Sharon the Librarian

Early Book Review: Betty Crocker Found Recipes: Beloved Vintage Recipes Worth Sharing by Betty Crocker

2024-11-12T06:30:00.003-05:00

Betty Crocker Found Recipes: Beloved Vintage Recipes Worth Sharing by Betty Crocker is currently scheduled for release on November 26 2024. Over the last century, Betty Crocker has created thousands of well-tested recipes, some especially that spark fond memories today. Here you can find these rediscovered vintage but timeless favorites. Some of these rare recipes were most frequently requested by lifelong Betty Crocker fans, which you'll see by the Found Recipes icon throughout the book. Others are ones that rose to the top of the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens recipe boxes over the years. And, during the search for favorite recipes to be included in this book, Betty Crocker fans shared stories of favorite recipes they’ve lost and couldn’t find—so the Betty Crocker Kitchens recreated them for the Recreated Lost Recipes Features, along with the fans’ heartwarming memories behind them.

Like any cookbook, Betty Crocker Found Recipes, there are some recipes that are ones that I am eager to try my hand at and others that just hold no appeal to me. It was interesting to see the way the face of Betty Crocker has changed over the years, and how tastes and styles of cooking have changed as well. I will still never understand the love of cheese balls and mayonnaise based salads, but some of the nostalgic recipes included really did stand the test of time and are classics. It was good to see some recipes found or recreated and I found the letters and stories that surround some of the recipes interesting. I think this is a great cookbook for those that might have missed out on or lost the original cookbooks- and for those interested in the history.

Early Book Review: Visitations by Corey Egbert

2024-11-04T06:30:00.007-05:00

Visitations by Corey Egbert is a young adult graphic novel inspired by true events. It is currently scheduled for release on November 19 2024.

Corey’s mom has always made him feel safe. Especially after his parents’ divorce, and the dreaded visitations with his dad begin. But as Corey grows older, he can’t ignore his mother’s increasingly wild accusations. Her insistence that God has appointed Corey as his sister’s protector. Her declaration that Corey’s father is the devil. Soon, she whisks Corey and his sister away from their home and into the boiling Nevada desert. There, they struggle to survive with little food and the police on the trail. Meanwhile, under the night sky, Corey is visited by a flickering ghost, a girl who urges him to fight for a different world—one outside of his mother’s spoon-fed tales, one Corey must find before it’s too late. Drawing inspiration from his own upbringing in the Mormon church, Corey Egbert welcomes readers on an emotionally stirring, nuanced journey into the liminal spaces between imagination and memory, faith and truth.

Visitations is a graphic novel that manages to address many issues with honesty. There are moments of my childhood that I do not know if I remember quite like it happened, and I like that Corey explores what he remembers, what might have happened differently, and what he was thinking and feeling in the moment. This can be a hard process for anyone, but when your childhood has more turbulent moments like his it can be even more difficult. I thought the art matched the story well, and captured the emotion and doubts Corey was experiencing. I also liked that in the notes at the end of the book Corey talked more about what happened after and the changes he made to real events in the book. I appreciated the way religion, mental health, and family, were all handled with honesty and understanding. I think this is a great read not only for those facing any of the challenges portrayed in the book, but for everyone else to better understand how all involved might be feeling and encourage us all to help and encourage those around us because we do not always know what might be going on at home or behind the scenes.

Early Book Review: Concerning Wings (Nothing Special) by Katie Cook

2024-10-15T06:30:00.003-04:00

Concerning Wings is the second book in the Nothing Special graphic novel series by Katie Cook. It is currently scheduled for release on October 29 2024.

After defeating her neurotic wood nymph mother, all Callie wants to do is help her dad with his magical antique shop, tease Lasser about his newfound romance novel addiction, and—most important—spend time with her boyfriend, Declan. But when Declan’s injured fairy wing starts shooting sparks and causes him to collapse in pain, Callie decides to take matters into her own hands and find a way to heal him. She knows where to start, at least—with her dad’s boring friend, Professor Larkspur, who in addition to serving the grossest cup of tea in history, is a fairy himself and incredibly knowledgeable about his kind. Armed with new information, Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish set out to find a fairy healer. But what starts as a simple four-day journey to visit a particular enclave of fairies ends up becoming a much more profound exploration of not only what Declan is, but exactly who he is to the fairies.

