The Unraveling #1 The Counsel of Crows by Karl Buechner , Jeremy Mueller and Keith Ward

 The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows by Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller and Keith Ward
Publisher:  Th3rd World Studios (3WS Books)
Format:  E-book
Number of pages:   296 pages
Publishing:  May 20th, 2025 
Source:  Media Masters Publicity

Opening Lines: "Jagged branches of lightning flashed through the rolling clouds as the storms fury broke over the forest."

When his peaceful village falls under siege by the ruthless Fortress Crows, a young chickadee named Twig becomes their prey, desperately fleeing the clutches of General Traeton and the formidable sorceress Koshmara.  Injured and weary, Twig finds sanctuary with the most unexpected of allies—a crow named Scarecrow.  It is within the safety of Scarecrow's sanctuary that Twig learns the story behind the creation of Koshmara's winged army- and uncovers her chilling plans for the total destruction of bipeds and the creation of a new world under her reign.

Meanwhile, a cunning bard named Bozwell, accompanied by his mischievous two tumblers, Eca and Ayu, unknowingly arrives in Sky Village just as the Queen was abducted by General Traeton and his ruthless army.  Determined to rescue her, the trio is joined by Evelyn, a warrior from the Queen's guard.  Together, they embark on a harrowing and daring mission to storm the Crow's Fortress and rescue the Queen.

The Unraveling is the first book in the Counsel of Crows, which I'm hoping will become a series.  I've heard it described as an "animal liberation" story which ties in with the sorceresses desire for freedom and revenge and the bard and his trio's wanting to release the Queen from her prison.  I'm going to try and not go into much detail so as not to give away too many spoilers.  So I'll talk more about my overall impressions. 

Twig and Scarecrow have this wonderful chemistry and sharing of ideals.  It's almost a grandfather/grandson relationship.  Scarecrow is just this wonderful philosophical mage, who imparts the history of the bipeds, the All-Spirit and what sent Koshmara on her quest for domination.  There's lots of mentorship, encouragement and imparting of knowledge, with moments of levity.  Like how Scarecrow was able to hear Twig's thoughts and amusingly snuck in to listen without Twig always being aware.  There's also these Harry Potter and the pensieve vibes that I enjoyed as Twig was able to visit moments from the past.     Though, I must admit that I was a little disappointed that Twig sort of takes on a secondary role while with Scarecrow, but perhaps with the ending that occurs, it's a means of showing what even the smallest can accomplish.

Bozwell and his trio were by far my favorite.  Most of the action occurs on their quest and I really enjoyed following along with them.  The various obstacles and creatures they encounter were interesting.  Randall the magician possum was also memorable.  Each chapter shifted between the events with Twig and then back to Bozwell's quest, with fairly equal time between the two.   

The story reflects on the evils that man has done to the world, by deforestation, animal exploitation and the pollution of the air and waters.  It's not in a heavy handed way, but is more of a reminder of how our choices have consequences.  That we all have a shared responsibility of protecting our environment.  The authors balance this with the concept of whether it's ok to judge all of a species based on the actions of one individual.  That not all individuals are inherently evil and there needs to be a place for empathy, love and forgiveness.  Which is difficult given that Koshmara resembles Darth Vadar when she brutally kills and injuries another one of the characters, expressing no remorse over her actions.  

Overall, I really enjoyed the adventure, themes and am looking forward to read more books in the series.  The black and white illustrations by Zulfikar Rachman and Michael DeVito added to the story, I just wish there were more.  Read this if you've enjoyed Wartership Down, Redwall, or the Secret of NIMH.  I'd even add some Sky Pirates by Paul Stewart and Chris Ridell.  This is a timely read for Earth Day, and would tie in nicely with the books themes.    

It's MMGM with a review of Vanishings: The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series, Book One Catharina Steel

Vanishings: The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series by Catharina Steel
Publisher:  SparkPress
Format:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   272 pages
Publishing:  May 20th, 2025
Source:  Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "Sadness pulled at her as she studied the bony body of the old man-his tattered clothes barely covering his fragile frame-lying on a cold, hard surface."

Tilly's cousin Michael ventured into the woods for a hike and disappeared a year ago.  It has been three years since Tilly's parents died in a car accident, and Michael has been her person, the one who helped her navigate through her grief.  Gran refuses to talk about Michael's disappearance, and Tilly fears that no one is actively searching for him.  When word arrives that Opa wishes for her to spend the summer with him in Clayton Forest to study their family's magic, Tilly is thrilled, as the Forest is adjacent to Wythic Wood.  Can this be her opportunity to search for Michael?

