Two Spring Releases: Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy and The World's Worst Time Machine

  Here two finished copies of spring releases that I was able to read this week. 

Doggo and Pupper and the Search for Cozy

by Katherine Applegate

Illustrated by Charlie Alder

Expected publication March 28, 2023

Feiwell and Friends 

Hardcover

96 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

In Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy — the conclusion to the Doggo and Pupper early readers trilogy by New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate with a brightly colored palette from Charlie Alder — the canines help Cat adjust to a big change: A new bed!

When Cat announces that the Humans have given her a surprise present, Doggo and Pupper are all ears. But when they find out that Cat has a new bed and misses her old one, they set out to help her search for cozy.

Change is difficult, and Katherine Applegate understands how it feels to miss a beloved source of security. Very young readers will relate to Doggo, Pupper, and Cat, and appreciate their friendship and empathy.

My Thoughts
This was the first book I have read in this series. It is adorable and I am sure kids love it already. The full color illustrations add another layer of appeal. I am always searching for short books with lower reading levels that don't seem too young. I would suggest this book for grades 1-3 as an independent read and K-2 as a read aloud. 

World's Worst Time Machine

by Dustin Brady

Illustrated by Dave Bardin

Expected Publication April 25, 2023

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Hardcover

192 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

From best-selling author, Dustin Brady comes a new illustrated novel series perfect for fans who love funny, unexpected adventures and wacky plot twists.

For kids, life can be boring, but Liam and Elsa know how to create their own fun—or so they think. After finding a $3 time machine at a garage sale, Liam uses the machine to summon Thomas Edison for help with his book report. It's not until the time machine sends a different Thomas Edison from the 1930s that chaos ensues.

World's Worst Time Machine is the newest series from best-selling children's book author, Dustin Brady. Using his signature style, Brady's laugh-out-loud sense of humor and daring adventure will keep even the most reluctant reader wanting to turn the page.

My Thoughts

If you like fast-paced events with some silliness and a bit of chaos mixed in, this is the book for you. It is described as an illustrated novel, but in my opinion, it could use lots more illustrations for the intended audience. I would lean toward 5th grade and middle school for this one. 

Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

By Steve Sheinkin

Illustrated by Nick Bertozzi

Published January, 2023

Roaring Brook Press

Paperback

Nonfiction

Graphic Novel

256 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary

A riveting graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning nonfiction book, Bomb —the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War.

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.

New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin's award-winning nonfiction book is now available reimagined in the graphic novel format. Full color illustrations from Nick Bertozzi are detailed and enriched with the nonfiction expertise Nick brings to the story as a beloved artist, comic book writer, and commercial illustrator who has written a couple of his own historical graphic novels, including Shackleton and Lewis & Clark.

Accessible, gripping, and educational, this new edition of Bomb is perfect for young readers and adults alike.

 

My Thoughts

I have to say that I really enjoy reading nonfiction graphic novels. I read the original novel when it first came out several years ago and enjoyed it very much. Bertozzi took the original story and created a riveting graphic novel version that will have wide appeal.  Students who found the original denser text intimidating will be able to access this new version. The detailed illustrations give the feel of an old comic and darker coloring make the reader believe they are in the 1940's. 

Bomb will make a great addition to any middle school or high school collection. 

See What Others Have to Say About This Book:

School Library Journal

Kirkus

Evergreen by Matthew Cordell

Evergreen 

by Matthew Cordell

Published Feb. 2023

Feiwel Friends 

Hardcover

Picture Book

Fiction

48 pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A picture book by Caldecott medal winner Matt Cordell about a timid squirrel who makes a brave journey to help a relative who is ill.

Evergreen the squirrel is afraid of many things: thunder, hawks, and the dark paths of Buckthorn Forest. But when her mother tasks Evergreen with delivering soup to her sick Granny Oak, the little squirrel must face her fears and make the journey.

Along the way, Evergreen is met by other forest dwellers – some want to help her, but some want her mother’s delicious soup! It’s up to Evergreen to stay the course, and those who help her will surprise and delight young readers.

Using an art style reminiscent of the work of William Steig and Arnold Lobel, Matthew Cordell creates a classic tale of bravery and love.

My Thoughts

I would describe Evergreen as a new book with a classic feel. Evergreen is a sweet character that students will fall in love with. They will also relate to her fears and her bravery in doing hard things. 

Readers will get treated to an adventure story that is longer than most picture books (48 pages). But the length feels appropriate for all  Evergreen needs to do. Divided into 6 sections, this story could be read in one longer sitting or over multiple days. It will appeal most to students in K-3. 

Evergreen offers opportunities to have rich discussions about fear and bravery. Readers can also explore character feelings, traits and character changes over time, and the various roles of minor supporting characters. 

I love Matthew Cordell's unique illustration style. It is on full display in this new book. He has chosen muted earth tones which is what I think gives it a classic feel reminiscent of Frog and Toad. 

Image obtained from https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250317179/evergreen 

I will be happy to add this new adventure story to my school library.