The Brainstorm Plus: 2025

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Brainstorm 349: Top 10s of 2025 Part 2

Welcome back to the Brainstorm’s Top 10s of 2025!

In the top 10s I share my favorite reads of the year. The books may have been published in any year, I just read them for the first time since the last set of Top 10s in 2024. Click on the links to see my full summaries/reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Part 1 : Dec 5 – Nonfiction books, Contemporary & Historical Fiction books, and Leveled readers

Part 2: Dec 12– Artwork, Lower Grade Fiction, Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Fiction Graphic Novels

Instead of doing a separate list for Christian nonfiction and fiction this year, I will just put an asterisk beside those books included in other lists. So * indicates a book that has strong Christian themes.

Also, instead of doing separate best Asian reads (by creators of Asian descent featuring characters of Asian descent) I’m putting a superscript A after such books, like this ᴬ.

Top 10 Fantasy & Science Fiction Picture Book Reads

Will the Pigeon Graduate? (Pigeon) by Mo Willems

The Bakery Dragon (The Bakery Dragon, #1) by Devin Elle Kurtz

Tiny T-Rex and the Impossible Hug (Tiny T-Rex, #1) by Jonathan Stutzman, ill. by Jay Fleck

The Truth about Dragons by Julie Leung, ill. by Hanna Chaᴬ

God’s Gift of Christmas by Abigail Gehring, ill. by Estelle Corke*

You Are Not Sleepy! by Mark Teague

A Moving Story by Beth Ferry & Tom Litchfield, ill. by Tom Booth

Bruce Saves the Planet (Mother Bruce, #9) by Ryan T. Higgins

The Spaceman by Randy Cecil

Unicorns Are the Worst (…Are the Worst, #1) by Alex Willan

Lower Grade Fiction

(any genre, excluding graphic novels, limited to 1 per series)

Anne Dreams (Anne Chapter Book, #6) by Kallie George, ill. by Abigail Halpin

A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney, ill. by Eugene Yelchin

Orris and Timble: the Beginning (Orris and Timble, #1) by Kate DiCamillo, ill. by Carmen Mok

The Great Raspberry Mix-up (Freddie’s Amazing Bakery, #1) by Harriet Whitehorn, ill. by Alex G. Griffiths

Gnomes and Sneezes (Zoey and Sassafras, #10) by Asia Citro, ill. by Marion Lindsay

Geeger the Robot Goes to School (Geeger the Robot, #1) by Jarrett Lerner, ill. by Serge Seidlitz

The Birthday Castle (Fort Builders Inc., #1) by Dee Romito, ill. by Marta Kissi

Tiny’s Brave Rescue (Call the Puffins, #2) by Cath Howe, ill. by Ella Okstad

Hide and Go Beak (The Great Mathemachicken, #1) by Nancy E. Krulik, ill. by Charlie Alder

Race to the Ark (The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, #2) by M.J. Thomas*

Top 10 Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction Reads

(limited to 1 per series)

Return of the Vengeful Queen (Rise of the Vicious Princess, #2) by C.J. Redwine

Isle of Blood and Stone (Tower of Winds, #1) by Makiia Lucier

Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games, #0.5) by Suzanne Collins

Embergold by Rachelle Nelson*

Rip Tide (Oceans of Time, #2) by Lisa T. Bergren*

The Chaos Grid (The Chaos Grid, #1) by Lyndsey Llewellen*

Enemy of Talionis (Talionis, #3) by C.J. Milacci*

Lion Warrior (Lightraider Academy, #3) by James R. Hannibal*

Disclose (Verify, #2) by Joelle Charbonneau

Drake Hall (The Secrets of Ormdale, #2) by Christina Baehr

Top 10 Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction Reads

(limited to 1 per series)

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell *

The Time Door (The Eternities, #1) by Shannon McDermott *

Wind and Truth (The Stormlight Archive, #5) by Brandon Sanderson

Crimes and Covers (Magical Bookshop Mystery, #5) by Amanda Flower

The Spellshop (Spellshop, #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3) by Heather Fawcett

Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi

Before We Say Goodbye (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #4) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, translated by Geoffrey Trousselotᴬ

The Truth (Discworld, #25; Discworld: Industrial Revolution, #2) by Terry Pratchett