Concerning Wings is another fun adventure that left me wanting more. I do recommend reading the series in order to fully understand the characters and their history. Newcomers could also enjoy the story- but they would miss out on a lot of references and end up confused more often than not. I like that the story, and the lives of the main characters are moving forward. I also enjoyed getting the flashbacks that give readers a glimpse of what has happened since the end of the last book. I thought this journey introduced a few characters that I want more of (as does Lasser) and I thought it did a great job of showing how the characters have grown as people and as friends. I loved the humor and the artwork. The only things I did not love is that I saw the big twist coming a way off- and then the story ends with a cliffhanger. I hate a cliffhanger. Although, the cute endpages did quell that anger a bit.

Early Book Review: Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee

2024-10-07T06:30:00.004-04:00

Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 22 2024.

Ever wondered what makes rubber bounce? Or why it's stretchy? And WHY is rubber so . . . rubbery?! Learn the science and history behind this ubiquitous material! With sidebars, graphics, fun facts, and more, the history of rubber reveals plenty of fascinating secrets and surprises. Elementary school readers will discover that early balls didn't bounce; that people in the rainforest made waterproof gear from rubber thousands of years before Europeans got into the act; and that sneakers, bicycles, and cars created demand for more and more rubber! Back matter includes a time line and a bit about the complicated implications of harvesting rubber.

Bounce! is a good overall look at the way rubber and its uses have become so wide spread. I do like that the book acknowledges the way those that actually first discovered, worked with, and harvested natural rubber were treated- and how current rubber workers are still underpaid and underappreciated. However, the book focuses on how American and European scientists and inventors had used and changed the way we use rubber. While the fact that the indigenous people figured out that latex sap could be useful- and figured out a variety of ways to use it- seems to be more of a footnote. I was left wanting to know more about how the original discovery and development happened than what those that commandeered the people, land, and resources did with it from there. While I do appreciate that the author tried to be respectful of all that, and that it is a children's book, I was still left feeling gross about how treatment of people in history is often glossed over, ignored, or relegated to footnotes rather being included as a major part of the story.

Early Book Review: Squire & Knight: Wayward Travelers by Scott Chantler

2024-10-01T06:30:00.003-04:00

Wayward Travelers is the second book in the Squire & Knight middle grade graphic novel series by Scott Chantler. It is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2024.

Squire and Sir Kelton have promised to get Cade to the school of wizardry. Strangely though, the path they’ve taken has brought them into a bewildering, misty forest, rife with fearsome gnolls and a boisterous rival knight. To get them out, Squire tries every trick in the book, but books don't hold all the answers. Can he muster up his confidence, remember his duties, and find a way to escape the forest?

Wayward Travelers is a well drawn and written graphic novel, and a good follow up to the first book. I was glad to see the young squire have some character growth among he adventure of being lost in the woods. The use of flashbacks to highlight the lessons the squire is learning during the book was handled well and got the message across very well. I thought that it was well done in all, and that readers that enjoyed the first book will be particularly pleased with this continuation. I look forward to seeing where the series might go from here.

Early Book Review: How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein

2024-09-24T06:30:00.003-04:00

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. When Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s ramshackle old house, the last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life, and she can’t imagine he wants to do anything but torment her all over again. Until she unearths the real reason this annoyingly gorgeous beast of a man keeps hanging around: he’s an actual werewolf, who’s certain she’s the witch that will ease his suffering. But Cassie just isn’t sure if she can trust him again. So Seth offers a pact: he’ll teach her all about her undiscovered magic, and she will brew the potions he needs. No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal. Totally doable. Until they get hit with a do-or-die mating bond. And now the heat is rising, in between fights with formers bullies and encounters with talking raccoons. They just have to not give in. Unless giving in just might be the very thing they never knew they always wanted.

