May 19 – National Plant Something Day

As Spring really takes hold and gets ready to pass the seasonal baton to summer, today’s holiday encourages people to get into the garden or grab a pot and plant whatever makes you happy, whether that’s veggies, herbs, berries, flowers, or maybe even just a small cactus for your windowsill. Taking care of and watching plants grow and produce food or flowers is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover! (Volume 2)

When Lord Turnip, the leader of planet Jupi-TURD lands his gigantic, very purple, turnip-shaped spaceship on the Island of Zoo York’s Critter Park and tells the citizens of Critter Creek that he plans on taking over the world, Groucho, a “grumpy, lazy, and sarcastic” groundhog has just one thing to say: “I don’t care!” He has a full day of eating pancakes and reading comics planned and there’s nothing his self-proclaimed bestie, half-pig, half-unicorn Blork, can do to change his mind.

Illustration copyright © 2026. by Tara J. Hannon. Text copyright © 2026 by Lydia Lukidis. Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

When the “WAYOOOOO WAYEEEE,” of the landing turnip interrupts Groucho’s TV watching, though, he heads out to complain. They learn that Lord Turnip has arrived in Critter Creek bent on using his Slime-a-tron 3000 to slime everything in town, turning it all into poop fertilizer to mix with the soil and create an enormous turnip farm to feed the citizens of Jupi-TURD, which has dried up after 50 years of no rain. Not only are the denizens of Critter Creek going to lose their homes, Lord Turnip is going to use his Heinous Hypnotizer to turn them all into zombie farmers.

Illustration copyright © 2026. by Tara J. Hannon. Text copyright © 2026 by Lydia Lukidis. Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Groucho isn’t a natural superhero, though. Instead, as Lord Turnip begins putting his plan into action, Groucho, with a worried Blork in tow, returns home to get back to more important things—namely, pancakes and his fave TV show, “Pancakes with Pam.” When Lord Turnip slimes Groucho’s house, however, Groucho and Blork speed to adjoining Carrot County and Commander Hare E. Bun Bun’s evil lair to enlist help.

Illustration copyright © 2026. by Tara J. Hannon. Text copyright © 2026 by Lydia Lukidis. Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

After the Commander’s Carrot of Chaos fails to destroy the turnip spacecraft and a fierce “Uh-huh! Nuh-uh! Uh-huh! Nuh-uh!” battle of (nit) wits over whether the Commander or Lord Turnip coined the evil laugh “MWAHAHAHA,” Lord Turnip hypnotizes the Commander so he speaks only in rhyme and turns his sidekick Ding Dong into a monkey. Things are looking pretty hopeless in Critter Creek! Can Groucho find a way to give Lord Turnip a taste of his own medicine? Can the Commander and Ding Dong help Critter Creek return to its pre-slimed glory? Turn-ip at your favorite bookstore to find out!

Illustration copyright © 2026. by Tara J. Hannon. Text copyright © 2026 by Lydia Lukidis. Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Versatile author Lydia Lukidis channels her talent for humor in Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover, the second book in her new graphic novel series. Leading off with profiles of the main characters that will have kids giggling from the get-go, this dastardly plot unfurls with goofiness, plenty of clever wordplay, a touch of potty humor, and lots of MWAHAHAHAs for readers to join in on. At the story’s heart, are themes of friendship and cooperation as cantankerous Groucho and cheerful-yet-comically-clueless Blork work together to defeat Lord Turnip, even teaming up with their one-time nemesis Commander Hare E. Bun Bun. Lukidis’s fast-paced storytelling is full of action and adventure that kids will have on repeat.

Tara J. Hannon’s vivid, action-packed illustrations maximize all the silliness in this other-worldly story, from Groucho’s grumpy side to Blork’s endearing innocence to all the slimy destruction of Lord Turnip’s visit to Critter Creek. Each panel advances the story with funny imagery, exaggerated facial expressions, signs, sound effects, and other details tucked away to delight readers.

Ages 6 – 8

Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2026 | ISBN 979-8881605612

If you haven’t read the first book in this hilarious series, check out Groucho the Grouchy Hedgehog and catch up on all the fun!

