Monday, February 10, 2025

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hi, everyone! Oliver reporting in with yet another book review, this time from my friend Valyria. As a cultured cat with an eye for fine art and stories, I must say I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt is the most claw-some book about worms I’ve ever read! This book is simple, silly, and filled with wiggly fun—perfect for kittens (and humans) who love a good giggle. Worms may not be my usual prey of choice (I’m more of a mouse-and-bird kind of cat), but these little squigglers really grew on me.

This book is all about worms—lots of worms! While the author purr-fesses he can only draw them (suspicious), and each worm is just lines with a bit of color, they have so much purr-sonality and are hiss-terical. I found myself paw-nder-ing if I could swat at them through the pages. As a cat, I’d normally be more interested in chasing worms than reading about them, but this book was so engaging that I purred through the whole thing.

If you’re looking for a book that’s short, silly, and absolutely worm-derful, this is it! It’s a purr-fect choice for bedtime or a quick laugh, and I give it five out of five paws. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to dig in the garden and see if I can find some worms of my own!

See you all in my next review!

Oliver 🐾🐾

Friday, February 7, 2025

Fast Five Fiction: Are you Ready for Some Football?

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. With the upcoming Super Bowl, today I wanted to highlight some of our numerous football books for sports fans of any age. 

Football Genius series by Tim Green

Twelve-year-old Troy White has a phenomenal gift: He can predict football plays before they even happen. Any position. Any player. Any team.

When Troy's single mom gets a job working for the Atlanta Falcons, Troy sees this as an opportunity to show what he can do. But first he has to get to the Falcons--and with tight security and a notoriously mean coach, even his mom's field passes aren't much help.

Then Troy and his best friends devise a plan to get the attention of star linebacker Seth Halloway. With Seth's playing and Troy's genius, the Falcons could be unstoppable if they'll only listen. But if he can't convince Seth he's telling the truth, the Falcons' championship and his mom's job are at risk.

Game Changers by Mike Lupica

Ben McBain is every football team's dream player. He's a jack-of-all-trades guy that can handle almost any position. When the game is on the line, Ben's number is the one being called for the final play. But Ben wants to be the starting quarterback and the one thing standing in his way is the coach's son.

Shawn O'Brien looks the part. He has been groomed by his father, a former professional quarterback. But despite his size and arm strength, Shawn is struggling.

Ben is torn between being a good teammate and going after his own dream. As Ben finds out, Shawn isn't the easiest person to help. And when Ben gets an unexpected opportunity, the entire game will change for the both of them.

Football Double Threat by Matt Christopher


Rocky Fletcher is being stretched to his limit. Until recently, he'd only played wide receiver for the Pythons. Now his coaches want him to learn the safety position, too-a position that opened up when Bobby, Rocky's best friend, broke his leg. Even though he believes he is to blame for Bobby's injury, Rocky eagerly takes on the challenge of becoming a two-way player. After all, the only other player available is Jared, a sullen boy who switched from soccer to football this season. Yet as time goes on, it's Jared who excels at the position because, thanks to Bobby, Rocky keeps missing practices! What's going on between Rocky and Bobby-and why is Jared on the team when he clearly dislikes football so much? Football Double Threat combines the action and excitement of football with relatable issues about envy, loyalty, and friendship.

Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler

The Greenblades and the Rippers face off in the Mega-Bowl!

Sacks and hand-offs. Touchdowns and interceptions. When dinos don shoulder pads, the action is sure to be epic. But as the clock ticks down, will the Scales make a goal-line stand or will the Blades break through for the winning TD?

Dinosaurs face off in prehistoric sports competitions--from baseball to wrestling and every sport in between! Will the plant-eaters become the champions? Or will the meat-eaters be victorious? Fast-paced, rhyming commentary and exuberant illustrations put readers right in the action. Sure to thrill dinosaur lovers and sports fans alike! 

My First Football Book

Game on! Perfect for parents to share with their toddlers, this simple board book introduces kids to very basic vocabulary associated with this popular sports. The contemporary design features one word per page, a nice big photo, and a diverse selection of children in the pictures. Plus, the covers are appealingly tactile, with deep embossing and eye-catching spot gloss. Kids will grab hold of it again and again.

Are you ready for some football? Quarterback, receiver, tackle, first down. No child is too young to fall in love with one of America's favorite sports



Happy Friday and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Hi, everyone! Oliver reporting in with yet another book review, this time from my friend Valyria. As a cultured cat with an eye for fine art...