Buddy and Bea: Not Really Buddies

 Buddy and Bea: Not Really Buddies

In the acknowledgements, author, Jan Carr, indicates that she has her niece, Phoebe, read her manuscripts to ensure they pass the kid-authenticity test and I think that explains a lot about this book. It feels VERY authentic. As a teacher of young children, second graders among them, I think this could make a PERFECT read aloud for the start of the school year, or any time year-round but it very authentically reads like a first day/week of school and kids and teachers alike will relate to the shenanigans that Buddy Finn-Lee and Bea experience from the get go. Like Buddy, students will relate to all different family structures, and many kids will relate to Bea’s “buzziness” either as a naturally impulsive nature or the result of first day/new school/new class jitters. I highly recommend this fun and engaging read!

Title: Buddy and Bea: Not Really Buddies

Author: Jan Carr

ISBN: 978-1-6826-353-46

Published 2023 by Peach Tree

This copy was received from the publisher as a PDF eBook via Edelweiss for review purposes.

Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country

 Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country

In the first Crimson Twill book, she travels from her home, Cackle County to New Wart City but in this sequel, the friends she met in the city come to visit her out in the country. They head out to look for three things: Rotten Apple, the Broom Fields, and the Croaking Corral. Crimson wants to show her friends all that the country has to offer but things seem to keep going wrong every step of the way. When they get into a real bind, they learn they’re ready for more independence - flying lessons and wand instruction!

Title: Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country

Author: Kallie George

ISBN: 978-1-5362-1464-2

Published 2023 by Candlewick Publishers

This copy was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.

Maddie and Mabel Know They Can

 Maddie and Mabel Know They Can

Each of the Maddie and Mabel stories start with the same introduction about the sister characters. In the first adventure, disappearing dandelions, Maddie explains how sometimes things change and take wishes and patience. Young readers will relate to the second story, For Sale - where younger sister, Mabel, opens a lemonade stand but has some trouble attracting customers. Maddie longs to help but Mabel wants to do it all by herself. In The Fall and The Ride, Maddie conquers a fear and learns something new and Mabel is right there, cheering her on!

Title: Maddie and Mabel Know They Can

Author: Kari Allen

ISBN: 978-1-63894-019-7

Published 2023 by Kind World Publishing

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

The Rescues: Finding Home

 The Rescues: Finding Home

This sweet story will find its way into any reader’s heart just as Moose, Bear, and Tiger found their way into a new owner’s heart and home.  Moose and Bear (both dogs) make quite a pair but how will they react when Tiger the cat joins their family too. From a fence installation to a new bed in a new house, they all navigate life’s trials together. 

Title: The Rescues: Finding Home

Author: Tommy & Charlie Greenwald

ISBN: 978-1-63655-076-3

Published 2023 by Red Comet Press

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

Willa the Werewolf

 Willa the Werewolf

Willa is a pig by day and a werewolf by night, who uses her speed and strength to travel to the world’s fashion epicenter and learn all she can to enhance her brand. When Willa is tasked with the styling three pigs (who end up with straw, stick, and brick inspired ensembles) the clock ticks later and later while she waits for the trio to arrive - will Willa end up a Big, Bad Wolf? A fashion icon? Or maybe both? Read Willa the Werewolf to find out!

Title: Willa the Werewolf

Author: Michele McAvoy

ISBN: 978-1-956378-13-9

Published 2023 by The Little Press

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

Maddie and Mabel Make a Plan

 Maddie and Mabel Make a Plan

Maddie and Mabel are making a plan…to get a pet but when they settle on a wild animal, they need to decide if that’s the best plan. Hint - it’s not! 

Title: Maddie and Mabel Make a Plan

Author: Kari Allen

ISBN: 978-1-63894-024-1

Published 2023 by Kind World Publishing

This copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.

Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes

 Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes

While I’d always prefer a physical book in my hand, this one was sent to review via an eBook PDF and I’m excited to see it in print as I think readers will love this character and her budding business! Naomi’s mom is a veterinarian and they’ve recently taken in a Brown Rat Snake that swallowed not one, but two ceramic eggs (much harder to digest than the real thing). The snake is recovering at Naomi’s house and Naomi thinks of an idea to help those in her neighborhood remove snakes safely and humanely, and educate them (her neighbors, not the snakes) at the same time! With the help of her friend, Emma, and even her snake-averse brother, Nolan, Naomi gets to work!

Title: Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes

Author: Jessica Lee Anderson

ISBN: 9781666349511

Published 2023 by Picture Window Books

This PDF eBook copy was received from the publisher for review purposes.