Early Book Review: Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby

Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby is a children's book currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021.  Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. With one cranky eyebrow, cranky eyes, and even cranky, scratchy feet. But then one day, Cranky meets a very friendly worm named Speedy who wants nothing more than to be friends. The mismatched friendship grows over the course of three short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side.

Cranky Chicken is a fun and enjoyable read. This easy reader is great for emerging independent readers and beginning readers exploring book with help. The art is well done, adding to the story while also just being fun and engaging to look at on its own. Chicken is used to being alone and doing things his own grumpy way, while Speedy is optimistic and cheerful. They are a classic odd couple that learn about friendship together, and a bit about the world around them. The story is sweet and fun, and I think it will be a favorite for quite a few readers.

Book Review: Peach Boy Riverside, Volume 1, by Coolkyousinnjya

Peach Boy Riverside, Volume 1, by Coolkyousinnjya is a manga style graphic novel. Saltherine, princess of the Kingdom of Aldarake, dreams of traveling the world, a dangerous dream in a land where monsters roam the countryside! A chance meeting with a wanderer named Mikoto gives her hope that she might still find excitement in her life. But then she discovers the wanderer’s true identity: Momotaro the Peach Boy, demon slayer of legend! Though terrified by his bloody profession, Sally feels driven to follow Momotaro and learn more. But is this curiosity, or a magical connection that goes deeper than either of them realize?

Peach Boy Riverside is an interesting and entertaining graphic novel. I liked the introduction to the characters and the way world building was woven through the story without feeling overwhelming or like it was missing something. I thought the art style matched the story ad mood very well, and that everything came together quite nicely. I really enjoyed getting to know Saltherne and the characters around her, and I felt like I got a good amount of action and character development in this volume while still wanting more. There was a good balance here- leaving me very eager to figure out how everything will all be revealed and what the next adventure will look like. 

Early Book Review: Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant by Kate Messner

Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant by Kate Messner, with photographs by Jake Messner, is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Galápagos giant tortoises are fascinating—and endangered. They live only on the Galápagos Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These tortoises face threats from the humans who live on—and visit—the islands, as well as from Earth's warming climate. This book takes readers on an a journey to the Galápagos Islands to see these incredible creatures up close and discover how cutting-edge technology is helping scientists to study and protect them.

Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant gives readers a great blend of science fact and personal narrative. Readers get to know a bit about the scientists and volunteers involved in her trip and the greater mission to save these endangered animals. I already knew a good deal of the background- why the animals on the island are so special and in danger, but there were details here that I missed (or forgot) in my previous readings and documentary watching. It was interesting to see the tools and technology that are now available to help the effort and how invested volunteers and researchers are using every idea and tool at their disposal to make a difference. I can think of many middle grade readers- and those both older and younger- that would be invested and engaged in this read. I think seeing what it is like to actually do the hands on work in these efforts will encourage more readers to do what they can now to help, and what s possible for them to do in the future. I also appreciated the source notes, suggestions for further reading, and other information included in the book's endnotes. I think this book is a perfect addition to school collections, libraries, and personal collections. 

Early Book Review: Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep by Rebecca E. Hirsch, Sonia Possentini

Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep is a nonfiction picturebook written by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Sonia Possentini. It is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. As the sun sets, night creatures awaken. In their rural backyard, a parent and child camp out, watching as fireflies flicker, bats flap, and rabbits race. Atmospheric illustrations bring the nocturnal world to life in this lyrical and informative picture book.

Night Creatures is a beautifully illustrated book that shows young readers the wonder of the creatures that come out at dusk. The illustrations do a great job of showing the real aspects of these animals and insects- showing where they are likely to be and what they might be doing. Similarly the text explains why they are out, and how they go about their hunting or work towards survival. I found the images and the text well matched, and the design of each page complimented both and help the book come together seamlessly. I think this book would be great to share at bedtime, or to share pretty much anytime. 

