Early Book Review: Built by Animals: Meet the Creatures who Inspire our Homes and Cities by Christiane Dorion, Yeji Yun

Built by Animals: Meet the Creatures who Inspire our Homes and Cities, written by Christiane Dorion and illustrated by Yeli Yun, is currently scheduled for release on May 3 2022. Meet the animals behind the most amazing building tech, brought to life by Yeji Yun and expertly explained by WWF educator Christiane Dorion. This book dives into the world of biomimicry and answers questions like: How can we use more solar energy to power our homes? How can we grow plants in the desert? How can we pump water to the top of very tall buildings?How can we clean polluted rivers? From the bee’s honeycomb shape that strengthens structures to termites’ that build their nests with natural air con, these creatures did it first! And, at the end of the book, find out who wins big at the Animal Builder Awards! Will it be the prairie dog, the peacock, the beaver, or the firefly?

Built by Animals is an educational and entertaining read. I thought the illustrations were absolutely charming and did a great job of holding the reader's interest while helping to clarify the text on each page. It is worth giving the book a look through just to fully appreciate the skill in the illustrations before or after reading the book as a whole. I thought the information shared in this book was well chosen, and I liked the way it tied in the animal's hard work to the efforts some people have been making to make more sustainable or efficient things based on the skills found in nature.I thought the variety of creatures included, and that plants got their mention as well.  I loved the creativity and thought that has obviously gone into this book, and think it is a valuable read for interested readers. I think it would be an asset to classroom, school, and public libraries as well as the personal collection for young readers. 

Early Book Review: Catalog of the Unexplained: From Aliens & Aromatherapy to Zen & Zener Cards by Leanna Greenaway; Beleta Greenaway

Catalog of the Unexplained: From Aliens & Aromatherapy to Zen & Zener Cards by Leanna Greenaway; Beleta Greenaway is scheduled for release on January 8 2021. Explore the mesmerizing depths of the esoteric and unexplainable with this outstanding A to Z reference guide. This book offers entries on 450 topics, from angels and herbalism to tarot and vampires. Magical practitioners, holistic healers, ghost hunters, spiritual seekers, and trivia fans alike will marvel at the knowledge this book contains. Authors Leanna and Beleta Greenaway provide brief and in-depth entries on: Acupuncture, Animal Totems, Astral Projection, Candles, Color Therapy, Curses, Dreams, Dowsing, ESP, Exorcism, Fairies, Feng Shui, Fortune-Telling, Hypnosis, I Ching, Kundalini, Lucid Dreaming, Numerology, Palm Reading, Psychic Development, Reiki, Spellcasting, UFOs, Voodoo, Witchcraft, and Yoga.

Catalog of the Unexplained is exactly what the title promises. It is a book that offers explanations and information about a wide range of terms. It covers things associated with a variety of cultures, religions, and enthusiasts. I liked that when different groups of people had different views or feelings about a term they were all explained and compared- but there was never any judgement about if any were right or more valid then others. Everything was covered in clear, understandable language with no noticeable prejudice or judgement about the term or those that do, or do not, believe that they are more than tradition, myth, or much more. I found the text to be very well and clearly written, and the subject matter objectively examined and explained. I learned some new things, and found out some new perspectives on subjects I thought I already knew from other books, legends, and mythology. I think this would be a good resource for readers, writers, and all curious individuals that want a better understanding of a wide range of terms. Sources are even listed in a bibliography in the end pages, so if you want to explore certain subjects more there are reputable places to start. 

Book Review: DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs: 20 Easy-to-Build Creations for Your Best Friend by Armelle Rau; Pierre Legrix

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs: 20 Easy-to-Build Creations for Your Best Friend by Armelle Rau and Pierre Legrix offers readers  20 simple projects that they can make in just a weekend, without any advanced skills or special tools. From a cat tree and a hide-away litter box to bowl stands, leash racks, and a Scandinavian bed platform, these stylish structures will take care of your pet’s needs while preserving your interior décor. Built and pet-tested by the authors in their own home, each imaginative creation features step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and inspirational color photographs. Projects include litter boxes, dog house, bowl stands, bed platforms, travel basket, cat tree, leash rack, bedside table cabin, and more.

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs has a nice variety of projects, some of which I found to be completely not my style but some which I would gladly spend the time to build and put in my home or give to family for their pets. I found the instructions and photographs to be very well done, and easy to understand. I like that while some tools are necessary to get the work done, they are all tools that the average home (at least the home of anyone reading a book about building) are likely to own or have access to rather than crazy specialty tools.  The book is well balanced with projects for cats and dogs, with a variety of styles and function. As an animal lover I know I will be storing away some of these ideas for a later date, and will sadly never actually get around to making any of these, I think they are accessible and understandable instructions that anyone with the interest and motivation to make these projects will be successful. 

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs is a well written and organized resource for handy pet lovers. I think this might be a book I would borrow from a library rather than buying, only to check out when ready to get to work, unless you plan on making a full collection of the projects for your home, and for your family and friends.