Tilly is joined in Clayton Forest by her two cousins, Jess and Zach. They begin exploring the forest soon meeting magical creatures like fairies, gnomes and good witches.  They also receive lessons in potion-making, learn Gobight fighting, a form of goblin martial arts and become attuned to their unique style of magic.  Tilly begins to dream of the old man from the introduction, with each dream adding a new piece of information to the story.  But what exactly are the dreams trying to tell her?  Does this mean that she is a seer like her Oma? 

When Tilly experiences a new vision while awake, she interprets it as an urgent call to rescue Michael and persuades her cousins to venture with her into the Wythic Wood.   Soon the trio are being hunted by weredogs, ravens, and even the Witch of Wythic Wood.  Will they be able to find Michael and safely return to Opa in Clayton Forest?

Vanishings is the first book in the Wythic Wood Mystery series.  It has the feel of Fabelhaven's magical creature preserve, meets Alice in Wonderland's shrinking and growth potion, meets the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West with her winged monkeys/ravens in the current story.  At twelve-years-old, Tilly is a very determined girl, and not easily swayed from her task to rescue Michael.  She's a doer, and she needs answers.  I really enjoyed that her thoughts appear in italics on the page.  Tilly isn't entirely honest with her cousins and withholds a lot of information from them, she means well, but is pretty impulsive.  I also enjoyed how her dream came in little pieces, first just footsteps, and then a key in a lock, etc.  How we are never quite sure what this vision is trying to tell her.

There're facts about mushrooms to include the various types that can be eaten, and which kinds to avoid for being poisonous.  Even a bit about cooking being a bit like potions in terms of adding just the right mix of things.  The magical creatures that are found within Clayton Forest are interesting and don't distract from the plot.  Each character's skills were helpful in getting them through the Wythic Woods or to evade detection.  The story cumulates in a big battle, but I have to admit that I was a little let down with the ending.  Everyone just seems to return home.  So many unanswered questions, like what about the weredog curse?  The hidden elves and ancient magic, what's the wicked witches plans now?  

In the acknowledgements, Steel states that the story was inspired by Enid Blyton, C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll's books.  The next book in the series is Magical Piet: Opa's Origin Story which is available upon following the authors website. Overall, I really enjoyed the adventure and am looking forward to any future books in the series. 

 **A huge thank you to Books Forward for the Paperback 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      

CATHARINA STEEL has an adventurous spirit and enjoys traveling and exploring. The forests in The Wythic Wood Mysteries series stems from her love for hiking, the outdoors, and the enchanting essence found in these settings. She’s had various pets over the years, among them a kid goat called “Billy,” named after the famous “Billy the Kid.” Her current cherished companion is Macherie, a gentle and sweet greyhound. During her leisure time, Catharina enjoys viewing properties, walking in the southwest region of Western Australia where she dwells, reading, sketching, and watching TV series. Find out more about them at www.catharinasteel.com.

Follow Catharina Steel on social media:

Facebook: @CatharinaSteel.Author | Instagram: @catharina_steel_author 

TikTok: @catharinasteel_author 

Youtube: @CatharinaSteel_Author | Goodreads: @Catharina_Steel

The Mood Swing by B.R. Duray

The Mood Swing by B.R. Duray, illustrated by Momes
Publisher:  Moon Tree Studios LLC
Format:  Ebook
Number of pages:   56 pages
Publishing:  June 1st, 2025 
Source:  Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "In a magical land on top of a hill, tied to a Moon Tree, a swing stood still..." 

A magical swing takes Peter on a journey past comets, planets, and stars. It's one of his favorite moments with both his parents by his side. However, when Peter returns a year later, without his father, his experience is not the same.  His ride on the swing, plunges him into a pit of quicksand.  Yet, with some help from his mother, Peter is able to get out.  Peter's mom then reminds him that there is help all around, and his father is never too far, so all he has to do is to look up at the stars.  Encouraged by his mother's words, Peter is able to give the swing another chance.    

The Mood Swing was inspired by the author's experience of losing his father at the age of ten. It's a gently story about the loss of a parent and the accompanying feelings of sadness, despair and grief.  I really enjoyed how the story conveyed Peter's loss of interest in the magical swing when his father died, something that once brought him great joy and adventure.  Peter was trying to be brave, but his emotions had him twirled up in knots.  The illustration of Peter falling into the pit of quicksand was my favorite as the words twirled in a circle around the edges of the pit.   I also loved that the rope that pulls him out of the pit is made of pure love. 

Death of a parent is a difficult topic to broach with children and yet it's important for them to know that they aren't alone in what their feeling.  The idea of there being help all around, including guardian angles looking down from above, is also a comforting sentiment.  The illustrations by Momes beautifully convey Peter's emotions, especially with the color choices, or the use of bright colors to reflect his initial joy and the browns of when he is sad. The story is easily relatable to young children and handles the difficult subject with great care.  

