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  

My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice

My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice
Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Published:  May 12th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover  
Number of pages:   224 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "So. The ball is five days away, which is either a long time or no time at all, depending on how ready you are."

From Goodreads:  "Amy Middleton isn’t in love with Leo Prince. Not yet. The Senior Year Ball is days away, and he still hasn’t agreed to be her date. But Amy can imagine it all in advance: a night of supreme perfection. She’ll bask in the spotlight in her silver stilettos and designer dress—rose quartz fabric, mermaid skirt, illusion bodice with beaded lace—and when the music starts, Leo will lead her onto the dance floor and into their shining adult lives. 

When he finally says yes, success seems assured, and the night belongs to Amy, arriving on Leo’s tuxedoed arm as planned. But with the buzz of an unexpected text, nothing that happens next will be as it seems—least of all Amy’s carefully choreographed love story."

My Wonderful Disgrace is the second novel from mother-daughter writing duo Angourie and Kate Rice.  The story unfolds through an anonymous letter, text messages between Amy and her friends, student group chats, school newsletters and announcements, police interviews, and Amy's journal entries.  As the story progresses, the events of that disastrous night are slowly revealed.  At first, I wasn't sure I would enjoy a story told via the journal, texts and other snippets of information, but the authors completely drew me in.  The format feels authentic and surprisingly immersive, allowing the mystery to unfold piece by piece.       

Throughout the story, I really felt for Amy.  She finally works up the courage to approach her crush, Leo, and invite him to her party.  When he agrees to take her to the school ball, everything seemed to fall into place.  Unfortunately, from that moment on, just about everything that can go wrong does.  All of Amy's preparations from choosing the perfect dress, styling her hair just right to practicing walking in her new heels seems to be for nothing. 

While I'm never a fan of bullying, and it is painful to witness some of the things Amy experiences, the story tackles its difficult topics with honesty.  There is a lot happening within these pages.  The high school drama, the devastating consequences of the inappropriate photo sharing, themes of privacy, misunderstandings between friends, a student protest that then involves the tragic death of a goat, and an all-around chaotic night that spirals out of control.  Despite all the drama, the novel offers a thoughtful look at the unrealistic expectations often placed on attending this special events. 

Venus Washington Paperback Collected Set: Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama; Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout; Venus Washington, Eye Spy

 Venus Washington Paperback Collected Set: Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama; Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout; Venus Washington, Eye Spy by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Courtney Lovett 
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers 
Published:  September 22nd, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   304 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Venus wants to learn the secret behind her grandma's delicious lasagna recipe so she can help her mama, who has been busy caring for Venus's new baby brother, Zion.  But when the lasagna is ready, grandpa lets it slip that "your grandma put her foot in this lasagna."  Venus takes the expression literally and becomes convinced that the special ingredient must be one of her grandma's toes. 

Horrified by the thought of eating lasagna made with crusty feet, Venus asks her best friend Summer, her worst enemy Winter (who also happens to be Summer's twin), and even her pet hamster to help track down grandma's missing toe.  

  

 Venus's baby brother, Zion, is about to celebrate his first birthday.  Mama and Daddy tell Venus she can help with the decorations, but she interprets that to mean she's in charge of planning the entire party.  Soon she has a long list of ideas, including inviting all of her classmates and their pets, just no parents.  She also decides that every guest should bring a Barbie as a gift and pay an admission fee.  After all, she wants to help daddy save money, so he won't have to "lose an arm and a leg" paying for the party. 

  Venus Washington isn't sure where she got her name.  She was born on Earth and has never even been to Washington.  Then mama tells her that they are going on a special "girl's trip" together. Mama wants the destination to remain a surprise, but daddy accidently let's slip that it has something to do with Venus's name.  Naturally, Venus takes this as proof that she must be part alien.  After all, Daddy is always saying that mama has eyes in the back of her head.  Doesn't that make them both aliens?  Now Venus is determined to uncover the truth, especially when her friends challenge her to prove that mama has an extra set of eyes.    

This three-part paperback collection is super cute.  It's been described as Amelia Bedelia meets Junie B Jones and Dory Fantasmagory.  In each story, Venus takes common expressions literally, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.  Whether she's trying to figure out what it means to be as "hungry as a horse" to the concept of a "spelling bee,"  Venus's conclusions are both well intentioned and funny.

