Early Book Review: Mummies Exposed! (Creepy and True) by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Mummies Exposed! is the first book in the Creepy and True series by Kerrie Logan Hollihan. It is currently scheduled for release on May 7 2019. Just when you think that you know everything there is to know about mummies, new ones are discovered! Packed with facts but light in tone, this book introduces young readers to the most compelling examples of mummies from all over the world. There are many books about Egyptian mummies, but Mummies Exposed! goes beyond what you expect and uncovers both old favorites and recent discoveries; among them a Moche princess in Peru, the bog people of England and Ireland, and a Buddhist monk discovered within a sculpture! Featuring the most contemporary research, a touch of humor, and full-color illustrations, this exciting read is perfect for curious young minds. The book includes endnotes, bibliography, and index. 

Mummies Exposed! is a well written and researched book for the middle grade level reader. I have read a good deal about mummies, and watched some very good documentaries, and I think this book has a good balance of staple information on the subject and things readers might not know. There was some humor included, which I find tends to keep readers that might otherwise get distracted engaged, and I thought the images chosen were fascinating.  I thought the endpages were more extensive that I really expected and I appreciated the about of work that went into the bibliography and indexing to help young readers find what they are most interested in and explore the subject matter further. 

Mummies Exposed! is a book that does a good job of capturing the interest and imagination of the reader. I think this will be of get interest to a number of readers, and just might inspire more to study the subject in depth.

Book Review: Super Structures by Ian Graham

Super Structures by Ian Graham teaches readers about some of the most amazing structures around the world. From the Ancient Pyramids to the Eiffel Tower, get ready to take a close-up look at some awesome man-made structures. This unique, interactive book traces the history of the world’s most impressive, man-made mega structures from ancient times to the modern age, but also explores the science behind these incredible engineering feats. Discover the science of architecture behind different types of super structures, including bridges, domes and towers, then use this knowledge to have ago at creating your own from the model kit! Using card pieces, plastic connectors and string, you can make the different types of constructions – including an Egyptian pyramid, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Eiffel Tower - and then conduct tests to see how they work!

Super Structures not only explores fantastic structures, but goes through the planning and work that is involved in going from an idea to completed project. The engineering involved in the structures is explained, and the dimensions and details of the materials is all given. The book explains everything concisely and understandably without talking down to the reader.  I will admit that I thought some of the pictures were aimed at a younger audience than the text and interest level, but that could have been because I was looking at a digital copy rather than the physical book. I like that the print copy of the book comes with the model kit, so the instructions and images that guide readers to build their own structions and test their skills and understanding show exactly what it should look like. In many building books the readers are supposed to use items they have or find, which makes proportions and whatnot more difficult. 

Super Structures is an interesting and well put together book. I think this could be particularly useful in classroom or homeschooling environment. I think this will be a favorite for young readers fascinated by buildings and building.

Book Review: There Be Pirates!: Swashbucklers & Rogues of the Atlantic by Joann Hamilton-Barry

There Be Pirates!: Swashbucklers & Rogues of the Atlantic by Joann Hamilton-Barry is a children's full color, non fiction book. Did you know pirates once sailed the seas around Atlantic Canada? Pirates might seem like fun in the movies, but back in the 17th and 18th centuries--the Golden Age of Piracy--being a pirate was very serious business. From the Hackmatack award-shortlisted author of Oak Island and the Search for Buried Treasure comes the newest book from Nimbus's popular Compass series for young readers. Learn about what everyday life was like for some of the fiercest pirates of all time. Explore the history of piracy, from the ancient Romans and Greeks to modern-day pirates. How did pirates navigate the seas? What happened if they were caught? Did pirates really bury treasure?

There be Pirates is a interesting and informative read. Like most people I have a favorite pirate story and movie, and thought I knew a great deal about pirates due to the amount  have read on the subject. I was glad to refresh my memory on some information, and learn more about the real pirates, and some favorite fictional pirates. I enjoyed learning about the background for some early pirate literature, and how some stories differ throughout literature and historical texts. The images used did a good job of supporting the text and capturing the attention of readers. I found the endpages to be very helpful. There is a glossary, references, and suggested further reading for both children and adults. 

