The Brave Fuzzy: A Microbiome Story by Eliana Miao and Pen & Pipette, illustrated by Johanna Gousett

The Brave Fuzzy:  A Microbiome Story by Eliana Miao and Pen & Pipette, illustrated by Johanna Gousett
Publisher: Pen & Pipette
Published:  September 29th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source:  Books Forward and the Publisher
Opening Line:  "Take a pause. Listen closely. You might make out the faint rustle of a village by the river."  

In a village by the river, the blue fuzzies are very busy at work.  From time to time, wild storms sweep through, damaging their homes.  Although they are grateful to rebuild afterward, they recognize that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a home. 

One day, an orange fuzzy arrives in the village.  At first, the blue fuzzies are hesitant to accept the newcomer.  However, one "brave fuzzy" reaches out in friendship, recognizing that the orange fuzzy seems lonely and believing that everyone deserves to be seen and valued.  As the two fuzzies begin working together, more fuzzies arrive.  Soon there are a diverse group of fuzzies all contributing to help prepare for the next storm. Through their combined efforts, the village grows stronger.  Vines begin to sprout throughout the community, helping protect from future storms.  

The Brave Fuzzy was written by Eliana Miao and is credited to Pen & Pipette, a literary nonprofit she founded while in high school.  Its mission is to ignite a passion for science in children through teen-led classroom visits for students in PreK through second grade that introduces STEM concepts in engaging ways.   To learn more, visit penandpipette.org    

The first thing that captured my attention while reading The Brave Fuzzy was the gorgeous watercolor artwork by Johanna Gousett.  The illustrations are so warm and inviting and I love how they beautifully capture the gentle nature of the fuzzies.  I especially appreciated how one fuzzy recognizes the orange fuzzies loneliness and that the response is to reach out in friendship.  The message of empathy and inclusion really stood out to me and is one of the book's greatest strengths. 

At the back of the book, the authors explain that the fuzzies represent the microbes that live inside our bodies.  Readers learn that these microbes collectively form the microbiome, which plays an important role in digestion and communicates with the body in ways to improve your health.  The book emphasizes the importance of "feeding your fuzzies" by eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables so they can thrive.

I found the connection between the fuzzies and the microbes to be an imaginative and accessible way to introduce this complex scientific concept to young children.  My only wish was that more of the scientific information had been woven into the story itself rather than presented separately in the back matter.  Overall, I thought The Brave Fuzzy is a charming story with appealing illustrations and messages that emphasize kindness, while introducing children to the concept of the microbiome.  It is both an educational and enjoyable read.  

**A huge thank you to Books Forward and the Publisher for the E-book in exchange for an honest review.**

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star by Kaz Windness

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star by Kaz Windness
Publisher: Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster
Publishing:  October 27th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   48 pages
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line:  "Bitsy Bat woke up to a white world outside." 

Bitsy Bat wakes up to her first snowfall.  Usually, her family hibernates for the winter, but this year the snow arrived early.  She's excited to try all the fun winter activates with her friends from school.  However, playing in the snow turns out to be cold and wet, and sledding is much scarer than she imagined.  

Bitsy then goes inside where she worries that her friends won't like her anymore.  Then she finds Enzo the owl and Mo in the reading nook.  They explain that they like the snow, but not necessarily playing in it.  Slowly, Bitsy realizes that it's okay not to like the same things as everyone else.  Sometimes it's more important to be honest about how we really feel.        

According to the publisher's description, this third installment in the popular Bitsy Bat series is told from an autistic perspective and celebrates the qualities that make each individual shine.  Extensive backmatter provides information about autism, including terms and definitions that explain neurodivergence, what autistic masking is, and the importance of showing empathy to others.  An author's note shares the authors experiences as a person with autism and what she hopes readers will take away from the story.  Overall, this is an adorable book that delivers a beautiful message about friendships that support what makes us different.  It would make a cozy winter read-aloud while encouraging empathy and inclusion. 

**A huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for the hardcover in exchange for an honest review.**

The Adventures of Odysseus: A Graphic Novel of The Odyssey by Nicolás Schuff, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson and translated by Lawrence Schimel

The Adventures of Odysseus by Nicolás Schuff, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson and translated by Lawrence Schimel 
Publisher:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  October 27th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book via Edelweiss+ 
Number of pages:   194 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads:  "Now that the Trojan War is over, Odysseus can't wait to reunite with his family. He sets sail and expects to be home in just a few weeks—but over ten years of adventure lie ahead! Can the hero and his crew survive singing Sirens, escape witches and nymphs, outwit a man-eating Cyclops, and make it home to Ithaca at last?" 

Opening Lines: "In this book you will find a new version of a very famous story, known as the Odyssey, which is almost three thousand years old and was told for the first time in ancient Greece."

