Book Review: Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story by Aviaq Johnston

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story by Aviaq Johnston is a picturebook. Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on the planet, living over 200 years. In this heartwarming story, a grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime, all while assuring the little calf that there is nothing more wondrous than the love a grandfather has for his grandchild.

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story is a sweet picturebook that teaches young readers a little about bowhead whales, and the love grandparents can carry for their grandchildren. The text is well written, and easy to follow, and I liked that there is a pronunciation guide. The art work is extremely well done, and I enjoyed studying it while reading, and I went back for a second, closer look. I think this would be a great book for adults to read with children, grandparents or not, because it shows the health love adults can have for the children in their life while also celebrating nature and this particular species of whale in particular.  

Book Review: Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense., Vol. 1, by Jirou Oimoto, Koin

Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense., Vol. 1, by Jirou Oimoto and Koin is a young adult novel that was first published as a webnovel and has been translated and is now being oublished in a print format. Though she doesn’t play many MMOs, Maple has either a natural talent or impossibly good luck, because by pouring every last stat point she has into Vitality, she’s created a character who can’t be hurt! Whether it’s physical attacks or magic or status effects, nothing poses a real threat. In no time at all, news spreads across the server about the adorable terror who can’t be defeated. While Maple may just be having fun, her broken build is sure to attract lots of unexpected attention.

Bofuri is an entertaining story that fans of online gaming and anime or manga like Sword Art Online will particularly enjoy. I liked the personality of Maple, and how the other gamers view her. I was expecting a bit more gamer animosity- only because that is what I see more of in the real world. I liked the way playing an MMO was framed- and it brought me back to my college days of computer lab hours playing text based versions of games (MUDS) just like this. I had never seen the webnovel version of this story, so it was all new to me. I thought it was fun, and I really enjoyed it. I did think there was going to be more illustrations- based on the cover and subject matter- but that was my preconceived notion rather than unfulfilled promises. I think that middle grade and middle school readers would enjoy the read just as much, if not more, than young adult readers. I would happily continue reading, and I wonder how the next event will go for the players. 

Early Book Review: Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World by Ann Hobbie, Olga Baumert

Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World , written by Ann Hobbie and illustrated by Olga Baumert, is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. Monarchs are a favorite and familiar North American butterfly, and their incredible annual migration has captured the popular imagination for generations. As populations of monarchs decline dramatically due to habitat loss and climate change, interest in and enthusiasm for protecting these beloved pollinators has skyrocketed. With easy-to-read text and colorful, engaging illustrations, Monarch Butterflies presents young readers with rich, detailed information about the monarchs’ life cycle, anatomy, and the wonders of their signature migration, as well as how to raise monarchs at home and the cultural significance of monarchs in Day of the Dead celebrations. As the book considers how human behavior has harmed monarchs, it offers substantive ways kids can help make a positive difference. Children will learn how to turn lawns into native plant gardens, become involved in citizen science efforts such as tagging migrating monarchs and participating in population counts, and support organizations that work to conserve butterflies.

Monarch Butterflies is a well balanced non fiction picture book. The artwork is well done, ad both captures the reader's interest and supports the information text to help keep that attention. I thought the information shared was well phrased and selected, making it easy to understand and process with out being too over simplified. I was glad to see that information about both the monarch butterfly's life cycle and the trouble they are having with loss of habitat was covered, giving a well balanced understanding of what each generation of the butterfly's experience. I think this book would be good in school, classroom, and home libraries. 

Early Book Review: Up in Smoke (HotShots) by Annabeth Albert

Up in Smoke is the forth book in the HotShots series by Annabeth Albert. Each can stand on their own, but I really enjoy these so I suggest reading them all anyway. It is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. 

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep. Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor. Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad. Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist.

Up in Smoke is a perfect continuation of this series. I thought the two men and a baby was used very well, particularly since neither seemed to have a childhood that would prepare them for this kind or responsibility and situation- not like anyone could really be prepared for it. I liked Brandt's personality- his desire to do right by Jewel, his job, and his reluctance to fall in love were very well balanced. Similarly, Shane's emotional connections and talents had me hoping the best for him from page one. I liked that no one was really the bad guy, and that sexuality and mental illness were just things that were part of the story, discussed in real, frank ways that do not make them talking points but show that they are just part of life. The give and take between Shane and Brandt was engaging, and I liked seeing them come to understand each other and themselves as they figure out parenthood. Building a solid relationship can be hand, parenting can be harder- especially when you do not have the nine months to prepare for it. Combining the two made  for a challenging situation that these two made it through with great success. I hope to see cameos of them in future books.

