This post is sponsored by Sherry Ellis. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Written by Sherry Ellis

Ages 8+ | 104 Pages

Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press | ISBN-13: 9781939844989

Publisher’s Book Summary: Bubba and Squirt are back for another rousing quest as they travel through the mysterious vortex to Paris, France. It’s another wild adventure as they track down art thieves, encounter terrifying monsters, and discover the whereabouts of their missing father.

Will they make it out alive or join the rest of the skeletons in the City of Bones?

Coming Soon: The fourth book in the series, Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena, will be released on May 7, 2024, and the final book, Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearl, will be released in September 2024.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis has previously published Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China; Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure; Don’t Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information about her work, she invites you to visit her website at www.sherryellis.org.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

NO BONES ABOUT IT

Bubba and Squirt City of Bones (Book 3 in the series)

Written by Sherry Ellis

This is the third book in a series featuring siblings, Bubba, and his younger sister, Squirt. In their first adventure, they travel through time back to Xian, China and the second hurls them back to the Mayan Empire. Each journey leads to a mystery they must solve and the possibility of never returning to the present.

This third adventure finds the pair falling through a vortex to ancient catacombs in Paris where they will encounter lots of creepy skeletons and nefarious characters in their attempt to rescue their father. The author relates the story with each sibling taking turns narrating the tale chapter by chapter. Combining history, fantasy, and a mystery adventure with lots of twists and turns creates a winning combination for middle grade readers, though I must admit it holds the interest of adults as well. Ellis supplies a glossary of information and a recipe as bonus items.

I highly recommend this educational and entertaining read for anyone age eight and older.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an autographed copy of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones and a $50 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/SqDwK/bubba-and-squirts-city-of-bones-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 16, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 17, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, January 18, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Friday, January 19, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

Monday, January 22, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Tuesday, January 23, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Sherry Ellis

Wednesday, January 24, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, January 24, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones and Little Free Library Drop

Friday, January 25, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Monday, February 5, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Tuesday, February 6, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Wednesday, February 7, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Spotlight of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, February 8, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

Friday, February 9, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

  

Melusine Birds of Many Feathers

Written by Geraldine V. Oates-Sese, Ph.D
Illustrated by Franchesca A. Guerrero

Children who are unfamiliar with birding may be inspired to become nature lovers after reading this book. Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

I loved this colorful picture book packed with so much knowledge.

The protagonist, Melusine, enjoys bird watching. One day she notices an unfamiliar sound outside her window. Melusine travels to her multicultural neighborhood to identify this bird. Along her journey, readers learn about the songs and calls of many birds. In addition, Melusine’s trip to the market with her parents exposes readers to the different languages spoken by members of her community.

The author provides a comprehensive summary of each bird call and a glossary of the terms expressed by humans in the various languages spoken in the market. This book portrays a beautiful message of the diversity and inclusive sounds emitted by human and feathered friends.

Children who are unfamiliar with birding may be inspired to become nature lovers after reading this book. Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Feather Chase: (The Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries Book 1)

Written by Shannon L. Brown

The Feather Chase: (The Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries Book 1)

Written by Shannon L. Brown

This is the first book in a new crime-fighting mystery series for middle-grade readers. Sophie is staying with her cousin, Jessica, for the summer. The twelve-year-old cousins share an affinity for adventures and mysteries.

While walking along a trail, the cousins discover a briefcase filled with feathers. They bring their prize to the local sheriff who immediately decides to assist them in their newest adventure.

The plot moves quickly, and the characters remind me of a Nancy Drew book. I believe it has the most appeal for readers in fifth or sixth grade. The characters are interesting and plot details sustain the mystery.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Adventure in Butrint National Park (Magilicious Journeys Book 1)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Tehreem Igbal

Siblings Simon and Olivia experience mixed emotions when waking up in a new house. They feel sadness at friends left behind but nervous anticipation of new adventures.

That anticipation is heightened when they discover a magical book hidden in the floorboards of Olivia’s room. They decide to visit Butrint National Park in Albania as they already possess a keepsake to activate their time travel. Soon they whisk readers off making a new acquaintance who serves as a tourist guide.

Not long after, tragedy strikes when a precious statue is stolen. The siblings must confront a band of pirates. Will Olivia and Simon find their way home safely? The answer is at the end of this first book in a series, perfect for new chapter book readers. The book is packed with information about Albania. There are a plethora of learning activities including mazes, puzzles, reading comprehension, and design activities which also appeal to middle-grade readers.

