Early Book Review: Legs by Sarah J. Dodd, Giusi Capizzi

Legs: The Tale of a Verry Small Meerkat is a picture book written by Sarah J. Dodd and illustrated by Giusi Capizzi. It is currently scheduled for release on August 21 2015.  Miki is a baby meerkat who lives with his Mama in a zoo. He's happy at home with Mama and the kind keeper who cares for them, but soon he becomes curious about the wider world. The one day Miki ventures a bit too far out into the world, and he's not sure where he is anymore. Who do all these legs belong to? Soon the legs turn from animal legs to people legs - Miki really has gone too far! But just when Miki feels completely lost, there are the keepers familiar booted legs, and here's the keeper to bring him home; and from his vantage point in the keepers arms all the legs that seemed so intimidating on the way out are revealed to have friendly, happy faces with them!

Legs is a look at the life of a meerkat in a zoo, and at what childhood is often like. We, um vertically challenged, adults can still empathize with the feeling of being too small in the world to see the big picture, but many adults forget the feeling of seeing the world from a lower height. Young children will relate to Miki in both seeing the world only as legs as well as his desire to explore and see more. They will also understand the fear and anxiety of getting lost when never really meaning to stay so far. I think this is a great book for helping children understand that they are not alone, and the importance of not just wandering off to explore the world. The illustrations are very cute and draw the reader into Miki’s world while entertaining readers of all ages. 

I really enjoyed Legs, sand think my adventurous and animal mad children will enjoy it as well. This would make a great addition to library, preschool, and home collections.

Early Book Review: The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

The Tea Party in the Woods is a picturebook by Akiko Miyakoshi which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015. Kikko sets out after her father with a forgotten pie for Grandma. She follows a trail to a strange house in the wintry woods, thinking it was her father.  A peek in the window reveals that the footprints Kikko had been following did not belong to her father at all, but to a bear in a long coat and hat! The day only gets stranger, and more wonderful for Kikko from there.

The Tea Party in the Woods is a creative and beautifully illustrated picturebook. I loved how the pencil illustrations convery the cold, snowy day and the fantasy found in Kikko's woodland hike. Kikko is bringing a forgotten goody to her grandmother's house, and like Little Red Riding Hood she strays from her path- thankfully the adventure Kikko finds is more like that of Goldilocks than Little Red. Instead of a big bad wolf Kikko finds an animal hosted tea party and help from that unexpected quarter. Her bravery and the kindness of the animals are beautiful on every level.

The Tea Party in the Woods is a delightful and visually attractive storybook. I do not know if I want to share it with my children, because they are already a wee be too willing to explore, but I think most everyone will be able to absolutely love this book. It would be good for one on one or small group storytimes, but I think the illustrations might be too delicate and light to be fully appreciated in a large group.

Early Book Review:Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories by Nagumo, Aji-Ichi

Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories by Nagumo and Aji-Ichi is a graphic novel that is currently scheduled for publication in the states on August 18 2015.  Doujinshi, otherwise known as independent manga in Japan, is rarely published in English and is typically considered underground. It begins with Let's East Ramen, a three-part tale of Saeki- a girl who loves ramen noodles. At last, she thinks that she has finally found the perfect ramen shop, but the problem is the shop is completely full of old regulars and she can't get in. Will the timid Saeki ever summon the willpower to reach out and get the ramen that she desperately wants? The other stories are about high school students and involve love, ghosts, and more.

I really enjoyed Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories and my biggest issue with the volume is that I would have liked to see more of the title story. I want to see more of Saeki's story and will be pursuing that. The other stories ranged from 'huh?' because I was not quite ready to leave the Ramen story, to very good and wanting more. I really liked the story involving the swim team member and ghost rumors, and the opening story. I thought the volume was a good introduction to some manga that we rarely get our hands on here in the states, unless you are an enthusiast or have some connections. The artwork was charming and displayed the style and emotion that I expect from manga. I was very happy with this and loved every moment of the read. As I said, my only disappointment was with my desire for more.

I would recommend Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories to anyone that is interested in manga, or general enjoys it. The stories are bite sized and wonderfully charming. I hope it inspires more people to explore the artwork and literature of other cultures, particularly the less available items.

