Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Keeper of the Gremkat Key: Legend of Galivett Book One by Brad Lyon and John Lyon is an adventurous children’s novel that follows eleven-year-old Harper Graybridge. Harper's life changes dramatically when he discovers a mysterious metal cylinder in a junkyard, leading him to meet Lyt, a three-foot-tall bug-man. Lyt reveals that the cylinder is a ‘keeper,’ essential for accessing the underground realm of Murkmor. Together with his new friends Lyt and Crowll, a bird-like warrior, Harper navigates a world filled with dangers like poisonous jelly monkeys and treacherous ruins while evading the malevolent Baron Vyndot, who seeks the keeper for his own nefarious plans. The authors have crafted a richly detailed and imaginative underground world in Murkmor, filled with whimsical and frightening creatures that are certain to intrigue and entertain their young readership. Their ability to transport readers into this vibrant realm showcases their highly original creativity and establishes a captivating backdrop for Harper's adventure.

Within this fantastical setting, some truly memorable and utterly charming characters come to life, particularly the brave and curious Harper, whose energy for adventure and bright dialogue is sure to help young readers fall in love with him and root for him in times of struggle. The unique personalities of Lyt and Crowll are warm and friendly, as well as packed with comic relief, and their interactions with Harper offer valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of embracing differences. In terms of its pacing and plot, the adventure is filled with fast-paced action and suspenseful moments to keep young readers engaged from beginning to end. Brad and John Lyon expertly balance these thrilling escapades with moments of quiet reflection, allowing readers to digest Harper’s growth and the lessons he learns along the way. Harper's journey serves as a metaphor for personal growth, teaching young readers that facing fears and overcoming challenges are essential parts of life, and the tender narrative structure offers this lesson in an accessible and entertaining way. Overall, Keeper of the Gremkat Key is a highly entertaining adventure and a meaningful coming-of-age story that I would not hesitate to recommend.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Sean Dirts and the Hidden City is a children's superhero adventure novel by Don Shirts. Sean Dirts, a twelve-year-old boy, wakes up to find himself ten inches tall and traveling with his family to the village of Lilliput, where all inhabitants are "smalled" people. As Sean adjusts to his new life, he finds out that all of Lilliput's inhabitants have unique superpowers, including his family members. To Sean's surprise, Ms. Stepp tells him not to reveal his "mover" abilities when he accidentally stumbles upon them. He discovers he can also control animals, and with his newfound friend, Summer, hops on a bird for a ride and suddenly finds himself in the hidden city of Peteetneet. After unwittingly starting a rebellion, Sean must return to Lilliput and help its citizens face the might of the evil Shadrach.

Action-packed and filled with mystery, adventure, and intrigue, Sean Dirts and the Hidden City is one rollercoaster of a ride. As a reader, you don't know what to expect at any point in the story as the plot twists and turns its way to a climactic battle that will sate the appetites of any action-adventure lover. Don Shirts has written a brilliant superhero origin story for kids and young adults alike. You're never sure if your favorite characters are safe as the stakes are always high, especially after the midway point of the tale. I loved the friendships between Sean, Summer, and Luke and even enjoyed their interactions with Zach and Bert. The author leaves room for a sequel with the ending, and I hope to read it soon. Overall, this is a fantastic superhero story!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Ray Taylor and the Torn and Tattered Treasure Map by N. Degen is the adventurous tale of Ray Taylor, an ordinary boy with a love for drawing and an adventurous spirit. The story follows Ray as he finds himself whisked away into an extraordinary world of pirates, treasure maps, and magical quests. Struggling with bullies and missing his absent father, Ray’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a mysterious elderly neighbor. Suddenly, he is transported to the 17th century, joining a cutthroat pirate crew aboard the schooner Celestine. His mission? To retrieve seven glowing magical stones hidden across seven unique worlds, with each stone unlocking a piece of a long-lost treasure map said to lead to unimaginable riches. Guided by the cryptic Secret Book of the Bloodthirsty Cook, Ray and his new companions must navigate treacherous seas and mystical challenges to figure out where the next clue will lead before it is too late.

N. Degen's charming and imaginative narrative blends themes of historical adventure with fantasy. Ray is a relatable protagonist; his insecurities and struggles make his journey feel all the more rewarding. The vivid world-building is one of the book’s greatest strengths, painting each exotic island and dangerous encounter with rich details and plenty of imagination. The cast of pirates, with their unique quirks and rivalries, adds both humor and suspense, which creates a dynamic and engaging story that readers will love. The Secret Book’s blank pages create a compelling mystery, keeping readers hooked as Ray and the crew decipher its hidden messages. I love how the story is full of daring escapades and heartwarming moments. I loved Ray, his enthusiasm, and the way the plot unfolded. Ray Taylor and the Torn and Tattered Treasure Map is a thrilling adventure for young and adult readers alike.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher by Ben P. Fisher is a vivid and imaginative children's picture book that explores themes of perfectionism and resilience through the adventures of a charming little creature named Scribbaloo. This engaging tale not only captivates with its whimsical drawings but also imparts valuable lessons about embracing imperfections and finding creativity in unexpected setbacks. Scribbaloo is a creature whose magical abilities bring whatever he draws to life. However, his fear of making mistakes is relatable, particularly for young readers learning to navigate anxieties about perfection. His journey begins with a crisis: his frustration accidentally creates a monster, the Color Cruncher, which threatens to drain the world of all its color.

