Category: YA/MG/Children’s Books Page 1 of 43

PUB DAY REPOST: Grandpappy’s Corner: Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina, Tammi Reichel (Translator): No Plain Pooches Here

DETAILS:
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 48 pg.
Read Date: August 3, 2026

What’s Fancy Dogs About?

Books and films about dogs who live as strays, or in packs on the street are common. But for every Tramp, there’s a Lady—a dog who lives a very different lifestyle, and we don’t spend that much time talking about them.

Malina comes along to address the imbalance with this book giving us a peek behind the curtain—just what is it like to live as a “fancy dog”? And are they just as silly and mischief-bound as their lower-class cousins? (short answer: yes)

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is one of those picture books where the charm of the art is in it’s simplicity (note that I said simplicity, as in straight-forward. Not easy.). None of the canines portrayed in these pages are all that anatomically great. But they’re all dogs at a glance. It’s crisp, it’s clean, it’s attractive.

It’s amazing what a simple bow tie can do to a drawing of a dog. There’s no question the primary dog is a fancy dog—although, he’s not above switching off the bow tie for a spiffy scarf or a shiny collar, either.

You can see some pages from the German edition here.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I bet it’s great in German—it’s pretty good in English, although I wonder if the original has a few more rhymes.

I did enjoy it, don’t get me wrong, I just think one or two more rhymes would be better. I still look forward to trying this with the grandcritters.

So, what did I think about Fancy Dogs?

It’s fun, it made me smile, and I bet at least one grandcritter of mine will have me read it a time or three. That’s good enough for me.

There’s a little bit of humor that will have to be explained to an American kid, but that works out for those who don’t want to explain literal potty-humor to a three-year-old. (don’t worry, it’s just about alternatives to a water bowl that some dogs engage in)

I had a great time with Fancy Dogs the two times I’ve read it—I expect you will, too. Especially if you have a young’un to share it with.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from NorthSouth Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Crown by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James: An Ode to an Experience and a Place

By HCNewton

On September 25, 2026

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Crown:
An Ode To The Fresh Cut

by Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Agate Bolden
Publication Date: October 10, 2017
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: August 29, 2026

What’s Crown About?

I’m just going to quote from author’s website here:

Crown: An Ode To The Fresh Cut is actually a poem I was inspired to write after seeing an illustration from one of my illustrator buddies (shout out to Don Tate!) of his teen son after a trip to the barber. It took me back to when I was a kid, and how sitting in that barber’s chair and receiving a dope haircut was probably the only place in the Black community where boys are treated like royalty. Still are. It’s a poem about self affirmation and how the world may not see your brilliance, or your beauty, but you do, and everyone around you that loves you can definitely see it, recognize it.

(I’d have quoted heavily from the author’s note at the end, but it’s better for the adult readers to take in after the book)

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Gordon James blew me away with this art. Each page is painted gorgeously (although some are two-page pieces). I don’t know what else to say—this is beyond my capability to describe, really.

You can see several samples on the artist’s webpage.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I’ve read plenty of Picture Books this year and this is hands-down one of the best.

The poem that Barnes wrote, slips off the tongue. The free verse just carries you along as you read—I think it works better if you read it aloud than silently. That’s the case for a lot of poetry, true, probably more so when it comes to poetry written for the picture book crowd.

So, what did I think about Crown?

I grant you, I don’t have the same relationship with a barber shop that it appears that many in the Black community do. But who hasn’t felt a certain amount of confidence after a new haircut? And how doesn’t like the pampering you get from a barber/stylist? I don’t get the full benefit of a straight-razor shave, but from the little I get, I think I’d be addicted to them if I didn’t have these shaggy whiskers.

Barnes captures that feeling perfectly—and accents it for the target audience just right. I’m not part of that audience in several ways, but I can appreciate it. If I were any part of the target? I’d be nuts about this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs: Courage and Chocolate-Chip Cookies

By HCNewton

On September 14, 2026

In Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I could’ve titled this “In Which I Castigate My 10-Year-Old Self,” and there will be some of that, but it seemed a bit too self-flagellating.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

by John Bellairs

DETAILS:
Series: , #1
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: August 03, 2004 (this edition, originally 1973)
Format: Paperback
Length: 179 pg.
Read Date: September 12, 2026

On the first Monday after Labor Day, Lewis started going to school in New Zebedee and, before long, he had forgotten all about the mysterious clock in the walls. He had troubles enough of his own.

They weren’t new troubles. They were the troubles that a fat boy who can’t play baseball carries around with him from place to place. Lewis had always been overweight. He couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t been. All his life—all ten years of it—he had been listening to children who chanted:

Fatty, fatty, two by four
Can’t get through the kitchen door.

What’s The House with a Clock in Its Walls About?

