The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a children's nonfiction book written by Jerry Pallotta and illustrated by Shennen Bersani. It is currently scheduled for release on May 11 2021. The eyes have it! Laugh as you learn by staring right into the eyes of familiar animals (A is for alligator eye) and not-so-familiar ones (Z is for zebu eye!). Readers of all ages will be entertained with every page turn. Language learning bonus: each page defines an idiom that includes the word "eye"!
Damage is a book that surprised me a little. First off- a trigger warning. The trauma that Cara is healing from is a miscarriage which she relives more than once, the divorce is secondary to that. I just wanted to warn readers, because it might be to painful for some readers to handle. I have read Saintcrow before- but not for a few years and not in this subgenre, so it was like reading a new author for me.
I thought the character development was very well done, and both Cara and Vince have serious issues and trauma that they need to work through. I liked that they were both aware of their own issues, and even when making choices that were not exactly best for their own mental health they understood the why behind both why they were making their choice and that it might not be the healthiest option. I thought the build up of the plot and the action was very well planned, with twists that were in various levels of surprising. I had two issues with the book. While it is technically a romance, since the two main characters end up together, there is no actual interplay between them aside from thoughts they kept to themselves and trying to stay alive. I also thought the ending was a little too easy, it leaves so much room for further mental health damage- even with therapy. If readers enjoy a good suspense novel with complex characters, then this is that, but it did not leave me with the happy glow I get from a romance. I know this is the start of a series, and perhaps these issues will be resolved in later volumes, but I do not think I will be continuing.
Damage is an engaging read with plenty of action.
Lavender: 50 Self-Care Recipes and Projects for Natural Wellness by Bonnie Louise Gillis is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. The book covers gardening (favorite varieties and pollinators); preserving (harvesting, drying, and extracting culinary oil); body care (essential oils, aromatherapy, oral remedies); the mind (stress relief and sleep); skin care (including allergens); cleaning (antiseptic and antifungal properties); food (pantry essentials); and projects (including gifts). In the simple herbal remedies, tips, and projects for inspiration, relaxation and well-being you will find recipes for: Lavender Matcha Latte, Yoga Mat Freshening Mist, Dried Lavender Fire-Starter, Lavender Frosé, Day's End Tea, Blue Day Lavender Roll-Away, Nourishing Lavender Makeup Remover, Lavender and Rose Fizzy Bath Salts, Sweet Dreams Diffuser Oil, and a Soothing Eye Pillow.
Lavender is a well organized and written book that offers readers exactly that the title promises. I found the tone and wording to be very easy to follow- making things simple for those new to the subject comfortable while not making more experienced lavender lovers feel talked down to or bored. I think the book offers a well rounded explanation of all things lavender, and that it will be a valuable tool for those that want to grow their own lavender and make simple (or more complex) things for themselves with this versatile plant. I certainly plan on planting some more and making a few new things after reading this book. It is a great resource for those just getting started, and those that want to refine their use of lavender or try a few new things.
When chef Abby de Messiéres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother’s affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother’s bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother’s patio. Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a “Let Loose list,” and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister’s well-being, he’s blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he’s excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there’s more to Aiden than Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all.
Maybe We Will is a book that offered a Aiden his happy ever after, which I have been waiting for. I liked the characters and the way they came together. I liked their families and how the community came together- using new characters and returning characters from previous books. This blend of newer characters and returning favorites will help new readers enjoy the read as much as long time fans. I did think it was a little heavier on the sweet and sappy conversations, and more predictable with the conflict, but maybe it is simply because I have read too many of Foster's books in too short a time. On the other hand, I really want to find out what happens with some of the secondary characters from this story. I want to see more characters find their love story and happy ending. I enjoyed the read, I just did not find it as engaging and all consuming as I normally find Foster's book. This could very well be because of how scattered my mind is lately, or that I need to take a short break and revisit Foster's books when I really need one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
