Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Mayhem in the Moongarden, by E. L. Seer, is a magical, mysterious children's book for 4th-6th graders, and even the young at heart will enjoy it. Filled with interesting characters and a compelling plot, this story has all the bells and whistles that attract young imaginations. The plot begins with wedding plans, and involves Grubner Trowel, a dwarf who yearns for bigger responsibility and admiration from Mildred Moongarden, his mentor, but does he have what it takes? He finds out when Mildred leaves on business and he has to watch over Moongarden. The Ravishers bring mayhem, since the Moon Orchard feeds everyone, and it's up to Grubner to deal with the threat before Mildred comes back home to total destruction.

Seer is really two authors, and they definitely have their finger on the pulse of what makes young readers happy. Such imagination and cleverness are at play in this story about Caretakers and intelligent beings. The alien-like plant life comes alive in this intriguing world Seer has built. The story is full of rich detail, vivid imagery, and an even pace that will have children flipping through the pages. There are valuable lessons embedded in the story, but aren't really overt unless you're looking for them. It's generally an entertaining book with likeable characters and a plot of conflict and urgency. The writing is lyrical and fanciful, but still grounded in some reality, which makes it a personal and relatable story. The sense of humor will be well-appreciated, and the classic good against evil theme is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle. What I like about this book is the variety of personalities in the characters, which come across as identifiable without being cliched.

The illustrations help bring the story to life, and, with all the activity going on with the characters, you may think this would be a difficult book for young readers to follow, but it turns out to be a breezy read that should hold most young attention spans. Readers will appreciate the introduction of the characters in the beginning of the story, as it helps lay the groundwork for the plot that follows. If you or a child you know has ever imagined the secret lives of gardens, plants, and otherworldly creatures, Mayhem in the Moongarden, by E. L. Seer, is one book to satisfy your curiosity.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

The Munchkins is a children's book written by Candice Zee. How many times did your parents tell you never to talk to strangers? I know mine did a lot. Perhaps the adoptive father of thirteen extraordinary children should have told them as well. When a new neighbor moves in and threatens the children, harassing them repeatedly, CC (as the children refer to their adoptive father) is concerned and tries valiantly to stand up to this man who calls himself Big Boss. This stranger knows too much, like the children’s names and their mysterious special powers. And he wants their powers for his own nefarious intentions. The drama intensifies as Big Boss infiltrates the unusual family in ways they never anticipated, and for which they were not prepared.

Candice Zee’s middle-grade novel The Munchkins is a Harry Potter-type fantasy that will keep young readers enraptured from beginning to end. Told mainly in the first-person narrative from Capricorn’s perspective (she’s one of the thirteen children), it reads like a memoir in many respects because she’s telling her story and that of her siblings from her direct perspective. At the same time, she’s imprisoned by this evil Big Boss. As the personal narrative unfolds, the story incorporates lots of dialogue typical of this age group (the children have all reached the age of 10 and are no longer aging). The narrative, dialogue, and descriptive passages are engaging and make young readers feel like they are part of the story. The good-versus-evil conflict is evident, and the importance of a strong family bond shines through. And why are they called the Munchkins? Well, that’s an interesting story in itself and adds to the overall flavor of the plot—a great read.

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

When opportunity comes knocking at your door, do you jump with both feet or do you settle for another boring summer? Joseph receives an invitation from Professor Benjamin Thessit to test out a new video game on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Murean Islands. Thinking that it’s a scam, he drags his best friend Eric along for the ride. However, everything is not as it seems and the secrets of this world are revealed. With the scatterbrained Professor and their hometown bully on the island, their summer is about to be anything but boring! Join Joseph and Eric in Erift’s Journey, book one in J.T. Tenera’s Secrets of the Sealed Forest, in their adventure into a world of magic.

First things first, I loved how J.T. Tenera's style made Secrets of the Sealed Forest: Erift’s Journey their own. With many children’s books exploring the world of magic, we are used to the same incantations in a sense. However, in Erift’s Journey, the notion of magic is a lost language, with its own alphabet consisting of symbols. The world-building was beautifully developed and allows readers to follow along. It’s a great book for children of all ages and echoes the tales of Camelot and Atlantis. This is a dream come true for those who wish we had magical powers. J.T. Tenera’s writing, by way of the “nutty Professor”, focuses on the fact that we all have a little magic in us. I think that is a beautiful message to be sending out, especially to children who are easily influenced by what they come across online. Can’t wait for the next book!

