I had a bookish week last week. I feel like I haven’t shared non-reviews here as much but you can check my other site for that recap.
The Met Edgar Degas: He Saw the World in Moving Moments by Amy GuglielmoMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maybe because I wasn’t as familiar with Edgar Degas’s art than the other artists in this picture book biography series that I didn’t like it as much but I do enjoy this series for incorporating facts and including activities readers can do to imitate the artist’s style.
Bugblock by Christopher FranceschelliMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A blocky interactive board book to learn about insects.
Ty’s Travels: Camp-Out by Kelly Starling LyonsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Branching out from early reader format into early reader comics, Ty continues to find imaginative ways to solve problems- in this instance, a storm ruins the family’s camping trip.
Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew SwansonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Terrible Two, this will have readers clamoring for more Ben Yokoyama. When he accidentally takes a fortune cookie too seriously and ends up believing that it’s his last day on Earth, he goes about doing everything to make sure it’s his best day ever. It ripples outward creating a chain reaction of sitcom style events affecting his family, his friends, and his neighborhood.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy BlumeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A delightful coming of age novel about a young girl who’s moved to a new place, to a new school, joined a secret club of other girls who talk about boys they like and what’ll it be like once they get their periods, and trying to fit in by figuring out what she believes in. I remember giving this book to a couple of my younger sisters when they were turning twelve. I found Margaret Simon’s voice and perspective very refreshing.
My Aunt Is a Monster by Reimena YeeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’d been curious about this graphic novel for awhile. I loved that it featured a blind girl going out on adventures. The premise is quirky and wild. Hopefully we’ll get more.
The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina SoontornvatMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Based on the author’s childhood and experiences, this graphic memoir novel will be perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson and Raina Telgemeier.
The Days of Bluegrass Love by Edward van de VendelMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wanted to like this more than I did, hoping I can find an LGBTQ+ YA novel I loved almost as much as Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I really enjoyed the first quarter of the novel and my feelings eventually leveled out but I’m still glad I picked up what was groundbreaking when it was first released in the Netherlands over two decades ago.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 
Love the idea of The Cookie of Doom, Earl, have The Tryout on my list! I’ve never heard of The Days of Bluegrass Love, will look for it, too! Have a great week ahead!
It looks like you’ve been reading some wonderful books, Earl! I haven’t read Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, but I actually want to go see the new movie adaptation (assuming it’s still in theaters), since it’s getting very good reviews.
And it’s fun that you enjoyed My Aunt Is a Monster—that was a fun read for me too!
I also relate too much to loving Aristotle and Dante and searching fruitlessly for a book that’s as good—if you do end up finding one, please let me know!
Thanks so much for the thoughtful reviews!
I am noticing many people are rereading Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. I really need to nab a copy and reread it myself! 🙂
I read Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret when I was a kid, and I just treated myself to the movie. Judy Blume is proving to be timeless