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About This Book:

• The incredible adaptations that let octopuses thrive in the world’s harshest conditions
• How octopuses can edit their own genes!
• Why these tentacled animals need nine brains and three hearts
• Incredible ways octopuses interact with the natural world around them . . . and so much more!

*Review Contributed By Evren Dodd, Staff Reviewer*

Interesting and Informative

Part of the Big Questions Answered series, ARE OCTOPUSES FROM ANOTHER WORLD explores the amazing abilities octopuses possess as well as whether they are Earthly beings or otherworldly.

This book covers many of the interesting aspects of octopuses that make them seem like creatures from another planet. Multiple hearts, limbs with brains, camouflage, and so much more. I love learning more about animals and octopuses have always been an interesting subject because they feel so different from other creatures.

The artist for this book, Valeria Abatzoglu, draws really clean illustrations that showcase the skills and information being presented. Much of the background is blue, but the creatures and details still stand out even when using similar colors.

There is a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book for younger readers who may not fully understand the topic of teuthology. This additional information provides a bridge between the suggested age range (kids 5 to 9) and the actual language used in the book. It allows even younger readers, or those reading at lower levels, to still understand the information being presented.

ARE OCTOPUSES FROM ANOTHER WORLD is yet another amazing book in the Big Questions Answered series. Showcasing a myriad of talents and curiosities about the octopus, this is a solid read for those interested in the strange creatures that roam amongst humans.

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A deluxe edition of the bestselling Christian picture book about a polar bear cub who asks a question that “human cubs” often wonder about, too: “Where did I come from?” Now featuring a gorgeous slipcase and extra room for personalization—perfect for gifting!

This special edition of God Gave Us You adds a personalized touch to any gift-giving occasion and is sure to become a cherished keepsake. New features include a beautifully designed slipcase plus pages where loved ones can draw pictures or write messages, best wishes, and prayers.

Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime, or anytime, God Gave Us You assures each child that he or she is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from God. With more than two million copies sold, the book continues to gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicate the message loving parents everywhere want their little ones to hear: “We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because—God gave us you.”

*Review Contributed By Adrien Carter, Staff Reviewer*

Sweet Story Introducing children to God

Mama bear is tucking her cub in when she expresses to the cub, that the cub was very much wanted and how happy Mama bear is because God gave them the cub.

What I Liked: This story begins with the cub asking her mother where she came from and then the mother explains that the cub comes from God. After stating this, the book tells the mother’s journey of her pregnancy and the child growing. The illustrations throughout this book are soft and sweet, they do a great job of showing what the text is saying, and showing the love that the Mama bear has for her cub all throughout her life. This book includes pages at the end of the story where loved ones can write messages, or prayers if they wish to give this book as a gift.

Final Verdict: God Gave Us You is a sweet story that is perfect to show children that God sent them to their family, and because of this they are a welcome, and treasured gift. This book is perfect for fans of I love you to the moon and back, and the other books in the God Gave us series. Children will enjoy hearing how much they are loved and treasured, and get a nice boost to their self-esteem when they listen to this book.

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Multiple-time New York Times–bestselling sewer-surfing super-sleuths Mango and Brash are back in the ninth volume of the mega-smash-hit InvestiGators series!

The InvestiGators’ latest case is a dairy disaster! The city’s water supply has been replaced with milk and the newest feline agents, the InvestiGatos, don’t seem to be complaining. What’s with the simian scientists and why is the rain green?! All will be revealed in this sticky volume of InvestiGators!

*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

entertaining and silly graphic novel!

INVESTIGATORS: WEATHER OR NOT is an engaging and silly middle grade graphic novel with a fun mystery and plenty of funny moments. Mango and Brash have a new case to solve – who is replacing the water with milk? They face off against Daryl, locate the missing agent (InvestiGatos), and encounter mad scientists along the way.

What I loved: This is a highly entertaining and action-packed new InvestiGators story. The misunderstandings and puns will keep young readers laughing. There are so many clever jokes that play on language and grammar that also improve reading skills. Another fun thing about this series is that some of the jokes are made for adult caregivers who read along with young ones. They may go over kids’ heads but will keep adults entertained as well.

The case feels relatively low stakes and adds to the humor along the way with plenty of twists and surprises as they figure out who is behind it. Mango and Brash may not always be the most effective detectives but they get the job done. The new InvestiGatos added a lot of fun to the story with their own flair for solving cases and tackling problems.

The artwork throughout is fantastic with loads of fun characters, easy-to-follow panels, and lots of color. The level of detail works perfectly to set and capture each scene. The dialogue is easy to attribute and follow without taking over the story. Expressive characters and colors set up all the comedy nicely.

Final verdict: INVESTIGATORS: WEATHER OR NOT is a highly entertaining and action-packed graphic novel that young readers will love laughing their way through! Highly recommend for the middle grade audience.