When Groucho and Blork learn that the evil Commander Hare E. Bun Bun has stolen all of the pancakes of Critter Creek, along with the secret recipe, Groucho and Blork dash to save the day and become an unlikely pair of crime fighters!

About the Author

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024) and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. For more information, please visit lydialukidis.com.

About the Illustrator

Tara J. Hannon lives in a house on a hill near the Chesapeake Bay. She writes and illustrates from her home studio, alongside her husband, two daughters, and one overly excited dog. When not creating, she can be found enjoying the bay with her family, jogging at a slow and friendly pace, or drinking coffee. Visit her at tarajhannon.com.

Kids will love spending time in Critter Creek with the incomparable Groucho, Blork, Hare E. Bun Bun and the rest of the gang with this Activity Guide full of character cards, puzzles, coloring pages, drawing pages, discussion questions, and more that are perfect for teachers, families, and all Groucho fans! You’ll find the Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog Activity Guide on Lydia Lukidis’s website!

You can purchase Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

February 11 – National Inventors’ Day

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday was established in 1983 and is celebrated on February 11 to honor the birthday of Thomas Edison. The day recognizes the spirit of inventors who look at life a little differently, let their imagination fly, and create a new . . . something! While we often think of inventions that change the world on a day like today, simple ideas implemented at home also make a big impact—or just lead to lots of fun. If you and/or your kids enjoy being creative, today’s the day to tinker around with your ideas. 

Thanks to Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers for sharing a digital copy of The Quiet One with me!

The Quiet One

By Yiting Lee

 

In her noisy classroom, Milly was the quiet one. She wasn’t exactly sure why she didn’t join in with her talkative classmates or why she especially dreaded Show and Tell, which was coming up on Friday. She most liked hanging out in her “secret place”—a shed filled with all sorts of things people didn’t need anymore or had forgotten. Milly was happy in her own company and liked to entertain herself by transforming other people’s old junk into amazing inventions like a running wheel for the shed’s mice and a working train from unused roller skates.

Copyright Yiting Lee, 2025. Courtesy of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Then Milly found a broken cleaning robot. Getting out her toolbox, two caster wheels, and other supplies, Milly went to work. When she was finished and rebooted the robot, she was astonished to discover that it could talk—”Hi, I’m Arnold,” it said. Milly told Arnold her name. All afternoon Milly and Arnold worked to turn Milly’s secret place into a playground. Then as Milly explained what she wanted to build next, she “realized it was the first time she ever really enjoyed talking.”

Copyright Yiting Lee, 2025. Courtesy of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Milly was still nervous about Show and Tell, but Arnold told her he would go with her and she could talk about him. On Friday, under the gaze of her classmates who seemed to loom above her, Milly froze. Arnold came to the rescue. He introduced himself and began: “Milly made me out of . . . of . . .”. He stopped, not knowing what came next. But Milly found her voice and finished the story, becoming more passionate about her subject as she went along. In fact, “she was so caught up in the moment that she forgot all about her fear.” Her classmates thought Milly was amazing, and Milly, later playing with her new friends on the playground she and Arnold had built, “was happy that she had been heard.”

Copyright Yiting Lee, 2025. Courtesy of Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Yiting Lee’s story offers reassurance to quiet, introspective children as well as to those who feel anxious when talking in or to a group. Through Milly’s experience, such children may feel encouraged to talk about a special skill, experience, or talent or to share the “stage” with a supportive friend who can help them overcome their fear. Lee also reminds readers that—as a favorite teacher of mine liked to say—”still waters run deep”, and that beneath a quiet exterior often bubbles unique perspectives, creativity, and loyal friendship.

Lee’s charming, cartoon illustrations contrast how Milly shrinks in her raucous classroom with how she comes alive in the junk shed—for her, a lab full of exploration, inspiration, and energy. Readers will enjoy stopping to look over all the images of Milly’s inventions and be inspired to create a few themselves.

A fast-paced, multilayered and inspiring story to spark confidence, foster understanding, and build connections among kids of all talents, The Quiet One offers a valuable resource for classrooms and school libraries and is a heartening choice for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0802856418

About the Author/illustrator

Yiting Lee was once the quiet one in class, much like Milly. She followed her love of art to earn her MA in children’s book illustration at the University of Cambridge. Originally from Taiwan, Yiting currently lives in Surrey, England, where she has illustrated books like What’s the Rush? (Princeton Architectural) and Little Dinosaurs, Big Feelings (Magic Cat). Follow her on Instagram @yitinglee_art and visit her website at yitinglee.com.

