(“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