Early Book Review: The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara

The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on September 2 2021. What if the Lift driver who finds your cheating boyfriend's phone holds the directions to true love? 'Who are you and why do you have my boyfriend's phone?' 'He left it in my car. You must be the blonde in the red dress? I'm the Lift driver who dropped you two off earlier.' And with these words, the life of the brunette and t-shirt wearing Maya Maas is turned upside down. Having planned to surprise her boyfriend, she finds herself single and stranded in an unknown city on her birthday. So when the mystery driver rescues Maya with the suggestion that she cheers herself up at a nearby beach town, she jumps at the chance to get things back on track. She wasn't expecting a personalized itinerary or the easy companionship that comes from opening up to a stranger via text, let alone the possibility it might grow into something more. 

The Meeting Point is a book that had me in sympathetic cringes at several turns. I liked the set up, and I thought Maya's character development was well done. I liked her journey of self discovery and toward romance. I thought the secondary characters and Maya's writing were great aspects of the story, and I was fully invested in the stories presented. I really liked that the places visited are real, and that the author offers an opportunity to retrace Maya's steps and share pictures via social media. However, I cannot count the number of times I wanted to yell at her for her choices and her blindness towards facts I thought fairly obvious early on in the book. There were so, so many moments when Maya (or others) completely missed or destroyed moments that would have cleared up everything and made everything less stressful for all involved. However, I also know that people often miss the obvious in real life, and that honest conversations can be hard to have so are often avoided so it was realistic in that respect. That visceral frustration and second hand embarrassment sometimes made me hesitant to  turn the page, but my investment in the characters and their story kept me engaged and turning those pages to see how it all resolved. 

The Meeting Point is a well written book with engaging characters.

Early Book Review: Narwhal's School of Awesomeness (Narwhal and Jelly) by Ben Clanton

Narwhal's School of Awesomeness is the sixth Narwhal and Jelly easy reader book by Ben Clanton. It is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Dive into four new stories about Narwhal and Jelly becoming substitute teachers! The two best friends come across an enthusiastic school of fish one morning. Unfortunately, Mr. Blowfish, their teacher, has come down with a cold, and class will have to be cancelled until Professor Knowell (Narwhal) and Super Teacher (Jelly) volunteer to help out! The first subject is Wafflematics, in which Narwhal and Jelly calculate the number of waffles needed to feed the class. That's what we're chalking about! Next up is a super-fun science scavenger hunt, followed by a game of "Tag! You're Awesome!" at recess. Narwhal's teaching methods may be unconventional, but with Jelly's help, the two teach (and learn) with their trademark positivity and humor. Before they know it, the day is over, but what grade will Narwhal receive from Jelly?

Narwhal's School of Awesomeness is exactly what I wanted and expected from this book. As always, the story is clever and fun, an enjoyable read for emerging readers and those reading the book with younger readers or groups. I like that the story is about positivity, helping, and fun while learning. I also like that I learned a few things, because there were a couple names for animal collectives included that I had not known before. The artwork is consistent with previous installment of this series, and a perfect match to the characters and story. I still recommend this series for those looking for easy readers (particularly to fans of Mo Willems) and this book has encouraged me to continue on with that, and say it a bit louder for those that might not have discovered it yet.

Early Book Review: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook: Nearly 200 Delightful Baked Goods Recipes from Amish Kitchens by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook:  Nearly 200 Delightful Baked Goods Recipes from Amish Kitchens by Wanda E. Brunstetter is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2021. This review is based on a good sized sample of the book provided through Netgalley.

Fresh-baked buns or cookies waiting for a child’s after-school snack is a delight many of us remember from our own mothers’ and grandmothers’ kitchens. You can now share the joy of baking for and with your own family through dozens of recipes provided by Amish bakers. Ideas for breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, and more will keep you busy taste testing and sharing all the goodies. Also included are step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and anecdotes from Amish bakers. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home bakers of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook is a well written and organized cookbook for baked goods. I thought the baking tips and explanations were helpful, even as a fairly experienced baker. I even enjoyed learning a bit about the history of the Amish and Mennonite history, when usually I skim through the background and personal stories and rush ahead to the actual recipes. I found the recipes and instructions to be well written and easy to follow, and the pictures enticing to the point where I am going to try out a couple this weekend. I think this book will be perfect for those interested in the author and the subject matter. It might not be one for my personal collect (thinks to being out of room) but is one that I would definitely borrow from the library or recommend for those looking to expand their collection. 