National Inventors’ Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-inventor's-box

Inventor’s Box

 

For young inventors or tinkerers, having bits and pieces of this and that as well as some tools to work with all stored in one place encourages creative thinking. Filling the drawers of a tool case, a tool box, or a tackle box with items like springs, brads, wheels, hinges, plastic piping, pieces of wood, glue, tape, and simple tools can spark a child’s imagination. Take your child along to the craft or hardware store and choose items together!

You can purchase The Quiet One at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

May 4 – Star Wars Day

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-cover

About the Holiday

No one has to tell you that Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon. Today, people around the world celebrate their favorite sci-fi thriller and all of the beloved characters the franchise has introduced (Yes, even Darth Vader). Why today? May 4th sounds too invitingly similar to those good wishes:”May the Force be with you” to ignore. If you want to join in the fun today or any day, check out the official Star Wars Day website for news, recipes, crafts, interviews, fan videos, and more! Of course, today’s book will keep kids and adults laughing and returning to the series again and again. May the 4th be with you every day!

Star Wars: Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

By Adam Rex

 

Darth Vader, as we all know, is a pretty scary guy. But does anything scare him? “I do not get scared. No one has the power to frighten Lord Vader,” he says. But what about a…wolfman? The wolfman, with bulging yellow eyes, sharp teeth, and unkempt nails (and wearing torn pants and a ripped up plaid shirt) attacks! Darth Vader gives him a withering look and explains that he is “not afraid of a wolf” and “not afraid of a man” so he is “not afraid of a wolfman.” And if the wolfman should bite? Lord Vader’s armor will take care of that.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-full-moon

Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

Perhaps a vampire is more frightening. But another biting creature? Nah…not scary. Next up to alarm Darth Vador is a little ghost: “BoooooWoo!” Fearlessly, Vader pokes it, wondering if it is the ghost of Yoda. The witch that appears next is proclaimed, “just an old woman” by the intrepid Vader, and when he is told that she could curse him, he retreats into a dark place to reveal, “I am already cursed.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-vampire

Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

The narrator offers up a list of other possible triggers, but Darth Vader defects them all. Well, then, the narrator tells the kids, they can take off their spooky masks. Lord Vader is shocked. As the kids run to him, hang from his cape, and wield his light saber, Darth Vader tries to shake them off—but he’s still not scared. Then more kids join the fray. Darth Vader shakes his fist and rails, “I am most displeased.” “I am most displeased!” a little girl repeats.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-ghost

Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

At last, Lord Vader has had enough and begs for the children to be taken away. Mumbling that he’s no fun, the kids tromp off. But then Darth Vader is alerted to one more kid—the reader—“who’s about to close the book.” Shaken, Lord Vader pleads with the child not to turn the page and bargains with them, offering to share the power of the dark side. The pages are waning, and at last Darth Vader knows fear. One page left… “Nooooooo….”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-yoda

Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

Adam Rex’s laugh-out-loud send-up of Darth Vader and his steely persona takes full advantage of the Star Wars world and lore—from the movies to spin-off toys to kids’ pretend Star Wars play—to immerse readers in the humor and power of his story. Cloaked in darkness, the pages, created from mixed-media illustrations punctuated with white and yellow text, are masterfully funny. While Darth Vader stands stoically, his mask never changing, Rex wrings out an array of emotions through the humor of the narrator’s questions and Vader’s monotone answers.

The monsters who attempt to frighten Vader are straight from Halloween sidewalks, adding to the comic effect. When they’re unmasked, their love for this villain is unmistakable. Vader may strike threatening poses and shake his fist at the injustice of it all, but deep down could he be enjoying himself?

For Star Wars lovers (and who isn’t?) and those who love to laugh, Are You Scared Darth Vader? is a celebration of sci-fi fun for home, classroom, and public libraries.

Ages 5 – 8

Disney Lucasfilm Press, 2018 | ISBN 978-1484704974

Discover more about Adam Rex, his books, and his art on his website.

