Book Review: Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir, Steenz

Archival Quality is a graphic novel written by Ivy Noelle Weir with artwork by Steenz. It would be best for young adult and older readers. After losing her job at the library, Celeste "Cel" Walden starts working at the haunting Logan Museum as an archivist. But the job may not be the second chance she was hoping for, and she finds herself confronting her mental health, her relationships, and before long, her grasp on reality as she begins to dream of a young woman she's never met, but feels strangely drawn to. Especially after she asks Cel for help. As Cel attempts to learn more about the woman, she begins losing time, misplacing things, passing out—the job is becoming dangerous, but she can't let go of this mysterious woman. Who is she? Why is she so fixated on Cel? And does Cel have the power to save her when she's still trying to save herself?

Archival Quality is a graphic novel about dealing with mental illness, and solving a mystery of past and present horrors. Cel needs to learn to trust herself, to accept help when needed, and to trust that those around her care about her and are more than willing to help if she lets them. I liked seeing the trust and friendship develop- and the secrets be slowly revealed.  I liked the combination of mystery, mystical, and trying to find your way. I could empathize with most of the characters, including the secondary players. I liked the story, and think it will keep readers thinking about the story well after they finish it. I know I am still thinking about Cel's journey, and they way she finds herself. I was not thrilled with the art style, it felt a little clunky for some of the characters, but others looked fantastic. The back grounds and details are very well done, and add to the story well- it is just the style a few of the characters that did not work for me. I liked that the story of the books creation was included in the afterwords, and that further reading and museums to explore are offered up as well. The sketch pages were interesting to see as well, to see how the characters were envisioned and changed as the book came together. 

Archival Quality is an interesting and engaging graphic novel that I think will speak to young and new adults, as well of those that have been considered adults for longer than we might want to admit. The mystery and spooky aspects are on point, and the handling of friendship and mental illness was very well done and might speak to others struggling.

Early Book Review: All Birds Have Anxiety by Kathy Hoopman

All Birds Have Anxiety by Kathy Hoopman is a children’s nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on March 21 2017. Life as a bird can be stressful! From worrying about airplanes, windows, and getting enough worms to eat, it is clear that birds can be anxious beings. Through a light-touch, quizzical depiction of bird behavior, this book uses colourful images and astute explanations to explore with gentle humor what it means to live with anxiety day-to-day, and how to begin to deal with it.

All Birds Have Anxiety is a book that deals with anxiety, and how to cope with it. I like that the book pairs images of real birds with the explanations of anxiety- what it is, what it feels like, and how to mitigate its effects on your life.  This makes the book a great tool for children dealing with anxiety themselves, or for those that have seen it in others and want to understand. Even adults reading this with their children or a classroom might find little phrases from the book that bring home something they might have missed in understanding anxiety. I really like that the book offers the simple information, like how anxiety can make  you feel, as well as resources for those that need more tools to handle their own anxiety. I am thrilled that the book points out that everyone feels anxiety, but that some of us have more than others- and it is not fun but it is not something to feel ashamed or more anxious about. The tools and resources the book offers are very useful and I think the book offers humor and face in a package that can encourage understanding and empathy.

All Birds Have Anxiety validates the experiences of anxiety, provides understanding of the many symptoms associated with anxiety, and offers compassionate suggestions for change. The combination of humor, understanding, and resources make this a valuable introduction to anxiety disorder for those diagnosed with this condition, their family and friends and those generally interested in understanding anxiety.

Book Review: It’s All Absolutely Fine by Ruby Elliot

It’s All Absolutely Fine by Ruby Elliot explores the highs and lows of modern life through the sharp, dark wit of Ruby Elliot—creator of the massively popular Tumblr account, Rubyetc, which has over 210k followers and growing. Ruby’s simple drawings of not-so-simple issues capture the humor and melancholy of everyday life. Her comics appeal to both new adults who are beginning to explore these subjects and to battle-tested veterans of the daily struggles of life with mental illness. It’s All Absolutely Fine is an honest and unapologetic account of day-to-day life as a groaning, crying, laughing sentient potato being for whom things are often absolutely not fine. Through simple, humorous drawings and a few short narratives, the book encompasses everything from mood disorders, anxiety, and issues with body image through to existential conversations with dogs and some unusually articulate birds. Through the drawings, the reader is shown that it is okay to struggle, and that it is okay to talk about struggling, to not undermine oneself by yelling ‘it’s fine’ when it isn’t, and while all this is going on to know that it is absolutely possible to hold on to hope, and of course humor. 

It’s All Absolutely Fine is a collection of art and words that can shown readers that they are not alone. Anyone dealing with anxiety, feeling lost or alone, or battling any mental illness can find bits of their struggle on these pages while offering support and encouragement to keep on moving forward. I found the read made me smile, cry, and feel more empowered in dealing with the world around me and moving toward the future. Fans of Rubyetc's huge online presence will find more of what they love here, and I think the book will foster new fans as well.

Book Review: Happy Pants by Heather Gallagher

Happy Pants by Heather Gallagher is a picturebook about a young boy who's mother is suffering from postpartum depression. The book begins with all the fun stuff he used to do with mom before she went to the hospital to have the baby.  She would wear her happy pants and they would build sandcastles, go out for babycinos and have lots and lots of cuddles. But when she comes home with baby Darcy, her happy pants stay in her wardrobe and she spends more of her time in bed. Will Mommy ever wear her happy pants again?

