Book Review: Magic For Nothing (InCryptid) by Seanan McGuire

Magic For Nothing is the sixth book in the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire. I have listened to a few of this series on audiobook and loved them. The ones I have listened to are from Verity's or Alex's point of view, so It was nice to get another look at the Price family.

As the youngest of the three Price children, Antimony is used to people not expecting much from her. She’s been happy playing roller derby and hanging out with her cousins, leaving the globe-trotting to her older siblings while she stays at home and tries to decide what she wants to do with her life. She always knew that one day, things would have to change. She didn’t think they’d change so fast. Annie’s expectations keep getting shattered. She didn’t expect Verity to declare war on the Covenant of St. George on live television. She didn’t expect the Covenant to take her sister’s threat seriously. And she definitely didn’t expect to be packed off to London to infiltrate the Covenant from the inside…but as the only Price in her generation without a strong resemblance to the rest of the family, she’s the perfect choice to play spy. They need to know what’s coming. Their lives may depend on it. But Annie has some secrets of her own, like the fact that she’s started setting things on fire when she touches them, and has no idea how to control it. Now she’s headed halfway around the world, into the den of the enemy, where blowing her cover could get her killed. She’s pretty sure things can’t get much worse. Antimony Price is about to learn just how wrong it’s possible for one cryptozoologist to be.

Magic For Nothing is the in depth introduction to Antimony, after also seeing her through her family's eyes so far. She is just as capable as her siblings, but has her own troubles to face. She has to hide her identity to find out just what the Covenant knows, and what their plans are before there is more fall out from her sister's televised fight. Things get more and more complicated as she has to go further undercover and comes to care about the members of the show she was sent to observe. Readers get a much better understanding of Anne, and an even deeper look at the current state of the Covenant and the crypto world as it stand in the series. I loved watching Anne find her place in each of the new situations she finds herself in, and getting the explanations of how she feels with her family, and how that affected how they see her.  Combined with her skills and the dangers she has to faceb made me connect with Anne in ways I did not connect with Verity or Alex. The combination of character development and introduction with the adventure and danger was extremely well done, and I cannot wait to see where Anne's story goes from here. In fact, I already have the next book in my Audible queue. 

Magic For Nothing is another fantastic book from McGuire. I am eager to listen to the next book in this series, and her books are on my must read list. 

Book Review: Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito is the second book about Beatrice by Shelley Johannes. I do recommend reading the series in order to understand some of friendships and particularities of the main characters.  

Beatrice Zinker's top-secret plan, Operation Upside, is finally in full swing! And she's REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT! But when Beatrice impulsively awards her teacher, Mrs. Tamarack, an UPSIDE of her own-with the words Most Strict lettered in gold-the team has to put the entire mission on hold to avoid suspicion. Lying low isn't exactly Beatrice's strong suit and her classmate Wes desperately needs to be recognized. When Wes's certificate falls into the wrong hands, Beatrice and her best friend, Lenny, must find a way once again, to save Operation Upside-and themselves-from big trouble.

Incognito is a  fast fun read. I like that Beatrice is a sweet girl that is struggling to be herself even when the world seems to disagree. Being true to her ideals and helping others is not always easy, and her impulsive nature tends to get Beatrice into trouble. I like that she makes mistakes, and sometimes takes time to own her mistakes. This made her more real to me, and more relatable for readers of all ages. However, at the heart of it Beatrice is trying to do the right thing, trying to be a good friend, and trying to make others feel good about themselves for their differences and I found that to be admirable. The read is fun, and as I have a daughter who is very much an individual, but not an upside down thinker, I liked seeing the world through a different set of eyes to help me understand more of what it is like being in school when you do not fit in. Not that I ever fit in, but my elementary school days are long ago and I have blocked most of them from memory. I think parents and teachers can get just as much from reading this series as the students that will love it. 

Incognito is a delightful follow up to the first book in the series. I was a little disappointed by how dependent it was on the set up in the first book, and think that publishing a boxed set or bound collection when the series is complete would be awesome. For those that read the first book, and plan on continue I think this is a great read about building each other up and finding a way to be kind is wonderful.

