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Cover Reveal—THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES by Jenny Lundquist!

By on January 8, 2025   /   Articles, Author Interviews, Cover Reveal  

It’s a special day at The Mixed-Up Files! I am thrilled to host the cover reveal for THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES (Holiday House 7/22/25) written by Jenny Lundquist and illustrated by Erwin Madrid.

Summary: THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES

Twelve-year-old Rowan Fitzgerald discovers the library her estranged grandfather runs is filled with magical objects—but only one holds the key to her family’s mysterious past.

After being expelled from boarding school—again—Rowan isn’t sure what to expect upon arriving at Fitzgerald Manor. But it sure isn’t this.

The estate is opulent. Lush. Grand. Mind-boggling. And at the heart of it all is Cillian Fitzgerald, her enigmatic grandfather, and his pride and joy: the Library of Curiosities.

Now, everyone knows that libraries are the best. But the Library of Curiosities is the best of the best, because its collection contains a vast trove of magical objects from which lucky patrons can borrow to fix their everyday problems. Still stuck on that language arts story assignment? Try writing it on the enchanted typewriter and see if that doesn’t get the words flowing. Hoping to land the lead in the school musical? Check out a wishing sock. (Use high heat to activate.)

It doesn’t take long for Rowan to realize that in this wondrous place, her own problems—her painful want of family, her deep desire for friends—might actually be solved for the first time in her life.

And now that we have piqued your interest, it’s time for the cover reveal. Drumroll please . . . Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you—THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES!

 

COVER REVEAL!

 

Isn’t it GORGEOUS?!

And now it’s time to meet the author . . . Jenny Lundquist. 

Lisa: I absolutely LOVE the cover! Erwin Madrid truly captured the magic of the story. How much were you involved in the design process? 

Jenny: Holiday House gave me a list of illustrators they had in mind for the cover. I was familiar–and a fan!–of Erwin Madrid’s work and asked if they would reach out to him about doing the cover and was thrilled when he said yes. I LOVE the cover so much! I think he captured so many incredible details, from the whimsical items on the shelves to the shadow of the villain standing behind the window.

Lisa: Tell us about THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES. 

Jenny: THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES is about twelve-year-old Rowan Fitzgerald, who gets kicked out of boarding school (again) and is forced to live with her estranged grandfather at his opulent estate and discovers the library he runs is filled not with books, but magical objects, and that he and their family’s archenemy have both been searching for an enigmatic curiosity called the Everheart, that’s been lost for decades. If Rowan and her grandfather don’t find the Everheart first, they’ll both lose everything they’ve ever loved.

Lisa: I read an early version of this book and immediately knew it would find its way into the hands of young readers. It is middle-grade perfection!

Now, on to the questions. 

Lisa: Do you base characters on people you know? If yes, spill the beans!

Jenny: No, I never base my characters on real people. I always design my characters according to the plot. For instance, the plot of LIBRARY called for a character who was impulsive and a go-getter, but also had a high amount of empathy. I crafted Rowan after those needs.

Lisa: What was your biggest challenge when writing this book?

Jenny: I’ve been wanting to write a book about a family who collected magical objects for years, but I couldn’t seem to get the setting right. First, I tried having them work at a tent in a flea market, and then in an obscure antique store, and there might have been another setting somewhere in there. But it never landed right. Finally, one day I came up with the idea of setting the story in a library and everything immediately started falling into place. I loved every minute of designing the library and all the wondrous objects it contains inside!

Lisa: How much of your real-life experiences play a role in the stories you tell? (Translation: Do you know of a magical library?)

Jenny: Sadly, I don’t know of any magical libraries in the sense that I think the question is implying. Although, as someone who loves libraries, I have to say my personal belief is that libraries are inherently magical, just as they are, because they grant us passports to worlds we would otherwise not have access to. I put a line to that effect in toward the end of the book because I believe that so strongly!

Lisa: What books did you like to read as a kid? Do those books influence your writing?

