Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers illustrated by Lane Smith

What a strange world we are living in today.  A year ago who would have thought that the world would be in lockdown a year later?  It is hard to imagine the world going back to the way we were. While this is a new normal, we will hopefully have a newer normal soon.

Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Lane Smith and published by Chronicle Books came out one year ago.  It is categorized  as a bedtime story but not a typical bedtime story.  I think it makes a perfect book for kids in this new world we live in.  The little boy in the story is tasked with thinking of what "tomorrow" can bring,  how it can bring adventure and wonder with the promise of a new day.  In todays environment it is important for children to realize that things will get better and that at some point they will be able to go out and have adventures with their friends. They will once again laugh and play and learn. I was struck by the simple text and whimsical thoughts plus I have always loved Lane Smith's illustrations. He never disappoints.
I know it is be a spoiler but the meaning and message of the book can be wrapped up in the final thoughts of the story: "Tomorrow most likely/will be a great day/because you are in it".


Again during these unsettling times this is a message we all need---that every day is great because you are in it and we shouldn't give up on dreams of a wondrous tomorrow!

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce

It has been a long time since I have been enthralled with a book.  I have always loved William Joyce, he is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  His range is amazing.  When I stumbled across today's book I was ---as I said above---enthralled.  This is the type of book that would have excited me as a child.  It has familiarity, adventure and excitement all wrapped up with great illustrations.  I loved the idea of this book.  I am sure others have seen the similarities to another childhood classic--The Velveteen Rabbit....but this book goes beyond making a "toy real" type story...it takes that sentiment to a whole new level.  In this day and age children like more of an adventure.  So Mr Joyce gives them that......at the same time giving validity to a child's love of a favorite toy.

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce is the charming and exciting tale of a child's connection to a beloved toy.  The magic of that one toy to foster a child's imagination.  This is a beginning chapter book for young readers.  It would also make a wonderful read aloud.  I can see it being read in school one chapter at a time.  I loved Ollie and I loved Billy....I also loved the villains...scary but not too scary. William Joyce has done it again.  He has brought us wonderful new characters to spend time with again and again....

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A Spratt illustrated by Phil Gosier

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt and illustrated by Phil Gosier is the kind of book I would have loved to read when I was young.  I could just see myself reading this book in my backyard on a hot summers day.  I always loved a good mystery. 

What I love about this book is that the author R. A Spratt does not talk down to her audience. There is an understanding that the reader knows certain things about the world around them.  The writing is fast paced which is great for children who live in a fast paced world.  We learn about Friday quickly and succinctly so that we are able to get right into the crux of the story which is solving mysteries.  Friday Barnes, Girl Detective reminds me of Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective which is probably intentional.  I am hoping boys won't be turned off because it is about a girl detective.  Sadly that is still an issue in today's world. Hopefully this book will help with that situation.  I would not hesitate to give it to a boy because I know they will enjoy it. 

My first inclination is that this would be a great book for a child like I was, a voracious reader who loves to read mysteries. That being said I also think it perfect for the reluctant reader, boy or girl, who needs to expand their universe.  As I said it is a fast paced book that will not lead to boredom.  The mysteries are fun and while a bit outlandish they are great for the imagination.  For me this is what reading is all about.  Stories that make us dream about what is possible and helps foster creativity.  

I can't wait to see what other adventures Friday Barnes will encounter....

What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark

I realized I hardly ever do young readers books.  I know there are so many new ones being published but for some reason it is easier to flip through a picture book and get a feel for the story then it is a new novel.  That being said I was straightening and shelving in  the young readers or grades 4-6 section at Well Read the other day when I came across today's book.  I usually can tell if I like something by reading the first few paragraphs.  So when I came across this book I was so intrigued by the title that I checked out the first chapter.  I haven't finished it yet but what I have read so far seemed fun and fresh.