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Hop-About: The Adventures of Benny the Bunny and Mr. Rabbit by Colin Krainin follows two wawas, stuffed animals, as they enjoy their ordinary yet fastidious lives in the Upper West Side of New York City. Mr. Rabbit is a handsome stuffed rabbit with large feet; he loves walking in Central Park. Mr. Rabbit lives with his best friend, Benny the Bunny, and his other friend, Dr. Ursa, a large stuffed brown bear. While doing their routine in the evening, Mr. Rabbit and Benny the Bunny receive an unexpected visitor. Mr. Rabbit's old childhood friend, the shockingly orange and bountifully bombastic wawa, Custerd the cat, the one Mr. Rabbit told stories about, is at their door, and he wants something from them. They don't know it yet, but they're about to go on an adventurous long-distance journey that will unexpectedly enrich everyone's lives.

I was mesmerized by this heartwarming children's book that revolves around some interesting animals. Hop-About: The Adventures of Benny the Bunny and Mr. Rabbit by Colin Krainin is my type of book. The writing is exquisite, and the story is rich in description, fabulous and loyal characters, dazzling dialogue, and unique adventures. I loved it and will definitely miss Mr. Rabbit and Benny the Bunny's eccentric chats. Colin Krainin succeeded in crafting an extraordinary story that charmed me from page one. I would give Hop-About more than five stars if it were possible. I firmly believe that this cozy book that contains pretty illustrations can charm every little reader; it can help them boost their vocabulary and teach them the true meaning of loyalty, love, and friendship.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Journey to Jumbalot by Ryan Wakefield takes readers on a gripping adventure with many wonderful creatures. Professor Wizoom is excited to build a doorway into another world, but his cat, Alby, is afraid to lose him since he had lived as a stray cat for two years before meeting him. When the professor suddenly vanishes, Alby walks through the doorway to search for him and discovers he is in the realm of Jumbalot, a world filled with weird creatures: sharks that breathe above water, animals with the features of tigers and kangaroos in the same body, and other interesting hybrids. Alby soon makes friends with a funny "froguar" named Fremmy, who helps him on his search and takes him on a new mission to find a gem that had been stolen from a pyramid palace by an evil tyrant.

Ryan Wakefield brings new fantastic ideas to young readers aged 11 to 14 in Journey to Jumbalot. There's just so much to like in this mix of magical war scenes, captivating adventurous exploits, and creative hybrid animals. Journey to Jumbalot has a strong portrayal of themes of heroism, altruism, revenge, tyranny, and a battle for power between good and evil forces. Each character is distinct and memorable, and the main protagonist is as adorable and cute as a cat character should be. I especially enjoyed the different references to cats, like "nine lives" and "catnaps". Journey to Jumbalot would be great for cat lovers, animal lovers, and readers who enjoy books that immerse them in a world of magic and different types of envisioned creatures.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Pharmacy Girl by Kate Szegda is a story of The Great War, Spanish Influenza, and the Truth about Billy Detwiler. It’s 1918 and a war is raging. The First World War is still being fought but another deadly battle is also being fought, one of the biggest battles we would have to face. A tiny virus, transported in the air, affected a quarter of Americans, killing over 600,000. The Spanish Flu ravaged the States. There was no vaccine to fight it. Hospitals didn’t have medicines or ventilators. Twelve-year-old Josie is liked by everyone. Well, except for Billy Detwiler. He calls Josie 'The Pharmacy Girl' but it’s an insult, not a compliment. She wants to help everyone and, when her mother is struck down with the flu, she jumps into action. She goes up against Billy in the class elections, helps her family, and helps raise money for the Liberty Loan. But, how much can a teenager do? Although Billy is dead against her, all of a sudden, he needs her help. Will Josie give it or will she turn her back on the one person who needs her?

Pharmacy Girl by Kate Szegda is a story of hope, a story so pertinent to the world we live in today it’s almost scary – especially since this book was first published before COVID was even heard of. The characters are wonderful, dishing out the same advice we’ve all come to know so well over the last year or so – stay away from others, wear a mask, wash your hands – advice that some take note of and others choose to ignore. The story is based on real situations drawn from the author’s family and historical facts. It’s heartwarming, funny, and serious all at the same time and all the different threads are drawn seamlessly together at the end. This is one book that perhaps everyone should read, not just the audience it was written for – it may teach a lot of people a few hard lessons!

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley, Princess Devina loved to fill everyone's lives with joy but everything changed when she became fifteen. From that day on, the sunshine disappeared from her heart and facing each day became a struggle. Although her parents tried to make her smile, nothing they tried worked. As Devina faced her sixteenth birthday, her father told her that he had a plan to restore her smiles and laughter. The King issued a decree that all eligible princes would be invited to her birthday party and the first to make her smile would win her hand in marriage. On the day of her birthday party, Princess Devina meets Yasmin, a young peasant girl who has just started working in the palace. Yasmin reminds Devina what happiness is and soon they become inseparable. When Devina has to face a devastating personal tragedy, her depression returns, so she turns to the only person that loves her unconditionally, Yasmin. Devina soon realizes that it is okay to live and love freely and express your emotions. We are all unique and we do not always have to fit into societies expectations.

