Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King Virtual Tour: Review & Giveaway

My kids and I enjoy sharing our wildest dreams, in which we may access or do things not normally possible in the real world. Can you imagine inhabitants in your dreamland finding their way to enter your real life? Follow a little boy's crazy adventure in Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King by multi-award-winning author Darin S. Cape, in collaboration with artists Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto. Enter to win one of ten signed copies! You could also score a poster and pins.

My Review:

Marked with humor, irrepressible imagination, stunning artwork, and a creative fusion of fantasy, action, and adventure, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an energizing, gripping graphic novel about family, friendship, growth, bravery, kindness and resilience.

Zicky is a preschooler who transforms into a teenage version of himself with ninja skills after falling asleep and gets transported into a fantasy world with his magic ring (in the form of a binky). Eager to invade the human world and steal all the cheese, the Rat King captures Zicky in his dream, tortures him, and forces him to help send Zooky, the mastermind behind Rat King's evil plan, to the human world. Will Zicky be able to outsmart the rats and return home in time to stop the villains from taking over and hurting his family?

With quirky characters, funny conversations and full-color illustrations, the book keeps readers immersed in Zicky's fast-paced adventure in the fantasy world as well as what happens simultaneously in the human world. While the real-world Zicky charms young readers with his cuteness, the older Zicky impresses advanced readers with his humor, courage, and quick wits. Reminiscent of members in families around us, Zicky's parents and siblings are relatable and likeable. Even the bad guys are not purely evil or despicable. Besides being a major source of amusement, they exhibit some degree of malleability and promise for positive changes.

Completed by two talented artists, the graphics constitute an indispensable and integral part of the storytelling. The contrasting two worlds (fantasy vs. reality) are well established and delineated by distinct color schemes and painting styles. The dynamic, vibrantly colored manga-inspired artwork is perfect for demonstrating Zicky's ninja stunts and sequential actions in battles against monsters and villains. Meanwhile, the more realistic, relaxed comic style drawings, do a wonderful job of reflecting the somewhat chaotic but authentic life of Zicky's loving family. The two styles blend beautifully together where the two worlds clash. In addition, the panel layout, the speech bubbles and sound effects work hand in hand to guarantee a smooth flow of the story and an engaging reading experience.

Given the unique composition of its cast, the novel may speak to a wide range of readers, who tend to have different takeaways from the story. For instance, my ten-year-old son loves the quirkiness of the characters and the hilarious interactions between Zicky and the rats. He now wishes to have a tickle robot of his own. As a parent, I'm more drawn to the family focus of the narrative, including the parenting challenges, the sibling bickering, and the bittersweet moments in everyday life. I'm also touched by how Zooky gets softened by the family's unconditional love and support. Even his dog can't resist the temptation to change sides!

Entertaining and visually appealing, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is sure to delight graphic novel fans in different age groups. I look forward to finding out what happens next in the series.

About the Book:

Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages
Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939

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.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | SHP Comics

Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Do you still remember the Muppit Boy, who has saved the world from Dr. Drug's evil allergies and become a top secret federal agent at the age of 12? Today marks the official release of Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power, the second installment in the series by award-winning author Michael J. Bowler. Let's celebrate with an awesome giveaway! Prizes include signed copies of the book, audiobook downloads and a $50 Amazon gift card. There will be ten winners in total.

My Review:

Packed with action and surprises, Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power excites middle graders with a stimulating superhero adventure that explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, self-worth, self-discovery, altruism and heroism.

After harnessing his superpowers at a 6-week boot camp, Mo finally gets to reunite with his friends Kash and Barn at a carnival, where a falling Ferris wheel prompts him to transform into his superhero alter ego Condor Kid. The unexpected rescue mission serves as test for his training as well as for his friendship. Is it possible to remain honest with his friends without compromising the confidentiality of his identity? If the accident is orchestrated by Dr. Drug, what is the mad scientist up to this time? When Mo receives his first mission to investigate into the suspicious disappearance of hyperactive, athletic boys, he makes the bold decision to get Mason Rizzo on board. Can the bully be trusted as his sidekick?