Book Review: Nature Art Workshop: Tips, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Projects for Creating Nature-Inspired Art

Nature Art Workshop: Tips, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Projects for Creating Nature-Inspired Art 

by Katie Brooks, Sarah Lorraine Edwards, Allison Hetzell, and Mikko Sumulong is a visual resource for any artist or crafter desiring to combine their art with their love of the nature. Each page inspires artists to look at the world around them in a new light while they learn to create their own nature-inspired art. Four artists guide readers through finding and preparing traditional and natural elements to use in creating fun and unique nature-inspired projects with simple step-by-step instructions. Projects include a pressed-flower ceramic dish, fresh floral crown, and flower-adorned candles, in addition to painted feathers, stones, shells, leaves, and more. A fun, refreshing approach to mixed-media art, Nature Art Workshop proves that you can turn anything into a stunning work of art with the right materials and a bit of imagination.

Nature Art Workshop: Tips, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Projects for Creating Nature-Inspired Art is divided into sections based on the natural supplies that artists and crafters might be interested in using. THe brief information about each artist was interesting to read. I liked that I could browse based on the items I have on hand, the things I want to learn, or just read through the entire book for the full experience. The instructions are clear and understandable, with detailed photographs to help readers follow the steps and achieve the results they are looking for. While not all the projects were of my taste, or what I would consider in my skill set yet, I felt like there was something for all readers that might choose to pick up this title. It has given me some ideas for holiday gift giving this winter, and ideas for new things I want to try. I have not tested any of the projects yet, but I have plans to give several a go as soon as I can.

Nature Art Workshop: Tips, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Projects for Creating Nature-Inspired Art is a great resource for artists and crafters from a variety of skill and interest levels. 

Book Review: Charlie and Frog by Karen Kane

Charlie and Frog by Karen Kane is a middle grade novel about friendship and learning to really listen. All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen. Charlie's parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He's been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers. All Francine (aka Frog) Castle wants is to be the world's greatest detective. Frog, who is Deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Café. When Charlie Tickler walks into the café looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life case. Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman's mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it's too late.

Charlie and Frog is a novel with interesting characters and a great deal of emotion. At first I was not thrilled wit the ease of which adults treated Charlie like an adult, or simply ignored him. However, once the set up of the story was over I quickly because engaged with the antics and worries of Frog and Charlie as they tried to find Aggie and figure out what was going on. I greatly enjoyed their interactions and the secondary characters around the small town. I liked that everyone was so accepting of quirks and differences, and wish every place was that caring and open, even if they seemed grumpy on the surface. I thought the adventure was very well done, and it left me inspired to learn more sign language, I only know the basics and most of the alphabet at this point. I think a small guide to some of the signs used, or information about learning more sign language would have been a nice inclusion to the end of the book. I enjoyed the read, and was touched by the friendships found by Charlie, as well as the changes he starting working toward in his family. I can think of many readers that will simply adore the read and will be looking for more from the author in the future.

Charlie and Frog is a book that both delighted me and broke my heart. I loved the characters and the message, and found myself just as captivated by the mystery as the characters. 

Book Review: Memoirs of a Dragon Hunter (Dragon Hunter) by Katie MacAlister

Memoirs of a Dragon Hunter is the first book in the new Dragon Hunter series by Katie MacAlister. While it seems to be set in the same word as her previous paranormal books, if you have not read them you will be fine starting this series without working backwards. 

Veronica was a normal (if somewhat germaphobic) math teacher getting ready for summer vacation. Then her sister died in a pile of black ash, leaving her with a sword and a destiny as dragon hunter. It turns out there's a whole other world out there filled with demons, dragons, and spirits. Now Ronnie's job is to protect mortals - and I haven't got a clue what I'm doing. Then there's tattooed hotness Ian Iskander. Part dragon hunter and part demon, Ian's got some seriously creepy business associates and keeps trying to steal my sword. So why do they keep getting lost in hungry, crazy-hot kisses? Ian is the only person who can help Ronnie figure out who - and what - she am. But trusting a half-demon is dangerous, because when you play with dragon fire, someone always gets burned.

Memoirs of a Dragon Hunter is full of odd characters, magic, and mayhem. Veronica, Ronnie, has OCD and is determined to spend her summer off writing a book. She speaks her mind, is very smart, and is just a fun character to read about. Ian is tormented and torn, with secrets and struggles of his own, but with a soft heart he tries to hide. Together I liked their conversations, mostly because of Ronnie's constant chattering and complete honesty about everything she thinks and feels. Ian is much less forthcoming, but sweet in his way. I never really connected with the characters or felt invested in their success, no matter how entertaining I found some of the moments in the story. The secondary characters were fun additions to the story, and the fight scenes were highly entertaining. Sasha was my second favorite character in the book, but I feel like I barely got to know her, although to two esprits were pretty awesome too. The Monty Python reference was awesome, but might have gone on too long so that it lost its shine. I also worry that some readers will not even get the reference- I am amazed daily by people that do not get references to things I consider classic- like Monty Python, Douglas Adams, Abbott and Costello and so on.

