Early Book Review: Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.

Tracking Pythons is a well researched and written book that offers readers a look at how delicate the balance in a ecosystem can be, and how something that seems small can cause extreme changes. Whether the first pythons in Florida were escaped or released pets, or stowaways, is less important than the studies and efforts to understand and control their impact on an area that is already facing environmental stress. I liked the conversational tone and the backgrounds stories for some of the scientists that are working on the problem, and the details of the field and lab work that can be involved. I think the combination gives readers a good look at what they might do if their find a career in the field. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the lengths that go into keeping the environment and the creatures in it, as healthy as possible despite the damage being done both intentionally and unintentionally by man. I really like the use of additional digital content for interested readers. So many kids have phones and tablets on hand, and leading them to reputable and interesting resources is a great way to keep their attention and encourage further research. I also liked the concises timeline for the python population, as well as the fact that the book included a glossary and page of resources for further reading. I found the book to be well done and accessible for interested readers. 

Tracking Pythons is an interesting and engaging read and I think it would be a great addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Early Book Review: Death on the Page (Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

Death on the Page is the second Castle Bookshop Mystery by Essie Lang. I would recommend reading this series in order, to fully understand the set up and relationships. However, I do think a determined read could catch up even without the prior knowledge. This book is currently scheduled for release on March 10 2020. 

There are a thousand stories in New York's scenic Thousand Islands, and Bayside Books co-owner Shelby Cox stocks them all. But lately, the Blye Island bookseller's life is more about investigation than inventory. True-crime writer Savannah Page caps off two successful signings at Bayside Books with a night in Blye Castle. She's there to research Joe Cabana, a colorful Prohibition-era mobster who owned the castle--until he was found dead in the island Grotto. But crime becomes all too true for Savannah. Her body turns up the next morning, in a secret passage at the bottom of the stairs. The last thing Shelby Cox wants is to sleuth another murder, but she's intrigued about how a killer could have reached the island after hours. She's not at a lack for suspects either. It could have been anyone from Savannah's fiancé, Liam Kennelly, who argued with her the evening before, to island caretaker Matthew Kessler, recently cleared of his wife's murder. Can Shelby keep regular store hours, elude the police chief, and assemble the clues into a hard-bound case without getting permanently shelved?

Death on the Page is a book that I should have loved, it checked off all the boxes for mysteries I usually enjoy. The characters are well defined and interesting, the mystery is solid with a few good twists, and as a whole it never takes itself to seriously. I liked Shelby's inherent kindness and interest in those around her and her determination to do the right thing. I liked that while there is a touch of romance- it never takes over the plot. I liked that there were secondary characters and suspects introduced and expanded on. I like that I got to know returning characters better and that I could understand the reasoning and motives of the major players. I did have an inkling of who was the big bad, but the reveal was very well done nd rather unexpected. However, I just never found myself compelled to get back to reading or wondering what was going to happen next. Perhaps I just was not in the mood to read a mystery or this author's writing style and I just do not match up. There was nothing in the story that bothered me or did not work, I just could not get fully engaged in the story. 

Death on the Page is a well written mystery, and I think fans of the first book will really enjoy the read. 

Early Book Review: Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter is the first book in a middle grade series. It is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. 

April had absolutely no intention of becoming the only person who knows that Gabriel Winterborne, the missing-and-presumed-dead billionaire, is actually living in the basement of Winterborne House, sharpening his swords and looking for vengeance. Now it’s up to April to keep him alive. But there’s only so much a twelve-year-old girl can do, so April must turn to the other orphans for help. Together, they’ll have to unravel the riddle of a missing heir and a creepy legend, and find a secret key, before the only home they’ve ever known is lost to them forever. 