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

The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu

 The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu
Publisher:  Quill Tree Books
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   320 pages
Publishing:  April 15th, 2025 
Source:  Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "I'm open. I'm open! I bellow, laughing myself to the three-point line."

Derrick Chan and his best friend, JJ have been playing basketball together since the third grade.  Derrick became the star player of Bayard Middle School after he made the buzzer-beating shot at the state championships. Derrick's dad couldn't be prouder.  Every summer JJ and Derrick make big plans for their vacation to include a shared accomplishment, like the year that they overcame their fear of climbing, learned to swim or made plans to make the varsity team together.  However, this year JJ while be going to basketball camp alone.  Derrick's dad has taken an out-of-town contracting job and Derrick will be moving in with his dad's estranged mom, Grandma Claudia for the summer.

Once Derrick arrives in the town of Heritage, he's initially surprised with how un-grandmotherly like Claudia seems to be.  She likes disco music, has a collection of old playbills and her house is filled with loud colors and textile quilts.  She even has a craft room filled with fabric, a sketch of a beautiful cheongsam and matching dress.  Claudia reveals that she used to have a fabric and alteration shop and still helps out with the Tybee County Queen Bee Junior Pageant.  Soon Derrick meets Claudia's younger friends, Ro a roller derby enthusiast who is entered in the pageant and Ro's friend Giles who is an accomplished photographer.

Derrick helps Claudia with Ro's gown and starts to volunteer with the contestant's for the pageant learning the choreography and filling in for other participants by performing their dance moves.  Derrick grows closer to Ro and Giles and is surprised when Giles confides that he is gay.  At first the three friends have a falling out over Derrick's surprise and initial remarks.  But Derrick apologizes and he reciprocates Giles trust in him by sharing the things that he's hidden from everyone else, including his father and JJ.  His excitement performing on stage, how at home he has secretly worn glittery blue toenail polish in his basketball sneakers to games and how he feels like he's developing feelings for his best friend. 

Derrick also opens up with Claudia that he knows about a postcard that she sent to his mom and how he would really like her to explain what it means.  Although she initially refuses out of respect for his dad's privacy and her desire to have Derrick receive the information from his father.  She says that his dad's story to tell.  Derrick also confides to Claudia that he thinks that he wants to participate in the Queen Bee pageant and asks for her opinion.  Claudia encourages him to find what gives him joy and soon he enters the competition planning to dress in drag, and perform as Bee Daring.  But when Derrick's dad arrives early with JJ can he truly hold on to his dream and let everyone see his true self?

Kyle Casey Chu, also known as Panda Dulce is a founding queen of Drag Story Hour. The Queen Bees of Tybee County is her debut coming-of-age story inspired by her personal experiences growing up as a queer fourth-generation Chinese American drag artist.  This is a joy filled book about finding one's identity, self-love, acceptance, overcoming fear and being brave.  Side plots include characters who experience racism and hazing, to include Derrick being nicknamed "twinkle toes."  The relationships Derrick shares with the other characters are complicated yet realistically portrayed.  Realistic in that not everyone will accept Derrick, but with strong familial supports and friends that accept you no matter what, Derrick has the potential to blaze his own trail.  Derrick's friends, Ro and Giles are incredibly supportive, loving, and encouraging, just absolutely wonderful.  Everyone would be blessed to have friends like them.  

Oh, and Derrick, loved his passion for clothing, makeup, fabric, and designing clothing.  I think I'm a little more like Ro, I don't hate dresses but have never felt the level of comfort or fierceness that Derrick did on stage, well except maybe a little in my wedding dress with someone else doing my makeup and hair.  I loved how Derrick's memories of his mom lingered on in her magazines, nail polish and the smell of ginger from her cooking. (Cigar smoke always makes me think of my grandfather.)  Derrick is thoughtful, nuanced, and trying to figure things out about themselves.  He illustrates how there are many sides to a person and that we don't have to settle with just one.  Derrick is more than just a basketball player, and he can embrace both sports and drag.  Finding one's happiness in the things that give us joy.   A sequel/companion novel is currently planned, which I can't wait to read.  Read this if you've enjoyed Better Nate than Ever, Dumplin' or are interested in stories about pageants, drag, or just need a joyous story about being bold and fierce.  

**A huge thank you to Books Forward for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**

It's MMGM with a review of The Right Call: A Game Changer Companion Novel Tommy Greenwald

The Right Call:  A Game Changer Companion Novel by Tommy Greenwald

Publisher:  Amulet Books
Format:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   272 pages
Publishing:   April 15th, 2025 
Source:  Author and Publisher

Opening Lines: "We have a report of an altercation in the vicinity of Tompkins Park."