  

Venus turns to her best friend Summer and Summer's twin sister, Winter, for help interpreting the confusing things that adults say.  Their efforts only add to the humor.   Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, this collection is sure to appeal to young readers who enjoy wordplay and silly misunderstandings.  The charming black-and-white illustrations are sprinkled throughout and complement the text beautifully.  

Paper Bag Mask by Brock Heasley

Paper Bag Mask by Brock Heasley
Publisher:  Th3rd World Studios
Publishing:  November 17th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback  
Number of pages:   326 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "At the end of his sixth hour waiting in line, Redmond hung his head in utter frustration, starred at the cold, unfeeling checkout counter, and insisted one more time:  He'd paid for the game system months ago and he was not--under any circumstances--leaving without it."

Redmond has been waiting for three years for Castle Destiny 4's release, and he even stayed up all night playing it.  Therefore, it was no surprise that he could barely keep his eyes open during AP History.  He only half heard Mr. Street when he mentioned the final that would count for 50% of their grade, or the jokes he made about Elodia to the class.   The moment the bell rings, Redmond is ready to hightail it home for another round of game play. 

Unfortunately, his history book slips from his hands and skids under a desk.  There's no way he can leave it behind because of their quiz tomorrow.  As he gets on all fours and scavenges the floor, he spies Mr. Street and Jasmine having a conversation.  When he sees them exchange small baggies, Redmond becomes convinced he has witnessed an illegal drug deal.  Filled with anger and suspicion, Redmond spots Mr. Streets prize possession, the Whomper, sitting on the lectern and impulsively he steals it.

Redmond soon learns that the hottest and most popular girl in school witnessed his theft and even has the photographic evidence.  She proposes that Redmond and his friend's team up with hers to hold the Whomper for ransom.  Before long, the students are plotting an even bigger heist while trying to expose Mr. Street to the entire school.  

This story has definite Ocean's Eleven meets The Breakfast Club vibes.  A group of students from different social circles come together to outsmart their history teacher.  There are the familiar cliques of jocks, popular kids and academic achievers, along with a shared determination to uncover what they believe is the truth about Mr. Street.  One of my favorite parts is the ransom video the students create, complete with the outlandish threats of what they will do to the Whomper if Mr. Street doesn't meet their demands.  The accompanying illustrations depicting the scenes from the video were a highlight of the book for me.  I couldn't help laughing with each new thing they came up with.  Their escalating schemes, however, make it increasingly likely that they'll get caught. 

Redmond is an interesting protagonist.  He genuinely believes that he is doing the right thing by exposing Mr. Street, yet he is also confused about what compelled him to steal the Whomper in the first place.  He jumps to conclusions and gets swept up in the attention that comes with his growing notoriety.  Like The Breakfast Club, the story raises questions about friendship and belonging.  Will this band of misfits still hang out after their prank is over?   It really captures the pressures of high school and the desire to find your crowd. 

Redmond's closest friends are Deep Singh and Alice.  I especially enjoyed Alice's character.  She is very loyal and always tries to look out for her friend's best interest, even when they disagree.  Elodia is equally loyal.  Although she's popular, she doesn't let it define her.   Her friendship with Jasmine is especially important to her and she is willing to support her however she can.  The story occasionally shifts to Alice's and Elodia's perspectives, revealing additional layers to their motivations.  Finally, I really enjoyed the footnotes from our unreliable narrator, which added levity to the story.  Paper Bag Mask is a reimagining of a prank that Brock Heasley and his friends pulled when they were in high school.  It's a delightful story that highlights the importance of forgiveness, taking responsibility for our actions and making amends when we've done something wrong. 

The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow and Lauren Stringer

The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow and Lauren Stringer 
Publisher: Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster
Publishing:  October 7th, 2026
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   40 pages
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line:  "One day, Mole was out walking when he saw a tiny thing."

While out on an autumn walk, Mole discovers a "tiny thing, " or a seed from a dandelion.  He brings the seed home and decorates it with some cloth and paint.  Each day as he goes about his routine, Mole talks, sings, tells stories and confides in his special guest.  When spring finally arrives, Mole takes his friend outside to explore.  Mole begins to build constructions out of flowers, sticks, leaves and flowers.  Each day as he works on something new, more and more animals come to watch.  Soon Mole is telling stories and singing songs to everyone's delight. 

Anyone who has ever made a wish by blowing on a dandelion and watching its feathery seeds dance away on the breeze will delight in reading The Tiny Thing.  With its gentle whimsy and bright, colorful illustrations the story celebrates the wonder than can be found in the smallest of things.  A truly warm and uplifting story of a Mole who with a little courage and a touch of imagination makes new friends. 