Book Review: Jakes Monster Mess by Ken Spillman and Chris Nixon

Jakes Monster Mess is a picturebook written by Ken Spillman and illustrated by Chris Nixon. Jake's room is only slightly messy, until he tries to clean it! After he has cleared out his sock drawer, his jock drawer, and his toy cupboard and dragged all the dusty and forgotten clutter out from under the bed, he realizes all those things are piled high on his floor and worse, they seem to have expanded!

Jakes Monster Mess is a book that captures what often happens when anyone tries to tackle a small project, which seems to grow. I know it happens to me every time I try to sort through what clothes or toys can be given away and what should be kept. Jake tries to fold and put away his laundry, only to discover the drawer he needs in full. So he decides to move those clothes elsewhere, but that location is already taken and prompts more dumping, which brings his attention to something else that needs to be organized, and so on. I can sympathize, and think kids, teachers, care givers, and parents can all relate to that feeling and phenomenon as well.

Jakes Monster Mess is a fun and relate-able books for readers of all ages. It could be used in a story time or family sharing setting, with a great story and entertaining illustrations to match. A good read for anyone with organizational difficulties, myself included. 

Book Review: The Defiant Bride by Leslie Hachtel

The Defiant Bride by Leslie Hachtel is a historical romance. Dariana refuses to be forced into marriage, even if it has been ordered by the king. With few options she fakes her own death. Praying the king will not retaliate against her father, she seeks refuge in the forest and learns to fend for herself. When William, a warrior knight, is felled by an arrow, she saves his life and arranges his rescue before fleeing to avoid discovery. William awakes from his injury determined to make her his own, so he hunts her down and tricks her into marrying him, intent on turning her defiance into love. But even as he begins to succeed, their enemies join forces to end the marriage, even if it means that Dariana must die. When Dariana is abducted, William must track her down to fight for her life and their happiness. And, Dariana, once the most defiant of brides, must channel her own strength of will into survival.

The Defiant Bride started strong. Dariana is a strong, smart, and independent woman that cares about her father and friends, but cannot stand the idea of being sent away to marry a foreign stranger. So, she fakes her death and learns to survive with the help of a good friend.  She stumbles across a plot to kill a lord, saves him, and sends him on his way. But he searches her out, knowing she was not a fever dream. So far, so good right? Well, then it all goes wrong.He kidnaps her from the forest and tricks her into marrying him, even though he is already betrothed to another. They have some issues from there, but then there are added outside dangers because of people that think William and/or Dariana have taken what is rightfully theirs. Of course Dariana comes to her senses and is head over heals in love with William and forgives him, even though he never admits that he was wrong or even thinks that he was wrong in his high handed actions. While I loved the action and the majority of Dariana's character, this bit of handsome hero is right even if he is incredably wrong and arrogant just drove me crazy and rather ruined the rest of the book. Both Dariana and William’s sister tell him that he is wrong, but they all just shrug it aside and move on! If they ever had a real argument about it, without leaving it behind to fall into bed, and had William every really apologized rather than just having it land in the territory of “but I was right and you love me so it is okay” I would have felt much better about the whole thing. 

The Defiant Bride is a decent read overall, if you can get past the fact that Dariana ends up married without the opportunity to make the choice herself, then the book would be so much better. I could not move past that, since that was at odds with the strength of character she starts the story with. I had such high hopes when starting this book, and am disappointed in the path it takes. 

Early Book Review: Gargoyle Hall: An Araminta Spookie Adventure by Angie Sage

Gargoyle Hall: An Araminta Spookie Adventure by Angie Sage is a children's chapter book that is currently scheduled for release on August 11 2015. Araminta Spookie is a unique girl with a very special family. Uncle Drac keeps bats and goes of on expeditions to bring them home. There are three ghosts in the house, one that just happens to be a dog, and a best friend and her family that lives in the same house.when a great aunt comes to visit it is decided that Araminta has been "helpful" one too many times, so her family decides to send her to boarding school. On arrival, Araminta is surprised to discover that her best friend has stowed away in her trunk and that Gargoyle Hall makes her haunted home seem positively cozy. Strange moans and clanks echo down the halls and the two class leaders are equally creepy. Most of the other students have been scared away, but Araminta is determined to find out what-or who-is menacing the school.