Ten-year-old Lewis, recently orphaned, moves to New Zebedee, MN to live with his Uncle Jonathan, a man he’s never met (although he has heard about him from other family members). Jonathan is a large, hirsute man, with a big presence, a good sense of humor, and a kind heart.

He also lives in a strange mansion. Lewis likes the mansion part immediately—and the more he learns about the strangeness, the more he’s drawn to it, too.

Jonathan’s neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, spends a lot of time at his house—which is good; she enjoys cooking for them. And the three regularly play poker and other things like that. It turns out that Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann are witches (she’s more powerful and better educated in it, however). Lewis is intrigued and loves talking about it with them—and enjoys the demonstrations he sees.

Lewis makes one friend at school, but is afraid they’re growing apart (the friend is an athlete who was pleased to hang out with Lewis when he had a broken arm, but as it heals, he’s ready to get back to sports). In an attempt to keep his friend, Lewis studies up on a big spell and shows off for his friend by attempting to raise the dead on Halloween.

The after-effects of that spell are huge—and just might bring about the end of the world.

As Neville Barnes would say, “You know, for kids.”

Wow, Times Have Changed

Okay, this was published longer ago than I’m comfortable with (see below), but it does a good job showing how much the standards have changed. Back when I was a kid (walking to school uphill in the snow both ways—literally, I mean, we also walked down the other side of the hill, but still…) this was shelved in the “Juvenile” section; today, it’s probably in the “Middle Grade” section. Regardless—there are references to drinking and smoking* throughout. There’s even a joke about the bus arriving on time only because they got the bus driver drunk! I just don’t see anyone publishing that today.

The banter that Uncle Johnathan and Mrs. Zimmermann engage in is frequently nasty and belittling—but it is clearly delivered in affection. Consider me a fan, but it feels like something from another time.

I should stress that the smoking and drinking depicted are moderate. But outside of irresponsible, if not “bad guy,” adults, I just don’t see that kind of thing happening in Middle Grade publishing today. I’m not sure we’ve gained a lot by that. (I’m not sure we’ve lost that much, either, to be fair)

* I’m told that the author who took over for Bellairs had Uncle Jonathan quit smoking for health reasons

Edward Gorey’s Illustrations

This is the one thing I remember from flipping through these books on the library shelves when I was a kid: these illustrations. Simply put, Gorey’s illustrations are a little odd. And potentially unnerving for a child in a pre-Internet and CGI animation era.

The faces are squished. Lewis looks like a thirty-year-old shrunk in the dryer (somehow, at the same time like a rough draft of Bobby Hill). But I love them. My only complaint is that there weren’t more of them. I don’t need every other page to have been an illustration, but two per chapter would’ve been nice.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I picked this up for two reasons: 1. I needed a book released the year I was born for a Reading Challenge. 2. A (younger) friend has been reading everything John Bellairs wrote this year and raving about this trip down memory lane. You put the two together and…well, I just had to try it, right?

(also, I just wasn’t up for Breakfast of Champions)

Why did I stick with it? It’s so brief that I really didn’t have much of a chance to decide to DNF. Also—why would I? Within a chapter, I was questioning many of the literary choices I made in the early ’80s. I looked at this (and other books by Bellairs) several times at the library, considering whether or not to check them out—I can picture the shelf they were found on clearly—but I never did. I think I was put off by the “scariness” of them. Sure, Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint was absolutely worth the 13th re-read, but…I could’ve easily squeezed this in. I was having a ball reading this at my not-that-advanced age and in seeing how it would—and likely still does—get younger readers hooked.

So, what did I think about The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

Lewis was silent. He had always thought that courage had something to do with riding your bicycle through bonfires and hanging by your knees from the limbs of trees.

Lewis, it must be said, is a strange little boy. He reads himself to sleep working through John L. Stoddard’s lectures from the 1880s (early travelogues). I don’t know how many of them he reads over the course of the book, but there were 10 volumes, and there’s reason to believe he read at least a couple of them. He cannot hit a baseball, field, or run—in short, he cannot play baseball, and is constantly the last to be picked (even by the kind children)—eventually doesn’t get picked at all (even by the kind children). He doesn’t even bother to try football (probably for the best)—we don’t hear about other sports, but I’m willing to bet if the book lasted through more seasons, we’d hear more about his lack of ability. And as the new kid in school, living in a strange house with an odd uncle, who cannot play sports, and who has odd interests…well, let’s just say he doesn’t really have much of a social life outside of his uncle and his neighbor.

The one friend he does make is a little too weirded out by the whole resurrecting-the-dead thing (understandably, it should be stressed) to stick with him.

In other words, Lewis is the kind of character that lonely, bookish children would gravitate to. You put him in a creepy yet wonderful house with magical interior design, and a couple of adults who treat him almost as an equal? Sounds great—who wouldn’t want a life like that? Throw in his studious nature helping him to figure out how to do magic like raising the dead? Every young nerd in the world wants something like that.