Monster Therapist and the Warlock’s Citadel by Paul Regnier

Top 10 Middle Grade Fiction Graphic Novels/Comics/Manga Reads

(any genre, limited to 1 per series)

Unicorn Time Machine (Phoebe and Her Unicorn, #20) by Dana Simpson

Spider-Man, Cosmic Chaos! (A Mighty Marvel Team-Up, #3) by Mike Maihack

Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia, ill. by Brittney Williams

Sue & Tai-chan 5 by Konami Kanata, translated by Jennifer Wardᴬ

The Purrfect Plan (Katie the Catsitter, #4) by Colleen A.F. Venable, ill. by Stephanie Yue

Priya Puts Herself First (PAWS, #4) by Michele Assarasakorn & Nathan Fairbairnᴬ

Timid by Jonathan Todd

Heidi: a Graphic Novel based on the novel by Johanna Spyri, adapted by Mariah Marsden, ill. by Ofride

Kristy and the Walking Disaster: a Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels, #16) based on the novel by Ann M. Martin, adapted by Ellen T. Crenshaw

Spy Ski School: the Graphic Novel (Spy School Graphic Novels, #4) by Stuart Gibbs, ill. by Anjan Sarkar

Top 10 Young Adult/Adult Fiction Graphic Novels/Comics/Manga Reads

(any genre, limited to 1 per series & 1 per author)

Spy x Family 14 by Tatsuya Endo, translated by Casey Loeᴬ

Cat + Gamer 7 by Wataru Nadatani, translated by Zack Davissonᴬ

Yokai Cats 9 by Pandania, translated by Minna Linᴬ

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Manga 9 by Kumanano, ill. by Sergei, character design by 029, translated by Jan Cash, adaptated by M.B. Hareᴬ

Space Boy 20 by Stephen McCranie

Laid-Back Camp 15 by Afro, translated by Amber Tamosaitisᴬ

Even Dogs Go to Other Worlds: Life in Another World with my Beloved Hound Manga 3 art by Hana Ichika, story by Ryuuou, translated by Jan CashIchikaᴬ

Stitch & the Samurai 1 by Hiroto Wada, translated by Jason Muellᴬ

A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch 3 by Hiro Kashiwaba, translated by Kathryn Henzler

Pearl by Sherri L. Smith, ill. by Christine Norrie

Top 10 Books for Their Artwork

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming, ill. by Deena So’Oteh

When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman, ill. David Litchfield

Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons*ᴬ

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Moᴬ

The Bakery Dragon (The Bakery Dragon, #1) by Devin Elle Kurtz

What’s Inside a Flower?: And Other Questions About Science & Nature by Rachel Ignotofski

A Pinecone! by Helen Yoonᴬ

The Truth about Dragons by Julie Leung, ill. by Hanna Chaᴬ

Aloha Everything by Kaylin Malia George, ill. by Mae Waiteᴬ

The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix*

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Brainstorm 348: Top 10s of 2025 Part 1

Welcome to the Top 10s of 2025!

In the top 10s I share my favorite reads of the year. The books may have been published in any year, I just read them for the first time since the last set of Top 10s in 2024. Some books could be put in multiple interest level groups or genres, I just picked the one I felt best fit. Click on the links to see my full summaries/reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Part 1 : Dec 5 – Nonfiction books, Contemporary & Historical Fiction books, and Leveled readers

Part 2: Dec 12– Artwork, Lower Grade Fiction, Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Fiction Graphic Novels

Also, instead of doing separate best Asian reads (by creators of Asian descent featuring characters of Asian descent) I’m putting a superscript A after such books, like this ᴬ.

