Book Review: Those Not-So-Sweet Boys, Volume 1, by Yoko Nogiri

Those Not-So-Sweet Boys, Volume 1, by Yoko Nogiri is a manga style graphic novel. Midori drops her wallet on her first day of high school, but her new classmate Ichijo swoops in to help. She wants to thank him, but he’s part of a tight-knit trio and none of them are ever in class! Rumor has it that they all got expelled for acting up, and studious Midori’s actually at risk of expulsion, too. In order to help support her family, she has a part-time job, which is against the school rules. When the chairman of the school board catches her leaving work, he says he’ll let it go—but only if she’s up to the task of bringing the three boys back to school. Well, why not? It’ll be a piece of cake…right?

Those Not-So-Sweet Boys is a fun and engaging graphic novel. I liked the dynamic of innocent and hardworking Midori and the fairly mysterious boys that helped her out but getting her wallet for her. Her sweetness and determination in getting the boys to school, and integrated with their peers,  is fun to watch as the guys try to balance their tough guy images and desire to be seen as not caring about school or their reputations. The story really works, and leaves readers looking for more details about how things came to be like this, and what might happen next. I will be continuing this series, because I want to see Mirori's brother have more page time, and I want to learn more about all of the characters.

I liked the story, although I do think that I had previously read the digital version of the manga- because it was all very familiar to me. Since I subscribe to a couple manga websites, this is not overly surprising. It was fun, with an underlying mystery and interesting development of characters and friendship. 

Early Book Review: The Knockout Rule by Kelly Siskind

The Knockout Rule by Kelly Siskind is currently scheduled for release on February 24 2021. Growing up with an adoring father for a boxing legend isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It looks more like hospital visits, bloody noses, and cracked ribs. Isla Slade now works as a physiotherapist, helping athletes heal their bodies. Except for boxers. She has no interest in reliving the stress of her teen years. Dating someone in the boxing world? She’d rather snort wasabi powder. Until she meets Preston Church. Preston manages heavyweight boxing darling Brick Kramarov. A brute who’s built tougher than his name, with a cocky attitude to boot. She wants nothing to do with either man, but her father begs her to help them prepare for a huge fight. She doesn’t expect Preston to recite romantic poems and slowly break her resolve. His fascinating mind gets under her skin, even if his star athlete reminds her how much she hates boxing. Too bad it’s Brick coaching Preston how to woo Isla, falling for her from the sidelines. Once she finds out, she’ll have to decide if she can risk loving another man who puts it all on the line for the knockout.

The Knockout Rule has a lot less of the date coaching than the teaser implies, but it is used to good effect. I really liked Isla as a character, and her relationships with her father and best friend were well done, adding depth to the story. Eric (aka Brick) is similarly layered and complex as a character, and I honestly enjoyed getting to know them and the secondary characters. I thought the conflicts were very real, as were the fears, anxiety, and mental health complexities that challenged Isla and Eric. I do not know anything about boxing, but I do have to say that it felt like the characters were in Vegas forever before the fight. Do they really hang out that long before a fight? I just thought that some of that could have been condensed and spent more of the story in the heat of the conflict with details or character feelings, actions, and growth at that point. That being said, I really did enjoy the read and how even though there were secrets- Isla and Eric seemed to be honest with each other about their feelings and where they stand pretty quickly. It was a solid read, and I came to care about the characters and their families. 

The Knockout Rule is a good contemporary romance, with some twists but plenty of feels. 

Early Book Review: My Monsterpiece by Amalia Hoffman

 My Monsterpiece by Amalia Hoffman is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on March 2 2021. Have you ever tried to make the meanest, wildest, scariest monster? What if even a green tongue, pointy horns, creepy sharp teeth, and claws won’t frighten anyone away? Join the frustrated artist on an adventure where the scary and not scary mingle and lead to the discovery that overcoming fear and prejudice can bring about a wonderful friendship.

My Monsterpiece is a bright and entertaining read. I liked that the art looked like the art of the child artist at the heart of the story. There are many media used, drawings as well as construction paper and words in the art. I thought that the text and art had a good balance, the eye was continuously taking in new bits of detail while not loosing the text and the larger story. I liked that there was some critical thinking, not just how can I draw something scarier because I cannot seem to- but understanding that maybe monsters do not need to be scary and can be just like people you know, while just being a little different, and that monsters just might be scared of us. The bright colors, inclusive storyline, and fun words to say, like grrr, also make this a good read aloud to share and to start an art project and discussion about the ideas of the book. 