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a romance with a nice dose of paranormal and humor. I liked so much about this book. I liked the set up and the sense of humor that was woven through the entire story. I liked the world building that was done on the magic in the world- and frankly I want more about this world and the characters in it. I liked Cassandra and Seth for the most part- and I got a kick out of some of their interactions. I thought the danger elements were well done, and it all came together well. I just kind of wanted more- of everything. I think the author had so many great ideas that they wanted to get everything in, which I completely understand because there were a lot of great things here. However, I think if they had save a couple elements for a later books and expanded on some of the other pieces instead it would have worked better. I felt a bit like a got a glance at so many aspects of this world and these characters I want to explore further- but we had to keep moving on to the next thing because there was more to uncover. That being said, I did enjoy the read- and if the author has this many great ideas I am looking forward to what they do next and how they grow in the industry.

Early Book Review: The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable

2024-09-23T06:30:00.007-04:00

The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable the the first book in a children's fantasy series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 8 2024. A girl who knows how you die. Her banshee roommate who knows when it happens. And wishes that sometimes, maybe, come true. Rosemary Thorpe has always been a bit different. She has the uncanny and unfortunate ability to foresee people’s deaths, which tends to land her in hot water. Well, not actual hot water—where it lands her is a place between worlds called Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where Rosemary learns that her powers come from being part fae. At Fern's School, Rosemary meets others who are part fae—including Trym, her banshee roommate whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. But just as Rosemary settles in, a student vanishes in thin air. And it’s up to all the kids to use their curious gifts to find their missing friend.

The Graveyard Gift is a great start to a new series. I liked the character building for Rosemary and the group of students and teachers she meets once at the school. I thought her character was very well written and I think most readers will be able to relate, at least a little, with feeling other or like they are just a little different. I thought the mystery aspect about what is going on at the school and the missing student is well handled., There are a number of significant twists and turns that only serve to make the reader more invested in the eventual outcome. My only complaint is one that I often have with series, that the best twist happens at the very end- just when I felt like I had a handle on what might be going on. I look forward to following this series to see where it goes from here.

Early Book Review: Your Throne Volume One by SAM

2024-09-17T06:30:00.007-04:00

Your Throne (Volume One) by SAM is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. It was previously published online via WebToons, and this volume collects the first twelve episodes.

Tensions are brewing under the seemingly calm surface of the Vasilios Empire, a kingdom ruled by the Imperial Family and the Temple. Lady Medea Solon has lost her place next to Crown Prince Eros but resolves to do whatever it takes to win back what's rightfully hers. However, she’ll have to rewrite her entire revenge plan when she wakes up in the body of her sworn rival.

Your Throne is exactly what I expected, having read several different stories from WebToon. The art is very well done- imparting mood, emotions, and movement that might not be immediately evident, adding additional dimensions to the main action of the story. I thought the character development for the main characters is well done, although I am looking forward to the pasts of all of them. There is plenty of drama and twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I am looking forward to volume two.

Early Book Review: Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman

2024-09-16T06:30:00.002-04:00

Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. Off the coast of Perú, gentle giants swim beneath the waves. Thanks to the work of Kerstin Forsberg, giant manta rays have become a symbol of hope for ocean conservation in the region. Kerstin, who founded the organization Planeta Océano, has taken a new approach to ocean conservation. Previous conservation projects were often led by scientists from other places who didn’t work with the local people. When Kerstin decided to help manta rays, she sought the opinions of local fishers and educated them about the dangers of overfishing, bycatch, and poaching—things that affect both manta rays and fishers. She also involved local schools and teachers. With the help of teachers, students, and fishers, Kerstin launched a project to identify and track manta rays and protect them, making the ocean a better place for all creatures.

Giant Rays of Hope is a book that offers young readers a look at one person's career path and mission towards protecting animal life, and the environment that we all share. I thought the book was interesting, well formatted, and full of well chosen images and information. The book does focus mostly on Kerstin Forsberg and her efforts and mindset. While I was expecting the environment and animals to be center stage. There was a great deal of good information on everything, but if you or your young reader wants more about the science and wildlife and less about the people involved, this book might frustrate them.

