Early Book Review: The Greatest in the World! by Ben Clanton

The Greatest in the World! by Ben Clanton is the first installment of a new and hilariously silly graphic novel chapter book series that is currently scheduled for release on November 8 2022. Rot is a mutant potato who wakes up feeling great, maybe even…the greatest in the world! But that only makes Rot’s brother Snot the grumpiest in the world. The only solution? An epic contest to prove who is the greatest once and for all, judged by the only impartial party they can find—their small fry little sister Tot. But as the stakes get higher through the muddy potato sack race, sacred hot potato roll, and a hilarious laughing contest, their rivalry spirals out of control. Suddenly Rot’s not feeling so spudtacular anymore. Will this tater trio ever be able to determine who the greatest in the world really is?

The Greatest in the World! is a well drawn and written graphic novel for some of the youngest readers, and that will hold appeal to older readers and their adults as well. I thought the relationship between the three wacky potatoes was fairly accurate based on my own childhood (not as a potato) and from what I see in my own kids (also not root vegetables). I thought the illustrations were charming, and will capture the attention and interest of readers. I think the lesson woven in the story about sibling connections and behavior is subtle enough that kids will relate to it, and just maybe see themselves in some of the less stellar moments of behavior in the book and make some adjustments, or at least be more aware of how it makes the other person feel. I also loved the random potato facts and drawing tutorial included at the end of the book. This is an all around fun book for young readers. 

The Greatest in the World! is a fun and engaging graphic novel that I think many young readers will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: Knot Bad Amigurumi: Learn Crochet Stitches and Techniques to Create Cute Creatures with 25 Easy Patterns by Vincent Green-Hite

Knot Bad Amigurumi: Learn Crochet Stitches and Techniques to Create Cute Creatures with 25 Easy Patterns by Vincent Green-Hite is currently scheduled for release on November 8 2022. Create the unexpected: a smiling rocket ship, a jubilant glass of boba tea, a joyful acorn, a breezy beach hat, and much more. These modern characters spring from the imagination of crochet artist Vincent Green-Hite (Instagram: @knot.bad; TikTok: @knotbad), who loves sharing his designs and techniques with the world. In addition to beginner-friendly patterns, the book includes a rundown of basic materials such as yarns and hooks, step-by-step stitch tutorials, instructions for embroidering appealing faces, advice on working with color, and ideas for customizing patterns.  You’ll learn how to give your amigurumi a clean, professional look with easy methods for stuffing, attaching, and finishing pieces. Build your skills and become a more confident creative as you work your way through each charming pattern.

Knot Bad Amigurumi is a well written and organized instructional book. I thought the information of supplies and technique were accessible and understandable, and I think novice crocheters will find it that way as well. My favorite thing about this book is that the designs and projects are different. They are not the some animals, creatures, and objects that you can find in a hundred other books and online. They are also very cute. I am very much looking forward to trying my hand at several of these patterns. I will say that I learned something, because I never really thought about 'Yarn Punk" even though I never really felt like I fit in with the typical fiber arts folks, or really wanted to. I like the emphasis here on crafting the style and way you want to, without trying to fit a particular mindset or the expectations of others. I wholly support that idea and always have, and love seeing that individuality encouraged here. 

Early Book Review: Fiona, Love at the Zoo by Richard Cowdrey

Fiona, Love at the Zoo by Richard Cowdrey is a picturebook scheduled for release on November 15 2022. Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, as she visits her zoo friends and celebrates how love makes the world more beautiful. Learn with Fiona as she discovers how different animals show their affection and love.

Fiona, Love at the Zoo does a great job of making the animal illustrations fun, cute, and welcoming to all age groups, but still looking realistic rather than completely cartoonish. It is a hard balance to reach, but I think Cowdrey does a good job here. The text is very accessible, and the rhymes are sweet and fun without being cloying. I loved getting a glimpses of so many of the Cincinnati Zoo's residents, and so many different behaviors we consider affection in their family units. I think this is well done, and I will admit to going back for a second look at the illustrations- they are just well done and adorable. 

Audiobook Review: Nomads: The Wanderers Who Shaped Our World by Anthony Sattin

Nomads: The Wanderers Who Shaped Our World, written and narrated by Anthony Sattin, is an adult nonfiction book. It explores the transformative and often bloody relationship between settled and mobile societies. The story of the shifting, umbilical connections between these two very different ways of living presents a radical new view of human civilization. From the Neolithic revolution to the twenty-first century via some of the lesser-known Eurasian steppe cultures, the great nomad empires of the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Mughals, as well as the mobile native North American peoples, nomads have been a perpetual counterbalance to the power of the settled and their cities. Exploring evolutionary biology and the psychology of restlessness that makes us human, Anthony Sattin's sweeping history charts the power of nomadism from before the Bible to its decline in the present day. Connecting us to mythology and the records of antiquity, Nomads explains why we leave home, and why we like to return again. This is the groundbreaking history of civilization as told through its outsiders.