Happy Pants is an honest, and I think necessary, look at a problem that is too often swept under the rug or ignored. Postpartum depression can be a serious issue, or a more mild issue, that effects a number of mothers every year. Older children, spouses, and the mother in question might not even realize how serious it is, but being about to recognize and talk about it is important for everyone. I thought it was important to see that the mother did not just 'snap out of it' like many who have no understanding of the situation might expect. Instead she had the support of her family and received professional help.

Happy Pants is a good book for young readers and families to help understand the effects of postpartum depression, and some of its signs and symptoms. knowing that it is real, that it is nothing to be ashamed of, and that it can happy to any mother is very important. The addition information after the story is a valuable resource as well. I think the fact that the book is endorsed by the Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) and the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) is a powerful recommendation for the book. 

Book Review: Storm Watcher by Maria V. Snyder

Storm Watcher by Maria V. Snyder is a middle grade novel. It was published back in 2013, and I am not sure how I missed it since she is one of my favorite authors. I am beyond thrilled that it came to Netgalley recently for me to find!

Luke Riley is lost. His mother's recent death has set Luke and his family adrift. Even though his father, twin brothers, and their three Bloodhounds are search and rescue volunteers, they have been unable to rescue themselves and become a family again. The summer after sixth grade looms in Luke's mind as a long, lonely three months where the only thing he can look forward to is watching The Weather Channel. Luke is fascinated with the weather, but since his mother's death in a storm, he is also terrified. Even the promised 13th birthday present of a Bloodhound puppy fails to lift Luke's spirits. He would rather have a different breed - a petite Papillon, but his father insists he get a Bloodhound. When Luke decides to get the Bloodhound from Willajean, a dog breeder who owns Storm Watcher Kennel, he works out a deal to help at her kennel in exchange for the expensive dog. Thrilled to have a summer with a purpose, Luke befriends Willajean's daughter, Megan and together they plan how Luke can get a Papillon puppy instead of a Bloodhound. But nothing seems to work as they struggle with stubborn fathers, summer storms, unhelpful siblings, and hidden guilt. Can one little white dog really save both families?

Storm Watcher is a wonderful realist fiction novel that imparts all sorts of lessons without ever feeling preachy- a tough balance to hit. Luke is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mother, and the related guilt he feels about her death. He loves his family’s dogs, but wants something a little different and will do just about anything to make it happen. He works at a nearby dog breeders to earn his puppy- though weather he gets the dog he wants or the bloodhound his father insists on is up for debate. Responsibility and perseverance are the name of the game as he works his way through the summer. Willajean and Luke’s father might not always seem nice, but through the story even when you disagree with their stance or actions you can tell they really care and are trying to do the right thing. All of the characters have moments of good and bad, including Luke and Wiglsjean’s daughter Megan. The complex and growing characters make everything so real that I was really engaged in their story, and still am long after finishing the book. The layer’s of Luke’s thoughts and fears bring everything home, his fear and fascination of the weather, his guilt and sadness in the loss of his mother, and his struggles relating to what is left of his family and the community he had pulled away from. Even when you think you know what another character is thinking, or how something must turn out, there are still some surprises and so much heart to this book that it stays with the reader.

Storm Watcher is a wonderful story about family, lose, and finding what really matters. Issues of guilt and fear are dealt with and can help children understand what others might be going through, and that they are not alone. Heartwarming, and heart wrenching, it brought tears to this stoic reader’s eyes.

Book Review: Jacked by Eric Kripke

Jacked by Eric Kripke is an adult graphic novel about Josh Jaffe, a man deep in his own mid-life crisis. Feeling like no one respects him, he takes the advise of his brother and tries out a pill that is supposed to help him be more focused and help him break out of a slump. However, while the pill certainly makes him feel healthier- it also gives him super strength and some crazy hallucinations and are highly addictive. This brutally honest story is from Eric Kripke (creator of the hit TV series Supernatural), Vertigo veterans John Higgins (HELLBLAZER), and Glenn Fabry (PREACHER) with a on the modern superhero in this new graphic novel thriller.

Jacked collects the entire current run of the story, issues one through six. It is a realistic look at life today, at least for some, and a different angle of becoming a superhero. I liked that the book was gritty and real. It showed the more depressing side of middle age, and how some people feel or cope. It also takes a look a society, and how looking for respect and trying to be better can lead down dangerous paths. There are graphic moments, and the trippy hallucinations were bright and bold. It came together very well and most adults will be able to relate to at least some of the emotions or situations that run through the story.

Jacked is a solid and well executed graphic novel. It was timely and realistic. However, while I liked it, I did not adore it.  

Book Review: The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones

The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones is a helpful picturebook for readers of all ages. Once upon a time there was a Princess. She had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was happy. That is, until the fog came. It came slowly and unnoticed, but as it built it changed the princess. Soon she did not want to do her favorite things, or anything really. A persistent friend offered to listen, and soon the princess was able to share with others about the presence of the fog and how it made her feel. They banished the fog, at least for now, and have a plan to keep it from taking over again.

The Princess and the Fog is a wonderful book to help explain how depression can sneak up on children and adults alike, and how it can feel. It really can feel like a heavy fog that takes the wonder and joy out of things we once loved. The princess in the story is talented, smart, and well liked before the fog hit, but loses interest in the world around her once it surrounds her. this metaphor is just about perfect for depression, and the illustrations do a great job of capturing the emotion and thickness of that fog.

The Princess and the Fog is very helpful book for the many children and families that are dealing with depression. It can help the children and adults understand how it feels, give them understandable vocabulary to use, and find paths to breaking through the barriers that depression can raise. It is a wonderful discussion starter and tool that everyone can use to foster understanding and find tools to work toward solutions. The book also includes an essential guide for parents and carers by clinical pediatric psychologists, Dr Melinda Edwards MBE and Linda Bayliss.