Halloween 2025

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 16

It’s been a push to piece together a third middle-grade compilation post, but I made it. In this round, you’ll find Never After heroes vs. Never After ogres, Feast vs. Famine and feisty Mayan gods vs. at least one desperate godborn.

The End of the Story (Dec. 3, 2024) by Melissa de la Cruz.

<This is the fifth and final novel in a pentalogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The Never After crew are back together for one more world-saving adventure. Queen Olga isn’t vanquished. They are looking to locate Sabine, the last surviving fairy, before Queen Olga and her minions do. Sabine is also known as ... Tinker Bell! She must be protected. If the last surviving fairy dies, so does all of Never After. Filomena, Gretel, Jack and Alistair join friends new (like Captain Hook, an adventurer, not a pirate, with a flying ship courtesy of the fairies and a good history with crocodiles) and old. Their search will take them to Neverland and the forever boy, Peter Pan, who’s nothing like the fairy tale mortals know in the human world. There’s an impressive blacksmith’s shop “straight down till morning” in a little-known place called Everland, and the nymphs know all the tea. The Dragon Realm refuses to help them, stating that it’s too soon since they last helped them. Filomena knows what battle they’re referring to, but Jack, Alistair and Gretel do not. Filomena has time-jumped and retains her memories, but few others remember Before, and it’s shredding Filomena up keeping that secret to herself. With evil closing in and mischief afoot, the good friends must figure out how to protect the magic of Never After and conquer Olga once and for all. Then, and only then, might it come to the End of the Story.

            What’s a middle-grade fantasy adventure without some world-saving? There is drama and friendship, ogre-slaying and compassion, dragons and swoop holes. There are hellos to be had and big decisions to make, not only leading up to the End of the Story, but what might happen beyond The End. (As of this posting, there’s no rumor of a spinoff series, but I’d love one.) As with the book’s predecessors in the Never After series, the heroic characters are relatable, courageous and diverse, the plot rapidly unfolds, and Jack eventually remembers. This final tale is exhilarating and the conclusion is satisfying. The author’s given a fresh take on twisted fairy tales, and I’ve enjoyed every spellbinding moment.

            Book One: The Thirteenth Fairy

            Book Two: The Stolen Slippers

            Book Three: The Broken Mirror

            Book Four: The Missing Sword

The Fire Keeper (Sept. 3, 2019) by J.C. Cervantes.

<This is the middle novel in a trilogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The Maya gods required him to write a book, but he’s the one who snuck a secret message in it, visible only to other godborns. Zane Obispo currently resides on a secluded tropical prison, er, island. His family (his mom and Uncle Hondo) and closest friend (Brooks) are there, but life feels far from picturesque. His dog-turned-hellhound, Rosie, isn’t the four-legged companion she was pre-hellhound, and that rift hurts. He’s ready to bust out and go save Hurakan (his godly parent), but there’s the matter of getting off an island that keeps other gods out, but also keeps him trapped inside. Before Zane and Brooks set their plan in motion to leave, a godborn arrives in a boat steered by no one with shadows surrounding her. Renata “Ren” Santiago saw his secret note in the book (she checked it out from the library). Unfortunately, he learns that in inserting that note, he unintentionally put other godborn youth at risk. On top of finding Hurakan, he must find the godborns before the gods do, because they will kill them. And, bonus note, Hurakan is scheduled to be executed. The Fire Keeper may be able to change the future if the god can be located. Zane will do whatever it takes to save his dad, even if it means interacting with Ah-Puch. Even if it means sort of dying.

            I love learning about mythology, especially mythology that’s still new to me, but I struggled with Zane. Yes, he’s desperate to save Hurakan and juggling also saving the godborn children, but his thoughtless haste, while youthful, irritated me. The pacing started off slow, but picked up. This Mayan mythology, middle-grade fantasy is fiery, the plot is busy, and the gods are as feisty as ever. As the middle story in a trilogy, it does fall a bit to middle-book syndrome, like there’s more verbiage than helps move the story along. But with secrets and lives to save, it should satisfy the most voracious of mythology fans.

            Worthy of note (to me): Itzamna, a Maya creator god of the moon, bringer of writing and culture, creator of the calendar, and father to the Bakabs: “I’d much rather read great works, write poetry, play the flute, and float across the starry sky.” Me, too, Itzamna. Me, too.

