Recent Reads: When the Witch Wrote Back by Nathan Christopher

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

When the Witch Wrote Back by Nathan Christopher, Illustrated by
Pablo Pino
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Publication Date:  July 28, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Trick or Treat! Experience the magic of Halloween as never before with this picture book packed with spooky fun and a meaningful lesson, perfect for kids ages 4-10!

A new neighbor has moved in next door, and Jake is pretty sure that only one kind of neighbor would be unpacking a cauldron, a broomstick, and a black cat. Then Jake gets an idea…who better to help him plan, prepare, and clean for his big upcoming Halloween party?! When he writes letters to The Witch requesting magic to save him from doing his chores, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Witch use her powers to teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Halloween…when the Witch wrote back!

With clever and fun-to-read rhymes as well as engaging art, hilarious fall fun, and an important message of putting in the hard work, When the Witch Wrote Back! is the perfect Halloween gift or boo basket stuffer for kids! Complete with a bonus spread of tips from Jake on how to have a happy Halloween, this story is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season! 

Dear Witch,

You think you can fool me, but I've seen the proof

• Your chimney pours potions all over your roof, 
• Your mailbox is barking and chasing a mouse, 
• And some sorta goblins are painting your house! 

You might as well help me! Let's whip up a spell

To clean up my clothing, take care of that smell,

Then hang decorations. How long will that take?

My parents might cancel the party!

From Jake

Review: 

I absolutely loved this one! 

From the first pages, I was obsessed with the illustrations. The artwork is so detailed, and there are so many little things to find (I could honestly stare at each page forever). The colors are bright and things seem to be glowing, and the whole book has such a fun, magical Halloween vibe.

Jake needs help cleaning his room before his Halloween party, and when a new neighbor moves in next door with a cauldron, broomstick, and black cat, Jake is pretty sure she's a witch. Naturally, he decides she's exactly who he needs to help him get everything done!

I loved that Jake wasn't scared of the Witch at all. Instead, he asks for help - "You're a witch? Great! Can you help me?" The Witch tries to help, but Jake keeps taking shortcuts and not quite following her instructions, and somehow every attempt leaves him with an even bigger mess.

It was so funny and playful, and I really enjoyed watching everything go completely wrong. The rhymes were fun to read, too. I also really loved the message about putting in the work instead of always looking for the easiest way out. It was a great lesson for kids without feeling overly nagging about it.

This was such a cute and fun Halloween read! I loved the artwork, the humor, the Halloween magic, and Jake's whole attitude toward the Witch. Definitely one I'd recommend for a spooky-season read!

Early Reader Review: Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford

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

Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford,  Illustrated by Elena Hager
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Leap, soar, and dance into the joyous life of a little boy whose dads are dazzling Broadway performers in this lyrical, rhyming picture book from one of Instagram and TikTok's Broadway Husbands.

Where do parents go when they walk out the door for work?

In this charming, vibrant picture book, a little boy's dads have a very special job—they're Broadway performers! 

By day, these two are like any other parents. They do the dishes, help with chores, and give lots of hugs and kisses. But by night, they take to the stage, donning elaborate costumes and dancing for thousands of theatergoers.

From Bret Shuford, Broadway dancer and cocreator of the social media sensation Broadway Husbands, this sweet story is a love letter to the theater and an ode to parents who do it all. Perfect for theater-loving families, aspiring young performers, and anyone who believes in the magic of being yourself, this heartwarming book is a celebration of family, creativity, and unconditional love.

Review: 

This book ... was SO heartfelt and cute. 

A story for young listeners or readers about dads heading to work at night to perform. A bit of an unconventional job but they love their little kid and always try to say good night. 

This was a cute story with a rhyming scheme. The illustration were so perfect! Vibrant, fun, and entertaining they showed people in costumes and Broadway and musicals. The best was that there were little Easter-eggs throughout plays on words for plays and musicals, like THAWED (in the font of Frozen),  SPAMilton (a combo of Spamalot and Hamilton?). It was all just so joyous and playful. I couldn't stop smiling.

The best part were the overall themes - this book showcases love, unconventional jobs, support of dreams, and a beautiful family. 

I think this will be a great book for any families library...and we will all be jealous of how cool this kid's dads are. 

Early Reader Review: A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek

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

A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This humorous tale of competition from creator Jule Wellerdiek will have winners and runners-up alike laughing out loud at Jackal’s many antics.

All Jackal has ever wanted is to win a fancy trophy. But when Goose wins the best hairdo competition, he decides that it’s time he take matters into his own paws. Jackal very quickly discovers that awards aren’t that special when everyone gets one . . .

A laugh-out-loud story about competition and sportsmanship that will speak to every reader’s innermost desire to win

Review: 

This book follows Jackal, who is excited to enter the Best Hairdo Competition. However, when he doesn't win, he becomes very upset. Rather than accepting that we can't always be winners, he creates an award just for himself. Soon, all the other animals do the same, and before long, everyone has a trophy.

I found this book to be funny and entertaining, and the illustrations and animal characters will likely appeal to young readers. The story opens up opportunities for conversations about competition, sportsmanship, ad handling disappointment.