There be Pirates is a well research and informative book for children and adults alike. I learned much, and enjoyed the touch of light hearted information mixed in with the more intense information.  

Book Review: Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup

Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup is an exploration of the history, science, and politics that played a role in the creation of this piece of classic literature. The year 1818 saw the publication of one of the most influential science-fiction stories of all time. Frankenstein: Or, Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley had a huge impact on gothic horror and science fiction genres. The period of 1790–1820 saw huge advances in our understanding of electricity and physiology. Sensational science demonstrations caught the imagination of the general public, and newspapers were full of tales of murderers and resurrectionists.

It is unlikely that Frankenstein would have been successful in his attempts to create life back in 1818. However, advances in medical science mean we have overcome many of the stumbling blocks that would have thwarted his ambition. We can resuscitate people using defibrillators, save lives using blood transfusions, and prolong life through organ transplants--these procedures are nowadays considered almost routine. Many of these modern achievements are a direct result of 19th century scientists conducting their gruesome experiments on the dead.

Making the Monster is a book that initially intrigued me, and that I learned a great deal from. I am a literary nerd, and thought I knew a good deal about Mary Shelley and those around her. I was glad to increase that knowledge base and to put in context with the political and social conflicts of the time. I also liked getting a better understanding of the scientific advancements and the way research was performed and thought about in her day. I will admit that after reading about half the information of the scientific evaluations and advancements my mind started to wander and I had a hard time focusing. I really wanted more understanding of how some of the scientific mindset grew and changed over the years, and who made which set of advancements, but I had a hard time getting through the middle portion of the book that dealt with this. I was much more engaged in the facts about Shelley's personal life. I liked the inclusion of the occasional image to support or enhance the text, and think they were used well.

Making the Monster is an informative read. I felt like my engagement level varied throughout the book, which might not be the case for everyone. I learned a great deal, and I think it might be fascinating for some and dry for others depending on their interests and learning styles. 

Book Review: Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, Michelle Thies

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a picturebook by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, and Michelle Thies. This book offers a twist on Aesop’s classic “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” fable featuring adventurous feline Cleo and couch potato Cornelius. The pair live in ancient Egypt, where cats are worshiped like gods and goddesses. When Cornelius accidentally boards a boat departing on a voyage across the sea, Cleo and Cornelius find themselves in the faraway city of Rome, a place where dogs are treated like kings.  In Rome, the activities never end! Cleo and Cornelius race chariots, play games, perform in a theater, and more. Do they even want to return to Egypt? 

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a well drawn and fun picturebook. I like the concept and the story. I like that while we get the different feline life styles, we also get some real information about living in ancient Egypt and Rome.There was some good humor, some adventure, and some information. It balanced well and worked. The images and text were paired well, and the images were adorable. However, I do need to admit that the digital copy I received via Netgalley had some formatting issues, which made it more challenging to follow and enjoy. I was able to figure it out, and enjoy it, but  I think I would have enjoyed a physical or properly formatted version better. 

Book Review: Archipelago New York by Thomas Halaczinsky

Archipelago New York by Thomas Halaczinsky is a photographic and literary log book unravels the mysteries of more than seventy islands dotting the sea from New York Harbor at the mouth of the Hudson to Fishers Island Sound. Documentary filmmaker and writer Thomas Halaczinsky's course follows the route of Adriaen Block, the first European who in 1614 sailed and mapped this area. On old marine charts, these islands have curious-sounding names such as Money Island, Pot Island, and Rats Island, while names such as Rockaway, Jamaica Bay, and Montauk speak of the indigenous people who once inhabited the land. Rooted in history, local tales are interwoven with current themes such as climate change and wrapped in the narrative of sailing in quest of a sense of place.

Archipelago New York is a stunning travel log of the waters and islands of New York Harbor, which so few people in New York City seem to forget exist. I loved that he used more than just his photographs and thoughts on his travels. He also used maps and information on the history of the area to enhance the journey. I loved getting a look at islands that I might never have the chance to go see myself, and to learn about the history. Halaczinsky's insights were interesting to read, and added a personal touch to the book. I think my favorite part of the book was the photography. Some of the images were stunning, other calm and soothing to my eye. I enjoy getting to play armchair tourist, and while exploring New York Harbor by boat is something I am not likely to ever do in person, I was very glad to have the chance to experience it second hand. 