As Scribbaloo and his optimistic friend embark on a quest to find the mythical Golden Crayon, the only tool capable of restoring color and defeating the Color Cruncher, they encounter various challenges and mishaps. Each obstacle reinforces the book's central message: mistakes are not just inevitable but are opportunities for learning and growth. Tadgh Bentley's illustrations play a crucial role in bringing the story to life, using a dynamic color palette that visibly diminishes as the Color Cruncher's influence spreads and gradually returns in bursts of vibrancy that celebrate each small victory Scribbaloo and his friend achieve. This visual metaphor beautifully complements Ben P. Fisher's narrative, making the restoration of color a powerful symbol of overcoming fear and doubt. Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher does an excellent job of addressing the anxiety associated with perfectionism. Fisher and Bentley have created a delightful and meaningful book for anyone who has ever been afraid to make a mistake, a reminder that true creativity begins where perfectionism ends.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Get ready to take a grand tour of the cosmos and discover your own place in it with this enlightening short poetry book. Written by Everett Livingston, The Story of You takes readers on a poetic odyssey, traversing through different histories, civilizations, and galaxies and showing how each of our lives is connected due to the convergence of various ancestors, cultures, eons, nations, ages, and time. Everything came together throughout time and space to substantiate the existence of you. Each of us is a universe unto ourselves. Apart from each other, we are also connected to colonies of bugs, microbes, and other primeval atoms. We are forged from elements of the brightest stars, and we hold within ourselves limitless aspirations and dreams. We are the embodiment of history, nature, and spirit.

The Story of You tells the tale of life and humanity as it came to be through a series of interconnected miracles, each more extraordinary than the last. Everett Livingston gifts readers with perfect rhyming affirmations to instill self-belief and find peace, love, and joy within themselves. This picture book needs to be read by young readers and adults alike. Livingston's poetic storytelling is both lyrical and mesmerizing. I found it very impressive how the author encapsulated so much human history and the creation of life in the universe within a relatively short rhyming tale in a way that children will find engaging and entertaining. Personally, I found it illuminating, invigorating, and inspirational in equal measure. Read the book and begin your day with love and joy in your heart!

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The delightful children’s picture book Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend by Daniel Huerga takes young readers on a whimsical journey with Frankie, a lovable, friendly fart facing an unusual, or perhaps usual, predicament: he has no friends. Illustrated by David Kantrowitz, the book entertains and teaches valuable lessons about normal body functions and friendship. Frankie is a unique protagonist—made of gas—who struggles to connect with others because no one finds him welcoming. The story unfolds with humor and warmth as Frankie attempts to forge relationships, only to be met with reactions ranging from amusement to outright avoidance.

Imagine having Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, and Maurice Sendak in a room and asking them to collaborate on a children’s book. The result would likely resemble Daniel Huerga’s Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend. This book is exactly what a children’s book should be. The meter is spot-on, the illustrations perfectly complement Frankie’s character, and each page bursts with vibrant colors and expressive artwork, capturing both the silly and endearing aspects of Frankie's personality. As Frankie navigates the ups and downs of his windy adventures, youngsters are treated to a narrative that blends fun and heartfelt moments. Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend is a charming and engaging read that will leave both children and adults chuckling and reflecting on the power of acceptance and friendship. It’s a reminder that sometimes it may take time to find true connections, but when we do, it’s well worth the wait. This book showcases storytelling at its finest, and Frankie’s story will entertain children for years to come. It’s a perfect classroom read-aloud and a fun bedtime story.

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

This beautifully illustrated children’s book by Melissa Robinson is about creating memories of the ones you love while you have the chance. It’s based on the author’s relationship with the real Grandma Marjorie and her African Grey Parrot, Misty. Grandma Marjorie has a magic timepiece, which acts as a gateway to adventure for her and her granddaughter, Mel. The imaginative possibilities are endless for a series and provide enough breadcrumbs for a child to continue inventing exciting quests long after the book is closed. The magic shrinks Grandma Marjorie and Mel so they can ride on Misty’s back and soar above their town. They land on the lighthouse where Grandma grew up and I love the emotional intelligence offered when her voice becomes scratchy. Even a young child can pick up on the inference of remembrance inducing a fullness of heart. When a seagull snatches Grandma Marjorie’s bag, she becomes a hero in defending herself, defying any idea of our elders being feeble. Notably, the things in her bag that are important to her aren’t money or jewelry but a map, a pet mouse, and a magnifying glass. Her bungee jump is then both brave and awesome. She’s a force to be reckoned with and a safe pair of hands for Mel to trust on future adventures.