However, I'm not entirely convinced that the overall message comes across clearly. One of my concerns is that it may unintentionally encourage the idea that everyone should receive an award simply for participating, rather than teaching children how to cope with not winning. Jackal also displays bad behavior throughout the story, including being selfish and lying to others, which may require additional discussion with younger readers.

That said, the book does have several strengths. It uses humor effectively, the story is engaging, and it creates a great opportunity for parents, caregivers, and teachers to talk about important life lessons such as resilience, fairness, and how to celebrate others' successes.

Overall, while I enjoyed the funny story and all the emotive animals, I think this book works best as a read-aloud that includes adult guidance and discussion rather than as a standalone lesson about competition and sportsmanship. It is a fun story, but readers may need help unpacking the message behind Jackal's actions.

Building the Book Pile #527

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi everyone ~ Happy Sunday.

It was another long work week, but I got lots done and met with lots of students about their recruiting plans. The new class is always so fun to be around, they are so enthusiastic and happy to be there and meet to chat. Recruiting season, i.e. companies coming to campus, starts on the 8th, so only a week away. 

Over the course of the week, I have read a little, I am almost done with Hellbound and I read a bunch of kids books from Penguin for some Halloween showcases that I will be posting soon. I love me some spooky season 🎃👻. 
I have also been working on a cross stitch bookmark - taking my time, but I think it is coming out well for my first attempt. 

I also downloaded Strange Antiquities for my PC. I played Strange Horticulture on my Switch and really enjoyed it. I got a bundle so I have both on my PC now and I might do a replay of SH. They are moody-vibe, puzzle games. People come in asking for things an you have to figure out what to give them. There are also little clues you pick up to get more items/ find new information as well. There is always a weird spooky thing happening in the town that all the villagers talk to you about. I like it.

That's all from me this week. Tomorrow I am headed to Boston for the Red Sox v. Mariners game and it is Heated Rivalry night! 🧢⚾ I will grab some pics to share next week (hopefully).

How was your week?

• Currently watching: Shrinked on AppleTV, Lanterns on HBO
• Still...Currently reading: Hellbound by Stephanie Binh & Monsieur Pain by Roberto Bolano - hoping to finish both today
• Currently listening to: Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro (I took a break so TBD when I re-up)
• Playing: Strange Antiquities on PC

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Monthly Re-Cap August

Early Reader Review: A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek (Youth)

Early Reader Review: Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford (Youth)

Recent Reads: When the Witch Wrote Back by Nathan Christopher (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review From Publishers

Crash into You by Simone Soltani

The Adventures of Tubby Nugget: Big Robot Invasion #2  by Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson

Bought

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies by Breanne Randall

Ravenous by Kresley Cole 

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

Reviews and Such

Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York (Adult) - ⭐⭐

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers (Youth) w/ reviews for: Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt -⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt - ⭐⭐⭐

Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule by Jenny Alvarado -⭐⭐⭐⭐

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! 

Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York

Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York  

Series: The Sovrano Mafia Empire Book 1
Publication Date:  June 12, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Freebie during Stuff Your Kindle day

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Stefan

I promised myself.

I’d never touch her again.

A woman like her will never fit into my world.

No.

A woman like her will never—want—to fit into my world.

And something deep inside of me wants that for her.

Normal.

Nice.

Ordinary.

Because there is nothing normal, nice, or ordinary about my world.

Letting her go is the only thing I can do.

It may just be the one and only selfless thing I’ve ever done in my life.

But—when I see her about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder—I’m suddenly left with only one choice.

Whether she likes it or not.

Review: 

I grabbed this as a freebie and decided to give it a try since it was on the shorter side at novella length (140 pages). I knew going in that it was the start of a series, but given the length, I was expecting more of a prequel-style introduction.

Instead, the book jumps right into the deep end, with Stefan encountering Francesca at an auction before flashing back in time. I kept expecting the story to circle back to that opening scene by the end and give us some resolution, but instead it ends on a cliffhanger.

Overall, I thought the story was fine, and there was a fair amount of spice pretty quickly. I enjoyed Stefan and Francesca's banter and playful interactions, and I liked getting to meet some of the family members. There’s actually a lot packed into the 140 pages, but I found myself wanting more time with the characters and the story. Everything moved pretty quickly, and I think a little more development would have made it more satisfying.

I know it’s book one and there are more in the series but I’m not sure this one hooked me enough to pick up the next books.

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers

Today we are showcasing Back to School with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review some of these amazing titles. 

Here are three of their Children's book releases that are out now!

Take a look!

Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date:  February 24, 2026 

About the Book:

What's a fortune teller to do when she's dropped on the ground half-finished when the bell rings to mark the end of recess? Make friends and save the day, that's what! 

In this hilarious graphic novel-style picture book, Forty the Fortune Teller, along with her friends Potato Chip and Basketball convince a team of chewed-up chewing gum to help repair the playground slide so that the kids at school won't get hurt.  

This story is totally wacky, totally adorable, and a perfect read-aloud for a storytime.