The one false note when it comes to our friend Lewis is that he doesn’t seem too broken up by his parents’ death. I get Bellairs not wanting to weigh down the entire book with grief or anything. But…a thought or two here and there for them, wouldn’t have been too morose. Also, how does a child like Lewis not think of trying to go back home to Minnesota and trying out his whole raising-the-dead thing on his mom? This risk would be worth it, right?

For me, however, the highlight of the book is the light touch that permeates everything. There’s a sense of play competing with the spookiness to dominate the book (and it wins). The dangers—and loneliness—of existence and the strange, magical mysteries of Jonathan’s mansion are best combated with some milk and a chocolate-chip cookie in hand. The graver dangers of the end of the book are taken on with an activity that could’ve been the inspiration for New Girl‘s True American game. A sense of play, absurdity, and chocolate-chip cookies is not only a recipe for a fun book, but it’s also a great foundation to build a personality on.

I had a blast with this. I encourage parents/other relatives of children of the target age to seek it out on their behalf—and adults who like to pretend they are when they read to seek it out for themselves.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Grandpappy’s Corner: Milton Makes a Move by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator): One Pug’s Big Adventure

By HCNewton

On August 25, 2026

In Dogs, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Milton Makes a Move

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pg.
Read Date: August 24, 2026

Overthinking Things…

This post may come across as me slighting Graziano’s previous two books. At least that’s my fear. It should not be read in that way—Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain are delightful and charming books that I enjoyed and have read multiple times. Any comparisons between them and this should only serve to highlight how much I enjoyed and appreciated this book and how much I think Graziano has grown as a writer.

What’s Milton Makes a Move About?

As his legions of followers know, Graziano spent some time without a dog after Noodle, and then adopted Milton. This is his story about coming from Brazil to stay with his new person.

It’s framed as an adventure for the dog—full of travel, discovery, and learning to trust someone to take care of him (and taking care of him in return). It shows how Milton was brave to take on new challenges—even when scary things were happening around him (like thunderstorms).

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art is just cute. Practically peak cuteness. I wish I could think of another word here, but that’s all that comes to mind.

Tavis gets to strut his stuff a little more in this book than in the Noodle books due to the differing personalities of the pugs. Milton likes being outside, playing with other animals (even if he should know better about some of them), he goes places, he moves a lot. And while Noodle may have done some of that, essentially he was a homebody, so there wasn’t a lot to do with him.

But we get to see Milton chase a skunk, play with bunnies, get close to a bear. Even inside the house, there’s more action to be found. And Tavis takes advantage of that and has a lot of fun—giving everyone who reads this (or reads it to someone) plenty to look at. When we see Milton on the airplane, I thought that was likely going to be the visual highlight of the book—but it wasn’t. The detail, the little bits of humor he scatters throughout the illustrations are just great.

So, what did I think about Milton Makes a Move?

The Noodle books focused on Noodle’s search for comfort, his patented “No Bones” days, and so on. This is about a younger pug exploring the new world around him—so it’s a different tone.

Not only that, but Graziano fills the book with a little more humor, some great descriptions, as well as some real sweetness.

When Milton is awakened during his first night in his new home by thunder, we’re told:

Alarmed, he let out a large BOOF. (A boof is like a woof, but quieter and more boof-like.)

“More boof like” just made me cackle. Anyone who’s had a small dog has a pretty good idea what that sound is like. It’s one I miss—if only because my larger dogs can’t be bothered with a small sound. I don’t think Graziano would’ve gone for something like that before, but he’s growing as an author and getting more confident. So he does some things like that.

I don’t know that all his adult fans will appreciate the feel of movement in this book—Noodle was about comfort and vibes, Milton’s about sweetness and play. But I see this book attracting more young readers than the previous did.

And even if I’m wrong—I had a great time reading this, and will enjoy doing so again. I hope we get several more books about Milton and his new friends.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, Christian Robinson (Illustrator): It’s That Time of Year

By HCNewton

On August 19, 2026

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

School’s First Day of School

by Adam Rex, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pg.
Read Date: July 30, 2026

What’s School’s First Day of School About?

Anthropomorphizing everyday objects or animals is a pretty standard thing in Children’s Books and Picture Books. But it’s not often that we get a whole building depicted this way. (at least from what I recall) If you’re going to do it, why not do it with a school?

Which is what Adam Rex does here–this building, Frederick Douglass Elementary, to be specific–is freshly constructed and eager to open up. It’s a little nervous, too. Thankfully, it’s befriended a custodian who calms it down and assures it about what’s going to happen.

Like many children, the school is excited to start the first day, but it doesn’t go like it expected and nerves start to rule the day. The custodian steps in and helps out again–and by the end, the school is ready for Day Two.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Robinson’s pictures are painted–which I always appreciate. They’re just detailed enough to keep the attention and conversation going. There’s a solid, comforting emotion that comes through.