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor is the first middle grade novel from this author- at least that I am aware of. I have read some of her young adult book which I enjoyed, and all the things I enjoyed in those books carried over nicely to this book. April is a plucky character, aware of her weaknesses and stubborn enough to keep moving forward. I enjoyed getting to know her and the other children, and found myself invested in their pasts and future welfare almost as soon as they were introduced. There are connections forged, quirky personalities, and interesting interactions that kept the story moving ahead and left no good spots to go cook dinner or do the things that needed doing in the real world. I am still intrigued by the characters and was left thinking about them after finishing the book and moving on to my next read. Even the adults have secrets and mysteries about them that need solving, some of which were left to drive us to read the next book. I  liked that the mystery of Gabriel was solved, and the bad guy brought to justice. I also liked that the question of who made it through the confrontation alive was answered- leaving no doubts who would be making return appearances in the series (although there is always room for surprises). I found the fact that the big questions of this book were answered- but the are still a great number of more mysteries and questions waiting for solutions- none that left this book feeling unfinished but just enough to make me eager to dive into the next. That is a hard balance to achieve and Carter hit the mark here.  I just realized I said nothing much about the plot- but I would hate to ruin any of the story for you, I enjoyed the ride too much to still that enjoyment for other readers even in the effort to encourage them to read the book. 

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor has a good balance of adventure, mystery, and character development. I enjoyed the story and look forward to following this series.

Early Book Review: Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem by Jude Isabella

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem by Jude Isabella is a nonfiction book for children that is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020.  An unintended experiment in Yellowstone National Park, in which an ecosystem is devastated and then remarkably rehabilitated, provides crucial lessons about nature's intricate balancing act. In the 1800s, hunters were paid by the American government to eliminate threats to livestock on cattle ranches near Yellowstone National Park. They did such a good job that, by 1926, no gray wolf packs were left in the park. Over the following decades, virtually every other part of the park's ecosystem was affected by the loss of the wolves --- from the animals who were their prey, to the plants that were the food for that prey, to the streams that were sheltered by those plants --- and the landscape was in distress. So, starting in 1995, in an attempt to reverse course, the government reintroduced gray wolves to the park. Over time, animal populations stabilized, waterways were restored and a healthy ecosystem was recreated across the land. It's a striking transformation, and a fascinating tale of life's complicated interdependencies. Jude Isabella's thoroughly researched, expert-reviewed text and Kim Smith's beautiful nature art bring science to life in this captivating story of renewal. Readers will recognize just how complex an ecosystem is and learn about the surprising interconnectedness of its members. Biodiversity, ecosystems, the food chain, habitats, needs of living things and the importance of human stewardship of the environment are all covered through this real-life example, offering direct links to earth and life science curriculums. Food web infographics help reinforce the information. A glossary and index add to the book's usefulness.

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem is a well researched and written book about the reestablishment of wolves at Yellowstone. I have seen a few documentaries on the subject, since my daughter has been obsessed with wolves for years. I had a general understanding of the subject, but that is not necessary to understand the book. The information is framed in narratives and written so that it is easily accessible and understood without talking down to readers or sounding condescending. The information was well paced, and the accompanying artwork added a great deal to my understanding and will be very useful for visual learners. I learned some information that was new to me, and was reminded of how small changes can have a large effect on the world. This is something that I think readers of all ages could learn and be reminded of on a regular basis. I was glad to see a glossary, resources, and an index in the endpapers. I think this book could be a good addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Early Book Review: Just Draw Fineliner Art: Incredible Illustrations Crafted With Fineliner Pens by Liam Carver

Just Draw Fineliner Art: Incredible Illustrations Crafted With Fineliner Pens by Liam Carver presents a collection of more than 85 beautiful blackwork images by contemporary artists from around the world. It is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Readers can browse the book for advice or inspiration. Each image is accompanied by a short introduction, information on the approaches, techniques and tools used, and useful tips. Learn about stippling and hatching to produce immensely detailed drawings. This is the perfect guide for artists and art lovers alike.