It's wonderful to see so many graphic novel adaptations of Homer's Odyssey being published.  They make this classic tale much more accessible to young readers.   I recently finished reading the deluxe edition by Gareth Hinds and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I was eager to pick up this version as well.  Nicolás Schuff's retells Odysseus's epic journey after he incurs the wrath of Poseidon, daringly escapes from a Cyclops and as he faces various other obstacles and dangers.  Through it all, Odysseus remains determined to return to his beloved wife.

The artwork is distinctive, featuring full-page illustrations in a striking color palette of burnt orange, yellow, red, black and shades of blue.  Despite depicting violent events, such as the blinding of the Cyclops, deaths of Odysseus's men, and the killing of animals, the illustrations feel more playful than frightening.  Rather than showing graphic details, the artist uses crossed-out eyes to indicate when characters have died. Each page also contains a substantial amount of text, making this adaptation suited to readers who are ready for a more in-depth retelling.  I especially appreciated the descriptions that accompany each newly introduced god or goddess and felt they helped the reader to keep track of the many figures from Greek mythology.   This is an engaging introduction to The Odyssey that would work well in both classrooms and libraries.  With its blend of adventure, mythology and excitement I can see young readers who enjoyed Percy Jackson enjoying this too. 

**A huge thank you to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for the E-book via Edelweiss + in exchange for an honest review.**

10 Billion Spheres: A Rather Inconvenient Guide to the Multiverse Jordan Bridger

10 Billion Spheres:  A Rather Inconvenient Guide to the Multiverse by Jordan Bridger
Publisher:  Independently Published
Published:  July 21st, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   129 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.
Opening lines from prologue:  "WARNING:  This is one of those annoyingly self-aware books where the narrator feels the need to jump in and share his two cents.  Sorry it's the way of the universe."

The prologue introduces the World Finder, whose job is to navigate Kismet, a sphere of chaos.  Serving as the story's narrator, he observes the universe through a telescope known as the Sphere-Seer, and somewhat amusingly, he has a weakness for ice cream.  It is the World Finder who witnesses a "disturbing event that involves a murder.  A mystery.  Two annoying teenagers and a band of very awkward heroes." Intrigued by what he sees, he becomes determined to help the children on their quest. 

From there we meet two alien orphans, Isra and Arwen, who are on the run after their parents, researchers of the Breite Esfera Levem, mysteriously vanished.  In their sorrow, the siblings create a storm that begins following them.  After witnessing a holographic image containing ancient script and the three cryptic words, they see a ship fall from the sky.

The siblings soon find themselves swept into a topsy-turvy adventure that includes a Forever Ship where time moves differently, they receive a cryptic message from the voice of their deceased grandfather, travel to the InterMedia, across Space and enter a mirror universe where they encounter a solar amphibian king and a Phorusrhacid bird-like creature that can teleport.   Their quest to uncover the truth about their parents takes them from "HERE to THERE, which is HERE now" and through a series of absurd and comical destinations to unlock a keyhole in the sky that sucks them through a vortex.  Just to name a few of their various destinations.    

 10 Billion Spheres: A Rather Inconvenient Guide to the Multiverse feels a bit like what I image reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams would be like, with its humor and wildly imaginative settings.  It also shares some of the clever wordplay found in The Phantom Tollbooth, including the personification of History. 

The constant shift in locations however left me with mixed feeling about the story's direction, and I was disappointed by the abrupt ending.  While the story aims to highlight the friendships that develop among this unlikely band of heroes, I didn't feel there was quite enough time to establish those relationships.  As a result, I never connected with the main characters as deeply as I would have liked.  Since this is only the first installment in a planned twelve-book series, some of the story's threads are clearly being set up for future volumes.  That said, I enjoyed the World Finder's narration and am interested to see how the various characters and storylines will eventually converge.  Included at the back of the book is A Rather Inconvenient Field Guide to the Multiverse, with a list of terms and definitions and the directions for to How to Play Grave Robbers From Outer Space.  

I Need Space by Molly Harris , illustrated by Jon Corby

I Need Space by Molly Harris, illustrations by Jon Corby
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books & Simon and Schuster
Publishing:  October 27th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book, Hardcover
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rocco loves playing with his friends in their big outer space playground, they can slide, swing and even use the merry go round.  But playtime for Rocco has become chaotic with some not following the rules.  Continuously dealing with the hoggers, line-cutters, toy stealer's and roughhouser's, Rocco finally had enough and he blasts off to the edge of the solar system before he loses his cool.  After a few moments of floating in silence and a chance to reflect, he is finally ready to return to his friend and figure out ways for everyone to have fun together on the playground.