Written from Mo's point of view, the narrative invites readers inside Mo's mind to understand his thoughts, feelings, inner debates, and the challenges he has to tackle as he adjusts to his new superhero identity. It's not easy to be a well-publicized hero. It's even harder to be a neurodivergent one. While he takes pride in saving lives and helping others with his talents and superpowers, he struggles to stop people from making the connection between Muppit Boy and Condor Kid. He's still concerned about his self-image and what others think of him, which shows his side as an ordinary adolescent that young readers may feel close to. Although he's involuntarily frozen in age, his growth as a kind, courageous, and responsible person continues as he perfects the use of his superpowers and gives his nemesis the chance to shine.

Friendship remains a major theme of the story. Mo values his friendship with Barn and Kash so deeply that he gets torn between telling the truth and keeping a secret. It's great to see how he manages to stay connected with old friends to the best of his ability. Meanwhile, the unlikely friendship between Mo and Mason Rizzo blossoms after Mo learns about the causes of Rizzo's behavior and entrusts him with the new mission. Mo's trust and forgiveness motivate Rizzo to turn over a new leaf and discover his self-worth.

The contrast between Mo's mom and Rizzo's dad implies the impact of parenting styles on a child's emotional health. A child showered by love is more likely to thrive than one being neglected and berated. Mo's kind heart and heroic actions inspire young readers to help others and treat every life with respect. In addition, the story hints at the lack of accommodations for neurodivergent students in the formal education system and the presence of prejudice against children with developmental disorders.

Entertaining and invigorating, Muppit Boy and the Wheel of Power makes a remarkable addition to the series, which action and adventure lovers of all ages can enjoy.

About the Book:

Ages 9–12 | 240 pages
Publisher: Michael Bowler (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8-9936486-5-1

MUPPIT BOY IS BACK…AND THIS TIME, HE FLIES

Elmo Fitzroy, known worldwide as Muppit Boy, takes on a new alter ego in this latest adventure: Condor Kid! Revolutionary nanite technology has made Mo the world’s first superhero. That is, if he can learn to fly without faceplanting every time.

Hiding his superpowers from best friends Barney and Kashvi is harder than it looks in comic books, especially with someone as sharp as Kash. She doesn’t miss a trick, so after Condor Kid pulls off a dramatic rescue at a local carnival, Kash is hot on the trail of this new masked hero and determined to uncover his identity.

Meanwhile, athletic, overly energetic boys labeled ADHD by their schools are vanishing as part of a devious plot to make use of their competitive spirit. Mo’s boss, Oscar Silverman, assigns the case to Mo and his Big Brother mentor and spying partner, Ari. What the crime-fighting duo really needs is a hyper, athletic boy to go undercover. Unfortunately, everyone knows Muppit Boy is a nerd, not an athlete.

Can Mo save the lives of a hundred kidnapped kids from a scientist who’s exploiting them in the craziest scheme ever, or will he need help from the last person on earth he’d ever expect to work with?

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

The Junkyard Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Ready for a high-stakes adventure involving a stealthy army of dogs, a vengeful wolf and an authoritative grizzly bear? Jump right into The Junkyard, a multi-award-winning middle-grade fantasy by Bryan Reilly. Enter to win a signed paperback copy, along with a $50 Amazon gift card and a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!

My Review:

Revolving around a diverse cast of talking animals, The Junkyard presents an action-packed, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking story about survival, bravery, leadership, friendship, family and freedom.

The junkyard is not just a place for damaged cars, discarded appliances and waste tires. It's home to two groups of stray dogs, one led by a kind German Shepherd named Dodge and the other by a ruthless Rottweiler called Saab. To stay fed and alive in the yard is no easy task. 

Mr. Fergusen, the bloodthirsty owner of the junkyard collects abandoned dogs and forces them to fight for his pleasure and profit. Sick of this deadly fighting game, pit bull Ninja fakes her defeat and gets deserted outside the fence as easy prey for wandering wolves. Dodge and his friends save her life and enlist her help to deter Saab from sabotaging the safety of all the survivors in hiding. The one-eared wolf Canis kidnaps Dodge's son Fiat for revenge while Saab takes the opportunity to expand his territory. What does it take to bring Fiat home and restore peace in the junkyard?

