Early Book Review: Gretel and Hansel by Bee Waeland

Gretel and Hansel by Bee Waeland is currently scheduled for release on May 16 2023. It is a wordless retelling of the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" in which a friendly woman lovingly decorates her candy home and two inconsiderate, greedy children take advantage of her kindness. When Gretel and Hansel  abandon their wood-gathering chores and follow a fox deeper into the woods, they come across a delicious-looking house, the home of a friendly witch. Hungry after thoughtlessly feeding their picnic lunch to the wildlife, the two children start to devour the candy shingles, shutters and walls until the house begins to crack and crumble. Despite her initial shock, the witch is caring to the strangers and invites them in. But when they overstep the boundaries of her hospitality and start eating everything inside as well, it’s time for Gretel and Hansel to get their just desserts!

Gretel and Hansel is a cute fractured fairy tale and retelling of the classic. I liked that the that in this version the witch is not painted as the evil one, and that the pair do actually have some consequences for their actions. The power of telling the story without text makes each detail in the images more important, and I think Wealand did a great job with it here The art style reminds me of the classic picturebooks that I grew up with, the blocky paper cut style work that was very popular in the 70's and 80's. .  It felt very nostalgic to me, and I think many adults sharing this book with young readers will agree. 

Book Review: Olympic Enemies by Rebecca J Caffery

Olympic Enemies by Rebecca J Caffery is a contemporary romance. Three weeks at the Olympic Village. Two Gymnasts who've been rivals for half a decade. Forced to share a room at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Oliver and Lucas are less than happy. After five years of fighting, the team needs them to learn to work together if they stand any chance of medalling. To make matters worse, Lucas, king of lone wolves, has absolutely no desire to become best friends with the three musketeers who make up the rest of the male British Gymnastics Team. So when the press becomes intrusive towards Lucas and Oliver finally steps in to defend him, things are looking up. Until that sliver of common ground truly demonstrates how thin the line between love and hate really can be. However, when their fighting turns to kissing which results in headlines in every newspaper and potential heartbreak for the pair, it isn’t just gold on the line -- it's their hearts.

Olympic Enemies is a un read with a nice balance of character and relationship development. I liked how well developed the main characters, and the most prevalent secondary character were. I thought the family and friendship ties, and the reasoning behind concerns and issues were all well built into the story. I liked the build up and resolution for the relationship between Oliver and Lucas. I thought the details about competitive gymnastics were well researched, and I loved getting a better understanding of what it can be like, and some of the stresses that the media and world in general can put towards those in the spotlight. I thought the team and coach dynamics were some of my favorite moments in the book, but I did find myself feeling like one secondary character was rather left out in the cold towards the end, and I would enjoy seeing them get some love in future books from the author. 

Olympic Enemies is an engaging and enjoyable read.

Early Book Review: indiscernible elements: Calcium by Korynn Newville

indiscernible elements: Calcium by Korynn Newville is currently scheduled for release on May 30 2023. This book explores the path a molecule can take through various stages of life and death - from the perspective of Calcium itself. Through the use of detailed illustrations, poetry, and dialogue, author Korynn Newville creates a discussion around how humans can change the way they create the built environment to be more conscious of the wondrous systems at work in nature. If the same Calcium in a femur bone can be used in concrete to build a cathedral, a house, a sidewalk or can be recycled by a nearby plant or tree, how can humans purposefully help that process along? What would Calcium design if it had the choice? What would Calcium say if it could tell you its story.

indiscernible elements: Calcium is a book that I think will play better on paper than on a screen. I thought it was an intriguing idea, and results in a very interesting and unique book. The blend of notes, science, and poetry was well balanced and provides readers exactly what the description promises. I think it will speak to readers that really enjoy poetry and looking at things in our world from a different perspective. Since I was reading this book on a screen, that did not allow for zooming in and getting a better look at the details, I do have to say that the white on black notes and details were sometimes hard for me to see well enough to actually enjoy rather than squinting and puzzling out the words or intent. Also, while I do enjoy and appreciate poetry I think this was just a little more esoteric than I typically chose for my pleasure reading. 

Early Book Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham; Sophie Timms; Theresa Wensing

Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book  presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.

Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.

Book Review: Ukulele of Death by E. J. Copperman

Ukulele of Death by E. J. Copperman is a contemporary mystery. After losing their parents when they were just babies, private investigators Fran and Ken Stein now specialize in helping adoptees find their birth parents. So when a client asks them for help finding her father, with her only clue a rare ukulele, the case is a little weird, sure, but it's nothing they can't handle. But soon Fran and her brother are plunged into a world where nothing makes sense - and not just the fact that a very short (but very cute) NYPD detective keeps trying to take eternal singleton Fran out on dates. All Fran wants to do is find the ukulele and collect their fee, but it's hard to keep your focus when you're stumbling over corpses and receiving messages that suggest your (dead) parents are very much alive. Ukuleles aside, it's becoming clear that someone knows something they shouldn't - that Fran and Ken Stein weren't so much born, as built.

Ukulele of Death is a mystery that is full of surprises and twists. I loved the tongue in cheek commentary by Fran through the entire book, and that even that characters I thought I had a handle on surprised me more than once. I liked the set up and slow reveal about what makes Fran and Ken so special, and found their relationship with each other and those around them to be well done and engaging. There were some great clues, and some red herrings, that kept me guessing through out the read. There was also a sense of humor and fun to the read, so that even when I was worried about Fran and what twist might be on the next page I never dreaded the danger involved in the reveal. I really enjoyed the read and will be looking for more from the author. 

Ukulele of Death is an entertaining and well written mystery. I am hoping to read more about these characters. 

