Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic by Susie Spikol , illustrated by Renia Metallinou

Forest Magic For Kids:  How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook up an Elfin Picnic by Susie Spikol, illustrated by Renia Metallinou 
Publisher:  Gibbs Smith
Format:  Hardcover ARC
Number of pages:   144 pages
Publishing:  April 1st, 2025 
Source:  Media Masters

Opening Lines from Preface:  "I love science, especially anything to do with nature.  I was one of those kids who spent time on my hands and knees watching anthills, rescuing worms, turning over logs in search of slugs, and spying on bumblebees."

Forest Magic is a non-fiction book brimming with over fifty activities designed to encourage children to explore the magic of nature and most importantly to go outdoors.  The preface highlights the authors passion for stories like the one about a "spider who saved her dear pig..."  and a certain "chubby bear" from the Hundred Acre Woods.  An emphasis is put on nature being filled with science, mystery and wonder, while also encouraging the reader to use their imagination and creativity.  It's a really nice blend of mythical creatures like fairies and gnomes, with real life activities like making sun tea or spore prints.  The book not only will get children interested in nature but also gives them a guide for things to explore like trees, mushrooms and the possibility of secret tunnels and worlds.  I was inspired to go on a nature walk, and to try out a few activities because they look like such fun.   

In the introduction the reader is prompted to create a notebook to record their adventures and given an essential list of tools for their nature search.  The book is broken down into six chapters of areas to explore, The Green Team (trees, leaves and wildflower magic), A Wild Forage (magical potions, pixie dust and an elfin picnic), Mysterious Mushrooms (toadstools, fairy circles and fox fire fungus), Forest Folk (gnomes, homes and wee little mice), Secret Places (hidden forts, and small worlds) and finally Three Ways to Make a Gnome, Fairy, Peep or Any Small Magical Being. 

Included at the back of the book is a list of resources for each chapter, including books suggestions to explore the topics in greater depth, where to find items needed for the activities and further ways to expand on an activity.  Like prompting the reader to do an online search for other designs that have been used to make a solar oven.

Each chapter is really well organized with lots of relevant details.  Theres a summary of the place to explore, a description of what skills are being focused on, what to bring, next steps and a quest fest that felt similar to going on a scavenger hunt.   It is important to know that there is a substantial amount of text in this seemingly small book, but it is both interesting and adds to each story.  The book would make for a wonderful read and exploration for children and their parents to do together.  I would have loved this back when I was in the girl scouts.

Definitely would inspire any nature loving child and outdoor enthusiast.  The cover has instant kid appeal, and the interior artwork is bright, whimsical and will have kids asking to look for fairy circles and gnome homes.    Here's a link to the author's webpage where she has a wonderful video where you can see images from the book and the activities on the pages.  Forest Magic Video

**A huge thank you to Media Masters for the Hardcover ARC in exchange for an honest review.**    

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Alice McKinley

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Alice McKinley

Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   208 pages
Publishing:   April 15th, 2025 (first published by Walker Books UK 3/7/24)
Source:  Edelweiss+

Opening Lines:  "Winnifred Potts sat at her kitchen table and eyed the precious jar in front of her."

Five weeks ago, Callie and her father moved from their comfortable flat in London, to the countryside of Northern Ireland due to his new job.  Since then, Callie has had difficulty adjusting, she's been most unkind to her father, and "wallowing" in her sadness over her mother's passing three years ago.  She's heartbroken that she had to leave her best friend, Mia behind.  Her father is even refusing to take her to Mia's birthday party, despite the two girls sharing such a close friendship.

One night, a house suddenly crash-lands upside down in the garden outside Callie's window.  Callie catches a glimpse of a woman who, when spotted disappears along with the house. As Callie delves deeper into their mysterious disappearance, she encounters Sam, a neighboring boy on his own quest. The next day, Callie receives a letter from Winnifred, the owner of the house who asks for Callie's help in finding her lost Wanderdust, the magic that powers her magical artifacts.  Without it, Winnifred is doomed.