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*Review Contributed By Rachel Feeck, Staff Reviewer*

Good Neighbors and Woodland Critters

When the beavers accidentally chop down the tree with Hazelnut the squirrel’s home, they offer her a place to stay for the winter. Hazelnut appreciates the offer, but a few days in the wet river tell her she’s not cut out for being a beaver, so she begins wandering in search of place to stay. Thankfully her many neighbors are eager to help, and at long last, Hazelnut finds a place where she can be herself.

This is a fun little woodland story, with the cadence of a fable as Hazelnut moves from one home to another. The bats are nice, but Hazelnut isn’t made to hang upside down, and on it goes, until she finds the home that’s just right for her. Fall and winter colors offer a pretty backdrop to her journey and the variety of cute, wide-eyed creatures along her way, including beavers, birds, hedgehogs, and more.

Readers will enjoy a story of one determined squirrel, helpful neighbors, and the lesson that kindness begets kindness, it’s okay for sometimes feel like a fish out of water, and there’s a place in the world for everyone.

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Gibberish meets Alma and How She Got Her Name in a celebration of language and how the words we use connect us with the people we love most!

Words are like magia—magic!

When her Spanish teacher asks the class to share the words that spark the most magic for them, Karena knows exactly what’s at the top of her list:

¡Poloché!

But when she’s told that it’s not a real word, she’s thrown for a loop. Her mami said it just that morning, whispered under her breath like a spell to make every wrinkle in Karena’s shirt disappear. So begins her mission to prove that there is more to language than what can be found in a dictionary. After all, her mami’s words are full of love and memory—what could be more magical than that?

Kiara Valdez’s singular text and Richy Sánchez Ayala’s vibrant illustrations celebrate the different ways that families keep language alive by bringing their own history and traditions to the table.

*Review Contributed By Adrien Carter, staff Reviewer*

Beauty of Language and Culture

Karena’s Spanish teacher asks the class to share words that spark magic for them and Karena knows just the word, Poloché. Karena is confused once she is told that its not a real word because her mami said it that morning. Karena is now on a mission to show that there’s words that aren’t captured in a dictionary like her mami’s words that are full of love and memories, and for her that’s magic.

What I Liked: If you’ve grown up with family members where English is their second language, this book will bring back memories of your childhood with them. You’ll be pausing to remember all the words that yuou grew up with and how you never second guessed it they were real. It’s fascinating to see how these words bring back memories, and how we should learn to embrace those words.

The illustrations throughout this book are vibrant helping to celebrate the ways that families keep language alive, and the beauty in the language that they make. Each moment of this story is full of joy especially as the children come together and when Karena shares that these words are a part of her history and culture. It’s interesting to see the teacher’s response and how Karena manages to teach her teacher something new.

Final Verdict: Mami’s Magic Words is perfect for English Language Learners to learn about the beauty that comes from the words that their parents use, and how those words are magical. Children ages 4 and up will enjoy seeing all the words that the children come up with and being able to think of their own words. This book feels like getting a warm hug from your loved ones and it’s one that you’ll return to time and time again.

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About This Book:

• How nanobots are lending doctors a tiny helping hand in fighting disease
• The amazing ways that nanotechnology benefits us every day
• How these small machines are standing up to climate change

*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

interesting nonfiction picture book

CAN THESE TINY ROBOTS CHANGE OUR WORLD? is an interesting picture book about nanobots. The book includes basic information about nanobots and their potential uses at a high level. Backmatter includes helpful definitions and additional information.

What I loved: Curious young readers will really get into this picture book. While the information is surface-level, this is great for young elementary school readers who love learning new things and technology. Each page features large images along with a few sentences to explain some high-level concepts. This is great for young elementary school students, as it keeps them engaged and introduces the topic and its uses well.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, while this was great for little readers, more information and detail would have been cool to include for readers who want even more details and facts.

Final verdict: CAN THESE TINY ROBOTS CHANGE OUR WORLD? is an engaging picture book for curious young elementary school-aged readers. It introduces the concept well with great illustrations on every page and helpful backmatter.

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About This Book:

• Lauren Alaina
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Scotty McCreery
• Dolly Parton
• and Lainey Wilson

*Review Contributed By Cherokee Crum, Staff Reviewer*

A Warm, Welcoming Introduction to the Grand Ole Opry

Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! is a lively and inviting picture book that brings the spirit of this iconic music venue to young readers in a wonderfully imaginative way.

Written in the point of view of the Grand Ole Opry itself, the story speaks directly to the reader as if they’re preparing to take the stage. This creates a fun, immersive experience that feels both exciting and empowering.

The illustrations by Susanna Chapman are interesting and something not seen often. They have a playful collage-like quality, blending drawn elements with textures reminiscent of magazine clippings and photographs. This mixed-media style gives the pages a dynamic, rhythmic vibe that matches the musical theme. Each spread feels energetic and full of movement.

