Proposal Rock/Neskowin, Oregon; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please

Hello, dear ones, I’m taking the rest of the month off from writing, but I found a load of review books, plus another stack of good titles from the Little Free Libraries I’ve hit lately. OK, maybe I’ll write another post or two soon, but I’d like to just read for a change, ha.

The bookshelves, nightstand, coffee table and yes, dining room table where I work, are all overflowing. I don’t make any cash from my book reviews, but it’s pretty nice to have more books than I can possibly read from now until the end of my days. I must say. Plus? Lots of copies to leave in Little Free Libraries and donation centers, gift to friends, and keep. So here you go, in order of little kid to big kid:

A charming new picture book from author Bruce Littlefield will be out July 7, aimed at ages 3 and up. It’s called “Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog,” and truer words have never been spoken. Maribel Lechuga did a stellar job on the playful (of course they’re playful), happy and colorful illustrations. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Young Readers. $18.99.)

“The Chismosas Only Book Club” is a delightful new novel all about four friends (Cat, Sofia, Ana and Mari), an amazing book store called Milagro’s Books, and a little magic. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House, 2026, ages 10 and up, $9.99.) Perfect for a summer book club for the neighborhood kids.

Just starting an advance copy of “Legally Yours, Violet Lopez,” by Elba Luz (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; skedded for release Oct. 20, 2026; ages 12 and up). It’s a young adult novel being described as “a beloved screwball comedy with modern flair.” Sweet and hilarious. I love all the new fiction that’s been coming our way lately. Fun.

Reading Barbara Kingsolver’s “Prodigal Summer” still, again. (Perennial/HarperCollins, 2000, 444 pages.) (I love the flyleaves on this one… pretty butterflies.) I fall asleep now when I’m reading grown-up novels, no offense to any of the authors I read. But I will keep at it, y’all. It’s a fine book. I’ve liked Kingsolver since I read “The Bean Trees” in college. Another great novel. I used to be able to stay awake for books when I was younger, but now? Reading is a little too relaxing sometimes. Lol spells LOLL. There’s a lot I enjoy about the whole “aging process,” but randomly getting sleepy? Not on my list.

Daniel James Brown’s “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” is one I picked up at a LFL. There is an audiobook as well as a young readers’ adaptation, too. (Penguin Books, 2013, 403 pages.) I’ve heard this one is good and am looking forward to reading it.

We have another World War II-themed book in “The Spider Strikes.” This is the third title in Michael P. Spradlin’s “Web of the Spider” series, historical fiction set in pre-war settings. Really strong series, I think readers will find it engaging. This title (the final one in the series) is set in Salzburg, Austria, where Joshua and his family, along with a couple of Joshua’s friends, are vacationing for the summer. Members of the Hitler Youth darken the mood and bring conflict. (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026, all ages, 136 pages, $17.99.)

“City Spies: Europa” is the seventh book in the James Ponti series (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 2026, all ages, 378 pages, $18.99). The little wild spies are racing around again, this time all over Europe to keep their enemy Umbra from doing more harm. Popular series and who doesn’t love a good caper?

Last but not least, a sugar cookie recipe I improvised from Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book (General Mills, 1963 — one year older than moi — 156 pages). This classic has lived in my kitchen for my entire life, dog eared and stained, now with xeroxed pages stuffed into the front. Great book, highly recommend, and here’s what I’m baking for myself instead of a cake:

Nancy’s Best Birthday Frosted Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups powdered *or* granulated sugar

1 cup softened butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond or orange extract

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream butter together with sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and almond (or orange) extract, mix. Sprinkle in the soda, mix again. Add flour, half a cup at a time. Chill to make cut-out cookies, or drop by teaspoonfuls if you can’t wait. Bake at 350 degrees, don’t overbake. Let cool, then frost with vanilla or chocolate frosting and yes, sprinkles. xoxoxo Bon appetit WM

Photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please

Hi readers, I have a few questions for you. Where and when do you read? Does it help you get to sleep? Does it help you wake up? Does it scare you sometimes?

Can you read by the pool? Or in the tub? What if the book gets splashed and all the ink runs? Leave a note if you’d like, answer a question if you feel like it, or just say hey. Here are a few new titles I found that I think you will enjoy this summer.

1) “Becca and Bubbe’s Bucket List” is a new sweet treat of a picture book from author Laura Gehl (who has written several of my favorite books, including “I Got a Chicken for My Birthday” (a work of genius and humor) and illustrator Sarah Lynn Baker. (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2026, all ages, $18.99.) I love the way the author includes Yiddish and Hebrew words, and a glossary, and yes, mishegas (MISH-eh-GAHS, silliness) is my new, best word. A granddaughter and her bubbe (BUH-bee, grandma) decide to spend their summer on their creative and personalized bucket list, which includes eating something called a “Trash Can Sundae.” This book is special and is my Wacky Mommy Pick of the Week.

