HELLO THERE, I’M COMING HOME!

Posted on April 14, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

WELCOME TO ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

This week at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I”m featuring another end to a series, and what a great journey readers have had. Laurie B. Arnold began the tale of orphan Madison McGee in 2013’s HELLO THERE, WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU. Next came HELLO THERE, DO YOU STILL KNOW ME? in 2017.

If you’re not familiar with the series, fear not if you begin with the third story. Layout 1You’ll quickly discover the magic in the form of the MegaPix6000, a television with a rather unique remote. Use it correctly and you can travel to the time and place of any show being broadcast in an instant. Madison also has a magical fanny pack that can often supply just what is needed in an emergency.

The tale begins in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where Madison now lives with her grandmother. Madison is off to spend the summer in Bainbridge Island, Washington where she grew up. She’ll be there with a former neighbor and two of her best friends. Before reaching the airport, Madison finds a picture of a dark haired boy and the mystery takes off.  With help from her friends, they find the boy and to save him they time travel to Las Vegas, Nevada where his half brother holds the secret he stole 13 years ago.

I’ll stop there so I don’t give too much of the plot away, especially who the dark haired boy turns out to be. Madison’s first person narration hits home for any girl or boy who enjoy an adventurous read. The time travel aspect is the key for making the story such a hard one to put down, and it will have you thinking about what shows you’d time travel to if given the chance. The pages go by in a hurry as themes of family, friendships, and future all come together in a satisfying conclusion. Entertaining at every turn, a book like this will make a great companion on those future spring and summer trips.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 224

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

HELLO THERE, I’M COMING HOME!

  1. The loss of a parent can be a tough topic to explore, and even though Madison misses her mom greatly, she feels her mother is watching from the clouds above.
  2. All the main characters in the first two books return and their arc of change and growth are more than evident.
  3. Time travel has never been presented in this way where you port through a television. A great and necessary part of the story.
  4. Rosalie Clair is a character who supplies the adult presence. She is thoughtful and always makes the kids think in different ways.
  5. The third story tidies up all the loose ends in an heartwarming way.

THE OFFICIAL BLURB

In this third and final book in the series, Madison is on a fateful trip back to Bainbridge Island, where she grew up, to spend the summer with her best friends, Noah and Violet.

It’s an emotional journey, shadowed with memories of her mother, and questions about her father’s disappearance. As she and her dog Leroy travel from New Mexico to the west coast, she opens her fanny pack and discovers a photo of a black-haired boy. Even though she’s sure he’s a stranger, she intuitively knows that he needs her help. Again, it’s the MegaPix6000 to the rescue, and the “Mighty Trio” enters a weird and frightening world of magicians, shapeshifters, and evil doers.

The biggest mystery for Madison to solve is a personal one. Her search for answers leads her to discover that sometimes life changes in unimaginable ways, and that the unexpected can finally lead her home.

Laurie B. Arnold on “Where did the idea of the MegaPix 6000 TV come from?”

L Arnold high rezWhen I was a child, books were my magical portal into another world. I’d imagine I was tag-teaming with Harriet in Harriet the Spy; that I was Laura in the Little House books; and I still fantasize that some day I’ll awaken to a completely transformed bedroom just like Sarah did in A Little Princess. Oh, and would someone please give me a magic purple crayon just like Harold’s?! I longed to literally dive into books and to become part of the story. So the MegaPix grew out of that childhood fantasy. I’m not an avid television watcher, nor was I as a child, but TV is another canvas for storytelling – and it fit perfectly with the real Madison’s Most Boring Summer when she was forced to watch the shopping shows day in and day out with her grandmother.

(For more Q & A and other features visit Laurie’s wonderful web site)

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I received an ARC in exchange for  my honest review.

Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

WILDERNESS—EARTH’S AMAZING HABITATS

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

wilderness.jpgThis stunningly beautiful book is a celebration of the plants and animals throughout the world. The stage is set on the first two pages with a location map of the 16 habitats, home to roughly half of the animal and plant species. Many of the places will be unfamiliar (a half dozen or so for me):

  • RAINBOW FALLS (Hawaii)
  • BOREAL FOREST
  • TEHUACAN-CUICATLAN VALLEY (Mexico)
  • TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (Costa Rica)
  • TROPICAL RAINFORESTS OF HONDURAS
  • AMAZON RAINFOREST
  • NIOKOLO-KOBA NATIONAL PARK (Senegal)
  • SUNDARBANS NATIONAL PARK (India)
  • KAHUZI-BIEGA NATIONAL PARK (Congo)
  • TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF MADAGASCAR
  • SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE (Sri Lanka)
  • SIKHOTE-ALIN NATURE RESERVE (Russia)
  • QINLING MOUNTAINS (China)
  • TROPICAL RAINFORESTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA (Malaysia)
  • TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF NEW GUINEA
  • DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK (Australia)

Each of the habitats gets its own two page colorful spread and a description of what you will find there. The final pages are a WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE? feature. Each of the habitat pages return in a smaller size detailing the animal names, the number shown, and more information on some of the animals.

This short video gives you a peek at what’s in store:

Perfect as a gift or to be used as initial research, WILDERNESS begs to be opened and enjoyed. Here’s the official background from Prestel Publishing:

Wilderness: Earth’s Amazing Habitats by Mia Cassany and illusrated by Marcos Navarro  (April 2019; Ages 6-9; Hardcover $19.95; 48 pages) takes young readers to the planet’s wild regions, including forests, jungles, tundras, and deserts to discover the animals that call it home.
This captivating book brings the natural world into sharp focus. Beautifully colored and intricately detailed illustrations depict places as exotic and wide-ranging as Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park, Russia’s Sikhote-Alin mountain range, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka, Daintree National Park in Australia, the Mexican desert, and China’s bamboo forests. The animals that live in these remote places, cleverly hidden in the trees, plants, and flowers, create a marvelous challenge for young readers to find and identify. Each spread contains more than twenty different species including birds, snakes, frogs, iguanas, leopards, tigers, gorillas, pandas, and wolves. The back of the book is filled with additional information about the animals and their habitats. Young readers will find much to discover, explore, and learn in this absorbing celebration of our planet and the amazing creatures we share it with.
MIA CASSANY is the author of numerous books for children including Atlas of Imaginary Places and Great Ports of the World (both by Prestel). She is the co-founder of Mosquito Books. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.
 
MARCUS NAVARRO is an illustrator living in Spain. This is his first book.
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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Middle Grade In The News 4/10/19

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

I’ve been so busy reading and posting reviews, I had to put this feature on the back burner. It returns this week with links to articles I’ve enjoyed recently:INTHE NEWS

  1. I’ve read most of them, but it’s nice to see a compiled list of 8 OF THE BEST MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS ABOUT SIBLINGS.
  2. Chelsea Clinton has written several children’s books and is back with an offering for middle grade: Start Now!: You Can Make A Difference
  3. The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is over, but the hottest properties were Middle Grade books. So great to hear this news.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Friday with a review of WILDERNESS—EARTH’S AMAZING HABITAT.

Posted in Middle Grade News | Tagged | 1 Comment

MMGM for April 8, 2019

Posted on April 8, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

        

It’s National Zoo Lover’s Day! Before visiting one today I have a review of CHARLIE BUMPERS VS. THE END OF THE YEAR by Bill Harley. Click the Hippo for my post. Find more features and reviews below through each blogger’s zoo animal.
Welcome back to S.A. Larsen at Writer’s Alley! She shares an excerpt from the new middle grade release ROGER MANTIS by Tom Allen Brosz and there’s a GIVEAWAY!
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic’ features  Forest Fairy Crafts Through the Seasons, a craft book designed for MG boys and girls.
Joanne R. Fritz at My Brain on Books joins the cheering section for  THE LAST LAST-DAY-OF-SUMMER by Lamar Giles.
Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Smile by Raina Telgemeier.
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews Tears of the Mountain by Michelle Isenhoff. about the ancient orient,  prophecy, and the destiny of a boy to change the world.
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer.
Rosi Hollinbeck features The LOST GIRL by Anne Ursu with a review and GIVEAWAY. Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.
Author Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features the book PAPER THINGS by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. 
Dorine White at The Write Path has an author interview with Lamar Giles, author of The Last Last-Day of Summer.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including Charlie Bumpers vs. The End of the Year.
Janet Smart at Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch reviews The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , | 2 Comments