Gargoyle Hall is the sixth book in this series, so I did feel a little like I was coming in late since I have not read any of the others, but I caught up to the spirit of the series fairly quickly. The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and avid readers alike and has a good mix of humor and spookiness to keep everyone entertained. Araminta is a strong willed, and slightly odd, young lady with good intentions. She is always trying to be helpful, but the majority of the time her 'help' causes more difficulty and chaos than expected. The adventures of Araminta, who reminds me of a kind hearted Wednesday Addams, are illustrated by Jimmy Pickering with black and white artwork. The pictures add a great deal of atmosphere and emotion to the story, helping younger readers identify with the characters even more. I found the adventure and the writing to be great from readers that need high action books to hold their interest and for those that love a touch of the spooky. 

Gargoyle Hall is a great chapterbook for adventure and series fans. I think my two children, who often feel intimidated by chapter books and love anything remotely spooky will be hooked on this series in short order. I am bringing home the first book of this series, My Haunted House, as soon as possible for their perusal. 

Book Review: How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly

How to Marry a Royal Highlander is the fourth book in the The Renegade Royals series by Vanessa Kelly. I have not read the previous books in the series, but I did not feel lost. The book can stand well on its own. At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. Perhaps the distracting woman traveling with him can help him solve his problem, and find happiness in his future as well. After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border; if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake, and their hearts already irreparably lost.

How to Marry a Royal Highlander is a fun historical romance with intelligent and witty characters. Eden and Alasdair have been introduced and thrown together in a previous book in the series, but the hints of their love hate relationship and the excitement that brought Eden's sister and Alasdair's friend together were done well enough and naturally enough that I understood the relationship and personalities involved very quickly. I loved Eden's self sufficiency and independence. She is smart and feisty, but still carries a sense of vulnerability. Alasdair is chivalrous and loyal, but with a teasing exterior. The banter between the pair is fabulous, even when they are not saying what they need to say to each other. This story works mostly because of the stubbornness of the characters, and the fact that they will not just come out and tell each other what they are thinking, instead trying to manage each other. This frustrates me most of the time, but it really worked in this instance because it was so true to form for the characters. The murder attempts and family drama adds a special suspense to the story, but I feel like at one point it started to get too drawn out, though I was happy with the eventual conclusion.

How to Marry a Royal Highlander is a solid historical romance with a good balance of humor, action, and character development. I really enjoyed the story and think I will be exploring more book from Kelly in the near future. 

Early Book Review: Gryphons Aren’t So Great by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold

Gryphons Aren’t So Great is a children's graphic novel by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold. It is currently scheduled for release on September 8 2015. The Knight's best friend is her horse, Edward. They go everywhere together and do everything together! But when the Knight gets a gryphon, suddenly all she talks about is how awesome her new pet is. Edward can't help it, he's jealous! When the gryphon turns out to be more of a peril than a pet, and Edward comes to the rescue.

Gryphons Aren’t So Great is a cute graphic novel for the easy reader and youngest independent readers. Knight is described as a girl in the summary, but honestly there is no gender definition in the story, the Knight is just a brave kid in armor. Every reader can imagine themselves in her place. the horse, Edward is a brave partner to the knight, but feels left behind and unimportant when the gryphon and knight spend more and more time together. I think most readers (young and old) can relate to the feeling, and seeing their own experience in print will help them understand that everyone has had that experience.  It can also help them get a better grasp on their feelings and how to manager them. Beyond all that, the artwork and story are simply good, sweet fun and worth exploring.

Gryphons Aren’t So Great is the second of four adorable picture books from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. It is a sweet and accessible story that even the youngest readers can relate to and enjoy.

Young Adult Romances with Aliens

Do you enjoy paranormal teen romances, but are sick to death of vampires, angels, and faeries. If you are looking for something a little different, why not try some alien romance?