            Book 1: The Storm Runner

The Last Great Heir (Jan. 28, 2025) by Carina Finn.

<This is the first novel in a series.>

With their thirteenth birthdays around the corner, the fated duel between Merriment Feast and Rue Famine is about to commence. Raised as rivals, Feasts are adept at charms, while Famines excel at potions. Fauret has been under Feast rule for generations, and only Feasts benefit from Feast rule. Their feasting is gluttonous, and those beyond Fauret’s walls are starving. Merriment’s life has been like one big party, filled with beautiful attire and no shortage of delectable pastries. Rue’s life has been monotone in comparison, filled with studies and learning how to use her magic to help others. One has grueling studies under a tyrannical aunt, the other studies without the guidance she needs. They’ve never met, but they have more in common than they realize, including a common enemy.

            A tale of female heirs dueling to the death reminds me of Kendare Blake’s Three Dark Crowns series, but the comparison ends there. Whereas Blake’s series is YA and quite dark + violent, this story is middle-grade and only mildly gloomy. The Feast and Famine series opener receives much fanfare, but what should be a fantastical, sparkling debut loses some of its luster in its lack of smooth plotting and a later-in-the-story reveal that needs more backstory. There definitely could’ve been more worldbuilding, but I do feel I was able to distinguish between Rue’s and Merri’s voices. There are sincere moments, the setting is charming, and the premise has great promise. My favorite characters just might be the fickle, mercurial demons, with specific shoutout to Jahi.

"The Court of the Dead" by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

The Court of the Dead (Sept. 23, 2025) by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro.

<This is the second novel in a series.>

Months have passed since Nico di Angelo and Will Solace returned from the depths of Tartarus. Life at Camp Half-Blood has been filled with initiating new demigod campers and doing breathing exercises with Mr. D (a.k.a. Dionysus). When Nico’s half-sister Iris-messages from Camp Jupiter on the West Coast, they jump at the chance to help Hazel Levesque manage a situation that can’t be explained via message and must be seen. It should only take a couple days. (Famous last words.) It turns out that Nico and Will showed some of the Underworld’s denizens that they don’t have to be inherently evil. These reformed monsters are calling themselves mythics. There’s Asterion (the minotaur whom Percy Jackson has a past with and which Asterion would like to rectify his past actions), Semele (an eidolon made of smoke), Johan (a blemmyae, a headless monster with a chest-face), Orcus (a griffin, mocked by his family for his diminutive size), Arielle (an empousa, a winged, bloodsucking monster) and Quinoa (a karpos, a grain spirit, who dares you to call him a pseudo-grain).

            These mythics are seeking refuge at Camp Jupiter, but the legionnaires are having trouble accepting outsiders whom they’ve been trained to kill on sight. The mythics begin disappearing, but it isn’t until one of their own demigods is threatened that the other legionnaires admit that, perhaps, these mythics are the exception and really do want a non-demigod-killing life. Between the mistreatment of the mythics and the mysterious dark force threatening to punish monsters for their past crimes, Nico feels in over his head. He’s so tempted to summon an army of undead skeletons to kick some legionnaire backside. Fortunately, Will is there as “the balm to his scattered soul.” And he packed Kit Kats.

            Collaborating, bestselling authors Riordan and Oshiro send readers on another dynamic, fast-moving adventure involving shadow travel, begging Cocoa Puffs (a.k.a. cacodemons, manifestations of a person’s worst memories) and battle dancing Lavinia-Asimov-style (Fifth Cohort leader and a daughter of Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, so “...be prepared to square-dance at a moment’s notice!”). It is a riot of chaos that only Riordan can help create, thoroughly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny that isn’t without self-doubt and a lot of empathy. This middle-grade fantasy, action novel is inclusive, and while it’s surely not going to be to everyone’s liking, I flew through the story. It’s still a must-read for mythology fans and dedicated Riordan readers.

            P.S. My new favorite character is Johan. I would happily drink tea with him.

            P.P.S. Asterion is another new favorite. He could start up a knitting group. And don’t be alarmed. He’s the Minotaur, but he’s reformed!

            Book 1: The Sun and the Star

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 15

This compilation brings a second round of picture book adventures. The Bakery Dragon returns and Sloth & Squirrel go on vacation. There’s a snail on a path and a sheep with a bad hair day. There’s a farm full of animal characters. Do you ever pick up picture books? If so, what grabs your attention?