Star Wars Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-rocket-to-the-moon-tic-tac-toe-game

Out-of-this-World Tic-Tac-Toe Game

 

You can launch your own Tic-Tac-Toe Game with this set you make yourself! With just a couple of egg cartons, some crayons, and a printable game board, you’ll be off to the moon for some fun! Opposing players can be designated by rockets and capsules. Each player will need 5 playing pieces. 

SUPPLIES

  • Printable Moon Tic-Tac-Toe Game Board
  • 2 cardboard egg cartons
  • Heavy stock paper or regular printer paper
  • Crayons
  • Black or gray fine-tip marker

DIRECTIONS

To Make the Rockets

  1. Cut the tall center cones from the egg carton
  2. Trim the bottoms of each form so they stand steadily, leaving the arched corners intact
  3. Pencil in a circular window on one side near the top of the cone
  4. Color the rocket body any colors you like, going around the window and stopping where the arched corners begin
  5. With the marker color the arched corners of the form to make legs
  6. On the cardboard between the legs, color flames for blast off

To Make the Capsule

  1. Cut the egg cups from an egg carton
  2. Color the sides silver, leaving the curved section uncolored. (If your egg cup has no pre-pressed curve on the sides of the cup, draw one on each side.)
  3. Color the curved section yellow to make windows
  4. With the marker, dot “rivets” across the capsule

Print the Moon Game Board and play!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-cover

You can find Star Wars: Are You Scared, Darth Vader? at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

February 4 – Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket Blog Tour Stop

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sadie-sprocket-builds-a-rocket-cover

About the Holiday

I always love celebrating kids’ creativity, imagination, and smarts and today’s book has all three! If you never want to say goodbye to January’s “Creativity Month” and am looking forward to Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science and Engineering Month and National Ideas Month in March, then you’ll want to add Sadie Sprocket to your reading list.

Thank you goes to Two Lions and Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own. I’m also excited to be teaming with them for a giveaway of the book. See details below.

Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket

Written by Sue Fliess | Illustrated by Annabel Tempest

 

Sadie Sprocket wanted to travel. Not your regular vacation kind of travel but the kind that would take her across the galaxy. “So one day Sadie drew a map / to navigate the stars. / ‘It’s time to leave the Earth,’ she said, ‘and travel straight to Mars!’” She chose her crew—a bunny, bear, and owl—and began building her rocket ship with parts she got from the junkyard.

When the rocket was finished, Sadie and her crew were ready to blast off. Her family, friends, and even reporters gathered to see “this space-bound girl with smarts and skill / would soon make history.” They basted off on their journey that would take one hundred days. To pass the time the crew of four tried playing cards, and checkers and chess, but the pieces just floated away, so they read and cooked instead.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sadie-sprocket-builds-a-rocket-bedroom

Image copyright Annabel Tempest, 2021, text copyright, Sue Fliess, 2021. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Soon, when Sadie looked out the window, Earth was no more than a dot while Mars came into view. When it was time to land, Sadie directed her crew to land on level ground. On the surface of the red planet, they gathered samples and put them into bags and then when they were done, they planted yellow flags. After a few selfies, Sadie knew it was time to go, but a storm blew up and “the rocket wouldn’t budge.”

Sadie, Bear, Bunny, and Owl got out and dug the landing gear free, but when they tried to leave Mars again, the sand swirling in the air was so thick, they couldn’t see. When the storm abated, they thought flying would be a snap, but the rocket didn’t work. Sadie grabbed her tools and they went to work sweeping sand from the circuit board and repairing the wires. Finally, Sadie said, it is “‘time to Blast!’” / They zoomed by stars and asteroids / and made it home at last.” When she landed back on Earth, Sadie learned she “had rocketed to fame,” but one trip was not enough. She now had Neptune in her sights, but clever Sadie Sprocket new she’d “need a bigger rocket.”