Up in Smoke is a wonderful read with a balance of heat and sweet.

Early Book Review: Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate by Melissa Stewart, Sarah S. Brannen

Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate is a nonfiction picturebook written by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. It is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021.

All science classrooms discuss animals that hibernate during winter months, but few know about animals that estivate--a prolonged sleep during hot or dry periods. Dual layers of text awaken readers to the reasons estivating animals become dormant--whether it's because warm weather threatens food supply or to avoid increased body temperatures. From the ladybug to the salamander, from the lungfish to the desert hedgehog, twelve estivating animals and their habits--both when sleeping and awake--are explained through clear text and watercolor illustrations that create a scrapbook feel.

Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate is a realistically illustrated introduction to something  I have not really thought about, or learned much about, over the years. I had read about specific animals that estivate, but did not know the range of creatures that have this unique skill, and the variety of reasons and forms it can take. I thought the text and artwork were well balanced, and the text was well worded, making it accessible without stepping over the line into condescending. I really enjoyed that there  was additional informational text at the end of the book.

Book Review: Martian Ghost Centaur by Mat Heagerty, Steph Mided

Martian Ghost Centaur, written by Mat Heagerty and illustrated by Steph Mided, is a young adult graphic novel. The town of Southborough used to be a major tourism destination, drawing folks from all over in the hopes they’d spot the famous Sasquatch, reportedly seen in the town many times over the years. But it’s been ages since anyone’s spotted the ‘squatch, and tourism is starting to dry up. A tech company called Start-up.com (a start-up that helps people start their own start-ups) decides to begin buying up places all over town in order to build their techie headquarters, driving out all the local townspeople. Luckily, Southborough is also home to Louie O’Connor, firm believer in the Sasquatch’s existence and all-around, mega ’squatch fan. When Louie’s dads’ restaurant, Squatch Burger, starts to go under and fall prey to the techie start-up, Louie and her best friend Felix decide they’ll do whatever it takes to save the town from losing all the people and places that make it special. In hopes that convincing people the Sasquatch is real and to drive back tourism, Louie and Felix plan an elaborate hoax in hopes of saving the town from the dot-com takeover. But when Felix starts talking about leaving their hometown for college in LA, Louie will have to face some tough questions about herself, her future career, and her place in her beloved hometown.

Martian Ghost Centaur is not quite what I went in expecting, but it was exactly what it needed to be. Louie is a teenager with a love of a good story, and her hometown. She wants the stories she has believed in since childhood, and the town she loves, to survive the incoming technology and has plenty of plans to do so. I loved her determination and willingness to do anything for the people and places that she loves. She also has to deal with the upcoming transition to adulthood- and all that goes with it. None of the things she faces are easy, but when coming at her all at once it is no wonder she becomes overwhelmed. I thought the relationships ad reactions were realistic and well written, making the more unrealistic aspects of the story seem that much more likely. I loved the art style and think it lent itself perfectly to the quirkiness of the characters and the town. I liked some of the details that were added to the story via the artwork, and thought that moods, expression, and motion were very well conveyed. I can think of one or two little things I would have liked to see a little different, but they are more things that would have just made me smile rather than anything that would be important to the story. I enjoyed this read, and think that this book can be enjoyed by a much bigger reading market than young adults, as those both older and younger that the target audience can get enjoyment and more from the read.

Martian Ghost Centaur is a graphic novel that is an enjoyable read, with a nice balance of feels and fun.

Audio Book Review: The One Great Gnome by Jeff Dinardo, Narrated by Simone Stevens

The One Great Gnome by Jeff Dinardo, Narrated by Simone Stevens, is a children's novel.  Eleven-year-old Sarah moves with her family from New York City to rural Hadley, Connecticut. She's eager to explore her new home and meet new friends, but she never expected to befriend an old garden gnome. Join Sarah as she is drawn into a secret world beneath our feet. Sarah uses her instincts to calm old rivalries and help the underworld elves, gnomes, and more live in peace.

