A middle-grade thriller taking place in Martha's Vineyard. A lovable knight who tries to turn every night into taco night. And you won't believe who's behind the new rendition of the classic Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel!
On our latest installment of What We’re Reading, Grand Rapids Area Library children's librarian, Tracy Kampa, gives her take on these and other books just waiting to be your next read.
Every Monday Mabel, written and illustrated by Jashar Awan.
Tracy's take: Every Monday, Mabel has a destination. She grabs a chair and pulls it through her house, past her big sister, stops in the kitchen to pour herself a bowl of dry cereal to take along. She goes past her mom, And then her dad. She pulls her chair out to her driveway and enjoys her bowl of dry cereal while she waits and waits and waits. Then she hears the rumble in the distance. And finally, the best thing in the world is finally here. The huge truck with flashing lights stops in front of Mabel's house, and she watches in awe as the trash can is lifted, dumped, and set back down. The garbage truck honks as it roars off, and Mabel gathers her empty bowl and starts to drag her chair back to her room. Mabel is so glad that she didn't miss the truck. But she is a little sad that everybody else missed the best thing in the world, as the rest of her family were very busy inside. Maybe, though, Mabel is not the only one who waits for the garbage truck. I was delighted by this book, Every Monday Mabel, by Jashar Awan. I think you will be, too.
Hansel and Gretel, written by Stephen King, illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
Tracy's take: I've been a consumer of children's literature my entire life, and certainly for the last 32 years as a children's librarian. Not many book collaborations give me pause anymore. Until I heard that an author had been approached to reimagine a new Hansel and Gretel based on costume and set designs for an opera of the story that had been left by none other than Maurice Sendak after his death in 2012. You may remember Mr. Sendak for Where the Wild Things Are, or In the Night Kitchen, or any one of the dozens of other titles he wrote. When these sketches came to light, the powers that be thought they would still make a marvelous children's picture book, so of course, the perfect author for this dark and witchy tale was approached, and Stephen King agreed to take on the task. Not only does it work, but King has fleshed out the story to the benefit of the original. Certainly not for the youngest listener or reader. I think older children, and certainly fans of Sendak and/or King, should embrace this new collaboration. It is a bright spark in the world of fairy tales. Don't miss Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King and Maurice Sendak. I've never in my wildest dreams thought I'd say that.
It's Taco Knight! Written by Megan Maynor, illustrated by Estrela Lourenco.
Tracy's take: I think I might have a new favorite picture book. Well, for this week anyway. First, an introduction to this utopia, this modern-day Eden, this newfound Shangri-La. The story begins, “Once, there was a kingdom of busy, clever people. After a full day of being busy and clever, they simply did not have time to cook. Still, they were always well fed because this kingdom was served by the Knights of Dinner.”
The story goes on to explain that each evening, one knight was in charge of dinner: Soup Knight, Sandwich Knight, Pizza Knight, or Noodle Knight, among many others. And as the story explains, no knight was everybody's favorite, but every knight was somebody's favorite. But who should arrive in their midst? Yes, it was Taco Knight. Ready in 30 short minutes, the people welcome taco night with open arms. Taco night then took over for all the other nights, because who doesn't love taco night? Well, I won't ruin the ending, but please remember that variety might be the spice of life. If you are looking for a delightful story that will probably make you wish you could move to this kingdom, check out It's Taco Knight by Megan Maynor with delightful illustrations by Estrela Lourenco.
Blood in the Water, by Tiffany D. Jackson.
Tracy's take: Tiffany D. Jackson is a master author of more than 200 books, mostly for young adults. She was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults at the 2025 Youth Media Awards. Blood in the Water is her first foray into middle grade writing. Kaylani McKinnon is off to Martha's Vineyard to spend a month with her dad's former employers and their grandchildren. She's not looking forward to it, as she would much rather spend her time this summer trying to figure out a way to get her dad released from prison, as she is sure he did not commit the white-collar crimes of which he was convicted. Her mom and dad, however, want her to have a summer of fun and so off she goes. She is reintroduced to the Watsons, who own a mansion on Martha's Vineyard, and their granddaughters, London and Cassie, who are less than thrilled to be hosting Kaylani. Although there are strict rules in the Watson household, the girls break most of them by Kaylani 's second day on the island. A party on the beach for the cool kids was too good to miss, and Kaylani was introduced to all the happening teens on Martha's Vineyard. Before the sun rises the next morning, however, one of those most popular teens is dead. A shark attack, drowning, or something far more sinister, Kehlani is committed to finding answers, and the clues come regularly.
I have to admit, though, that I was surprised by who had done it. It was my favorite way to end a mystery--going back to look at the clues one more time, wondering how I could have missed it. I also appreciated learning a bit about the history of Black Americans on Martha's Vineyard. If you are looking for a well-written mystery, don't miss Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson.
Bad Badger: A Love Story, by Maryrose Wood.
Tracy's take: Septimus Badger is, in his own reasoning, a bad badger. He has spots instead of stripes and prefers to live in a cottage with easy access to his opera records, his chamomile tea, and his omelet pan. To his understanding, there are other badgers that live in the forest, but he's more than content in his cottage. One day, Septimus meets a friend, a seagull whose name is Gully. While Gully prefers to communicate with caws, Septimus soon grows to understand his friend. One day, Gully bestows Septimus with a beautiful gift. and then doesn't return. Now, don't be sad. It'll all be okay. This isn't one of those books. Septimus sets out to look for his friend and encounters all sorts of helpful critters: real badgers who live in the forest and assure Septimus that there are other badgers who look just like him, private detective snails, and ultimately, Gully's flock. Septimus finally does find Gully in a place most surprising.
This book is both gentle and enthralling and would make a wonderful read aloud. Think of a book-length Frog and Toad, and you'll get the vibe. I hope there is a second in the works because I need more Septimus. In this busy, increasingly unfamiliar world, I hope you too can find a friend in Septimus. Please seek out Bad Badger: A Love Story by Maryrose Wood, illustrated by Giulia Ghigini.
Happy reading!
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