Book Review: Secret Houses of the Cotswolds by Jeremy Musson, Hugo Rittson Thomas

Secret Houses of the Cotswolds is a nonfiction book written by Jeremy Musson and with photographs by Hugo Rittson Thomas, that takes readers on a personal tour of twenty of the UK’s most beguiling castles, estates, palaces and manor houses in this much-loved area of western England. Estates visited include Daylesford, Stanway, Sudeley Castle and Hilles House. This collection offers privileged access to twenty houses, from castles and manor houses, as well as eighteenth- and nineteenth-century mansions, revealing their history, architecture and interiors, in the company of their devoted owners. Readers will find a series of fascinating country houses of different sizes and atmospheres, which have shaped the English identity. Each house has their own story, but their distinctive honey-colored stone walls, set among rolling hills, in different ways express the ideals of English life. Most of the houses included here are privately owned and not usually open to the public. 

Secret Houses of the Cotswolds is a wonderful book to read if you are a fan of English estates and architecture, or just want to learn more about the styles. The information is well framed in understandable and interesting ways to hold the researcher or curious reader's attention. I will admit that I mostly picked this book up for the photographs. And I was not disappointed. I loved getting a detailed and revealing look at some of these estates. It was just an interesting read, and a visually stunning book that has me going back to glance at my favorite pages again and again. Anyone interested in architecture, decorating, or art will find something to capture their attention in this book. Readers that just love getting an exclusive look at something, or love all things English will also want to take a gander at this beautiful book. 

Book Review: The Colors of History by Clive Gifford, Marc-Etienne Peintre

The Colors of History is a children's non fiction book written by Clive Gifford and illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre. Color has played an important part in history, in unexpected ways that most of us never realize. Why did Roman emperors wear purple? Which color is made from crushed beetles? What green pigment might be used to build super-fast computers of the future? Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this vibrant exploration of the stories behind different colors, and the roles they've played throughout history. From black to white, and all the colors in between, every shade has a story to tell. Each color group is introduced with a stunning and interpretive double-page spread illustration, followed by illustrated entries exploring the ‘colorful’ history of particular shades. With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging bite-sized text, this book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, ready to enthrall budding artists and historians alike.

The Colors of History is a well organized collection of information about the importance and roles of color in the world in general, and history in particular. The combination of well done illustrations and interesting information about the different shades of yellow, red, purple, blue, and green. Shades of black, white, and those grays in between is included at the end just prior to the index. I found the information to be well researched and written. I think it will capture the interest and attention of middle grade and older readers. I knew some of the information, but enjoyed the read and learning new bits of information very much. I found the read to be fascinating and entertaining, and I think that many others will enjoy it as well. 

Book Review: Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs by Susan Hughes, Valerie Boivin

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs is a non fiction picturebook written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Valerie Boivin. From the time she was a young girl, Jane Jacobs' curious mind made her a keen observer of everything around her. When she grew up, she moved to New York City, a place full of new wonders for her to explore. It was there she realized that, just like in nature, a city is an ecosystem. So, when city planner Robert Moses proposed creating highways through the city that would destroy neighborhoods and much of what made New York great, Jane decided she couldn't let it happen. She stood up to the officials and rallied her neighbors to stop the plans and even got arrested! Jane's bravery and ideas had a huge influence on urban planning that is still being felt today.

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs is an engaging informational picture book, offering readers a fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world's greatest urban thinkers and activists. I think the stylized art gives a feel for the time and location, it is interesting and enjoyable to look at. I found the story to be well told and interesting. I think young readers that love cities, streets, and exploring will fully enjoy the read. I think those that get bored easily in school, and are always looking to explore, will relate to Jane and her story. Nature loves and those interested in ecosystems and how cities and the world in general work will also be captivated by the story. I am not sure that it will be interesting to all readers, but it was well done and engaging in my opinion. At the end of the book there is a brief biography of Jane Jacobs to further inform or inspire readers.