The Dark Side of Nowhere by Neal Shusterman
Billington is boring and ordinary, that is until Jason discovers that he is actually an alien, as are some of his classmates. Left on earth after a failed invasion, the aliens maintain human form through DNA injections. Grant, the janitor at Jason's school, has managed to reestablish contact with their planet. The adults are off on another invasion, and Grant has been assigned to train the teen aliens to fight the humans once more. Jason has other plans, like thwarting the mission and remaining human, and to stay with his very human girlfriend.


How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain
David's father is a famous French psychiatrist with an interesting new patient. Zelda believes that she is an alien. She also believes that she is on a mission to bring Johnny Depp, her soul mate, back to her planet. Moreover, she can't return to her home planet until she has sex with Depp! That's not great news for David, who wants Zelda for himself. Nonetheless, he assists her on her quest, following her from Normandy to Paris and barely escaping other Vahalians who also want to find their way back home.

Being by Kevin Smith
Teenager Robert Smith is a foster child whose stomach aches land him in the hospital for a routine endoscopy. Not fully anesthetized, he overhears the doctors discussing the fact that his innards are filled with machinery not made by humans. Barely escaping government agents, he lands on the doorstep of a girl named Eddie. Eddie has a penchant for creating fake IDs. Together they flee from England to Spain, where they try to live a normal life and fall in love, until they are eventually found.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Ten years ago, nine young aliens fled their planet after its decimation by vicious Mogadorian invaders. With only their keepers to protect them in hiding on Earth, the teens move constantly from place to place relentlessly hunted by their foes, for whom the teens' mysterious growing powers are a threat. The catch? The Mogadorians can only pick them off in numerical order. Number Three is dead, so Number Four (aka John Smith) is next which sends John and his teacher on the run once again. In his new town, John falls in love for the first time, which means he no longer wants to run. Befriended by another teenage boy who believes in aliens and conspiracies, John sets out to find the other survivors and to fight the Mogadorians so he, and they, can live peacefully on Earth.

I Was A Teenage Alien by Jane Greewnhill

Oas is sent to earth to retrieve her brother, who is masquerading as a human boy. Though she looks like a bug in her true form, she's pretty darned cute as a human, and manages to act like one while on earth. That includes everything from eating pizza to finding a human boyfriend.

Early Book Review: If He's Noble by Hannah Howell

If He's Noble is the seventh book in the Wherlocke series by Hannah Howell. It is currently scheduled for release on July 28 2015. Like all of Howells books this book can stand on its own, but readers that have read some books from the Murray or related series will come in with a better understanding of what to expect from her characters. 

For Lady Primrose Wootten nothing has been ordinary since her father the Baron died and his wayward family filled the estate with greed and treachery. Primrose knows if she can just track down her brother, he can send the odious relations on their way. But instead she finds this enormous, powerful stranger, and forgets entirely what she was doing in the first place. Sir Bened Vaughn is an honorable man, and he knows he has no right to desire Primrose. Yet he does have an obligation to help her, and as they learn more about her brother's disappearance, he realizes that means staying by her side and wondering how much longer they can resist temptation.

If He's Noble is a fun romp with high excitement and great characters. Primrose is a strong but sheltered girl dealing with the danger of a deviously deadly aunt looking to take over her family's holdings. Bened has earned a title by saving the life of a important but foolish noble, after spending most of his life in service to others. They find each other in the woods, and soon Bened knows that Primrose is in more danger than she is ready to admit. His gift helps predict and defend against the dangers they face in search of her brother, but he cannot protect himself from everything. Many characters are introduced and new family members found for both families, and the action does get a little complex in places, as do the character relations, but it all comes together well at the end. I think Primrose is one of my favorite heroines from Howell in a while, though I think she was a bit more of a risk taker than I expected from her after awhile. I also found the big bad to be a little too evil and calculating, more of a Cruella De Ville style villain than anything realistic. All in all, a satisfying but not quite perfect romp through the woods with deadly intent fast on the heels of our heroes.

If He's Noble is just as much fun and full of adventure as fans would expect. Howell maintained the level of quality in characters and action that I look for and expect from her books. While I still think Primrose fell into bed a little early, and her aunt was a little too much, I still highly enjoyed the book.