What We Found in the Sofa and How it Saved the World is a the debut novel by  Henry Clark.  It is a great book for kids who like humorous stories with a little adventure sprinkle in.  I love the three main characters River, Freak and Fiona.  The book has a contemporary feel but at the same time reads like the books I read when I a kid.  The story centers around the mysterious sofa and the unique crayon they find in it....I would tell you the rest but that would ruin the story....this is a great gift for the holidays for any child who loves an adventure story laced with humor.  I am hoping this is the start of more adventurous with these great new characters......



Oh check out Henry Clark's website....lots of fun stuff to read and see.  Website

Reference Sunday: SAFARI A Photicular Book created by Dan Kainen written by Carol Kaufmann

I love when I find books that can be shared by the whole family.  Today's book is just that kind of a book.  It is informative and very entertaining.

SAFARI a Phototicular Book created by Dan Kainen and written by Carol Kaufmann is a fun way to learn about wild animals while going on a virtual safari.  This is done with 3D animation perfected in an astonishing way from the original Scanimations.  I originally wrote about the process in 2009.   I always thought the original books were amazing until I saw this book.   The photographs and the movement really look like you are watching a video of animals in the wild.  The text is easy to understand with lots of facts and information.   This is a perfect gift to bring to a family with lots of different age children.  There is something for everyone.

Oh check out the video below----amazing:

One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales by Garth Nix

One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three inventors, Four Fantastic Tales by Garth Nix and illustrated by Brian Biggs was a wonderful thing to find while perusing the library bookshelves.   I was amazed I hadn't heard of it before since I am a huge Garth Nix fan.   These are great fantasy stories for younger readers.   These four stories have something for every child --- pirates, princess, aliens and incredible creatures.   The stories are filled with magic and adventure with lots of humor built in.   This is a great book for the reluctant reader because they are short stories that are quick reads.   So many children today love fantasy that this would be a great start to any child's collection.   Perfect too for this time of year!

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson

I am always looking for books that I know kids will love and understand.  I have many friends who are animal lovers....dogs especially so I love when I find something for them to appreciate.  Eva Ibbotson has always been on my radar as a very prolific writer who always has something for everyone.  I was so happy to see her new book but it wasn't until I finished it that I read the back flap where it says this was her last book before she died.  It is sad to think she will no longer be able to delight the world with her words, but at least she went out on a high note.

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson is a sweet and fun book about a sad and lonely little boy who always wanted a dog of his own.   This book has everything; friendship, adventure and heart.   It is very Dahlesque with a little bit of Jean Ferris thrown in....although for a younger audience.   This is a perfect summer reading book for young children ages 8-12.....not too hard but not too easy either.

Thank you Eva Ibbotson---you will be missed.....

Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans

The old saying goes "you can't tell a book by it's cover" which is true....but in the book world it is the cover that makes a person stop and take notice.    Sometimes I see a cover makes me stop in my tracks and I must find out what the book is about.   Many times I have been disappointed to find the cover was the best thing about the book.   Not so for today's recommendation.

Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms Magic, Mystery & a Very Strange Adventure by Lissa Evans was originally published in the UK.   I am not sure what the UK cover looked like but the US cover drew me in and made me want to take a look.   I was so happy I did.    This story of a little boy who wants to find his mysterious uncle is the kind of book I would have loved to read as a child.   I love the quirky characters that I liked as soon as they were introduced to me.  It has an old fashioned feeling even though it is a very modern book.   It will appeal to children who love magic and mystery like I did when I was young.   Heck it is the kind of book I like to read now.  This is a wonderful adventure story that keeps the reader yearning for more.   It would be a great book to read on vacation or curled up on the couch on a rainy afternoon.   I can't wait to read more adventures of Stuart and his friends.

Flashback Tuesday: Santa Calls by William Joyce

Santa Calls by William Joyce is one of my all time favorite Christmas books.  I bought it for myself when I was still working in the stores....here is my original blog post from 2009 .   As today is the Feast of St Nicholas I thought it would be a good time to revisit this new classic story.   I still get a warm feeling when I read it.   When I met William Joyce way back when he talked about making it into a film.   I am not sure if it was just wishful thinking on his part but I wish it would still happen.   In today's world I think Santa Calls would make a great 3D movie...life action or animated.  Even if it isn't a movie it is still a classic book that should be read by all......

