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All the latest reviews from the official YABC Team.

Kid Review: How Do Birds Sing a Duet?: A Book About Bird Behavior by Clayton Grider

March 18th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

Have you ever wondered how birds know when to fly south for the winter?

An introduction to bird behavior including how and why woodpeckers peck, how pelicans fly without flapping their wings, why birds sing, and more is explored through diagrams, photos, and informative and engaging text in this newest addition to the How Do series.

About the How Do series: These fully illustrated nonfiction picture books are a great introduction to various STEM topics. Each title includes facts and figures, simple diagrams and hilarious illustrations and is written in a question-and-answer format to encourage readers to ask questions and guess the answers before exploring the science behind the correct answers.

*Review Contributed By Bethany Wicker, Staff Reviewer*

All about birds

HOW DO BIRDS SING A DUET teaches children several different things on birds with adorable cartoon-y illustrations. It is packed with facts about birds and covers just about everything from migration habits to their behavior to what they eat. I love the layout and how fun facts are made to look like sticky notes. They’re informative and add a nice extra touch to the overall format. I feel like it also makes them easier to remember in this format because a sticky note to me is usually a reminder. Another entertaining part are the speech bubbles and how they add some humor to take away from the fact that it’s an educational book. The author talks about so many different birds that it’s nice to see some that I haven’t heard of. Some even have real photos to mix things up from the clip art style.

Final Verdict: My daughter is a huge fan of birds and had fun learning about them. It’s engaging and held her interest. I would recommend this to children aged six and up who love birds and nature. It would also make a nice addition to classes learning about birds.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

Kid Review: Mr. ZIP’s Windy Day by Annie Auerbach

March 18th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

 

Young readers will love the interactive lift-the-flap element as they join Mr. ZIP for one windy adventure! Mr. ZIP and his trusty sidekick B. Franklin start their day in the mail room. Then it’s time to begin the mail route. We accompany Mr. ZIP as he makes his deliveries. Suddenly a huge gust of wind blows the letters away. Mr. ZIP and Franklin have to track them down. Will they be able to find every last letter-and deliver them all before the end of the day?

 

*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

Lift the Flap Fun

Mr. Zip works at the post office delivering mail around town. In this book, he experiences a windy day where his letters get loose and the reader can lift the flaps to help find them all. This book would be great to read with Toddler-Preschool age children to begin the concept of community helpers. The interactive style of lifting the flaps helps engage the attention of young readers and the word choice and length suit the age group well. This board book style is good for young readers who are not very gentle during their explorations. Overall, this is an engaging read that begins the introduction of what a postal worker does to help the community. It is a fun read to find all the letters and look at the silly illustrations.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

Middle-Grade Review: Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time by PJ Davis

March 18th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

“…it’s hard to prove the world’s most important substance is missing when no one knows it’s gone.”
“Substance? What substance?” asks thirteen-year-old Max Kellerman. “Why time itself!” exclaims the strange professor who Max meets in the back of his uncle’s bookstore. In fact, he says, time is being sucked out of every living person by invisible thieves and stored away in a deep, dark netherworld. 

Could the professor possibly be right… or just plain crazy? 

It depends on whether Max can unravel the mysterious clues in the tattered manuscript the professor leaves behind. With the help of his best friends Derek and Samantha, Max begins a quest to find this dark realm and to discover its hidden secrets. But with the time clock ticking and the professor gone missing, Max uncovers a truth he never thought possible. 

Max must unravel the mysteries of Nemesis to save not just his world, but the very fabric of time itself.

