Picture Book Review: So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang

Image: Amazon

So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. unpgd. Two Lions, April 22, 2025.  9781542036658. Review of fng courtesy of MB Communications.

So-Hee lives in an apartment with her mother and just longs for connection. She's chosen last for things at school and she has not friends. She's severely allergic to fur and the usual pets are off the menu. No friends, not pets, what's a lonely tween to do? Luckily, her local pet store has the answer! Her mom agrees to bring home a yellow python and So-Hee names it Lowy and the two soon become inseparable, until they aren't.

This sweet story works on so many levels. It's about loneliness and friendship and community. The warm illustrations add to the story by depicting lots of little details, both humorous and heartwarming about So-Hee's life. 

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Kang and Mr. Weyent's books. So-Hee and Lowy is a keeper. Loved it. It's a great addition to home and pre-school and elementary libraries. 

Middle Grade Monday: Bloom by Kenneth Oppel

Image: Penguin Random House

Bloom by Kenneth Oppel. 336 p. Random House Children's Books, Mar. 2020.

Happy Monday Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed the beautiful weekend. If I don't get these posts up the first thing in the morning, I rarely get back. Middle Grade Monday features Bloom by Kenneth Oppel. Anaya lives on a small island near Vancouver with her botanist dad and Mounty mom. She, her former bff, Petra and new kid, Seth all suffer from odd allergies. After three days of drenching rain, weird black plants with sharp points start growing. They are almost impossible to remove and cause injury to anyone who tries. Soon, they grow snake-like vines that writhe and choke anything in its path, including humans. It turns out, this isn't just a problem on their little island. The entire world is dealing with these deadly plants and scientists and the military are struggling to find a pesticide.

Curiously, the three teens are immune to the effects of the plants and the reason why is a bit horrifying. The pace of this cinematic, sci-fi thriller is whiplash fast and leaves readers panting for the next installment.

Middle Grade Monday and Arc Review: Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd. Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter. 240 p. Graphix/ Scholastic Inc., March, 2021. 9781338568905. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher.)

Happy Daylight Saving Time! I'm sure you're all raring to go on this fine and blustery Monday! Middle Grade Monday features Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter. All Maggie Wilson has ever wanted is a dog. There's a lot of change in her life right now. She's starting a new school, thanks to redistricting and her mother is having a baby. She's not sure how she feels about that. She's the oldest of three and often feels like the odd girl out because her twin brothers have each other. She gets the best news ever on her birthday! Everyone is taking a trip to the animal shelter! Maggie will get to adopt a dog! Best present Ever!

Once she has picked the perfect puppy, Maggie begins to sneeze and itch. The longer she stays around it, the worse it gets! A trip to an allergy doctor confirms that Maggie is allergic to fur, so cats and dogs, even rabbits are out. She tries a variety of furless pets with little success. She wonders how to outsmart her allergies.

Maggie's troubles and worries are relatable in this terrific graphic novel. The family is busy and supportive. There's even a bit of friendship drama. Ms. Nutter makes her illustrating debut here with her art, which (what pages were colored) is dynamic and appealing. 

Allergic is going to be passed around for sure. If you're a fan of graphic novels, you won't want to miss this one.