Everything seems juuuust slightly skewed–like 2-3 degrees off from being at 90-degree corners. (I didn’t set a protractor on the page, however). Which works–and I had to stare at a couple of pictures and the cover before it dawned on me. Which also means I could be out to lunch on that observation. Whatever it was that I’m seeing adds some life and movement to the pictures–like a school day, nothing is static on the page.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s not a rhyming tongue-twister, which is nice–so you can focus on the text and pointing out/talking about the details in Robinson’s pictures.

So, what did I think about School’s First Day of School?

How relatable is this for the audience? You’re nervous about school (or day care or preschool), guess what? You’re not alone! Even the building feels this way! What student doesn’t want to hear that? And then the school models for the child how to think about the day and be ready for the next. It’s fun, and it’s helpful.

Which sounds pretty good for a Picture book.

Especially this time of year.

School’s First Day of School is cute, imaginative, and easily relatable. Basically, it’s a winner.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina, Tammi Reichel (Translator): No Plain Pooches Here

By HCNewton

On August 4, 2026

In Dogs, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Fancy Dogs

by Tini Malina, Tammi Reichel (Translator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 48 pg.
Read Date: August 3, 2026

What’s Fancy Dogs About?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

You can see some pages from the German edition here.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I bet it’s great in German—it’s pretty good in English, although I wonder if the original has a few more rhymes.

I did enjoy it, don’t get me wrong, I just think one or two more rhymes would be better. I still look forward to trying this with the grandcritters.

So, what did I think about Fancy Dogs?

It’s fun, it made me smile, and I bet at least one grandcritter of mine will have me read it a time or three. That’s good enough for me.

I had a great time with Fancy Dogs the two times I’ve read it—I expect you will, too. Especially if you have a young’un to share it with.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from NorthSouth Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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The Irresponsible Reader On…Self-Published Children’s & Picture Books (a look in Grandpappy’s Corner)

By HCNewton

On July 23, 2026

In Books, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, Miscellany, News/Misc., Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week, YA/MG/Children's Books

(updated 7/23/26)

From the first moment that people did the strange thing of asking me to talk about their books on my blog, I’ve been impressed by the quality of a lot of what’s been published by authors going out on their own, taking all the risks, shouldering all the responsibility, and doing all the work to get their words, their dreams, their blood, sweat, and tears on to the page (paper or electronic). This should be celebrated—it’s definitely appreciated, as we’re trying to show this week.

As part of this week-long celebration, I’m continuing my habit of highlighting the self-published works that I’ve blogged about over the last few years (or meant to blog about, but at least read)—just a sentence or two. Hopefully, this’ll be enough to make you click on the link to the full post. Beyond that, it’d be great if I inspired you to add a few of these to your TBR. Also, be sure you check out the other posts over at the SPAAW Hub.

Today I’m wandering over to Grandpappy’s Corner to focus on Children’s and Picture Books. I don’t know how I ended up on the radar of Children’s and Picture Book authors—particularly so many from Israel in the early days. But I’m just glad I did, these are guaranteed dashes of brightness and diversity to my reading schedule.