I appreciate how the book emphasizes inclusivity, inviting readers of all backgrounds to imagine themselves as part of the Opry tradition. It captures the message that music is for everyone, and that the stage has room for all voices.

In the back matter, there’s a brief and accessible history of the Grand Ole Opry, along with messages from past performers that add personal insight and authenticity. This section offers a nice touch for older readers or for families wanting to learn more after enjoying the main story.

Overall, it’s a joyful, welcoming book. It is perfect for young music lovers, budding performers, or anyone curious about a piece of American musical heritage

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*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

A spooky story of friendship

What worked:
Interestingly, this book is the second in the series, but it’s written by a different author. Previously, Lila was the only character who could see ghosts, but this time, Teddy and Caleb somehow gain the ability, too. Teddy notices something strange about Lila that leads the plot in a new direction. She starts flickering, fading in and out of existence, and sometimes disappearing entirely. This problem becomes the plot’s main conflict, as Teddy doesn’t want to let another friend die. He doesn’t know what to do, so he often goes to his chat room group, the Phantom Hunters, in search of answers. Lila also joins him in researching the history of their small Ohio town, and they begin to notice a pattern. They banished the Fire Maiden in the first book, but they fear she may be returning.
A subplot involves a tragedy that’s been traumatizing Teddy since the first book. Teddy’s best friend died when they were in the third grade, and Teddy’s been blaming himself for the past four years. Readers know it involves a skating accident, but this book adds previously unknown details. The drowning was devastating for Teddy, but his classmates’ teasing made it even worse. They still make comments about his obsession with ghosts and horror movies, so Teddy doesn’t have any good friends. Since Lila is new to his school, he’s afraid she won’t want to be associated with him when she learns he has no relationships with any other students.
The author is a master of suspense and of developing an eerie world. From the first book, readers will know Lila’s family has moved into an inn that has catered more to ghosts than humans. Of course, her parents are unaware that a portal to the world of the dead is behind the mirror in the attic. Stormy weather helps to create a creepier feeling even during the daytime hours. The tension is amplified when kids from school perform a séance that gives the Fire Maiden more power. Later, Lila’s parents plan a party on Halloween, so readers know the plot will build to a climax on that day. Readers are left to wonder how fearful, remorseful Teddy can save his friend from being claimed by a malevolent spirit that’s growing stronger.
What didn’t work as well:
Isn’t it amazing how many characters sense things are “off” but ignore those feelings. There are a couple of instances in this book where Teddy and Lila meet characters and think their actions or comments seem odd. Experienced readers will notice the clues and be on the lookout when the plot takes a turn. It’s also strange that Lila flickers in school, and no one notices enough to make it into a “thing”.
The final verdict:
There are many references to the Fire Maiden, so readers should read The Last Resort first. Middle-grade readers love scary stories, and they’ll love a spirit that feeds on fears of the living. I recommend you try this series for yourself!

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About This Book:

From New York Times best-selling author Michelle Knudsen comes a pitch-perfect fantasy about adolescent girlhood—navigating friendship and trust, owning your gifts, and becoming the hero of your own story.

Eleven-year-old Bevvy spends her time avoiding other kids, playing with her neighbor’s kittens, and escaping into her fantasy novels. When new girl Cat arrives at school, Bevvy thinks she may finally have found a friend, until Cat provokes Bevvy’s worst tormentor and leaves her alone to deal with the consequences. Later, on Bevvy’s doorstep, Cat’s apology is cut short when a car with dark windows rolls up. Bolting into a nearby wood with Bevvy in tow, Cat proceeds to open a hole, in the air, just in time. Bevvy knows magic when she sees it, the kind in books, but the world the girls escape to—teeming with unicorns, sorcerers, and dragons—is shockingly, exhilaratingly real. It’s a world at war. Those who wield wild magic, in tune with nature, are pitted against dark sorcerers. As Bevvy’s role in the struggle grows, and her confidence with it, can she trust Cat to support her? Can she trust herself not to run? An acclaimed author builds a breathtaking and emotionally resonant world where magic and monsters are real and friendship and risk go hand in hand.