Top 10 Nonfiction Graphic Novels/Comics/Manga Reads

(limited to 1 per series)

The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix*

The Hiding Place: a Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom with Elizabeth Sherrill and John Sherrill, adapted by Mario DeMatteo, ill. by Ismael Castro*

Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back by Ruth Chanᴬ

Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice: a Thai Comic Cookbook by Christina De Witte and Mallika Kauppinenᴬ

Eric’s Great Race: The Inspiring True Story of Eric Liddell: Athlete, Missionary, Prisoner by Tim Challies, ill. by Paul Mignard*

Deep-Sea Creatures: Adapting to the Abyss (Science Comics) by Mike Lawrence

It’s about Time (Big Ideas That Changed the World, #6) by Don Brown

Ellis Island: Immigration and the American Dream (History Comics) by Falipe Galindo Feggo, ill. by Tait Howard

Insect Anatomy: The Curious World of Bees, Beetles, Butterflies, and Bugs (Anatomy) by Julia Rothman & Michael Hearst

Chickenpox by Remy Laiᴬ

Top 10 Contemporary & Historical & Realistic Animal Fiction Picture Book Reads

I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, ill. by Julie Kwon

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Moᴬ

The Last Slice: a Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson, ill. by Monica Arnaldo*

Perfect by Waka T. Brown, ill. by Yuko Jonesᴬ

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals by Deborah Underwood, ill. by LeUyen Pham

The House Before Falling into the Sea by Ann Suk Wang, ill. by Hanna Chaᴬ

A Pinecone! by Helen Yoonᴬ

Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, ill. by Gracey Zhangᴬ

The Incredible Hotel (The Incredible Hotel, #1) by Katie Davies, ill. by Isabelle Follath

Goodbye Friend! Hello Friend! by Cori Doerrfeld

Top 10 Young Adult Contemporary & Historical Fiction Reads

Trajectory by Cambria Gordon

Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin

The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals (The Naturals, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Nightshade Revenge (Alex Rider, #13) by Anthony Horowitz

Code Talker: a Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac

Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestineᴬ

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Leeᴬ

Secret Soldiers by Keely Hutton

Top 10 Adult Contemporary & Historical Fiction Reads

Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes*

The Hudson Collection (On Central Park, #2) by Jocelyn Green*

Cold Vengeance (Ryland & St. Clair, #3) by Nancy Mehl*

Meeting Her Match (The Matchmakers, #3) by Jen Turano*

The Chow Maniac (Noodle Shop Mystery, #11) by Vivien Chienᴬ

Waiting for Christmas (All My Secrets, #1.5) by Lynn Austin*

The Crime Brûlée Bake Off (Claire Walker, #1) by Rebecca Connolly

Buried in a Bog (County Cork Mystery, #1) by Sheila Connolly

Hot Pot Murder (L.A. Night Market, #2) by Jennifer J. Chowᴬ

The Kamogawa Food Detectives (Kamogawa Food Detectives, #1) by Hisashi Kashiwai, translated by Jesse KirkwoodA

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Brainstorm 347: Inheritance Puzzle/Competition Mysteries

I've noticed an uptick of late in the number of stories that involve someone either being called to the reading of a will that results in a scavenger hunt to find the real inheritance, or after someone dies or while living announces they are looking for an heir, a competition is launched that involves riddles and puzzles to solve. The first one of these in existence that I could think of was The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin that came out in 1978 and won the 1979 Newbery Medal. It's been pretty popular and in print ever since, so clearly this isn't a new thing, nor is it something that really goes out of style. It has gotten a resurgence since The Inheritance Games came out though, so we're going to highlight Raskin's book and some of the others today that are carrying on the sub-genre. These types of books are good reads for those who like a mental challenge as they read as many of them give the reader enough information to see if they can beat the main character in puzzling out the solutions. Get your thinking caps on, find a cozy reading spot, and see if you have what it takes to be an heir in any of these book worlds. Click the image or scan the QR code for my full summary and review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Brainstorm 346: Flamingo Stories

This week's Brainstorm has 3 books for you featuring flamingos. Click on the image or scan the QR code to see my full summary and review for each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Brainstorm 345: Not-so-scary Spider Stories

For this week's Brainstorm I thought I would share some not-so-scary spider stories. Spiders aren't the favorite creatures of many people, but these spiders are kind, artsy, full of surprises (the good kind), and fascinating. Click the image or scan the barcode of each title to see my full summary and review of each including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Brainstorm 344: Glowing Reads

This week's Brainstorm features books about creatures and phenomena that glow. Click on the title to see my full review and thoughts on each book including content notes/trigger warnings or scan the QR code.

Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrot-Ryan

The Science of Light by Margaret Peot

When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman, ill. by David Litchfield

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Brainstorm 343: Hurricane/Typhoon/Cyclone Reads

There's stormy weather all over the world right now, so I've got some hurricane/stormy weather readers for you. Whether they help kids find home after the storm, provide a heartwarming read, or help reduce the fear by increasing understanding of what is happening, here are several options. Click on the images or scan the QR codes in the images to see my full review of each title including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Brainstorm 342: Pirate Stories

Today is Talk Like a Pirate Day, so I thought it would be a good time for some pirate-y stories. (Oh, I guess I should insert an arrr.) It's a new year of the Brainstorm and I'm going to trial a new format for the Brainstorm here for a few months. Click on the book titles to see my full summaries, reviews, and any content notes/trigger warnings.

The Danger Gang and the Pirates of Borneo (The Danger Gang, #1) by Stephen Bramucci, ill. by Aree Chung

Pirate, Viking & Scientist by Jared Chapman

The Whydah: a Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked & Found by Martin W. Sandler

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Brainstorm 341: Cousin Stories

Summer break is right around the corner and visits with family are about to begin. I thought this was a great time to break out the cousin adventure stories. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. Have a great summer!

Beneath the Swirling Sky (The Restorationists, #1) by Carolyn Leiloglou, ill. by Vivienne To

In a nutshell: After his sister disappears into a painting, Vincent and his cousin Georgia have to enter the painting and find her discovering a world their family works to protect.

More info: Vincent and his adopted sister Lili are staying with a great-uncle they've never met before while their parents go on a cruise. Vincent is suspicious they've been dropped off there because Uncle Leo is an art restorationist, and ever since the incident Vincent has turned his back on art. Vincent is determined to ignore all the art stuff (which is a challenge since Uncle Leo's walls are covered with art) and just make it through the week. Lili is having a blast, and loves hanging out with their second cousin Georgia who is staying with her grandfather too. Vincent can't figure out Georgia; she's unlike any other girls he knows. On the first night, Vincent hears a strange sound outside his bedroom and goes to explore. He finds a previously locked closet open and accidentally falls into Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and finds Georgia in there. He quickly runs out again and the next day is convinced it was all just a dream. But the next night Lili goes missing, and there's clear evidence she went into "Starry Night" as well. And so Vincent discovers that everyone in his family can travel into paintings, but they thought it was a hereditary thing so the fact that Lili traveled is shocking. The family is in the business of protecting and preserving art, and call themselves the Restorationists. There's another group called the Distortionists who try to change art to influence people or steal it for power. While Vincent and Georgia try to track down his sister Lili through hallways of Van Gogh's paintings and museums, he gets a crash course in this world he never knew existed and figure out which side is on the right.

Extra thoughts: Leiloglou has created such an interesting world rich with art history. They can walk into a painting but only what is painted is in the world and then off each side they can go into these hallways that are a timeline of the author's works and they can hop into any of the other paintings of that artist. They can also jump from a painting into the real place where it is, so by hopping from Van Gogh to Van Gogh and then other paintings in a museum, the kids go all over the world in search of Lili. I liked that the author seamlessly incorporated elements of Christian faith when the kids go into paintings that feature Biblical subjects. There's an especially powerful scene when the kids go into Van Gogh's "Storm on the Sea of Galilee" and Jesus in the painting speaks to Vincent.

Target readers: Fantasy Fans, Art Lovers, Adventure Fans, Mystery/Thriller Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Death by Bubble Tea (L.A. Night Market Mysteries, #1) by Jennifer J. Chow

In a nutshell: Adult cousins from LA and Hong Kong set out to make a successful night market stand and stumble into a murder mystery.

More info: Yale has just recently found herself both without a job and unexpectedly playing host to her glamorous older cousin Celine from Hong Kong. Since they have the time, Yale's father has them running a booth for his restaurant at the pop up night market. Ba provides some cold eats from the dim sum restaurant and Yale makes bubble tea while Celine uses her social media influencer smarts to add some glam by having them serve the bubble tea in light bulbs. They seem to be a hit. But as Yale leaves the first night she runs into a body with her cart of supplies. And right next to the person is one of their light bulbs. The police soon are questioning Yale and Celine about what they put in the drink, because the deceased, a Jordan Chang, died from something she ate. Since they have some time on their hands and the police seem way too focused on them, the two cousins set out to do a little sleuthing on their own as to who would have wanted Jordan Chang dead.

