Early Book Review: Kids Cook Dinner: 25 Healthy, Budget-Friendly Meals from the Best-Selling Cooking Class Series by Deanna F. Cook

Kids Cook Dinner: 25 Healthy, Budget-Friendly Meals from the Best-Selling Cooking Class Series by Deanna F. Cook is currently scheduled for release on May 24 2022. This book is a selection of 25 easy, budget-friendly dinner recipes that teaches kids how to make healthy meals with step-by-step photos. The recipes feature a range of kid favorites, including Popcorn Chicken, Easy Cheesy Quesadillas, Pasta with Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella, Black Beans & Rice, Pizza, Meatballs with Creamy Sauce, Super Sliders, and Supper Salad have been specially selected for their budget-friendliness (averaging $2 a serving) and use of easy-to-find pantry staples, as well as their nutritional value. With instructions on basic cooking skills, like chopping vegetables and stir frying, grocery shopping, and kitchen safety, Kids Cook Dinner offers aspiring chefs ages 8 to 12 everything they need to know to successfully--and proudly-- put a healthy, homecooked meal on the table that the whole family will love. 

Kids Cook Dinner is a great cookbook for families that want to cook together, and children that want to take a more active role in the kitchen. I thought the skills and information shared in the beginning of the book, and the safety reminders, are very important and well done. I thought the recipes were varied enough that there should be something for every young chef, even those picky eaters. The book offers readers exactly what the title promises, and I think it would be a valuable resource for young readers and their families. 

Book Review: NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet by Piers Bizony

NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet by Piers Bizony is full of NASA photography. The large-format book (12 × 12 inches) examines everything from the first tentative steps toward the fourth planet to the 2021 landing of rover Perseverance and beyond. Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, but perhaps the achievement which has most piqued a sense of possibility has been the exploration of Mars. Beginning with Soviet and American flybys in the early 1960s that were part and parcel of the Space Race, acclaimed space historian Piers Bizony continues through complete coverage of the Viking 1 and 2 missions of 1975–1976. Bizony also traces NASA’s acclaimed rover program, describing the development, technologies, mission histories, and achievements of the rovers Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit, and Curiosity—all on the 25th anniversary of their first landing. While the billions of dollars and ingenious innovations have allowed us incredible views from more than 51 million miles away, no less incredible are the insights these missions, hardware, and scientists have provided into our universe—and our own planet. 

NASA Missions to Mars is an informative and visually stunning book with images from NASA cameras, works of science fiction, and more. I thought that the text was engaging and did a good  job of chronicling the journey to Mars. As one might expect, the information is very much centered on the U.S. efforts and projects on this front, so readers go into the read with that understanding. I think this book hits a nice balance for readers. There is a great deal to learn, enjoy, and simply marvel at here with neither getting too technical for us less technically inclined readers but not so fluffy and light that it falls short of what dedicated space fans will be hoping for. Less dedicated readers can be more that satisfied with the variety of images and their brief captions through out the book if they do not feel compelled to read the informative text. I liked the complete index and the chart of Mars missions by date, but would have liked to see some suggested reading or websites for further information included in the endpages as well. I think this book will be a well loved addition to public libraries, and the personal libraries of space enthusiasts. 

Book Review: Season's Change by Cait Nary

Season's Change is the first book in a new series by Cait Nary. Olly Järvinen has a long way to go. He’s got a fresh start playing for a new team, but getting his hockey career back on track is going to take more than a change of scenery. He’s got to shut his past out and focus. On the game, not on his rookie roommate and his annoyingly sunny disposition—and annoyingly distracting good looks. All Benji Bryzinski ever wanted was to play in the big leagues, and he’s not going to waste one single second of his rookie season. Yoga, kale smoothies and guided meditation help keep his head in the game. But his roommate keeps knocking him off track. Maybe it’s just that Olly is a grumpy bastard. Or maybe it’s something else, something Benji doesn’t have a name for yet. Olly and Benji spend all their time together—on the ice, in the locker room, in their apartment—and ignoring their unspoken feelings isn’t making them go away. Acting on attraction is one thing, but turning a season’s fling into forever would mean facing the past—and redefining the future.

