Book Review: The Night Children by Sarah Tsiang, Delphine Bodet

The Night Children is a picturebook written by Sarah Tsiang and illustrated by Delphine Bodet. When the streets are empty and kids are called home for dinner and put to bed, the world becomes a magical place. The mischievous night children frolic in the twilight, rummaging for treasures and scattering surprises, stealing slices of the moon and dancing on rooftops. Only when dawn breaks do they tuck themselves away. But if you look very closely, you might just catch a glimpse of them disappearing as you wake up.

The Night Children is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that can capture the imagination. The text is lyrical, but the idea of night children, all drawn wearing monster-like hats, could either intrigue or frighten some children. the story could be an explanation for the shadows, sounds, and odd shapes that some children attribute to monsters, but I could see more adventurous children taking the story to heart and wanting to run with the elusive night children. The adventures of the night children answer many questions that children might have about the world around them, like unexpected changes in the landscape of odd sounds and movements. I think some young readers will love the flow of the story, and the splendid artwork, but I think it might be too abstract for others to really fall into and love.

The Night Children is a creative story about the unknown and imagination that some children will love completely. it just might fire up the imagination and creativity in some. However, I think some more pragmatic souls will not be quite so enraptured. 

Three Light and Laugh-Out-Loud Authors

First, what is chick lit? It is the short hand term used, both fondly and mockingly, for literature that tends to appeal mainly to women. This does not mean romance novel, though there is often a romance in the story, but more often the main storyline of the novel is more about the main character figuring out what she really wants in life. There are the tear-jerkers, the mysteries, the fun, the paranormal and some that blur all those lines. Here are some of the authors that right the chick lit books that seem to most fun, laugh educing novels that I've come across in the last few years. 

First is Janet Evanovich, particularly her Stephanie Plum series which starts with One For the Money. Evanovich's characters tend to be realistic, but slightly exaggerated. In One For the Money Stephanie is a twenty something woman who has just lost a job she wasn't too thrilled with to begin with, and searching to find something to pay the bills as well as something to make her happy. While becoming a bounty hunter for her slimy cousin wasn't exactly what she had in mind it somehow makes everything else come together. She get herself into situations which start out as something I can picture myself doing, but then quickly escalates to a laugh out loud series of events rather than the painful embarrassing moments I would expect my life to turn into. This holds true in Evanovich's stand alone novels and Motor Mouth books, although the Stephanie Plum books are by far my favorite of her works. There are two main readers for the audio books of her work, and both are great. So listening while commuting can make a rough drive so much more enjoyable.

MaryJanice Davivdson is another funny favorite. She has several series, and even some young adult novels, but she is best known for her Undead series, which is what she calls it but my friends and I often call it the Queen Betsy series. This series begins with Undead and Unwed, where we see Elizabeth Taylor (but never call her), better known as Betsy, becomes a vampire through unusual means and continue to defy convention and expectations from there. Including those of other vampires, she breaks every mold except that of a prophesy that declares her queen of the vampires. This shoe obsessed vampire has the requisite dysfunctional family and endless determination. Mix in an uptight hunk and a variety of fantastic supporting characters and hilarity ensues.

My third suggestion is not as widely known as the first two, but I think finding a new author is a great feeling, although she won't be unknown very long because there is already talk of a movie based on Shanna Swendson's novel Enchanted, Inc. The book starts with a well used theme, small town girl feeling lost and overwhelmed as she struggles to make a place for herself in New York City. Things take a strange turn when Katie is offered a new job and things just get stranger from there with magic, gargoyles and quirky coworkers. It is a fun, charming read with romance only in the very background. The story is more about Kate's search for a satisfying place in the world and trying to make sense of what is real.. There are currently four books in this series, and the charm does not fade as the series progresses, which is always a danger.

Already know and love these authors or just want some more suggestions? Well if you like Janet Evanovich then I suggest trying Nancy Bartholomew, Sarah Strohmeyer and Jennifer Crusie all of whom I've also read and loved. MaryJanice Davidson fans might want to read Katie Macalister, Vicki Lewis Thompson, and Lynsay Sands. Finally, if Shanna Swendson has caught your fancy you might want to try Candace Havens and Dakota Cassidy. I recommend all of these authors to anyone that likes some laughter from their books.

Early Book Review: Graffiti Murals Exploring the Impacts of Street Art by Patrick Verel

Graffiti Murals Exploring the Impacts of Street Art by Patrick Verel is a non fiction book that is to be released on August 28 2015. This visually appealing book includes six case studies conducted in New York City, Trenton, and Jersey City. It explores how graffiti murals are created and what role they play in a city where buffing illegal graffiti is a lucrative business. The author interviewed people affected on a daily basis by the murals at sites around the metropolitan area, as well as property owners who have allowed muralists to paint their property in hopes the graffiti murals would serve as a deterrent to vandalism, and provide a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to buffing. An analysis informed by cultural Marxism and supported by street photography suggests a radical departure from traditional New York City policy: instead of spending money exclusively on the elimination of illegal graffiti, resources should also be devoted to the creation of graffiti murals. In the end, graffiti removal teams and mural promoters are pursuing the same goal: making the city a more visually appealing place.