Socks & Secret Quests by Triona Murphy, illustrations by James Firnhaber

Socks & Secret Quests by Triona Murphy, illustrations by James Firnhaber
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publishing:  September 29th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback  
Number of pages:   272 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines:  "On days when Peri was being truly honest with herself, she had to admit that being apprenticed to the fabled and mystical shopkeepers wasn't quite as she'd imagined."

Peri and master shopkeeper Hema live in a wandering shop that travels around the kingdom of Genta, outfitting adventurers so that they can succeed on their quests.  Peri is the first person in more than thirty years to be chosen as an apprentice shopkeeper after the Stone of Power indicates that her magic lies in that path.  What she truly wants, though, is to follow in her sibling's footsteps and develop magic for something extraordinary.  Unfortunately, she's still waiting for her abilities to appear.  So far, the only skill she's manifested is the uncanny ability to knit at a remarkable speed.  

Everything changes when a dark wizard appears in the shop, abducts Hema, and plans to use her magic to equip his army and the dark creatures under his control.  Terrified for Hema's safety, Peri rushes after a trio of adventures who were recently in the shop gathering supplies.  She hopes they'll agree to take on a new quest, one that will rescue Hema and stop the wizard before he can put his plans into action. 

Peri is deeply uncertain about what she can contribute to the adventurer's quest.  Does she have shop magic or is her rapid knitting ability a form of wizard's magic?  Her confidence wavers and she worries about what all of this means for her future.  Being outside of the comfort of the wandering shop also presents huge challenges for her. 

The trio of adventurers have their own struggles.  They don't work together harmoniously, and trust is in short supply.  The archer doesn't want to kill anything, the wizard can't fully control their magic, and the leader tries to manage the entire crew and quest without listening to anyone's advice or directions.  

Socks & Secret Quests is packed with action and carries a delightful blend of Howl's Moving Castle and Dungeons & Dragons style fantasy.   James Firnhaber's illustrations are superb and add to the story.  I especially loved that Peri's magic stems from her knitting and the authors inclusion of the pattern instructions for knitting Niam's hat was a very nice touch.  And really, who doesn't love a magic shop that roams around the kingdom, equipping adventures with exactly the enchanted items to suit their skills?  While this could be read as a standalone, I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.   

True Crime Files: Heist at the Museum! by Sam Subity

True Crime Files:  Heist at the Museum! by Sam Subity, illustrated by YaoYao Ma Van As
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Explorer
Publishing:  October 6th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book via NetGalley
Number of pages:   128 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Opening Lines: "Charlie O'Neill crept through the dark fourth flo0r of the silent museum."

Ever since Charlie’s mom passed away, he and his younger sister Julie have been spending their afternoons at their father’s work. He’s a gemologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and to the kids, the museum feels like a giant playground. They wander the halls, explore the exhibits, and have even turned hide‑and‑seek into a regular tradition.

One day, while hiding from his sister, Charlie overhears a cryptic conversation between two men. He’s convinced they’re planning to steal something from the museum that very night. He reports what he heard to Mr. Hoffman, a security guard, who passes the information along to the head of security. But no one seems to take Charlie seriously, not even Charlie's father. Determined to impress his father, and to protect the museum, Charlie decides to investigate on his own. He’s especially worried about the Star of India, the largest sapphire in the collection.

Meanwhile, Jack Murphy, better known as Murf the Surf, is finalizing the heist plan with his crew. Charlie sneaks back into the museum that night and actually witnesses the thieves entering. He manages to slip a matchbook out of one thief’s pocket and even spots their elaborate escape route through a window. In the adrenaline of the moment, Charlie tries to follow them but can’t rappel down to the ground. Murf ends up saving him. When the police later arrive, Charlie shares everything he saw. His information helps lead to the thieves’ capture, and most of the stolen jewels are eventually recovered.

Heist at the Museum is a creative retelling of an actual jewel theft that took place in 1964.  I loved that the story is told through Charlie, it made the adventure and mystery exciting.  The Appendix is a great addition.  It shares what happened to the thieves and the stolen jewels, highlights other museums that have faced similar heists, and includes a snapshot of major events from 1964, like the World's Fair and NASA milestones.  This would pair wonderfully with Dan Gutman's The Picasso Curse, both books play into art museum thefts, and I can see this being something young readers would enjoy reading.  