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake (Oct. 7, 2025) by Devin Elle Kurtz.

<This is a sequel book.>

Little Ember is back! He’s been busy making mounds of golden breads, baked to perfection, and even if he forgets to set the timer, his fellow dragons remain encouraging: “A really unique flavor!” “I love the undertones of charcoal.” He’s grown so much as the bakery dragon and gained so much confidence in breads that Beatrice the baker will leave him to run the shop when she’s got to deliver orders far away. When Beatrice is away, Ember is asked to make a cake for a fairy queen, and he soon learns that cakes are no cakewalk. His attempts are disasters, not because they taste horrible, but because he only knows how to make bread. The fairy princess/sentient vegetable (Princess Turnip) who put in the order isn’t giving up on Ember, though. She will get that cake, and she will not be disappointed! But how will Ember get the right recipe for a confection he’s never made?

            Put on your toque blanche and don your chef’s whites, because Ember the Bakery Dragon is back in this feel-good follow-up picture book sure to encourage anyone with a sweet tooth and/or a love of carbs (like me!). Like its predecessor, this story is cheerful, decadent and sumptuous with enticing, bright, warm illustrations by author-illustrator Kurtz. Each page is dusted in whimsy like powdered sugar over a cake and magic shimmers like edible glitter. It’s a story of new friends and learning from mistakes, learning something new and working under a deadline, but with pictures awash in golden tones and adorable, determined Ember, this sweet story with its grit and its learning goes down smooth like extra chocolatey hot chocolate.

            Book One: The Bakery Dragon

Forever Kind: Forever Friends Farm (May 6, 2025) by Annie Auerbach.

   Luke Flowers, illustrator.

<This is the first book in a series.>

When Jasper the cat arrives at Forever Friends Farm, he’s only looking out for himself. He’s selfish, prickly, unhelpful and doesn’t think he wants friends because, “Where I come from, you take what you can, or you get nothing.” He doesn’t understand throwing a party simply because PJ the goose, the youngest member of the group, has read a book all by himself. Jasper’s antics eventually lead to catastrophe, but instead of being shamed and cast out, he’s met with understanding and kindness.

            The illustrations are eye-catching with their bold, loud, cartoonish colors, which should capture kids’ attention, but I think the dialogue and overall story fall short. There’s someone giving Jasper the occasional side-eye, but there’s never any actual discussion around Jasper’s ill behavior or how they feel about it. Jasper’s behavior, if one reads between the lines, may be a result of a tough life, perhaps having to fend for himself until now, but there’s no backstory. Forgiveness comes easily and the support is effortless, which is pleasant, but it feels unrealistic. My understanding is that this story encourages social-emotional learning, so perhaps the focus on friendship, kindness, teamwork and inclusion over depth is the intent. I don’t plan to continue the series, but for those families looking for friendly, gentle picture books, this may be right for them.

My Path (May 6, 2025) by Jana Curll.

For a little snail, every day is an adventure on its very own path. Sometimes the little snail has company and sometimes not. Sometimes the journey needs to be extra slow and extra careful, and when the path looks impossible, the snail emphasizes that it’s okay to ask for help. What the snail does is always keeps on going, “Whether I’m ready or not!”

Author/illustrator Curll gives young and young-at-heart readers a joyful picture book that encourages everyone to stay true to themselves and to understand that “every path is special. So choose yours ... and keep going!” The illustrations are simple-yet-colorful and straightforward-yet-thoughtful with their smudge-like quality and bring a calming complement to the reassuring text. I am captivated by this plucky, charming snail, and hopefully plentiful readers are, too.

Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep: Baaad Hair Day (June 30, 2020) by Eric Barclay.

<This is a sequel book.>

The wool’s over the eyes – literally! Sheep Sheep loves her naturally curly wool. She can style it in a bun, into pigtails or in a fancy updo. Now it’s grown too full, and she can’t see. She splashes into the duck pond (she refers to the ducks as “water chickens”), steps through cow poo (eww) and winds up in the mud with the pig. When Sheep Dog tells her she needs a haircut, she hides. What will convince her that a shearing is what she needs?

