What's Coming in February?

Hello, February! I want to say that January flew by quickly, but actually, it went by at a steady pace. The last week or so saw a huge slow-down thanks to that big, winter storm. We ended up with around 10-13 inches of snow (huge for here) and schools were closed all last week. We hunkered down in our home, enjoying the fireplaces, drinking tea, and such. I didn't slide in as much reading time as I'd hoped, since homeschooling means things to do no matter the weather. Plus, tending to animals gets more intense, since water opportunities need attention (freezing). We also have two wood stoves, which run nonstop on such days. I have to smile because hauling wood makes sure that all of those yummy, baked treats I make during colder days don't get a chance to add extra pounds on me.

So, now that January has passed, I'm excited to see what February holds. I even have a couple heart balloons already hanging in anticipation of Valentine's Day. (That was actually thanks to my husband who thought it'd be cute to decorate our tractor for the holiday....which I haven't yet due to the snow.)

As to reading, I have so many fun reads coming up the next weeks. I'm sticking to my goal of making each book on here a super enjoyable read, and I think the line-up for this coming month slides nicely in that direction. Hopefully, you'll find, at least, a few which make you smile, too. There's a very even spread on genres, including hearts for Valentine's Day, nonfiction goodness, fantasy, humor, mystery, spies, and even touching reads. I have a few young adult reads, am a little heavier on the middle grade side, and as usual, have a row of picture books as well as those for beginning readers. As said...a nice, even spread of reading goodness.   Or so I'm hoping.

LEO AND RALPH

I found the cover simple yet grabbing, and the blurb sealed the deal. It's heads to the stars with an odd, long-term friendship between an alien from Jupiter and a boy. I'm hoping that this one doesn't lean too heavily to the serious side, since it explores the realm of growing out of make-believe friends. At least, that's the sense I'm getting. Still, it might take an interesting twist, since the blurb leaves enough openings for surprises. Explore this one with me right away on the 2nd!

Middle Grade Contemporary

THE DISEASED ONES

I was in the mood for some kick-butt YA, and this one might just satisfy that desire. It's the first in a series...not a new release...and falls into the dystopian category as a sixteen-year-old discovers she carries a disease, making her unfit to be a part of the world's society. We'll see what all of that entails, but I'm hoping for tons of action and fun. Join me on the 4th to see if this is a world to get lost in or not.

Young Adult Dystopian

ZICKY: WRATH OF THE RAT KING

It's time for adventure as this book dives into graphic novel goodness with a ton of fantasy. At least, that's what I'm getting from the blurb. There should be rodent monsters, rats, robots, and so much more. I really am not sure what to expect in this one but am looking forward to finding out where it will head. Because it doesn't appear it will be calm. I'll be diving into this one on the 7th.

Middle Grade Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

IT'S MY BIRD-DAY!

I read the blurb and knew I had to take a peek at this one. It sounds like it will be silly and fun with a tad bit of heart to round things off. But mostly fun. I'm not expecting a lot of depth but rather great characters to smile with. I'll be seeing what this bird is up to on the 10th.

Picture Book 

THE BLIND DATE AGREEMENT

Can't have Valentine's Day without some romance, and this one promises to pack a little of the unexpected as well. I'm betting that this 'couple' is tackling the entire dating scene from a slightly different angle and hoping that means enjoyable adventures and moments to smile along the way. I just hope it's not cheesy. But we'll find out on the 12th, just in time for the holiday.

Young Adult Romance

THE PREHISTORIC PLANET: DINOSAURS

Dinosaur books always find an audience with younger readers. So, I was glad to get my hands on this one. At first, I thought I'd be taking a look at a digital copy, but then, it appeared in my mailbox...and oh, what fun! It flips open to form a globe with magnets in the cover to make it stand with ease. I'm easily distracted by neat aspects like that. Anyway, I'll dive into ancient times and visit the dinosaurs on the 18th.

Children's Nonfiction

LITTLE MONSTERS

This read is a retelling of Little Women (just in case that wasn't completely obvious) and takes a supernatural twist into this much loved classic. It's geared for the middle grade audience, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm curious how this one goes. I'm hoping it surprises and builds in lovely twists on the original tale, but we'll see how suspenseful this one gets on the 16th.

Middle Grade Fantasy

JETT COOPER

The second I saw this read, I couldn't wait to open it up. This one is about a boy, who loves to fly. I don't think I've ever had a book about this type of sport. It should hit a bit of heart, too, as it follows this boy's love of flying through an accident, which leaves his mother forbidding him to from flying again. This should lead to issues, since I doubt the boy wants to give up, and I'm curious to see how this one steers through the problem. Plus, I'm hoping the flights are grabbing. Let's take off and visit this one on the 21st.