*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

Viewing the world in new ways

What worked:
The author adds a creative twist to an apocalyptic plot by making a connection to familiar human experiences. Everyone zones out at times or gets a sense of déjà vu. Sneezing and yawns happen every day. The plot suggests these common events are evidence of time (life force) being stolen from individuals. Boggarts collect the stolen time and deposit it into a vault, hidden in the dimension of Nemesis; Nemesis is a place, not a person. Once enough life force has been accumulated, Abaddon will lead an army of goblins, trolls, and all kinds of other monsters in an invasion of Earth and start an Armageddon.
Max is the main character and he’s an awkward seventh grader who’s often picked on for his unusual habits of daydreaming, dozing, and drooling in class. He’s the one who has a personal connection to the plot and decides he needs to destroy the vault. Max is able to manifest a special ability by calming his mind and seeing his surroundings in new ways. He has two close friends to support him. Derek adds levity to the narrative as he’s impulsive, always hungry, and he’s often complaining about the danger they’re putting themselves in. Max calls Sam the group’s voice of reason as she’s very intelligent and excels at analyzing tricky situations. Together, they form a trio of fun, relatable characters that are commonly found in middle-grade novels.
The plot includes a bit of mystery as the characters and readers don’t fully understand everything that’s happening. Max finds a book written in Latin and he’ll need to decode the dead language to unlock secrets about the strange feelings he’s been having. There aren’t any instructions on how to enter another dimension and scholarly adults have failed to uncover the way. How are three kids supposed to succeed? In addition, Max’s father supposedly died in an explosion but hints are dropped that this may not be the truth. Max’s main motivation to take on the quest is to pursue the possibility that his father may still be alive.
What didn’t work as well:
The story references science theories that may have some basis in reality. I have no idea. The references to theta waves and calculus equations will surely sail over the heads of most young readers. Mentioning Benedictine monks and the Renaissance will not have any meaning to them. However, most readers should be able get the gist of why the author includes these descriptions and still fully enjoy the story.
The final verdict:
The basic format of the story will be familiar to lovers of middle-grade books although it’s unique to find a main character who taps into his abilities by calming his mind and emotions. Overall, it’s an exciting, action-packed adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

YA Review: Beasts of War (Ayana Gray)

March 18th, 2024 by

About This Book:

In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human.

Once a prisoner to Fedu, the vengeful god of death, Koffi has regained her freedom, but she is far from safe. Fedu will stop at nothing to hunt her down and use her power to decimate the mortal world. Koffi knows when Fedu will strike: during the next Bonding, a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. To survive, Koffi will have to find powerful new allies quickly, and convince them to help her in the terrible battle to come.

Once a warrior-turned-runaway, Ekon has carved out a new life for himself outside Lkossa, but the shadows of his past still haunt him. Now, alongside unexpected friends, Ekon tries to focus on getting Koffi to the Kusonga Plains before the next Bonding. If he fails, Koffi will be consumed, either by her own dangerous power, or the terrible fate Ekon is doing everything he can to prevent. Ekon devotes himself to protecting Koffi, but the lingering threats from his own past are more urgent than he knows.

As Koffi and Ekon race to the Kusonga Plains—and try to garner the help of Eshōza’s ancient gods along the way—they must face a slew of dangerous beasts old and new. In the end, destiny may unite Koffi and Ekon for the last time—or tear them apart for good.

 

*Review Contributed by Connie Reid, Site Manager*

The third book, Beasts of War, delved deeply into African Mythology to flesh out the world that Ekon and Koffi traversed. This made the story have a rich tapestry for events to unfold in their quest to stop the war god, Fedu, and return the splendor trapped in Koffi’s body.
Once again, we had a third perspective, Akande, to keep the reader wondering who he was and how he was going to fit into the story. This was the most mysterious tie-in yet because I truly had no suspicion of how he was going to end up being important like I did in the other books.
I enjoyed Koffi and Ekon’s developing relationship in book one. However, Koffi’s use of the splendor is changing her in subtle ways to being a harsher version of herself. Coupled with the audiobook narrator’s interpretation of Ekon’s speaking voice which came off as whiny and squeaky I did not connect with the characters as well in this book. The epilogue suddenly had the relationship banter and support that I missed throughout the book.
Overall, this book gave us a quest where mythology could come to life and be explored in a new way. I enjoyed the lush world created and the depth of the characters. There were many surprises along the way. I liked the full-circle way the trilogy was resolved. It felt appropriate for our characters to get back to their beginnings and face how they have changed and move on from there.

*Find More Info & Buy This Book HERE!*

YA Review: The Encanto’s Daughter ( Melissa de la Cruz)

March 16th, 2024 by

About This Book:

A young woman claims the throne of a realm inspired by Filipino mythology in this YA romantic fantasy, the first in an enchanting new duet by #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

MJ Rodriguez has spent her life hiding in the human world, keeping a heavy secret: She’s half-encanto. As the only child of King Vivencio of the Sirena Court, she’s also next in line for the throne. And now, upon her estranged father’s sudden death, MJ must claim her place as rightful heir.

In wondrous Biringan, the road to the throne is paved with thorns. Without a reigning monarch, the realm has spiraled into disarray. MJ has to win over a backstabbing council that objects to a half-human ruler. And when it looks like her father’s passing wasn’t natural but possibly inflicted by a curse, she must hunt down the sorceress behind this merciless magic.