            For any children who’ve resisted haircuts, this spirited, silly story is perfect for them. It’s relatable, but the story is so entertaining that it shouldn’t trigger any barbershop or salon scaries. The relationship between Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep is serious in a lighthearted way with uncomplicated dialogue leading up to the shearing tent, and the cartoon illustrations are colorful, animated and fun. This haircut caper is amusing and charming.

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation (May 6, 2025) by Cathy Ballou Mealey.

   Kelly Collier, illustrator.

<This is a sequel book.>

Their pickle pop stand is doing great, but Sloth and Squirrel are always busy. They want an adventure (or a “l-o-n-g nap”). When a bench ad promotes Paradise Park, where there is “Something for Everyone!,” they decide that’s the perfect place for the two to vacation. Squirrel is overjoyed by all of the activities, but Sloth wants to lounge (nap) on his floatie first. While Sloth lounges, Squirrel gets distracted by rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding and more. When he realizes he misses Sloth, Sloth wakes up ready to have fun with Squirrel but cannot find him. After they finally reunite, they enjoy something together, but it’s something that should be done FAST!

            One high-octane Squirrel and one laid-back Sloth are an unlikely but lovable pairing of mismatched friends in this winning story. The tame but fun adventure with bright, colorful beach illustrations makes for an engaging book well-suited for young audiences. The story doesn’t always go smoothly, so problem-solving, being a caring friend and being adaptable are good lessons to go over. Nothing in life is perfect, nor are the characters’ vacation in this story, but it shines with positivity and togetherness.

"Warrior of Legend" by Kendare Blake

Warrior of Legend (Oct. 29, 2024) by Kendare Blake.

<This is the sequel novel in a duology.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The Aristene of Glorious Death bears the name Machianthe, and her Areion is as headstrong and bitey as ever. But Machianthe is still Reed with a new title. She’s meant to guide only those heroes whose glory costs them their lives. She’s already given three lives within a year to the goddess Kleia Gloria, which is an unfathomable pace. Her fellow new Aristene and friend, Lyonene, is in Cerille, defying the goddess by falling in love with her hero. Aristene are meant to guide their heroes and move on, but she’s still with Prince Alsander trying to sneakily lead a coup against his own father. When Lyonene looks into the sacred well, she’s summoned to guide Princess Yngarue to a glorious marriage. She and Reed secretly arrange for Reed to go in her place, but instead of an easy mission as a matchmaker, one of Yngarue’s suitors is Hestion, whom Reed still loves. There’s also an enemy rising who’s a severe threat to the Aristene. Aethiel, the once-queen of Fennbirn Island, watches as her seafaring hero turns into a sea monster and is only able to kill him with her old magic, the magic she’d been born with long ago, when her Aristene magic is subdued. To defeat the enemy, the Aristene are going to need all the allies they can muster, including hotheaded Veridian, their apostate sister. Many Aristene and Areion will fall, but will the enemy, too?

            In a sisterhood of female warriors, there is no shortage of bloodshed and violence. There is a monstrous threat and monstrous gore comes with it. There is tension amongst the Aristene hidden in Atropa from a patriarchal world. Readers are rewarded with a strong, complex YA fantasy that is devastating and satisfying to read in equal measure. It’s grimly entertaining and isn’t without scattered sarcasm to alleviate some of the sequel story’s darkness. As someone who’s known a family horse for over three decades, I appreciate the Areion. Even bitey Silco! Blake’s once-queen of Fennbirn character makes me hopeful that there will someday be a story that connects the current queens of Fennbirn Island and the mighty Aristene.

            Book One: Champion of Fate

"The House of Quiet" by Kiersten White

The House of Quiet (Sept. 9, 2025) by Kiersten White.

<This is a standalone novel.>

If she can enter the House, she can save her sister. This is what Birdie believes, so she’s blackmailed her way in as a maid. She truly is a maid, having worked as one since she was 10. She’s now 16. She saved all of her money for her little sister, Magpie, to have the procedure and hopefully gain a special ability that would get her family off the poorest streets of Sootcity. She always thought Magpie would be a good outward empath. Birdie enters the House of Quiet, which is surrounded by a peat bog. She works hard, but has her eye on the House Wife’s door. Of her fellow maids, Rabbit is very green and Minnow has clearly never worked as one. The only residents of the House are all from wealthy families, so she’s boggled as to why they’re there. They all appear to have abilities, even though none claim to have undergone the procedure. Their abilities are not all obvious. What is obvious is that things are not right. There are only more mysteries. There is handsome and silent Forest, clever River, trapped-in-his-mind Nimbus, wants-to-be-helpful Dawn, what-is-she-talking-about Lake, and scary Sky. Even without the un-navigable bog, the House of Quiet is a desolate, dangerous place. It holds sinister secrets and terrible truths. Birdie only wants the House to hold Magpie, and she can’t be found.

