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 Deneen Millner
illustrated by Gladys Jose
(HarperCollins, 2019)
My kids and I loved this book! It is inspired by The Fresh Prince TV show and the little girl captures Will’s flair. The illustrations are bright and tons of fun. A great book on the topic of making new friends or moving to a new place. I am giving away a copy of this book signed by the illustrator! See the end of the post on how to enter.
By Jonathan Fenske
(Scholastic, 2016)
I thought the cover of this book was cute, but I was not expecting it to be so funny! I am always tickled to find kid-appropriate dark humor in a picture book (think I Want My Hat Back). And the illustrations are fun throughout as well.
written by Amy Novesky
illustrated by Brittney Lee
(Disney Press, 2019)
My husband is a huge fan of the art of Disney and so he loves Mary Blair’s work. I mostly picked it up for him to read with the kids. But then I sat down and read it too and was blown away. Brittney Lee’s cut paper work expertly captured the beauty and style of Blair’s artwork. And I didn’t know how integral Mary Blair’s influence was to so many aspects of the parks and movies. Excellent book.
Middle Grade
by Cassie Beasley
(Dial Books, 2019)
Cassie Beasley can do no wrong in my book. I have loved every one of her novels. And The Bootlace Magician is no different. I love magical circuses, so I was so excited to see a sequel to Circus Mirandus. So so good. You can read my full review here.
by Emma Steinkellner
(Aladdin, 2019)
I picked this one up thinking my daughter would enjoy it, and she did. It is a super cute story about a spunky girl who discovers that she has magic powers. And her family of witches goes back to the Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts witches that were run off from the town. She has to navigate bullies at school and work through why the witchy part of her history was kept a secret her whole life.
I am super excited to be able to give away a copy of this awesome book! Gladys Jose is the amazing illustrator and also my friend, so I was able to pick up a signed copy when I was at the Miami SCBWI conference last weekend.
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below. You can also get an additional entry by commenting on my Instagram giveaway post. I will announce the lucky winner next Monday. Good luck! (I can only ship within the United States)
Sloth Reads 
I cannot remember all the titles, but think The Okay Witch was on the award list somewhere this am. I will look for Cassie’s new book. I loved Circus Mirandus! And I’ll put those first ones on my list. My older granddaughter is moving schools next year & while excited, she also hates to lose her friends now. She might need a new ‘how to make friends’ book. Thanks!
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It was so fun to watch the awards this morning. You’ll have to let me know what you think of The Bootlace Magician. Thanks for stopping by.
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Circus Mirandus is one of my favorites so I was excited when I saw Bootlace Magician, too. Barnacle is Bored is a real hit with kids!
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Yes! I loved Circus Mirandus so much!
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I added lots to my list! I have only read the Okay Witch – which I really liked. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for stopping by, Clare!
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Super excited about this giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity! ❤
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Your welcome!
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I am on the same boat as you regarding The Bootlace Magician.
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It was so good!!!
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I really enjoyed Barnacle is Bored, especially the illustrations. Thanks for sharing and have a terrific week!
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None of my libraries yet have The Bootlace Magician, so I might have to just purchase this one for my home library. I was so excited to finally read Circus Mirandus this last year. And I HAVE to read any book inspired by The Fresh Prince!! How cute. Thanks for sharing!
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I just love Cassie Beasley’s writing. I found myself wondering how much of Bootlace she had thought up while she was writing Circus Mirandus, and how much came to her once she sat down to write a sequel. There are so many little tie ins and details, that it was just wonderful.
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Oooh, I loved Mary Blair’s Unique Flair, and glad to see it here. Oooh interesting to see that Circus Mirandus has a sequel. Honestly, I can”t remember the book much any longer, except for where I read it. 🙂
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Bootlace does a pretty good job of orienting you if you haven’t read Circus Mirandus in awhile. You spend a lot more time in the circus and get to know a lot more of the performers, which I liked.
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