In a bind, MJ forges an unlikely alliance with the striking Sir Lucas of the feared Sigbin Court, and soon, she loses her heart to the mysterious knight. But with peril looming over Biringan, the princess must decide if she can both open herself to love and carry the weight of the crown.

*Review Contributed by Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

THE ENCANTO’S DAUGHTER is an engaging and fast-paced YA fantasy read. MJ has been on the run for as long as she can remember, but her time is running out as her father’s world of magic encantos, Biringan, has caught up to her. Her father is dead, which means it is time for her to ascend to the throne, and there are insurgent factions who want anything but that to happen. As she travels into this magical world, she will need to complete classes to learn some of the things she has missed about the kingdom she is to rule, work towards her coronation, and deal with the politics of her classmates and other rulers.

MJ soon learns that as a hapcanto, meaning that she is half-human and half-encanto, she faces a lot of prejudice and some bullying. On top of that and adjusting to a new world, she also needs to figure out what her magical ability is stat – she will need to demonstrate it to ascend to the throne in a very short time. As she navigates those challenges, she soon begins to suspect that her father’s death had suspicious causes, and her best ally in the investigation is Lucas, who is very attractive but attached to her rival. MJ will need to keep her wits about her as she works toward making it to the coronation alive.

What I loved: This was such an engaging and charming YA fantasy that will work well for younger YA readers as well as older ones. MJ is a compelling character who is trying to do her best, while still a teen and learning. Having been on the run with her mother in the human world, she has learned how to adapt – but she doesn’t have the background to fully grasp the politics and prejudices of Biringan. Quick on her feet, she definitely needs to keep her wits about her, as she has enemies popping up at every turn, who don’t want her to take the throne – with some unknown factions who are more deadly about it.

The plot moves quickly, and the reader learns about this world as MJ does. With the mystery of her father’s death (and another one that comes up during the story), the challenges of school, and new friendships and romance, there is a lot to keep the reader hooked into the story. The pages turn quickly and will keep readers on their toes as they try to figure out how MJ will make it – from normal teenage problems to those only royalty could face.

Themes around prejudice, betrayal/trust, trafficking, and family make this a thought-provoking read. There is also some light romance with a touch of enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, and a fake kiss to hide (that turns real). The romance felt sudden, but it was a sweet one that will hopefully continue to be developed in the next book. MJ and other characters definitely felt like teens and will resonate with YA readers.

The end does have a small cliffhanger, although some major plot points were resolved, so readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Final verdict: THE ENCANTO’S DAUGHTER is a thrilling and consuming YA fantasy that pulls the reader into a world of magic.

*Find More Info & Buy This Book HERE!*

 

Middle-Grade Review: Ben Rothery’s Deadly and Dangerous Animals by Ben Rothery

March 16th, 2024 by

About This Book:

A stunning visual exploration of what it takes to be counted among the deadliest animals on Earth.
From the saltwater crocodile’s vise like bite to the golden eagle’s lightning attack from the air, many of the creatures featured in this upper-level picture book are built for danger. But what makes a chameleon or ant so threatening, and which creature is the deadliest of all to humans, despite its tiny size? Award-winning illustrator Ben Rothery’s fact-filled book of the planet’s most dangerous creatures has the answers.

*Review Contributed By Bethany Wicker, Staff Reviewer*

Unique Collection

There are a lot of dangerous creatures in the world, but Ben Rothery has selected some unique ones to include in this book. He goes into detail about these animal behaviors and attributes that make them deadly, like jaws, claws, speed, stealth, mimicry, and venom. The author shows there’s much more to being a predator than being large with sharp teeth or claws. Some animals are deadly because they work as a team while others hunt alone using their intelligence. Animals you don’t expect to see on this list are the dragonfly, a peacock mantis shrimp, and a pike. But it’s fascinating to see what makes them so dangerous. The one I found most interesting is the assassin bug that feeds on spiders.

In the beginning of the book, before the title page, measurement conversions are given since he uses metric measurements, which is something we aren’t used to in the US. I like this addition because it adds another tidbit for children to learn from. The illustrations are beautifully realistic with attention paid to the details. In the back of the book, there’s a glossary and a “Dear reader” section that explains how children can have a positive effect on the planet.

