Have you ever read a book that you really wanted to like, but it just didn’t pan out as hoped? That was SCRAM: Society of Creatures Real and Magical and Stray Cat V01 Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge. Both had fun and nifty ideas, but the style of writing and/or the progression to the finale did not work for me.
The idea of SCRAM: Society of Creatures Real and Magical by Roy Lucey was interesting. Three friends want to search for Magical Creatures. The main character (who starts things by starting the club, being the leader of the group) thinks she sees a troll and wants to find out more. With her besties, a shy young girl and a green boy (who wears a cowboy hat over his smaller hat to protect it from the rain), she goes off on a hunt. We learn about old editions of books, truth vs. fiction and ways for finding the clues. Of course, the older reader will probably know the answer to the “where does one find a troll?” pretty early on, but aged 7-8 to around 10-11 will have fun learning about solving mysteries.
Lucey’s story and illustrations were not really my cup of tea (several moments that I was not thrilled about) but overall funny and kids will love it. There was a bit too much in the way of a modern look, characters and antics that made this a 2.5 and not a full 3. Currently available, I read SCRAM via an online reader.
Then there was Stray Cat V01 Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge by Dian Day. It is due in March 2026 and also read via an online reader. The idea of food insecurities, even homelessness (especially when it comes to cats) plays out on the pages. As our characters learn about helping others, why people are hungry, and more we see how this affects people in our community, family and friends. I enjoyed things, but it was a little bumpy with the flow of the actual story. Sometimes I felt like I had missed a point or section and was confused. Still, it sets up good questions and situations.
It is the unique illustrations of Amanda White that make things a bit softer to counter the serious story. Not overly colorful, or detailed, they are not in your face, but get the point across. The part with the dented can does not need a lot of explanation or minute details to show how it is upsetting to the character, just what is given.
