Comic from Nobrow!

Fish by Bianca Bagnarelli

After the death of his parents, Milo sees death everywhere. He is at once compelled and disgusted by it, trying to come to terms with his place in the delicate balance of life and death. The pink and purple palette imbues the work with the warmth and long shadows of late summer, while bringing to mind the blood and bruises Milo can't hide. A poignant comic that begs to be reread and pondered. 

You can check out some interiors on Comics&Cola. 

Thanks to Tucker Stone for sending me a copy. 

Patrick Eats His Peas and Other Stories

New comics for beginning readers from Geisel Award-winning author Geoffrey Hayes and Toon Books. 

 

Patrick's adventures capture the funny, sweet, and naughty moments that may be found in any household on a daily basis. Geoffrey Hayes distills these moments, his clean dialogue and clear emotional indicators making Patrick's adventures easy to read for even the youngest readers. The expressive characters and soft illustrations capture the warmth and humor of everyday adventures, ones children will recognize from their own lives. A fine addition to a strong early reader series.

Creston Books

Creston Books is a new publisher of children's books, begun by author Marissa Moss. I was lucky enough to meet Marissa at Book Expo America and I must admit it was hard to contain my excitement. I grew up reading Amelia's Notebook and even had the doll. Talking with Marissa about her own books and her new publishing venture I was inspired. Marissa is passionate about children's books and her passion is infectious. I'm looking forward to watching her list grow. 

Two upcoming Creston Books: 

Rotten Pumpkin: A Rotten Tale in 15 Voices by David M. Schwartz, Photos by Dwight Kuhn 

 

Follow the life cycle of a Jack o'lantern as it is eaten by animals, molds, bugs, and worms. Stunning photographs detail mold growth and the intricacies of rot. The clear photos will have students peering at their own classroom experiments and their Jack o'lantern in a new light. With a comprehensive glossary, this book would be a fascinating addition to classroom libraries.

Cozy Light, Cozy Night by Elisa Kleven 

 

In winter, pajamas are cozy. In the summer, a special rock might be cozy in your pocked. Elisa Kleven encourages readers to consider the small treasure each season brings. Her colorful illustrations are layered with patterns and textures reminiscent of cozy quilts. This would make a lovely gift for any family. I encourage you to curl up under a quilt and read it together!

 

Quarkbeasts (and Jennifer Strange) return! Hip, hip, hooray!

The Song of the Quarkbeast: The Chronicles of Kazam Book 2 by Jasper Fforde 

Harcourt, September 3, 2013

Book two of The Chronicles of Kazam is finally here! Jennifer Strange is back and King Snodd is back to causing trouble for her. This time, there are more Quarkbeasts, trolls, political shenanigans, and even a contest versus imagic. Jasper Fforde's books are the perfect blend of smart and funny. Even adults who like the Thursday Next Series should check out Kazam! 

The first book in this series was the tightest book I've read in a long while. The second volume isn't quite as good, but still enjoyable. Jasper Fforde is definitely on my list of "authors whose books I will always buy".  In this case, I picked up a paperback copy when I was in London because galleys weren't yet ready in the United States...

A strange and surreal novel from Patrick Ness

More Than This by Patrick Ness 

Candlewick Press, September 2013

 

When Seth kills himself, he's surprised to wake up in his family's old house in England. How is this possible? And why is no one else there? And why does he have vivid memories when he dreams? A chilling story of death, life, catastrophe, and connection, More Than This asks questions of what life means and if we can ever have more than what we experience. Like the cold sea, this book pulled me in and wouldn't let me go.

New from David Almond

The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas by David Almond, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Candlewick Press, August 20139

When Stanley's uncle becomes obsessed with canning fish-even Stanley's beautiful birthday goldfish- Stanley runs away with a carnival. But can Stanley become the Boy who swam with Piranhas and completely leave his home behind? Peculiar and surreal, with interesting characters and surprising truths, this book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the Mysterious Benedict society.

Three-Ring Rascals: The Show Must Go On!

By Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

September 10, 2013, Algonquin Books for Young Readers 

 

When Sir Sidney realizes it's time to retire, he must find a new Ringmaster for his circus. But the animals aren't happy with Barnabas Brambles. Can Barnabas change? Or will the circus fall apart without Sir Sidney? Kate and M. Sarah Klise are a great team and their newest book with have young readers laughing aloud and maybe even cheering.

Another slim, emotional novel from Patricia MacLachlan

The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan

 

Robbie's grandma Maddie has her own special truth, animals trust her. Staying with Maddie, Robbie learns he has to find his own truth, his own special understanding of himself. The special truth about Patricia MacLachlan's books are that they are simple, poetic, and emotionally true; each one will leave you changed.

Holly Black's new YA series

 

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

A vampire story like none you've ever read. Gritty, dark, and dangerous, Coldtowns are the quarantined areas where predators and prey live. There's a air of glamor about them, but also hunger, fear, and sickness. Tana wants nothing to do with Coldtowns, but after a party gone terribly wrong, she finds it's the only place left for her to go. I could not put this book down! Even if you dislike vampires, give this book a chance- you won't be disappointed!

The brilliant, sweet, and quirky adult debut everyone will be reading this fall

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

 

Simply brilliant. When a genetics professor on the Asperger's spectrum launches the Wife Project, he creates a test to find the perfect wife. But what he finds is not what he expected. This is a quirky, sweet, and utterly enjoyable novel of a truly contemporary romance.

Madeline and the Old House in Paris

by John Bemelmans Marciano 

 

The first book I ever “read” was Madeline. Now, when I say “read,” I really mean “recited while turning the pages at the correct moment.” It is this sort of Madeline fan that Madeline and the Old House in Paris is for, a child who knows the lines from all the old books. Though a new Madeline story, the beginning of this book remixes lines from the originals, empowering the reader who can't quite read.

The sequel to Raven Boys!

The Dream Thieves: Book II of the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater 

Scholastic,

I couldn't wait to read this book, and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. In The Dream Thieves, Maggie Stiefvater continues the story she began in The Raven Boys. Blue, Gansey, and the boys are still looking for the sleeping king Glendower. But the stakes are rising as others realize the powers of the wakened lay lines, powers that are affected by Ronan's terrifying dreams. Ronan may be sulky and he may always tell the truth, but he also has a secret: he can take things from his dreams. Fans of The Raven Boys will seize The Dream Thieves and it will leave them hungering for more. 

* I'd like to point out that this is a great example of a YA book cover. It's illustrated, gender-neutral, and reads well from a distance. Not a huge fan of the type, but the illustration is fabulous. Scholastic, I would pay up to $35 for this book if it came with black and white interior illustrations by the same illustrator. 

Trains Galore!

Train by Elisha Cooper

Scholastic, September 2013

With Farm, Elisha Cooper recorded the feeling of a farm, from tiny visual details to sweeping vistas. With Train, he explores five different types of trains, recording the sounds, smells, movement, and even the animals surrounding each. The result is a sensory journey across the country. Be warned, young vehicle enthusiasts may wish to travel the pages multiple times before going to bed!

Two new books from Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka

Daisy Gets Lost by Chris Raschka

Random House, October 2013

In the sequel to Raschka's Caldecott Medal-winning A Ball for Daisy, Daisy chases after a squirrel and into the forest where she becomes lost! Whatever will Daisy and her owner do? With only two words, luscious colors, expressive brushstrokes, and masterful framing, Raschka tells an emotional story of loss and joy. I can't wait to share this beautiful book with readers of all ages!

When Lions Roar by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Chris Raschka 

Scholastic, September 2013

Sometimes sounds can be overwhelming, building until it is all too much. But the young protagonist in When Lions Roar knows what to do when this happens, he takes a moment for himself and tells the world to go away. While the world doesn't just disappear, it is easier to handle. Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka paints fluid, expressive illustrations. Like Harris' text, they deliver emotions with bold yet simple clarity.

