katie Vernon, who is the author, is a crack-up, and wishes us all “Seasoned Greetings.” The kids will get a big kick out of this one (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages baby and up, $7.99).

• • Ever since “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel,” we’ve all had a soft spot for heavy-duty and friendly construction equipment. #truth “Hush, Little Dozer,” by Rebecca Colby, with illustrations by Katya Longhi, is a beautiful bedtime board book. Keep a sharp eye out for the woodland creatures who work at the construction site. (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages baby and up, $7.99.)

• • Just in time! “Jump in the Leaf Pile” is a new board book from Kelly Green, with illustrations by Kasia Nowowiejska. This is a sweet, happy book. “Run through the leaf pile, crackle crackle zap!” (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages baby and up, $8.99.)

• • And another one for “just in time”: “No Thanks, Said Turkey,” in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. “First to spot Turkey was a very hoppy hare. She hopped over and asked him right then and there: ‘Turkey, dear Turkey! Won’t you join us today?’ ‘No thanks!’ said Turkey and went on his way.” Smart boy, Turkey. Story by Jeffrey Burton, with art by Florence Weiser. (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, ages baby and up, $6.99.)

The pick of the week is… it’s gotta be “Relish the Season,” so comical.

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time! WM

(“Pink Heather”/ photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• • “Villains Academy” is book one in a cool new series by Ryan Hammond, who wrote, illustrated and designed this novel for young readers. We’re introduced to Master Mardybum, a “notorious villain back in the day,” who now runs the academy; Bram, our werewolf hero; Mona, an elf-witch; “Bryan the Lion” and other interesting characters. Fun read and perfect for grades 3 and up. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023, 240 pages, $18.99.)
  • Here’s a sweet, comical illustrated novel for ages 2nd grade and up: “Oona Bramblegoop’s Sideways Magic: A Boy in the Fairy World,” written by Kate Korsh, with illustrations by Marta Altés (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2024, pages, $18.99). This series began with the “Newbie Fairy” title, and is reminiscent of our old buddy, Captain Underpants, as well as the Rainbow Magic fairy series and the older Fairy series, too, by Andrew Lang. Ah, the little sweeties.
  • “Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle” is the latest in a recent series by author Jordan Kopy. Chris Jevons did the illustrations, which (digression, sorry) remind me a bit of my new favorite show (which is actually an older cartoon), “Gravity Falls.” It only aired for two seasons (unfair! It needed several more, it’s a lot of fun), so you may have missed it. Check it out for the fun heroes, twins Dipper and Mabel, the excellent secondary characters, and the sheer wildness and wackiness of a great cartoon. Theodora, too, is a strong character, and I’m glad the little chick got her own series, because she deserves it. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2024; released earlier in Great Britain by Walker Books, 2021; ages 3rd grade and up; 283 pages, $18.99.)
  • “Bear in a Bathrobe,” is a sweet new picture book from author and illustrator Maddie Frost. You know that feeling you get, when you’re ready to stay home all winter in your snuggly-buggly bathrobe, with nothing else on but your underpants, but your friends come up with a great idea (well, great to them, anyway?) such as… let’s all go ice skating! (This is always their best idea, actually.) It’ll be incredible! You probably won’t fall, c’mon now! Etc. Yes. This is what happens when Bear decides to take a gamble. (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2024, ages 3 and up, $18.99.)

The pick of the week is… “Bear in a Bathrobe,” because the art is pretty dang adorable.

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time! WM

(“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 included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. 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