Graffiti Murals Exploring the Impacts of Street Art is a very interesting study of graffiti, both legal and illegal. The interviews and impressions from a variety of people gives readers a good understanding of the role all graffiti can play in cities, and for individuals. The balance between decoration and vandalism can be extremely fine, but the policies and public sentiment do not always agree. I will admit that while the text was informative and well written, it was the collection of photographs included that initially caught my eye, and had me eager to see what else the book held. The artistic talent that is evident in some of that artwork is simply astounding. Regardless of if you appreciate sanctioned, or unsanctioned, graffiti and murals you will be amazed at some of the color and craftsmanship of the works displayed by a variety of artists.

Graffiti Murals Exploring the Impacts of Street Art had me hook with the image on the cover and the research that went into crafting this book. honestly, while the information was intriguing and well organized, I think the book is worth the time and money to just look at the included photographs. 

Book Review: Walk on the Wild Side by Nicholas Oldland

Walk on the Wild Side is a picturebook by Nicholas Oldland.  One day a bear, a moose and a beaver set off to climb a mountain together. But on the way there, they decide to make it more exciting by turning the climb into a race to the top. It's only after being sidelined by a series of mishaps -- a boulder tumbling down the path, the moose hanging off the side of the cliff, the bear hanging off the moose hanging off the side of the cliff, that the three friends realize competitions don't always make for a good time.

Walk on the Wild Side is part of Oldland's life in the Wild series. In typical fashion of the series, we see our wild friends spending their day together having an adventure and getting themselves into trouble. Competing over every little thing gets the trio into some perilous situations, but they come together and figure out that friendship does not require constant competition. So, fans of the series will know right away what to expect from Oldland's work. For new comers, the style of the artwork is a little messy and childish for my taste, but adds a little wildness and some relatability for the younger readers.

Walk on the Wild Side is a fable that offers comedy and misadventure. The illustrations are simple and offer a good visual of the action. not my favorite picturebook, but it could be used in storytimes or to start discussions about animals, hiking, outdoor safety, friendship, and healthy competition. 

Book Review: My Haunted House by Angie Sage, Jimmy Pickering

My Haunted House is the first book in the Araminta Spookie children’s series written by Angie Sage and illustrated by Jimmy Pickering. The audiobook version is read by Katherine Kellgren. If you remember, I read the sixth book in this series, Gargoyle Hall, and felt like I had to go back and see how the whole series began. I was not disappointed. Araminta Spookie lives in a wonderful old haunted house, but her cranky aunt Tabby wants to move. Aunt Tabby is determined to sell their house and Araminta is determined to stop her! With the help of a haunted suit of armor named Sir Horace, a ghost named Edmund, and a lot of imagination, Araminta hatches a plot for an Awful Ambush that is so ghoulish, it just might work!

My Haunted House is a fun story that follows Araminta’s quest to keep her home. She is a quirky girl with a love for ghosts, spiders, and all things spooky. She is prepared for faking hauntings and exploring secret passages, while her Aunt Tabby is fighting with a boiler that does not want to work. Selling the house is the Aunt’s solution- but Minty is not taking the plan in stride. She does everything she can to stop any buyers from purchasing the house. The schemes are outrageous, and the discovery of two real ghosts makes the idea of leaving even less pleasant. Things get crazy, and messy, but when Minty’s plans do not work as planned the solution just might make things even better than she could have imagined.

My Haunted House is  a fun and sometimes silly story that will capture the imaginations of many children. I think reluctant readers and eager readers alike will enjoy the story, and be looking for more. The illustrations in the book are a perfect companion to the story, while the narrator in the audiobook does a great job with different voices for characters. Both are winners, and for readers that have trouble decoding books using the two in tandem could be a very useful strategy. 

Early Book Review: Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate is a middle grade novel that covers some tough topics. It is currently scheduled for release on September 22 2015. Jackson's family have fallen on hard times. they are struggling and having trouble making rent and keeping everyone fed. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Crenshaw is a cat, Jackson's imaginary friend that is very large, opinionated, and always appears when Jackson needs help most. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?