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

Ezekiel's Volcano by Ana Angelica Teodoro , edited by Emma Dryden and illustrations by Yogita Chawdhary

Ezekiel's Volcano by Ana Teodoro, Edited by Emma Dryden and Illustrations by Yogita Chawdhary
Publisher: Barnes and Daughter Press
Published:  July 15th, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   34 pages
Source: Books Forward and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Line:  "Mrs. Barnes had always dreamed of being a teacher."

It's the first day of first grade, and Mrs. Barnes is meeting her new students.  Everyone is excited, especially Ezekiel.  He's energic and sometimes his feelings bubble up so quickly they feel like a volcano ready to erupt.  To help the class manage those big emotions, Mrs. Barnes teaches them a Rainbow Breathing strategy.  With a pause, a slow breath in and out, and a gentle arm movement tracing the arc of a rainbow, the children learn a simple way to calm their bodies and steady their feelings.        

Ezekiel's Volcano was written by educator and assistant principal Ana Angelica Teodoro.  I love how the story pairs a physical movement with deep breathing to help reduce stress.  The reciting of the seven colors reminded me having my kiddo sing "happy birthday" while brushing their teeth to make sure that they got the full two minutes in.  The book supports social- emotional- learning, self-regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience.  It not only teaches children about feelings, but it also gives them a practical coping strategy they can use when they're overwhelmed.  The strong visuals also help children recognize what anger looks like while reassuring them that it's okay to have big emotions.  The acknowledgement section at the beginning of the book provided some wonderful sentiment with the author thanking her parents, husband, former teachers and students.  This would make for a wonderful read aloud in a classroom.           

The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart

The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart
Publisher:  Simon Spotlight
Publishing:  September 22nd, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback  
Number of pages:   160 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and the Rudolph family is already in full Christmas-celebration mode.  Joy is especially excited because this year, for her sixteenth birthday, which happens to fall on Christmas Day, her parents have finally agreed to let her throw her own birthday party.  She gets to choose the color scheme, decorations, food and even gets to buy a brand-new dress.  She's been thinking about nothing else but planning every detail, and how to get her crush, Kris to come.  But, on the day of the party, a freak snowstorm forces her to cancel everything.  Now she has no idea how she'll spend her special day with the boy she likes.

The Christmas Wish is an adorable rom-com that delivers all the cozy holiday vibes of ice skating, hot cocoa, decorating the tree and baking cookies.  Joy just wants to have the "perfect" party, something that feels like her birthday rather than another Christmas celebration.  She also hopes to impress Kris.  Even though things don't go entirely according to her plan, she learns a lot about herself and discovers that fun doesn't depend on perfection.   She also realizes she shouldn't have been so absorbed by her perfect party or the boy that she likes that she forgets the important people in her life, like her grandma and her best friends.  I loved the story focused on Joy's supportive family and the absence of bullying and major friend drama, aside from Joy needing to make amends with Violet after getting distracted.  A very cute and festive story for tweens. 

Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1: The Bad Luck Skate; The Pirate Ghost; The Great Pumpkin Smash by Franklin W. Dixon, illustrated by Santy Gutiérrez

Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1: The Bad Luck Skate; The Pirate Ghost; The Great Pumpkin Smash by Franklin W. Dixon, illustrated by Santy Gutiérrez 
Publisher:  Aladdin
Published:  September 8th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback 
Number of pages:   288 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

I was an avid Nancy Drew reader when I was younger and even dipped into a few Hardy Boys books.  I loved the thrill of the mysteries, following clues, a few red-herrings, piecing things together, and trying to deduce the culprit.  It's probably also why I adored Scooby Doo. 

This latest collection brings three chapter-book mysteries in one volume.  In the Bad Luck Skate, 9-year-old Frank and his younger brother Joe are at a championship hockey game cheering on their friend Pete when the team's lucky skate is vandalized with paint.  The team always touches the skate before each game for good luck, and now they're convinced that the damage is a sign that they're doomed to lose the game.

The second story, The Pirate Ghost, follows Frank and Joe's friend, Jason who enters a talk like a pirate contest.  He wins a treasure map as his prize but before the brothers can go searching for the treasure, Jason abruptly cancels the dig. Jason is spooked by the legend of ghost Captain Scurvydog, and even more concerned when his bird Crackers starts singing a pirate song, and he receives a mysterious note in a bottle and pirate coins.

In the final story, The Great Pumpkin Smash, Frank and Joe attend the annual Boo at the Zoo celebration, only to discover that every pumpkin in the decorating contest, except one, has been smashed.  The brothers jump into action to figure out what happened.  