Jenny: I loved the Narnia series when I was in elementary school and I have never outgrown the sense of wonder I first felt when reading it. I am still the person that opens a door or a wardrobe and hopes I’ll find a magical world on the other side. 6. What advice would you give twelve-year-old Jenny? I would tell twelve-year-old Jenny not to worry so much about what others are thinking. Everyone is so worried about their own life, that they think about you a whole lot less that you think they do.

Lisa: If you could have one magical object from your story, which would you choose?

If I could choose one object from the story, I would choose a wishing sock. They are socks that grant wishes, but require high heat to activate their magic powers. You can toss one in the dryer but they are single use, so your sock will disappear afterward. The drawback is you’re going to end up with a lot of mismatched and/or lost socks, but the benefit is your wish will come true!

Lisa: What are you working on now?

Jenny: In addition to middle grade, I write for adults. I’m currently revising my debut adult novel, THE STARS OF SOMEWHERE ELSE, which I describe as Narnia for adults with multiple love stories (between romantic partners as well as estranged sisters), shadowy billionaires, and luxury mindsets. I’m also drafting the second book in the contract, so 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year!

Lisa: Thank you so much for stopping by The Mixed Up Files for the cover reveal for your magical new book. We can hardly wait to hold this beauty in our hands! To all our readers, be sure to add THE LIBRARY OF CURIOSITIES to your Goodreads list and pre-order at your favorite local indie or click on the link below. 

Happy reading!

Author—Jenny Lundquist

Evoto

As the author of several whimsical middle grade and young adult novels, Jenny Lundquist is no stranger to literary magic. But she also finds plenty of real-world wonder in her home state of California, where she lives and writes alongside several beloved humans, one beloved rescue pup, and, more often than not, a beloved mug of coffee. Jenny received her MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, and is proud to say she has never once enlisted the assistance of a magic typewriter. The Stars of Somewhere Else, Jenny’s debut novel for adults, is set to publish in Winter 2026 with Forge/Macmillan. Find her online at Instagram or at Substack, where she hosts her newsletter, Dispatches From Somewhere Else.

Illustrator—Erwin Madrid

Erwin Madrid grew up in San Jose, California. In May 2003, Erwin earned his BFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, CA. During his last semester of college, Erwin was hired by PDI/DreamWorks Animation where he contributed production illustrations for the animated feature film, Shrek 2. He later became a visual development artist for the ongoing Shrek franchise, the Madagascar sequel and Megamind. Erwin has also done conceptual art for the video game industry for titles like Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. His has designed cover art for children’s books for publishers that include Harper Collins, Random House and Simon and Schuster. In his spare time, Erwin travels and paints whenever he has a chance. He currently lives in the Bay Area, California.

Pre-order The Library Of Curiosities.

Add to your Goodreads reading list.

Request to read from Edelweiss.

 

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WNDMG – Anticipated Diverse MG Reads for January 2025

By on January 8, 2025   /   Diversity, WNDMG  
Wndmg logo

#WNDMG

A new year often equates to new beginnings.
Everyone feels refreshed and ready to tackle grand adventures and daring challenges. We cast Happy New Year Fireworksaway the failures and mistakes of the previous year in exchange for new projects, goals, and resolutions. While I don’t always make new year’s resolutions (at least not ones that I announce aloud to the world), I think my goal for 2025 is to broaden my reading horizons and be more diligent about tackling my booklists to share with others.

As readers, writers, parents, and educators, we all seek to open our eyes to new worlds and opinions in order to grow as people. Learning about things that are different from us is critical to that growth and those lessons we learn should be shared with those around us. Being a member of the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors is an exciting new adventure I’m happy to be a part of, and sharing my love of middle grade books ~ especially those from diverse backgrounds ~ is key.

So to tackle two tasks at once, for this opening post of the WNDMG 2025 series, I offer my top five anticipated 2025 releases for January.