Sam is comfortable being outside in nature, he's an adventurer and knowledgeable about the history of his town.  Whereas this is a totally new experience for Callie.   Callie expresses a lot of sadness and homesickness for London, and she's lost all of her adventurous spirit, before she would've loved searching for the Wanderdust.  But now, she feels like she left behind her extended family of friends, neighbors, and her support system.  Now, neighbors are invited over but before they just came by to visit.  Her sadness and upheaval of emotions are the source of Winnifred's troubles and it's imperative that Callie must learn that it's possible to miss something that you've lost while also leaving room for something new.  That home isn't a place, it's the people who you carry with you in your heart.    

Winnifred and Sam made a wonderful pair.  He's exactly what she needs in a new friend, and I really enjoyed his map of the Seven Wonders of the Mourne Mountains, with its whimsical locations like The Leprechaun Tunnel and Smuggler's Cove.  Winnifred is also quite amusing with her magicked items, like My Never-Ending-Ever Thinning-Multi-Adjustable-Poking-Device.  What a mouth full!  Plus, having Winnifred's house and the Wonderdust acting as a sort of character of their own makes for some amusing moments, but you'll have to read the book to discover how.  At the back of the book are the definitions of the various magical items, and even a recipe for Drizzleberry pie.  I'd say this is on the younger side of middle grade and will appeal to kids looking for a quick read, who enjoy quirky characters, fantasy, a little adventure and can relate to Callie's homesickness.  The black and white illustrations by Alice McKinley are lovely and there are even hints at a possible sequel. 

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

The Hotel Balzaar A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo , Júlia Sardà (Illustrator)

The Hotel Balzaar A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Júlia Sardà 

Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format:  Ebook
Number of pages:   176 pages
Hardcover Published:  October 1st, 2024 and paperback releasing 9/25
Source:  Edelweiss +

Opening Lines: "In March of that year, Marta and her mother arrived at Hotel Balzaar."

Over the past few weeks I've had some more free time than usual and started to peruse Edelweiss + for upcoming books.  To my delight Hotel Balzaar caught my eye, it seems the paperback is releasing in September.  Being a fan of Kate DiCamillo's books, I instantly sat down to read the book.

Marta's mother has just been hired as a maid at the Hotel Balzaar and they've taken up residence in a little room in the attic.  While Marta's mother cleans the rooms, Marta is to stay as quiet as a mouse, and under no circumstance is she to disturb the guests.  But what's a young girl to do all day to keep herself busy?  Marta tries to abide by her mother's wishes, but often she makes her way down the back stairs to the lobby where she chats with the bellman,  makes her rounds looking at a painting, studying the hotel's grandfather clock and dreaming of the day her father will be found and can finally come back to her, a secret she hasn't even shared with her mother.

One day, just before noon a countess arrives at the hotel with a parrot (Blitzkoff) perched on her shoulder.  The countess offers to tell Marta a story, seven stories in all beginning with the story of a general.  Marta is at first apprehensive of going to the countesses room, but as she listens to each story she finds herself mesmerized in learning how each story is connected and by the promise of each story building from the last.  Are the countesses stories also somehow connected to her father?  Then before the countess can reveal her final story, she disappears and Marta is left wondering if she's been lied to from the very beginning.

Kate DiCamillo's books are always a treat to read and Hotel Balzaar is defiantly something special.  This would make for a wonderful read aloud or book for a parent to read with their child so that the meaning of words like "beguiling and brilliance" can be further explained.  The story has a lovely repetitive quality at the beginning with a repetition of the lines where Marta is looking at the grandfather clock with the cat chasing the mouse and the angel wing painting, adding on climbing down the back stairs and further exploration of the hotel.  There's something comforting about these repeated lines. 

Marta's mother begins to share things that were left behind in peoples rooms with her, an empty perfume bottle and then a pair of slippers.  But the countesses stories bring Marta questions.  Questions about her father and how he is going to find them since they've moved from their previous home.  Questions about the meaning of each story and their connection to her.  Marta places hope in these stories and the answers that they might provide her.  As a reader, I was vested in putting the pieces together too.  Answers do finally come and its revealed through the idea of light seeping through the countesses stories.  

The black and white illustrations really add to the story and I love the one that shows the different floors of the hotel, where each person is and what they're doing.  Such fun.  Included at the back of the ebook where discussion question that prompted the reader to think about the historical time period, like why there were different rules for different people or why Marta's mom kept her hair up during the day only brushing it at night.  Even posing questions on the literal and figurative meanings of various events and prompting the reader to reflect on stereotypes and war.  Overall, this is a beautiful addition to Kate DiCamillo's other books and made for a very enjoyable read.                  