Book Review: Seafurrers: The Ships' Cats Who Lapped and Mapped the World by Philipa Sandall, Ad Long

Seafurrers: The Ships' Cats Who Lapped and Mapped the World, written by Philipa Sandall and illustrated by Ad Long, explores the history of the cats that explored the world alongside seafarring souls over the years. People remember the bold seafarers of yore, from Magellan to Shackleton, for their extraordinary exploits: new lands discovered, storms weathered, and battles won. But somehow history has neglected the stalwart, hardworking species who made it all possible, the noble cat! Here readers can learn the stories of sea cats such as Trim (who circumnavigated Australia), Tom (the sole feline survivor of the sinking of the USS Maine), celebrity cat Simon (a veteran of the Yangtze Incident), and other furry heroes. There are thirty eight stories of cats that proved to indispensable at sea—both as pest controllers and as beloved mascots, all told from the voice of Bart- a cat eager to explain the missing histories of seafaring felines. The book is filled with nautical trivia, rare photographs, and whimsical illustrations, this deft genealogy of human–feline friendship will stir your regard for the incomparable cat.

Seafurrers: The Ships' Cats Who Lapped and Mapped the World is less about the individual cats and the sailors that befriended and made use of them, it is more about the benefits and uses of cats on ships and in the world in general. The information about the benefits of cats for pest control and the calculations of just how useful they were. I think I was expecting more stories than science and math, but that is on me rather than the author. The information given is well presented and the illustrations and photographs added to the narrative. I will admit to being bored with some of the facts, and doing a little skimming. My biggest issue was the fact that the author cited Wikipedia. I am trying to teach research to school children, and how to verify sources. Wikipedia does not count, but can be a good starting point as long as you follow it to reputable primary sources. It is not in itself such a source, and that an author would use it as one made me less than happy. 

Book Review: The True Death of Billy the Kid by Rick Geary

The True Death of Billy the Kid is part of a series of historical graphic novels by Rick Geary.  The cover proclaims the book to be the first true and accurate graphic novel telling the story of the death of the wild west's outlaw, Billy the Kid.  One of the great folk legends of the Wild West, William H. Bonney went from cowboy and rancher's gunslinger to a pure outlaw, forever dodging justice in New Mexico before it was even a state. On the one hand, he was charming, fun-loving, often present at social events, quite appealing to the ladies. Also conversant in Spanish, “Billito” was popular with the Spanish speaking crowd. On the other hand, he had no compunction to coldly kill a man, a sheriff, a deputy—anyone who got in the way of his rustling cattle or horses for an illicit living. He also proved hard to keep in jail once he was caught. It is probably his daring escapes from jails that made him most famous, and this is the main subject of this biography, which traces his story up through his death by a gunshot in the pitch darkness, fired by lawmen obsessed with getting rid of him. 

The True Death of Billy the Kid is a black and white graphic novel detailing the life and death of Billy the Kid. While some of the details are not well documented, so Geary clearly had to speculate and fill in the gaps as best he could. The art work is neat and very detailed. It is visual pleasing and does a good job of telling the tale and enhancing the text. The labeling and explaining text were done well, and I felt like I have a little better of an understanding of what Billy was like, and how he lived. I have watched more than my fair share of movies and documentaries that cover Billy the Kid, and found this graphic novel to do a really good job of entertaining and informing readers about his life. Again, I know that Geary had to make some leaps, because we just do not know all the answers. However, I found that the choices he made in this respect seemed to be on point.

The True Death of Billy the Kid is a good graphic novel for those looking to learn more about Billy the Kid. 

Book Review: Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics by Tabitha Williams

Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics by Tabitha Williams is a full-color, non fiction book that takes a look at the forgotten influence of women in the development of mathematics over the last two thousand years. The book is divided in three parts: I - The Pioneers, II - From Code Breaking to Rocket Science and III - Modern Math Mavens, detailing the careers and achievements of thirty women scientists, with brief mentions of few others. The book brings mathematic powerhouses like astronomer-philosopher Hypatia, theoretical physicist Emmy Noether, and rocket scientist Annie Easley to life for readers and helps us understand that trailblazing women have always existed, we just do not always know their stories unless we take the time to discover them.

Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics is a wonderful and long overdue book. I thought I knew a great deal about the women that have helped shape the world of technology, science, and mathematics. However, this book showed me that I only knew a small number of the women that made such huge impacts on the world. I learned about some women I had never heard of, and learned more about some that I though I knew much more about. Anyone that thinks they cannot make an impact, or that a particular field is not for them because of prejudice or culture, I urge you to read the book. The pictures included with the text about these dynamic women make them more real, and helps the reader connect with them and relate their own lives to those of these women- giving them the inspiration to forge their own path. 

Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics is an inspirational and informative book. I hope that it encourages others to follow their dreams, and to do the work they love regardless of what society and culture might tell them. 

Early Book Review: Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees by Thor Hanson

Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees by Thor Hanson is a natural history. Bees are like oxygen: ubiquitous, essential, and, for the most part, unseen. While we might overlook them, they lie at the heart of relationships that bind the human and natural worlds. Buzz takes us on a journey that begins 125 million years ago, when a wasp first dared to feed pollen to its young. From honeybees and bumbles to lesser-known diggers, miners, leafcutters, and masons, bees have long been central to our harvests, our mythologies, and our very existence. They've given us sweetness and light, the beauty of flowers, and as much as a third of the foodstuffs we eat. And, alarmingly, they are at risk of disappearing.

Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees is a pretty perfect combination of personal narration, scientific explanation, and history. I never knew there were so many kinds of bees in the world, and how varied they are. I already knew how important they were as pollinators, and about the current bee population crisis, but Hanson's passion for the subject made even the things I already understood seem new and more important. This is a very accessible but detailed natural history that anyone interested in bees or the need we have for them in order to keep eating might want to read. The information and images are very well presented and organized with a conversational narrative tone that makes it an enjoyable and engaging read.

Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees is just the book I needed. I have always been fascinated with bees, although not as interested as our author. This book gave me all the information I could want and more. 

Book Review: Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Stolen Words is a children's book written by Melanie Florence, and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. It tells the story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in his language – Cree – he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. This sensitive and warmly illustrated picture book explores the inter generational impact of the residential school system that separated young Indigenous children from their families. The story recognizes the pain of those whose culture and language were taken from them, how that pain is passed down, and how healing can also be shared.

Stolen Words is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that points out something from our history that is often forgotten, and shows that some things can be done. We forget that while the Native Americans, and pretty much every indigenous culture around the world, has had more than just land and lives stolen from them. They were striped of language and culture and forced to adopt the language and in many cases religion and/or culture of those pushing them out or putting them in captivity.   It is gently put, in deference to the target audience, but I think the adults sharing this with young readers will be reminded of all that these cultures have lost. I love that the granddaughter, with the help of another trusted adult, made an effort to do what she could to return the stolen words to her grandfather. I only wish that more resources were available to those seeking to regain lost parts of their heritage, and that they were as easy to find as in this book. Some languages are lost completely, or are remembered by only a few and not recorded in any way. Perhaps this book will inspire young people to learn their own culture, and inspire elders or older members of the family to rediscover it as well. I would have loved to see some resources listed at the end of the book to help those seeking to reclaim the language or culture of their ancestors. 

Book Review: Brooklyn's Sweet Ruin: Relics and Stories of the Domino Sugar Refinery by Paul Raphaelson

Brooklyn's Sweet Ruin: Relics and Stories of the Domino Sugar Refinery by Paul Raphaelson tells the story of what was once the largest in the world, shut down in 2004 after a long struggle. Most New Yorkers know it only as an icon on the landscape, multiplied on T-shirts and skateboard graphics. Paul Raphaelson, known internationally for his formally intricate urban landscape photographs, was given access to every square foot of the refinery weeks before its demolition. Raphaelson spent weeks speaking with former Domino workers to hear first-hand the refinery’s more personal stories. He also assembled a world-class team of contributors: Pulitzer Prize–winning photography editor Stella Kramer, architectural historian Matthew Postal, and art director Christopher Truch. The result is a beautiful, complex, thrilling mashup of art, document, industrial history, and Brooklyn visual culture. Strap on your hard hat and headlamp, and wander inside for a closer look.