Extra thoughts: Memorable characters and the setting among the Asian American community in LA make this cozy mystery stand out.

Target readers: Cozy Mystery Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Asian Food Lovers, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

The Eye of Midnight by Andrew Brumbach

In a nutshell: Two cousins go on an unexpected grand adventure to rescue their grandfather in 1929 New York and beyond.

More info: Cousins William and Maxine have been sent to stay with their grandfather, Colonel Battersea, for the summer of 1929. Neither of them is sure what to expect, but they definitely didn't foresee Grandfather getting kidnapped by a secret society upon their arrival in New York City. Or meeting a strange courier from overseas with an artifact that secret society obviously wants very badly. They'll go places and see things they wouldn't have dreamed happened outside of books, and they'll learn more about themselves, their family heritage, and each other in the process.

Extra thoughts: There's 1920s mob fights, swashbuckling feats, discovery of secret tunnels in forgotten graveyards, family secrets, and loads of adventure. It's a high octane secret sleuthing in New York City just before the stock market crashed.

Target readers: Adventure Fans, Mystery/Thriller Fans, Historical Fiction, Upper Middle Grade Readers/Young Adult Readers

Mindy Kim and the Trip to Korea (Mindy Kim, #5) by Lyla Lee, ill. by Dung Ho

In a nutshell: Mindy is headed to South Korea to visit her grandparents and cousins.

More info: Mindy Kim is going to South Korea to visit her grandparents and cousins. Her dad's girlfriend, Julie, is also going with them to meet the family for the first time. Both of them are a little nervous. Julie wants to make a good impression, and Mindy is nervous about communicating with her grandparents and her cousins since her Korean is only so-so and their English is only so-so. Will this trip be fantastic, or a big flop?

Extra thoughts: Lyla Lee has included the most accurate description of modern international travel I've come across yet. You can tell she must have done it repeatedly. Mindy's worries are understandable, her time with her family both explores unique Korean things and educates readers on Korean culture (without you feeling like it is) while also highlighting elements relatable across cultures, and the ending is sweet.

Target readers: Travel Story Fans, Family Vacation Story Fans, South Korea Setting Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Natsumi's Song of Summer by Robert Paul Weston, ill. by Misa Saburi

In a nutshell: Natsumi wonders if her cousin’s visit to Japan from America will be good or ruin her beloved summer time.

More info: Natsumi loves summer. She loves the insects that come out and the festivals that happen and her birthday. And this year her cousin Jill is coming to visit for the very first time. Will they get along or will the visit be awful?

Extra thoughts: The illustrations in this are adorable, and it is a sweet story of two girls from different cultures finding friendship. There’s also little educational bits about Japanese summer activities and cicadas, and it is written all in tanka poems.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Summer Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Japan Setting Fans, Cicada Studiers/Lovers, Poetry Fans, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers

Revenge of the Horned Bunnies (Dragonbreath, #6) by Ursula Vernon

In a nutshell: Danny, his friends, and little cousin bond at camp over a jackalope rescue mission.

More info: Danny, Wendell, and Christiana are headed off to summer camp. Hooray! But this year Danny's little cousin Spencer is going too. Bummer. At least Danny thinks so. Spencer is just so annoying, and his mom says he has to keep an eye on him. But even an annoying little cousin can't spoil the wonders of summer camp. When the kids arrive, they notice some "Keep Out" signs on some buildings, a new addition. At first Danny thinks it might just be because of a certain bottle rocket incident last year, but when Spencer finds a mythical creature in the desert, the kids uncover a sinister side business being run by the head counselor and it's up to them to save a new species from extinction

Extra thoughts: Danny and gang are their usual quirky and hilarious selves. The adventure is great in that it helps Danny and Spencer work out a better relationship, and of course, there's dozens and dozens of jackalopes, always a bonus. The mixture of text and graphic novel elements make this a super quick read too, another perk.

Target readers: Reluctant Readers, Text/Graphic Novel Mixed Book Fans, Jackalope Fans, Mythical Creature Fans, Summer Camp Story Fans, Mystery Fans, Adventure Fans, Middle Grade Readers

The Secrets of Shakespeare’s Grave (The Shakespeare Mysteries, #1) by Deron R. Hicks, ill. by Mark Edward Geyer

In a nutshell: To save the family business, Colophon and her adult cousin Julian try to solve a family treasure hunt decades old.