Season's Change is a sports romance that talks about and handles mental health with honesty and care. I loved the extreme slow burn of Olly and Benji getting to know each other, and the support they offer each other. I also enjoyed seeing that both of them had issues to face, and the straight forward way those feelings were talked about, along with the symptoms they had to deal with and the tools they harnessed to deal with them. The development of friendship, trust, and more really played out perfectly in the book. The other team mates and bonds there were just as important and well written as the relationship growth between Olly and Benji. I really like that the book takes the time to sort out that some of the trauma Olly caries is from a loving parent that just did things wrong, even though they had good intent. I think that could help readers take a look at their own relationship to see where they could do better in that regard themselves and hopefully spark some needed conversations.  This was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to continuing the series. 

Season's Change is a emotionally satisfying romance with plenty of character growth. 

Book Review: Exodus 20:3 by Freydis Moon

Exodus 20:3 by Freydis Moon is an unexpected, short read. Religious eroticism and queer emancipation meet in a claustrophobic monster-romance about divinity, sexuality, and freedom. When Diego López is guilted by his mother into taking a low-key construction job in New Mexico, he doesn’t expect to be the only helping hand at Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. But the church is abandoned, decrepit, and off the beaten path, and the only other person for miles is its handsome caretaker, Ariel Azevedo. Together, Diego and Ariel refurbish the old church, sharing stories of their heritage, experiences, and desires. But as the long days turn into longer nights, Diego begins to see past Ariel’s human mirage and finds himself falling into lust—and maybe something else—with one of God’s first creations. WARNINGS: mention of transphobia, mention of drug use, light dubious consent, sexualization of religion.

Exodus 20:3 is a book that started off fairly normal, then quickly had me wondering what exactly was going on and who Ariel and Diego were. I liked the build up, and think it was very well written. I could understand a good deal of Diego's insecurities and concern, and could empathize with them. It was not until close to the end that I felt like I had any kind of understanding of Ariel's thoughts. There was just so much more that needs to be explored and unpacked with these two characters, and I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if it had been a bit longer, with more information on both characters and what might happen next. There is plenty of room for more, and I am more than a little intrigued in the world building here and how the relationship could go. I do see how some readers could be offended or upset by the take on religion and sexuality here, but I think those readers are also unlikely to pick up a book with a transsexual main character, so I doubt that will be a big issue for the readers that choose this book. 

Exodus 20:3 is a well crafted read, and I think I will be exploring other writing from the author. 

Book Review: Wings Over Water: The Vital Magic of North America’s Prairie Wetlands by Wetlands LLC

Wings Over Water: The Vital Magic of North America’s Prairie Wetlands by Wetlands LLC is a companion book to the internationally distributed IMAX film of the same name. Wings Over Water celebrates the prairie wetlands of North America and the birds that live and breed in this critical habitat. Covering 300,000 square miles stretching from Canada through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa, the prairie wetlands are one of Earth’s most important, yet little-known, ecosystems. More than half of all North American migratory waterfowl and 96 species of songbirds breed and nest there, and more than 60 percent of the continent’s ducks are hatched there. Wings Over Water immerses readers in this awe-inspiring, essential region, using more than 300 breathtaking photos and inspiring essays from some of North America’s foremost conservationists to shine a spotlight on these critical breeding grounds and the need to protect them.

Wings Over Water is a lovely collection of personal reflections, information, and photographs about the American wetlands and the birds that stop there in their yearly migrations. This would be a great coffee table book for those interested in the topic to flip through and enjoy, or to read before or after seeing the movie. I did enjoy the images, and think there is some valuable information and engaging thoughts shared here. I did like the information on the importance of the environment and conservation, but felt that hunting was a little to glorified here. Yes, hunting can help conservation efforts in specific circumstances, and can be beneficial to people and the environment alike when handled with respect and thoughtfulness, but I think this was a little to focused on the topic than I would have hoped for in a book full of stunning bird focused photography. 

