Early Reader Review: Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham 
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: March 31, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An inspiring modern fairy tale about a brave girl who shrinks and grows depending on how she feels, showing how all of us—no matter our size—are so much bigger than our fears. From Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning author Laurel Snyder and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.

Violet knows what it’s like to be when you’re afraid, you feel helpless and small. But when Violet is afraid, she doesn’t just feel small—she actually shrinks! It’s tough to stop feeling frightened when you’re only a few centimeters tall. But when Violet’s best friend is in danger, she’ll have to learn to deal with her fear in a new way—and save the day in the process.

Shrinking Violet is a beautifully illustrated story about fear and bravery for anyone who has ever felt scared and small. Readers will root for Violet as she finds her voice, stands up for her friend, and, most importantly, discovers the tremendous power of her own inner strength.

BIG Feeling small and afraid is a universally relatable experience. The shrinking metaphor at the core of Violet’s story will resonate deeply with young readers and demonstrate that being (or feeling!) small isn’t a weakness—it’s normal and completely okay.

EMPOWERING Violet is a strong female character who solves her own problems by learning to control and ultimately accept her feelings. Her story will feel familiar and wonderfully relatable to kids, and Violet is a positive role model in whom all young readers (especially girls!) can see themselves represented.

Review: 

I watched the Chronicle Spring Preview and listened to Laurel and LeUyen talk about this modern fairy tale and the process. They shared so much beauty and enthusiasm for the project. 

The book is about Violet, who shrinks when she is scared and anxious. Living in a castle along with her friend Bird. One day Bird doesn't come home and Violet is worried, so she sets off a very scary adventure to find them.  

The words and paintings evoke so much emotion, the book is really beautiful and so perfect. It really is a lovely book about feeling small both emotionally and physically in Violet's case and having to overcome those feelings and be brave for others and herself. It was a great story of bravery and confronting your fears but also a lovely representation of anxiety and how it feels all encompassing. 

The illustrations/ paintings were so vibrant and whimsical but also pulled in that feeling of 'oh no' when Violet was experiencing it... it also was a great visual representation of taking a breath and stepping back in order to feel more comfortable and I think that parents will enjoy that teachable moment. 

I think both Laurel and LeUyen did such a great job with this one and it is a perfect modern fairy tale for readers young and old. I think all readers will enjoy this one and feel empowered after reading it. 

Building the Book Pile #514 - Sunday Night Edition

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Sunday Evening!

I hope you had a great week. 

📚📚I have had a pretty good reading week, so I am happy about that. 📚📚

I am feeling much better and my partner still has a cough but is functional again - that head cold was rough! 

Work was busy but not overly stressful, I had a handful of meetings, some student advising appointments, working on the calendar for the 26-27 season, and felt so productive. 

It is starting to warm up a little bit here in NH, but there is ❄snow❄ in the forecast still. I am hoping it is only a dusting and nothing substantial. 

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Early Reader Review: Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Youth) 

Blog Tour - Review: Between the Pages and the Rink by Meadow Thompson (Adult)

Recent Reads: Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey (Youth)

NEXT WEEK - 

 

Early Reader Review: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss (YA)

Early Reader Review: When You're Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim (MG)

Books Received Recently...  

 

Bought - 

Throttled by Lauren Asher

Reviews and Such

Blog Tour: Review - A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson (Adult) - ⭐⭐⭐

Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke (Youth)⭐⭐⭐⭐

Early Reader Review: House of Spells & Secrets by Ivy Cassidy (Adult) -  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke

Source: From Netgalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World by Cornelia Funke, Illustrated by Ruby Warnecke

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 31, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From beloved, bestselling author Cornelia Funke comes a bright and bold introduction to the world’s extraordinary creatures—perfect for the youngest readers.

Also available in Spanish: Seres fabulosos.

Dragons, unicorns, and thunderbirds are only a few of the fabulous creatures young children will meet in this book!

In this bright and bold introduction to fantastical and magical animals from around the globe, bestselling and celebrated fantasy author Cornelia Funke and illustrator Ruby Warnecke invite children into the fabulous world of myth and legend.

Review: 

This was such a fun and enchanting book about fantastical animals from around the world. I really enjoyed the full-spread illustrations. The artwork is vibrant and fun, and even the smallest background details are whimsical and entertaining (little snails with wings!). The creatures truly take center stage in each spread, and the illustrations give them a bold, magical presence.

The descriptions are just long enough without being overbearing. They are informative, which makes the book easy and enjoyable to read for all ages. I especially appreciated the author’s personal opinions sprinkled throughout the facts that she pulled in. Those little commentary moments made the book feel less technical and more like you’re being guided by someone who genuinely loves these myths and legends.