Following the text is “Sadie’s Notebook,” which contains facts about Mars and short bios on seven pioneering women in space.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sadie-sprocket-builds-a-rocket-building

Image copyright Annabel Tempest, 2021, text copyright, Sue Fliess, 2021. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Sue Fliess’s jaunty story about Sadie Sprocket, a young go-getter who doesn’t let things like gravity or obstacles get in the way of her dreams of discovery offers inspirational motivation for children who have big (or smaller) aspirations. Sadie’s confidence in herself and in science jumps off the page as she talks to the press and her supporters at her launch, gathers samples from the surface of Mars, and documents her finds. When the sand storm disrupts her return to Earth, she doesn’t give up the mission, but rallies her crew and fixes the problem. And does Sadie rest on her laurels? Nope! Like any inventive kid, she has her sights set on the next big adventure. Fliess’s pitch-perfect rhymes and quickly paced rhythm make the story an entertaining read aloud.

In her bright, active-packed illustrations, Annabel Tempest gives Sadie a cheery, self-assured look as she studies, makes plans, and builds her rocket. Kids will eagerly follow her steps as she gathers her supplies and gets to work. As Sadie, schematic in hand, directs her crew, kids will have fun seeing how she makes clever use of a wheelbarrow and appreciate the spacesuits and fitted helmets for each crew member. Images of the circuit board will appeal to tech-loving kids, and pictures of the rocket shooting across the galaxy will thrill readers. Any kids looking for inspiration to decorate their rooms will find plenty of ideas here too.

A lively story to encourage creative and science-loving kids, Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket is a terrific book for exciting story times and to enhance STEM lessons in school and at home. It is highly recommended for home, school, and public library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Two Lions, 2021 | ISBN 978-1542018036

Sue Fliess is the author of more than thirty children’s books, including Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins, illustrated by Mark Chambers; Shoes for Me!, A Dress for Me!, and Books for Me!, all illustrated by Mike Laughead; and Let’s Build, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. She lives with her family and their two dogs in northern Virginia, where they admire the moon, stars, and sometimes even planets from their backyard. You can connect with Sue on www.suefliess.com | Twitter | FacebookPinterest

Annabel Tempest is the illustrator of a number of picture books and board books. She holds a degree in fashion and textiles and has worked as a freelance illustrator on everything from maps and packaging to greeting cards and children’s books. She lives in the beautiful Somerset countryside in the UK with her husband and a houseful of muddy boys and dogs. You can connect with Annabel on annabeltempest.comInstagram | Twitter

Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket Giveaway

I’m happy to be teaming with Two Lions and Blue Slip Media in a giveaway of:

  • One (1) copy of Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess | illustrated by Annabel Tempest

To enter:

This giveaway is open from February 4 to January 10 and ends at 8:00 p.m. EST.

A winner will be chosen on January 11. 

Prizing provided by Two Lions and Blue Slip Media

Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only. | No Giveaway Accounts 

Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket Book Tour Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-blast-off-to-mars-maze

Blast off to Mars! Maze

 

Can you help the rocket navigate its way to Mars in this printable puzzle?

Blast off to Mars! Maze | Blast off to Mars! Solution

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sadie-sprocket-builds-a-rocket-cover

You can find Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

August 26 – International Dog Day

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-experiment-#256-cover

About the Holiday

International Dog Day was established in 2004 by Colleen Paige to raise awareness of all the dogs who need forever homes. The day also celebrates dogs of all breeds and honors the work of these faithful friends, whether they are family pets or specially trained as service dogs, police dogs, or search-and-rescue dogs. The month of August is also Inventor’s Month—a time when we celebrate those creative types who think differently and put their imagination to work to design new products and services we may not even know we need until we have them. The mashup of these two holidays brings us…well…today’s book!

Experiment #256

By Marty Kelley

 

Ian is working on Experiment #256—a jet pack for his dog Wilbur. Ian’s room doubles as his lab, as the tools, supplies, and (especially) loose parts scattered all over attest to. Ian may be a bit messy, but with the methodical mind of any good inventor, he is taking detailed notes about his experiment in his Science Journal. While he has completed the jet pack, the entry on the fire-tinged journal page reveals: “I have quite a few parts left over.” Still, it’s time to try this marvel out.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-experiment-#256-jet-pack

Copyright Marty Kelley, 2019, courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.

