Middle Grade Monday: Sunny Figures it Out

* Book 6 in the Sunny series *

Sunny and Tony enjoy spending time together. Sunny's friend Deb has ideas on how dating is done and how the boys should behave. Sunny and Tony try out her advice, but it feels wrong. Is there a right way to date?

My Thoughts: Yes, this is historical fiction for middle grade readers, but the dating moments are too funny. Deb is very opinionated and shares her thoughts freely. I love the romance books that Sunny reads. Both Sunny and her mother struggle with finding their place and I love that they're going through this together and supporting each other. It's funny reading stories about the lack of technology: passing notes and landlines. I loved how this one ended. The Sunny graphic novels are fantastic reads that deal with universal topics that kids are still figuring out today.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public library 

Graphic Novel Review: Sunny Makes her Case

* Book 5 in the Sunny series *

Sunny isn't sure which club she chooses. Her friend wants to try out for cheerleading. She convinces Sunny to try out too. But Sunny doesn't make it; she doesn't have the coordination. She's just not sure what to do. But then another friend has another idea - debate club.

There is no official debate club at their school, but together they try to make it happen. It takes them time to finds an advisor, but once they do, they start practicing. Could the club become a success?

My Thoughts: I loved this one. I love how Sunny swung from cheerleading to debate club. I love how she threw herself into her new club. I really loved reading about debate prep. There were funny moments - especially with the boys who never knew about the debate team. Middle school is always hard, but graphic novels like this one makes it a little better. I'm always here for more Sunny books. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the power suit!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public libraries 

Graphic Novel Review: Babymouse

Babymouse has always been insecure of her curly whiskers. If only they were straight. Life would be so much better. After a dream, she discovered what it would really be like...

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Babymouse - I'm so happy she's back in graphic novel form. I'm really hoping that it causes readers to discover her earlier books. It's great to see so many old friends - from the locker to Babymouse's friends, and even her enemies. I loved the message in this book - that everyone has insecurities about their body - but only you really fixate on them. This is a book about friendship, body image, and surviving school. It's funny and thoughtful. Plus, the art is super cute. Can't wait for more Babymouse adventures!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A delightful series that's highly recommended for your school and public library

Blog Tour: The Evil Princess vs The Brave Knight

About the Book:

Title: THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT
Author: Jennifer L. Holm,  Matthew Holm (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: August 6, 2019
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 40
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B and N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of.

Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story about siblings and how they didn't or did get along. It was funny, entertaining, and very on point. I loved how the evil princess was evil - but you can't be evil by yourself. I loved how the brave knight was brave and then he wasn't. It's also hard being brave by yourself. But together, the pair became their true selves. I enjoyed the mirror. I loved how the cat played a huge role. It reminded me of my days growing up with my sister and out cat. A fantastic book with wonderful illustrations that will delight readers of all ages. This is a must have book for both school and public libraries!

The inspiration behind the manky cat

About Jennifer: 

Jennifer L. Holm is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling children's author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series and the bestselling Squish series. Her new novel is THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. She lives in California with her husband and two children.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads 

About Matthew: 

MATTHEW HOLM is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of more than 40 books for children. He is the co-creator (with his sister, Jennifer) of a number of graphic novels, including the BABYMOUSE and SQUISH series from Random House Children’s Books and SUNNY SIDE UP from Scholastic Graphix. He also co-wrote and illustrated the middle-grade novel MARVIN AND THE MOTHS with Jonathan Follett. He currently lives with his wife in New York's Hudson Valley.

Website | Twitter |  Goodreads 

Check out the rest of the Tour:

Week Two:

8/5/2019- The Pages Inbetween - Review

8/6/2019- Novel Novice- Review

8/7/2019- Nerdophiles- Review

8/8/2019- Book-Keeping- Review

8/9/2019- Two points of interest- Review

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT, US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Graphic Novel Review: Swing it, Sunny!

Sunny's starting middle school and despite what she keeps telling her Grandfather, things are not fine. But she's determined to make the best of things and to be happy.

Especially when she sees her brother again and she finds that he's changed. Will he and Sunny be able to have a normal relationship again?

My Thoughts: Set in the 70s, this graphic novel is all heart. I love the setting and how it influences things - like TV dinners! Sunny's going through such a rough time and she's in middle school (the hardest year.) My heart aches for her, but I loved the ending and it's hopefulness. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: September 12, 2017

Review: Lights, Camera, Middle School!

Now in middle school, Babymouse joins the film club. She wants a shot at being famous. The club will be making a film. But the club can't decide on what type of movie to make: romance, drama, or detective. Babymouse wants to combine them all and make an epic film.

For her contribution in getting everyone on board, the club adviser awards her the role of Director. Plus since it's her vision, Babeymouse gets to write the screenplay.

Excited about the prospect, Babymouse goes hog wild creating her vision. But she forgot to think about what her vision will mean for everyone else. Can they really shoot a scene in Paris? What about those elephants? How big is their moving making budget anyways?

My Thoughts: Alternating between text and graphic novel panels, Babymouse hasn't changed much. Sure she's older, but she's the still lovable mouse who has problems with her whiskers, trouble with her locker, and gets carried away. I loved watching Babymouse struggle to figure out how to make the movie. I love how her friends and club members took their roles seriously. Of course Babymouse lets her power go to her head, but it's funny and sweet when it all works out. I adore Babymouse and can't wait to read more about her middle school drama.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Scoop this one up, your readers will thank you. 

Christmas Picture Book Review:Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes

While putting out the cookies for Santa, Babymouse accidentally eats them all. Now she has to come up with an alternative. Cupcakes is the obvious choice. As the cupcakes cool, disaster strikes. Babymouse's baby brother starts crying. Their mom rushes off to see what's wrong. When a dragon comes into the kitchen, Babymouse must defeat him. And of course eat some cupcakes as a reward.

My Thoughts: I LOVE Babymouse, so I was happy to see a picture book starring her. She's perfect for picture books and I really hope to see more of her in this format. I adore her imagination and how it always leads her into trouble. 

Cover Thoughts: Captures the book
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all public libraries

Graphic Novel Review: Babymouse Goes for the Gold

 * Babymouse #20 *

Babymouse has BIG dreams! She wants to win gold, so she joins the swimming team. But it's more work than she thought. She's not great at swimming. And the gold doesn't seem to be in her future. Will she quit or commit herself to working hard?

My Thoughts: I LOVE Babymouse. This one is great for summer reading program this year (and of course the Olympics). Another fun read. I love how she fits together with the team (even after she lets them down).

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for all graphic novel collections

Final Thoughts: Pure gold!