Blog Tour and Giveaway- Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

I love graphic novels! Not only are they a wonderful way to get reluctant readers excited about books, but they’re also simply fun to read. I’m always on the lookout for my next great graphic-novel read, especially for tweens. That’s why I’m excited to share a new one with you today: Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King by Darin S. Cape. Fans of manga and readers who enjoy a good fantasy adventure will especially appreciate this one.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Created by Darin S. Cape

Illustrated by Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto

Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages

Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939

 

Publisher’s Book Summary: "Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast, funny, manga-inspired graphic novel that blends fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and family appeal. When a cheeky underdog hero is pulled into a world of monsters, doppelgängers, and an army of rats, Zicky must rely on wit, courage, and unlikely friendships to survive. Bursting with kinetic action, playful mischief, and relatable growing pains, Zicky is a perfect gateway to manga for younger readers and a joyful, high-energy adventure for kids, teens, and families alike."

 

Readers can purchase their own copies of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King at Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and SHP Comics. To learn more about Darin S. Cape, visit his website and connect with him on Instagram.

 

 

Giveaway:

I've partnered with Shawn Hainsworth to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of 10 signed paperback copies of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a Zicky poster and pins. Good luck!

 

Audiobook Review: The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction/Audiobook

Pub. Date: September 8, 2026

Publisher: Random House Audio

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: The Frozen River

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Grace O’Malley was born to be a sea captain. But despite her natural skill on the water, Grace learns early that her dreams of a life at the helm are not compatible with the expectations of her noble family. As the only daughter of a powerful chieftain, her role is to secure a strong alliance and bear children. But when she’s sent to foster with a nearby clan, Grace falls for a clever and open-minded second son—a man she cannot have.

Married off against her will to a brutal warrior, Grace performs her duty, all the while gathering followers loyal to her, and consolidating her husband’s power, only to be ousted from his lands. But this betrayal offers Grace the opportunity to return to sea, finally leading clan O’Malley’s mighty fleet. Just as she finds true independence, Queen Elizabeth’s incursions into Ireland grow bolder and Grace must fight to defend her land, her ships, and the people she loves most against the cruel and power-hungry English deputies, who will stop at nothing to check her influence.

Keenly observed and fiercely written, Ariel Lawhon's new action-packed novel channels the untamed beauty and harsh realities of sixteenth-century Ireland, as seen through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine who rightly became “the Pirate Queen of Ireland.”

 

Grainne, or Grace O'Malley, as history remembers her, is the daughter of a chieftain in 16th-century Ireland. Readers may know a little bit about her as she is legendary in Irish folklore and history, but Ariel Lawhon's The Pirate Queen takes it one step further. Readers are taken back to her childhood, her time as a mother, and, lastly, as a matriarch. Throughout those various points in her life, one thing remained: her love for the sea. Grainne, or Grace, wasn't brought up like a typical girl. She is adventurous, can understand the sea, sails (despite her father not wanting her to), and deals with the ups and downs of leading a clan. Her life is one adventure after another filled in between with tender moments of love, heartbreak, and motherhood. Ariel Lawhon brings her life together beautifully in The Pirate Queen, and the audiobook is an immersive experience.

 

Lawhon, who usually writes novels with chapters that are from different time periods, has done the same in The Pirate Queen. The novel isn't told linearly; in fact, it jumps around from her childhood all the way to her final years. So one chapter could be about eight-year-old Grace, and then next, she is 56. I do not prefer this kind of braided story; however, it didn't deter my enjoyment of the novel.

 

My favorite aspect of The Pirate Queen is how immersive the tale was; Lawhon does a superb job of bringing Ireland to life. Everything from the descriptions of the land, the clans, all the way to the Gaelic dialect and sayings. The story takes us to beautiful Ireland during her childhood, to her arranged marriage to the horrible O'Flaherty, up to the battlefields during the Elizabethan era. It was all utterly captivating.

 

Tara Flynn, the audiobook's narrator, does a wonderful job bringing the story to life and the dialect. I am glad I listened to this book as her storytelling enhanced my experience. The Pirate Queen is definitely one of my favorite audiobooks of the year.

 

If you love a good adventure, look no further. The Pirate Queen will have you flipping the pages as well as dreaming of an afternoon exploring castles in Ireland and taking windswept walks along its cliffs. Have you read The Pirate Queen? Are you a fan of Ariel Lawhon? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Junkyard

Survival stories are always popular with middle-grade readers, which is why The Junkyard by Bryan Reilly caught my eye. This new middle-grade novel follows Maytag, a pit bull who lives with a group of stray dogs. Adventure awaits, along with a troublemaking Rottweiler and a vengeful wolf. As a dog lover, I can’t help but root for Maytag. I hope she finds her happy ending!

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

The Junkyard

Written by Bryan Reilly

Illustrated by Rich Denver

Ages: 8-12 | 192 Pages

Publisher: Bryan Reilly (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8903103942

Publisher’s Book Summary: "Ninja is a pit bull who would rather die than hurt another dog. When she purposefully loses in the fighting ring of a cruel junkyard owner, Mr. Fergusen, she is punished and left for dead at the edge of a nearby forest. A tribe of stray junkyard dogs finds her and gives her a new name, Maytag. They nurse her back to health and welcome her into their secret home inside the northern junkyard’s mountains of wrecked cars, appliances, tires, and trains. For the first time, Maytag feels love and is incredibly relieved to be free of Mr. Fergusen’s fighting ring. But her relief is short-lived. Saab, the aggressive Rottweiler of the southern junkyard, plans to conquer the north with the help of a vengeful forest wolf. If the junkyard becomes a warzone, Mr. Fergusen will surely take the strays to the put-down place. When Saab’s plan is set in motion, Maytag must decide if her new friends are worth fighting for."