Ian straps it onto Wilbur, pushes the remote button, and… Wilbur is flying—straight for Lisa’s Studio, where a large “Keep Out!” sign greets visitors to her room. Ian jots down thoughts about the successful launch, but also a fear about those missing parts. As Wilbur bursts through the door, Ian’s sister and all of her sheet music go flying. Thanks to the turbo booster, Wilbur only stays a moment, but is still zooming… right into Grandma’s bubble bath. This turns out to be one of those good news (the jet pack works under water)/bad news (rubber duck and Grandma are not happy) situations, which Ian dutifully notes in his journal.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-experiment-#256-launch

Copyright Marty Kelley, 2019, courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.

But Wilbur’s flight isn’t over yet. On his way out the window and into the backyard, he grazes Mom, who’s practicing yoga. Ian learns one important fact from this part of the experiment: “Yoga pants are surprisingly flammable.” As Wilbur crashes through the garden there’s more good news in that the broccoli has suffered irreparable losses and more bad news in that the peas have not. Wilbur’s trajectory next takes him into the neighbor’s yard, where he gets “tangled up in the undies that Mrs. Marino was hanging on the line,” and then skyward.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-experiment-#256-lisa

Copyright Marty Kelley, 2019, courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.

By the time Ian catches up with him, Wilbur is only a speck at the top of a very high contrail. Ian is distressed. He documents in his journal that not only did he launch his “best friend into space,” Wilbur “doesn’t have a space helmet” and “he didn’t even bring a snack.” Meanwhile, back on earth, Mrs. Marino is still giving Ian a piece of her mind when he is suddenly cast in a saucer-shaped shadow. He looks up to find Wilbur parachuting home clinging to a pink-and-flowered pair of Mrs. Marino’s undies. Ian faithfully notes: “straps on jet pack not secure.”

Gazing into Wilbur’s goggled, angry eyes, Ian concludes that maybe Experiment #256 was not the best idea. But as any good inventor will tell you, a failed experiment is not a flop but merely an inspiration. So, while Lisa, Grandma, Mom, and Mrs. Marino may still be unhappy, Wilbur is thrilled with his new Snack Blaster. And Ian is hard at work on another, more securely strapped jet pack for….

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-experiment-#256-grandma

Copyright Marty Kelley, 2019, courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.

Marty Kelley’s inventive story—told entirely through Ian’s science journal notes and hilarious illustrations—will keep readers giggling from the first page to the last. Before the story even gets going, kids are treated to a collage of laugh-out-loud photos showing thirteen of Ian’s previous experiments, providing a bit of foreshadowing about #256. Ian’s cryptic observations in his journal lead kids to follow defenseless Wilbur from room to room, yard to yard, and Earth to outer space and back while discovering the chaos wrought by Ian’s runaway jet pack. Flying objects, shocked faces, and, of course, those undies will have readers lingering over the pages to find all the comic details. Kelley’s vivid, textured, two-page spreads are full of action and give the story a retro feel while including timeless visual jokes and a kid-pleasing ending.

An imagination booster for story times when adults and kids want to share a laugh and a bit of science, Experiment #256 would be a funny addition to home, classroom, and library bookshelves.

Ages 5 – 7

Sleeping Bear Press, 2019 | ISBN 978-1534110137

Discover more about Marty Kelley, his books, and his art, visit his website.

International Dog Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-i-love-dogs-wordsearch-puzzle-shorter-size

I Love Dogs! Word Search Puzzle

 

If you love dogs, you’ll have fun discovering the names of eighteen dog breeds in this printable word search puzzle!

I Love Dogs! Word Search Puzzle | I Love Dogs! Word Search Solution

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-experiment-#256-cover

You can find Experiment #256 at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

 

January 2 – National Science Fiction Day

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-cover

About the Holiday

If Sci-Fi is your thing, today’s the day to celebrate! Today’s holiday is enjoyed by science fiction fans around the world, who take in movies, read favorite books, and attend special events and parties all with a sci-fi theme. Today’s date was chosen for the holiday to commemorate the birthday of master science-fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, who was born January 2, 1920. Channel your inner galactic traveler, today, and discover some entertainment that’s out of this world—like today’s book!