            The latest from White is a dark gothic YA fantasy that is a standalone novel, but could easily start a series. It’s claustrophobic and all-consuming, and that is a compliment. It’s mysterious with a chilling air without being downright scary and is balanced with sparks of sarcasm and a whole lot of empathy. This group – with their different classes in a dystopian-like world – becomes an unlikely group of friends, even when they don’t all trust each other initially (and shouldn’t, as one was sent to kill another). There is struggle where there is also great privilege and friendship through darkness and nightmares. This tale is imaginative and clever with an explosive ending. Get ready to ignite the rebellion with two rebel maids I never knew I needed in my reading repertoire.

"Wendy's Ever After" by Julie Wright

Wendy’s Ever After (July 1, 2025) by Julie Wright.

<This is a standalone novel.>

Now a stunning young woman, Wendy Moira Angela Darling’s mom has marriage on the brain for her eldest child and only daughter since her dad passed away a year ago. Her days are filled with social calls and decadent balls, but her memories take her back to Neverland, Peter Pan and the lost boys. Wearing her frilly, elegant gowns, she thinks of fencing with foil, épée and sabre. With pixie dust, she dreams of soaring again. Instead, she’s stuck at a masquerade ball to appease her mother, but her dance card fills with Mrs. Connolly’s late friend’s son, Liam Blackwell. He’s in His Majesty’s Navy. This stranger is tall, handsome and mysterious. He’s charming yet elusive, and sometimes when he talks, it reminds her of Neverland. She’s already falling for this man, but returning to Neverland complicates matters, for it is not exactly how she remembers. Sure, there’s Pirate Cove and Mermaid Lagoon, even Skull Rock, but something is terribly wrong. Parts of the land are dying, and Neverland doesn’t feel like the happy, bright place of her memories. Now, as she navigates this beloved place, she must figure out if her heart belongs to the boy who’s never grown up or the man who’s somehow unfathomably, infuriatingly, captured her heart.

In 1909 England, Wendy returns to Neverland in this YA fantasy romance. The dynamic between Wendy and Liam is rather like a dance at once carefully executed and off-the-cuff. There is grace, but there’s stepping on toes, too. Their new and very topsy-turvy relationship is dramatic, but the realism of navigating such strong feelings for someone is relatable. I wish there’d been backstory to explain the shadow conjuror’s arrival, because its placement in the story is otherwise filler. Wendy’s inner monologue could also be annoying and had me picturing her as a child instead of the young woman she is. It’s a twisted fairy tale with shadows and darkness set in a familiar place. It’s a casual read, not a deep-thinking one, but still worth reading. It’s Neverland reimagined through a different lens.

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 14

Welcome to 2025’s “Happy Hodgepodge” post! This is the first of what I hope will be two Hodgepodge posts this year, despite the fact that it’s already September. What are you currently reading?

Cat & Cat Adventures: The Staff of Knowledge (July 23, 2024) by Susie Yi.

Junior fiction graphic novel.

<This is the fourth graphic novel in a series.>

The cats of the Spirit Task Force, Squash and Ginny, are preparing for another mission when Magnus, Lotus and Fern arrive. Magnus informs them that the Staff of Knowledge, once hidden in the Starry Sea, is now in the Human World. When Squash tries to celebrate finding it, the three orbs scatter, and the Spirit World starts leaking into the Human World. “The surge of magic has ripped the fabric between them.” It’s a disaster. They trace the first orb to the dreaded vet clinic. They’re not the only ones trying to obtain the orb. There’s a troublesome kangaroo rat, and there are helpful crows called Kee and Caw. What is their connection to the Staff of Knowledge? Hijinks are sure to ensue, though a sea of buttery popcorn from the fabled Popcorn Island probably isn’t so bad.

