Book Review: What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky by Kelsey Oseid is an illustrated guide to the myths, histories, and science of the celestial bodies of our solar system, with stories and information about constellations, planets, comets, the northern lights, and more. It includes more than 100 magical pieces of original art, all accompanied by text that shares both related legends, lore, and scientific facts. This book covers the constellations, the moon, the bright stars, and the visible planets, as well as less familiar celestial phenomena like the outer planets, nebulae, and deep space. Adults seeking to recapture the magic of youthful stargazing, younger readers interested in learning about natural history and outer space, and those who appreciate beautiful, hand-painted art will all delight in this charming book.

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky is a beautiful and informative read. I found it to be well organized, accessible, and interesting to read. I have always been fascinated by the sky, I was one of those kids that wanted to be an astronaut, until I discovered how much math and engineering was involved in the process. In fact, I was in the astronomy club in high school and loved every minute of it. I still read about and study the sky when I can. I like that this book features both the science and the related legends and history that make astronomy so fascinating to me. The science is well worded and organized, and not lacking in any way when combined with the other included information. The hand painted artwork only adds to the wonder this book inspires. What a great book for anyone with interest in the night sky and all the science, myth, and legend that can be found there.

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky is a wonderful read, and one that I might add to my library. My only issues were with the digital galley, which has no bearing on the final product but reduced my ability to fully enjoy the combination of stunning artwork and the text.

Early Book Review: The Very Very Very Long Dog by Julia Patton

The Very Very Very Long Dog is a picture book by Julia Patton with is currently schedule for release on December 5 2017. Bartelby is a very long and lovable dachshund who lives in a bookstore. He has a lovely set of friends who take him for walks through the city, but he has no idea that his bumbling backside leaves a trail of destruction and accidents behind him. Embarrassed that he has no control over his back end, Bartelby vows to never leave the cozy bookstore again. Can his friends help him find a way to help himself?

The Very Very Very Long Dog is a cute and fun picturebook about a dog that is so long that he is not aware of the havoc his back end leaves in his wake during his walks. His friends love him just as he is, but understand that Bartelby is heartbroken when he discovers the trouble he causes. I like that they find a solution, and that his friends stick by him and help, even when he does not know they are. It is a sweet, fun book with nice illustrations. I liked the story, and think many readers of all ages will enjoy it as well. There are just so many fantastic books out there that while I enjoyed it, it did not wow me. 

Book Review: Tightening the Threads (Mainely Needlepoint) by Lea Wait

Tightening the Threads is the fifth book in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series by Lea Wait. I have read one of the previous books in this series. While I think those that have been following along from the beginning will get more out of the story that newcomers, I think this is a very accessible series and new readers can pick up the relationships and personalities pretty quickly.

Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never told the entire truth about her past to anyone--not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she's searched for all her life, family. And now she and Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection. Ted's adult children are suspicious of their newfound cousin Sarah-especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned during a lobster bake, fingers are pointed. If Angie can't track down the real murderer in time, Sarah's bound to learn how delicate--and deadly--family dynamics can truly be.

Tightening the Threads is a great continuation of the series, and a good read even if you have not read any of the other books in the series. I like that Angie is not looking for trouble, it just kind of falls in her path. I think that the dynamics between Sarah, Ted, Angie, and the rest are even more interesting than the mystery in some ways. Ted's children and their family history offers more conflict and suspense beyond the murder. However, the mystery offered a few twists and turns that I really was not expecting. It is nice to be surprised, and I have read enough mysteries that it does not happen as often as it used to. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but still find myself pondering some of the smaller mysteries from the story, and hope that some open questions are subtly covered in later books.

Tightening the Threads is a solid mystery, with more twists than I could have expected. I enjoyed the character dynamics and the interplay just as much as the mystery. I am looking forward to what mysteries fall into Angie's lap next.

Book Review: Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters by L J Tracosas

Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters by L J Tracosas is a children's book that blends fact and fiction. Do you believe dragons are simply the scaly stuff of myths? Or do you think they really existed? Whatever side you're on, this collection of twenty fascinating creatures is sure to spark your imagination.  In Creature Files: Dragons, you’ll take a tour through the world of fire-breathing, gold-hoarding, three-headed monsters and discover where and how these magical creatures came to be. Learn the unique folklore of cultures around the globe, from China to Russia to Eastern Africa, and see how people envisioned these otherworldly beasts through lush and evocative illustrations. Included are many meaty facts to gnaw on—like which dragon had too many teeth to count, and which dragon had teeth as big as a man’s arm—along with a realistic dragon-tooth necklace! And science lovers will also find something to sink their teeth into: facts about real-life dragons that exist today. These dragons may not breathe fire, but they share some of the same traits as their mythical brethren.

Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters is a nice exploration of how myths about creatures share certain traits across the world, but also differ in some ways. Dragon lore, and other legends, has always been one of my favorite topics.. I like that pronunciation is included for the different types of dragons from around the world, and the roles that dinosaur fossils played in the legends. I enjoyed the illustrations, especially how they detailed the features of the different dragon legends. I was very interested to see how the heads of some resembled well know animals- snakes, warthogs, fish, birds, and so on. I also liked that maps showing where the countries of origin for each type of dragon legend is included on the page with the information. I also like the inclusion of some creatures that I never considered to be part of dragon lore, but share similar features and traits- such as the hydra and cockatrice. I always considered them their own kind of creature, rather than part of a larger classification, but the little bit of lore given does explain these inclusions. My only two complains are that the font chosen for some of the text makes it hard to read, particularly in digital file, and that there are many different creatures included, the information offered about each is minimal, although well worded and interesting. 

Creature Files Dragons is an attractive and interesting read for those interested in mythical creatures in general, and dragons in particular. It is far from comprehensive, but offers some good bits of legends, lore, and information. The artwork is very eye catching and well done, and I found myself studying the art much more intently that the text. I can think of many middle grade readers that will read, enjoy and likely re read this book- but at a fan of the topic I was hoping for a little bit more. 

Book Review: Dark, Witch & Creamy (Bewitched by Chocolate #1) by H.Y. Hanna

Dark, Witch & Creamy is the first book in the Bewitched by Chocolate series by H.Y. Hanna. Caitlyn is used to being the ugly duckling in her glamorous showbiz family, until the day she learns that she was adopted as an abandoned baby. Now, her search for answers takes her to the tiny English village of Tillyhenge where a man has been murdered by witchcraft - and where a mysterious shop selling enchanted chocolates is home to the "local witch". Soon Caitlyn finds herself fending off a toothless old vampire, rescuing an adorable kitten and meeting handsome aristocrat Lord James Fitzroy and discovering that she herself might have magical blood in her veins! When she's dragged into the murder investigation and realizes that dark magic is involved, Caitlyn is forced to choose. Can she embrace her witchy powers in time to solve the mystery and save those she loves?

Dark, Witch & Creamy is a fun story with mystery, self discovery, and a hint of possible romance. Caitlyn is a independent woman that has just lost her mother, only to discover that she is adopted. So, she follows the story of her beginning to discover who her birth family might be. I liked the way the secondary characters were introduced and built up though the story. I found the Widow Mags to be my favorite character, and despite my lack of magic, the one I related to most through the story. I liked that the encounters with James were varied, and that the idea of romance between the pair is written as a possibility, it in no way became the major point of the book. The book is mostly Caitlyn's self discovery, introduction of the towns people, and the murder mystery.

I really enjoyed the read, and my only issue with the book is more something in my headspace than anything that might bother other readers. She is independently wealthy, and I have to admit that I was occasionally distracted by the fact that Caitlyn and her cousin have no responsibilities and no care for what things cost, or even mentioning the payment for much of anything they do- however this is a work of fiction and I have to laugh at myself for having more trouble getting over the lack of monetary discretion than the amount of magic and odd happenings that make the book so entertaining. 

Dark, Witch & Creamy is a wonderful start to a series, and I am glad that the next three books are available for my immediate enjoyment. I will be continuing this series happily.

Book Review: Dragons; Father and Son by Alexander Lacroix, Ronan Badel

Dragons; Father and Son is a picturebook written by Alexander Lacroix, and illustrated by Ronan Badel. Poor little Drake! He doesn’t WANT to be a fire-breathing beast—but his traditional dad insists that he do what dragons have always done: destroy all the houses in town. With no choice but to obey, he reluctantly sets out to the village. Then, he meets a boy, a teacher, and a kind fisherman who show him there’s more than one way to be a good dragon. Filled with humor and compassion, this story will enchant children and encourage them to love themselves for who they are.