Book Review: Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino, Maribel Lechuga

 Seaside Stroll, written by Charles Trevino and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, is a picturebook. Explore the beach in winter in this story told through clever language. During a sunset beach saunter, a girl stumbles and drops her doll into a tidal pool. Soaked! Celebrating the natural silence of an off-season location, the surf and sand are brought to life through this story. Backmatter includes an author’s note about the word choices in the book and parts of speech used, as well as a note about exploring a beach in winter: what animals you might see, sculpting with snow and sand side by side, the colors of a winter sky and sea, and more. 

Seaside Stroll is a deceptively simple story about exploring the beach in the winter, that also explores language, poetry, and meter. It is an enjoyable read, and could easily be used to start a discussion about language, science, nature, and simply taking the time to notice the world and textures around you. As multilayered as the text is, the artwork in similarly more complex than you get at first glance. The color, detail, and composition compliment the text and tenor of the story perfectly. The innocence of the young girl- exploring and getting more than a little cold and damp under her mother's watchful eye- matched with the life and landscape of the beach was well done. I think this book can both be a simple read to enjoy together and a teaching tool. The very best books can do both, intentional or not, and I think the intent and execution is very well done here.  

Book Review: CliFF the Failed Troll (Warning: There Be Pirates in This Book!) by Barbara Davis-Pyles, Justin Hillgrove

CliFF the Failed Troll (Warning: There Be Pirates in This Book!), written by Barbara Davis-Pyles and illustrated by Justin Hillgrove, is about feeling different and embracing who we are. A troll named Cliff who isn't very good at sitting still or being a "proper" troll. He'd much rather be a pirate anyway! "Ahoy!" he shouts upon meeting other trolls, who then remind him that the proper troll hello is "Go away!" After a report card full of Fs in bridge building, stoney staring, and even goat gobbling (he's a vegetarian!), Cliff sets off for pirate school. But are things different for him there? Aye, that they arrrre!

CliFF the Failed Troll is fun, cute, and supportive read. I really loved the art style. I thought the pictures were bold and interesting, and cute while not being overly so. I really enjoyed the style and think it was a perfect match to the text and mood of the book. The story was fun, as a trill struggles through school but in following his interests and heart finding a place that is just right. I think kids, and adults, need to remember that thinking differently or being interested in different things can be an asset rather than a problem if we can find the way to utilize it. I think adults exploring this book with young readers can be reminded of how valuable these differences can be in their child while the young readers get to see that there are different expectations in different places, and for different skills. 

This humorous story is about appreciating who we are and knowing there is a place where we fit in the world.

Early Book Review: Pepper Page Saves the Universe! by Landry Q. Walker, Eric Jones

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a graphic novel with script by Landry Q. Walker and art by Eric Jones. It is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. The year is 2421. Awkward and shy, Pepper buries herself in the universe of the classic fictional superhero Supernova to avoid dealing with the perils of the 9th grade. But then fate intervenes when Pepper encounters a strange cat named Mister McKittens and stumbles into a volatile science experiment run by a sinister substitute teacher named Doctor Killian. Pepper is flung into another dimension, bringing her face to face with an order of cosmic beings who declare her to be the steward of their great power, champion of harmony in the universe, protector of worlds present and past. Now, in the 21st Century, Pepper finds that she herself is the real Supernova. But as Pepper soon learns, escapist fantasy and reality are two very different things.

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a graphic novel for middle grade and older readers that is a fun read, but still covers some of the emotional aspects of the age group. Pepper is an orphan that is bullied and just does not feel she fits in, so gets lost in comic books. I think this feeling- that of being left out and looked down on- is one that most people can relate to on some level, even if they are not really outside the more popular peer groups. I thought the story set up and execution was very well done, with some good twists and nice resolution. The artwork nicely matched and enhances the story. The color choices were on point, as were the details and expressions. Since I was reading a digital proof, there were some pages that were clearly not the final product, and I think the final version will be absolutely wonderful. I am hoping that this series continues and I get to read more about Pepper Page. 

 

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a fun and entertaining graphic novel that I think many readers will enjoy.

