Skrum, written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

No April Fools joke here! Today I have a hilarious children's book for you that I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of, titled Skrum, both written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz. 

This rhyming book is perfect for children between the ages of 4 and 8, though adults may enjoy it, too! The illustrations are very vivid and colorful, similar to a comic book. The story progresses at a good pace, but may be a bit scary for those a little younger. The story concentrates on the "Skrum," a monster that is usually peaceful, but for some reason, is currently angry and will eat anyone and anything! Unfortunately, for our protagonist, Sir Barnabus Wellington Hayes, the Skrum has its eye on him. This means that he must run away to keep safe - and keep running through different areas of the world, in order to keep away from the Skrum!

Skrum is a quick read that you and your little one will be sure to enjoy, with a satisfying ending and a good morale to the story. As an added bonus, there is a "How to Draw a Skrum (in 4 easy steps)" section at the end, so your little one can draw a Skrum monster of their own! The author, Mr. Gumz, also has a coloring page on his website, if your little one wants to color an already drawn Skrum. If you would like to buy a copy of the book, it is being released tomorrow, April 1st! You can purchase a copy at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can always request a copy from your local library, as well!

I highly enjoyed this story, and hope you do, too. I have one more children's book review coming up, as the book will be released next month. Stay tuned!

Until next time - Happy Reading!

About the Author: Bernard Gumz

(c) Bernard Gumz, 2024

Bernard Gumz started drawing silly characters when he was five years old and never stopped. He’s worked on cartoons for MTV, WWE, Nick Cannon, AJ Foyt and Eddie Bravo - for which he won a TELLY award.

Bernard also co-produces SPACECAT, a kid’s gaming channel that can be found on YouTube and HappyKids. He lives in Indiana with his wife, son, daughter and two cats.

Happy Library Lovers Month!

Happy Leap Day my fellow bookworms!

Besides Leap Day every four years, February marks the annual celebration of Library Lovers Month! Each February, you can celebrate by visiting and supporting your local library. 

(c) 2024 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

I have been noticing quite a few recent articles mentioning the library helping to combat loneliness, which has significantly increased thanks to the pandemic. An article released by NPR in May 2023 highlights the U.S. Surgeon General advisory, warning that "lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day" (Summers et al.). Aside from the emotional aspect, the physical repercussions include "a 29% increased risk of heart disease; a 32% increased risk of stroke; and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults" (Summers et al., 2023). The article also mentions a way to combat this epidemic: a national strategy framework, which includes strengthening social structure, such as public libraries (Summers et al., 2023).  

A more recent article, released by Library Journal on February 5, 2024, highlights how libraries can help provide a community connection, a creative outlet, a place to build relationships, and an overall asset to public health (Rich). This particular quote highlights how libraries are essential to public health:

"Libraries provide a space where people can build what sociologists and psychologists call "weak ties," or casual connections and loose relationships with people such as neighbors, classmates, or near-strangers. Although they lack the intimacy and frequency of "strong ties"--the relationships we have with our family or closest friends--these social connections help shape a feeling of belonging that one needs to combat feelings of loneliness. In fact, they are essential part of individual well-being" (Rich, 2024).

(c) 2024 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

Aside from public health, public libraries make sure that individuals have equal access to information and
information services, such as general instruction, government resources, and more. They are places were you can rest, learn, play, escape. They are a haven to many, myself included. In fact, many libraries are choosing to become fine free to make sure cost is not a barrier to access materials. There are museum passes, rental of technology and Wi-Fi hotspots, and so much more. Each library is unique in their offerings, but it never hurts to visit and ask what is new!

Speaking of new, the organization Unite Against Book Bans, an organization that fights censorship, recently announced they will continuously release book résumés just in time for National Library Week, April 7, 2024 through April 13, 2024. What are book résumés? Unite Against Book Bans (2024) defines them as detailing "each title's significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members." Teaming up with the publishing community, these book résumés will be given to teachers, parents, and community members to help defend challenged books from censorship (Unite Against Book Bans, 2024). Each book résumé consists of the book cover, the author and title, publisher name, imprint name, a synopsis, reviews and praise, the age and grade range, sale date, awards and accolades, media and resources, and the current response to challenges. Take a look at the current list of book résumés available here.

I will leave you with a quick and fun library story that came on my Facebook feed. The White Settlement Public Library in Texas had an official library cat named Browser, a stray who had wandered in one day and never left. A city councilman didn't care for Browser and tried to get him fired from being the library's mascot, but the community backlash came at full force. The councilman was voted out in the next election and Browser remained in his job, officially titled "Library Cat for Life" (CBS News, 2016). How cute is that? What a great community to stick together and enjoy their library, mascot and all.

Until next time - go visit your local library! Happy Reading!

References

CBS News. (2016, December 16). Library cat outlasts councilman that wanted him gone. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/library-cat-outlasts-councilman-that-wanted-him-gone

Rich, H. (2024, February 5). Hungry for connection: Addressing loneliness through the library. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/hungry-for-connection-addressing-loneliness-through-the-library

Summers, J., Acovino, V., & Intagliata, C. (2023, May 2). America h as a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/02/1173418268/loneliness-connection-mental-health-dementia-surgeon-general

Unite Against Book Bans. (2024, February 20). Book résumés. https://bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org/