2) Author/artist Alex Willan continues with his whimsical “Worst” series with his latest, “Monsters are the Worst!” Gilbert the Goblin returns, with his bud, Chicken (they’re going camping! It’s summertime). Add bright, original and fun art, a kooky story and lots of intrigue… success. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; pre-order now, scheduled for a July 14, 2026, release; all ages; $19.99.)

3) And now for some fun fiction for teens: “The Last Best Quest Ever,” by F.T. Lukens in a book that is being described as a “cozy, subversive YA romantasy.” I’ve read the first few chapters, it’s hooked me, and I concur. Romance + fantasy = romantasy, indeed. Meet 17-year-old Ellinore, whose accomplishments are impressive, but who may be hiding some secrets; her wild twin bro, Zig; Aven, Ellinore’s arch-rival; and a supporting cast who also bring the drama and adventure. Whimsical and engaging summer read. (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2026, grades 9+, 314 pages, $19.99.)

4) Reading… more for ages 8 and up: An advance copy of “The Underwild: Relic of Thieves,” by Shana Targosz. This one was released March 24 of this year, but I’m sorry to say that I missed the publication. Enjoying the advance copy very much, though. It’s awfully good (this is Book Two of the series). Fantasy/adventure with our hero, Anya, a girl grieving because her best friend, Lizzie, has moved out of town. Intrigued, she follows a girl she doesn’t know, who appears to head into the home of the “town witch.” Then things get even more complicated. Great story, and writing that pulls you in and won’t let go. (Sort of like the Underwild does.) (No spoilers.) (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 2026, reads like teen fiction, but younger kids reading at higher levels will enjoy.)

5) Last but not least: Also reading (well, it’s kind of scaring me, y’all, but I’m trying!) Neal Shusterman’s “MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction” (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 12 and up, 592 pages, $29.99 hardcover, $19.99 paperback). Cool collection of Shusterman’s published short fiction, including two pieces set in the world of the author’s classic, “Arc of a Scythe.” Scary, creepy, terrifying, the kids will love it.

Enjoy, read a lot, play and have fun. Bon appetit! Oh, and a disclaimer.

WM

Photo by family/use with permission only please

Hello there, dear readers. How about some summer books? Something to gaze at other than your phones, the television, the tablets and the laptops… yes? Yes. Let’s go.

“Milton Makes a Move” is a sweet new book (which is, I’m happy to say, an autobiographical picture book) about a brave lil pug named Milton, and his adventurous new friend, Jonathan. I love A Boy and His Dog books almost as much as I love A Girl and Her Dog Books. Big, happy sigh, y’all. My blonde dog, aka my BFF, will be very happy when I share this book with her. It has all the feels, a great story, and really nice illustrations. (Author: Jonathan Graziano, whose other books include “Noodle and the No Bones Day.” Illustrator: Dan Tavis, who illustrated the Noodle books and “Common Critters: The Wildlife in Your Neighborhood.” Margaret K. McElderry Books; scheduled for release Aug. 4, 2026; 32 pages; all ages, share the love; $19.99.)

Here is a cool new series from author Matthew J. Gilbert: “The New Norm (Book 1)” and “The New Norm: Pranks and Prejudice (Book 2)” (Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, 2026, ages 8-12, $7.99 apiece). Alexander (Norm) Norman is a regular kid, a student at Meadowview Middle School. In Book 1, his dad makes a video… of Norm. Being goofy at the dentist’s office. And when the reel goes viral? Well, that’s a surprise. In Book 2, a few innocent sticky notes turn into first a mess, then a bigger mess? Great chapter books that the kids will enjoy, and Norm is a relatable character. Well-written and fun.

“The Shark Prince,” a fantasy novel for the same age group (8 and older) is an engaging novel from author Malia Maunakea. A Hawaiian boy, Nohea, is half-human, half-shark. Wait. What? How is this going to mesh with his love of surfing? What will happen if his secret gets out? We shall see, readers, we shall see. Skillfully written and lively, and a fun way to learn about Hawaiian culture and other topics. Good read. (Penguin Workshop/Penguin Young Readers, 2026, 366 pages, $18.99.)

The Muslim Mavericks series, spotlighting in chapter books important and inspiring Muslim people, kicks off with “Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can.” (Author: Dr. Seema Yasmin. Illustrator: Noha Habaieb. Salaam Reads, for ages 6 and up, 72 pages, $17.99). Zayid’s name may be new to some of us, but she is a well-regarded (and funny) actress and comedian from Palestine. She also has cerebral palsy. The book introduces us to this amazing person and talks about all aspects of her life. Unusual, uplifting, and a really different story. Will be glad to see this series on the shelves. This title is my Wacky Mommy Pick of the Week.

More soon, stay out of trouble and have a great summer! Bon appetit. Oh, and a disclaimer.

WM