 

You can purchase your own copy of The Junkyard at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Bookshop. To learn more about Bryan Reilly, visit his website and connect with him on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Bryan Reilly to host an exciting giveaway for The Junkyard. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of three signed paperback copies of The Junkyard. One lucky grand prize winner will receive the ultimate book-lover’s bundle: a signed paperback copy of The Junkyard plus a $50 Amazon gift card and a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. Good luck!

 

The Ultimate Guide to Baseball Books for Kids and Kids at Heart

As the World Series approaches, we’re excited to share some of the best baseball books for readers of all ages. Whether you’re introducing a young reader to the game, exploring baseball history, or enjoying a classic story together, this list has something for every baseball fan.

From beginner books to chapter books, nonfiction, and family read-alouds, these titles are a great way to celebrate America’s favorite pastime. Grab a glove, settle in, and discover your next baseball favorite!

 

Beginner Readers: 

1. Flat Stanley at the Bat by Jeff Brown

2. Pete the Cat: Play Ball! by James Dean

3. Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

4. My First Book of Baseball by Sports Illustrated Kids 

5. The Berenstain Bears: We Love Baseball! by Mike Berenstain 

6. Get a Hit, Mo! by David A. Adler 

7. Catching the Moon by Crystal Hubbard 

8. The William Hoy Story by Nancy Churnin 

Chapter Books:

(A variety of levels included) 

 

1. Magic Treehouse: Big Day for Baseball by Mary Pope Osborne

2. Little Rhino: My New Team by Ryan and Krystle Howard

3. The Ballpark Mysteries series by David Kelly

 

4. Roberto and Me (and the entire Baseball Card Adventure series) by Dan Gutman 

5. The Kid Who Only Hit Homers by Matt Christopher

6. Batter Up! by Jake Maddox

7. Play Ball! by Matt Christopher (and entire Little League series) 

 

 

 

8. Heat by Matt Lupica

9. Batting Order by Matt Lupica

10. The Missing Baseball (Zach and Zoe Mysteries series) by Mike Lupica 

11. Stealing Home by Matt Christopher 

12. The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz 

13. A Whole New Ballgame: The Story of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League by Sue Macy 

 

Non-Fiction:

1. Who Was Babe Ruth? by Joan Holub 

2. Who Was Jackie Robinson? by Joan Holub  

3. Who Was Roberto Clemente? by Joan Holub

4. Everything Kids' Baseball Book by Greg Jacobs

5. Baseball Then to Wow! by Sports Illustrated Kids

6. What Were the Negro Leagues? by Varian Johnson

5. We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson

 

6. Baseball Around the World by Chris Singleton 

7. Magic Treehouse Fact Tracker: Baseball by Mary Pope Osborne 

 

 

 

8. Baseball's Best: Five True Stories by Andrew Gutelle 

9. Baseball's Greatest Hitters by S.A. Kramer  

10. Baseball's Greatest Players: 10 Biographies for New Readers by Andrew Martin

11. At the Plate With....Ken Griffey, Jr. (At the Plate series) by Matt Christopher   

12. The Incredible Women of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League by Anika Orrock 

 

13. It's a Numbers Game! Baseball by James Buckley, Jr. 

 

 

For Adults and Kids to Read Together:

1. The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanski

2. Why We Love Baseball by Joe Posnanski

3. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Collection: Celebrating the Game's Greatest Players by James Buckley, Jr.

 

4. Hall of Fame Players: Cooperstown by Bruce Herman

6. Baseball's Greatest by Sports Illustrated

 

 Shop All Books Here: :

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the best baseball books for kids, tweens, and young adults. Let me know your favorites in the comments below.  

 

 

Blog Tour: A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home

Is there anything better than a day spent in nature? If you’re a longtime reader, you know how much I love trees, the ocean, and the beauty of the natural world. I especially enjoy picture books that capture a strong sense of place and encourage readers to appreciate everything nature has to offer. Add a loving family to the mix, and you have the makings of a truly memorable story.

That’s why I’m delighted to share A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home by Nikki McClure. Kirkus gave this beautiful picture book a starred review, calling it “soft, stunning, and cozy as a hug.” When it comes to picture books, I can’t think of a better description!

 

Learn More About the Book: 

 

 

A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home

Created by Nikki McClure

Ages: 4-8 | 48 Pages

Publisher: Norton Young Readers (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1324125105

Publisher's Book Summary: "Gorgeously handcrafted, rooted in the nature and landscape of the Northwest, and threaded with the experience of child- and parenthood, A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home is a rich and deeply felt meditation on the intimacy of home, the wonder of the world, and the magic of discovery."

 

Readers can purchase their own copies of A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home at Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Norton. Also, to learn more about Nikki McClure, visit her website and connect with her on Instagram. 

 

The Giveaway: 

 

I've partnered with Norton Young Readers to host a giveaway for the beautiful picture book, A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home by Nikki McClure. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy. Good luck!