 

Misfits - A Copycat Conundrum by Lisa Yee

Misfits – A Copycat Conundrum by Lisa Yee

 

#1: A Copycat Conundrum (The Misfits #2)

By Lisa Yee

Illustrated by Dan Santat

Release Date: January 7, 2025

ISBN: 9780593564226

As a fan of both Lisa Yee and Dan Santat, I am ready to laugh my face off with another zany mission of the Misfits! This sequel to A Royal Conundrum, this story is sure to keep you on your toes as these crime-fighters put their heads together and solve another mind-bending mystery.

 

 

 

Publisher’s Description:

Oof! After solving the case of the Royal Rumpus, Olive Cobin Zang and her elite team of underdogs are on top of the world. As the awkward, crime-fighting Misfits, they’re acing every mission thrown at them from NOCK (aka No One Can Know, the covert agency they work for).

But when their classmate Zeke starts receiving threatening notes, the Misfits are stumped. They’re no strangers to danger, but this case is a total head-scratcher. Who would target kind, friendly Zeke . . . unless he’s not what he seems to be?

At the same time, unusual earthquakes start shaking up San Francisco just as priceless art goes missing, and the Misfits are called to investigate. Is it a coincidence that the city is under attack while Zeke is getting mysterious messages? Or is it all just a cover for a scheme bigger than any they’ve faced before?

 

As You Wish by Nashae Jones

As You Wish by Nashae Jones

 

#2: As You Wish

By Nashae Jones

Release Date: January 14, 2025

ISBN: 9781665939911

 

Continuing with my need for a joyous January, I love a good rom-com which is why this sophomore novel of Nashae Jones is a must read for me! I love the concept and can’t wait to see what Anasi has in store for Birdie and Deve!

 

Publisher’s Description:

Birdie has big plans for eighth grade. This is the year that she gets a boyfriend, and since she and her best friend, Deve, do everything together, it makes sense that Deve will get a girlfriend. This is the kind of math Birdie doesn’t find intimidating—it’s Eighth Grade 101. (Birdie + Boyfriend) + (Deve + Girlfriend) = Normal Eighth Grade Experience. And normal is something Birdie craves, especially with a mom as overprotective as hers.

She doesn’t expect Deve to be so against her plan, or for their fight to blow up in her face. So when the West African god Anansi appears to her, claiming to be able to make everything right again, Birdie pushes past her skepticism and makes a wish for the whole mess to go away. But with a trickster god, your wish is bound to come true in a way you never imagined.

Before long, Birdie regrets her rash words…especially when she realizes what’s really going on with her and Deve. With her reality upended, can Birdie figure out how to undo her wish?

 

#3: Fiona and the Forgotten Piano

By Kate DeMaio

Release Date: January 14, 2025

ISBN: 9781958531815

Fiona and the Forgotten Piano by Kate Demaio

Fiona and the Forgotten Piano by Kate DeMaio

 

This book is my most anticipated read for January! I’m a biased fan of this debut author but trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to miss out on FIONA AND THE FORGOTTEN PIANO! Not only does DeMaio creatively weave a musical symphony with her debut, this book will have you rolling on the floor laughing for sure! If you’re a fan of roller coasters, talking frogs, and musical puns, then this debut will definitely be your favorite read of the month!

Publisher’s Description:

Eleven-year-old Fiona isn’t allowed in the Fermata woods. And though its unique trees are fascinating, Fiona has no problem following her mother’s rules. That is, until the trees begin to sing.

Suddenly, it feels as though long forgotten memories are being unlocked in Fiona’s mind. As she nears the woods edge, the trees fall silent, so silent even the leaves stop rustling. Fiona will finally break the rules and venture into the woods. She’ll soon find herself traveling through portals to undiscovered worlds. And she’ll have to trust her instincts and her quirky new friends to bring back the music or she may get lost within its notes.

 

Chickenpox by Remy Lai

Chickenpox by Remy Lai

 

#4: Chickenpox

By Remy Lai

Release Date: January 14, 2025

ISBN: 9781250863294

 

Surviving the chickenpox is a rite of passage for all of us. This story feels reminiscent of chickenpox parties of the past but with a dash of modern-day quarantine experiences. This book feels like it will be full of family antics with a lot of heart. But I know I’ll be fighting the urge to scratch my arms while reading this one!

