Book Review: Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur

Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur is a graphic novel, based on a webcomic originally found on the WEBTOON platform. Hooky is in print format for the first time with exclusive new content.

Twin siblings Dani and Dorian who have missed the bus to magic school and scramble to find a mentor to teach them before their parents find out. They never thought they'd wind up declared traitors to their own kind! Now, thanks to a series of mishaps, they are being chased by powerful magic families seeking the prophesied King of Witches and royals searching for missing princes. But they aren't alone. With a local troublemaker, a princess, and a teacher who can see the future on their side, they might just be able to clear their names, but can they heal their torn kingdom? 

Hooky is the start of a graphic novel series full of magic, suspense, and complex characters. I had not read the Webtoon version, so the whole story was a surprise for me. I liked getting to know the characters and their increasingly complicated friendships and connections. The dynamic between the witches and non magical people is not unexpected, and the intrigue and politics of it all feels very realistic, and the unfairness of it all seems on point with human nature- even when we wish is was not so common. I thought the story moved quickly in some moments, and a little slower in others, but it flowed nicely. I thought the art was well done and does a great job of capturing the mood of the story, and the details of the character's emotions and intent. As a who;e I was fully engaged in the read and enjoyed it. My only complaint is a common one, that the book ended with a solid set up for many possibilities but very little in wrap up or conclusion. I know there is more coming, but I need some more satisfaction at the end of a volume to make me really happy. That being said, I am still very interested in continuing on with this series.

Hooky is a great start to a series, and I think middle grade and older readers will enjoy it. 

Book Review: I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa is a manga style graphic novel. Prince Lloyd wasn't always a prince...in fact, his previous life is one he remembers perfectly: he was a sorcerer, of sorts. So when he was forced to reincarnate, he decided to continue his studies, prince of the realm or no! But his new life has its own sets of challenges...including being a 10-year-old! What's the 7th prince/sorcerer to do?!

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability is an interesting read. I liked the premise and the track the story is taking. I liked the juxtaposition of Llyod's age and innocent appearance with his power, and the way other people respond to him. I liked his hunt for knowledge, eagerness to experiment, and disregard for things that do not interest him. I think all of that makes him an interesting character and his story engaging and interesting to read. I am more that a little annoyed with the unnecessary and irrelevant scenes that felt like they were only included to get boobs on the page. It just felt very odd and out of place to have those moments in the story- never mind the outfit that a female adventurer is drawn in. It was disappointing that something I enjoyed otherwise fell flat because they just had to have a few moments of ogling the female form in a way that was not relevant to the plot at all. 

Early Book Review: Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2021. Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball. Until one man suddenly changes everything. Beckett Stanton is out and proud, and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing. For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

Playing It Safe is a book that had some great moments and some that just did not work for me. I think the set up was great, and the characters were interesting. I have to admit that I almost did not make it past the first page when one of the main characters waxes poetic about how great women are, and that his lack of attraction to us has nothing to do with how absolutely fabulous we all are.  For some reason that just hit me wrong, and every now and then through the rest of the book there would be moments of introspection that just seemed too much. There were conversation I wanted to be in the room for, but instead got basic 'this happened'.  However, other people really enjoy that in their reading, so this is more a matter of personal preference rather than it being a flaw in the work. I did like the story arch of the romance, and the secondary characters. I enjoyed the team and friend group interactions, and could have stood for more of that, and the actually bonding time between Donovan and Beck. I still enjoyed the read, and think others will enjoy it. I can think of a few fellow readers that will absolutely love it, and whom I will be recommending it to.   

Playing It Safe is an engaging read with good characters.

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.