            Fans of cats and lovers of cuteness will want to soak up this Cat & Cat adventure if they haven’t already. The lesson is understanding that it’s okay to ask for help, that even when you think it’s your fault something happened doesn’t mean you need to rectify it all on your own. The bright, colorful illustrations and adorably drawn characters delightfully complement the sparse writing. It’s an entertaining, hijinks-filled adventure for emerging readers and those readers who are young-at-heart looking for something quick and enjoyable to read.

            Book 1: The Quest for Snacks

            Book 2: The Goblet of Infinity

            Book 3: Journey into Unibear City

Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories (Apr. 1, 2025) by Greg Pizzoli.

Early-Reader fiction chapter book.

<This is the first book in a series.>

In this collection of three stories, Earl and Worm are best friends, but their start is rocky, as highlighted in Lemonade. Earl is a happy-go-lucky early-bird who enjoys music and talking. Meanwhile, Worm is cranky and doesn’t like new things. When The Bad Idea comes around, Earl and Worm are solid friends, but the unexpected happens when a “very, very sneaky” idea becomes a bad idea and a lesson is also learned. And in The Poem, Earl and Worm are longtime friends. Worm is trying to come up with the perfect finish to her poem, which she thinks should rhyme. When Earl’s suggestions aren’t as helpful as Worm wishes, she storms off. But what if perfection isn’t in the rhyming, but in telling the truth?

            Watching their friendship grow and unfold is like watching flowers bloom on a sunny day. The humor is dry but sweet and the stories for early readers simple but entertaining. The text is good for read-alouds, and the illustrations are colorful and friendly. These stories showcase the ups and downs of friendship while managing to be delightful and emphasize that seeming opposites can not only coexist but be strong friends and learn from one another. What a charming early reader debut from Pizzoli!

Mindy Kim and the Fun Family Vacation (Apr. 29, 2025) by Lyla Lee.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

Junior fiction chapter book.

<This is the twelfth and final book in a series.>

Adventure is set to begin. Mindy and her family are in Korea, and it’s baby Charlie’s first international trip. Mindy’s most excited to visit Jeju Island, as it’s her first trip there, but the journey is off to a bumpy start. First, Charlie won’t stop crying on the plane, then it’s pouring rain. She wants to visit Hallasan (Mount Halla in English), Korea’s biggest mountain, and meet haenyeo, Jeju Island’s female free divers. (Some haenyeo can dive up to 60 feet deep without any equipment!) Jeju is so fascinating. Once its own country, locals speak the Jeju dialect, which is similar to Korean (e.g. harabeoji is grandfather in Korean and hareubang is grandfather in Jeju-mal). Jeju also has guardian statues made of volcanic rock, also referred to as hareubang. Mindy’s first visit to Jeju Island is set to be memorable, but will it be for the wrong reasons?

            The final chapter book in the Mindy Kim series ends how it should. The story looks like it’s swiveling toward in-the-eyes-of-a-child disaster before its tidy, positive wrap-up. This series has been a delight to read and meaningful to me, a Korean American (though I’m an adoptee with no connection to either birth parent). It’s realistic fiction for a youthful audience, engaging and absorbing, but easily accessible, and it may introduce some readers to another culture. It’s a valuable series highlighting family, culture, diversity and life lessons.

Mindy Kim Books 1-5: A compilation post

Mindy Kim Book 6: Mindy Kim and the Big Pizza Challenge

Mindy Kim Book 7: Mindy Kim and the Fairy-Tale Wedding

Mindy Kim Books 8-10: A compilation post

            Mindy Kim Book 11: Mindy Kim, Big Sister

One Drop (Mar. 11, 2025) by Kaitlin Sikes.

   Mel Cerri, illustrator.

Children’s picture book.

Zing! Zap! Plop! One drop of water waits to make its journey from cloud to aquifer, tributary to lake, eventually making it to the Atlantic Ocean. This one drop passes by an iceberg, rushes over an underwater waterfall and takes a turn into a mud castle moat. One day, the one drop “evaporates up, up, up into the clouds, where it waits…” What happens next?

            This adorable picture book is a visually dynamic story. Cerri’s illustrations are simple yet bold and vibrant. Despite the confines of a storybook, the art manages to feel expansive, the one drop’s enthusiasm evident as it traverses the world. I also really enjoy Cerri’s lettering art. Sikes’ prose is easy to follow along with, while encouraging young readers to understand terms like aquifer and estuary. There is educational backmatter to provide additional facts.

What Is the Story of Cinderella? (Feb. 4, 2025) by Dana Meachen Rau.