Final Verdict: Overall, this is an intriguing collection of deadly animals that children aged eight and up will enjoy reading. It’s both educational and interesting. The author talks about animals that are familiar to us and then ones that I’ve never heard of. I would recommend this to children who love animals and learning about their behaviors. It would also make a good addition to school libraries.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

Kid Review: Isabel and the Invisible World by Alan Lightman

March 16th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

 

Renowned physicist Alan Lightman, author of Ada and the Galaxies,turns his focus to light waves in a second story for children.

 

There’s only one gift Isabel wants for her sixth birthday: a way to see invisible things. She can hardly think of anything else! Finally, the day of her party arrives. Unwrapping a big box, Isabel finds a surprise inside—a glass prism—and a dazzling world of previously invisible color emerges, lighting up the room around her. What else could be out there, waiting for her eyes to discover? In simple, engaging language, complemented by luminous artwork from best-selling illustrator Ramona Kaulitzki, author and physicist Alan Lightman unveils the hidden world of light waves—the ones you can see and the ones you can’t. Back matter delves briefly into the subject of wavelengths, radio waves, and X-rays for readers curious to know more.

 

*Review Contributed By Bethany Wicker, Staff Reviewer*

Lights all around us.

sabel has always taken an interest in things that can’t be seen, like the time her friend said she had an invisible pet rabbit. Her birthday is coming up and her parents are trying to figure out what to get her, but she can only think of one thing she wants. To see the invisible. So, her parents put their heads together and come up with a great idea. They surprise her with a prism that allows her to see all of the different colors surrounding us. Over the moon, Isabel feels like her wish has been answered.

ISABEL AND THE INVISIBLE WORLD delves into the minds of children and how their curiosity grows and grows. In the back of the book, the author goes into more detail about the light rays around us and how they’re invisible to the naked eye. Inventions like prisms help people see them but it’s crazy to think they’re always there. The illustrations are cute and full of color thanks to the prism. After reading this book, my daughter wants one.

Final Verdict: This picture book will spark a child’s curiosity and maybe even build their interest in science and the world around us. I would recommend it to children who enjoy learning or have a vivid imagination because this book will help it grow.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

Kid Review: Masked Hero: How Wu Lien-teh Invented the Mask That Ended an Epidemic by Shan Woo Liu

March 16th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

 

Meet Dr. Wu Lien-teh, defeater of the Manchurian plague—in a story authored by his great-granddaughter, an emergency physician who relied on his life-saving invention during a pandemic a century later.

 

More than a hundred years before Covid, a deadly pneumonic plague threatened to sweep through Northeast China. Medical experts were summoned to help contain it—among them Wu Lien-teh, who had overcome hurdles to be a doctor since his boyhood in Malaysia. Unlike others, Dr. Wu deduced the disease was spread through airborne bacteria and advocated for quarantines and other measures familiar to readers today, including the use of a face covering he designed from layers of cloth and gauze: the first version of the N95 mask.

Wu Lien-teh faced ridicule and discrimination, but his trailblazing methods prevailed: the 1910 Manchurian plague was vanquished in four months, and his invention continues to keep us safe now. Masked Hero, written by Dr. Wu Lien-teh’s great-granddaughter Shan Woo Liu and charmingly illustrated by Lisa Wee, celebrates the little-known history of the N95 mask and the hero who first devised it. Back matter, including an author’s note and a time line, sheds further light on the ever-relevant past, encouraging budding scientists to think bravely—and remember the small acts we all can perform to keep our communities safe.

 

*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*

Life Saving Invention

 

The children’s biography of Wu Lien-teh gives the history and accomplishments of Wu Lien-teh who lived 1879-1960. He became a doctor and was on the front lines during the pneumonic plague in Harbin, China. Those who caught the disease died. With the invention of the mask, the pandemic stopped within four months saving countless lives. It stunned the medical community that it helped so much and continued to be used during the pandemic of 1918. He was the first person of Chinese descent to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935. His invention was also employed during the COVID-19 pandemic as the idea remains effective. Through this biography, we see a positive representation of an underrepresented culture in American books.
We have always gone to the doctor and seen them wear masks and we all became familiar with them in 2020 so it was interesting to learn the story behind them. The author is Wu Lien-teh’s great-granddaughter who also is a doctor. He grew up in the British colony of Malaya and faced discrimination for his Asian descent. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic hate crimes against Asians increased. It is her passion and mission to provide literature that gives positive representation as well as making proceeds from her book to further medical access and racial equity organizations.
Overall, this was an interesting biography that provides a positive representation of Asian people. It highlights an invention that has become commonplace and familiar in a new and interesting way. The illustrations are engaging but the style looks a little too modern. Looking at the cover I thought the topic was going to be about COVID and it did not capture my attention like it would have if I understood the period that was being discussed. This would go well with a unit on biographies, important historical figures, and pandemics.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