Highly recommend this series to parents and teachers of children ages eight and older.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Sea Serpent of Science: a fun and fast-paced chapter book series for kids 8-11 (Junkyard Adventures Book 2)

Written by Tevi Hansen

Siblings Eli and Grace find themselves back at Uncle Larry’s antique store shopping with their dad for a second-hand ladder. This is another book of the Junkyard Adventure series which opens up the door to adventure and learning for beginning chapter book readers.

In this adventure, readers are treated to an adventure with a sea serpent who is a marine biologist who guides them on a scavenger hunt. Finds include rare jellyfish, underground caves, pufferfish, and some pretty creepy specimens of marine life. All is not smooth sailing because a sixty foot shark attempts to block their way.

Eli and Grace are determined to finish their quest. Readers learn marine science while being immersed in an undersea adventure. Recommended particularly for ages seven through eleven.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Haunted Lighthouse: Tales of the Lost and Found

Written by Shana Gorian

Thirteen-year-old Noah Wright and his twelve-year-old sister, Oakley have just begun summer vacation in Westport Harbor, a coastal town in Maine. Noah’s best friend, Andre, and the family dog, Cooper are ready to have some fun. What could go wrong?

Noah possesses insatiable curiosity and takes too many risks. Oakley demonstrates more caution but enjoys action. Andre’s personality tends to be more cautious, but he is also ambitious. Cooper, like most dogs, never hesitates to jump into an adventure.

It takes little time for the friends to snoop around and uncover a decommissioned lighthouse where they find clues about a mystery that has haunted the sleepy fishing village for the past century. An antique boat store, a mysterious shipwreck, and scares from the supernatural combine to create an intriguing novel for middle-grade and young adult readers.

I received an advance review copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to read and review it with my honest opinions for no monetary compensation.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

This post is sponsored by Rebecca Laxton. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Written by Rebecca Laxton

Illustrated by Gracie Laxton

Ages 10+ | 252 Pages

Publisher: Warren Publishing, Inc | ISBN-13: 9781960146236

Publisher’s Book Summary: Thirteen-year-old Emma Murry has three goals for summer vacation: finish her art terms project, land an ollie, and help the environmental club save the monarchs.

But then her Instagram crush Jeb Scott and his celebrity dad Chester make a surprise visit to Black Mountain. At first, Emma is thrilled, but then she overhears their plans to destroy the monarch butterfly garden to build a ski resort. She and her best friend Sophie add a new summer goal: STOP. THE. SCOTTS.

Emma ignores Sophie’s warnings and makes friends with Jeb, convinced she can change his mind. Then when Chester receives a mysterious death threat, Emma teams up with Jeb to investigate. She slowly discovers people are not what they seem as she attempts to untangle friendships, organize a protest, and uncover supernatural secrets hiding on the mountain.

Emma will have to go through her own metamorphosis by overcoming her fears and facing what she dreads. If she fails, she could jeopardize everything—butterflies, friendships, and her family.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Laxton has served school communities as an afterschool program director, reading specialist, and school psychologist. While working for Boone County Schools, she was named the Kentucky School Psychologist of the Year for collaborating with teachers and administrators to write and evaluate an emotional intelligence curriculum. 

Rebecca is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Charlotte Literary Arts, and the North Carolina Writers Association. Her short memoir, “Throw Like a Girl,” about playing on a mostly boys Little League team can be found in The Love of Baseball (McFarland 2017). Currently, she is a dyslexia practitioner and enjoys reading, writing and spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three dogs. 

Rebecca invites you to visit her online at www.rebeccalaxton.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Gracie Laxton is a freelance graphic designer and dance choreographer from North Carolina but is currently based in New York City. A 2021 graduate of Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Monroe, NC, she studied art as part of The Savannah College of Art and Design’s high school joint enrollment program. Currently, she attends Marymount Manhattan College, pursuing degrees in dance and art.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Written by Rebecca Laxton

Illustrations by Gracie Laxton

Thirteen-year-old Emma Laxton plans three goals for her summer. Emma needs to complete an art project, perfect her skateboarding skills, and plant a garden for the migrating monarch butterflies. She is spending the summer at Black Mountain with her family and best friend, Sophie.