   David Malan, illustrator.

Early-Reader nonfiction chapter book.

<This is an official Who HQ book.>

Most know the story of Cinderella or Disney’s version of it, which is inspired by Charles Perrault’s famous version. The pumpkin carriage, the animals transformed into footmen, a fairy godmother and twinkling glass slippers. But do you know Rhodopis, Ye Xian or Zezolla? The variations of Cinderella stories over millennia is varied, but they all involve lost footwear. Multiple versions highlight kindness in spite of hardship and harsh treatment. Others are more “Grimm” and definitely involve bloody messes. The best-known versions are mentioned alongside lesser-known ones. There’s also a chapter dedicated to those actresses (and an actor) who have brought Cinderella to life from stage to screen.

            One of the many writers of Who HQ stories brings to the page one of the most well-known Disney princesses and her literary origins that began long before her animated film debut. The slim, early-reader nonfiction volume is informative yet dazzling and entertains across cultures and continents. Cinderella’s story – no matter the version or the original language – is there to charm and to inspire. It’s also for dreamers (singing A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes) and those who “keep building up impossible hopes.” I don’t need a prince, but I wouldn’t say no to attending a ball!

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 13

Here is my nonfiction compilation post for the year. I had hopes of completing a second one, but it’s already September and reading nonfiction is never my strong suit, so it’s moved onto being a 2026 goal.

Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs (Apr. 22, 2025) by José Andrés.

   With Richard Wolffe.

Food is powerful. Food can be an introduction to other cultures or regions. It can cement traditions, and it can be a love language. Food is sustenance and brings people together. José Andrés is best-known as a Michelin-starred chef, but he’s also a humanitarian, TV host, author, husband and father of three. The humanitarian leader founded World Central Kitchen (WCK) in 2010. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to feeding the hungry. They’re boots-on-the-ground asap after natural and man-made disasters. It’s going to be uncomfortable, but, “Don’t settle for the comfortable or the familiar. That will always be the safety net for a circus performer.” Andrés takes the lifetime of experience he’s gained so far and uses this book as a collection of life lessons. He reminds readers, “It’s up to us to change the recipe.” (The backmatter includes several recipes, as well as a moving eulogy to the seven WCK workers who were killed in Gaza.) Remember to build longer tables, not higher walls.

            From humble beginnings to smashing successes, kitchens to conflict zones, Andrés’ newest authorial bestseller is part memoir, part manifesto and all lively. His rise to celebrity chef is fascinating and his growth into food philanthropist is inspirational. His conviction that food brings us closer together and that each of us is capable of contributing to positive change in the world is palpable throughout this slim volume. “We’re all in this country together. We’re all on this planet together. Your success is my success. We the People.” His insights are heartwarming and funny. His wisdom is hard-won and ever-growing. His heart is big, his patriotism apparent and his dedication to feeding the hungry is unrivaled. Let’s all bring food to the table like we’re having the biggest, most joyous potluck. We all have the power to help!

Growing Up Urkel (Nov. 19, 2024) by Jaleel White.

“Did I do that?” – Steve Urkel, Family Matters. Jaleel White’s memoir takes readers on his journey, from booking a commercial when he was three to landing one of the most iconic and memorable character roles of the 1990s to beyond TGIF. Readers like me may not have known Steven Urkel was only supposed to be a one-episode arc. He shares with readers his naïveté in dealing with the “game” of show business. He talks of his parents’ goal of him going to university, their joy when he was accepted at UCLA and the tricky balance of being a college student while also being an actively working famous actor. He isn’t shy about the high highs and the low lows, his luxury rides and name-dropping. He says his story is “a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and reinvention.”

            I checked this book out from my local library. I rooted for it and for White, having grown up loving Family Matters and the entire TGIF lineup. I pictured reading his memoir to be nostalgic. It wasn’t. I struggled like I might not make it across the finish line. Don’t misread me. White’s book is insightful, and his journey is memorable. He’s seen so much and therefore has a lot of industry knowledge and a plethora of experience. I don’t doubt that his parents raised him with core values, but it’s hard to believe in his multiple-times-mentioned humility when he’s seeking out the hot girls and the “it” people and overdoing the name-dropping. There’s who he played hoops with, whose places he went to and the nightclubs he once attended with a mega rapper. He also dropped names of those in important positions before ticking off their less desirable attributes and said that he doesn’t give into pettiness, except for that one time when he wanted the pro dancer to sit in coach. Then there’s one moment in Chapter 15 where he can’t even be bothered to list an actress’ name, just that the movie starred “an unknown young actress,” after all these previous chapters of name-dropping. His story didn’t feel authentic to me and overall has a veneer of pettiness. Jaleel White could be the nicest guy in the world, but that’s not the impression given from the book. Yes, he’s lived a life many of us will never live. He writes his memoir like it’s an ode to the big life he’s led, but he’s really continuing to live in his own shadow. He may have grown up Urkel, but it doesn’t truly seem like he’s grown up.