CHARLIE BUMPERS VS. THE END OF THE YEAR

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

The seventh and final book in the Charlie Bumpers series has arrived. Charlie’s journey began just as he was entering fourth grade and now it comes to a fitting conclusion at the end of his challenging year. Of course best friends, Hector and Tommy, are at his side, but Charlie is a kid who always finds trouble or trouble finds him.CharlieBumpersvsEndoftheYear.jpg

Hector is getting bullied by a trio of fifth grade boys, leaving Charlie with some difficult choices. He then discovers Hector is moving back to Chile at the end of the year and he can’t let that happen. He and Tommy come up with a plan to keep Hector from moving and the bullies from bullying. Neither plan is very solid.

Charlie’s family always gives strong support. A loving Mom and Dad (yes, there are occasional two parent families in MG without a hint of divorce), a first grade sister and an older brother. If you don’t know the family yet, you’ll have no problem starting with this last book.

The story is perfect for the emerging MG reader.  Short chapters and fun illustrations keep the 200 plus pages moving by quickly. Goodbye Charlie, I’d welcome you back with open arms when fifth grade begins. Even a middle school series would make your fans cheer.

PUBLISHED: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 208

laugh2FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—laugh2

Charlie Bumpers Vs. The End Of The Year

  1. I was a little tired of books with Bullies as secondary characters, but Charlie’s kid- like way of dealing with them was reassuring and done right for once.
  2. A fitting conclusion comes about in the seventh book and a fourth grade year. Elementary students either in or approaching this milestone will appreciate the subtle pat on the back that everything will be all right.
  3. Word play is always fun as Charlie and friends combine familiar words into new ones. Like Disaster and Catastrophe become Disastrophe.
  4. The well-done illustrations nicely balanced the text and didn’t overwhelm.
  5. This is one of those books you can’t wait to get into the hands of the targeted audience.

FAVORITE LINES

Mom opened the door and looked down on us.

“Tell me you weren’t jumping on the bed,” she said.

“We weren’t jumping on the bed,” I said.

She gave us the evil-mom stare and closed the door on us.  If she caught us jumping on the bed one more time, I might be banished from my own bedroom. But I was too busy thinking about my brilliant idea to worry about that.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From Amazon)

Charlie is cooking up some wacky plans to keep his friend Hector from returning to Chile, but when he learns that some classmates are bullying Hector, he turns all his energy to solving that problem.

When Charlie learns that Hector’s family is moving back to Chile at the end of the year, he is crushed. With Tommy’s help, he immediately starts cooking up schemes to keep Hector here, including a campaign to get him selected as next year’s School Ambassador. (Surely Hector will have to stay, Charlie reasons, if he has such an important job.) As usual, Charlie’s schemes lead to one near-disaster after another.
But moving away from his friends turns out to be the least of Hector’s problems. Three mean boys have targeted him for bullying and are making his life miserable. Hector wants to solve the problem by himself, but Charlie and Tommy see that he needs help. They start a campaign to save Hector and to defeat “The Jerzollies of Darkness.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR—BILL HARLEY

press-BHGSTTsm-1A two-time Grammy winner, he is vibrant, outrageous, unpredictable and genuine with songs and stories about growing up, schooling and what it is to be human—our connections with one another and with the planet we share.

Best known for his work with children and families, his ability to navigate through a confusing world with humor and wisdom is evident in his masterful storytelling, singing, recordings and books.