I loved the detailed illustrations by Olga Sall, which make Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate a privilege to read. They include even the texture of Grandma’s lilac cardigan. Grandma Marjorie is not the usual caricature of the curly-haired, short-sighted pensioner in a twin set and pearls. She’s an engaging and realistic woman wearing trendy clothing and not troubled by a little chaos in her kitchen. She’s much more relatable and quite a lot like my children’s grandma, who bakes, wears jeans and runs marathons. The colors of the illustrations are next level, both gentle and appealing. My granddaughter is still small but loves books and we spent a long time examining each page. Her gaze darted everywhere as she soaked up all the sunny shades, crafted for maximum enjoyment. The colors and designs reminded me of Richard Scarry’s many successful children’s books, which I adored as a child. We enjoyed how almost every building is labeled on the aerial view of the town. We looked at everything on the pages and talked about each of the locations Grandma Marjorie flew over. The tiny animals included in her adventures are subtle but delightful. My granddaughter loved the mouse. The black and purple fonts were easy to read, and I liked how the purple emphasis matched Grandma’s favorite cardigan. It’s a stunning book with more hidden depths than one would expect. My granddaughter and I loved it. I would love for her to see me like Grandma Marjorie; quirky, uninhibited, fun, and especially safe.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Dilly Duck Saves the Day by Holly DiBella-McCarthy is a charming picture book combining a fun adventure with an important lesson about environmental stewardship. In this third installment of the Dilly Duck and Friends series, Dilly Duck faces a severe problem when her feathered friends get sick from eating bread left by well-meaning visitors. The story is not just about a duck trying to clean up a lake but also about teamwork, asking for help, and the ripple effect that one small act of kindness can have.

Dilly Duck Saves the Day teaches an essential lesson about the harm bread can cause ducks. Children (and adults) need to understand that ducks forage for their food naturally. Dilly is a lovable character, and her determination to help her friends is inspiring and heartwarming. Park ranger Roy adds humor with his quirky personality, making the story even more enjoyable. The vibrant illustrations by Pradyut and Pratyush Chatterjee are full of life, perfectly complementing the soothing, rhyming narrative. Children will be captivated by the colorful pages, and the gentle rhythm of the text makes it an ideal read-aloud book. Holly DiBella-McCarthy perfectly blends fun and education into a book that should be in every elementary classroom. The concept of environmental care is skillfully crafted into a delightful read. It's a story that will leave a lasting impression on young minds, teaching them that even small actions can make a big difference in the world. Dilly Duck Saves the Day is an excellent addition to a child’s bookshelf. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Petunia the Perfectionist is a children's picture book written by Marissa Bader with illustrations by Ellie Beykzadeh. It tells the story of Petunia, a young girl who is obsessed with perfection. Her pursuit of perfection leaves her with no time for fun and takes away all the spontaneity in her life as she tries to avoid making mistakes. When her classmates and friends start calling her a perfectionist, she looks up the word and discusses it with her mother. Her mother reminds her that making mistakes is important for learning and growth, but Petunia is convinced she needs to be perfect. However, when she makes a mistake that inspires everyone, including herself, she begins to understand that it is okay to make mistakes and that imperfections are part of being human.

Petunia the Perfectionist is a delightful children's book that addresses the important themes of self-acceptance and the value of imperfection. Petunia's journey to understanding that mistakes are a natural part of being human is relatable and engaging for readers of all ages. The book teaches children to embrace their uniqueness as well as that of others. Marissa Bader explains that striving for perfection can have positive and negative consequences. With adorable, colorful illustrations and a relatable protagonist, this book is sure to resonate with young readers and help them develop a more positive attitude toward imperfection. The gentle and reassuring tone of the narration makes it an excellent tool for parents and educators to help kids develop a positive self-image and a growth mindset, celebrating the beauty of imperfection along the way.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Legend of the Serpent Witch by F.P. LaRue begins with Ollie, a twelve-year-old boy who begins noticing strange items and marks in the woods near his school, which could be linked to recent child disappearances. Along with his friends, Mellie and Scotty, he investigates and discovers a connection to a witch named Hagatha, who has been luring children to their deaths. As they dig deeper, they meet a boy named Adrian who was trapped for years by Hagatha and reveals that she uses children’s innocence to maintain her youth. The group learns of her ongoing attempts to trap more children, but the worst comes when Scotty disappears, leading to an epic confrontation to free Scotty and prevent more children from falling into her trap.

The Legend of the Serpent Witch by F.P. LaRue is a great mix of mystery, adventure, and supernatural suspense in a middle-grade reading package. The 'malevolent witch in the woods' angle isn't new, but LaRue makes it feel fresh with writing that is textured and atmospheric, perfectly introducing the chills factor as the pages turn. The pacing is tight, keeping readers on edge as the group confronts increasingly eerie phenomena. LaRue gives us ominous smoke, unusual symbols, and the kid-lit pièce de résistance: creepies, crawlies, and snakes! My youngest reader and I both thought having Ollie's point of view in the first person was brilliant, and his curiosity and courage are drivers for all that transpires. With its easy mix of folklore, magic, and suspense, this addition to the Scary Shivers Mysteries series is a win. Very highly recommended.