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What We’re Reading – Owly by Andy Runton

Posted on by Sarah

Owly by Andy Runton

Early reader graphic novel, ages 4+

Oh my goodness pals, this is such a SWEET series. Not cloying, but just genuine and kind and lovely.  Owly, who speaks only in icons, is a flightless owl who feeds birds, even though they’re terrified of him. He wants a friend… and his kindness in helping others despite their fear gets him MANY over the course of the series to date (including his bestie Wormy, humminbirds, a possum, a butterfly, and some bluebird buds).  My 7 year old, who is totally into fighting goblins and being intense, is in love with the the gentle kindness and the relatable adventures.  He also likes that there aren’t a lot of words and they’re nearly always paired with iconography, so he can understand the story without an adult or too much struggle.  And they’re fun to read aloud, with just enough emotional tension to keep everyone really rooting for Owly and his buds. 

What I’m Reading – The Time of the Ghost by Diana Wynne Jones

Posted on by Sarah

The Time of the Ghost by Diana Wynne Jones

MG novel, probably ages 9+

If you have never read anything by Diana Wynne Jones, please start.  Maybe not with this one if you don’t like ghost stories – she’s got a huge collection of middle grade/early YA novels that are more adventuresome than spooky (Dark Lord of Derkholm, Dalemark Quartet…)  and a favorite YA+ of mine, Deep Secret.  Anyway sometime last year I decided I needed to read everything she’s ever written and I just found The Time of the Ghost on my shelf. I’m only halfway through but it’s pretty delightful.  A girl finds herself invisible and mostly intangible, drifting down a lane, and discovers she’s a ghost, but she doesn’t know why!  Her investigation involves observing her three sisters and trying to manipulate objects to communicate.  There’s some witchy magic at work, along with a British boarding school vibe. I’d definitely rather be reading it in the yard than working through my emails, and I’m confident (because I know DWJ’s books) that the early promise will pan out!

 

https://amzn.to/3y3OkT5

What We’re Reading – Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick

Posted on by Sarah

 

Hilo: The Boy who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick

Graphic Novel series for middle grade readers (I’m guessing ages 6-12 interest level, 9+ reading level)

 

Robots! Robots that look like kids! A robot that crashes to earth and learns to burp! And then fights intergalactic robot powers with two human kids and a robot sister and a magical cat warrior! Seriously, there is nothing not to like about this series, unless you’re not into fantasy-adventure punctuated with burp jokes. If you’re not into those things, probably this is not the mini-book-review site for you, because my kid and I love mild rudeness, unexpected magic, and drama.  My reluctant-reading rising 2nd grade kiddo does all the sound effects, and is learning to recognize Hilo’s catchphrase (“Outstanding!”), so we call it a team reading effort.  Highly recommend, and don’t think you’ll get away with just having book 1. We absolutely tore through the 6 book series!

Cover of Hilo the boy who crashed to earth by Judd Winick

 

What I’m Reading – Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh

Posted on by Sarah

Graphic Novel (FOR ADULTS / older teens) – Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh

Just a warning – this one’s probably not for the little ones, as it’s about drunken mermaids with foul mouths. It’s hands down the funniest book I’ve read this year, and if you know me personally, you’ll know that irreverent potty-mouths are kind of… on brand.  Add it to powerful femmes with magic making bad decisions but making it work anyway, ride-or-die besties (I’m a Scorpio, I dig loyalty) and the beach? Oh, am I here for it.  This book is bright. It’s queer (great for Pride Month!) It will make you laugh, and want to give your bestie a hug.

What We’re Reading – Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song

Posted on by Sarah

Graphic novel for young readers (4-8) – Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song

A romp for the family, from littlest on up.  Clever squirrels Norma and Belly want pancakes… but in their excitement they got burned!  But there’s still a good smell in the air… I laughed on most pages as Norma and Belly scheme to get donuts from the new food truck in the park.  There are physical gags, machines going wrong, delicious snacks, and more. It follows a heist format with a getaway car, a wise advisor, and lots of challenges.  The squirrels jump on each new problem  with good humor and short-lasting dismay, and we’re left smiling. 

Hello!

Posted on by Sarah

Hi Friends! I want to let you know that I’m starting a blog and a newsletter (probably quarterly, so only 4 teeny emails a year) to keep you updated on what I’m working on. Since there was nothing here… I figured I’d better put something up. 

For my newsletter pals, I’m going to offer a downloadable printable, usually an activity, each season – for the first one I’m working on a paper airplane printable that looks like a dinosaur-chicken, in honor of a draft project I am working on (a middle-grade graphic novel called Steffie Sordus and the Dino Chickens).   I’ll also probably blog about what I’m reading (usually SFF) and what I’m reading with my kiddo (he’s almost 7).   And my projects, methods, works-in-progress.  

Again, probably not that often, because I have to actually make some books if I’m ever to get published!  

Here’s Steffie! What do you think, would you pick up a story about Dinosaur Chickens?