 

Publisher’s Description:

All big sister Abby wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of the chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home together for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end . . . of her sanity. Yet she feels responsible for the situation since her best friend was Patient Zero and brought chickenpox into their home.

Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realize being a big sister isn’t all bad? Full of heart and hijinks, Chickenpox showcases what gets us through good times and bad: family.

 

 

Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia

Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia

#5: Mixed-Up

By Kami Garcia

Release Date: January 21, 2025

ISBN: 9781250840882

 

Rounding out the month, I can’t wait to catch these mixed-up feelings. (It wouldn’t feel right to leave this new release off our list given our blog name!) I’m looking forward to the representation of dyslexia and neurodivergent characters and was touched by the author’s personal inspiration. Throw in some online gaming girls and we’ve got ourselves a winner!

 

 

Publisher’s Description:

Stella knows fifth grade will be the best year ever. Her closest friends, Emiko and Latasha, are in her class and they all got the teacher they wanted. Then their favorite television show, Witchlins, announces a new guidebook and an online game!

But when the classwork starts piling up, Stella struggles to stay on top. Why does it take her so long to read? And how can she keep up with friends in the Witchlins game if she can’t get through the text-heavy guidebook? And when she can’t deal with the text-heavy Witchlins guidebook, she can’t keep up with her friends in the game. It takes loving teachers and her family to recognize that Stella has a learning difference, and after a dyslexia diagnosis she gets the support and tools she needs to succeed.

Bestselling author Kami Garcia was inspired to write this special book by her daughter’s dyslexia journey; her own neurodivergent experience; and the many students she taught over the years. With subtle design and formatting choices making this story accessible to all readers, Mixed-Up shows that our differences don’t need to separate us.

To make reading as comfortable as possible for dyslexic readers, the book has been lettered in Dyslexie.

 

Which of these recommendations are you looking forward to? Which will you be adding to your TBR?

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STEM Tuesday– Fossils– Book List

By on January 7, 2025   /   Fossils, STEM Tuesday  

Ancient Stories Cast in Stone

Every fossil tells a tale. It could be a story about an adventurous life in the ocean, before becoming buried beneath layers of sediment. Or it could just raise lots of questions, starting with: how did that get here?

Mary Anning and Paleontology for Kids: Her Life and Discoveries, with 21 Activities by Stephanie Bearce

Readers get to know Mary Anning as a child and, later, as she discovers her first skeleton. Mary did more than dig up bones, though. She cleaned them, figured out how to put them together in a complete skeleton, and drew detailed scientific illustrations about her finds. Scattered throughout the book are sidebars that dive into details about aspects of life in the 1800s as well as the hands-on activities.

Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Paleontologists: With Stem Projects for Kids by Karen Bush Gibson, illustrated by Hui Li

Paleontologists are the scientists who study fossils, from ferns to trilobites, dinosaurs to ancient humans. In this book, we meet five women in paleontology, beginning with twelve-year-old Mary Anning who, in 1811, found a dinosaur in the cliffs near her home. We meet Mignon Talbot who studied crinoids and is the first American woman to discover and name a dinosaur. There’s a field kit checklist, lots of hands on “field assignments” and plenty of text-boxes, along with short bios of other paleontologists not featured.

The Monster’s Bones : The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World (young reader’s edition) by David K Randall

The life of a paleontologist is filled with grit and heat, stone and hammers, and the occasional train robbery. After a nod to 19th century paleontologists, this book takes us into the fossil beds of Wyoming and Montana with Barnum Brown and the American Museum of Natural History. Wealthy capitalists fund fossil-hunters hoping to feature the largest, fiercest monsters in their museum halls.

