Blog Tour: Sox in a Sizzle by Sara Semple

Sox in a Sizzle by Sara Semple  

Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
Publication Date:  October 30, 2025

 

About the Book:

“Why fit in when you were made to stand out?”

Sox is a microbe. One day, he trips and is catapulted into a human body. He bumps into Nova, or rather, Nova crashes into him! Nova says strange things, making Sox feel confused. Soon, the mysterious Bammies start chasing them. It all sends Sox into a sizzle!

Join Sox in an adventure with crashes, chases, sizzles and giggles along the way.

Rating: 

Sox in a Sizzle is a children's book about Sox, who from the synopsis, we learn is a microbe. We are thrown into a story of Sox falling into something and then being confused, taking things literally, and then meeting some new friends. 

The illustrations are charming. Sox is a light purple spikey ball shape and wears some amazingly long and fashionable socks, offering a fun dose of whimsical but also cause them some issues. The background images are watercolor explosions of pastels that are a bit on the abstract, so they are visually appealing but also grab your attention. Each spread has a page of short text next to a fun image of the scene being set.

While visually very pretty, I found the overall story a bit confusing. We really don't learn what Sox is, or where they are from the story itself. Luckily, the synopsis shares that information. I am also not sure how well younger readers will grasp the idea of a microbe, and further explanation will likely be required from the parental readers on this one. I think it could be a great learning opportunity for parents and young readers, but feel like the story itself lacks in that way. 

Where I think the story excels is through its creativity. It creates fun and new types of characters for children to read about and ask questions about. I appreciated that it was a quick read, and full expect that these characters are going to get up to fun things in later books (should they come). The text was fun to read and I think readers will enjoy the rhyming throughout. 

Overall, this was a cute and inventive story with a lot of charm, even if some parts left me wanting more clarity. I think young readers will enjoy the characters and playfulness of the story. 

About the Author:

I am an autistic creative artist based in North Yorkshire, UK. I was nonspeaking
until aged 15 and developed a passion for reading from a young age. Books were both my escape and connection with the world.

My background is in mental health nursing. I then retrained and completed a diploma in Art & Design and a BA Fine Art degree. Leading on to be a freelance artist.

I have set up art and wellbeing groups in a broad range of community and hospital settings. I have also been involved with delivering post diagnostic support for adults with a late diagnosis of autism.

My son was diagnosed with autism at age 5. I remember it creating a sense of complete isolation for both of us, at that time. Not being in contact with any other adults or children who understood.

Sox in a Sizzle, is the first of what I envision will be a series of books of short, fun, playful stories with neurodivergent characters at its core. I created this realm with the hope that young readers can step into, relate and connect with it.

We are all different and unique in our own way. I believe it’s important to celebrate and accept difference. To be happy with who we are, has a huge impact on our health.

When not creating, I find much joy in live music, getting out walking in nature, and being inspired to try reading new authors at my book group.

Find the Author

Facebook | Instagram