Early Book Review: 100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More by Sarah Kieffer

2024-09-10T06:30:00.005-04:00

100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More by Sarah Kieffer is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024.

From one-bowl snacking cakes to bigger baking projects, here are 100 afternoon treats to help you push past the midday slump, including: Pecan Espresso Bars, Roasted Strawberry Cream Pie, Kitchen Sink Crispy Treats, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake, Straight-Up Yellow Snacking Cake, Giant Pop Tart, Fig Scones, and more. Filled with more than 120 photographs, including how-tos for doughs, shaping, and flavor variations, 100 Afternoon Sweets is the third book in the trilogy of Kieffer's 100-themed baking books.

100 Afternoon Sweets is a well organized collection with a little something for all bakers looking to bake easy to eat treats. As a person that loves to bake, but is not overly fond of the washing of dishes that inevitably follows- I have to admit that I was thrilled that the first section is for one bowl bakes. There are times when I am more than willing to do something more complicated (for a party or during cookie tray season), but for the most part I like the simpler bakes and this was right up my alley for my normal weekend baking. There are a handful of recipes here that I am eager to try- especially the Chocolate Meringue Bars and Coffee Blondies. I like the recipes for toppings and extras at the end of the book, and am going to try my hand at homemade chocolate shell very soon. I also like that the conversion chart was included, and that each recipe included imperial and weight measurements.

Early Book Review: Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

2024-08-20T06:30:00.002-04:00

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni, author of the hit humor book Men to Avoid in Art and Life, is scheduled for release on September 3 2024.

Cat people love their cats deeply, maybe a little too deeply. Cats, on the other hand, secretly hate our haircuts but tolerate our presence because we have the thumbs to open the food can. Against the backdrop of fine art, bestselling author Nicole Tersigni delves into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them. Broken into five sections representing all kinds of cat people, including the Smotherer, the Oversharer, the Pushover, the Proud Parent, and the Roommate, this hilariously insightful cat humor book says the things our loved ones can’t—that Mewlius Caesar would enjoy us more if we gave them some space. And a better name.

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life is a book that will entertain animal lovers, and servants of cats in particular. The use of art combined with the captions of what people- and cats- might be saying or thinking are very well done. Any cat guardian just might see themselves on a page, or more, of this book. Perfect gift book for cat lovers, or for perusing in a quiet moment when your pet has taken ownership of your lap and refuses to let you move.

Early Book Review: A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire (Glimmer Falls) by Sarah Hawley

2024-07-30T06:30:00.005-04:00

A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley is currently scheduled for release on August 13 2024. It is the third book in the Glimmer Falls series. I did read the first book in the series, but somehow missed the second. The book can stand on its own, but I think returning readers will get more out of the experience.

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful yet angry vampire. Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. Thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleonore's been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents? Eleonore would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleonore and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire is a romances that has a little bit of everything. There is humor, stabbing, heat, and character development. Pretty much everything I look for in my paranormal romance. Ben and Eleonore have their issues, and I love that mental and emotional health issues are handled and discussed in a real and sensible way. They actually face them and acknowledge how the issues effect their thoughts and actions- and frankly I love that. Both Ben and Eleonore get character growth and their interactions are entertaining- vacillating between funny, heartfelt, and hot. I think that fans of the series and author will consider this a must read, and those that enjoy this subgenre will want to pick it up as well.

Early Book Review: Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan

2024-07-09T06:30:00.005-04:00

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in a new2 mystery series, and is currently scheduled for release on July 23 2024.

Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder. It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder.