Fifteen-year-old Cal Klondike has been playing baseball since he was eight years old with best friend Luis as his catcher.  Cal was recruited to the Walthorne Baseball Academy after his coach, Mr. Tedesco saw him strike out almost all the players in a game.  Cal is supported by his dad, his pitching coach, and trainers.  Lately, he's been under a lot of pressure and has been seeing Mr. Rashad, a guidance counselor.  His stress and feelings of pressure are partially due to the attention he's been receiving from college and professional baseball scouts, but also from his desire to perform well for his dad.  

When an umpire makes what Cal and his team think is a bad call, the tension everyone is feeling worsens significantly.  Cal's dad also sort of flips out when he sees him hitting a few balls in the batting cage at the County Fair, telling him that he's concerned about him getting hurt before the scouts come to watch him play.   

Cal's success seems to be changing him and his dad for the worse.  Following a serious injury, he is forced to take some time off.  His two-month sideline and subsequent return to baseball only culminates in a huge confrontation between his dad and an umpire, where the umpire is then hospitalized, and Cal is left rethinking whether he should continue the sport at all.

The Right Call begins with an initial snippet from a police scanner that an altercation has occurred and someone was injured.  At first the reader doesn't know who or why.  Things then flashback to five months earlier where the story begins to be told through a series of police scanner transcripts, newspaper articles, transcripts of Cal's guidance counselor's sessions, text messages between Cal and his friends, emails, and Cal's internal dialogues or thoughts to "psych himself up" on the mound, that are structured like a poem on the page.  I don't think I've ever seen this style of telling an entire story before, yet it really works.  It reads like a mystery at first and then a chronicling of how things start to go horribly wrong.  But it's also so much more.  There's tension, a clear beginning, middle and nice ending.  The unique style of writing adds a veracity to the story and gives a seriousness to the events.    

I may not be a huge sports person, although I did play a short stint of softball when I was younger, but this story really gripped me.  It's a beautiful story that illustrates the great pressures that can come from playing sports, not only the internal pressure and fear of not performing well, but also how involved that parents can become in their child's success.  Cal was so dedicated to baseball, and it was difficult to see him lose his passion after the events that transpire at his comeback game.  He makes an important point during the story that at first baseball was casual and fun, but quickly that changed.  I felt sorry for him and the pressure he was under.  He really wanted to defend his dad's actions, making excuses for why it was expected that his dad would be upset with the umpire.  While he also felt horrible about what happened.  He even blames baseball for being the source of all his problems, instead of a series of bad decisions.  Mr. Goshen, the umpire in the story is such a wonderfully kind man.  He's instrumental in getting Cal to understand that actions have consequences and the importance of making amends. 

Included at the back of the book is an author's note explaining the inspiration for the story and further suggested readings on referee and umpire abuse, and notes on operation babylift and Rick Ankiel, with accompanying links.  Overall, I appreciated Greenwald's emphasis on how umpires are people who come to umpiring out of a place for the love of the sport.  That there should be no reason to bully or "razz" them by saying they need to get their eyesight checked or that they're too old to ump.  Highly recommend it to readers who enjoy sports themed books, books featuring baseball and for fans of Greenwald's other books, Dinged, Rivals, Game Changers, and his Charlie Joe Jackson series.   

   **A huge thank you to Tommy Greenwald and Amulet Books for the Hardcover 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      

Anjali Can! by Sheetal Sheth , illustrated by Lucia Soto

Anjali Can! by Sheetal Sheth, illustrated by Lucia Soto 
Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers
Format:  Hardcover 
Number of pages:   40 pages
Published:  January 14th, 2025 
Source:  Books Forward

Seven-year-old Anjali loves going to her local community center.  It's where she goes to watch movies with her friends, where she has her tabla classes, and where her parents play cards, but now the center is at risk to close down.  Anjali is determined to not let that happen, so she sets out to get the community involved in protesting the closure.  She makes posters, writes letters, and even gets people to sign a petition, but when she gets to city hall she's disappointed to learn that she's too late they all ready had a hearing.  What's Anjali to do?  

This is the third book in the Always Anjali series written by actor, author and activist Sheetal Sheth.  The story gives kids concrete examples of things they can do to become involved and make changes in their community.  It shows the importance the standing up for what you believe in and that voicing your opinion matters.  The illustrations by Lucia Soto of Anjali reflect her emotions of disappointment, determination, and happiness very well.  Read this with a young child interested in activism or just to show them what one person can do.  

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