Early Audio Book Review: Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain by Gwendoline Smith, Narrated by Liza Seneca

Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain was written by Gwendoline Smith, and the audiobook version is narrated by Liza Seneca. It is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2022. 

This is a collection of the works of Dr. Know that provides a little guide to your big feelings. Clinical psychologist Dr. Gwendoline Smith (AKA Dr. Know) provides an informative and accessible guide to understand and manage your feelings. The Book of Knowing contextualizes the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy for anyone new to these concepts. In The Book of Overthinking, Dr. Know expands on the topics of overthinking, ruminating, and worrying — common symptoms of anxiety. By using her clear advice and tangible examples, you'll find powerful strategies for addressing these issues in your life.

I thought both The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking were easy to follow, understand, and connect with. Anyone that has struggled with getting caught in a thought loop of depression or anxiety will recognize that spiral as what she using cognitive behavioral therapy to help readers recognize and overcome. I really like how upfront she is about how sometime life is going to throw bad things our way, because it happens, but helps us recognized what we do and do not have control over and taking the time to process the facts over the initial emotional response can make all the difference. I do wish I had read something like The Book of Knowing when I was in high school or college, it would have been very helpful to me at that point in my life. This book is honestly geared more toward young and new adults, although the advice and information is universal. The Book of Overthinking is aimed more at those of us that are no longer claim membership in those age groups, but again the information is universal. There is a good deal of overlap in the two books, but as a big overthinker myself perhaps hearing it twice will help me implement the tools and strategies offered in the book.  

Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain was a great listen and I found it helpful and never condescending. There is humor, honesty, and understanding throughout. The narrator, Liza Seneca, did a wonderful job of capturing those emotions and the intent of the book in her performance. 

Early Book Review: The Fairy Universe by Olivier Ledroit, Laurent Souillé

The Fairy Universe offers readers keys to a magical and poetic universe through hundreds of drawings by Olivier Ledroit, the designer of the Chronicles of the Black Moon, spread over double-pages in watercolor and pencil, with illustrating texts by Olivier and Laurent Souillé. It is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2022. This universe is made up of mysterious and elusive spirits: the Elves and the Faes. Once we accept this evidence, we still have to recognize them, approach them, and sometimes be wary of them. It took our illustrator all his dexterity to be able to approach them, sketch them, and give us this guide to the most remarkable Fae and Elves.

The Fairy Universe is a stunning book. The artwork is simply wonderful, capturing the character and feeling described in the text. The artwork is a valid reason to buy this book, even without the text. The descriptions of various elves fae include names that will be familiar to fans of the subject matter, and plenty of very specific beings that were new to me. I think this book is very well done, in artwork and text, and that readers and art lovers that enjoy the mystical and fae beings will greatly enjoy this read. The only complaint that I have is that the fae and elven creatures here are very much of a very narrow sliver of European traditions. I would have loved seeing a variety of cultures included in some manner. There is a vast and intriguing variety of such creatures around the world, even relatively close to home, and I would have enjoyed seeing at least a little more of an expansive view on the subject.

Book Review: The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage, Volume 1, by Miraijin A and Kurikaramaru

The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage, Volume 1, written by Miraijin A and drawn by Kurikaramaru is a manga style graphic novel. Belamus was once a great sage with the power of reincarnation...but as all lives must pass, so did his. He reincarnated with his memories, but was suddenly abandoned as a newborn child! Luckily for him, he was adopted by the nearby goblin tribe, but this moment of kindness may mean more for both the Goblins and Belamus than either of them know!