Nomads is a fascinating read (or listen) and I think the author's enthusiasm for the subject is clear in print or audiobook format. I have always been firm in the belief that history is written by the colonizers rather that giving us a full view of our past, and Sattin explores one aspect of our missing history. I like that he included the way people have looked and and interpreted tales that started as oral tradition, and how the views of mobile versus settled people has evolved and changed just as much as people themselves have. I did feel like certain groups of nomadic people were not included in the book as more than a quick mention, and I have to admit that there were several moments that I completely lost track of where the book was in the timeline and thought we were covering certain periods of time more than once- but I was also listening while driving so very well could have missed something here or there. However, I did feel like I learned a great deal on the subject, and Sattin's interest in the subject mater and his adventures was a bit contagious and I became more and more interested in the topic as I listened to the book. 

Early Book Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is a fantasy for young adults and adults current scheduled for paperback release on November 8 2022. After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success, not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

Legends & Lattes was a engaging and entertaining read. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and setting. I thought that Viv was a great character, and the fact that she was often unsure of things made her a better character in my opinion. I thought the story was fun on several levels, and while advertised as low stakes fantasy, I will say there are some moments that felt very high stakes emotionally for me- even though the fate of the world was not at risk. I greatly enjoyed the cast of characters, and my only complaint is that I want more of all of them. I want prequels and sequels so I can get to know this characters even better.  I would love some companion stories while we are at it, because I want more on several of the secondary characters, not just the main group. I really enjoyed settling in to read this, and it was just what I needed to get excited about reading again and break me out of a reading slump where I was having trouble getting excited about anything I was reading. 

Legends & Lattes was a delightful read, and I am so glad I found it. I am hoping for more!

Book Review: There's Something About Merry (Mistletoe Romance) by Codi Hall

There's Something About Merry is the second book in the Mistletoe Romance series by Codi Hall. While returning readers will have a better understanding of the town and its cast of characters, new comers to the series can fully enjoy the story as well. This is a contemporary second chance love story featuring a guarded single dad and a woman scared to love. Clark Griffin and Merry Winters are determined to be friends and nothing more. But they've been anonymously flirting with each other online, and with a little Christmas magic and the help of a precocious kid, these two might just get their one wish this year.

There's Something About Merry is a fun and entertaining read. Clark is a bit wary of romance, since his only serious relationship crashed and burned hard, and he has his son's welfare to consider. Merry does not trust herself, since she seems to always pick the wrong guy. A rekindled acquaintance and a twist of internet dating fate start these two on a path to something.  I liked the premise, but I have to be honest that there was way too much going on here. I loved the secondary characters and some of the really great moments, but I felt like there were just too many of them. It felt like the author had a list of great ideas, and worked hard to fit them in one book instead of saving some for later. There were great family moments, great budding friendship moments, great kid moments, awkward moments, and so on. It was all well written, but not all necessary in a single book- some could have been save for the next book in the series. I did feel like Clark and Merry were meant to be, and that the family tree farm and being a single dad along with their individual issues could have been more than enough to make this book complete without some of the additional complications that arise, no matter how well they were handled.

There's Something About Merry is an engaging and entertaining read.

Book Review: Illumibugs: Explore the World of Mini Beasts with your Magic 3 Color Lens by Barbara Taylor

Illumibugs: Explore the World of Mini Beasts with your Magic 3 Color Lens by Barbara Taylor is an interactive book that takes readers on a journey through the undergrowth with a magic three-color lens (included with the print edition) to discover over 180 minibeasts from every continent, under the sea, and even from prehistoric times. With your lens in hand, discover mini beast habitats, and learn more about the impressive insects and other creepy crawlies that scuttle and wriggle around the world. Your green lens reveals a habitat, spanning 7 continents, under the sea, and prehistoric times. Learn about the particular environments and challenges that minibeasts face here. Your red lens brings to life insects including beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. Your blue lens uncovers the other invertebrate creepy crawlies from different mini beast families including worms, snails, and spiders. Fact pages fill in the details and guide you through a world bursting with life and color. Innovative illustrations from award-winning design duo Carnovsky make this a natural history like no other, with hundreds of places, plants, and creatures to discover on three layers of detailed artwork.

Illumibugs will capture the attention and interest of many young readers, and those that might be sharing the read with them. This is a book that I very much suggest reading in print rather than digital, because of the effects intended to be created with the three color lenses that are included with the book.  The digital copy does come with a QR code that allows readers to simulate the effects of the color lens, but I think the hands on version might be more fun for more tactile focused readers, while the digital version would be great for those that prefer digital devices or need to use adaptive technology. That being said, I thought the creativity and page layouts were very well done. I also thought that the information shared for each region and the creepy crawlies that live there were well chosen and well written. The information about each continent and the habitats was also well done. I like that a the chosen creatures showed some drastic differences between habitats while also showing how some creatures are different variations on the same species all around the world, and under the water. While not a comprehensive book about insects, arachnids, and other things considered bugs, this book could easily capture and keep the attention of young readers and spark interest and curiosity for further research. I think it will also hold up to repeated reads and studies with the colored lenses and without, just to see what things they might see that were previously missed. 

