Whatcha Reading Wednesday - There's a Dinosaur in Your Book

There's a Dinosaur in Your Book

by Tom Fletcher

What they say: Help Noisy Dinosaur learn to use her voice in this new interactive adventure from Tom Fletcher!

ROOOAAAARRRR!

What's that sound? It sounds like a little Dinosaur has stomped her way into your book. She's bored, and she's making a LOT of noise!

Can you help her find some friends? But make sure to keep everyone quiet or we might wake up... the BIG DINOSAUR!

This playful interactive story helps little ones to learn about inside and outside voices, as they teach Little Dinosaur when to be quiet... and when to be LOUD!

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Am Reading - The Do-Over

The Do-Over

by Lynn Painter

What they say: After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s back home in her own bed—and it’s Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day? Another nightmare V-Day.

Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. In addition to Josh’s recurring infidelity, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways.

How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?

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Spotlight - Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!

Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! - The Bad Guys

by Aaron Blabey

What they say: WEIRD?! 

Nothing weird EVER happens in The Bad Guys. Like, you would NEVER see a chain-saw monster confronting a velociraptor who has eaten an elderly piranha, or the disturbing antics of a deranged dentist running amok with an oversized drill. 

NOPE. 

None of that nonsense here. So relax and be entirely unsurprised by the Bad Guys’ next adventure! 

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Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Pink Is Not a Color

Pink Is Not a Color

by Lindsay Ward

What they say: Pink loves her rosy world, from her pink toy dinosaur to her pet flamingo, Phil. But when she sees the Primaries and Secondaries getting ready for the Rainbow Extravaganza, she begins to wonder why she isn’t in the rainbow…and if that means she’s not really a color. Then she meets the Tints, and she’s even more confused. Luckily, a friend shows her the many ways she spreads joy—reminding Pink that she is truly one of a kind, rainbow or not.

Featuring the world of colors introduced in This Book Is Gray—and a few new color concepts—this is a tale about appreciating who you are and realizing that only you can decide what makes you happy.

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Am Reading - The Danger Gang

The Danger Gang

by Tom Fletcher

What they say: Franky can't wait to move to his new town - although he wishes he didn't have to leave his best friend Dani behind.

But everything changes after the storm, when strange green lightning and powerful thunder crash down on the town. From that night on, the kids who live on Franky's street start to change. One by one, they become a little odd. A little unusual. A little... magical.

Franky's always wanted to be part of an amazing gang - just like his hero, super-spy Zack Danger! And soon, he realises that there's real danger in store for himself and his new friends.

And so the Danger Gang is born...

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Where the Sky Lives - Am Reading

Where the Sky Lives

by Margaret Dilloway

What they say: From the author of Five Things About Ava Andrews comes a new middle grade standalone novel with STEM and activism themes. When the private preserve adjacent to Zion National Park is sold, Tuesday's park archeologist mother tells her they're moving, and twelve-year-old Tuesday’s search for closure may lead to unexpected answers.

When life doesn’t make sense, twelve-year-old amateur astronomer Tuesday Beals has always looked to the stars above Zion National Park, where she lives. Her beloved late uncle Ezra taught her astronomy, but now their special stargazing sites are all she has left of him, along with his ashes and a poem that may be a riddle.

Then a new housing development next door threatens to ruin the night skies and her favorite astronomy spots. Desperate to focus on something besides the growing uncle-sized chasm between her and her mother, the park archeologist, Tuesday takes up photography with her best friend, Carter, after they find an abandoned camera. With this new way of seeing the universe, she tries to solve her uncle’s riddle to save the land.

But one day, a photo reveals clues of an endangered animal—one that could halt construction. Will the discovery be enough to save the park and keep the rest of her world from falling apart?

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Spotlight - Before the World Wakes

Before the World Wakes

by Estelle Laure

What they say: A joyous celebration of the sights and sounds of daybreak and that special feeling a brother and sister have when they get to experience it together.

When everything is still gentle and quiet-ish and the stars say good morning at the same time they say good night, a brother and sister venture outside. They marvel at the dance of the snails and the birdsong that surrounds them. And then they join in, reveling in the early morning—and their time together before the rest of the world wakes.

With lyrical language and beautiful art, this book captures the magic of daybreak, the importance of small moments, and the special bond between siblings.