While I absolutely loved the artwork, what I enjoyed most was learning about all the fascinating creatures. Of course, it includes well-known ones like the unicorn, but I loved that the author shared additional facts about unicorns in different cultures. Even better were the creatures I’d never heard of before, like the Tarand, which was completely new to me and interesting to learn about.

This children's book was a delightful mix of beautiful visuals and captivating folklore. The fact that it’s available in multiple languages also makes it accessible to a wider audience. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, magical creatures, or simply enjoys imaginative and beautifully illustrated children's books.

Early Reader Review: House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  March 24, 2026 

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When three sisters return to the house that holds their forgotten legacy, the walls whisper of magic, betrayal, and the secrets their mother never told them.

A sweeping story of resilience, magic, and sisterhood perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Heather Webber, and Sarah Addison Allen.

Rowan Connors has lived a fragmented, nomadic life with her triplet sisters, Saoirse and Caraline. Reeling from the sudden drowning of their erratic and secretive mother, Bridget, they uncover an old photograph of her standing in front of a manor they don’t recognize–and a final request scrawled on the back of the picture. The sisters set off to find answers to the questions they've always had about their mother's past, the place she once called home, and their own magical gifts. 

They arrive to find Swallow Hall sinking into the bay, and their grandmother, Everly, living alone within its dilapidated walls. But the house is more than crumbling brick and weathered stone. It breathes with magic, bound to the land and to the bloodline the sisters never knew they carried. As they settle into the house and the mystery of their family history deepens, they uncover  a hidden enemy tied to the magic of their ancestral line. With every discovery, Rowan begins to suspect that her mother's drowning was no accident, but part of a much older, more dangerous plan set in motion long before they were born.

As the shadows of the past creep back into Swallow Hall and Everly disappears, Rowan must confront whatever forced Bridget to flee Swallow Hall before the house, its secrets, and the magic of their bloodline are erased forever.

Readers looking for emotional sibling bonds and the ancestral mysteries of Nora Roberts’ The Inheritance will resonate with this stunning read.

Review: 

House of Spells and Secrets is a magical fantasy that weaves together themes of legacy, hidden truths, and the power of connection. Rowan and her sisters, Caraline and Saoirse, are unexpectedly pulled back to the childhood home of their mother; one they didn't even know existed. To find a magical, kind of creepy and chaotic house and their grandmother who is trying to keep it all together. Somehow they have been called back to this place and the magic of Swallow Hall alongside the power within them is now all or nothing. 

The story follows Rowan, the youngest triplet, whose unusual ability sets her apart. She often feels like the odd one out and has trouble connecting with non-family because of her gift. Her sisters had very tangible gifts - cooking and herbalism, that obviously help others, whereas Rowan's tasting of intent is strange and often unhelpful in comparison. 

I liked the character development of Rowan as the book progresses, not only does she have to find herself, so to speak, but she also has to accept herself. She has to come to terms with her magic being important and also that she is very much connected to her sisters. The evolving bond between Rowan and her sisters reinforces the story's core, that they are strongest together. 

The plot carries a steady sense of mystery, and the atmosphere is particularly well done. The grandmother, the unpredictable magic of Swallow Hall, and even the ever-present swallows add a layer of charm and strangeness that brings the setting to life. While the ending feels a bit rushed and somewhat predictable, the overall reading experience is immersive and will be especially suited for a rainy spring afternoon or a gloomy fall day, when the eerie tone can fully settle in.

Overall, this was an entertaining, witchy take on the haunted house story, with a strong emphasis on sisterhood and family. I think readers of mystery and with a love for that witchy, eerie vibe will like this one. 

Blog Tour - Review: A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson

A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson 

Series: Rowan Bay #2
Publisher: ChocLit
Publication Date:  March 18, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


About the Book

❤️  Enemies-to-lovers

❤️  Second-chance

❤️  Small-town

❤️  Forced Proximity

❤️  New beginnings 

After losing the career she built her life around, Flora Fraser retreats to her grandmother’s lakeside cottage in Rowan Bay for the summer.

Rowan Bay offers peace, kindness . . . and Brodie Robertson.

Brodie is infuriatingly self-assured, impossibly charming, and far too rooted in village life to fit into Flora’s temporary plans. Their first encounters spark with friction — and he always seems to be around when things go wrong.

For Flora, it can’t get worse — until she and Brodie find themselves working together. What begins as a battle of wills slowly deepens into attraction, one that becomes harder to resist with every day.