Kid Review: Potatoes for Pirate Pearl by Jennifer Concepcion

March 15th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

 

This pirate-packed and hilarious read-aloud is an entertaining way to introduce young readers to where their food comes from
Join Pirate Pearl and her parrot Petunia as they learn how potatoes are planted, grown, and harvested in this hilarious debut picture book about food and friendship. 

Pirate Pearl and her parrot Petunia are HUNGRY, and after they make the hardtack biscuits walk the plank, they go in search of a perfect provision for their next sea voyage. Where do they end up? On Farmer Fay’s potato farm! Farmer Fay shows Pirate Pearl how potatoes grow on the farm and how potatoes can be cooked into many different delicious potato recipes. 

Pirate Pearl and Petunia not only gain an understanding of farming but also a new friendship with Farmer Fay! Back matter is packed with potato facts, information on growing your own potatoes, and recipes.

*Review Contributed By Bethany Wicker, Staff Reviewer*

Potatoes for a Pirate!

Being on a ship limits the options for food and Pirate Pearl and her parrot Petunia find themselves starving. When they find land, the last thing they expect is a potato farm that’s tended by Farmer Fay. Not able to let someone go hungry, Farmer Fay shows Pearl and Petunia all there is to know about potatoes. Pirate Pearl is awed at the new option for food and finds herself unable to get enough. It’s much better than the dried stuff they’re stuck with on the ship. When it’s time to return to the ship, true to her pirate nature, Pirate Pearl stuffs as many potatoes as she can into her clothes, but finds Farmer Fay with a parting gift instead.

POTATOES FOR PIRATE PEARL is a silly story full of pirate fun as Pearl discovers other foods the world has to offer. The illustrations are bold and as funny as the plot to draw smile after smile on a child’s face. In the back of the book, there’s a potato soup recipe for parents and children to make together. Farmer Fay is kind and I love how she offers to introduce Pearl and Petunia to her world instead of shunning them because they’re pirates. It shows how food can bring people of all cultures together to celebrate the delicious delights.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up who enjoy pirates, silly stories, and those who are interested in cooking and good.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

Kid Review: There’s a Cow in My Bed by Daniel Fehr

March 15th, 2024 by

 

About This Book:

When a little girl goes to bed, she finds a rather big problem – there’s a cow in her bed! When her father goes to her room, the cow has gone and her father tells her to go to sleep. Later on that night, the cow comes back, together with a card-playing duck and a counting elephant! Is the little girl just stalling? Either way, it looks like no one is getting much sleep tonight!

 

*Review Contributed By Karen Yingling, Staff Reviewer*

We can’t possibly go to sleep with a COW!

A little girl makes lots of excuses about going to bed. How can she, when there is a COW in her bed? Her father dutifully checks it out– no cow. She complains that a duck joins the cow in playing cards, and even that there is an elephant counting backwards sitting there. Each time, her father checks and reassures her that the bed is empty and fine. He is amused by her imagination, and when he is finished washing the dishes, goes to bed himself, having tucked the little girl securely in. He is shown blissfully sleeping until HIS sleep is interrupted by the interloper.

Good Points
The cover is a good indication of the illustration style; pictures are bold and goofy, and the animals look just about as surprised as the father and the little girl about having company. Children who make up excuses to avoid putting their head on the pillow will giggle as the girl makes up more and more reasons why SHE can’t go to bed.

As someone who grew up in the 1960s with books like Little Mommy that reinforced the stereotype of women in aprons doing the household tasks while the fathers came home from work and sat down to read the newspaper, I loved that the father was the one doing the dishes and household tasks as well as putting the little girl to bed. It gives me hope that some progress has been made!

Other than Boynton’s The Going To Bed Book, I didn’t read many books about bedtime to my children, but this would certainly be a fun one! Bedtime was never a problem, but if a youngster is complaining or crying about having to turn in, this would be a great title to have on the bedside table along with Gravett’s Again, Stein’s Interrupting Chicken, and Fleming’s Go Sleep in Your Own Bed.

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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