Early Book Review: Crayola ® Our Colorful Earth: Celebrating the Natural World by Marie-Therese Miller

Crayola ® Our Colorful Earth: Celebrating the Natural World by Marie-Therese Miller is a nonfiction picturebook currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Readers explore rainbow mountains, pink sand beaches, and more and learn the science behind some of nature's most colorful geographical formations.

Crayola ® Our Colorful Earth is a wonderful pairing of bold photographs and scientific details. Each page offers readers a look at a colorful feature of nature, and the scientific explanation as to why the they are the color they are.  I think the pictures used are chosen well, and the interactions suggested by the text (answering simple questions and looking for specific colors) will keep less engaged readers on task. The information is short but interesting, making them engaging and accessible. I like that the book includes a glossary, additional facts, a hand on experiment, and options to explore for further reading. I think this book would be great in home and classroom libraries.

Early Book Review: Death & Sparkles by Rob Justus

Death & Sparkles by Rob Justus is a middle grade novel currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Being Death isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, you’re all-powerful, but collecting souls involves a ton of paperwork, and it’s impossible to have friends when everything you touch instantly dies. Being Sparkles the Last Unicorn isn’t as fun as you’d imagine, either. Maybe it seems like the whole world wants to be your bestie, but really people just want you to pose with them for selfies, or use you to help them sell stuff. Everything changes when Death and Sparkles meet, and realize they might just be one another’s first chance at a real friend. But before they can even enjoy the bromance, the whole world starts freaking out about this unlikely pair. Will fame or BFFdom prevail? 

Death & Sparkles is well matched in text, story, and artwork. I liked the way it shows the personalities and perspectives of Death, Sparkles, and the lizard brothers. Their adventures were sometimes very sad, showing how power or fame is not all it is cracked up to be, and sometimes very funny and unexpected. I liked that it was divided into clear chapters, offering the different perspectives and aspects of the larger story. I liked the commentary on greed and fame just as much as the bonding and laughs as Sparkles and Death got to know each other. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to more from the author.

Death & Sparkles is a fun and engaging read that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Early Book Review: The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown

The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown is currently scheduled forrelease on August 31 2021. In 2017, DNA tests revealed to the collective shock of many scholars that a Viking warrior in a high-status grave in Birka, Sweden was actually a woman. The Real Valkyrie weaves together archaeology, history, and literature to imagine her life and times, showing that Viking women had more power and agency than historians have imagined. Brown uses science to link the Birka warrior, whom she names Hervor, to Viking trading towns and to their great trade route east to Byzantium and beyond. She imagines her life intersecting with larger-than-life but real women, including Queen Gunnhild Mother-of-Kings, the Viking leader known as The Red Girl, and Queen Olga of Kyiv. Hervor’s short, dramatic life shows that much of what we have taken as truth about women in the Viking Age is based not on data, but on nineteenth-century Victorian biases. Rather than holding the household keys, Viking women in history, law, saga, poetry, and myth carry weapons. These women brag, “As heroes we were widely known—with keen spears we cut blood from bone.” In this compelling narrative Brown brings the world of those valkyries and shield-maids to vivid life.

The Real Valkyrie is a thought provoking and engaging read that grabbed my interest on the first few pages and would not let go. The exploration of the known history, texts, and archaeological findings takes a deeper look at the lives of viking women, especially the possibilities surrounding the remains of one female viking warrior. Science and a more well rounded look at our history acknowledges how the mores and ideals of Victorian society has skewed the perception of viking lives. The writing is engaging and holds the readers interest, and I found the subject matter to be handled expertly and with passion. I highly recommend this read for anyone interested in the subject matter, and for readers that want to explore how preconceived notions and ideas can hindering understanding other cultures both past and present. I am excited to explore the author's recommendations for further reading on the subject and appreciate the endpages content with proper citations and useful information. 

The Real Valkyrie is a thoroughly researched and well written book.