Each story centers on a single puzzling incident and follows the boys as they work to uncover the truth.   Joe keeps a clue book where he answers the five W's, who, what, where, when and why and the brothers build suspect lists, gather evidence, and avoid making assumptions.   At the end of each mystery there is a section with a series of questions for the reader to answer about the suspects, motives or which clue would help solve the case before the final solution is revealed. I love that kids are encouraged to think critically and actively participate in solving the case.  

The stories are engaging and will definitely appeal to younger readers.  The black and white illustrations are charming and help set a cozy fall mood.  With short chapters and around eighty pages per story, this collection makes a fun read-together experience, and a great introduction to the Hardy Boys series.

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

      

     

Special Edition: Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes & All New Poster on reverse side of jacket!!

 Special Edition: Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Publisher:  Candlewick Press 
First Edition Published:  July 25th, 2006
Format Read:  Hardcover
Number of pages:   48 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "One day, a lion came to the library."

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules. No running, and only quiet voices. But when a lion walks into the library, no one is quite sure what to do. There aren't any rules for lions in the library.  At first, it seems the lion is well suited for visiting story time.  But following a misunderstanding, he stops visiting all together.  Yet when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. 

This twentieth-anniversary edition of Library Lion is a must for any library.  I love that the publisher is celebrating beloved books and creators with these special editions.  The messaging is lovely too.  Sometimes rules can be bent when there's a truly good reason to.  Kevin Hawkes acrylic and pencil illustrations are gorgeous, and the special edition includes a poster featuring brand-new art on the reverse of the jacket.  A perfect story-time treasure for library lovers and anyone who adores classic books.  

The Story Orchestra: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Press the note to hear Joby Talbot's music (12th Edition) Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

The Story Orchestra:  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Publisher:  Francis Lincoln Children's Books 
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   24 pages
Publishing:  October 6th, 2026
Source:  Edelweiss +

The Story Orchestra series of picture books blends classical music with charming illustrations and retellings of famous ballets and classic stories.  Ten pages feature a musical note button that, when pressed, plays a short clip of music by well-known composers and musicians.  Other titles in the series include The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake.  In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the featured composer is Joby Talbot.  At the back of the book, readers can learn more about the composer, explore a musical glossary explaining terms such as "Bell Tree" and "Cacophony," and find a complete list of the musical selections included in the story.    

Unfortunately, my E-ARC didn't include functioning sound buttons.  However, I was encouraged to look up the pieces listed in the glossary to get the flavor of Joby Talbot's music.  Online, I discovered that Joby Talbot was commissioned by the Royal Ballet and Opera House to compose the score for Alice in Wonderland.   I also found a suite titled "The Mad Hater's Tea Party," though I can't confirm whether this is the same music featured in the picture book until the final edition is released.  

The beginning stays true to the original, with Alice sitting by the riverbank with her sister when she notices the White Rabbit rushing by wearing a waistcoat and jacket.  Curious, she follows him.  From there, Alice's journey takes a slightly different path than the classic tale, but the adorable illustrations make these changes feel playful rather than distracting.  The musical accompaniment will no doubt enhance children's enjoyment even further.   

    

The Dot Deluxe Edition by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot Deluxe Edition by Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publishing:  September 1st, 2026
Format Read:  E-book
Number of pages:   32 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

From Goodreads:  "Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. “Just make a mark and see where it takes you,” her teacher says. But Vashti can’t draw—she’s no artist. To prove her point, she jabs at the paper to make an unremarkable and angry dot. “There!” she says. But little does she know that one little dot can mark the beginning of a journey of surprise and self-discovery."

It's hard to believe it's been more than twenty years since The Dot was first published by Peter H. Reynolds.  The story has had a tremendous impact on countless children, mine included.  It's message of creativity and leaving your mark has reached far beyond the book's pages, inspiring an award-winning animated film, a stage musical, and even a global celebration with International Dot Day on September 15th.  Educators also have access to an entire collection of Dot Day Resources, complete with a teacher's guide, activities and posters to help celebrate the day.   The Deluxe edition features a die-cut protective slipcase and is even in the shape of a dot, how fun!   A delightful book to share with a young child.  