(For more visit Bill’s Web Page)

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I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

If you have time, please comment below.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

THE WIZENARD SERIES

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

This new series for basketball lovers (ages ten and up) comes from former NBA star Kobe Bryant who created the idea and characters. Canadian author, Wesley King, did the writing and it’s a massive volume close to 600 pages.51Kv-84q1CL.jpg

The West Bottom Badgers are the worst team in the league. The live in the Bottom, the poorest suburb in Dren. Told through five different player viewpoints, they each have their own baggage of problems which in turn effects their play. The five teens include:

  • RAIN: The star player. He’s the one who makes it happen. His team is only there for support.
  • TWIG: He comes from a better part of town. Some resent his presence. His father is demanding and always wants him to act like a man.
  • CASH: He’s big and full of muscles. Home schooled and quiet. An incident in his past haunts who he is in the present and controls who he wants to be in the future.
  • Peño: Older brother of Lab with less skills on the basketball court. Mom died three years ago and his dad works long hours. Peño does all the chores and cooks for the family.
  • LAB: He can’t get over the sorrow of losing his Mama. He doesn’t understand how his older brother and dad have moved on from the loss. Basketball is his escape.

The first 100 plus pages centers around Rain, the player Kobe Bryant most identifies with. He brings his A-game to the court and wishes his teammates would do the same. Everything changes at the beginning of a ten day summer training camp when a new coach arrives, Rolabi Wizenard.

Rolabi is a wizard and his training methods are magical and scary for the players. Professor Wizenard can communicate with Rain through thoughts. He also turns the run down gym into a castle where the team must defend a trophy, a crumbling mountain range where death is certain unless they make a shot, and several sense altering techniques. Throw in a real tiger who is obviously a great defender and you have the makings of the weirdest but also the most life altering camp. Rain eventually sees that basketball is a team sport and fear drives most to fail.

The next point of view is from Twig. I expected the story to continue right where Rain left off. Not so fast. Twig’s pages go back to the beginning of training camp and readers discover how he reacts to the training methods. And so we get five books in one detailing how each player survives the camp and prepares for the upcoming season.

This unusual story telling technique may bog down some, especially those not into basketball. But for the millions of basketball loving boys, ones who are always sure they will play in the big leagues, this series will be their own training camp of what it takes to succeed. I can see a coach using the Wizenard Proverbs in their own practices. They could even assign one of the five stories for a player to read who is closest to the person they are becoming.

Free of inappropriate language or teen romance, this is about life, basketball, and the fears that hold us back.

With the star power of Kobe Bryant, there is sure to be a lot of press surrounding this series. Here are few I enjoyed:

Kobe Bryant turns pieces of his basketball journey (and magic) into teen book.

Kobe Bryant Q&A: The Wizenard Series, Life After the NBA and More

To order visit AMAZON

I received an ARC for my my honest review.

basketball-20clip-20art-9i4eR8k9T

Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Celebrating Apollo 11

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

This July marks the 50th anniversary of the historic first walk on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Staying back in the command module was the third astronaut, Michael Collins. What better way to educate a young generation born in this century with these two titles from Sleeping Bear Press.

9781585364121_fc.jpgTHE FIRST MEN WHO WENT TO THE MOON is an illustrated look at the mission from blastoff to the splashdown celebrating their return to Earth. The drawings are colorful and bold, accompanied by text in verse and 3-5 lines of informational text. The final two pages display a half dozen photos with a more detailed description of Where are Eagle and Columbia now? and More About the Mission and the Moon.

This would be a great starter book for any young reader who knows little about this time in history. It will leave in them a reality of how great this accomplishment turned out.

9781534110144_fc

MARTY’S MISSION is fictionalized account of a real event that occurred as the astronauts were returning to Earth. A ten-year-old boy plays an important role to ensure their safe return. Marty’s family live on Guam where his father manages the NASA Tracking Station. During the final hours of Apollo 11’s mission something goes wrong with the station’s antenna. It’s up to Marty to make the necessary adjustment so that communication can be restored to bring the craft home.

The tale is told atop full panels of beautifully drawn colored pictures. It’s a compelling story with the excitement of the time transferred to readers. The Author’s Note concludes the book with a look back at the whys and hows of the mission.