Middle Grade Sports Fiction

GRANDMA, CHO CHO, AND ME

This should be a feel-good book, which centers around a girl and her grandmother...and cooking. It will take a look at the Jamaican kitchen as the girl helps her mother to create some dishes. Maybe, there will be  recipe included, too? I'm hoping for family warmth and cultural goodness. Let's head to the kitchen on the 24th and see how this goes!

Picture Book

TRUST NO ONE

I thought a little crime and suspense would be a nice change-up for the end of the month. This read looks at a teen, whose father is a known criminal...and it put the teen in a sticky situation. He's innocent of a crime but is pretty sure no one will even take a glance to see if he's right. This book comes from a series geared for those teens, who aren't necessarily strong readers, but need reads, which are grabbing and interesting. I'll be taking a look at this one on the 27th.

Young Adult Suspense

 

Book piles grow and grow, and never seem to have an end. It's no different with my pile for Bookworm for Kids. While I have a pretty set schedule, things constantly switch-around and change. Sometimes, I don't like reads as much as I thought I would. Sometimes, they don't arrive. Sometimes, other things happen...anything is possible. So, I have no doubt that another book will find its way into my schedule, and the Joker Read is the first one on top of my 'wait' pile.

RELIC OF THIEVES

I accidentally got my hands on the DRC of this read...yep, strange things happen...which is great for me. I read the first one in the series and enjoyed it. So, I'm curious to see what happens in this next adventure. I have high hopes, of course, and have no doubt it will be a rich, flowing read. I'm not sure when I'm going to squeeze it in, yet, but will definitely be finding the time...sometime.

Middle Grade Fantasy

There's Nothing Funny About Bums by Gareth P. Jones

Anyone ready for some ridiculous, fart humor? That's what today's read is all about. Now, I've never been a huge fan of this sort of silliness, but I do know of plenty of little kids who are. I can already hear the giggles and laughs from my little nephews if they even got near a book like this. At least, if it's anything like I think it will be...which I'm sure it is.

So, thinking of them and all the other kids who enjoy this as well, let's dive in!

THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT...

BUMS

by Gareth P. Jones

Happy Yak

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

There’s nothing funny about bums. Nothing funny at all!
They come in all shapes and sizes, the big, the wobbly the small…

... insists a teacher, reading from a book called The Book of Things That Are Definitely Not Funny . In this hilarious picture book, join a class of children as they attempt to keep a straight face while learning about bottoms. But after the teacher has described ants in pants, ninja farts, and torpedoes in the bath everyone is rolling around laughing. What will the headteacher say?!

A fabulously silly story with hilarious illustrations—children and their grown-ups will love reading and giggling along.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fart, poop, and bum humor soars to guarantee tons of giggles and laughs...but there's a tiny bit 0f knowledge wrapped up in the pages, too.

Class is about to begin, and what does the teacher find when she enters the room? One of the kids is just finishing up the drawing of a bum on the chalkboard. So, the teacher decides to nip this in the butt before it takes off...but she might not be able to steer this in the direction she was hoping it would go. Instead, her explanations lead from one silliness to another and in unexpected directions, too.

If you're looking for a book to liven reading time, especially with a group, then this is that book. It immediately grabs attention and holds it the entire way through. And yes, even reluctant readers...maybe, especially reluctant readers...will pay attention during this one. Or at least, laugh quite a bit. While the humor holds high, there's also a little information subtly tossed in. Not much, but a tiny amount is there.

The text flows well to create a nice read-aloud, which is fitting to the age group. The illustrations are bright and lively. This isn't only about humans, either but slides in the animal kingdom as well...and this adds another layer of silliness. It's a funny book for fans of this type of humor. 

My Subway Runs by James Gladstone

I'll admit that it was the cover on today's read which caught my attention. I do love my covers. The artwork carries an original direction and promises details and atmosphere at the same time. Now, whether or not this makes a good picture book...well, that's why I'll need to take a peek at it. But it wasn't only the cover which drew me in. 

At a second glance, I noticed the title. How often have you seen a picture book about subways? It could be a fun theme and is definitely not one often handled. So, this promises to be an original read in several aspects.

Get ready to ride because we're going on a trip!

MY SUBWAY RUNS

by James Gladstone

Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

Groundwood Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

For a young child, a subway journey is an eye-opening city-life experience. A story-poem from award-winning creators James Gladstone and Pierre Pratt.

The journey begins with the roar of the subway from the street above, as the child and their mom descend to the dilapidated platform below. The child feels a rush of air as the train pulls in, people stepping on board just in time! Sights and sounds include the dark tunnel and screeching wheels, then the train suddenly breaks out into bright daylight high above the city. All the while, the child takes in the passengers around them — people on their way to work, kids going to school, and “the sleeper,” whom no one else seems to see. At Union Station, the child accompanies their mom from restaurant to restaurant as she looks for work, before they journey home.

