There are three separate worlds that coexist in perfect harmony as long as nothing disrupts their delicate balance. The council that maintains the worlds' equilibrium can foresee the future. Knowing the worlds will eventually encounter great turmoil they decide to selectively breed three young children who when grown will join together and embark on a quest that will result in bringing the three worlds back in sync. The three children are Bryn, Madlen and Cam - one from each of the worlds. Bryn is a boy, Madlen is a girl and Cam is an it. Apparently on Cam's world each person gets to decide their own gender when they reach puberty. Bryn becomes obsessed with trying to figure out what Cam is or will be by asking such questions as "how do you go to the bathroom"? The last page of the book reveals to Bryn what Cam becomes, but not to the reader. The author makes this subplot too important and it detracts from the telling of their actual quest. The author is also rather inconsistent, in the very beginning of the book Cam is referred to as female then after that always an it. I feel that Questors would have been much more exciting if it had focused more on the children's quest and given greater detail of the different worlds.
Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience? Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...
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The boy who was raised by librarians