Tales of the Prehistoric World: Adventures from the Land of the Dinosaurs by Kallie Moore, illustrated by Becky Thorns

How do stromatolites in Australia connect to Mars? Starting with the answer provided by these oldest known fossils (3.5 billion years old), we are led on an engaging journey forward through time. Detailed discussions of the life found in each period are sandwiched between captivating accounts of the intrigues, adventures, and conflicts of scientists, kids, farmers, and miners who discovered some unique and surprising fossils.

Kid Paleontologist: Explore the Remarkable Dinosaurs, Fossils Finds, and Discoveries of the Prehistoric Era by Thomas Nelson, illustrated by Julius Csotonyi

A great discussion of the field of paleontology is followed by an introduction to “10 Famous Paleontologists,” a list of “10 Famous Fossil Sites” in the world, and an engaging dinosaur classification chart. Stunning “true-life” illustrations and a conversational narrative first explore ten dinosaurs which defy classification (including one that was a burrower) and then examine many other familiar and lesser-known dinosaurs from the perspective of what their fossils, imprints, CT scans, and stomach contents have taught paleontologists about each species and what is still unknown. Highlighting where initial guesses or information has been corrected by subsequent fossil discoveries. A great book to inspire future fossil hunters.

Rhinos in Nebraska : the Amazing Discovery of the Ashfall Fossil Beds by Alison Pearce Stevens

Twelve million years ago rhinos lived in Nebraska – alongside horses and other grassland creatures. It was peaceful until… a supervolcano exploded, spewing tons of ash into the air and burying the rhinos. This book takes readers to the Ashfall Fossil Beds where they’ll look over the shoulders of scientists digging up the bones of more than 50 rhinos and uncover a few mysteries along the way.

The Illustrated Guide to Fossils & Fossil Collecting by Steve Kelly

Amazing photographs of fossils combine with reconstruction illustrations to give the reader a sense of what each animal or plant might have looked like. Following a discussion of fossils, geologic timeline, and reconstruction challenges, the detailed directory of 375 plant and animals fossils includes an additional fact file, and the relationship of the fossil to its current relatives and their role in the environment.

Fossils for Kids: An Introduction to Paleontology by Dan R Lynch

This photo-illustrated book dives into rocks, minerals, and fossilization. A vertical color-coded geologic timeline accompanies a lively, question and answer discussion of seventeen kinds of animal fossils, six plant and amber fossils, and an examination of microfossils, trace fossils, and pseudofossils. Advice on safely collecting fossils and avoiding fakes is followed by a list of fossil sites around the U.S.

Fossils for Kids: a Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth by Ashley Hall

Written by a paleontologist with the goal of exciting future scientists, the book employs a conversational and lightly tongue-in-cheek narrative and great illustrations to explore fossil formation, classification, and identification and then dives into an examination of the fossils, stats, and discovery locations of dinosaurs, vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Wonderful side bars expand upon the science, explore famous scientists, and offer a “make your own fossil” activity.

My Book of Fossils: A Fact-filled Guide to Prehistoric Life by Dr. Dean Lomax

This photo-illustrated, browsable hi-low book explores the creation and collection, excavation and discoveries of fossils. Interspersed with fascinating features and scientific discoveries about bacteria, plants, and animals, are gemstone fossils, famous paleontologists, reconstructing the past, and an awesome visual glossary/index.

cover image of "Outdoor School: rock, Fossil, and Shell Hunting"

Outdoor School: Rock, Fossil, and Shell Hunting: The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide by Jennifer Swanson

Divided into sections on fossils, rocks, and shells this book is designed to be used, not just as a guide, but as a detailed scientific log. Informative sections begin with very visual and easily accessible scientific descriptions, history, and classifications. They invite interactivity with graphs, charts, and “badge-like” places to record fun hands-on exercises, experiments, and discoveries. It also includes guides for storing and displaying collections and a check list of 101 possible achievements.

You can find more books about fossils over at the Geology book list: (https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/stem-tuesday-geology-book-list/).

This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning author, blogger, and bug-watcher. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books for middle-grade readers include Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More and Diet for a Changing Climate. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the Cybils Awards (2017 – present), and a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.

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