Author James Gladstone’s lyrical story-poem and Pierre Pratt’s illustrations, rich in detail and humor, make this companion book to My Winter City (illustrated by Gary Clement) at once delightful and thought-provoking.

Correlates to the Common Core States Standards in English Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 : With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 : Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.


CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 : Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Each scene comes to life and lets the reader realize how interesting a ride on a subway can be.

A little boy heads out with his mother to take the subway as she searches for a job. He pays close attention as they wait for the subway to arrive, enter it, and ride it through the city and over the landscape beyond. 

This is a straight-forward read on the plot end and doesn't hold any twists and turns...outside of the subway's path, that is. But this is by no means a boring read. From the very first scene of the boy putting on his coat to him entering the subway with his mom, every moment draws in and captures the attention. The illustrations are busy and allow the bustle to come across in its chaotic bliss. At the same time, this allows the details of each individual and situation to seep through. Listeners/readers are invited to let their eyes search and roam as they pick up daily details here and there. There's personality, diversity, quirks, and curiosities which fill life but are often overlooked, since we can't, usually, take snap-shots and let each moment completely sink in. These pages open up to a little more mindfulness and hold wonder as well.

The illustrations carry a distinct, artistic flair, and this also helps open them up with a hint of imagination while staying planted in reality. (I had to smile at the very winded hairstyles whenever the subway pulls in or leaves.) The text works its way in and around the scenes with just a few lines each time to make it clear what is happening. For adults using it as a read-aloud, it might be helpful to glance through to see where the text is beforehand, but it does flow nicely and keeps listeners' attentions the entire way through. 

It's one of those picture books, which invites to gazing and offers tons to discover along the way.

And here they are...

JAMES GLADSTONE is the author of many highly acclaimed picture books, including When Planet Earth Was New: A Short History of Our Planet’s Long Journey, illustrated by Katherine Diemert (Norma Fleck Award finalist); Turtle Pond, illustrated by Karen Reczuch (Norma Fleck Award); My Winter City, illustrated by Gary Clement (Globe 100 List); and Journey Around the Sun: The Story of Halley’s Comet, illustrated by Yaara Eshet (Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picture Book of the Year finalist). James lives in Toronto, Ontario.

PIERRE PRATT has illustrated more than eighty books for children. He has won the Golden Apple and Plaque at the Biennial of Illustrations in Bratislava, the UNICEF Prize in Bologna and a Totem at the Montreuil Salon du Livre in France. Other awards include the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Governor General’s Award (three times) and the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award (twice). He has also been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Pierre lives in Montreal, Quebec and Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can by Dr. Seema Yasmin

Today, we're going to head into the nonfiction realm, while dancing a tiny bit into fiction. This read centers around a woman named Maysoon Zayid. I haven't heard the name before but am always excited to learn more. Afterall, there are so many inspiring people that seem to often get lost in the waves of history and life. 

So, let's open this one up and learn a little along the way.

MAYSOON ZAYID

THE GIRL WHO CAN CAN

by Dr. Seema Yasmin

Illustrated by Noha Habaieb

Salaam Reads

Children's Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 6 to 10

COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!

From the prolific Pulitzer Prize–nominated Muslim reporter Dr. Seema Yasmin comes an exciting nonfiction chapter book about one of America’s first female Muslim comedians—Maysoon Zayid—the first in the riveting and inspirational Muslim Mavericks.

This is the story of the girl who could!

Maysoon Zayid was just a girl from New Jersey. She might have sometimes felt like she was in the shadow of her three older sisters, but in her dreams, she was Mimi—an amazing actress, comedian, and dancer! The only problem? People kept telling Maysoon her dreams were impossible!

Achieving her goals certainly wasn’t easy; as a Palestinian Muslim girl born with cerebral palsy, Maysoon faced all sorts of challenges—both physical and societal. But Maysoon didn’t dare give up. Instead, she followed her heart all the way to the screen and stage to become one of America’s first ever women Muslim comedians and an actress on her favorite TV show.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With heart and determination, Maysoon Zayid refuses to let go of her goals no matter who tries to steer her away.

Maysoon Zayid was born to Palestinian immigrants and came from New Jersey. She was the youngest of four girls and dreamed of becoming an actress and more. Entertainment was her dream, and she was especially won over by the soap opera, General Hospital. From the moment she entered school, the barriers, however, mounted thanks to her cerebral palsy (CP). Although her family was a constant fan base and cheered her on, the CP continually acted as a stumbling block no matter how talented she was or how much effort she gave. Still, her unrelenting drive keeps hope in front of her.