Reference Sunday: Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

Chris Van Allsburg has always been an incredible storyteller.   His stories and illustrations are iconic and unforgettable.   His newest book is a departure for him because it is based on a true story.  

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg is the based on the true account of Annie Edson Taylor  a 62 years old woman who in 1901 decided to have the adventure of a lifetime.   The fact that her idea of an adventure is riding in a barrel over Niagara Falls is even more amazing.    I love this story.   It is a great way to show children that we are never too old to do something new.   Annie Edson Taylor is a new heroine for little girls to look up to.   While we may not want our children to do something quite as dangerous as this, I do think we want our children to never stop experiencing life.   

Mr Van Allsburg's illustrations are wonderful as usual but even his words paint a picture.   His description of the Falls themselves made me feel like I was actually there.  

Flashback Tuesday: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Over the weekend I had a nice discussion with my nephew about the book he was reading in school.   It brought back nice memories for me.

I read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi as an adult when I was working in the bookstore.      I so wished it had been around when I was young as it was the kind of book I would have enjoyed.  It has just the right mix of history and adventure that I loved.  I have always admired Avi for the way he has of taking an unknown piece of history and making it come alive.   He writes such courageous and human characters, they are real.   I know most kids will probably read this in school but just in case they don't or they need to read a particular author I would highly recommend this as it has something for everyone.   Even though the main character is a girl I know boys will like it too....thanks Michael for reminding me of a wonderful book.  

Reference Sunday: Travels of the Zephyr:An Interactive Journey Around the World by Caroline Mac Killian

Travels of the Zephyr by Caroline Mac Killian  is technically a fiction book but it is the kind of fiction based on fact.   It is an interactive book that tells the story of a fictional explorer who is the "uncle" of the author.   Even though the story and character  is not real the places he visits are.   This is a great travelogue for kids.  It has great information about different parts of the world and their traditions, languages, beliefs, foods and rituals.   It is interactive in that it has maps that unfold, letters, sketches and drawings and much more.   This is for the child who loves adventure.   They will have fun reading the book and at the same time, dare I say, learn something in the process.  I would have loved a book like this when I was a kid.....

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Poris

I am amazed that the summer is over already.   I just saw some photos of my cousins little ones all dressed up for the first day of school.   My nephew told me that his two favorite days of school are the first day and the last day....

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Poris is a great new book for any child going from Preschool to Kindergarten.   It is a great read along book that shows the progression of acceptance and joy that new adventures bring.   At first the main character Annalina is apprehensive but in the end she is happy.   A great new addition to a "back to school" book list.   The illustrations are sweet too!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

When I left my last job a few years ago I threw the galley of this book into a box and brought it home.   It has been sitting on my shelf ever since.   Periodically I would read an article about it or hear a discussion and think to myself I should read it but I never got around to it.  Well a few weeks ago I was packing for my yearly sojourn down the Jersey Shore when I impulsively picked it up and packed it with my beach stuff.   The first day on the beach I opened it not expecting to be drawn in as quickly as I was.   I couldn't believe that I had put reading this wonderful book off for so long.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart with illustrations by Carson Ellis is one of the most original books I have read in a long time.   I know I am coming late to the table on this but as they say "better late than never"....this book gave me a feeling of childhood.  It has such a retro feel to it but at the same time is very timely.   I also loved the characters.....Reynie is the kind of kid we can't imagine exists but probably and sadly does somewhere.   Kate, Sticky and even Constance are so intriguing and unique that I wished I could meet them.  It was so great that even while some parts were predictable (which isn't always a bad thing) some parts were totally unexpected.   For all the characters quirkiness they had very real reactions to very strange circumstances.   I also love the illustrations because they have an "Edward Gorey" feel to them which fits the book perfectly.