Dragons; Father and Son is a wonderful little story. I liked that the dragons are not the cute, cuddly dragons that so often appear in picturebooks. I also like that Drake is open to learning, and that he does not want to hurt anyone, but he does not want to anger his father. I think there are way too many young people with parents like the father in this story at home. Adults that hate or fear another group just because their family always has. I love that Drake got to know the people, and discovered that they are not so different, and that they just want to live their lives. Aside from the that part of the story, which could be seen as political, it is also a story about being true to yourself. Little Drake does not want to hurt anyone, and makes friends with the people. I like that he took that knowledge home, and using smarts and words was able to change his father's mind. 

Book Review: Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas (White Wolf) by Terry Spear

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is the first book in the White Wolf series by Terry Spear, but is connected to the other paranormal romance series by Spear. Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life—until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control. Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe.

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a quick read, and one while very connected to the other books in the series also felt a little more insulated. I liked Candice's character. She is pragmatic and steady- doing what she needs to do to survive without panicking or acting out. Owen is pretty steady and I liked his respect and determination when it came to getting to know Candice. I think the background drama was a little too much, and the developing relationship was almost no longer the focus of the book, although the pair did actually discuss things and act like mature adults for the most part. I felt like the hard stuff (Candice's coming to terms with being a werewolf as an example) and skipped over. It was a good, but not extraordinary or unexpected read. 

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a better read for me than some of the more recent books in this extended series. It is what fans of the author are looking for and expecting, but nothing more than that. 

Book Review: Miss Feesenschneezen Is Ill by David Parmelee

Miss Feesenschneezen Is Ill by David Parmelee  is a book for middle grade readers. The "Tough Class" in school loves their teacher Miss Feesenschneezen, and no one else is up to the challenger. Principal Armstrong is occupied to a review by the state board and the normal substitute pool has no one to take on the job. A series of unusual substitutes teach the class a variety of interesting things over the week she is out.

 

Miss Feesenschneezen Is Ill is a fun and entertaining look at being part of a tough class. Everyone that has ever worked in a school knows that there is always a tough class or two. Not bad kids, but ones that are challenging to teach, and paired with the right instructors can go far. I know one of my kids is a tough kid to teach, and working in a school I see tough kids and classes everyday. The teachers that these kids identify with or trust are priceless, and Miss Feesenschneezen is one of those teachers. She falls ill the week the principal is under siege by a review board, and no one really wants to tackle the class. The series of substitutes and volunteers do their best to teach, and some succeeded marvelously but are exhausted by the experience, while others are not up for the task. The results are fun, and I learned some interesting things along with the class. I liked that while everyone seems to fear this class, they are not actually bad- they are not doing anything horrible or being rude. They are curious and have many questions, but will gladly side track class to do less work if possible. Sounds like normal kids to me. To be honest, I was rather expecting the mystery illness to be related to the review the school was under, rather than something real regardless of how simple, just to add another little twist. I am still not convinced that it was not. 

Miss Feesenschneezen Is Ill is a fun book that many middle graders, particularly those considered part of a tough class to teach, or struggling in school will enjoy. Adult readers that work in, or have worked in school will enjoy it as well. 

Book Review: Heart Stop (First Responders) by Radclyffe

Heart Stop is the sixth book in the First Responders series by Radclyffe. I have not read any of the other books in the series. While there is a complete story here, and it could be read as a stand alone, I think those that have been following the series will enjoy it much more than newcomers to the series.

Jay (Flash) Reynolds has a brilliant future as a trauma surgeon until an eighteen-wheeler on a rainy night changes her life. Newly appointed chief medical examiner Olivia Price is more at ease with the dead than the living—at least the dead never lie. All she needs to do is listen to their stories. What she doesn't need is a surly new resident who would rather be somewhere else. Two women, one with a damaged body, the other a damaged spirit, challenge each other to dare to live again.

Heart Stop is a story that left me of two minds. I liked the characters, and their banter. I think that they both have huge stories to tell and the bits we get about there past are like teasers, I know there is more to tell, especially with Olivia. I liked the drama of the story going on in the background, but felt like there is much more going on than I understand because I have not read the previous books and found myself confused about who everyone was and how they interconnect. I did enjoy the romance, to a certain point, but then it felt more like they just decided they were in love and no more needed to be said. I think maybe that the resolution for their relationship just felt a little too pat. I think more of them talking and working on their issues and less of the background story in the city would have made me happier. 

Heart Stop is a good story, and I liked the characters. I think those that have read the related books would get much more out of everything that was going on, but since I did not have the background on the larger story arch and who everyone was I felt a little lost. 

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.