bullet Life Lessons by Titan as told to Melaney Taylor Auxier—Illustrated by photos of the dog himself, Titan teaches about friends, making mistakes, eating well, being grateful, that sort of thing. (my post about it)
bullet Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator)—a story of friendship and second chances (my post about it)
bullet Snobbity Snowman by Maria Bardyukova & Quiet Riley, Jr.—Snobbity is a snowman with an attitude (at least at the beginning). I loved the art. (my post about it)
bullet Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A scientist explains a tornado to a daycare class. (my post about it)
bullet Hurricane Vacation by Heather L. Beal, Jasmine Mills (Illustrator)—Lily and Niko are visiting their family when a Hurricane Watch is issued, so they join their family in preparing the house for the storm and getting ready to go to a shelter. Along the way, they learn about what a hurricane is as well as all the ways that people can protect themselves, themselves, and so on. (my post about it)
bullet Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal, Jubayda Sager (Illustrator)—A daycare class learns about earthquakes and earthquake safety. (my post about it)
bullet Bearded by Jeremy Billups—A Bearded Bear and a Red-Haired Little Girl go on adventures all over the world with an assortment of different animals. I love this art (and have a print of one illustration hanging on my office wall). (my post about it)
bullet Bearded Too by Jeremy Billups—A fun and fitting sequel to the above. (my post about it)
bullet Sea This and Sea That by Jeremy Billups—Set in a “crowded, hectic and gruff” city under the sea, with one quiet spot—The Sea This and Sea That Below the Seashore. Missus Bluffington gives a couple of kids (and the reader) a through her very unusual place, full of all sorts of sea creatures, sea plants, fish, and an octopus that shows up in some unusual places. (my post about it)
bullet Mike Nero and The Superhero School by Natasha Carlow, Kyle Stephen (Illustrator)—It’s Mike’s first day at a new school—he meets his principal and some incredible children and learns a little about the superpower he has within himself—and those inside other students, too. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—A parent assures Aiden that the wide range of emotions that he’s feeling throughout a day are okay. It’s okay to be happy or scared or confused. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—A parent assures Aiden of their love for him in various moods and in the midst of a range of activities—not all of which are the kind that a parent likes to see/endure, but none of which changes their love. (my post about it)
bullet Little Aiden: A Big Kid Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)—Aiden’s a little older now than he was in the first two books, and he’s learning how to be a little more independent. With mixed results. (my post about it)
bullet Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper—A puffer fish gets tired of being a puffer fish and tries out life with other kinds of fish. (my post about it)
bullet What’s in Your Howl? by Douglas Gamble, Illustrated by: Steve Humke, Terri Isaacson—a great look at trying to understand each other (my post about it)
bullet Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin—A board book/electronic equivalent full of cat photos and handy tips like the title. (my post about it)
bullet Kay-9 The Robot Dog by J.M. Gulmire—a young man who can’t even have a hypoallergenic dog makes a work around (my post about it)
bullet Vernon the Vegetarian Lion by John Hughson, Ali Smith (Illustrator)—Vernon tries out vegetarianism. It goes as well as you’d think. (my post about it)
bullet Meeting of the Mustangs by Cathy Kennedy—This is for kids older than the rest on this list (7+ was my guess). A story of a wild mustang growing up. (my post about it)
bullet The Fed-up Cow by Peta Lemon, Maria Dasic Todoric (Illustrator)—Hilda the cow tries out the lives of other animals before learning to accept herself. (my post about it)
bullet Noam’s Monstersby Shai Levinger, Kaustuv Brahmachari (Illustrator), Ephrat Abisror (Translator)—Written by a Clinical Psychologist, this is about a boy struggling with anxieties and fears. Hopeful yet honest. (my post about it)
bullet George the Bannana: Book One by Elliott Linker—A graphic novel by a local 3rd grader (probably a 4th grader now, actually) about a crime fighting banana and his sidekick/best friend Elliott. (there’s a very good sequel that I haven’t had the time to write about yet, too) (my post about it)
bullet George the Bannana: Book Two by Elliott Linker—George faces off against more dastardly types (my post about it is forthcoming)
bullet The Defender by Elliott Linker—George gets a new, powerful ally. Just in time to take on a whole new opponent. (my post about it is forthcoming)
bullet Moshe Comes to Visit by Tehila Sade Moyal, Fatima Pires (Illustrator)—A young boy discovers that everyone is afraid of something. (my post about it)
bullet Bear with Bear by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland (Illustrator)—A young boy tries to choose a pet. (my post about it)
bullet Bravo and Elphie by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—Ephie and her pet have some struggles at the playground. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—An imaginative dad turns running errands with his son into an epic adventure. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Goes Trick or Treating by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)—The title pretty much sums it up. (my post about it)
bullet Elphie Meets the End of The World by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron Misgav (Illustrator)—Elphie is playing hide and seek with Phante and Phante’s older brother comes in talking about how he saw on the news that the world ending. Eliphie doesn’t take the news well and runs home to hide. Mom and Dad try to comfort and assure him. But it doesn’t really take—so they decide that if the world is going to end, they might as well make a party of it. That seems to work, and in the end, drives home the lesson that every day—even our last—ought to be enjoyed as a gift. (my post about it)
bullet Under the Barnyard Light by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)—a quiet night’s chores (my post about it)
bullet Buddy the Knight and The Queen of Sorrow by Peter David—A valiant teddy bear knight, who is devoted to protecting his Person from the monsters from The Realm-Under-The-Bed, has spent years defending a little girl named Mieya from these fearsome foes. He’s frequently assisted by his companion, a stuffed tamarin—a mandolin-playing bard. Esteban not only fights at Buddy’s side, but his songs frequently tell the tales of Buddy’s victories. These two (and allies they’re yet to meet) take on the ultimate foe. (my post about it)
bullet Practice Makes Perfect by Michael Portnoy, Adelia Drubetski (Illustrator), Freda Zolty Kovatch (Translator)—Madam Fly’s two sons are musical geniuses, or something like it—because she’s convinced they should put on concerts despite having no experience with playing whatsoever. Experience and the crickets who run the local music shop try to teach them an important lesson when it comes to music (or just about anything). (my post about it)
bullet The Incredible Ordinary Hero or The Brave Bystander by Aida Rascanu, Beatrice Magrini (Illustrator)—a double-whammy of a lesson for the readers/audience. First, there’s a discussion of what it means to be a hero (doing things that are heroic) and there’s a little first aid lesson—age-appropriate, mind you—to help parents/teachers train up young ones. (my post about it)
bullet How Did the Hippopotamus Get There? by Sohrab Rezvan, Kyana Mitchell (Illustrator)—the answer to this question is not what you’d expect (my post about it)
bullet Lulu and the Missing Tooth Fairy by S. E. Richey—an incredibly cute story about…well, a missing tooth fairy and tooth fairy-ish creatures all over the world. (I apparently somehow never posted about this, but it’s so good I have to share a link for it)
bullet Trouble With Truffles by S. E. Richey—an incredibly cute and informative story about truffle hunting. (I apparently somehow never posted about this, but it’s so good I have to share a link for it)
bullet Red Stripes VS Miles the Mutant Mouse by Amy Rice and Kyson Rice—5-year-old Kyson came up with the story about a super-powered cat defending his city from a giant (and very hungry) mutant mouse, with an assist from his mother on the illustrations. (my post about it)
bullet The Flying Frog and the Kidnappers by David Yair, Ilana Graf (Illustrator), Natalie Jackson (Illustrator)—4th in a series of 11 (so far, anyway). This series for beginning readers is about Quack, a flying frog, who helps some siblings fight crime. Obviously, in this case, they’re up against some kidnappers. (my post about it)