Simply delectable

I grabbed a galley at a BEA galley grab. This is not something I normally do, but simply had to read this. I finished it on the bus home and my mom read it that night. Yes, it's that enjoyable! 

 

Curtsies & Conspiracies: Finishing School Book the Second by Gail Carriger

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, November 2013

Sophronia is back in the second finishing school book. In a school of espionage, there's always something afoot (and afloat). New technology is being stolen, the girls are snubbing Sophronia, someone is trying to kidnap Dimity, and the entire school is headed to London for scientific experiments- and a ball! Somehow, it's all related, and it's up to Sophronia to discover the conspiracy. As if this isn't enough, there's also the flirtations of a Lord to deal with. The Finishing School Books are a delectable mix of frippery, fun, deviousness, and danger.

Cynthia Voigt!

Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt 

Random House, September 2013

Max's parents are actors, so he's grown up playing many roles. When his parents disappear, Max draws on these roles (and their costumes) as he attempts to solve the mystery of their disappearance. While he discovers little of his parents, Max manages to solve a number of other problems that wander into his life, proving he may be more capable than he thinks. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Voigt has written a sweet mystery perfect for family reading.

Comics and Kate DiCamillo

Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo, Candlewick Press, September 2013

Some books you open and immediately start to read aloud, needing to share with someone- anyone; Flora and Ulysses is one of these books. A run-in with a vacuum cleaner grants Ulysses the squirrel the powers of super-strength, flight, and poetry. Flora witnesses Ulysses' transformation and vows to help him fight evil, using knowledge acquired from her favorite comics. But every superhero has an arch-nemesis, and Ulysses' is Flora's mother. Add a host of quirky characters, the never-ending search for love, and illuminations by K.G. Campbell and you've got a surprising, romping adventure certain to wow readers of all ages. Acclaimed writer Kate DiCamillo manages to show the value inherent in all people, and all genres of literature, with one quirky book.

For Father's Day...a new novel by Neil Gaiman

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young

Disaster strikes one morning when there isn't any milk with each to eat cereal. Bravely, the narrator's father sets off to buy some, and is gone a long, long time. The father returns with the milk and a long excuse involving a professorial stegosaurus, time-travel, balloons, volcanos, aliens, wumpires, and pirates. But is the father's hilarious adventure made-up? Or did he really brave life, death, and confusion to bring his children milk? Gaiman's story is a ridiculous breakfast time read-aloud. Your dad may even find it more interesting than the paper.

My Favorite Middle Grade Novel This Year

(at least thus far this year)

 

The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick,  Algonquin Young Readers

As the winter solstice nears, the days get shorter. But what if the days were literally getting shorter as time was lost, forever? Edward doesn't believe in his aunt's new agey Solstice nonsense until the unthinkable happens. Annoying classmate Feenix disappears and no one seems to notice. Pumpkins decay in the course of a single class. And time has started disappearing. Though Edward would rather do the easy thing than the right thing, he and three classmates will have to venture into the snow if the world is to be put back into balance. Take the dimensional characters and realistic relationships from Rebecca Stead's books and mix with the strange magic of The Peculiar; the result is Amy Herrick's stunning middle grade debut. 

I think it has Newbery potential. 

Algonquin Young Readers: Somebody Up There Hates You

Somebody Up There Hates You by Hollis Seamon 

Richard Casey is in hospice, in a place people only go when they're going to die. Down the hall is Sylvie, another teen whose bulletin board shows her in her pre-sickness life, beautiful, surrounded by friends...completely different from Richard, pre-sickness. Sylvia is still beautiful in Richard's eyes and romance blossoms. But how can two sick teens, overseen by nurses and families 24-7, ever really be together? Well, with death literally next door, drastic measures can't hurt. Throw in a crazy uncle and already bereft parents for the full range of drama and comedy. Though Richard knows he's going to die, he's going to do a bit of living first. This debut novel made me laugh and cry. Readers who enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars should pick this up. While the premise may be similar, Richard's voice is engaging and wholly original.