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

The Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita Review

Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita
Publisher:  Sourcebooks
Format:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   307 pages
Publishing:  March 25th, 2025
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "The tide brought back many things, but this was the first time it brought back a person..." 

Days after turning twelve-years old, Everly "Benny" Benedict receives news that she is the sole heir to her five-time great grandmother's fortune, including her hotel in Greenport, New York.  This is wonderful news for Benny and her mother, as after the death of her current grandmother, her mom has been barely making ends meet at her job waitressing.  Unfortunately, there is one small stipulation in the will, Benny most follow a series of clues and solve riddles in order to receive her inheritance.  With a two-week clock ticking, Benny uses a letter written in the 1800's addressed directly to her, to set out to solve the mystery regarding the location of a secret island and to break the curse that was cast 200-years ago.  Benny receives help from Wally, the hotels caretaker, Thea a local historian and her grand-daughter Zara, as well as Ryan one of the local business owners' sons.  Together the trio begin canvasing the island and hotel for information about this mysterious island, and to locate the next clue.  

The Isle of Ever alternates between present day and 1825 in order to explain how Evelyn "Sparrow" Terry, Benny's great grandmother and her best friend come to find the mysterious island off the coast of Greenport, Long Island and their first encounter with Captain Jonas Trimble, a pirate captain.  The story is a wonderful adventure/mystery that will keep you guessing.  With a tagline line of the Pirates of the Caribbean meets Tuck Everlasting you can see why. 

The story is equal parts fantasy and historical fiction with a focus on the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1825 and Blood Orange Moons.  The pacing was perfect, having everything set around a two-week time frame helped keep things moving along.  The stakes were high because if Benny couldn't find the island's location, she would forfeit her inheritance, and she really doesn't want to go back to a life of financial instability.  The prospect of owning the hotel was also really important to Benny as she wants nothing more than to drop roots and continue her new friendship with Zara and Ryan.

Calonita wonderfully weaves in Evelyn's letter's, diary, journal entries, articles, and texts to tell her story.  The flashes between present and past come together naturally.    There is so much fun to be had in following the trio with hunting for clues, solving the puzzles and riddles, I was reminded of The Westing Game.  Unfortunately, the story ends on a cliff hanger, so we'll have to wait for the sequel's release.  Overall, this was a wonderful new series from the author of Fairy Tale Reform School, Secrets of My Hollywood Life and the Royal Academy Series.     

**A huge thank you to Sourcebooks for the paperback ARC**

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

    

              

    

 

Paper Dragons #2: The Rise of the Sand Spirits by Siobhan McDermott Review

The Rise of the Sand Spirits by Siobhan McDermott
Publisher:  Delacorte Press
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   465 pages
Publishing:  March 11th, 2025
Source:  Banholzer PR

Opening Lines:  "Zhi Ging leaped to the shore, pebbles scattering beneath her feet."

Hok Woh is the underwater realm of the immortals, where Zhi Ging aspires to train as an apprentice to the Silhouette's.  To succeed, she must complete twelve challenging trials.  The first two test her skills in perception and recall.  The second book in the series begins with Zhi Ging's quest to find Reishi, a Silhouette Scout and her friends who were possessed by an evil spirit.  Her travels take her beyond the school and lead to her confronting a new adversary, the Matchmakers and Sand Spirits, but just who is controlling them is under debate.  Some believe it is Ami who initially was trapped under a waterfall and has questionably escaped, others believe it is the Fui Gwai or evil spirit who kidnapped the Silhouettes with Thralls, and yet some believe it is Zhi Ging acting as the Fui Gwai.    

The Rise of the Sand Spirits has an exciting, action-packed opening, but slows down in the middle when Zhi Ging returns to resume her training at Hok Woh and the focus shifts to the students recovering from being frozen, and the continued drama with Iridill.  I greatly admired Zhi Ging's determination to uncover the truth about the Sand Spirits, as well as her willingness to place herself in danger to assist her friends.  The strengths of this book lie in its intriguing magic, the addition of Malo, a little troublemaking phoenix, the school and the challenges that the apprentice's undergo.  I found myself wanting to know more about the Floating Markets and the Chinese folklore and mythology that this story is partially based off.  Finally, I enjoyed that the bullying of Zhi Ging that was present at the beginning of the book began to soften, and she began to get some answers to her questions, as well as gained insight into her past.  The story ends with a huge reveal, so I would recommend starting with The Fight for the Hidden Realm.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series. 

**A huge thank you to Banholzer PR for the E-ARC**

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

Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Ofride

Heidi:  A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden, illustrations by Ofride

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   160 pages
Publishing:  March 11th, 2025
Source:  Edelweiss+

Summary from Publisher:  

When young Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in a small shepherd’s hut in the Swiss Alps, everyone expects him to turn her away. He has a bad reputation: mean, growly, and harsh as the cold mountain winds. But Heidi is quick to take on any challenge, whether it’s keeping an eye on the rebellious goats, learning to read, or melting Grandfather’s icy heart.
 
Heidi’s adventures take her up and down her beloved mountain, from picnics in the high alpine meadows all the way to the distant streets of Frankfurt and a city life she could never have imagined. But when homesickness strikes, Heidi must weigh old friendships with new ones and find her place in an expanding world.
 
Given new life as a graphic novel in artist Ofride’s warm, folk art–inspired style, Heidi celebrates the joy of storytelling, the wonders of nature, and the healing power of kindness.

My Review:     The artwork in Heidi is absolutely stunning.  The illustrations feature bright pastel hues, with lovely shades of blue and green for the sky, leaves and grass.  The Swiss Alps are depicted so perfectly, rising majestically across the pages with wildflowers scattered along the mountainside and fun pages of Peter herding the goats.   It evokes memories of watching The Sound of Music, particularly the iconic scene where Maria is twirling in the meadow. 

Key scenes from the original classic are present, like Aunt Dete bringing Heidi to live with her grandfather in the Alps, his initial awkwardness and gruffness with her being left with him and how they gradually soften and warm up to one another.  The illustrations beautifully depict rural life, the changing seasons, and the contrast between Heidi's time in the mountains versus living in the city with Clara.           

Included within the book is a bibliography of Johanna Spyri, a photograph of the original cover of the German edition of Heidi's Lehr-Und Wanderjahre (Heidi's Year of Wandering and Learning).  There's a map of Switzerland, helpful information about Swiss folklore, crafts, and celebrations as well as descriptions of the plants and animals found in the Alps.  There's even a list of the various adaptations that have been made of the classic book, to include games and movies.  Such a wonderful story and I can't wait to purchase my own copy.   

 Other graphic novel adaptions by Mariah Marsden include The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables.  I'm looking forward to reading these as well very soon.

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

Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Publisher:  Charlesbridge Moves
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   256 pages
Publishing:   February 18th, 2025
Source:  Blue Slip Media

Opening Line: "Anybody can forget to wear shoes at school."

From a young age, Angus could quote Shakespeare and now even dreams about producing a Werewolf Hamlet play for his fifth-grade legacy project.  But lately, he's been most concerned about his older brother, Liam and all the changes that he has been going through.  Liam has been sneaking out at night, snapping at Angus for no reason, and becoming increasingly more difficult to interact with.  In addition, Liam and his parents are frequently arguing.  Their family has been facing financial difficulties lately too, leading to considerable tension regarding the next steps. His older sister, Hannah, is feeling frustrated and is considering moving to Maine, while their younger sister hasn't fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

Angus believes that if he can persuade Liam to come to his play, he will have the opportunity to show him how much he's changed and maybe he'll even be able to get his older brother back.  Angus is a genuinely kind and caring boy who just wants his brother to be the one he knew.  The one who taught him everything he knows about Houdini and how to make a superb Shakespeare insult.  I certainly felt a lot of sympathy for how Angus was feeling. 

Each chapter highlights a little conversation between Liam and Angus, it's a nice way of highlighting the closeness that they once shared.    Along the way, Angus enlists the help of some of his fellow classmates.  I quite enjoyed Conner, the new boy at school who desperately missed living in Alabama and who keeps saying that they're going to be going back real soon.  This is a story about ultimately coming to the realization that we can't truly "fix" someone else.  That sometimes we need to listen and hope that someone can find their own way back.

** A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E- ARC 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