More info: Miles Letterford started a highly successful publishing company, still in the hands of the Letterford family to this day. Colophon Letterford's father is the CEO of that company as the eldest in line, but his position has become a bit shaky after some weird accidents have hit the company recently. The family (heavily persuaded by cousin Treemont) has given her father until Christmas Eve to make three successful deals or he will have to step down as CEO. But Colophon's ancestor Miles Letterford didn't just leave the family a company, he also left them a mystery that supposedly leads to family treasure. And the key is supposedly the portrait of Miles that hangs in the family house. Colophon always just thought Miles an egotistical crazy man for insisting the family keep his portrait up, but on Thanksgiving she learns from her adult cousin Julian that it may hold the key to a treasure. Colophon starts putting her head together with cousin Julian on solving the treasure mystery and she puts her brother Case in charge of trying to help her Dad save the company (since Colophon suspects Treemont of sabotaging the latest deals). What follows is a high octane adventure with nary a dull moment, plenty of twists and turns, and a promise of more to come.

Extra thoughts: This is a sophisticated middle grade mystery that shockingly actually involves adults. Colophon and her brother actually worked with the adults to solve puzzles, get out of tough situations, and eventually save the day.

Target readers: Mystery Fans, Treasure Hunt Fans, Adventure Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRocca, ill. by Abhi Alwar

In a nutshell: A celebration of the fun cousins have together during their annual summer family get togethers.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: A lovely ode to cousins, bonding, and ice cream. This brought back lovely memories of my own summers spent having loads of fun with my cousins.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Summer Story Fans, Family Get Together Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

Tiny Tapir Trouble (Mango & Bambang, #3) by Polly Faber, ill. by Clara Vulliamy

In a nutshell: Mango & Bambang have 4 adventures and in the 3rd one Bambang has an adventure with a little cousin.

More info: In this book, Mango (a girl) and Bambang (her pet/friend tapir) go to the beach where at first Bambang feels unwelcome but then he and Mango become heroes. In the second story Bambang is sick and Mango must figure out how to help him feel better. In the third story Bambang starts to feel a little insecure when his rambunctious and lively little cousin Guntar comes for a visit. And in the final story Mango is participating in a chess tournament when Bambang notices something strange going on.

Extra thoughts: When’s the last time you saw a tapir as a character in a book? I love seeing the way these two friends look out for each other and help each other grow. Bambang has some tough lessons to learn about others in this book, but they are all really good things for kids to think about (and the stories are still fun, even if he faces some challenges).

Target readers: Read Aloud Story Fans, Unique Animal Character Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Life Lesson Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Wormwood Abbey (The Secrets of Ormwood, #1) by Christina Baehr

In a nutshell: An unexpected inheritance leads to numerous adventures in a Victorian family story with a touch of dragons.

More info: Miss Edith Worms is a bit miffed when her father inherits the familial estate of Wormwood Abbey in Yorkshire upon the untimely death of his brother. This traveling is going to wreak havoc with her writing schedule, and her publisher is expecting her latest mystery novel very soon. Hopefully she can find a quiet place once they arrive to get on with the deadline that only her rector Father and dear stepmother know about. To be fair, her father isn't super excited about it either. The family estate was never a happy place for him, except for a memory he isn't sure really happened. They are all hoping they can rearrange things so that their 3 female nieces/cousins can continue to live there and they can return to London. But when they inform cousin Gwendolyn of their plans she doesn't seem as excited as they hoped. In fact, Gwendolyn and her neighbor Drake have been acting quite reticent and standoffish since their arrival. Almost like they are hiding something.

Extra thoughts: This was a deliciously fun Victorian era romp with a good blend of estranged family dynamics to be worked out, plus a mystery to untangle, a delightful heroine to follow around, and just the right dash of dragons. The relationship between Edith and Gwendolyn and the other is just starting in this book. Future books in the series shows how they help each other grow into their best selves and are great friends/supporters of each other.

Target readers: Fantasy Fans, Dragon Story Fans, Reimagined History Fans, Mystery Fans, Family Story Fans, Young Adult Readers