In Gad We Trust (Jan. 14, 2025) by Josh Gad.

It’s easy to hear the name Josh Gad and think of his smashing success as the original Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon on Broadway or his ultra-popular voice role of Olaf in the worldwide popular Frozen film franchise or his turn as LeFou in the iconic, live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. As tends to be the case with people, Josh Gad is so much more than his famous roles. For the first (and possibly last) time, Josh Gad gives readers a “Tell-Some” on a variety of personal topics. He talks of his parents’ divorce and the lasting impact it’s had on his life. He shares his struggle with weight and being typecast, his take on fatherhood and growing up Jewish. He talks of his history as a speech and debate team member and, at the time he was writing his book, he was “somehow the most decorated speech competitor in the country, a stat that still humbles me to my core and boggles my mind.” (Note: The National Forensic League has since changed its name to the National Speech & Debate Association.) He talks of working with some who have passed like Robin Williams and Chadwick Boseman. No topic is off-limits. He encourages us to keep moving forward and take a chance at those riskier choices. Because that’s what he has done, and through the struggles and the lows, there have been incredible highs and a charismatic snowman who likes warm hugs.

            From what I’ve seen Gad in, he’s an entertaining performer. Now having made his adult debut with a memoir, he’s an entertaining author. His stories are reflective and transformative. The man admits loving to talk about himself, but any arrogance is offset by his vulnerability, especially when readers can see themselves in their own vulnerable moments, from body issues to losing loved ones (family and friends alike) to dealing with all forms of racism and discrimination. His characters may be known for garnering laughter, but Gad undoubtedly needed all the mental toughness he could muster to get where he is today. Gad’s story is conversational and cheeky, heartfelt and hilarious. I knew he had comedic talent, but he’s also a gifted storyteller, and this book has depth.

"Spectacular" by Stephanie Garber

Spectacular (Oct. 22, 2024) by Stephanie Garber.

   Rosie Fowinkle, illustrator.

<This is a standalone holiday novella.>

Welcome to Valenda, capital city of the Meridian Empire. It’s Great Holiday Eve Eve. Empress Scarlett Dragna loves this time of the year, and she’s planning a spectacular Holiday worthy of a city seeped in magic and enchantment. There are life-size gingerbread houses emitting cinnamon smoke and falling snow inside the castle that never lands on the floor nor musses one’s coiffure. Plus, Julian is looking ravishing. Green is absolutely his color. Scarlett’s younger sister, Donatella (Tella), is searching for the perfect gift for Legend and stressing about it. Legend is aloof which isn’t unlike him. Perhaps he’s envious of the magic of the Holiday when he’s himself magical, but he doesn’t care for the Great Holiday or any of its Eves. Tella’s search for the perfect gift takes her to Garland Street, one that only appears on Great Holiday Eve Eve. She’s snuck away, yet again, from her guards. Here be clockwork boys, beautifully poisoned candy, a mischievous snow globe and a shady avenue in the same city currently boasting magical decor. The Great Holiday is setting up to be full of merriment, magic and mayhem.

            I still find Tella to be like a spoiled child who always gets her way and doesn’t know how to solve the smallest crumb of a problem. She continually annoys me, but my opinion shouldn’t stop anyone from reading this holiday novella. It is steeped in holiday merriment and has me wanting to decorate for Christmas and bake Christmas cookies. It swirls and twirls with magically festive world-building. Fowinkle’s illustrations are lush and gorgeous. There’s sugar and spice and poison. There’s whimsy and wonder and magic. It’s a short tale meant for the Caraval fandom, holiday enthusiasts and fairytale dreamers everywhere.

            Book One: Caraval

            Book Two: Legendary

            Book Three: Finale