Crenshaw took me a bit by surprise. I was expecting more about magic than the hard life Jackson's family is facing. Dealing with medical bills, lay offs, and other financial troubles while keeping a family together is hard and sadly all to common these days. I liked that readers get a glimpse of the optimism and the pragmatic outlooks that people can take during hard times, and how family, perseverance, and truth might not make everything perfect but can certainly make dealing with troubles more manageable.  Jackson is a smart boy that wants to be told the truth, and can often see the truth behind the sunny outlook adults present to him. He grows a lot through the story, learning to enjoy bits of the magic hidden in everyday life while sharing the truth he wants with those that need to hear it.  This was not a fun, light read; although it had some fun moments. I think many readers will be able to relate to Jackson's outlook or situation and everyone can learn a little bit from the read.

Crenshaw tackles the truth of the hard times many families are facing, and have faced in the past. medical bills and job losses are far from new or rare, and they can bring just about any family to very hard times. I think Applegate handled the issues in a way that will foster understanding and help those facing hard times feel less alone. The addition of magic and the appreciation of the small wonders found in everyday life adds a special extra layer of meaning that will speak to many. 

Book Review: Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliany

Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliany is an early chapter book and nominee for a 2016 Nutmeg Award. Digby O'Day and Percy are best friends. This daring canine duo can find adventure anywhere, even entering an All-Day Race. Digby is sure he can win, especially with Percy as his co-driver. But when the race starts and Digby and Percy are quickly left in the dust, it seems like they don't stand a chance. They meet peril after peril: a car that breaks down (and slides back to the edge of a cliff!), a near miss with an oncoming train, and worst of all, Digby's archenemy, Lou Ella, who is also in the race and will stop at nothing to win. In a day full of twists, turns, thrills, and surprises, anything can happen. Who will come out ahead?

Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane is a fun and easy read for reluctant readers and those just starting to branch out into chapter books. Digby loves his car, it may be old but he takes great care of it. Digby's neighbor Lou Ella gets a new car every year and is always asking Digby when he will get a new care of his own, rather than taking care of the older car. The two, and their cars, are put to the test during the big race. Slow and stead Digby, and his good nature, suffer several hardships along the way but just keep chugging along. Lou Ella is pushy and insistent on everything being her way, and in turn makes the people around her unhappy and less than helpful because of it. The story is much more than a retelling of the Tortoise and the Hare, while there are similarities, and the characters are really well fleshed out for a story with so little text. The illustrations really bring Digby and his friends to life, making readers identify with them more than one might expect.

Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane is more than worthy of the Nutmeg nomination, and will intyerest a large number of readers. It will draw reluctant or challenged readers into the story and keep them interested on what will happen to Digby and his car next. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery. 

Mysteries Featuring Librarian Protagonists; Librarians Solving Crime

Librarians are by nature curious and great puzzle solvers. Solving problems and the puzzle of what people versus what they mean is a major part of daily life in any library setting; I see it first hand every single day. Therefore, when I see books that feature librarians I cannot resist taking a look and see how the librarians are portrayed and if I can immerse myself in the story. Here are five great examples of fun cozy mystery series featuring crime-solving librarians.

Abby and Ophelia Mystery series by Shirley Damsgaard features a librarian in a small town. Ophelia Jensen is a thirty something that has to deal with a horrendous supervisor, dwindling funding and the joys of working with the public. Thankfully, I can say that I have not dealt with the personnel issues that Ophelia has to deal with in the series, but the rest is par for the course. The interaction Ophelia has with the public is very realistic and chuckle inducing. The mysteries also carry a supernatural element, since Ophelia is a natural born witch with a psychic gift. Her grandmother Abby is also a witch and plays a major role in Ophelia's daily life. If you normally avoid paranormal or witch focused novels I suggest you step out of your comfort zone and try this series. It is fun with twists in the mystery plot that are intelligent, intriguing and continually surprising. The series starts with Witch Way to Murder and currently has seven books with room for more in the future.

Charlaine Harris, best known for the Sookie Stackhouse series, has also written several other books. Her Aurora Teagarden series follows a librarian in her twenties that takes part in a club that studies real crimes from the past. In the first book of the series, Real Murders, someone is reenacting some of those crimes on members of the club. A love triangle, red herrings and great pacing keep this series moving ahead with new mysteries in each book. This is a southern mystery series that has the same combination of wit and impending doom, but no supernatural twists to disguise the horror that real people can inflict on others. As a bonus, the Hallmark channel has begun turning this series into movies, and the first one has aired already and I loved it. Honestly I loved this series, which is eight books long, but it is not my favorite series from Harris. My favorite Harris series is the vampire and librarian free Lily Bard series which starts with Shakespeare's Landlord is made up of five books.

The Cat is the Stacks series by Miranda James, a pen name for Dean James, offers something unexpected. In the majority of mysteries featuring cats or librarians offer female leads, but starting in Murder Past Due we get to follow librarian Charlie Harris and his cat Diesel. So, if the simply draw of a librarian mystery does not peak your interest, the new perspective should. Charlie has just lost his wife and returns to his home town to try and rebuild his life. His cat Diesel is a huge maine coon that he walks around with a leash. The mystery is solid and the characters build through out the series. It is a fun cozy mystery for anyone that loves mysteries, cats or librarians.