Just Draw Fineliner Art might just be a thinly veiled advertisement for their products at first, but it can also be a solid resource for inspiration and technique. I have never been more than an amatur artist, someone that doodles for fun and has had no formal art education past some advanced high school courses. I enjoyed looking at the art, reading a bit about the tools and techniques used to create them, and might just pull out some of my art supplies to test my muscle memory and skills to see how much I remember and can still pull off. I did find some of the 'tips' to be things I still remember from those high school classes, which are farther away that I might like to admit. Other tips and challenges offered by them were more unique and had my full attention. I did like the information about the artist and how they achieved the look in each piece. Like any other collection of images or other art there will always be favorites and pieces that speak to us less. That is the case here as well, but each piece does show skill that I could fully appreciate while some just had me staring at an individual piece for a good length of time. I do appreciate that at the end of the book the is the recommendation to explore different brands of pens, and information on a variety of tools and mediums that any artist might want to try in the effort to find what works best for them. There are also resources for further information and an index of artists, so you can see if the artist of your favorite piece in the book has more that you might want to give attention to as well. 

Early Book Review: Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book by Jessamy Hibberd; Claire Grace

Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book, written by Jessamy Hibberd and Claire Grace and illustrated by Hannah Tolson, is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. In this fast-paced world, relaxing and preparing for sleep can be difficult for children. This fact-filled book helps ease bedtime struggles with mindfulness, muscle relaxation, gentle yoga poses, visualization, and other exercises proven to help kids release stress and anxiety, clear their minds, get ready for bed, and fall asleep faster. With gentle, calming artwork and simple, melodic text, children explore the sky’s constellations and the mythical stories behind them as they get their minds and bodies ready for bed. Each exercise, called out by a moon symbol, is simple and easy to do. The pages are self-contained so you can start anywhere and complete as many, or as few, exercises as you like. Tips on mindfulness and extra resources for parents are included at the back of the book. Stargazers of all ages will love this journey through constellations.

Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book is a interesting book, and a good tool for caregivers that are trying to encourage mindfulness at bedtime. I like that the pages include information about astronomy, particularly constellation, offering up facts and legends about the stars alongside yoga poses, breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques. The illustrations were soothing, in calming blues and indistinct details. I did like that each page could be read independently, so a family could concentrate on one page, one exercise, a night or more. I also like the information at the back of the book for the adults. I think the book offers up exactly what it promises, and will please those that are looking for it. 

Early Book Review: Dark Hedges, Wizard Island, and Other Magical Places That Really Exist by L Rader Crandall

Dark Hedges, Wizard Island, and Other Magical Places That Really Exist by L Rader Crandall is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. From a lost city in the desert to a cave alight with thousands of glowworms, learn about some of the most unusual places on earth and the myths, legends, and history behind each of them! Looking at places like The Skeleton Coast in Namibia, Wizard Island in the United States, and The Fairy Tale Route in Germany, This book takes young readers on a journey around the world to real places that sound straight out of fantasy. Featuring both natural and man-made wonders, this travel book combines history and storytelling to explore the far reaches of the earth.

Dark Hedges, Wizard Island, and Other Magical Places That Really Exist takes stories from history and legends and connects them to the places they are about. The history of castles, sieges, and wizard origins are shared with the information about the location you can visit that is tied into these stories. Some of these stories I had heard before, but many were new to me. I thought the tone was conversational and matter of fact, making the text accessible and enjoyable to readers. I liked that the locations were from all around the world, and no culture or group of people were set apart as bad or other- which often happens in historic or legend based text. The photography was stunning, and I adored the detailed bibliography- citing sources and encouraging further reading in the process always makes me happy even if I know a good number of readers are likely to ignore this section. 

Early Book Review: Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson, Courtney Dawson

Help Wanted, Must Love Books, written by Janet Sumner Johnson and illustrated by Courtney Dawson, is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on March 2 2020. Shailey loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shailey takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favorite characters from fairytales line up to apply. But Sleeping Beauty can't stay awake, the Gingerbread Man steals her book, and Snow White brings along her whole team. Shailey is running out of options. Is bedtime ruined forever?