Memoirs of a Dragon Hunter was a mixed bag for me. It had the quirky characters and funny exchanges that are the hallmark of MacAlister's writing (and what made her an automatic read for me for years) but I ever quite connected with the characters and story like I used to. I am not sure if my tastes have changed, or if some of MacAlister's magic was missing from this book.

Book Review: Math in Nature by Nancy Dickmann

Math in Nature by Nancy Dickmann is a nonfiction book for children. It can help them learn about number patterns in a sunflower, the reason behind the shape of a honeycomb, and all about the Fibonacci sequence. High impact photographs will interest and engage readers as they learn about mathematical concepts they can find outside their own front door. 

Math in Nature is a book for older readers than I expected from the cover and initial description. I thought I was about to open an easy reader, but the text and concepts are for elementary school and middle grade readers, which made it much more engaging book for me. Some of the concepts were easy to understand, like symmetry, fractals, and spirals in nature, while others were a little more challenging, like the Fibonacci sequence. I think the images and explanations are paired together well, and it makes the reading as entertaining as educational. I liked the activities to further engage readers and that there is a full glossary, answers to the activities, and more math facts included at the end of the book.

I think this book would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries, as well as personal libraries for those that homeschool of have interested readers at home.

Book Review: Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal by Traer Scott

Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal by Traer Scott is a combination of photography and animal memoirs. Gregarious or shy, curious or placid, playful or retiring, all the animals in Traer Scott's newest collection have one thing in common: a sparkling personality! This whimsical, soulful, and personal photo collection focuses on the lives of the farm animals we often take for granted. Scott introduces us to barnyard animals both familiar and lesser known, from cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens to Dolly the woolly llama, Bianca the Sicilian miniature donkey, Percy the Indian peafowl, and Justice the yak. Some of the animals are kept as pets; others are denizens of farm sanctuaries that Scott has visited. She shares her anecdotes about a Texas longhorn steer whose best friends are a trio of goats, a turkey who likes to snack on grapes and watermelon, and many others. Lively captions provide information on each breed, to round out this enchanting tribute to our four-legged (and winged) friends from the farm.

Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal is a wonderful look at the personalities and lives of various animals that have found their way to animal sanctuaries and loving homes. Some have lived through horrible situations, abuse, or health complications while others have known nothing but loving care. The variety of animals, and their stories, made this book perfect for reading as a whole, or four browsing through to find a specific animal or story that really captures the heart or attention in the moment. I enjoyed reading about the happy endings some of the abused animals found, and the work that people are doing to save animals in need and to preserve and protect species that are on the decline. I have already been working to reduce my carbon footprint and the affect my lifestyle has on the world and animals we share it with. However, while this book does not chide people for their choices, it does encourage them to be more thoughtful and aware of how their choices can have an impact, and that small changes can help. Small changes add up, and I am planning on continuing to make some of those small changes to continue decreasing the negative impact I make, and to increase the positive. 

I really like that there is a list of the animal sanctuaries and related organizations at the end of the book. I encourage readers to look through that list and find one reasonable close to you, or doing work that means something to you, and follow up on the contact information given to see how you might be able to help. Not all of us can give monetarily, or help muck stalls or whatever. However I bet there is some way we can all support these organizations and help their work- such as organizing field trips, fundraisers, or simply just helping to spread the word about what their biggest need might be at the moment.

Book Review: Around the World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that Get Us From Here to There by DK, Katy Halford

Around the World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that Get Us From Here to There from DK, with illustrations by Katy Halford is a children's non fiction book about different modes of transportation. Travel around the world by yacht, tram, train, unicycle, jetpack, camel... everything you can imagine! Each scene depicts various exciting things that go and provides a wealth of interesting information. The fun and charming illustrations will prompt discussion and the incredible facts on every page will amaze readers.

Around the World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that Get Us From Here to There is a well illustrated book, using realistic but colorful depictions of everything from the dugout boats and horses that were among the first modes of travel people used, to the more unusual items like kiteboards and unicycles. Each invention or animal used for transportation has a brief explanation, offering some history of tidbit about comfort using that type of travel. Some items, like the car, hot air balloon, and camel have much more information than the rest. I can think of many young readers from my past elementary school library position that would have adored this book, and think it will be a favorite for some. 