Both of the books are perfect to share in the classroom or to surprise your own budding astronaut with copies of their own. The moon walk’s fiftieth anniversary (July 2O, 2019) would be a perfect time to unwrap these gifts.

Posted in New Release, non fiction | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

MMGM for April 1, 2019

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

             

No fools here on on this fun-filled edition of MMGM—just links to great reviews and features. I share a few thoughts on Mr. Penguin and The Lost Treasure by Alex T. Smith. Click the smiley to reach my post and do the same for everyone else below.
June McCrary Jacobs at ‘Reading, Writing, & Stitch-Metic’ has a fun historical fiction MG picture book, ‘Papa’s Mechanical Fish’, by Candace Fleming.
Sue Heavenrich at Sally’s Bookshelf also has a fun MG read….Garbage Island, written & illustrated by Fred Koehler.
Maria Antonia at Of Books, Photography, and Tea has some mini-reviews for a Middle-Grade reading bingo challenge. No foolin’!
Suzanne Warr at Tales from the Raven spotlights The Tail of Emily Windsnap, by Liz Kessler, and comes with a non-book-related but timely personal announcement that connects to the book.
Completely Full Bookshelf recommends Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend. Monday is also the last day to enter the Spring Signed Book Giveaway!
Patricia Tilton at Children’s Books Heal reviews The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu about identical twins who are separated at school.  
Beth Mitchell at Imaginary Friends has a review of The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matthew Landis.
Dorine White at The Write Path has a spotlight and Giveaway of the Hello There! Trilogy by Laurie B. Arnold.
Alex Baugh at Randomly Reading is back with another fine review. Today she features Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles.
Rosi Hollinbeck reviews HEARTWOOD HOTEL: HOME AGAIN by Kallie George Rosi also has some not to be missed links for her writing friends.
Janet Smart at Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch is featuring The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin, The Middle Grade Mafioso, is featuring Mike Lupica’s NO SLAM DUNK.
Karen Yingling at Ms. Yingling Reads has another informative MMGM post. Be sure to check out today’s feature and all of her reviews the past week including The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins.
If you would like to join in the MMGM fun and get your own spot in the parade, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count–but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you’re featuring and a link to your blog at gpcolo (at) gmail (dot) com
(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in MMGM Links | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

The transition to middle grade books can be a harsh one for many young readers. One day they’re happily going through their 100 page chapter book and then the inevitable happens—they’re assigned to read an award winning middle grade novel with 300 plus pages. Some survive, but others get more and more turned off as to what lies ahead.

The solution is simple. mrpenguin.jpgFind transition type MG books with exciting plots that are easy to read. MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE is just what the teacher (or parent) ordered. At just over 200 pages, this fun adventure features Mr. Penguin and a spider named Colin.

Mr. Penguin longs for an adventure and he gets exactly what he wants when Boudica Bones calls, owner of the Museum of Extraordinary Objects. There’s a treasure hidden in the museum and she needs help finding it. Off they go for one surprise after another as they journey deep below the museum floors.

Illustrations and a not always white background for the text, add to the mystery and fun. Yes, it’s a silly romp but it had me smiling and the targeted audience will smile even more. This is the first in a series of adventures with Mr. Penguin.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2019 (US Release)   PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT:

MR. PENGUIN AND THE LOST TREASURE

  1. The descriptions will have your head full of visuals from the situations the adventurers get into.
  2. What an appealing layout! The book begs to be picked up and thumbed through.
  3. Will appeal to both girl and boy emerging readers.
  4. The whimsical pictures will make you wish you had a set to decorate a child’s bedroom.
  5. There are more complex sentences than you’ll find in a straight chapter book. These will challenge and provide the proper step so that in years to come a child is ready to delve into longer and more intricate plots.

ABOUT ALEX T. SMITH

After considering several career options (space traveler, cake maker, professional rabbit) and working as a production assistant for an outdoor theatre events company, Alex decided to train to do the job he’d wanted to do since he was five – an illustrator specialising in the world of children’s publishing.