The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage is a charming and well drawn story. I enjoyed the world and character building and thought everything moved at a good pace. I have read a few other reincarnation manga, and I thought that this did a good job with the trope. I liked the village and the collection of characters in it. The growing understanding in Belamus of the similarities of all intelligent creatures is pretty subtle, but the point bis likely to be more obvious as the story continues in future volumes. It was a fun and interesting read, which I enjoyed. I feel like there are many options as to where the story can go next and am interested to see which paths the plot takes us.

Early Book Review: Chimpanzee Memoirs: Stories of Studying and Saving Our Closest Living Relatives by Edited by Stephen Ross and Lydia Hopper

Chimpanzee Memoirs: Stories of Studying and Saving Our Closest Living Relatives was edited by Stephen Ross and Lydia Hopper. It is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2022. Chimpanzees fascinate people for many reasons. Our awareness of our closest living relatives testifies to the efforts of the remarkable people who study these creatures and work to protect them. What motivates someone to dedicate their lives to chimpanzees? How does that reflect on our own species? This book brings together a range of chimpanzee experts who tell powerful personal stories about their lives and careers. It features some of the world’s preeminent primatologists—including Jane Goodall and Frans de Waal—as well as representatives of a new generation from varied backgrounds. The book features anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, veterinarians, conservationists, and the director of a chimpanzee sanctuary. Some grew up in the English countryside, others in villages in Congo; some first encountered chimpanzees in a zoo, others in the forests surrounding their homes. All are united by a common purpose: to study and understand chimpanzees in order to protect them in the wild and care for them in zoos and sanctuaries. Contributors share what inspired them, what shaped their career choices, and what motivates them to strive for solutions to the many challenges that chimpanzees face today.

I thought that Chimpanzee Memoirs is a well organized collection of essays that are accessible and interesting to read. I liked that the experts were from a wide range of backgrounds, fields, and reasons being motivated to work with chimpanzees. The essays are each short, making this a quick read, but full of personal stories and tales of specific champs that stuck a chord with the experts. I liked that while some of the experts included are well known and fully expected to be included, readers also get to learn about people in the field that we most likely have never heard of.  I think this book is an engaging and encouraging read, that also covers the struggles of the researchers and the threats to chimpanzees (past and present), so does not sugar coat the subject matter. This would be a great book for school and public libraries to have in their collection. It could be great inspiration for readers that have interest in studying chimps, or other animals. 

Book Review: Boss Witch (Fix-it Witches) by Ann Aguirre

Boss Witch by Ann Aguirre is the second book in the Fix-it witches series. While returning readers will have a better understanding of the characters and set up, I think it can also be enjoyed as a stand alone. 

Clementine Waterhouse is a perfectly logical witch. She doesn't tumble headlong into love. Rather she weighs the pros and cons and decides if a relationship is worth pursuing. At least that's always been her modus operandi before. Clem prefers being the one in charge, always the first to walk away when the time is right. Attraction has never struck her like lightning, until the witch hunter comes to town.  Gavin Rhys hates being a witch hunter, but his family honor is on the line, and he needs to prove he's nothing like his grandfather, a traitor who let everyone down. But things in St. Claire aren't what they seem, and Gavin is distracted from the job immediately by a bewitching brunette with a sexy smile and haunting secrets in her eyes. Can the bossiest witch in town find a happy ending with the last person she should ever love?

Boss Witch is a great follow up to Witch Please. I like that we get to see Clem's story, even as returning readers will see the overlaps of Danica's love story as well. I thought the dual points for view from Clem and Gavin was very well done. It gave the reader a much bigger picture of what was happening and what insecurities and outside complications were impacting the relationship. I liked the depth of the story, and the way the hunter versus witch dynamic played out, and I thought the resolution was a little too perfect, but I really enjoyed it. Just like in the first book, I enjoyed the support system in the town, magical and not. The community of St Claire is written so well that I rather want to move there. I also enjoyed Clem setting boundaries and figuring out how to balance what she wants and needs from the people in her life without being too nice or harsh about it. I think we all need to take a page from her book and do the same.

Boss Witch is an engaging read that fans of the author are going to need to read.