If you're a self-published author that I've featured on this blog and I didn't mention you in this post and should have. I'm sorry (unless you're this guy). Please drop me a line, and I'll fix this. I want to keep this regularly updated so I keep talking about Self-Published Authors.

Visit the SPAAW 2026 Hub to see what other Self-Published Appreciation Posts are out there.

Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week circle logo and the Irresponsible Reader Grandpappy's Corner Pilcrow (an older looking anthropomorphized pilcrow) in front of an open book

Image by OpenIcons from Pixabay
The 2026 Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Logo was made by Witty and Sarcastic Book Club

Eternal Blades by Vlad V. Imakaev: A Tale of Wielders and Watchers

By HCNewton

On July 22, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Locals, Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week, YA/MG/Children's Books

Eternal Blades

by Vlad V. Imakaev

DETAILS:
Series: Maks Kolba, #1
Publication Date: October 5, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 252 pg.
Read Date: June 20-22, 2026

What’s Eternal Blades About?

In the middle of a nasty snowstorm, Maks Kolba tries to drive home from work and comes across dragon and a winged warrior of some sorts in the middle of an epic combat. He can’t believe his eyes, but he also has to get out and see what’s happening. He perhaps got a little too close—but no matter.

He wakes up the next day in his room—completely unscathed, but with a voice in his head. He’s apparently replaced the winged warrior in their multi-dimensional war against that dragon and its ilk.

Poor Maks now has to get used to this seemingly-permament voice in his head (think Roen and Tao) as he tries to understand his new abilities and powers, learns to combat his foes, successfully get the police to stop asking questions about that night in the storm, and to try to figure out what he’s going to do after he graduates from high school.

Senior years are just never easy…

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I met Imakaev at the Nampa Library’s Book Fair and not only was it a fun chat, his book seemed like it’d be plenty of fun.

I kept with it because it was a fast and engaging read—it didn’t take itself too seriously and had some fun with things—but it still treated the stakes as important. It was just an entertaining read.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

One of the things I appreciated most was the way a bunch of people got together to address a looming calamity. These people had little in common (some were open antagonistic toward each other), not all of them believed in the supernatural forces before their eyes—or that there was anything good that possibly could come from them. But a threat was there, and obvious, and they were able to set all of that aside to work for a common goal, and form some sort of bond over it. Bonds that might be tested—probably will be—and some may not stand up to the pressure. But still—a common goal was faced.

It’s easy to focus on division right now. It’s nice to see an example of the alternative—and a nice reminder that humans frequently act that way.

So, what did I think about Eternal Blades?

This was fun! A solid action-adventure for younger YA readers* with some cool supernatural aspects.

It’s easy to like these characters—even those who are a bit prickly. The supernatural system is pretty cool. The action scenes are well excuted and will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. It took me very little time to decide that I could’ve read this in one sitting if I just had the time.

It feels like I should have a lot more to say, but…I really don’t. It’s a great intro to this universe, we get just enough of the supernatural world to entice and satisfy for the purposes of this book and to still have questions, and, welllll…basically, I want more of these, and I want them soon.

* Or readers who don’t get hung up on that kind of thing.

Visit the SPAAW 2026 Hub to see what other Self-Published Appreciation Posts are out there.

Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week circle logo and the Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow in front of an open book

Literary Locals logo

Image by OpenIcons from Pixabay
The 2026 Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Logo was made by Witty and Sarcastic Book Club

Grandpappy’s Corner: Hey, Al by Arthur Yorinks, Richard Egielski (Illustrator): Maybe a Little Creepy, But Sweet

By HCNewton

On April 28, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Hey, Al

by Arthur Yorinks, Richard Egielski (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: May 01, 1989
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pgs.
Read Date: April 18, 2026

What’s Hey, Al About?