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a solid start to a cozy mystery series. I liked the characters and the small town setting- I thought the setting and important relationships were well built and revealed in good timer through the book. I like that there was character growth along side the murder mystery and getting to know you parts of the story. There were so many layers going on, and I enjoyed the mix of past and present effecting the investigation and choices being made. I also enjoyed that the major players were all firmly adults- not they they have everything figured out (because who does) but they are past new adult stage and generally consider the bigger picture and how their actions effect others. Seeing a book populated with mostly reasonable, realistic adults made my day. I liked Bailey, her circle of friends, and the other locals in town. I like that there was definite groundwork laid for good, bad, and awkward moments in the future. It made everything feel more real and engaging for me.

Early Book Review: Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes to Crochet by Madelenón-Soledad Iglesias Silva

2024-07-02T06:30:00.006-04:00

Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes to Crochet by Madelenón-Soledad Iglesias Silva is currently scheduled for release on July 16 2024. This book offers twelve distinct gnome patterns, each embellished with beautiful blooms ranging from asters, carnations, chrysanthemums, and daffodils to daisies, lilies, marigolds, roses, and other floral beauties. You don't have to be an expert to crochet these adorable gnomes — the patterns are suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions are accompanied by full-color photographs, serving as a visual aid for your gnome-making adventure. Materials and tools necessary for each gnome are explicitly highlighted, making your crafting journey as smooth as possible.

Flower Gnomigurumi is a well written pattern collection. I thought the instructions, material lists, and descriptions of the patterns were very well done. I loved the step by step pictures of some of the trickier turns- as even an experienced crafter can have trouble picturing some written instructions especially while working on small projects in irregular shapes. I thought the details on the flowers were lovely. Crafters that are looking for sweet gnomes to craft- or a collection of patterns to keep in practice will find this book might be exactly what they are looking for.

Early Book Review: The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

2024-06-25T06:30:00.006-04:00

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez is a romance currently scheduled for release on July 9 2023. Librarian Marcela Ortiz has been secretly in love with her best friend for years—and when he gets engaged, she knows it’s long past time to move on. But before she gets the chance, she has a bigger problem to contend with in the form of Theo Young, ex-NFL player and older brother of the man she’s in love with. When she discovers Theo's plans to confess his feelings for his brother’s fiancée at their engagement party, Marcela is quick to stop him—despite how tempting it is to let him run away with the bride-to-be. She manages to convince Theo to sleep off his drunken almost-mistake at her place and when they arrive at a family brunch the next day together, everyone wrongly assumes they hooked up. Since Theo needs a cover for his feelings for the bride and Marcela needs a distraction from her unrequited feelings for the groom, they decide to roll with the lie. Until one late night at a bar, they take it a step further and discover a layer of attraction neither realized existed. Soon, they find themselves exploring the simmering chemistry between them, whether in library aisles or Marcela's bed. There are no boundaries for the rebound relationship they form—just a host of complicated feelings, messy familial dynamics, and uncovered secrets that threaten to tear them apart before they can even admit to themselves that their rebound is working. Maybe a little too well.

The Next Best Fling is a fun and well written romance. I loved that while both Marcela and Theo have issues and make mistakes they also do something you almost never see in romance novels- they talk about it. Someone gets scared or needs some space-they get the time or space they need- but in the end they hash things out. I loved this because this is what making a relationship work really looks like. Not just brushing aside fears and hurts- but figuring out how to better support each other. I loved that it modeled good behavior in real friendships and romantic relationships (and some toxic ones). There were funny moments, ones that had me cringing because I worried about the fall out, and amazing moments of communication and honesty. I really enjoyed the read and look forward to more from the author.

Early Book Review: Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren

2024-06-11T06:30:00.004-04:00

Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren is currently scheduled for release on June 25 2024. It is a modern reimagining of Disney’s Tangled and part of the Meant to Be collection. She has a dream. He has a plan. Together they’ll take a leap of faith.

