Ethan Blecher Braves A Bully

This chapter book for early readers is a fun and exciting story that also teaches an important lesson.

Ethan Blecher Braves a Bully by Chris Pederson shows Ethan being tormented by Blake the bully and his gang no matter where he goes. Even at camp during Spring Break, Blake is there.

At last, when Blake is in serious danger, Ethan has the opportunity to get even.

But, instead, he helps his enemy.

What do you think happens as a result?

I won't give away details of the plot, but I will say the book teaches an important lesson about forgiveness and turning the other cheek without being preachy-teachy at all.

Ethan Blecher Braves a Bully is a fun read, and the illustrations by Kate Jeong add to the enjoyment.

Papa's Suns

Papa's Suns by Kevin McNamee is the only book I've seen that will help kids deal with a family member having a stroke.

The book tells of a kid whose grandfather, who he calls Papa, draws pictures for him and shows him how to draw. The two of them have a close relationship, but when Papa has a stroke he can't talk anymore.

But he's still able to draw a sun for Jacob, and does so.

This charming book, with illustrations by Samantha Bell, will be a wonderful discussion starter for children who know someone who has a stroke. And it would be a great addition to the children's books in hospital waiting rooms and doctor's offices.

Emilie & the Hollow World

I found Emilie & the Hollow World in the YA section of my local public library but, except for two or three "bad words," I think it would be a better fit in the Children's Section. Emilie and the other human characters aren't quite old enough for romance, although there's a hint that might happen in the future. Perhaps there will be sequels that are a better fit for Young Adults.

Regardless of the intended age group, it's a good book.

I love that it's based on a unique Sci-Fi concept.

Instead of going to outer space or another typical fantasy world, Emilie, who is fleeing from an unpleasant family situation, finds herself on a ship that takes her to the center of the planet Earth.

I did wonder why the force of gravity wasn't different there but, otherwise, that amazing world seemed realistic.

Emily encounters all kinds of dangers and meets people and a variety of creatures that don't exist on the surface of our planet. She and the other characters, human or not, seem alive and real and we care what happens to them.  The plot is exciting, but I don't want to give it away so I won't tell any details.

The ending is satisfying, but I hope Marsha Wells  goes on to write more books about Emilie because I've come to care about that character.

Ava's Secret Tea Party

The Tooth Fairy.

Santa Claus.

The Easter Bunny.

The Sandman.

Like most kids, Ava wonders if those mysterious nighttime visitors are real or not, so she decides to find out by inviting them all to a tea party.

But, since they're all so busy helping children, how can they actually come?

I don't want to give away the plot, but I will say lots of kids, especially little girls, will love the ending of this story.

They and their parents will also appreciate the recipes included at the end of the book (I can't wait to try one of them myself.) and the craft projects will be fun for kids to make.

This book is charming and fun, and the artwork by Bella Sinclair fits it perfectly.

Ava's Secret Tea Party will be loved by little girls from two to five years old, and maybe by their families, too.