The One Great Gnome is a fun and entertaining adventure. It is fairly mild on the level of danger, and pretty high on the message of giving those that a different a chance. I thought that Sarah was a fairly well rounded character, if a little too trusting for me. She is sweet and thoughtful with a tiny dash of street smarts. He discovery on gnomes, their secrets, and the magical world so close to our own was nice. Some of the characters really captured my imagination, but others felt a little flat for me. Occasionally descriptions about size or something practical just felt off for me, it just did not feel like how a twelve year old might describe it, but that is simply my opinion. I did think that the reader did a good job with inflections, tone, and individual voices. The inclusion of sound effects was a nice touch- although I will admit they startled me once or twice since I was listening in the car and found myself wondering if my car or another car in traffic was making a sound. As a whole, I did enjoy the story and thought it was a fun tale. However, I just did not find myself excited by it or overly impressed. It was good, but not one that I need to add to my collection. 

The One Great Gnome is a sweet bit of adventure with a nice lesson about looking past differences to forge friendship.

Book Review: Mercurial by Naomi Hughes

Mercurial by Naomi Hughes is a young adult novel. Everyone in the Alloyed Empire fears the Destroyer. The metal in her blood gives her incendiary powers, and the coldness in her heart makes her the empress’s perfect weapon…until a rebel attack leaves her with no magic and no memories. Tal is a royal bodyguard who has long since regretted his idealistic hopes of changing the Destroyer. Now that she’s powerless, he plans to finally end her reign of terror—if he can stop himself from falling for the wicked, funny, utterly unfamiliar girl she’s become. Nyx was furious when her brother, Tal, abandoned her to protect a tyrant. Now, she hones herself as a rebel assassin until she can kill the Destroyer and rescue Tal. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes the entire empire hinges on the decisions the three of them will make.

Mercurial is an adventure story told from multiple points of view, with a great deal going on. I found myself quickly engaged in the feelings and motivations of the characters. Readers get to see the hows and whys behind choices and actions that they might never otherwise understand- and get a better understanding of the idea that we are all the heroes of our own story even though we might play the villain in someone else's. The exploration of doing the right thing, faith, love, and sacrifice is woven into every page. There were moments that it was almost too much, because so much was riding on every emotion and decision, but it all balanced itself well in the end. The characters were each complex, with good and bad aspects to their personality and doubts about themselves and the world around them. I think that the world building was also very well done, and I am rather hoping to return to this empire and find out what happens with our main characters next. 

Mercurial might be labeled as young adult, but like many YA novels, I think it will also appeal to older audiences as well. 

Early Book Review: Barnaby by Andrea Curtis

Barnaby by Andrea Curtis is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on April 15 2021. Barnaby is a blue budgie who’s got it all: a golden cage, bells to jingle-jangle, and an owner who gives him all the snacks and attention he wants. Until his owner brings home a “friend” for Barnaby: a little yellow canary. Barnaby is not happy. When his tantrums don’t convince his owner to get rid of the canary, Barnaby flies away and ends up hopelessly lost. While stopping for a rest, he encounters a flock of wild sparrows. At first, he looks down his beak at the drab, brown birds. But, growing hungrier and thirstier, he realizes he has a lot to learn from them. Soon Barnaby is a part of their flock, scavenging for seeds and riding on the wind. But Barnaby can’t forget his former home, and every night he searches for his owner’s house using tricks the sparrows taught him. Finally, he finds it, and Barnaby returns home a changed bird. With subtle messages about sibling rivalry and jealousy, readers will enjoy Barnaby’s antics and the sweet conclusion to this story.

Barnaby is a well written picturebook on several levels. On the surface it is about a bird having an adventure after not liking changes in his home. But it is also about jealousy, giving others a chance, and adapting to change. I loved the art work- and think the style and colors were exactly what the story needed. It was also enjoyable to look on its on merit, not jut as part of a story. Combined with the words the two come together to tell a larger story than either could alone. I think this book is a lovely read, and that many adults and young readers will enjoy it. It could also be used to start discussions about sharing, sibling rivalry, and other changes in school or family dynamic that introduce new people to a group.

Early Book Review: Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space by Miranda Paul, Sija Hong

Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Sija Hong, is currently scheduled for release on April 6 2021. Journey far beyond our solar system and explore the marvels of interstellar space. A wonder-filled poem and spectacular illustrations bring readers across the observable universe to encounter dwarf planets, black holes, brand-new stars, and other incredible phenomena. 

Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space is lovely in text and artwork. The use of space as a muse for both poetry and artwork worked very well here- and I spent a good amount of time studying the images on each page. The poems flowed well and were perfectly paired with their corresponding artwork. I think the inclusion of science facts on each page made each page more impactfull. I also liked that the book included resources for further reading and  a limited bibliography for readers the book inspires to study further on space in general or a specific subject mentioned in the book. I think this will appeal to many.