I Need Space is an adorable social-emotional learning book that introduces the idea of boundaries, showing how situations can sometimes be stressful or overwhelming, and that coping may require taking a break or using different relaxation strategies.  I can see this as being super helpful in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classroom as it is super engaging with its vibrant colorful illustrations by Jon Corby and is very informative in providing practical strategies that younger children will understand and can implement.  I absolutely adore the illustrations where Rocco and his friend are modeling making up their own games and respecting the rules of the playground.  I also love how these two pages show how Rocco was once happy and becomes irritated and overwhelmed by rule breakers.  How in the end he internally realizes that he needs to make a change.  This is such a valuable teaching tool and will certainly open up discussions about sharing and the value of stepping away to take a break.   

  

MOLLY HARRIS is the author of picture books The Big Squeeze, Whirby, and I Need Space.  She is a technical writer by trade who enjoys world traveling and working on too many projects at once. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and two sons. Visit her at MollyHarrisBooks.com.

JON CORBY is an illustrator and children’s book designer. He earned his BFA in illustration from Syracuse University and is currently based in Pennsylvania. I Need Space is his debut picture book. Learn more about his work at JonCorbyArt.com. 

Have You Seen Axel? by Adam Jay Epstein, illustrations by Ruth Chan

Have You Seen Axel?  by Adam Jay Epstein, illustrations by Ruth Chan
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  October 20th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line:  "Before we start our look and find, we need to pick someone to find."

Have You Seen Axel? begins with a narrator choosing Gordon as the character readers must find.  Suddenly, Axel the axolotl decides that it is her turn to hide instead.  The problem is that Axel is a little too good at hiding and becomes impossible to find.  With a bit of coaching from the narrator, she learns how to make herself easier to spot.  Before long, however, Axel grows tired of being the star of the story and declares that she's done playing.  The narrator isn't ready to give up quite so easily and soon discovers that they have a lesson to learn about manners and respecting boundaries.    

A companion to Have You Seen Gordon?,  this humorous seek-and-find book features a main character who is almost too talented at hide-and-seek.  Each double-page spread is packed with animals and activity in settings such as a grocery store, a park, a swimming pool and even a planetarium.  There is plenty to explore on every page. Readers can count the number of ducks on a pond, play a game of I spy, search for humorous details hidden in the illustrations, like someone slipping on cans in the grocery store.  Or simply enjoy describing the zany and chaotic scenes on the page.

Beneath the humor, the story offers a thoughtful message about personal boundaries and the importance of speaking up when something doesn't feel right.  The engaging seek-and-find elements makes for an entertaining and interactive read-aloud.           

Mo Farah, the Boy Who Ran to Be Free by Seema Yasmin

Mo Farah, the Boy Who Ran to Be Free by Dr. Seema Yasmin, illustrated by Noha Habaieb

Publisher:  Salaam Reads and Simon&Schuster
Published:  September 29th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   85 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "This book tells the story of Olympic Champion Mo Farah."

Hussein Abdi Kahin was born in Somaliland.  When he was four years old, war broke out in his country.  To protect him and his brother, their mother sent the boys to live with family in Djibouti.  At the age of nine, a mysterious woman appeared and offered to take the brothers to Europe.  At first, the brothers were excited by the prospect of playing sports there, but when only Hussein was taken and given a new name, Mo Farah began to worry.

Unbeknownst to Mo, he had been trafficked.  He was forced into a life of servitude by the woman who took him.  He was not allowed to leave her apartment and was expected to perform all the housework while caring for her children.  For four years, he endured this life until the woman finally allowed him to attend school on the condition that he never reveal his true identity.  Born with dyslexia, Mo struggled academically, but his passion for running kept him going.  Eventually, he confided in his coach, and when he became an adult, the truth about his trafficking ordeal was revealed.  

Mo Farah, the Boy Who Ran to Be Free is the second book in the Muslim Mavericks chapter book series.  Written with a lyrical quality, it vividly captures Mo's childhood, his struggles in school, and his remarkable journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist.  It is an inspiring and uplifting story about a young boy who overcame tremendous obstacles, achieved his dream of winning Olympic gold medals, and was eventually reunited with his birth mother and twin brother.

Mo showed incredible bravery in coming forward with his story and remarkable resilience in pursing his dream of competing in the Olympics.  The author's note explains how Mo Farah received his name and why he did not feel safe in revealing his true identity for many years.  It also describes how he was forced to live under a false story for most of his life.  The author notes that the book is based on public interviews, documentaries and news reports.  She also explains that while the events are rooted in documented facts, some scenes reflect what Mo "may have been thinking or feeling at the time" and are therefore interpretations rather than firsthand accounts.  The black and white illustrations by Noha Habaieb complement the text and children who enjoy sports-themed books are likely to find this an engaging and inspiring read.

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