This book is chucked full of inspiration, and it highlights how Maysoon Zayid's never-dying efforts finally led to achievements. Readers not only learn about Maysoon's journey and who she was but also see how others aren't always aware of what a person can achieve. In other words, don't let the opinions around you necessarily hold you back. Maysoon's tale also brings awareness to cerebral palsy in a meaningful manner. Add the wonderful support her family constantly gave her, and this is a read with many positive aspects.

The book is aimed at those readers, who are sure of their words and almost ready to dive into middle grade novels...but need just a tiny bit more practice. It does toss in a few more difficult terms to stretch word building skills but only a few so as not to frustrate. The large font and spacing makes it easier to read, and the illustrations add a nice touch. There are mentions of 'older' soap operas and such, which young readers won't recognize and are only understandable for older, adult audiences, but these the author makes sure to add enough explanation to keep it clear why Maysoon was so interested in them. 

Not only readers, who enjoy learning more about inspirational woman will enjoy this one, but it also is a nice addition to classrooms, groups and homeschoolers, who want to explore women, who achieved their dreams, or even a dive into areas such as cerebral palsy. 

And here they are...

Seema Yasmin is an Emmy Award–winning journalist who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, medical doctor, professor, and poet. She attended medical school at Cambridge University and worked as a disease detective for the US federal government’s Epidemic Intelligence Service. She currently teaches storytelling at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a regular contributor to CNN, Self, and Scientific American, among others.

Noha Habaieb is a Tunisian French visual storyteller, working between Doha and Tunis. After studying comics in Belgium, she returned to Tunisia where she cofounded the Lab619, an award-winning comics collective. Noha took part in the evolution of Lab619’s first comics magazine for adults by participating with her original comics and organizing artistic residencies themed around migration, identity and borders. In 2017, she cofounded Koskh, an illustration studio based in Tunisia, which aims to promote Tunisian heritage through illustrations for children and adults. She’s the illustrator of the Muslim Mavericks chapter book series written by Pulitzer Prize–nominated Dr. Seema Yasmin.

 

Happy Birthday to US! by Sherry Ellis

 I'm very excited to share today's read. First, it comes from an author I've known for many years...and her works are always enjoyable. Second, it's the first book I've seen commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States...which I really thought tons of authors would hit the bandwagon on. Maybe, that's still on the up and coming, though. 

Either way, I'm ready to dive into today's read and see what goodness it holds in store.

Happy Birthday to US
by Sherry Ellis

Illustrated by Nina Hvozdzeva

2Z Press LLC
Children’s Picture Book 

52 pages

ages 4 to 7

Happy Birthday to US! A Fourth of July Celebration for kids!

It's the Fourth of July - and someone's birthday!

At first, a young child believes the parade, fireworks, and fanfare are all in honor of his special day. But as the story unfolds, he discovers the celebration is for something even bigger- America's birthday!

Told in joyful rhyme and bursting with colorful illustrations, Happy Birthday to US blends a child's excitement for their own big day with the pride and spirit of Independence Day. Young readers will learn about the meaning behind July 4th - freedom, community, and the history of America's independence -while sharing a heartwarming story about belonging and discovery.

Perfect for

*Classroom and library story times

*Families celebrating summer birthdays

*Teaching children about Independence Day and Patriotism

 

Whether read aloud at home, in schools, or at holiday events, Happy Birthday to US is a festive and meaningful addition to any child's bookshelf - and a perfect way to celebrate

America's 250th Birthday on July 4, 2026!

  

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Author’s Site * Goodreads

MY TIDBITS

Good feelings and the excitement of celebration fill every page.

It's a little child's birthday, and what a birthday it always is! Parades, picnics, get-together, and even fireworks make it a special day. For many years, the child thought everyone celebrated just for them but has since learned that's it's the 4th of July celebration, too. This year, however, is super special, since it's the 250th celebration of the country... a wonderfully, huge celebration for the two birthdays.

This is a fun read from beginning to end. When I first picked it up, I was a little suspicious of the page count for the age group (a little longer than usual), but this story flies by and is totally okay for even more reluctant listeners. Each page holds excitement and celebration. Many scenes bring along familiar moments, and it's hard not to want to join in on the excitement. There's never a boring moment as it goes from one enjoyable scene to the next.

The text holds four shorter lines on each two-page spread and rhymes smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud. The word choice and sense behind the text work easily for the age group and can be picked up by readers, who are more sure of their words, to enjoy on their own. The illustrations are rounded to keep things light and cute, while packing tons of excitement on each page. The colors keep red, white, and blue close, weaving them naturally into each moment.

This is an enjoyable read and especially nice to use in classrooms, groups, or homeschooling when getting ready for the big celebration.

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis has previously published the Bubba and Squirt's Adventure Series; Don't Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia. 

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