Ren has never held an iPhone, googled the answer to a question, or followed a crush on social media. What she has done: Read a book or two, or three (okay, hundreds). Taught herself to paint. Built a working wind power system from scratch. But for all the books she’s read, Ren has never found one that’s taught a woman raised on a homestead and off the grid for most of her twenty-two years how to live in the real world. So when she finally achieves her lifelong dream of attending Corona College, it feels like her life is finally beginning. Fitz has the rest of his life mapped out: Graduate from Corona at the top of his class, get his criminal record wiped clean, and pass himself off as the rich, handsome player everyone thinks he is. He’s a few short months from checking off step one of his plans when Ren Gylden, with her cascading blonde hair and encyclopedic brain, crashes into his life, and for the first time Fitz’s plan is in jeopardy. But a simple assignment in their immunology seminar changes the course of both their lives, and suddenly they’re thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire on a road trip that will lead them in the most unexpected directions. Out on the open road, the world somehow shifts, and the unlikely pair realize that, maybe, the key to the dreams they've both been chasing have been sitting next to them the whole time.

Tangled Up In You is a fun and engaging take on Tangled. I liked the nods o the names and temperaments to the Tangled universe, and I thought the differences were well chosen and helped make the story in into modern society very well. I though the give and take between Ren and Fitz was very well done, and highly entertaining. The shared vulnerability and trying circumstances for the pair had me rooting for them both through the whole book. I thought the character development and building through the story was very well done- and even though I know the story well I was still surprised a could of times with the reveals. I enjoyed the read, and can appreciate the craft that went into it.

Early Book Review: Owls in Our Yard!: The Story of Alfie by Carl Safina

2024-06-10T06:30:00.004-04:00

Owls in Our Yard!: The Story of Alfie by Carl Safina is currently scheduled for release on June 25 2024. In the spring of 2019, ecologist Carl Safina and his wife, Patricia, took in little Alfie, a bedraggled Eastern Screech Owl chick who quickly became part of their family. With the Safinas’ care and expertise, the little owl grew, learned to hunt on her own, and eventually found her own family in a mate and chicks. As time passed, Carl realized that his bond with Alfie was greater than just saving her life—it offered wisdom, joy, and magic to him in return.

Owls in Our Yard! is a sweet and informational read about rescuing a baby owl and how the life of one rescued screech owl has gone so far. I enjoyed the mix of adorableness and learning about the real life happenings of little Alfie. I had never thought about how other birds might react to owls in the area and learned quite a bit about the life of screech owls. I do like that the author suggested getting information about local bird rescues to already have the information if one finds an injured bird, although I would have liked more guidance about finding an active rescue- although I do know that this information is always subject to change so I completely understand why they might not have done so.

Early Book Review: Cryptids, Creatures & Critters: A Manual of Monsters & Mythos from Around the World by Rachel Quinney

2024-06-03T06:30:00.008-04:00

Cryptids, Creatures & Critters: A Manual of Monsters & Mythos from Around the World by Rachel Quinney is currently scheduled for release on June 18 2024. While written by Rachel Quinney and mainly illustrated by her, there are twelve guest artists featured within the book, too.

Cryptids, Creatures & Critters features 90 different creatures from around the world, each with their own researched description and full-color illustrations. The book is divided into three sections: cryptids, folklore, and mythology. It features popular cryptid favorites, such as Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, and some lesser-known cryptids, such as the Enfield Horror and the Montauk Monster. For folklore, there are kelpies, selkies, cat sidhes, and grimalkins, along with the dobarchu and the vampiric pumpkin! In mythology, you'll find Medusa, sphinx, Pegasus, and the bukavac!

Cryptids, Creatures & Critters is a book that offers readers snapshots of different creatures from a variety of origins and cultures. I thought the organization of the book was well done- and I appreciated the authors attempt to root out, and call out, the ways things like racism, colonialism, and imperialism might have changed the perceptions of the featured creatures. I also liked the efforts to cross reference the entries that heavily relate to other entries and also giving readers a warning when an entry might hold content that might be disturbing or triggering. I appreciated the awareness. Best of all, even with all of this, there is a sense of humor and fun throughout the book as well.

I found both the text and illustrations to be charming. Most of the information on the creature I knew about matched up with what I already knew, with some additional background on the legends that I never knew before. I also liked seeing some creatures covered (like the cactus cat) that I had never heard of. I thought the book was thoroughly, and conscientiously researched. It is written with respect and humor and I think a wide range of readers will enjoy it.