Help Wanted, Must Love Books is a story that many parents and children can relate to. Routine band job changes for an adult in the house can throw everything else out of whack- like  how her father's new job affected Shailey's bedtime reading. I love how she interviewed characters from some of her bedtime stories to become her new reader, and how some of the auditions went terribly wrong. I thought the story and its execution was very imaginative and well done. The illustrations were wonderful, and added some great detail to the story on each page. I love the imagination the character has, and the way her father works hard to find a solution for the problem. Not every solution in real life will be this easy, but showing that it can happen might give young readers the hope and determination to find solutions for their own bedtime or family disappointments. The addition of resumes from the characters at the end of the book was a fun touch.  

Help Wanted, Must Love Books is an adorable picture book with plenty of references to storytimer favorites and lovely artwork. This might become a new bedtime favorite for some young readers. 

Early Book Review: Little Cloud: The Science of a Hurricane by Johanna Wagstaffe, Julie McLaughlin

Little Cloud: The Science of a Hurricane is a children's nonfiction book written by Johanna Wagstaffe and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin. It is currently scheduled for release on February 18 2020. Follow our little cloud on an adventure through the sky and learn the science behind how it transforms from a simple cumulus cloud to a full-blown hurricane. Children will enjoy finding new gems of information even after several reads, thanks to a whimsical and rich layout. The story is a comprehensive narrative about a weather system with lovely illustrations that combine storytelling with weather facts.

Little Cloud is an engaging nonfiction picturebook for a wide range of readers. I thought the story of the cloud traveling and changing as he grows is well told, and can capture the attention of younger readers that might not grasp the science information. I found that even though I thought I was well versed in hurricanes and the science, I still learned a few interesting facts about the monitoring of hurricanes.  I enjoyed the artwork, and thought that McLaughlin's illustrations were wonderful and helped to focus the attention on the story and the information included. I think this book will be a hit among weather loving kids, and could be a great teaching tool in homes or classrooms when storms are in the news.

Book Review: Raven's Moon (Raven Tales) by J.B. Dane

Raven's Moon is the first book in the Raven Tales series by J.B. Dane. Bram Farrell, private investigator, has starred in twenty bestselling novels by writer-and witch-Calista Amberson. Her fans love the tall, dark, and handsome PI who uses magical powers to vanquish supernatural bad guys. So, when Calista uses her magic to pull Bram from his fictional world into real-world, modern-day Detroit, she rocks both worlds. Now Bram must track down and destroy otherworld evil before it destroys him.Bram's investigation turns up a lot of suspicious characters: grouchy bar-owning trolls, a thirsty vampire godfather, a couple of murderous x-cage fighters, a suspicious minister-and the Devil himself. Things are getting dicey: Bram could use some help with this job-but whom can he trust? 

Raven's Moon is an urban fantasy that captured my attention because of the premise. Book character from a series similar to stories I enjoy dragged from his books into the 'real' world with similarities and differences from his former life. I liked the takes on creatures from legends, and the twists and turns the mystery and magical elements of the story took. I liked Bram's character, trying to figure out who and what he is in the real world, and where he stands. The complications of who has good intentions, and who is out for power or more nefarious things had me guessing throughout the entire story. Hints were dropped, and I found myself muddling along side Bram. Some of the twists I suspected, some I considered and rejected, only to have it all turn around on me. I think it was a combination of the knowledge of a wide variety of legendary creatures and Bram's own self awareness that really made me love this story. The world and character building were very well done. The humor of a dachshund shaped hellhound and other characters certainly mad the read even better for me though. 

Raven's Moon is a wonderful start to a series, and I will be reading the next book as soon as it is available, but for now I am going to get my hands on the prequels.