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Coming Soon - Playing with Lanterns

Playing with Lanterns

by Wang Yage, Chengliang Zhu and illustrated by Helen Wang

What they say: Zhao Di wishes the New Year would never end!

Zhao Di and her friends are excited to go out at night with their paper lanterns and celebrate Chinese New Year. Each holding a unique colorful lantern with a lit candle inside, they admire the breathtaking colors while doing their best to avoid the wind and the sneaky boys in the village. Every night, until the fifteenth day of New Year, Zhao Di and her friends take part in this fun tradition, experiencing the thrill of nighttime in their village. And then—it’s time to smash the lanterns!

In this cheerful book first published in China, readers are invited along with Zhao Di and her friends as they experience all the joy and excitement of this folk Chinese custom. Details about the paper lantern tradition are also included in an author’s note at the end of the book.

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Am Reading - Cosmic

Reread time for this cute story!

Cosmic

by Frank Cottrell Boyce

What they say: Liam has always felt a bit like he's stuck between two worlds. This is primarily because he's a twelve-year-old kid who looks like he's about thirty. Sometimes it's not so bad, like when his new principal mistakes him for a teacher on the first day of school or when he convinces a car dealer to let him take a Porsche out on a test drive. But mostly it's just frustrating, being a kid trapped in an adult world. And so he decides to flip things around. Liam cons his way onto the first spaceship to take civilians into space, a special flight for a group of kids and an adult chaperone, and he is going as the adult chaperone. It's not long before Liam, along with his friends, is stuck between two worlds again--only this time he's 239,000 miles from home. 

Frank Cottrell Boyce brings us a funny and touching story of the many ways in which grown-upness is truly wasted on grown-ups.

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Vetman and his Bionic Animal Clan - New Release

Vetman and his Bionic Animal Clan

by Noel Fitzpatrick

What they say: Join Vetman, Imogen, Findlay and a whole cast of incredible bionic animals as they save animal companions everywhere from the evil plans of The Man With No Name! An amazing animal adventure for readers aged 7-11 from Noel Fitzpatrick, Channel 4's SUPERVET.

Vetman lives in a cottage outside a sleepy English village, where nobody realises that he's saving animals in incredible, bionic ways - except the animals themselves, of course!

But trouble is brewing... because Vetman's old foe, The Man With No Name, has set up camp nearby and plans to poison dogs and cats across the land.

When Imogen and Findlay stumble across an injured hedgehog and take him to Vetman's door, they have no idea that they are about to embark on an important mission to save more than just their spiky new friend.

Together with Vetman and his brave bionic animal clan, they must take down The Man With No Name!

This brilliant animal adventure is Noel Fitzpatrick's first book for younger readers, following his Sunday Times bestselling memoirs Listening to the Animals: Becoming the Supervet and How Animals Saved My Life: Being the Supervet. Black-and-white illustrations bring the story to life.

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New Release - There's a Unicorn in Your Book

There's a Unicorn in Your Book

by Tom Fletcher

What they say: Galloping glitter! A unicorn has landed in YOUR book! An engaging new adventure from the team that brought youThere's a Monster in Your Book and its companions.

Unicorns love to sing, but this unicorn isn't singing because a worry gremlin has crept in! Help unicorn up by using your finger wand and listening to its worries in this interactive book with an important social-emotional message about expressing your emotions. For more read-aloud fun in the Who's In Your Book series, look for these: There's a Dragon in Your Book, There's an Elf in Your Book, There's an Alien in Your Book, There's a Superhero in Your Book, and There's a Witch in Your Book!

Tom Fletcher is one of Britain's bestselling children's authors (in addition to being a rock star!), and his YouTube videos have been viewed tens of millions of times.

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Am Reading - Megamonster

Megamonster

by David Walliams

What they say: The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a timeless adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.

On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur.

When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.

There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…

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Spotlight - Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night

Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night

by Annelouise Mahoney

What they say: A woodland tale about bravery and friendship.

Julius and Macy like to play heroes. Julius pretends he’s the defender of the forest, while Macy has a quieter strength. When their snack disappears one night, they decide to track down the only one who could have taken it—the Night Goblin. They both have to be brave in their own ways, and they ultimately discover that the real thief isn’t anything like they imagined.