Early Book Review: Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask

Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. These patterns come from talented artists around the world, with tips and tricks for learning amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting adorable companions. Crochet yourself a wide-eyed owl, a huggable fox, a napping fawn, a pig with an adorable curly tail, and more. These animals make for great decorations around your home, unique gifts for your friends and family, and something to keep in the car or backpack as a furry companion! The book offers a glossary of crochet terms for beginners, easy instructions to follow, and helpful photos to make sure you're on track with each of these projects. The patterns: Cow, Pig, Chick, Giraffe, Bird, Koala, Bear Pod, Dog, Alpaca, Peter Pilot Duck, Owl, Bunny, Beaver, Bear, Fish, Hedgehog, Cats, Fox, Raccoon, Fawn, Squirrel, Kitten, Mouse, Skunk, and Tortoise.

Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals is a solid crochet pattern and instruction book. It offers readers exactly what the title promises, and does it well. I liked that it included the tools and tricks that help beginning crocheters find comfort and success in the process. I thought the instructions and corresponding pictures were very well done, and would be easy for beginners to follow and understand. I do think that more advanced crafters are likely to skip the beginning of the book and go just for the pattern they want or need. Most of the patterns are also similar to those I have seen before, but they are all well done. I would recommend this book for crocheters that are just starting to make the stuffed toys, or plan on making many of them. Otherwise, I would recommend this book for libraries, for checking out when you need to make one of these for the first time, or to revisit a specific pattern. 

Book Review: Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

Much Ado About You by Samantha Young is a contemporary romance. At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover. Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.

Much Ado About You is a romance with a great deal of world and character building, in the very best ways. Evie is in the midst of figuring out where she want to be in her life. Her vacation getaway might not seem ideal to many- having to work at a book store on vacation- but I have actually seen the adds for this type of thing (like the author) and frankly wold love this. I loved the detail put into building the small town community, and the relationships and families with all their connections that make it up. I also loved watching Evie become more comfortable in her own skin, and in the community. The town and side stories had me just as enthralled as the relationship between Evie and Roane- although I feel like I could have told you what the conflict between them would be fairly early on in the book. There were a lot of things going on in the story, and I thought it was all really well done. There were a couple moment that did not work for me- either because of a turn of phrase or something minor like that. However, I really enjoyed the read and plan and reading more from the author. 

Much Ado About You is and engaging and entertaining read with plenty of feels. 

Early Book Review: Armor & Animals by Liz Yohlin Baill

Armor & Animals by Liz Yohlin Baill is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 23 2021. What do knights in shining armor have to do with slimy snails and porcupines? A lot, actually! This book  brings together two things kids love to provide an entryway into the world of art and history. The armor collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art provides the remarkable helmets, shields, and more that appear in the book. Text is paired with bright, modern graphics and real-life armor informs kids about art and animals in tandem. A rhino crashes into a knight, teaching kids that a group of rhinos is called a crash—so stay out of the way! Dragons may be imaginary, but a fire-breathing dragon etched on armor can still make a horse look extra tough. Kids can consider the helmets, goggles, and other "armor" they use that help make their own activities safer, and connect art to their world as they learn.

Armor & Animals is an interesting and engaging look at how armor and animals compare. I liked seeing how armor mimic some animal's features, and how some armor was made for horses that would be in battle. I thought the text was well done and balanced nicely with the visuals. I liked the images of both armor and animals, and enjoyed the general idea of the book. I liked the focus on the art of the armor, and the intent behind some of the features. I think it will hold the interest of many readers, and maybe inspire further reading on animal defenses or the history and uses of armor. 

Early Book Review: Kaleidoscope of Creatures: The Colors of Nature Explained by Cath Ard

Kaleidoscope of Creatures: The Colors of Nature Explained by Cath Ard is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. Why are animals so amazingly colorful? Find out in this kaleidoscopic look at the technicolor world of animals. Meet animals of every color of the rainbow and find out why they are the colors and patterns they are. Discover the reason why some animals are stripy and others are spotty. Why do some creatures deliberately pop out while others strive to blend in? Why are some bright to warn off others while some only pretend to look toxic? Why are some male animals so much more flamboyant than their female counterparts? Why do some babies look so different from the grown-ups in their families? The animal kingdom is explored like never before in this richly detailed natural history book, bursting with life and color.

Kaleidoscope of Creatures is a well organized and interesting look at the colors of nature. I liked that it was organized by color, and then additional pages for reasons behind some of the unique color schemes- like warning and camouflage. I found the family tree other informational pages at the beginning of the book to be interesting to read and explore. I thought the illustrations for each page were bold and kept the reader engaged and interested.  The information was well chosen and explained. While I wish there was a section of suggested reading or something in that vein at the end of the book, I was pleased to see a nice glossary and index.

Kaleidoscope of Creatures is a colorful and interesting resource. I think it would be a good addition to classrooms and libraries.