This is a great book for the reluctant or voracious reader.   It makes a good read along book too....

I can't wait to read the sequels: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey  & the newest one The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma.  

I love when I discover a treasure of a book....especially when it was right before my eyes all along.  

Reference Sunday: Face to Face with Whales by Flip Nicklin

I was trying to decide what to write about today when I came across the fact that today is Herman Melville's birthday.   I didn't think I could write about Moby Dick because even though it is a classic, it is a bit old for my audience.   His birthday did get me thinking about 'whales'....and I remembered that a whale had recently crashed into a boat.   The images were awesome...especially because no one got hurt.   I thought then I would recommend a book about whales.

Face to Face with Whales by Flip Nicklin seems like the perfect book to talk about on Herman Melville's birthday.   The cover image for the paperback edition coming out in a few weeks is so reminiscent of the whale incident and the boat a few weeks ago that I couldn't pass it up.    I don't usually recommend a book that is not out yet but as this is out in hardcover I thought I could make an exception.  This is a truly wonderful book that really illustrates the beauty that is a whale.   The photographs are incredible.   National Geographic books always have spectacular photographs but this book takes it up a notch. This is a great book for the explorer in your life....the images are wonderful.  

Reference Sunday: Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunelle

Here we are in the middle of summer.  This is vacation time for so many.    Today's book celebrates the kind of vacation I never had but always wished to try.   Although I have never been one to enjoy roughing it if I had this book I might have liked it better.


Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunnell is the perfect book for the first time camper.   It has great activities and even recipes to try.   It is just the right book even if you are only "camping" in your own backyard.   It has games and activities too!  I also liked the fact that it reminds us to clean up before we leave the campsite...very environmentally sound advice.  It is marked for ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can learn from it too!  Have fun camping!

Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator by Shelley Tanaka illus by David Craig

It has been 73 years since Amelia Earhart disappeared over the pacific ocean.  On July 2, 1937 she and her navigator Fred Noonan were last heard from during there attempt to go around the world.  I found this terrific book that tells the story of this trailblazing adventurer.

Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator by Shelley Tanaka and illustrated by David Craig is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of famed aviator Amelia Earhart.  Even though it is a picture book the writing is geared to the older child.   I loved how photographs are used as well as wonderful full color illustrations.   I also liked the sidebars that gave more explanation and quotes.   Amelia Earhart is such a fascinating subject to read about and this book gives quite a lot to learn.  

Flashback Tuesday: My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett is the classic story of adventure and fantasy that has enthralled children for over 50 years.   I always recommended it to reluctant readers when I worked in the stores because it was an easy and fun read.  It also makes a great read aloud....the kind of book to read to your child every night...another book for dads to read too!   Don't forget about its sequels either....these books will never go out of style which is a wonderful thing.  Enjoy!

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

Today would have been Jacques Cousteau's 100th Birthday.   It is appropriate that we celebrate a man who did so much for the world's oceans.   All the turmoil in the gulf reminds us that there have always been people who so cared about our waters that they did anything to educate and preserve them.


The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino is a wonderful picture book that details this incredible man's life.   It is a great way to teach children about why it is important to be environmentally conscience.   I love Dan Yaccarino he is such a versatile artist and this is a great book to showcase is works.  Even though this is a picture book it is a fantastic book for all ages to enjoy and learn from.  

Flashback Tuesday: The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett

Today is the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright's birth anniversary.   He was born June 8, 1867.  For my weekly Flashback Tuesday I thought I would talk about a great mystery book for kids that takes place in one of the homes he designed.


The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett is a great book for older kids that mixes art with mystery and problem solving.  When I was a kid I would have loved this book.  I loved it as an adult and I remember when I read it and the previous book, Chasing Vemeer, that I wished it had been around when I was young.   This is a great way to introduce history and art to children without being preachy.   It is a fun book that makes the reader use their brain.   The characters are wonderful and relatable ~ a really great read!  For all who are inquisitive and imaginative at once.....