I am getting used to the graphic novel’s visual technique of going forwards and backwards in time. In this graphic novel, Gillbert (yes, that is gill with two “l”s because he lives under the sea) finds a message in a bottle, but can not read it without his mother’s (Queen of Atlanticus) help. Just before Gill’s mother arrives to translate the message, Anne Phibian, the mermaid, gets Gill’s attention and whisks him off to an unknown party. Meanwhile in deep space, a fiery asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. Gill’s father, King Nauticus, goes to investigate the asteroid.

Teeq- a space alien and long time friend of the Queen has been sending a message into space calling his sister to planet Earth. Teeq’s sister arrives in the form of an egg and hatches in the Queen’s and King’s presence. They name her Matilda. Shortly thereafter, the Pyrockians come crashing into the ocean from space. They want Atlanticus back for their own, which does not make King Nauticus happy.

Teeq and Anne Phibian leave the party after having Gillbert taken home. Teeq and Anne meet Matilda for the first time. Matilda solves the King’s Pyrockian problem by causing a new volcano to form in the ocean giving the Pyrockians a hot place to live in peace. The Queen now has time to translate the Gillbert’s bottle message, it says,” YOU ARE DESTINED FOR GREATNESS.”

A young girl and her papa watch the night sky together. She’s proud that he works in the mill that is making the fabric for spacesuits of the astronauts who will someday land on the moon. Papa is only proud to make a living. Time passes slowly as they wait until the day of the launch and then the landing. As she sees the astronauts in their spacesuits, she knows those threads that are keeping the astronauts alive, the thread that are touching the moon are the same threads woven together by her father. The girl is so proud that her papa helped put a man on the moon.

A lovely story celebrating fathers. For primary level story time about space, pair with The Darkest Dark to highlight that space travel like other major accomplishments is the work of many people over the course of many years.

An attractive and informative young reader version of the authors’ award winning book, The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest. The authors share their knowledge of the Salish Sea from an interdisciplinary approach that includes an history, geology, oceanography, marine biology, ecology, as well as the human impact on the region. Colorful captioned photographs highlight the text.

A great title to promote curiosity in the unseen magnificence of the Pacific Northwest. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Pig seems to be always making trouble; messing up the living room mat, shattering a beautiful vase, and ripping up a dress. With an innocent bug-eyed look, Pig blames his friend Trevor. Poor Trevor doesn’t understand how his friend can do this to him. Pig’s next scheme, however, catches up with him. As he climbs up to grab a bag of treats from the to shelf, a bowling ball behind the treats falls and smashes him in the head. He’s learned his lesson!

Expressive illustrations, rhyming text and engaging characters make this a fun picture book for storytime.

This leveled reader from Dash! (imprint of Abdo) describes for young readers what a cat needs and some of the behaviors to expect from a pet cat. Colorful cat photographs directly support the text. Unlike some leveled readers, this title contains enough text to effectively communicate meaning, yet the volume of text brief enough to not overwhelm young readers. Readers will walk away understanding the basics of cat care.

Contains table of contents, glossary, index, and online resources.

Sayre again celebrates the diversity and beauty of nature this time with a book showing the explosion of color and shape of flowers in bloom. Oversized book format makes the close-up color photos a good companion for a story time focusing on spring or flowers.

Leaves emerge./Stalks surge./Bloom boom!
Bulbs send./Tips extend./Bloom boom!

The sparse, but rich language encourages readers to delve into the nuances of scientific descriptions.

Flip the Bird by Kym Brunner introduces many readers to the practice of falconry. Mercer Buddie is fourteen and gets to capture his first hawk for his apprentice year of falconry. There is tension in the air – between Mercer and his older brother (an expert falconer and accomplished ladies man). More tension with Mercer wanting his father to treat him like an adult but he continues to shirk responsibilities, pout, and lie. The story takes a turn with the introduction of Lucy. Mercer crushes hard and sets on a course to win her heart. Unfortunately, this course involves Mercer acting like someone he is not and lying to his parents, Lucy, and himself.  With an animal rights activism twist, the conflict escalates to a fever pitch and Mercer’s worlds collide. Mercer must decide where he stands and what he believes. Packed with emotion, this page-turner will captivate readers and tug at their heartstrings. Brunner masterfully creates a world where Mercer and the reader discover the nuances of animal welfare, scientific research, animal husbandry, and animal rights activism. The reader also realizes, through Mercer’s mistakes, that lying – big or small – can have profound consequences. Flip the Bird is a great addition to a YA collection.

Emily Edelman really wants her very own cell phone for her twelfth birthday. Instead she gets a family trip to the ocean where her little brother fills her sandwich with sand when she isn’t looking and her big sister spends her tme sulking due to the confiscation of her mobile device.  Emily’s parents are a bit distracted and somehow end up with a cake that’s celebrating Emily’s eleventh birthday. Everyone, except Emily, has a good laugh about the bakery’s mistake. As Emily takes a break from family time, she strolls along the beach where she discovers an unusual beach rock. Later that night, she discovers that the beach rock isn’t quite what it appears to be.  The rock is a magical spell stone and Emily is a Stonemaster. Emily’s discovery lands her loved ones in danger and only Emily can save them. This humorous tale of adventure, fantasy, and friendship will have readers laughing out loud. A recommended purchase where you have fans of fantastic and humorous adventures.

Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond by Sam Hearn is a combination mystery and graphic novel. John Watson starts school at the Baker Street Academy where he meets his new best friends, Martha Hudson and Sherlock Holmes. He also becomes acquainted with Baskerville, the academy’s trusty dog. Watson loves to write and Martha is a skilled social organizer. Sherlock can be counted on to use deductive reasoning to ferret out ordinary intrigues as well as solve the case of the disappearing diamond and make connections between the case and his school nemesis, James Moriarty This light mystery will have young super sleuths observing their surroundings with a critical eye. The art work adds to the story by revealing key details and by being fun and fresh. Recommended for young mystery readers who enjoy the graphic novel format.

The Force Oversleeps by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is sure to satisfy Star Wars Jedi Academy fans.  Victor Starspeeder returns to Jedi Academy for year two. He’s excited about the new year, but he gets off on the wrong foot.  Victor can’t seem to get up on time and he’s constantly running late. There’s a new kid at the academy, too. Victory is experiencing jealousy and envy – not exactly two qualities young Jedi should have. Meanwhile, there’s a rumor that there is Sith activity on the campus and a traitor in the midst. Christina, Victor’s big sister, is somehow mixed up in the rumor.  With a balance of action and humor, Jedi Academy fans will rush to check out this latest installment in the series.