Early Book Review: The Cookie Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

The Cookie Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum is currently scheduled for release on November 1 2022. This cookie-centric cookbook features nearly every cookie imaginable, from rustic Cranberry Chocolate Chippers to elegant French macarons, and everything in between. There are simple drop cookies, rolled-and-cut holiday cookies, brownies and other bars, pretty sandwich cookies, luxurious frosted or chocolate-dipped treats, and much more. Recipes feature detail-oriented instructions, notes for planning ahead, ingenious tips, and other golden rules for success. Featured recipes include: Rose’s Dream Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemon Lumpies, Black Tahini Crisps, Peanut Butter and Jelly Buttons, Double Ginger Molasses Cookies, Caramel Surprise Snickerdoodles, Mom’s Coconut Snowball Kisses, Chocolate Sablés, Gingerbread Folks (with a special sturdy variation for gingerbread houses), Pecan Freezer Squares, Brownie Doughnuts, Brandy Snap Rolls, and more.

The Cookie Bible offers readers exactly what they expect from the title. A wide range of cookie recipes, complete with fabulous photographs by Matthew Septimus. If you are new to cookie baking, or want just one cookbook for cookies, this is an ideal resource. There is a wide range of cookie styles, organized by cookie type, so there is something for everyone. I found the recipes to be clearly written, and I like that the ingredient list include imperial and metric measurements so readers can use the style they are most comfortable with. I thought the tips and tricks, and variation options, are useful to new and seasoned bakers alike. I already have two books of cookie recipes in my personal collection, so I cannot justify buying one for myself, however I recommend it to those that can add it to their personal libraries. I just might be requesting it from my public library as soon as I can to try a recipe or two that vary from ones I have been using to compare the results. 

Book Review: Superpowers of Nature: Wild Wonders of the World by Georges Feterman

Superpowers of Nature: Wild Wonders of the World by Georges Feterman is a children's nonfiction book. With full color photographs and detailed text, this book is a celebrates biodiversity and nature. From the platypus to the peregrine falcon, find out all about these amazing animals and the extraordinary abilities that make them the superheroes of our planet. For example: an octopus's brain is distributed all over its body, the tropical frog causes potential predators to wretch violently, and the plumed basilisk can run for its life on water! For each animal discover their superpower, super stats and super facts about them, as well as information about how they used their super skills in the wild. 

Superpowers of Nature captured my attention at first because of the photography. The images are stunning, showing some very close up pictures and others of the subject in motion, all demonstrating whatever super power described in the text. I liked the way the book was organized, and thought that the information shared was written in an accessible and engaging fashion, well paired with the images and smaller text boxes. I think this book would be a great addition to school and public libraries, as well as for classroom or personal libraries. I think many readers will love this book, and the entire related series, since the amounts of visual and textual information is so well balanced. My only complaint is that I would have liked some backmatter included, like a glossary, index, or resources for further reading. 

Book Review: Dreams Factory by Jerome Hamon, Suheb Zako, and Lena Sayaphoum

Dreams Factory is a graphic novel by Jerome Hamon, Suheb Zako, and Lena Sayaphoum. It was translated from French by Jeremy Melloul. The story is set in London, 1892. Like most children in the working-class town where she lives, Indira works the coal mines every day without protest. But when her little brother Eliott disappears, nothing matters anymore. She embarks on a desperate quest to find him and discovers that he is not the only child to have mysteriously disappeared. All clues seem to point to the same person: Cathleen Sachs, the wealthy owner of the coal mines. But why would she kidnap these children? 

Dreams Factory is a highly engaging story. First off, the art is simply splendid, and well worth a look all on its own. I did like the story, and the sibling devotion and complications are many layered and very well done. I thought the more fantastic elements could have used a bit more explanation or fleshing out however. I know the mystery of exactly what is happening is part of the suspense of the story, and it did have me at the edge of my seat. But I do have to admit that the last few pages had me a little confused and I am not at all sure of the particulars of what happened there. Maybe I am just not understanding, but I looked at the ending several times and still have some questions. Perhaps I still missed something, or am not putting the pieces together correctly and it will come to me later. I think expanding on the world and character building in the story would have made it even better. That being said, I still enjoyed the read and will be on the look out for more from this creative team and think the book will be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. 

Dreams Factory is a well written and beautifully illustrated story. It captured my imagination and held my attention well past the time I finished reading it despite some flaws.