Al is a janitor, and Eddie is his faithful dog. They do everything together–work, leisure, you name it. They live in a cramped apartment in New York. And the quarters might be a little too tight for the two, even as close as they are (Eddie, in particular, seems to want more).

One day, a giant bird offers them a way out–he offers to take the two of them somewhere to get away from all of their lives. That’s a bit much for Al to take in, and he resists. But Eddie puts his foot down, so the next day this giant bird takes them to its home–a floating island in the sky.

Because, of course, it is.

This island is populated by all sorts of various birds best described larger-than-they-should be, and the life seems idyllic.

But, as everything does, there is a cost to this. And it’s not long before the pair learn what it is. Is it too much?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Oh, it’s just great. Apparently, Yorinks and Egielski work together a lot–and they should. Egielski’s illustrations are just dynamite. They perfectly capture the story–and they’re attention-grabbing enough that a young reader might not really care about the text, as long as they can flip through the book to look at the illustrations.

The birds are fantastic–and that island (gravity-defying as it may be) looks gorgeous. The emotions–positive and negative–of Al and Eddie are conveyed perfectly.

It’s just great.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s fine–there’s nothing dazzling about the text, it’s a solid story that the grown-up reader will be able to make it through just fine while looking at all the art with their younger audience.

So, what did I think about Hey, Al?

Honestly, it seemed a little dark for a couple of pages, given the audience. But I remember kids’ books don’t need to make everything too exciting and happy–kids can handle a little darkness (especially if there’s a happy ending–and spoiler alert, there is one.)

This is just a wonderful book read–full of imagination. It’s one to get your hands on (even if you’re a little “too old” for it).

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
Grandpappy Icon

Quick-Take Catchups: The Leftovers from January

By HCNewton

On March 9, 2026

In (Auto)Biography, Audiobook, Dogs, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Humor, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Non-Fiction, Science Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

In an effort to keep my “To Write About” pile from getting out of control (I’ve got another post coming up in the first week in January…or maybe later in the year about the older stuff), I’ve set a requirement to myself to write a catch-up post at the end of the following month (e.g., At the end of February, write about January books; at the end of June, write about the May books I haven’t gotten to yet; etc.). As always, the point of these quick-takes is to emphasize pithiness, not thoroughness.

Dear Committee Members

by Julie Schumacher, read by Roberston Dean

DETAILS:
Series: Jason Fitger, #1
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Publication Date: August 19, 2014
Format: Unabridged Audiobooks
Length: 3 hrs., 55 min. 
Read Date: January 3-5, 2026

Professor Jason Fitger is a delightful character (in fiction, please don’t sit next to him at a dinner or stand near him at a party. Or maybe don’t be in the same room with him). He’s full of himself, a little self-deluded, put-upon, and (probably) past his prime with a career going nowhere (but hey, tenure!).

We learn about him through a series of letters of recommendation he’s sending to various businesses, schools, programs, and scholarships for his students; interdepartmental emails; emails to old friends/ex-lovers/ex-wife; and maybe one or two others. I like a good epistolary novel, and this is one of them. We learn about Fitger, and a couple of his students, the moves his University is making to gut itself of the liberal arts, and more, in a way that feels incredibly authentic and very entertaining.

Still, I don’t think I could take it if the book was much longer, and I don’t know that I want to read the rest of the trilogy (but I kind of do).

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All the Best Dogs

by Emily Jenkins

DETAILS:
Publisher: Yearling
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Length: 208 pg.
Read Date: January 5, 2026

This middle-grade novel about a bunch of kids (and a few adults) who bring their dogs to a neighborhood dog park is just delightful. Not just because the dogs are as cute and silly and loving as you want them to be. But the kids and their situations are, too. Even the ones that start off in conflict or sadness get a good dose of resolution and hope by the end (generally tied to one of these dogs). It was cute, heartwarming, and filled with good dogs—the best dogs, actually. What more do you want?

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Children of Time

by Adrian Tchaikovsky

DETAILS:
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: December 11, 2018
Format: Paperback
Length: 416 pg.
Read Date: January 14-19, 2026

I didn’t write a full post on this because I can’t write a sentence about what I think about it without writing one contradicting it. And then one defending the first sentence. And then one defending the second. And then…

I love the concept of this book. Think the execution was wonderful. There’s so, so, so many cool things and ideas packed in here. But it’s also slow and plodding. It could be argued that 80% of the book is setup and only the last 20% is the story. That 20% (an estimate, I didn’t really do the math) is pretty cool and almost makes up for the rest.

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Everyone in the Group Chat Dies

by L.M. Chilton, Kimberley Capero

DETAILS:
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication Date: December 9, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 9 hrs., 36 min. 
Read Date: January 15-16, 2026

I enjoyed (and apparently didn’t write about) Chilton’s Swiped a couple of years ago. Almost none of the charm or zaniness of that book made its way here. I’m not saying I expected a carbon copy, obviously, but this could almost have been written by someone else.