Star Wars: Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

By Adam Rex

 

Darth Vader, as we all know, is a pretty scary guy. But does anything scare him? “I do not get scared. No one has the power to frighten Lord Vader,” he says. But what about a…wolfman? The wolfman, with bulging yellow eyes, sharp teeth, and unkempt nails (and wearing torn pants and a ripped up plaid shirt) attacks! Darth Vader gives him a withering look and explains that he is “not afraid of a wolf” and “not afraid of a man” so he is “not afraid of a wolfman.” And if the wolfman should bite? Lord Vader’s armor will take care of that.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-are-you-scared-darth-vader-full-moon

Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

Perhaps a vampire is more frightening. But another biting creature? Nah…not scary. Next up to alarm Darth Vador is a little ghost: “BoooooWoo!” Fearlessly, Vader pokes it, wondering if it is the ghost of Yoda. The witch that appears next is proclaimed, “just an old woman” by the intrepid Vader, and when he is told that she could curse him, he retreats into a dark place to reveal, “I am already cursed.”

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Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

The narrator offers up a list of other possible triggers, but Darth Vader defects them all. Well, then, the narrator tells the kids, they can take off their spooky masks. Lord Vader is shocked. As the kids run to him, hang from his cape, and wield his light saber, Darth Vader tries to shake them off—but he’s still not scared. Then more kids join the fray. Darth Vader shakes his fist and rails, “I am most displeased.” “I am most displeased!” a little girl repeats.

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Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

At last, Lord Vader has had enough and begs for the children to be taken away. Mumbling that he’s no fun, the kids tromp off. But then Darth Vader is alerted to one more kid—the reader—“who’s about to close the book.” Shaken, Lord Vader pleads with the child not to turn the page and bargains with them, offering to share the power of the dark side. The pages are waning, and at last Darth Vader knows fear. One page left… “Nooooooo….”

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Copyright Adam Rex, 2018, courtesy of Disney Lucasfilm Press.

Adam Rex’s laugh-out-loud send-up of Darth Vader and his steely persona takes full advantage of the Star Wars world and lore—from the movies to spin-off toys to kids’ pretend Star Wars play—to immerse readers in the humor and power of his story. Cloaked in darkness, the pages, created from mixed-media illustrations punctuated with white and yellow text, are masterfully funny. While Darth Vader stands stoically, his mask never changing, Rex wrings out an array of emotions through the humor of the narrator’s questions and Vader’s monotone answers.

The monsters who attempt to frighten Vader are straight from Halloween sidewalks, adding to the comic effect. When they’re unmasked, their love for this villain is unmistakable. Vader may strike threatening poses and shake his fist at the injustice of it all, but deep down could he be enjoying himself?

For Star Wars lovers (and who isn’t?) and those who love to laugh, Are You Scared Darth Vader? is a celebration of sci-fi fun for home, classroom, and public libraries.

Ages 5 – 8

Disney Lucasfilm Press, 2018 | ISBN 978-1484704974

Discover more about Adam Rex, his books, and his art on his website.

National Science Fiction Day Activity

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Out-of-this-World Tic-Tac-Toe Game

 

You can launch your own Tic-Tac-Toe Game with this set you make yourself! With just a couple of egg cartons, some crayons, and a printable game board, you’ll be off to the moon for some fun! Opposing players can be designated by rockets and capsules. Each player will need 5 playing pieces. 

SUPPLIES

  • Printable Moon Tic-Tac-Toe Game Board
  • 2 cardboard egg cartons
  • Heavy stock paper or regular printer paper
  • Crayons
  • Black or gray fine-tip marker

DIRECTIONS

To Make the Rockets

  1. Cut the tall center cones from the egg carton
  2. Trim the bottoms of each form so they stand steadily, leaving the arched corners intact
  3. Pencil in a circular window on one side near the top of the cone
  4. Color the rocket body any colors you like, going around the window and stopping where the arched corners begin
  5. With the marker color the arched corners of the form to make legs
  6. On the cardboard between the legs, color flames for blast off

To Make the Capsule

  1. Cut the egg cups from an egg carton
  2. Color the sides silver, leaving the curved section uncolored. (If your egg cup has no pre-pressed curve on the sides of the cup, draw one on each side.)
  3. Color the curved section yellow to make windows
  4. With the marker, dot “rivets” across the capsule

Print the Moon Game Board and play!

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You can find Star Wars: Are You Scared, Darth Vader? at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

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