The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Ocasionally, I’ll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.
Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.
Picture Books

written by Suzanne Lang
illustrated by Max Lang
(Random House, 2018)
How can you not love a book where the main character’s name is Jim Panzee? This is such a cute book with very cute illustrations. I think this can be read to demonstrate that it is ok to be grumpy sometimes. But it is also a great book for extroverts (like myself) who interact with introverts (like my husband) that may look grumpy sitting on the couch at a get together, but really they’re just having a good time in their own way.

written by Aaron Reynolds
illustrated by Dan Santat
(Roaring Book Press, 2018)
I love Aaron Reynolds and this book did not disappoint. It is really fun to get into the tone of how you’re reading it. I also loved the repetition because it meant that my 3 year old son could “read” it to me too.

written by Jory John
illustrated by Pete Oswald
(HarperCollins, 2019)
This may be my favorite of the trilogy. I always enjoy a good pun, so these books are all so fun. And I like How the punny-ness happens not only in the text, but in the illustrations as well. And the message is great without being didactic.
Middle Grade

by Jonathan Stroud
(Doubleday Children’s Books, 2013)
Excellent spooky gothic mystery food middle grade readers. You can read my full review here.

by Gregory Funaro
(HarperCollins, 2019)
I picked this one up because I loved how creepy the cover looked. I really enjoyed the premise of the book and I liked the spook factor. And the magical elements were pretty original and fun.
That cover of Grumpy Monkey is just too much! HAHA! I’m going to have to check this one out. I really enjoyed Dude! and Watch Hollow (I’m always looking for spooky October-ish books and this one fit the bill, for me). I sure hope my library gets The Cool Bean soon — I’ve been enjoying all the buzz about it! Thanks for all these wonderful shares, Becky!
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Thanks, Shaye. I am always on the lookout for spooky MG as well. It really seems to be having a resurgence, which I am very happy to see.
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I am so happy to read that you enjoyed this first in the Lockwood & Co series. I became addicted and am heartbroken that they are done.
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Yes! I have finished the 2nd one, and it was just as enjoyable. I can’t wait to check out the next in the series.
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My twelve year old would agree with Cheriee regarding Lockwood and Co., I have read three of them and she is often on me to finish the series. I liked all of the picture books that you shared too. Watch Hollow is new to me, so I will look out for that one, thanks for the post.
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The Lockwood series is just so engaging. I have finished the 2nd, and now I need to check out the 3rd.
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My younger granddaughter loves monkeys, will love Grumpy Monkey I’m sure. It seems that I have missed out on Lockwood & Company books, will look for them! Thanks, Becky!
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My whole family has enjoyed Grumpy Monkey and I think it is something that everyone can relate to.
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The Cool Bean looks like fun! I’d also like to read Watch Hollow, I love spooky middle grade books. Have a great week.
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I love that spooky MG seems to be making a resurgence. I can’t get enough of them!
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I thought The Cool Bean was great! I loved it. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
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The Cool Bean sounds so fun. I love PBs with puns and word play!
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