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Am Reading - Pax

Such a beautiful book.

Pax

by Sara Pennypacker

Illustrated by Jon Klassen

What they say: Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and “his boy” Peter rescued him from abandonment and certain death. Now the war front approaches, and when Peter’s father enlists, Peter has to move in with his grandpa. Far worse than being forced to leave home is the fact that Pax can’t go. 

Peter listens to his stern father—as he usually does—and throws Pax’s favorite toy soldier into the woods. When the fox runs to retrieve it, Peter and his dad get back in the car and leave him there—alone. But before Peter makes it through even one night under his grandfather’s roof, regret and duty spur him to action; he packs for a trek to get his best friend back and sneaks into the night. 

This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to one another against all odds. Told from the alternating viewpoints of Peter and Pax.

More info over at GR!

Recent Release - The Sea in Winter

The Sea in Winter

by Christine Day

What they say: In this evocative and heartwarming novel for readers who loved The Thing About Jellyfish, the author of I Can Make This Promise tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again.

It’s been a hard year for Maisie Cannon, ever since she hurt her leg and could not keep up with her ballet training and auditions.

Her blended family is loving and supportive, but Maisie knows that they just can’t understand how hopeless she feels. With everything she’s dealing with, Maisie is not excited for their family midwinter road trip along the coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up.

But soon, Maisie’s anxieties and dark moods start to hurt as much as the pain in her knee. How can she keep pretending to be strong when on the inside she feels as roiling and cold as the ocean?

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Cute Christmas Read - Coming Home

It was featured in a very sweet supermarket TV ad a few years ago...

Coming Home

by Michael Morpurgo

What they say: A plucky little robin sets out on an epic journey. Through dark forests, driving rain, clapping thunder and flashing lightning. Across frozen wastes, huge mountains and stormy seas he flies. And all the while he's dreaming of home. Of her. But will he ever get there? Find out in this wonderfully lyrical Christmas story from the brilliant Michael Morpurgo, with stunning illustrations by Kerry Hyndman. 

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Whatcha Reading Wednesday - The Octonauts and the Great Ghost Reef by Meomi

The Octonauts and the Great Ghost Reef

by Meomi

What they say: The books that launched the hit cartoon!

This is the original book series that launched the animated TV show, which is now popular worldwide and broadcast on the Disney Channel in the USA. Discover the creative and fun stories where it all began!

In their fourth adventure, the Octonauts travel to a large reef city where they discover this bustling destination has turned into a ghost town! The once colorful coral has turned an eerie white and homes lay empty. So the crew visit different reef 'neighborhoods' from mangrove  forests to seagrass meadows, searching for clues. Can they solve the mystery of the great ghost reef?

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Spotlight - Catkwondo

Catkwondo

by Lisl H. Detlefsen and Illustrations by Erin Hunting

What they say: Kitten wants to a break a board, and she wants to do it now. But Tae Kwon Do is not easy. Kitten must focus. She must practice. And above all, she must be patient. Will Kitten's determination and dedication pay off when it's finally time to break a board? Author Lisl Detlefsen delivers a turbo-charged story filled with action, fun, and encouragement. Korean phrases are intermixed throughout Catkwondo, and the Tae Kwon Do Oath and a Tae Kwon Do glossary complete this energetic picture book. 

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Spotlight - Fish in a Tree

Such a wonderful story for children of all ages! 

Fish in a Tree

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

What they say: “Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

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Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Jack's Secret Summer

Jack's Secret Summer

by Jack Ryder

What they say: Join the Secret Summer gang on an unforgettable magical adventure, full of humour and heart - for fans of The Famous Five and Roald Dahl.

Jack has been dreading the summer holidays - his dad works long hours, and so all he has to look forward to is an empty house. But when his boisterous neighbours, Bruno and Rocco, make it their mission to pull him into an adventure, his life will never be the same again. 

Together they decide to explore the strange old house at the top of the hill, long abandoned and overgrown with ivy. But they soon discover the ivy hides more than just walls... the house is full of magical secrets, including a strange girl with no memory, who may hold the key to it all, if only she can remember...

Imaginative and fun-filled, Jack Ryder's first story is inspired by the summer holidays of his childhood and brought to life with glorious black-and-white illustrations by Alice McKinley. Young readers will be spellbound by this heartfelt adventure.

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