The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan: A Graphic Novel by Victoria Jamieson

The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan:  A Graphic Novel by Victoria Jamieson 
Publisher:  Dial Books
Publishing:  October 6th, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC 
Number of pages:   256 pages
Source: NetGalley ARC request following Penguin Fall Preview

It's the last day of school, and Mabel is thrilled to be spending it at home.  Her stuffed animal friends are her only companions, and she can't imagine a better way to spend her summer than hanging out with them.  Unfortunately, her three-and-a-half-year-old sister Pearl will be home too.  On the bright side, the family always chooses a summer project, and Mabel is hoping this will finally be the year they build the tree house she's been dreaming of.  She's even designed an incredible plan, complete with a zipline and swimming pool. 

But then her parents announce a different project, moving Mabel's bedroom up to the attic.  Pearl is decidedly not excited about having a "big girls" room all to herself.  Later that night, Mabel overhears her parents talking about her.  They're trying to figure out how to help her spend more time with other kids, and she catches confusing bits of the conversation, with something about "strange" and "real friends."  Hurt by their words, Mabel is left feeling like she needs to make a change, but how can she give up her best friends?

The Whole Wide World of Mabel Mulligan is an adorable story about growing up and navigating the changes that come with it, including learning how to let things go.  It's also a lovely reflection on the importance of open communication between parents and their children, and the value of sharing feelings honestly.  

Mabel's family is wonderfully supportive, well, maybe not Pearl, but she is only three and a half.  They love Mabel and want the best for her.   Her dad's concern about her not having any friends to play with are understandable, just as her attachment to her stuffed animals makes perfect sense as a source of comfort.  Figuring out when the right time is to let go of those beloved companions can be tricky.

Although neighborhood kids have invited her to play basketball, Mabel doesn't see herself as the sporty type.  I could easily identify with that feeling.  I was encouraged to play softball and join the swim team, but I would've much rather been reading a book or watching T.V.  Mabel does, however, have her PopPop, who takes her to Mass and encourages her to explore building things in his shop. 

I really loved the art style of this book, especially the pencil-and pen illustrations paired with watercolors.  At the back of the book, there are illustrations kids drew of their "stuffies," along with a sweet encouragement from the author to write stories about their own stuffed animal friends.  Overall, a very sweet story and I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.  

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

Death in the Tallgrass by Andrea L. Rogers

Death in the Tallgrass by Andrea L. Rogers
Publisher:  Levine Querido
Format Read:  E-book 
Number of pages:   192 pages
Publishing:  September 15th, 2026
Source: via Edelweiss+  

Opening Lines:  "The road from the highway that led to the unincorporated town of Snake, Oklahoma was as serpentine as, well, a snake."

Cynthia, her older sister Diane, her younger sister Wren and their parents have moved onto their grandfather Haggard's ranch in the hills of Oklahoma. Diane has thrown herself into the anti-war and the growing American Indian civil rights movement, Wren continues to be a thorn in Cynthia's side with all of her tattling, and all of them do their best to stay out of their grandfather's way as he sulks, glares, assigns chores, and snaps in anger without warning.  Truthfully, he scares them all.     

The plan was to stay with Cynthia's grandparents for only a few weeks, just long enough for her father to sort out the ranch's affairs before it goes bankrupt.  The move also gives her parents time to find a new home in Tulsa before her dad starts his new job.  

While exploring the fields around the farm, Cynthia discovers a tarnished silver charm bracelet with a rearing horse.  For a moment she thinks she hears her name carried on the wind.  Later, Wren takes the bracelet and accidently drops it behind the dresser, revealing a loose piece of the trim.  Hidden inside is a small box and a diary belonging to Violet Wood, who lived in the house during the 1920's. 

Violet's diary delivers a chilling message, if her prized possessions are ever found and she is ever discovered dead, "presume she was murdered."  As Cynthia begins to unravel the truth behind Violet's death, she realizes the mystery may expose a secret capable of tearing her family apart.

I have to admit, the first thing that drew me to Death in the Tallgrass was its cover, the sweeping open field paired with the haunting feel of the title immediately caught my attention.  The story is a murder mystery rooted in a dark family secret, told with a tone reminiscent of Holes by Louis Sachar.

Interspersed between each chapter are historical notes, reflection questions, various Cherokee words, and traditional stories.  An approach that adds depth and context to the unfolding mystery.  Violet's past emerges gradually through brief, haunting glimpses of her life, while Cynthia and her sisters spend their days doing chores on the ranch and trying to understand and reconnect with their Cherokee heritage.  The reader should be prepared for moments of sadness, especially when the secret is finally revealed, but I remained fully invested in the story all the way to the last page. 

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