Woven through multiple threads linked to different characters, the narrative is perfectly paced to hold the reader's interest until the very last page. It'd be a challenge to put the book down halfway without worrying about the fates of those courageous yet vulnerable canines. The book's picturesque descriptions give the feel of a film while the characters are easy to relate to and emphasize with, given their human-like emotions and connections.

The struggle for survival in the junkyard and the fighting ring feels so real and heartrending. The solid friendship marked with trust, loyalty and sacrifice seems all the more precious under the circumstances. Seeing that love and kindness can outpower greed and cruelty gives us hope and confidence. The story may also spark meaningful conversations about leadership skills, the fight for freedom, and family values. The colorful, realistic drawings that accompany the text help readers recognize the characters and understand their actions in important scenes.

Expertly crafted and expressively illustrated, The Junkyard is one exhilarating read that dog lovers and adventure lovers don't want to miss.

About the Book:

Ages: 8-12 | 192 Pages
Publisher: Bryan Reilly (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8903103942

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.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

Quagmire Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Some of our loved ones may have left us for good, but our memories of them can stay forever. See how far a 12-year-old would go to save the legacy of his grandpa in Sam Campbell's latest novel Quagmire. Enter to win a signed paperback copy, along with stickers, a bookmark and a special keychain!

My Review:

Featuring an entertaining mix of mystery, action and adventure, Quagmire excels as a captivating, thrilling and heartwarming middle-grade fiction about family, friendship, intergenerational relationship, courage, determination, problem-solving and teamwork.

On a stormy summer night, Mr. O'Malley, Cooper's senior book club friend goes missing soon after the boy shares about his parents' decision to sell the Pink Fountain Motel left behind by his late grandfather. Puzzled by the old man's abrupt change in behavior at the club meeting and his mysterious disappearance, Cooper teams up with Penny, Mr. O'Malley's granddaughter, on an ambitious and perilous search and rescue mission, which involves breaking into a house to gather clues, making a deal with a witch and venturing into the ominous Dark Swamp in a shabby johnboat. Will the duo find Mr. O'Malley alive? Will they survive an attack from the monstrous giant gator known as Baba? Do Pink fish really exist? Can they help Cooper save the motel from getting sold?

Taking Cooper's perspective, the first person narrative keeps readers fascinated by Cooper's unique way of thinking, his bold behavior and his incredible resilience. The author's amusing descriptions and vivid metaphors make it really easy to visualize the sequence of events and get fully immersed in the mystery-solving adventure. In addition, the short chapters and smooth storytelling combine to provide a pleasant reading experience for young readers.

The story explores family dynamics at multiple levels, including interactions between siblings, between parents and children, and between grandparents and grandchildren. It gently touches upon the topic of loss and grief, indicating the significance of preserving our memories with loved ones. The book also covers different types of friendship, such as the cross-generational friendship between Cooper and Mr. O'Malley, the newly formed friendship between Cooper and Penny, and the long-time friendship between the two grandfathers. One or more of these relationships may resonate with readers in different age groups. Cooper's success strongly suggests that teamwork and problem-solving go hand in hand while courage and determination provide the strength we need to beat the odds.

Filled with humor and heart, Quagmire makes a highly enjoyable and meaningful read for middle graders and beyond.

About the Book:

Ages: 8–12 | 179 Pages
Publisher: Independently Published (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8197255112

Cooper Knox joined the Gator Island Public Library's weekly book club to get his mind off his parents selling his late grandfather's motel—not help solve a missing persons case.

But old Mr. O'Malley has become a dear friend, so when the local news reveals his boat washed ashore unoccupied, Cooper's determined to find his fellow club member. The only clue? A crude map left behind by Mr. O'Malley.

As summer days grow hotter on Gator Island, twelve-year-old Cooper, along with Mr. O'Malley's granddaughter, Penny, navigate the winding canals and marshes in hopes of finding the missing bookworm. But following the map also means plunging into the Dark Swamp, where a legendary monster is said to be lurking….

Can Cooper find Mr. O'Malley AND save Pops' motel before it's too late?

Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop.org