  

Rating:

Review: 

What a cool concept for a book - a fortune teller. I have not thought about those in years! The books end-pages even teach you how to make one!

This was a fun read. The illustrations are colorful and plentiful, with lots of little scenes and fun details filling each page. The story about Forty the Fortune Teller is cute and a little silly, and some of the fortunes are sure to make kids laugh. 

I also loved the way the book encourages spelling and counting practice thought Forty, even though it doesn't feel like a lesson. It also does a good job highlighting the importance of teamwork and helping others. 

There was a lot packed into this story, making it feel more substantial than a typical picture book. It was a fun and adorable read.

About the Author

Drew Daywalt is the author of many books, including the blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit and its sequels, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, as well as The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, illustrated by Adam Rex; Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid, illustrated by Molly Idle; The Wrong Book, illustrated by Alex Willmore; and many more. He lives in California with his wife, two children, and multiple pets. 

You can visit Drew Daywalt at DrewDaywalt.com

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2026

About the Book

The Crayons are ready to learn how to polite. But what do they need to know? When to say please and thank you? How to eat neatly? What to do when they have to (uh-oh!) burp? This laugh-out-loud addition to the Crayons mini book series will teach children their manners as they giggle at the Crayons' missteps.

Rating:

Review:  

This was a cute addition to the Crayons series. I like the simple illustrations and the way each page focuses on the Crayons and their bad manners. 

I think one of the best opportunities for learning comes from discussing what the Crayons are doing versus what the text is telling us they should be doing. While I liked the focus on manners, I would have preferred to see the Crayons correct each incident as it happened rather than having everything resolved with an “I’m sorry” at the end. 

I also wasn’t a fan of “my bad” being used as an apology, especially in a book meant to teach young children about good manners. But any book about manners is welcome and the Crayons are good teachers of what not to do. 

About the Illustrator 

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories. His books include How to Catch a Star; Lost and Found, which was the recipient of the prestigious Nestlé Children's Book Prize Gold Award in the UK and was later adapted into an award-winning animated film; and the New York Times bestsellers Here We Are, What We'll Build, Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me, and Once Upon an Alphabet. He is also, of course, the illustrator of the #1 smash-hit Crayons series, written by Drew Daywalt. His fine art is world-renowned, and his dip-art exhibitions are much-sought-after events. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Oliver now splits his time between Belfast and Brooklyn, New York. 

You can visit Oliver Jeffers online at OliverJeffers.com or follow him on Instagram @OliverJeffers.

Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule by Jenny Alvarado

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

About the Book

Pencil and Eraser complement each other perfectly, like any best buds should. Who else could help Pencil when she messes up her drawings in art class? But what if she didn't make any mistakes? Enter Ruler, a new friend who can easily help Pencil keep her lines straight, without any need to ever erase again...

When these school supplies learn a green crayon has gone missing, Pencil insists her new bud Ruler join their quest to save them. The two hit it off immediately, building off each other’s wacky ideas. And as the sole voice of reason, Eraser quickly starts to feel like the odd one out. With Stella and the rest of the students due back form lunch any minute, and each of their plans to rescue Green a bigger disaster than the last, can our dynamic duo learn to work as a trio before it’s too late?

Rating:

Review: 

I really enjoyed this book! The school supply characters were adorable, and I loved following Pencil, Eraser, and Ruler on their adventure to find Green Crayon. 

The graphic novel format and little jokes that break up the chapters make this feel like a great choice for beginner and early readers. I also loved the themes of finding new friends, values of friendship, trying new things, and learning about teamwork. 

The story was funny and entertaining, and I have to admit it even made me excited for school supply shopping again even though I don't need to any more. I can only imagine it will get young readers excited too.

About the Author

Jenny Alvarado is an author and illustrator of books for kids. She lives in Palm Bay,
Florida with her family. Making friends doesn’t always come easy to her, but she is so happy when she makes new ones. 

You can find more of her work at www.JennyABooks.com or follow her @JennyABooks on social media 

Building the Book Pile #526

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi everyone ~ Happy Sunday.

The week was pretty boring - lots of work, lots of meetings, and I am tired. Some of the students are already getting sick - so I am really trying not to catch anything so early in the school year. 

In my spare time, I finished Alchemised and have started a few other books. I am working on a cross stitch pattern that will be a witchy bookmark and I hung out  with some friends and we had pizza on Saturday night. 

How was your week?

• Currently watching: F1 is BACK! after summer break
• Still...Currently reading: Hellbound by Stephanie Binh & Monsieur Pain by Roberto Bolano
• Currently listening to: Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro (I took a break)

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York (Adult)

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review From Publishers 

Tree Daddy by Molly Harper

Amazon First Reads

The Getaway by Kieran Scott

The Spider Silk Scarf: A Short Story by Ana Reyes 

From the Author

The Directive Detectives: The Freedom Trail Directive: File 001 by G. Savo

Time Lines by Giulio Antonio Savo

Sisters of Twelve by Giulio Antonio Savo

Reviews and Such

Recent Reads:  For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun (Adult) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall (Youth) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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!