Book Review: Love Like Ours (Sugar Lake) by Melissa Foster

Love Like Ours is the third book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster. While it is a series, and those following the series in order will have a better understanding of the characters and town, new readers will be able to fully enjoy the read as well. 

Talia Dalton lives her life on cruise control. Despite her successful career as a professor, she prefers protecting her broken heart to taking chances. She’s calm, cool, collected, and steady. Until the morning she takes her eyes off that familiar road and almost runs over the sexiest man she’s ever seen. It may not be the best way to start the day, but it might be the type of shake-up she needs. Male dancer Derek Grant has goals, and nothing is going to get in the way of achieving them. As a graduate student and the sole caretaker of his ailing father, he hasn’t much time for relationships. Then Talia crashes into his life. Sweet, pretty—and so buttoned-up that he can’t wait to help her cut loose. For Derek, falling in love was a beautiful accident waiting to happen. And it might be exactly what Talia needs—if she’s willing to let go of the past and embrace every surprise Derek has to offer.

Love Like Ours is a book full of feels. Talia is afraid of putting herself out there, and has been hiding behind her job and helping others rather than dating. When she did date it was all safe guys that she had no chemistry with- all because of a blow to her self esteem in college. I hate seeing characters that cannot seem to move past things like that for so long, but I will forgive that for now. Derek has a lot on his plate and adding a sexy professor with walls around her was unexpected. Their first encounter, and second, were pure chance, and I loved seeing their personalities play off each other. Derek is almost too perfect- so patient and sweet while trying to break down Talia's walls and help her trust him, and herself. Their intimate moments were very hot, and there were a ton of super sentimental moments. There were a few too many super sweet moments for me, Derek was just too sweet and thoughtful for me, firmly fantasy. However, it was a sweet and romantic read that fans of the series and the author will enjoy. I will stick out the series because I need Ben to get his moment, and I kind of want to know more about the secondary characters and their happy endings as well. 

Love Like Ours is as hot and heart warming as I expect from Foster. The characters are real and complex, and sentimental enough to trigger as the feels. 

Book Review: More Than a Princess by E.D. Baker

More Than a Princess is the first book in a new series by E.D. Baker. Aislin of Eliasind is more than just a princess, she's half-fairy and half-pedrasi, with magical gifts from each side of her heritage! One day, as Aislin is venturing through the woods, she is alarmed to hear a band of humans coming through. How did they get past the guarded magical passageway that leads to her hidden kingdom? Mistaken for a human herself, Aislin is captured, and soon realizes she's in even bigger trouble. She is being used as a pawn to help the king of this nearby kingdom, Morrain, find a secret passageway to the warring land of Scarmander so that he can capture his enemies by surprise. Aislin must find a way to break free, while also minding the beautiful human princess and ladies-in-waiting she now shares a castle with, who are all too ready to point out her differences. Thankfully, Aislin's inner strength goes beyond her magical qualities. And with a few loyal friends by her side, she's ready to stand up for herself and her kingdom once and for all.

More Than a Princess is a good start to a new series, with a few secondary characters that I think I might have seen mentioned in previous series by Baker- but not many familiar locations or characters so new comers will not feel left out or lost. Aislin is a smart and independent princess that feels less than or other than the majority of her family because her skills are different than theirs. I like that she is willing to take risks to protect others, but at the same time does not blindly make dangerous choices without forethought. This book introduces a new cast of secondary characters that will be important in Aislin's journey as it continues through the series, and I think the most important are very well fleshed out and made complex and interesting in their own right. I am a little over the hints for a future romantic relationship. I think it is more important for the middle grade set to see valuable friendships work regardless of gender, and not go right for the love match every time a boy and girl work together for a common goal. It is well done here, subtle with a will they/ wont they kind of feel- but I just want them to be a team without that feeling like a couple. It might not go that route- but I get the feeling that it will here. I enjoyed the journey and I think there were some great twists in the story and some significant danger and secrets conquered. There is nothing in the book that I could point to that made me unhappy, Baker did exactly what I have come to expect with their middle grade fantasy, however I still felt rather meh about the whole thing. Maybe it is just because I read it shortly after finishing the latest entry in the Frog Princess series, but I did not love it as much as I had hoped.

More Than a Princess is a book that fans of Baker will want to pick up, as it follows the themes and feel of what I have seen from them thus far. It did not feel as fresh and new to me as some of the earlier books, but I think this was more because of how soon I read it after another of their books rather than because of anything lacking or wrong with the book itself.