*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

Cooperation and understanding

What worked:
Lorelkey is an alternate world that bears similarities to the world readers live in. The differences aren’t a surprise, although they may make readers reconsider their favourite magical creatures. Bevvy loves unicorns, so she’s stunned when a group of them attack her and Cat. The blood-spattered muzzles and forelegs with eyes “full of malice” belie the beautiful image of unicorns in fantasy books. Bevvy has always loved dragons, but her first encounter with them in Lorelkey results in a run for her life. Giant, mothlike creatures are initially terrifying, but they become reliable forms of transportation.
Sorcerers are in a war with Lorelkey, as they seek to destroy any resistance, especially anyone with natural magic. They’ve developed a way to control the dragons, which has made them almost unstoppable. Calistine may be the last person wielding wild magic, so efforts to resist the sorcerers are becoming desperate. Cat can cast a few spells; she opened the portal into Lorelkey, but she doesn’t want to share her past with the others. However, her abilities might be invaluable toward stopping the sorcerers, which creates one of the plot’s conflicts. Plus, Calistine and her followers know there’s something unusual about Bevvy and Cat, so they’re reluctant to trust the two strangers. The distrust goes both ways, and it takes a while to overcome those feelings.
From the synopsis, readers will suspect Bevvy possesses wild magic, but she doesn’t understand what’s happening. She touches a tree in Lorelkey and senses it trying to help her escape a monster. She later asks them for protection, and they seem to respond. Bevvy’s not sure if it’s really happening, and Calistine initially says it’s impossible. The trees choose the people who receive their power, so why would they decide someone from another world is worthy? Perhaps it’s because Bevvy’s a kind, gentle soul who desperately wants friends. She cares about the well-being of the trees, and they sense her good intentions.
What didn’t work as well:
Some aspects of the plot are predictable. The fate of Cat’s mom is assumed, but readers will have a suspicion about her demise. Evil sorcerers are sent away, but readers will anticipate their return. Bevvy possesses wild magic, common sense, and a caring heart, but her influence on adults in Lorelkey is surprising.
The final verdict:
The plot is more dramatic and adventurous than readers might expect. Old prejudices are hard to overcome, but all of the tensions are mostly resolved in the end. I recommend you give this book a shot.

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About This Book:

In this cozy winter story, a six-hundred-year-old snowman and a ten-and-a-half-year-old girl strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to bring an end to the longest winter ever.

Article II of the Snowman A snowman always helps a child in need.

It’s March, but the ground is still covered in snow, the lake in the park is still frozen over, and ten-and-a-half-year-old Blessing has three

Problem #1: Blessing hasn’t gone to school in months. She just can’t stand those bullies, the Driplet Triplets, so her only solution to avoiding them is to pretend she and her mom moved to Australia.

Problem #2: Blessing’s mom gets sad in the winter. So sad she doesn’t go to work and sometimes doesn’t get out of bed.

Problem #3: The city is experiencing its longest ever winter, with no end in sight. And the longer it goes on, the longer her mom’s sadness does too. If spring doesn’t come soon and other grown-ups find out her mom is too sad, they’ll be separated again.

Just as Blessing starts to lose hope, she meets an unexpected new Albert Framlington, a six-hundred-year-old snowman who just might hold the key to solving all three of her problems. But Albert has a problem of his own he may need a human’s help to solve.

Can this unlikely duo find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love, and overcome the never-ending winter before it’s too late? They have to try—that’s the Snowman Code after all.

*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

A daughter’s love for her mother

What worked:
The book tells a charming story about a sad, young girl named Blessing. The root of her problem concerns the longest winter on record and the effects it’s having on the citizens. Her mother, Margaret, is suffering from seasonal depression, as winter always makes her depressed. Her issues are so severe that children’s services place Blessing in foster care every time winter rolls around. Readers can see how a record-setting long winter will create a massive problem for Blessing and her mom. Blessing is hassled by three bullies (she thinks of them as the Driplet Triplets), which makes her decision to become truant even easier.
The Snowman Code consists of rules snowmen must follow, and they cannot be broken. The first rule readers will encounter states that a snowman must ignore humans, but they must respond if a human speaks to them six times. Albert Framlington is a shoddy-looking snowman (Blessing would rate him as 3 out of 10) in the park, and he reluctantly befriends Blessing. The code guides Albert’s behavior, especially the second rule that says snowmen must help children in need. However, a conflict arises due to a secret Albert is keeping from Blessing.
Albert Framlington adds much humor to the story because of his superior-sounding attitude. He insists people born in the summer (like Blessing) are less intelligent than those born in winter, like him. He spouts off “facts” and can’t believe Blessing doesn’t know the information. Readers may agree with Blessing when Albert says Sherlock Holmes was a famous zookeeper, not a detective. He insists Africa is covered in snow even after Blessing tells him he’s talking about the Arctic. Readers should know Albert’s cheeks turn red when he’s fibbing, although he insists that he never tells a lie.
What didn’t work as well:
Snowmen are always supposed to follow the Snowman Code, but Albert Framlington seems to be less than serious about this concept. His cavalier attitude defines his character, but it may also be confusing. If rule number two says he’s supposed to help Blessing, then why isn’t he more honest with her?
The final verdict:
This magical story will appeal to young readers, as the author creates a very creative tale. The idea of living snowmen and their recurring births presents a story readers have never seen before. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

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