Book Review: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 2) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei

2024-05-30T06:30:00.003-04:00

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 2) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei is a manga style graphic novel. Japanese-style pub “Nobu” is open for business in an odd, foreign world, and the ever-welcoming Shinobu and Chief are happy to serve up unusually tasty bar food to an array of strange customers. A little thief, an obnoxious messenger, and a pair of squabbling craftsmen are all ready to chow down! Kisu tempura, sashimi, omusoba, and shuto and more are on the menu... The delicious aromas of food and drink bring everyone together in this gourmet tale of humanity!

The second volume of Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu is just as charming and entertaining as the first. I enjoy seeing how the food of the Japanese and German cultures might be very different- but there are still some things that seem universal. I love that good food and good people always come out ahead and that the less pleasant characters discover that as well. I was happy to see favorite characters make a return, and to meet some new clients and staff at Nobu. The story is well written and drawn and is a lovely, cozy read.

Book Review: Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! (Volume 1) by Nmura

2024-05-24T06:30:00.003-04:00

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! (Volume 1) by Nmura is a manga style graphic novel that was originally published in short form online.

Hashimoto is a perfectly average salaryman, working a repetitive office job, made all the worse by his stylish, strait-laced boss, who insists everything be done by the book. Whatever he does for this perfectionist, it's just not good enough! Thankfully, Hashimoto can go home to his favorite online video game, where he can unload on the forgiving shoulders of his best friend, whom he knows only by the name "Uma." The duo make plans to meet in person, but when they do, Hashimoto is horrified by a revelation that will change his entire life.

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! is a fun and engaging graphic novel. I thought the characters were interesting and I enjoyed the layers of interaction. I thought the artwork was well matched with the story and added many little extra bits of important information. I really enjoyed the story and will be looking forward to the next installment- or looking up the author's online postings to get a head start on reading the next volume.

Book Review: Tied to You (Volume 1) by Art by WHAT, Original story by Chelliace

2024-05-23T06:30:00.002-04:00

Tied to You (Volume 1) by Art by WHAT, Original story by Chelliace is a manga style graphic novel. Wooseo Shin was never one to believe in fate, until a ring of red thread appears around his finger that is! This ring marks a person’s meeting of their soulmate, and with it, neither can fall asleep if the other is absent. This development is not a welcome one for Wooseo, who decides to keep it from his close friend and crush Jiseok Kang at all costs. Because as fate would have it, the person with Wooseo’s matching set is Jigeon Kang—Jiseok’s older brother! When Jigeon proposes that they start sharing a bed, if only to combat their joint insomnia, Wooseo reluctantly accepts. As the two spend more and more time together, feelings start to get messy. Will Wooseo be able to survive his new life tangled up in between these two brothers?!

Tied to You is a well drawn and written story that left me eager for the next volume. I enjoyed getting to know the three major players in this little triangle. I feel like I understand Wooseo and Jigeon, and a bit of where they are coming from and how they feel. I liked getting the multiple points of view and the way things all come together. I love how careful they all are with each other- even in arguments and misunderstandings they never purposefully cause harm to each other, which is a nice change from some of the darker romance that I have read. I wish I had more than hints as to how Jiseok felt- and that I had the next volume in my hands already.

Early Book Review: Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

2024-05-21T14:13:00.006-04:00

Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett is currently scheduled for release on June 4 2024.

Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lifetime: lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. When Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.

Barely Even Friends is a contemporary romance with a lot going for it. I loved the characters. I thought the character building for the main and secondary characters was very well done- and frankly I want more from several of those characters. I thought the conversations and relationship building between Bellamy and Oliver was also well done. The only issue I had with the book had me flipping back to the previous pages on several occasions, which took me out of the story a little. There was some trouble with transitions, there were time or movement jumps that did not quite flow with the story. It felt like they had been editing a sentence and then forgot to get it back in, which very well might be the case and be resolved in the final publication copy. The problem was that it happened more than once, and it just irked me. I loved so much about this read and will definitely be looking to see what the author does next because there is so much potential here. I think they will be an author to watch as they keep going and I look forward to having a front row seat.

