Cheryl C. Malandrinos's Blog

If you like puzzles, zany adventures, or sibling stories, you should run out and grab a copy of Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein.

Benjamin “Benji” Broderick and his older brother, Ethan, used to be closer. But now, retro arcade game and puzzle-loving Benji has little in common with his popular jock of a brother, who is leaving for college at the end of the summer. The only thing they agree on is that they despise being sent on this forced brother road trip by their family. However, they quickly discover they are competing with five other families for a million-dollar prize, so they decide to work together to solve Ms. Pennypickle’s ultimate puzzle.

This middle-grade story was written for my younger self. Witty banter, mysteries, puzzle-solving skills, teamwork, and siblings at odds on a wild and crazy drive down the famous Route 66 make this a thrilling and fun read. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. Though the ending is about as plausible as when the Scooby gang reveals the villain’s story and how they fooled everyone else, it didn’t matter. Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest is so much fun that you willingly suspend belief for the sake of the satisfying outcome. This book is middle-grade gold!

Highly recommended!

Rating:

I downloaded a digital copy of this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Adventure seekers unite! The Curiosities by W. H. Eatons is a creative, zany adventure of two siblings and unexpected happenings in their new town. Smash together the camaraderie of the Scooby Doo gang with weird creatures like those from The Last Kids on Earth, and then sprinkle in some good old nature and science, and you might come close to what The Curiosities has to offer.

Readers meet Marlow and Zach Metzler as he bursts into her bedroom to announce his recent discovery. Zach, you see, is on a quest to pique the curiosity of Leo, the neighborhood cat, who seems to lack any curiosity at all. Then their mother, known as Mumzy Bear, marches in looking for something. Right away, you get the feeling that Marlow is the calm center in the midst of chaos.

Then readers get dropped into Leo’s world. They learn his nickname for Zach, how he truly feels about curiosity, and they meet the neighborhood cat gang. By the third chapter, readers are diving into pirate ships, termites, and aggressive farmer ants.

Confused yet? Admittedly, I was, too. There is a lot going on in this story. Love the quirkiness of it. The odd adventures are great. The handling of Zach’s autism was well done. Talking cats are always fun, especially when the humans can’t understand them. And who can’t appreciate how Marlow and Zach are invested in saving their town while adjusting to being the new kids? I just felt the transitions were tough and that there were so many characters that I struggled to keep up with them all. Still, it is an energetic read that will keep you turning the pages.

Rating:

I downloaded a digital copy of this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Looking for a book to bring comfort to your little one struggling with nighttime fears? Then grab a copy of Charlie Can’t Sleep! by Rachel Joy Welcher.

The sun is going down when Charlie’s mother brings his clean blanket upstairs. But he doesn’t want to sleep. There are too many scary noises and too many unknowns. With the help of his parents, Charlie learns God is there for us at any time of day or night.

Welcher has created a beautifully told reminder of how God listens to our prayers and is always watching over us. Charming illustrations by Breezy Brookshire in calming colors adorn the pages as Charlie’s story unfolds.

Charlie Can’t Sleep! is a sweet treasure that will be enjoyed by many.

Rating:

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

What’s the deal with middle school, anyway? Award-winning author and artist Chanel Miller explores the glorious mess that is middle school—and the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering.

At the beginning of seventh grade, Luna knows who she is: an observant, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, somehow Luna is swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she’s going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for?

In a contemporary novel that feels like today’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Newbery Honor winner and bestselling author Chanel Miller explores what it means to lose and then find yourself again in the middle of middle school.

Visit Penguin Random House to see how you can pre-order!

For those of you paying attention, I went right from my first quarter update to my third quarter update. The second quarter was filled with one step forward, three steps back, and a bit of grumpiness. Thankfully, I rarely stay grumpy for long.

Many changes have occurred for us in 2025–personally and professionally. Our oldest daughter got married. She closed on her first home. I’m having an amazing real estate year and am actively seeking a literary agent again. My next agent meeting is this month. For stress relief, I’ve written a few fanfiction stories and concentrated more on my Laura Ingalls Wilder blog, Laura’s Little Houses. This year’s growth over at The Book Connection has been wonderful and unexpected. Let’s take a peek at this year’s writing goals and their progress.

Complete Amelia’s Mission.

This middle-grade historical remains untouched. I am focusing on finding an agent for Home for the Heart and on completing the next book in the series. This is still a favorite story of mine, so it will one day get more attention.

Complete Sheltered Hearts.

Still at twelve chapters. This book is the second in the series that began with Home for the Heart. This is a romance novel set during the fall. Sheltered Hearts features a character from the first book in the series, with a newly introduced character. I have been reading it again and want to plot it out to the end.

Plot the last book in the series.

Running through ideas that I put down on paper this spring.

Invest in a new author website.

Completed this during the first quarter. You can find my new website here!

Complete NaNoWriMo.

Since NaNoWriMo closed down in March, this goal came off my list. I am glad I completed NaNoWriMo in 2023 so that I could say I did it once.

Work on two or three paid editing jobs.

Blew past this goal already, and I am working on another job right now.

How are your writing goals coming along? What is or will be your biggest accomplishment of the year?

When a family moves into a big, old house, it feels strange and unfamiliar to the kids – a bit spooky even! They soon discover a black cat is already living there, and it is spooked by the new owners. As they unpack and settle into their new home, the family decides to not disturb the cat and to pretend that they don’t see it padding around from room to room. Will the family and their spooky housemate ever feel at home? This story about life changes and being patient in new situations is perfect year round, and especially at Halloween.

Purchase Spooky by Sally Anne Garland.

Count Derek is moving to a new castle and can’t wait to make new friends! But when everyone thinks he’s strange, what can a not-so-bad guy do to change their minds?

Purchase Not-So-Bad Guys Vampire! by Michael Buxton

It’s time for Halloween! Search for hidden surprises in 7 spooky spreads while spending time with mummies, monsters, and more! Look at the end of the book for even more Seek and Find challenges.

Purchase Boooo! My First Little Seek and Find by Julia Lobo

One little angel wonders what type of angel they are, so they try out different things until they discover their true purpose on Christmas Eve.

Little Angel’s Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau is a beautifully told, stunningly illustrated story of an angel seeking their purpose. The little angel knows that every angel is created with a special purpose, but theirs seems to elude them. They try and try, but nothing seems to work right, until the sounds of bells ring in the air on Christmas Eve.

After reading two humorous titles in a row, stepping back to approach a touching, heartwarming story like Little Angel’s Christmas Song was such a treasure. The folk-inspired artwork by Sela Marlin Soganci is just as lovely and wonderful as the story by Hau.

Young readers ages 4 to 8 will enjoy following along this little angel’s journey to find its special and meaningful purpose.

Rating:

I downloaded a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

If you are looking for an outrageously funny Christmas story to share with the young people in your life, grab a copy of Never Let A Unicorn Meet A Reindeer! written and illustrated by Diane Alber.

When a girl asks for a reindeer to visit her summer birthday party, chaos ensues. After all, Santa has warned her not to let her unicorn meet a reindeer, so what should she expect when it happens? Unicorn and reindeer clash, but they rise to the occasion when Santa needs help on Christmas Eve.

I applaud an author who has such creativity. Alber has a series of Unicorn books that are so playful and silly that it’s no wonder they are so popular. Also a talented artist, her black and white illustrations with spots of color are instantly recognizable. Love the expression on the girl’s face on the front cover.

This is a modern and unique twist on a familiar Christmas story that will delight young readers and have them laughing aloud. Such a fun book!

Rating:

I downloaded this book from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.