Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano, illustrated by Dan Tavis

Milton Makes a Move  Jonathan Graziano, illustrated by Dan Tavis
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books/ Simon & Schuster 
Publishing:  August 4th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Milton was a pug who lived in a house with a big yard and a lot of other dogs."

Milton gets a new home and feels a little worried about taking on this new adventure.  He was used to his big yard and all the activity that came with it.  His new owner, Jonathan, previously cared for a pug, he adored, and is eager to help Milton feel less nervous.  As the two get to know each other, they end up learning how to be brave together.  

This picture book is absolutely charming, highlighting how a good friend and a trusty raincoat can make facing something new feel a lot less scary.  Dan Tavis's illustrations are full of delightful details, like dogs playing tug-of-war with a tire, dogs of differing sizes chasing each other around the yard, tiny spiders tucked into corners, birds perched around the yard, and even a cat casually strolling along a fence to find.  Wonderfully endearing.  

Milton Makes a Move was inspired by the creator of the Bones or No Bones TikTok series, where each day Noodle's owner would gently lift him up from his bed.  If Noodle stood, it signaled a productive day, but if he flopped back down, it meant a cozy day of rest and staying at home.   After Noodle passed, Jonathan fostered Milton, eventually adopting him and providing him with his forever home.  I love how this story illustrates that older dogs need love, patience and understanding too. 

This book is a great pick for animal lovers or for kids experiencing a transition in their lives.  With its uplifting messages about courage, companionship and encouragement to see change as an adventure, I'm sure it'll be a hit.  Other books in the series include Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain.   

Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

 

Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy
Publisher:  The Silver Key
Published:  January 29th, 2026 
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:  238 pages
Source:  Author in exchange for an honest review
Opening Lines: "It was late afternoon when the mail coach clattered through the town gate, rattled over cobbles and rumbled to a halt."

I've gotten to know Valinora through our shared work as judges for the Cybils awards in the category of fantasy books and as contributors to Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays.  When she reached out recently about a possible review of her latest book, Lianna and the Hombit, I was eager to dive in. 

Lianna has recently been sent across the sea to Nivram to live with an uncle she never knew existed. Upon her arrival, her purse is stolen, along with all her most precious belongings.  The watch Papa gave her, the letter he wrote, and her favorite book.  The only thing she still carries from her life in Lowdar, besides her memories, is the ruby ring she discovered just before her home and her father’s possessions were sold at auction to pay off his debts.

Lianna is deeply unhappy about the move and is convinced the people of  Nivram dislike her.  Especially her uncle, Judge Samru, whom she's certain will be cruel and cold to her.  Despondent under everyone's accusatory glances, she waits in the Judge's library, where she discovers a small glass bird perched on a charred log.  The bird introduces itself as a Hombit and explains that it's on a secret mission, one it has unfortunately forgotten.   Hoping for help in returning to Lowdar, Lianna agrees to assist the Hombit with uncovering its lost purpose.

As her first step toward returning home, Lianna searches for any way to earn the money she needs for passage back across the sea.  Desperate, she agrees to undertake a dangerous dive for jewels, only to awaken the living rocks beneath the water and a creature begins to slowly claim her body and is turning her to stone.

Lianna makes a wonderful protagonist.  She's still grieving the loss of her papa and struggling with the sudden changes forced upon her.  Leaving her beloved home where she had friends, could roam outdoors with the animals or swim in a nearby pond was incredibly difficult.  I emphasized with her pain and feelings of loss.  Navrim stood in stark contrast to all the previous warmth and happiness she had and only offered her a dreary an unwelcome feeling.  I too wanted her to leave this dreary place and to be happy again.    

I admired Lianna's grit and courage, even though she takes more risks than I ever would've at thirteen.  I loved watching her and the other characters gradually warm to one another and how uncovering her family's history and the truth behind the curse drew her closer to them.  I also loved the Hombit, it brought her the friendship she desperately needed, and the bond they form through their shared missions was genuinely touching.  The story is further enriched by the small, lovely illustrations by Iseult Murphy.  Overall, I really enjoyed the adventure, the mystery of why Lianna's father left Navrim for Lowdar, why people distrusted him, and how she ultimately found a way to overcome the curse slowly turning her to stone.     

**A huge thank you to Valinora Troy for the ebook in exchange for an honest review**

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

I am Rare: Discovering What Makes Us Shine by Melissa White Boyer, illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski

I am Rare: Discovering What Makes Us Shine by Melissa White Boyer
Publisher:  Yuni Press
Publishing:  August 4th, 2026 
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:  42 pages
Source:  Books Forward
Opening Lines:  "Did you know there's something inside you?  Tiny, yet powerful, too."

I am Rare is told through the lens of a very young boy with an ultra-rare genetic condition.  The author draws directly from her own child's experience and her desire to create a story in which children with rare conditions can finally see themselves reflected.    Written in lyrical, gentle prose, the book begins by introducing genes as "a blueprint that grows to a great work of art."  From there, it explains how genes shape our specific traits, like how our hair may grow curly or straight or whether we grow up to be tall or short. The story introduces the idea of genetic mutations in a way that is accessible and reassuring for young readers.  It emphasizes that some people's genes work differently, and that differences should be celebrated.  That rarity is something special. 

There is a playful comparison made between rare genes and the mutations that give superheroes their powers.  The positive messaging of the story is very clear, that each child has a unique beauty and inner glow, and that uniqueness is its own kind of superpower.  Overall, a wonderful story to build empathy.  Marcin Piwowarki's watercolor illustrations are gorgeous and add a warmth to the messaging.  I also appreciated the thoughtful additions at the back of the book, including a note for parents and teachers, a glossary of vocabulary words, and the discussion questions for extending the conversation.  Highly recommend this for a preschool classroom or library.  My review copy will be donated to my public library.  

**A huge thank you to Books Forward for the review copy in exchange for an honest review**