As summer unfolds, mornings spent swimming in the loch, evenings filled with laughter and long walks under starry skies, begin to heal parts of Flora she thought she’d lost. Rowan Bay feels less like a refuge — and more like home.

But Flora has always believed her stay to be temporary. And Brodie belongs here.

When the time comes for Flora to leave, both must decide whether this was simply a fleeting escape — or the beginning of something that could last beyond one perfect summer.

Rating:

This book was both enjoyable but a bit slow for me in the pacing department. The story follows Flora, who heads to her grandmother’s home in Rowan Bay for the summer after losing her job. Her plan to be there for a summer reset slowly shifts when she meets Brodie, the local handyman who seems to help everyone in the village and also volunteers with the loch rescue squad. Their relationship builds gradually as the summer unfolds, creating a sweet, slow-burn romance.

The romance itself was heartwarming and charming, but I struggled a bit to fully connect with the characters. Both Flora and Brodie felt somewhat underdeveloped. There were moments where they seemed to realize important things about themselves but instead of being explored more deeply, they were glossed over pretty quickly. So, I found it a little hard to fully lose myself in the story.

That said, the overall vibe of the book was very cozy. I enjoyed the scenes of Flora helping her grandmother and settling into summer life in Rowan Bay. The other villagers were great additions to the story, and the quieter moments with Iris added warmth to the story. All of this made the setting feel comforting and inviting. The romance is definitely on the sweeter side, with a friendly slow-burn and closed-door/off-page spice.

One thing that did catch me off guard was the inclusion of a POV storyline from Grandma Iris. While I enjoyed it, it felt a bit unexpected in the middle of a romance focused on Flora and Brodie, and it also kind of broke me out of the story whenever it popped in. I otherwise liked the dual POV from Flora and Brodie overall.

This is the second book in a series, and I didn’t read the first installment, so it’s possible there were some connections or character background that I was missing, so some things might be missing the mark for me because of that. Overall, it was a cozy and pleasant read and definitely put me in the mood for some summer sunshine and warmth. 

About the Author

Ellie Henderson lives near the sea on the east coast of Scotland and is a regular visitor to the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. When she's not writing she runs creative workshops in the community. Ellie also writes psychological fiction under the name Lorna Henderson.

Find the Author

Facebook | Instagram | X | Website

Building the Book Pile #513 - Happy Spring (?)

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Sunday!

I hope you had a great week. It has been uneventful here, which is good.  I got my partner sick though and I feel bad about it. Whatever is going around is a horrible head cold and it was rough. 

As far as reading goes - I have been slower lately... I think I am getting a little burnt out, but hoping to get some done today 🙃 It is sleeting/snowing again and we are going to relax today ... so Happy Spring (LOL)!! 

How are you? What are you reading? How do you get out of reading slumps?

Linked up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Blog Tour: Review - A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke (Youth)

Early Reader Review: House of Spells & Secrets by Ivy Cassidy (Adult)

NEXT WEEK - 

Early Reader Review: Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Youth) 

Blog Tour - Review: Between the Pages and the Rink by Meadow Thompson

Books Received Recently...  

 

Used Audible Credits on - 

  

The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic & Murder by Kiri Callaghan (in the BOGO)

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (in the BOGO)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

From Booktrovert - 

 

Eternal is the Night by Alayna Ravenwood

Wretched Mage by J. B. Pinheiro

Reviews and Such

Early Reader Review: Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina (Youth) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spotlight: Landslide by Betty Culley (MG)

Early Reader Review: Finding Joy by Anika Toro (Art, Poetry, Adult) [w/giveaway] - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Early Reader Review w/ Giveaway!: Finding Joy by Anika Toro

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Finding Joy by Anika Toro 

Publisher: Meerkat Press
Publication Date: March 17, 2026

 

Meerkat Press | Bookshop.org

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Discover the magic of serendipity and artistic exploration in "Finding Joy"! This mixed media art book takes selections from nine different copies of the same book, showcasing Anika's transformative and playful approach to the original text.

Each page spread uses hand-selected text, left unaltered from its original position. Through a process of erasure and blackout, Anika redacts everything except a newly found message, thought, idea, or poem, without adding any new text. Analog collages, paint, photography, embroidery, and more celebrate unique narratives, exploring creativity, spontaneity, and the profound moments that emerge from reimagining existing ideas. 

Above all, Anika believes that creating should be fun! She hopes this book is a testament to the delight in making and that in exploring this book, you too find a bit of inspiration on your own path to joy.