The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley is an enchanting tale that brings a modern and relevant twist to a classic story. The characters of Devina and Yasmin were created with a great deal of consideration and I believe young girls could easily relate to their personalities. Their dialogue exchanges around their emotions were poignant and heartwarming. The story highlights the symptoms of depression and mental health issues in general with realism and sensitivity. I thought the words spoken by her mother regarding Devina's depression were incredible, “You have to be strong to feel the weight of the world so heavily and still continue to live in it.” Princess Devina's caring personality also came through powerfully when she considered pretending she was happy so no-one had to worry about her. I loved how the barriers of class were removed as a peasant girl and a princess found friendship, love and mutual respect. Unlike traditional fairy tales, where a princess is rescued by a prince, The King's Decree is about two mutual friends supporting one another, finding love and enhancing each other's lives.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Soma Kar’s young adult mystery novel, The Old House By The Woods: Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories, offers readers an intriguing tale. It appears to be an unusual request: to solve a mystery of paranormal activity at an old house in Mistgrove Forest. But when Private Detective Ria Robertson is hired by Eve to solve this mystery, little does she realize the danger that she will soon face and the murder mystery she’ll have to solve – that is, before anyone else gets hurt. No one is safe, at least not in the house or in this forest. Not until the mystery is resolved once and for all.

Soma Kar’s The Old House By The Woods: Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories, has all the makings of a good mystery, thriller, and even a paranormal story. Take a mixture of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and you have an excellent novel for the younger 'young adult' section of the market. This is an easy read; most of the story is told through dialogue. The characters, setting, and drama evolve through dialogue and a marginal use of descriptive narrative. The author leans heavily on telling the story instead of inviting the reader into the story to make them feel connected. The colorful illustrations are bold and certainly add to the growing tension of the mystery. Using good sleuthing skills, the protagonist and her team, which consists of her teenage sister, Jenny, and best friend, Andy, the mystery reaches a satisfactory climax before the final chapter resolution which reveals all. I found the story interesting and well-paced.

Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite

The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale by Diana Pishner Walker is the story of two Italian boys who are cousins. Their fishermen fathers taught them the skill, but one year, just before Christmas, the fathers become incapacitated and were unable to fish. So the boys decided to go catch the fish that were needed for the Christmas celebrations, even though they were too young to safely go out by themselves. A storm arose, but a bright light appeared in the sky and helped guide the boys back to safety. The book includes the background story of the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” and recipes for cooking cod and calamari. It is illustrated by Headline Kids Group. The book is for pre-teen readers.

I enjoyed reading The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale. The book is a “feel good” story with a happy ending and fits a niche because of being aimed at a pre-teen audience. Children of that age might enjoy trying the included recipes with their parents. What I liked most about this book is the insight it provides into Italian culture. Author Diana Pishner Walker is Italian in heritage and clearly proud of it. The beautiful illustrations tell the story just as well as the text does; the text and illustrations complement each other perfectly. The importance of family and community are also emphasized. Everyone, whether pre-teen or older, will enjoy learning about the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” I’m happy to recommend The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Ben Archer and the Toreq Son by Rae Knightly is the sixth book in The Alien Skill series. Ben Archer has been imprisoned on an alien warship, accused of the theft of an Alien Translation skill, and can only watch as the Earth is blasted with natural disasters by the Toreq. Floods, droughts, and hurricanes wreak havoc and Ben has no idea how he is going to save the planet. Mesmo, an alien friend of Ben, is the only one who could persuade the Toreq to stop but he has disappeared. Where is he? Ben needs to get out of prison, persuade the Toreq that the translation skill was given to him by Mesmo’s daughter, and save the planet from destruction. He’s just 13 years old – can he do it? Can he stop the Alien General from carrying out his evil plans? This is Ben’s toughest adventure yet and he must win otherwise the world is doomed.

Ben Archer and Toreq Son by Rae Knightly is part of a series and I would strongly recommend reading the entire series in order to fully understand the characters and the references to previous events. However, I read it as a standalone and was more than satisfied that I could grasp the whole story. More than a teenage sci-fi story, this is about overcoming obstacles in life, learning to communicate, and taking responsibility for our actions, all wrapped up in a neat story with plenty of action and no small amount of twists and turns. The story grabs you right from the start and takes you on a rollercoaster journey with some pretty cool characters. It is an engaging, exciting, and fun story with a good ending and if you enjoy this, I encourage you to read the series in order.