The Scrappy Librarian series by Marion Moore Hill starts with Bookmarked for Murder. This series follows Juanita Wills, the head librarian of an Oklahoma town's public library. She has an insatiable curiosity and a driving need to solve puzzles which leads her into investigating crimes that she should steer clear of. The stories are mainly about our lead librarian's determination, natural intelligence and satisfying curiosity despite the treat of personal danger. The research skills and tenacity possessed by the scrappy librarian is what saves the day. Currently the only other book in the series is Death Books a Return. Both books are worth exploring and enjoying.

The Reading Group Mysteries or Megan Clark series by D.R. Meredith focuses on a reference librarian with a love for mysteries. In the first book of the series, Murder in Volume, a member of her book club is murdered. This brings mystery and true crime too close to home. As the series continues, Megan and her Murder by The Yard book club work together to solve mysteries. The series does a great job of delivering a mystery and developing the characters and their relationships as they go through their sleuthing. There are five books in the series.

There are more cozy mysteries out there featuring librarians; however these are my favorites from those that I have seen and read. There are mysteries like this for just about every profession now, librarians, chefs, store clerks, secretaries, you name it. There is a cozy mystery out there for everyone. I hope everyone will give at least one of these a try, even if you haven't set foot in a library for years. 

Book Review: The Art of Ruining a Rake by Emma Locke

The Art of Ruining a Rake is the fourth book in The Naughty Girls series of historical romances by Emma Locke. Practiced rake Roman Alexander never meant to seduce his best friend's sister, and he certainly never intends to do it again.  But the damage has been done. Lucy Lancester, his buttoned-up spinster refuses to marry a bounder like him and doesn't seem to like him. Nevertheless, he can't seem to forget her, or her passionate response to his kisses. When he arrives at her school intent on proving their one night together wasn't enough and this time the scandal can't be contained.

The Art of Ruining a Rake is the first book from the series that I remember reading, although some of the characters seemed familiar to me. I still caught on to the action pretty quick, although those that have read the previous books would likely have understood the dynamic between the characters already. Lucy is terrified of her similarities to her mother, who went mad and killed Lucy's father and then herself. she wanted to experience passion with Roman, but never wanted more that that- even though most of her body and heart would gladly take everything he has to offer. She is resigned to life alone and ready to resist any offers otherwise. Roman is much more than he seems, and has troubles and secrets galore. He wants to be a better man and is determined to prove himself to both Lucy and his brothers. However, not everyone is ready to more forward and baring all his secrets might just cost him the relationship he craves most.

The Art of Ruining a Rake is an interesting read, and might have been better for me if I knew everything before starting the book. While I think I caught on quickly, the number of siblings and intersecting issues kept tossing new surprises in my lap. I still enjoyed the read, and was glad to see a book that focused more on man's efforts to better himself and earn the trust of the woman he loves rather than resorting to smooth words, trickery, or the woman doing what she is told. Lucy has her own mind, and Roman seems to encourage this rather than trying to undermine in- which gave him bonus points in my book. 

Book Review: Wolfguy by Kazumasa Hirai

Wolfguy is a novel by the late Kazumasa Hirai and translated to English by Edward Lipsett.  Akira Inugami is a transfer student who shows up at the troubled school ruled by a son of mobster. Despite the violence from gang boys, Akira Inugami doesn't resist at all. Despite beatings he keeps returning to school unscathed.  He is a wolfguy, a werewolf that heals quickly and is very hard to kill. When things escalate the gang  attacks his the teacher that has shown him respect and care. Their filthy behavior fuels the wolf's anger.

Wolfguy is both more and less than I expected. The story is much more complex than a simple summary can express. the point of view varies between Akira, the teach in question, and occasionally other characters. It is easy to follow, but I expect readers that are not familiar with the culture and folklore of the region would have a little trouble getting into the story. I have spent a significant about of time watching television and reading literature from Japan, so I fell into the world fairly easily. The corruption and politics involved in schools- and the need to save face is important to the set up of how the school got to be in the state readers (and Akira) find it in. The story, and the environment are all well described and the action is very well told. However, while I could picture the action, environment, and characters it all felt a little flat. Part of this could have been the trouble of translating and that I thought this would be a graphic novel (only because of the cover, I admit I did not read much about the book before requesting it).

Wolfguy is a solid story with significant action and great ideas. I found the actual writing to fall a little flat, but the ideas and action it convoyed to be interesting. I think this is more because of my personal preferences and translation rather than a reflection on the original work. Readers with some knowledge of Japanese culture might enjoy it more than others.