A lot of the framing of this story was well done—and the way it was ordered was, too. But I could practically see that all of the heart and character were sacrificed for the sake of clever plotting and telling. And if I have to go on without one of those pairs, I know which one it should be.

I’m not saying that I’m done with Chilton, but I won’t be in a rush for whatever’s next.

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Lit

by Tim Sandlin

DETAILS:
Publisher: Brash Books
Publication Date: October 22, 2025
Format: eBook
Length: 254 pg.
Read Date: January 20, 2026

This is quotable, clever, and filled with interesting characters. It’s also a little too convoluted; it’s hard to believe some of the interpersonal relationships with the characters, and the solution is a bit of a letdown.

That said, from the first page to the last I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading it. Most of it worked in the moment, or was something I could shrug off while reading it. But when I was done and started thinking about it, I the doubts and quibbles kept growing.

Maybe Sandlin couldn’t really figure out the book he was trying to write—tone, characters, and/or outcome—he wouldn’t be the first author to do that. As much as a lot of the passages sang—the book, in retrospect, was just good enough. Read this one to enjoy the journey, not necessarily the destination.

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The Librarians

by Sherry Thomas, read by Louisa Zhu

DETAILS:
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 13 hrs., 45 min. 
Read Date: January 21-26, 2026

Individually, these characters were just fantastic—plenty of quirk, plenty of heart, plenty of “I just want to live a quiet life with books and nice people” kind of energy. Sign me up for that! The murder mysteries were intriguing enough, too. But combining the characters and the murders—with too many amateur detectives running around—it all felt very soapy. Very melodramatic.

I flitted back and forth between “Oh, I really like Character X and want to see what happens to them” and “Oh, please, shut up and return to reality! Cut the melodrama!” so often I got whiplash.

I’d recommend it with several caveats and a stress on low-expectations. Then again, I could name worse.

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Through the Ashes

by Irene Hill

DETAILS:
Series: Joe Higgins, #1
Publication Date: April 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 239 pg.
Read Date: January 24-26, 2026

This is a solid series premiere and debut novel about a former deputy who used to serve on his area’s search-and-rescue team. Years after personal tragedy struck, he’s called on to leave his drunken stupor behind and find a missing boy. Naturally, it’s not long before this search becomes so much more.

This is Hill’s debut, and it’s not that hard to tell (particularly as she introduces characters early on). But she can tell a good story, and the characters are winners.

It’s a little on the rough side, but this is a good read, and I’m ready for the second book (and probably the third and fourth).

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Memes & Mayhem II: A Comedy of Horrors

by Ashley DeLeon

DETAILS:
Series: Memes & Mayhem, #2
Publication Date: September 11, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 249 pg.
Read Date: January 24, 2026

Before I get into this, I thought I had posted about the first book, and I’m more than a little annoyed to find out that I didn’t. I did chat with the author briefly a couple of years ago. (I’m really bothered, I remember working on it) Anyway, this is exactly like the first book—just done a little better and is a little funnier. Experience is a good thing.

DeLeon has picked some great creepy ghost stories and tells them well—even better, she does it with a good (and oftentimes silly) sense of humor.

This is well worth your time (so is its predecessor). I had a blast with this and will do so again.

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The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco

by Michelle Chouinard, read by Stephanie Németh-Parker

DETAILS:
Series: The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, #1
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: September 24, 2024
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 9 hrs., 51 min.
Read Date: January 26-28, 2026

This really fits in the Finley Donovan demographic. It’s a little more grounded, a little slower on the romance burn (okay, a lot slower), a little less zanier. But the same overall feel. I didn’t get as into all of the plotlines as I was supposed to—and I’d figured out the whodunit, with a pretty good (but growing) confidence in the whydunit early on. But watching our semi-intrepid investigator, Capri Sanzio, wind her way through the investigation was entertaining enough.

I didn’t buy her podcast recording at all (and it would’ve been good to see her do something other than record episodes). But the rest was okay.

It was as entertaining as you’d want this to be—not an inch more. But good enough.

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That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You

by Elyse Myers

DETAILS:
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: October 28, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 5 hrs., 32 min. 
Read Date: January 28-30, 2026

This is such a strange, comforting, hilarious, and relatable collection of short pieces. Some are memoirs, some are humorous pieces, some are hard to define. All are absolutely worth your time. They will warm your heart, bring a smile to your face, and make you feel all sorts of things.

I think this would work well on the page—but do yourself a favor and get it on audio. Myers’ delivery is so good (as anyone who’s watched her videos knows), hearing her words in her voice really captures the intangibles of the book in a way that I don’t think that the page is fully capable of.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from any of them, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.