Alex graduated with a 1st Class Hons degree in Illustration in 2006 and having won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration in his final year, Alex begin working on his first commission as he put his degree show up!
Since then Alex has gone on to work for a wide variety of clients not just in the publishing industry, as well as writing and illustrating his own picture books, many of which have won prizes and have been read on TV during the Bedtime Hour on the CBeebies channel.

Alex is also the creator of the CLAUDE fiction series for early readers. The first title,CLAUDE in the City was selected for the Richard and Judy Children’s Book Club 2011 and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2012. The first three books in the series are now published in fourteen languages across the world and a further three books will be hitting the shelves from October 2012.

When not working Alex enjoys doodling in his sketchbook, reading, people watching and eavesdropping. He is also a big fan of cake and a nice cup of tea. He lives with and under the constant ‘supervision’ of his canine companions – two very tiny, very naughty chihuahuas (Coco and Mr. Bongo) and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire Terrier – Lucy Locket.

(For more about Alex’s books and illustrations, visit his website)

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I received an ARC in exchange for  my honest review.

Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Greg Pattridge

I was fortunate to win a copy of this book on Literary Rambles awhile back. If you’re not familiar with Natalie Aguirre’s site, it is filled with great author and agent interviews and frequent giveaways. Take a look after reading my feedback on THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD.

Tmelwick orchard.jpghis tender tale is about girlhood, friendships, and a magical tree. It centers around the tough struggles of a family dealing with the realities of their youngest, Junie, who has cancer. Her older sister, Isa, narrates the story with heart tugging reality. The attention given to Junie, makes Isa feel invisible.

She longs for everything to return to normal, but Junie’s hospital stays gets longer and bills pile higher. Her mother’s depression also is a concern as is her father who seemingly forgets his daughter in more ways than one. The abandoned orchard behind their house give Isa hope in the form of a unique tree. It sprouts magic and maybe it might help their family.

The magic doesn’t overtake the story but provides a nice backdrop for the troubles that beset Isa and her family. She loves her sister and hasn’t let anyone else into her life until a new friendship slowly sprouts from a rather exuberant girl.

Although a bit long for emerging MG readers at 360+ pages and a bit sad, the ending is satisfying and wraps up all the plot points. Those who love realistic stories with a touch of magic will be hard pressed to find a better one.

The Official Plot (From Amazon)

After more moves than they can count, Isa’s family finally puts down roots. People in town are afraid of the abandoned orchard behind their home, but Isa and her sister Junie are happy to have acres of land to explore.

But when Junie gets sick, Isa’s mom falls into a depression, and medical bills force Isa’s dad to work more. No one notices that Isa’s clothes are falling apart and her stomach is empty.

Out of frustration, Isa buries her out-grown sneakers in the orchard. The next day a sapling sprouts buds that bloom to reveal new shoes. Can Isa use this magical tree to save her family?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (From Rebecca’s website)

Rebecca Caprara is a children’s book author and illustrator. Her debut middle grade novel, THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD was published in September 2018 by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. Her next novel, WORST-CASE COLLIN will be published by Charlesbridge in 2020. 

Rebecca graduated from Cornell University and practiced architecture for several years, before shifting her focus from bricks to books. An avid globetrotter, she has traveled to over 50 countries, and has lived in Italy, Singapore, and Canada. She is now growing roots in Massachusetts with her family. 

Rebecca is also a classically trained ballet dancer, and continues to teach creative movement and storytelling to young students.

In 2017, she received the Marguerite Davol Picture Book Manuscript Scholarship, as well as the Jane Yolen Scholarship from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. 

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 You only have two days left to enter National Geographic’s huge giveaway to launch the second book in the Explorer Academy Series. ALWAYS in the MIDDLE and four other blogs hosted the tour last week. A separate Rafflecopter entry form is being used for each site so a total of five winners will win all the great items pictured below. Here’s my post with all the details or head right over to the Rafflecopter entry form to sign up.

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Coming up this Monday is another edition of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
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