Review: 

Finding Joy is a mixed media art book that takes selections from "An Invitation to Joy" and uses erasure or blackout to recreate. With art and poetry, Toro creates a cool concept that incites happiness.  Not something I would normally pick up, but was happily surprised by it. 

Here are a few of my thoughts from the read-through:

• I loved the concept of reimagining an older work and transforming it onto something entirely new through erasure and blackout. It felt creative and meaningful. 
• The erasure on some was also art itself not just a vehicle for words but part of the overall visual storytelling.
• The vibrant pages made the entire experience feel alive and joyful
• Sometimes the word paths were a bit hard to follow, this might have been because of the e-ARC, I have not seen a finished copy to check.
• I enjoyed the fun images added throughout with the poems, especially one that was "it is square lines with trees" it felt so whimsical and fun. Collages and images were immersive and added a lot to the text. 
• I appreciated the moments that leaned less abstract and more literal. Like the image of her on a horse paired with text about being on a horse. Those instances made me pause, giggle, and shake my head in the best way.

Overall, Finding Joy was a creative, vibrant, and unexpectedly delightful read that truly lives up to its name. While not my normal type of read, I am so glad that I took a chance on it.

 

About the Author

Anika Toro is a ____________ artist, lover of ____________, and a self-proclaimed ___________! Her award-winning ____________ can be found on the walls of ____________throughout the world and has been displayed in ____________, as well as on the walls of ____ and in the ______________ museum of art.

She resides in East ___________ with her musical __________, clever teenage _________, and the very adorable_______ known as “Pilgy”. When she’s not immersed in her studio, Anika enjoys ________, _________, and ____________ all of which bring her endless inspiration and make it a challenge to leave the house.

Although not on social media, Anika would love to hear from you! Please send any jokes, questions, or requests via _________ or by mail. She believes that genuine connection and shared creativity can only make the world a better place!

MEERKAT PRESS $25 GIFT CARD

Spotlight: Landslide by Betty Culley

Just in time for Earth Day in April comes a "gripping middle grade novel and conversation starter about environmental peril and familial love."

 

Landslide by Betty Culley 
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date: March 10, 2026

Pages: 208 pages

 

About the Book:

Nathan Savage has always been fascinated by anything that moves, and he sees movement others don’t usually notice. But what he sees now out of his living room window sets off major alarm bells. The massive landfill across the road is gradually shifting and moving every day and could be heading toward a catastrophic landslide. The more Nathan watches the landfill, the more worried he becomes. As his dad continues to go to work driving the compactor that squishes the garbage into smaller piles, Nathan begins to wonder what will happen to his father if he doesn’t act soon. But how does a ten-year old boy stop the force of nature? In this fascinating and fast-paced story, Culley exposes kids to plenty of garbage, and the natural and environmental impact country landfills have on local towns.

Inspired by the true events of the 1989 Norridgewock, Maine landfill collapse, this gripping narrative delivers thrilling action, sheds light on the environmental hazards posed by landfills and the impact of human waste. Perfectly timed for Earth Day, LANDSLIDE is a powerful conversation starter on climate anxiety, and environmental conservation. Drawing on her extensive research and deep Maine roots, Betty Culley brings authenticity and urgency to this compelling story. 

About the Author

Betty Culley is the award-winning author of young adult and middle grade novels. 
As a child, she was in foster care and then adopted and read everything she could get her hands on. Before becoming an author, she worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She lives in a small town, where she tends a garden and a growing crabapple orchard and floats in her farm pond during Maine’s brief summers.

Find the Author

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X

Early Reader Review: Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 24, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A standout new picture book talent spins the story of a one-of-a-kind spider with an unstoppable artistic spirit.

Also available in Spanish: Selma–la historia de una araña estelar.

Selma is no ordinary spider. Most spiders make webs to catch flies, but not Selma. She wants to capture the Splendor of the Universe. But it’s hard to reach the stars from so close to the ground!

So Selma sets off to discover just how far a humble spider must spin to become out of this world . . .

Review: 

Like most books for children... short book = shorter review as to not spoil things for parent readers.

This sweet story follows a little spider who dreams of spinning webs not just for food, but to make the world a more beautiful place. Determined to reach the sky and new heights and to prove that her way is valid, she climbs higher and higher, weaving intricate, colorful webs that reflect her creativity and courage.

It’s a lovely tale about following your own path, even when others tell you not to, and celebrating the beauty in being different. The illustrations are simple yet vibrant, with bold colors that will easily capture the attention of young readers. A charming and inspiring read for little dreamers and the ones that just want to do things their way.