The Great Wiz and the Ruckus by Joey McCormick

2 stars A fast-paced adventure tale of saving the world and the balance of light and dark The looming threat of the Ruckus has returned. In order to restore balance, five Wiz’s (I don’t know why this is the plural form but it is apparently) must band together to summon the Great Wiz. But is…

Read More

Over the Garden Wall: Hollow Town by Celia Lowenthal

Illustrated by Jorge Monlongo 4 stars Delightfully spooky. After a series of unfortunate raft troubles, Wirt, Greg, Beatrice, and everyone’s favorite frog seek refuge in a quiet town filled with polite inhabitants. However, the longer they stay, the more sinister the town seems. Can they unlock its dark secrets, and if they do, will they…

Read More

Old Clothes for Dinner?! by Nathalie Alonso

Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro 4 stars A humorous picture book that explores the unique names we give certain dishes. Magaly loves her abuela’s cooking, but when she learns they’ll be eatin ropa vieja for dinner, she starts hiding her “old clothes” so they don’t end up in the pot. Delightful humor. Bright, warm illustrations….

Read More

The Gingerbread Man: Buttons on the Loose by Laura Murray

Illustrated by Mike Lowery 3 stars A cute little early graphic novel. Join the Gingerbread Man as he searches for his missing buttons in this adorable rhyming tale. Cute artwork. Great rhythm and rhyme. Short and simple story with dynamic illustrations. A nice next step for those who enjoy the picture book series and a…

Read More

I Am a Cat Barista, Vol. 1 by Hiro Maijima

Translated by Kat Skarbinec 4 stars Wholesome and delightful. Welcome to Cafe Hachiware, a mysterious cat cafe that only presents itself to weary souls. Inside, you’ll find a cat barista, ready to make you the drink he thinks you need and offer some helpful advice. Each chapter presents a trouble human with their own problem….

Read More

Rarity’s Charity by G. M. Berrow

3 stars An early chapter book adaptation of My Little Pony: Rarity and the Curious Case of Charity. Rarity is excited for her new apprentice to arrive, but when Charity takes her idolization of Rarity too far, Rarity must figure out how to be the mentor Charity actually needs. While it’s the same story, the chapters…

Read More

Waffles + Mochi: Pickle Party! by Frank Berrios

Illustrated by Sarah Rebar 5 stars An absolutely adorable pickle-filled adventure. Kennedy wants to have a pickle party for her birthday, but Waffles accidently drops the last jar. Determined to set things right, Waffles and Mochi learn all about making pickles and the time it takes to make them. Well-written, especially for an early reader….

Read More

The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught

5 stars An adorably cozy fantasy story. After an important pastry order is placed, bakery apprentice Juniper sets out with Hadley the bard to collect special mushrooms for the recipe. On their journey, they stumble upon a mystery. Something is eating all the farmers’ crops… something big. Looking for inspiration for their songs, Hadley convinces…

Read More