Brooklyn's Sweet Ruin: Relics and Stories of the Domino Sugar Refinery is a look at something I had never thought much about, even though I am well versed in the state of manufacturing in my local area. The Domino sugar factory, abandoned and in disrepair is something haunting to look at. I was very interested in the information about the factory and the struggles to keep it afloat, and the perspective of those directly involved in the factory. The idea that the building was set for destruction is sad, but the state of it and the empty rooms was simply depressing, but still somehow beautiful. The combination of photography and information is poignant and enthralling. It offers readers a look at the history and importance of the building and former business. The book is a great coffee table book for those that appreciate industrial art, and the stark beauty that can be found in these images of this factory after being abandoned, but before demolition. 

Early Book Review: Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones by Ted Enik, G.F. Newlan

Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones written by Ted Enik and illustrated by G.F. Newlan is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. This is the first book in the Unhinged History series brings to life the best-known public spat in all of paleontology: the bitter rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. This frenzy of discovery and one-upmanship—known today as the Bone Wars—was a gold rush–like scramble to find the most and “best” dinosaur fossils, thus bringing to glory to their respective home-base universities. Lively and witty rhymes plus wonderfully demented illustrations reveal how the paleontologists’ infamous rivalry began, and how—despite making genuine and lasting contributions to the field—their mutual obsession with outdoing one another spun out of control.

Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones is a nonfiction picturebook in rhyme. I have always been interested in paleontology, and this book brought the initial rush to find and identify dinosaur bones to life. While there was some exaggerating and silliness to make the picturebook my engaging, the facts and fascinating tidbits of information I had not known were included as well. I think that this is a must read for children (and adults) interested in American history and paleontology.The trouble Cope and Marsh cause for themselves is entertaining, but rather sad, that adults would cheat and lie to gain notoriety for themselves and their employers, but it is not all that surprising when you see what some are still willing to do in the name of money or fame. I found the factual parts to be well written and accessible, and the story of Cope and Marsh's rivalry was entertaining and engaging. The artwork is just as entertaining and attention grabbing as the text and story, keeping readers turning pages. I think this would be a great addition to school and public library collections. It could inspire future scientists and historians as well as starting discussions on how rivalries can get out of hand and cause the participants more trouble than it is worth. 

Book Review: Top Dogs : Canines That Made History by Elizabeth MacLeod

Top Dogs : Canines That Made History by Elizabeth MacLeod is a children's non fiction book. It shares the stories of eight canines whose actions influenced the course of history. Among the dogs featured are Stubby, a mutt who rescued American soldiers in the trenches of WWI, Buddy, the first seeing-eye-dog in North America, Brandy, a German Shepherd who discovered a bomb aboard a plane, and Seaman, the Newfoundland, who accompanied Lewis and Clark, helping them complete their expedition by protecting them from wild animals and providing them with food. Scattered throughout the book are side bars filled with information about the exploits of many other dogs as well as the history, habits, and characteristics of various breeds.

Top Dogs : Canines That Made History is a wonderful collection of stories and bits of information that will interest young readers, particularly those with a love of animals. The information is presented in a narrative style that is accessible and interesting. There is a sense of adventure and flavor of the time from each story, and there are sidebars of other information about dogs that might inspire further research. While I knew most of these stories, at least in part, I enjoyed the read and felt like I learned a lot. I think readers like my daughter, who loves all things animal related, will be very interested in this read. Others that are interested in history or dogs along will also get a good amount of knowledge and enjoyment from the read. The balance of entertainment and knowledge is nearly perfect here, and I think that the book would make a good addition to school and public library collections. 

Early Book Review: When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson, Julie Flett

When We Were Alone is a picturebook written by David Alexander Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett. It is currently scheduled for release on December 31 2016. When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where everything was taken away. 

When We Were Alone is a wonderful look at how much the younger generation can learn about their heritage and the lives of their family by asking questions. I think it is important for us all to understand what our elders and ancestors went through, and how other cultures have faced. this picturebook offers a little of each. Whether your family tree includes Cree (or any other Native American Heritage) or not, it is important to know what they faced, and how any group has been treated in the past or present. Not only does this book offer a lesson on heritage and history, it can also help with empathy and understanding. Perhaps a better understanding of our shared history can help us understand how others feel and prevent similar treatment of groups still or now considered 'other'. I would highly recommend adding this to any library collection. It can start many important conversations that are currently very relevant to the current state of the world and necessary.