Things rapidly get complicated when the Scotts come into town with a plan to develop a ski resort that will endanger the eco system. To make matters worse, young Jeb Scott develops a romantic interest in Emma. She is determined to get closer to Jeb to derail their family’s plans.

The dialogue in this novel fits perfectly with the characters who represent coming of age teens struggling to find their own identity and express their interests within their communities. Laxton manages to teach art lessons through her chapter introductions. That is an unexpected bonus to reading this novel. This book covers topics that may be of particular interest to middle grade and young adult audiences. I learned about the ollie in the art of skateboarding and the world of the monarch butterflies. The elements of a budding romance and hints of the supernatural keep the plot unpredictable and appealing to a struggling, coming of age audience.

The book kept a baby-boomer engaged; I predict that it will be a page-turner for the targeted pre-teen and young adult audience.

GIVEAWAY

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A SWAG bag that includes:

 – A signed hardcover copy of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

– A tote, puzzle, word search, small skateboard sticker, small butterfly sticker, and large vinyl butterfly sticker made with the illustrator’s graphics.

Five (4) winners receive:

 – A signed paperback copy of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/SL3tu/the-metamorphosis-of-emma-murry-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 17, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Tuesday, April 18, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Wednesday, April 19, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor interview with Rebecca Laxton

Thursday, April 20, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Friday, April 21, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor interview with Rebecca Laxton

Monday, April 23, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Tuesday, April 24, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Rebecca Laxton

Wednesday, April 25, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Thursday, April 26, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor interview with Rebecca Laxton

Friday, April 27, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

Monday, April 30, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor interview with Rebecca Laxton

Wednesday, May 10, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Katt Scallion and the Oracle Bird: Katt’s First Adventure

Written by E. K. Issacs

Illustrated by Taru Haimi

This is the first book in an adventure/mystery series for elementary and middle school readers. Katt is a feline space pirate, accompanied by a sloth named Speedy. Things have been slow in the pirate business lately until he is dispatched to retrieve the egg of an oracle space bird.

Off the readers go on this mystery adventure. Katt meets lots of interesting characters on his quest. The book features lots of dialogue and humor. The characters are interesting and the plot moves along quickly. I would describe the book as a chapter book for advanced elementary school readers or an introductory middle school read. There are a few black and white illustrations that enhance the tale.

Recommended for ages six through twelve who enjoy mystery, adventure, humor, and animal characters.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Magical Suitcase (The Decoders Book 1)

Written by Alba Arango

First book in a mystery detective series that targets middle grade readers. It’s a little more than one hundred pages so it might also be considered a beginning or reluctant reader choice.

Three friends, Matt, Steve, and Jenny team up to solve the mystery held within the suitcase purchased for one dollar at an auction. Turns out a poem written by a pirate long deceased holds the key to a hidden treasure. When someone else offers a lot more money for the suitcase, the three amigos are sure they need to follow the clues and resolve to uncover the treasure.

The characters are not complex and the plot not too intricate but readers who like detective and mystery stories probably won’t be disappointed.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

I am honored to participate in the 10th anniversay of an event that I have been involved in since its inception. Here’s to all the readers of the world, big and small, young and old, from all corners of the globe.

DREAMS SHARED IN A BOTTLE

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

A beautifully written and illustrated children’s book with an inspiring message. Arletis lives on a tiny street in a Cuban village. When she gazes at her location on a map in school, she dreams of the world that stretches beyond her small world. While Arletis is content living with her parents, sister, and grandmother, a tiny voice inside wants to know what lies beyond it.

One day, her parents take her to the seashore. Arletis finds a bottle washed ashore that contains a message in a foreign language. She writes back in her native language and hopes for a response. Thousands of miles away, an elderly tugboat captain answers her message. The rest of the tale is magical. Maybe dreams in a bottle come true.

The author is masterful in creating beautiful language phrases to convey her message. For example, “In summer, the heat got so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves…” Images portray the spirit and emotions of the characters. They literally jump off the pages drawing in the eyes of the reader. Bonus features include a Cuban recipe, glossary of unfamiliar words, and a list of resources to continue learning more. The book will be available in Spanish and English editions. Based on a true story, this multicultural tale will delight children and adults of all ages.

Don’t miss this release in April 2023.

THANK YOU to our wonderful MCBD participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers!