Review: Frankie and Friends: The Big Protest

Title: Frankie and Friends: The Big Protest
Author: Christine Platt, Alea Marley (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Walker Books US
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: May 7, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Young reporter Frankie and her news crew of beloved toys learn why and how people protest as this engaging series continues.

There’s breaking news on TV at Frankie’s house—a protest to demand justice! Frankie’s mama, a journalist, gets a call to cover the story, and Frankie wants to do her own reporting, too. But what isa protest, exactly, and why do people do it? Along with her news crew, including Farrah the doll, Dan the teddy bear, and Nina the cat, Frankie prepares a feature story by doing research and conducting interviews with Papa and big sister Raven. And when the toys decide to have their own protest in support of the local movement, Frankie is on the scene to help make signs, march, and, of course, get the scoop! In this latest installment of the winning series, Frankie explores big ideas like racial injustice and activism with her supportive family and learns more about journalism in the process. Young newshounds will learn along with Frankie through all-caps vocabulary terms and a glossary at the back.

Review:

This story is a great way to teach children about protests and activism. There are so many protests about important human rights these days. It could be difficult to open that topic with children so they are aware of what’s going on in the world, but not give them so many details that it scares or traumatizes them. In this story, Frankie saw a protest on the news which inspired her to make her own news report about a protest. This was a safe way for her to learn about and experience a protest of her own. 

Frankie and Friends: The Big Protest is a great early chapter book for young readers!

Thank you Walker Books US for sending me a copy of this book!

Other books in the series:

Have you read Frankie and Friends: The Big Protest? What did you think of it?

Review: Beyblade X, Vol. 1

Title: Beyblade X, Vol. 1
Author: Homura Kawamoto, Hikaru Muno, Posuka Demizu
Genre: Manga, Young Adult
Publisher: Viz Media
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Who will rise to the top of The X in the ultimate Beyblade showdown?!

Bladers are ready to battle it out! They’ve set their sights on the top of The X tower and prepare to fight their way to victory. With new technology and powerful opponents entering the arena, Beyblades are pushed to their extremes as they race through a new era.

Amateur Blader Robin Kazami is left without a team after a crushing defeat. Things start to look up when he runs into former Beyblade champion Jaxon Cross, who is on his own journey to fight back to the top of The X tower under the alias “Blader X.” This unlikely duo teams up and vows to rise to the top of Beyblade!

Review:

This was such a fun manga! It’s about kids who compete in Beyblade tournaments. I didn’t play with Beyblades much as a kid, but a lot of my friends did. This book reminded me of playing during recess in elementary school. I think this book will make adult readers nostalgic and introduce young readers to the game!

Beyblade X, Vol. 1 is a great YA manga!

Thank you Viz Media and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read Beyblade X, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot

Title: Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot
Author: Isaac Rudansky
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Contemporary
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

In a world where fiction is forbidden and truth is a matter of life and death, one young boy must write a story to save humanity . . .

When his father is abducted by a mysterious figure, twelve-year-old Georgie Summers is thrown into the adventure of a lifetime. Georgie’s journey takes him to Scatterplot, a hidden realm where Scribes record human memories to safeguard the truth. But when the evil Flint Eldritch threatens to corrupt those memories and plunge the world into chaos, Georgie must team up with an unlikely group of friends to stop him. As the journey grows increasingly dangerous, Georgie realizes that only he holds the key to defeating Eldritch and saving not just his father . . . but every mind on Earth.

Will Georgie be able to wield the power of the Aetherquill to save his father and protect everyone he loves, or will Eldritch rewrite history itself? In Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot, author Isaac Rudansky spins an exhilarating tale of strength, determination, and the power of friendship to lift you from the depths of loneliness and despair.

Review:

This book is a great middle grade fantasy! The world of the scribes and Scatterplot had magic that centered around reading and writing. I think kids who love reading will love this world. The ending was really shocking, so I hope there will be a sequel to clear things up!

There’s a special Crack the Code Challenge, where readers are invited to figure out the secret code hidden within the book. When readers find the clue to decipher the alphabet chart in the front of the book, they can crack the code and send in the message for a chance to win weekly prizes! This challenge is only available on the limited first print run of hardcovers.

Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot is a fun and fast-paced middle grade fantasy!

Thank you Isaac Rudansky and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, missing parent, memory loss, fire, violence

Have you read Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot? What did you think of it?

Review: Dinosaurs

Title: Dinosaurs
Author: Taffy Tales
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: August 21, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

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Synopsis:

Embark on a prehistoric adventure! This captivating chunky board book, adorned with interactive die-cut pages, invites young explorers to journey to prehistoric times and encounter a delightful array of dinosaurs. From the towering T. rex to the speedy Velociraptor, each page unveils a new Jurassic surprise. Bursting with vibrant illustrations and engaging text, Dinosaurs is a delightful celebration of these ancient creatures that will spark curiosity and promote language development. Watch as your little one’s imagination soars alongside these magnificent creatures in a colorful and lively title that promises endless joy and learning.

Review:

Dinosaurs is a board book with lots of fun facts about dinosaurs. The illustrations were vibrantly coloured, which will appeal to young kids. There were so many dinosaurs included. I hadn’t heard of most of them. There’s a QR code at the back that leads to a pronunciation guide for the names of the dinosaurs, which will be helpful when reading aloud to kids!

Dinosaurs is a great board book for early readers!

Thank you Taffy Tales and Bookinfluencers.com for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read Dinosaurs? What did you think of it?

Review: Blast From the Past (The Raccoons)

Title: Blast From the Past (The Raccoons)
Author: Chris McGuire
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Candy Jar Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“I’m coming to give you what you deserve!” One fine day in the Evergreen Forest, Cyril Sneer gets a letter from his former business partner…

Yes, Karl Snarl is on his way to get even with Cyril! He’s mean. He’s greedy. He’s grumpy. And he has lovely handwriting (but that’s not strictly relevant). But all Sneer’s henchpigs know for sure is that Karl Snarl must be one seriously scary character, especially if Cyril’s terrified of him!

Time to man the defences! But will they be enough if Snarl huffs and puffs and blows their mansion down?

Oh, and Bert Raccoon intends to use a helicopter to deliver newspapers around the Evergreen Forest.

But surely nothing can go wrong with that, can it?

Review:

This is another great book in the Raccoons series. It was exciting and funny! I love the inclusion of QR codes that lead to videos about the series. There’s even a scene that you can watch as you read along with it. There’s also a fun crossword puzzle at the end of the book that I think kids will love!

Blast From the Past is a great book for young readers!

Thank you Candy Jar Books for sending me a copy of this book!

Other books in the series:

Have you read Blast From the Past? What did you think of it?

Review: The Reunion

Title: The Reunion
Author: Beth Reekles
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: W by Wattpad Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Ten years after graduating, the class of 2014 are back at Tisdale Comprehensive for the reunion, packed into a school gym full of familiar faces – and plenty of new secrets.MOST LIKELY TO END UP TOGETHER – Shaun and Steph were each other’s first love. Now, they’re settled and planning the perfect wedding – to other people. Could reconnecting spark a new romance?MOST LIKELY TO BECOME FAMOUS – Bryony was supposed to travel the world, rule the West End, have a dazzling career as a TV actress… Now, she’s a drama teacher who’s exaggerated her whole life on Instagram, and is desperate to save face.MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED – Hayden was told he’d achieve great things, like be on the cover of TIME, win a Nobel prize… or, the accolade his daughters just awarded World’s Best Dad. Is it too late for him to turn things around, and more importantly, does he even want to?MOST LIKELY TO KILL EACH OTHER – Ashleigh was an A* student, and Ryan the star of the school rugby team. After years of putting each other down, they left school each convinced they would have the better life. Now, that old rivalry finds them drawn back together in a new, intoxicating way – one they’re both determined to hide.With an evening of power cuts, fire alarms, sneaking off to explore classrooms in the dark, stolen kisses and heated fights – it’s like they never left at all.

Review:

This story follows 6 friends at their 10 year high school reunion. They were each voted as a “Most Likely To…” at the end of high school, but none of them fit the person who they have become. It’s hard to believe in the moment during high school that we won’t be the same person 10 years later. We think we’ll be that same teenager once we’re an adult, but we change a lot. There were some funny and unexpected moments in this story that made it a fun read!

The Reunion is a great story!

Thank you Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read The Reunion? What did you think of it?

Review: Brunt and Eggbert

Title: Brunt and Eggbert
Author: Jeff Dorrill, Ángeles Peinador
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Blue Balloon Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

With each passing day, they were learning new things, growing into their roles as father and son, monster and boy, and overcoming the challenges of living in both the human world and the monster world.

Brunt is a kind and intelligent but scary-looking monster who loves gardening. Eggbert is an orphaned boy with an unusual assortment of skills that he has learned from the kindness of strangers while longing for a family of his own. After a chance encounter in the woods, both monster and boy learn to look beyond appearances, discover the true meaning of family, and rejoice in the rewarding experience of caring for and protecting another—despite the treacherous obstacles that exist by virtue of having to live in both the human world and the monster world.

Brunt and Eggbert is an action-packed and heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship and chosen family. Full of colorful, lovable, and creative but imperfect characters, this unconventional children’s story unfolds over the course of eight parts, each one its own adventure. Throughout cozy cooking sessions and daring escapes, Jeff Dorrill’s wit and Ángeles Peinador’s vivid illustrations will entertain young readers and parents alike from the days of bedtime stories to the early years of independent reading. Equal parts adventure, humor, and heart, Brunt and Eggbert is sure to find its place beside the many beloved classics of our childhood memories.

Review:

This is a sweet picture book that teaches kids that appearances aren’t always what they seem. Brunt was a monster who lived in the forest and people were scared of his appearance. However, once Eggbert got to know him, he knew Brunt was a special creature who he wanted to stay with. Though Brunt and Eggbert had to go through some hard situations, they had a happy ending together!

Brunt and Eggbert is a cute children’s picture book!

Thank you Blue Balloon Books for providing a digital copy of this book!

Have you read Brunt and Eggbert? What did you think of it?

Review: Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell, Vol. 1

Title: Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell, Vol. 1
Author: Unfins
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: November 5, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Hapless teenager Paul summons Astaroth, a Great Duke of Hell, to help him get a date with a girl in this devilishly funny fan-favorite WEBTOON comic.

The girl of your dreams barely knows you exist. Your friends can’t help. Your family is clueless. So where do you turn for love advice? Who can provide you with that essential assistance for the lovelorn? If you’re an average everyday teenager like Paul, you summon a powerful demon from the deep recesses of Hell, and frankly, hope for the best.

The demon in question is the Great Duke Astaroth, ruler of thirty legions of bloodthirsty hell creatures, powerful enough to raze cities to the ground. And now he finds himself on the mortal plane, compelled…to give a hapless kid dating advice?

In summoning Astaroth, Paul has set off a chaotic series of events. The Great Duke of Hell stands ready to claim Paul’s soul in less than a week, no matter how silly their bargain. Paul’s magic accidentally alerted the agents of the Holy Order, a group dedicated to protecting the world from the forces of evil, that something infernal is afoot. Paul’s sister Juliet, flabbergasted to find a demon in her home, has run away to hire an exorcist.

Plus, Paul’s dad is hiding something. And so is Elena, the object of all of Paul’s affection and the reason for all his complicated scheming.

But who ever said true love was easy?

This volume collects Season 1, Part 1 of the WEBTOON comic Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell.

Review:

This is a funny graphic novel. Teenager Paul summons a great Duke of Hell to help him attract the girl of his dreams. The Duke is shocked because he’s usually summoned for much darker tasks, and he doesn’t know where to start with this task. This made for many funny scenes. There were a couple of side plots that I hope will be explored more in the next volume!

Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell is a fun graphic novel!

Thank you Wattpad Books and Webtoon Unscrolled for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell? What did you think of it?

Review: Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 1

Title: Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 1
Author: LambCat
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Meet Gwendolyn – living proof that princesses don’t always have it all. See, although she lives in a castle and her father is the King, Gwendolyn isn’t like a movie princess, or even a fairly-tale princess. She’s got a big heart, but isn’t particularly attractive and doesn’t have a Disney-quality singing voice. But one night, she accidentally stumbles upon the twisted world of the Cursed Princess Club, and her life will never be the same. Hexed and cast out, the ladies of the club are just the people Gwendolyn needs to show her that just because she doesn’t “fit the mold” does not mean she’s any less of a princess.

[Episodes 1-29]

Review:

Cursed Princess Club is a hilarious graphic novel! This story showed that appearances can be deceiving. The youngest sister, Gwendolyn, wasn’t as glamorous as her older sisters, but she was the kindest and most thoughtful. Since she wasn’t as pretty as her sisters, her suitor didn’t want to be with her as soon as he saw her, instead of getting to know her first. There were many laugh out loud moments in this story, especially with some unfortunate misunderstandings. I’m so excited to continue reading this series!

Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 1 is a funny graphic novel!

Other books in the series:

  • Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 2
  • Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 3
  • Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 4

Have you read Cursed Princess Club, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?