Book Review: A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea by Michelle Cusolito

2024-05-20T06:30:00.005-04:00

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea by Michelle Cusolito is a children's nonfiction book that offers readers a front-row seat to cutting-edge ocean twilight zone technology. Join scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and international partner organizations on a research trip to study the ocean twilight zone using the newest technologies. From moving onto the ship and unpacking equipment to facing massive storms while in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this book details the fascinating equipment used to study the deep ocean as well as day-to-day details such as what you eat on a Spanish research ship. Meet people and animals and learn more at sea than you ever imagined!

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone is a detailed description of one scientific expedition. I learned a great deal about some of the scientific tools and equipment that were being used, and the way carbon behaves in the ocean. I think science and technical minded readers will get the most out of this, as it does get very in depth (ha!) at times and younger or less interested readers might lose interest. I like that the book detailed the experiments and efforts to get data that can be correlated and studied as well as the very hard work that is involved in making something like this happen. The interpersonal relations, and how important each and every person was to making the research trip safe and successful- regardless of what their title was. I really appreciated the detailed information on where interested readers can find more information about this trip, the research it is a part of, and the field in general. I thought it was a great way to encourage readers to take things to the next level. I also appreciated the encouragement that anyone with curiosity can be a scientist. It is not straight A's, but the effort and interest that make a scientist.

Book Review: Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You (Volume 1) by Akitaka

2024-05-14T06:30:00.005-04:00

Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You (Volume 1) by Akitaka is a manga style graphic novel. Two high school classmates, Sakura Miyazen and Sota Matsubayashi, are polar opposites: Miyazen is a prim and proper young lady, while Matsubayashi is a brusque former troublemaker. They’re secretly dying to talk to each other, but their backgrounds are so different, they can’t seem to strike up a conversation! And why does a simple greeting make the both of them turn red?!

Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You is a sweet opposites attract story. I loved that we get the points of view from both our main characters- and they are both so earnest and self doubting. I felt like the inner dialogue was very realistic, especially for the high school age group. Doesn't everyone overthink how the people they want to get closer to take the things they say and do and then get so lost in those thoughts that they miss other things going on arounds them? No, just me? I thought this was a cute story- and I look forward to following the story as it continues.

Early Book Review: Whales & Dolphins by Tom Jackson

2024-05-13T06:30:00.009-04:00

Whales & Dolphins by Tom Jackson is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024. Whales and dolphins alike are renowned for their intelligent nature and fascinating social rituals. Like us humans, they use vocalizations to communicate. They both have distinctive, streamlined body shapes and propel themselves through water using powerful tails and flippers. These magnificent mammals are frequently described as ‘sentinels’ of ocean health, providing key insight into marine dynamics and ecosystem quality. Whales are the largest marine mammals belonging to the Cetacea order (whales, dolphins and porpoises). Their incredible size continues to amaze us, the blue whale reaching an astounding 100ft (30.48 meters) and weighing as much as 200 tons. Dolphins, found in both oceans and freshwater, are actually classed as small- toothed whales. They are esteemed around the world for their sleek physical appearance and intriguing sounds used to communicate with each other. Did you know that porpoises are often shy creatures and therefore most of us will very rarely encounter them in the wild? Among their species is the vaquita, tragically the most endangered species of any whale, dolphin or porpoise.

Whales & Dolphins is a visually attention grabbing book. I found the chosen photographs to be wonderful, and the book is worth a look just or the images alone. I thought the text was well done as well, and I learned quite a bit about the featured animals. There were full captions explaining the different species, as well as their behavior and feeding habits. I was fascinated by whales when I was young, and was thrilled to revisit the subject matter. Also, I can finally say that I understand the differences between porpoises and dolphins and just how some outliers like narwhales and belugas fit in the family tree.