Book Review: Royal Blood by Aimée Carter

Royal Blood by Aimée Carter is the first book in a new series.  As the King of England’s illegitimate daughter, 17-year-old Evan Bright knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. But when she’s forced to spend the summer in London with her father and the royal family, who aren’t exactly thrilled she exists, her identity is mysteriously revealed, and suddenly the world is dying to know every juicy lie the press prints about her. After what was supposed to be a fun night turns deadly and Evan becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation. The escalating rumors and fallout threaten to tear her life apart. As she fights to uncover the truth about what happened, she discovers royal secrets that are even more scandalous than she imagined – secrets that could change the monarchy forever.

Royal Blood is a book that will speak to the young to new adult age range, as well as us 'slightly' older adults. There is a good balance between the teenage and royal angst and the mystery of who is behind which incidents and other secrets that might be revealed. I liked Evan, and thought her defense mechanisms were realistic personality wise, while her exploits were still over the top enough to be very entertaining. I thought the emotional drama of truths, forged connections, and opportunities to grow were very well done, and surprised me more than once. I thought the mystery aspects and the twists and turns the story took were nicely handled, and while some I expected, others took me completely by surprise. I also felt the book ended well, wrapping up some of the most pressing matters and leaving enough suspense to have me chomping at the bit for the next installment. 

Royal Blood is an engaging and well written series starter. I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

Early Book Review: Paper Planes by Jennie Wood

Paper Planes by Jennie Wood is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on May 16 2023. High schoolers Leighton Worthington and Dylan Render have always been inseparable, but when they’re both shipped off to a summer camp for troubled youth in the aftermath of a tragic event, their lifelong friendship is put to the test. Neither ‘chose’ to be there, but they’ll need a positive evaluation from the camp to avoid being sent away, so they can continue attending high school with their friends. The challenges of camp pushes the once-inseparable Dylan and Leighton onto personal journeys of self-discovery that force them to re-examine the incident that threatens their futures, explore the friendship they have shared for so long, and discover the type of person each of them truly wants to be.

Paper Planes is honest and engaging graphic novel that I think many young readers will be able to connect to. I like that the entire book shows that no one person is all good, all bad, or really all one way or another. Everyone is different, and can change. I thought that the dynamic nature of the characters, both the main characters and secondary ones, was very true to life. I loved that readers got to understand the reasoning and pressures that influence both Dylan and Leighton into making the choices that they do. I thought that they each when through some soul searching, and came closer to understanding themselves and what they really want and need from life. I also like that we get to see some of the motivation behind things we as readers might see as disagreeable or disappointing. Not that the intention makes them right or wrong, but it is good practice for all of us to look for the whys and feelings behind other people's choices, and our own.  I found this to be a very engaging and emotional read and think it could be an important read from many  tween and older readers.

Paper Planes is a highly engaging and emotionally intelligent graphic novel. I think it will speak to many readers on several levels.

Early Book Review: The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley, Bre Indigo

The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley and Bre Indigo is a middle grade graphic novel currently scheduled for release on May 16 2023. Frankie knows who they are. They’re a drummer, they’re nonbinary, and they’re… the Dog Knight? One day Frankie is a relatively normal middle schooler, with relatively normal challenges, like finding the perfect outfit to wear during their drum solo during the upcoming band concert. The next, they save a friendly golden retriever from bullies and suddenly find themselves in a giant magical doghouse, with a funny looking helmet, talking to a group of dog superheroes called the Pawtheon about a job offer. If Frankie can prove that they possess the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell, they will be named the Dog Knight and be given the power to fight alongside the Pawtheon and save the world from the forces of chaos. Maybe there is more to Frankie than they thought?

The Dog Knight takes on some serious topics, nd I think that many middle school readers will relate to much of the book. Frankie is non-binary and just trying to figure out what clothes, sports, friends, and so on really make them happy and feely fully themselves. Even as a fully grown adult, I still change up my style and am always looking for things that make me feel more me, and I know most kids are spending a good deal of their thought and energy trying to figure all that out for the first time. Add in the fantasy, danger, and adventure of a secret dog society and gremlins and you get a read that will keep young readers (and adults) engaged and eager to see how everything turns out. The aspects of bullying, friendship, and family relationships are very well done in this book, but more than anything I love that at the heart of it the whole story is about Frankie being the best Frankie they can be, and continuing to work at being the honest and loyal person that they want to be. I look forward to continuing this series and think it has great potential to be a favorite for many. 

The Dog Knight is a well written, ad beautifully illustrated, graphic novel that I found to be engaging and enjoyable to read. 

Early Book Review: Strange Animals by Tom Jackson

Strange Animals by Tom Jackson is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2023. How does a mudskipper fish manage to “walk” on land? Why is the Hoatzin also known as ‘The Stinkbird’? And once the female Pipa toad has laid her eggs, where does she put them? The answers? The mudskipper can “walk” using its pectoral fins, the Hoatzin has a unique digestive system which gives the bird a manure-like odor, and the female Pipa Toad embeds its eggs on its back where they develop to adult stage. Strange Animals presents the most unusual aspects of 100 of the most unusual species. The selection spans a broad spectrum of wildlife, from the tallest land living mammal, the giraffe, to the light, laughing chorus of Australian kookaburra birds, from the intelligence of the Bottlenose dolphin to octopuses that change color when they dream to the slow pace of the three-toed sloth. Arranged geographically, the photographs are accompanied by fascinating captions, which explain the quirky characteristics of each entry. Including egg-laying mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, cannibalistic insects and other invertebrates. 

Strange Animals is a book that captured my attention and interest with its title. I love learning about the odd and unexpected animals in the world. Since I have read and watched so much information on the subject, I do have to say that very little of this book was new to me. Most of the animals were ones I had run across in the past, or creatures I do not consider odd or unusual at all. That being said, the photographs through out the entire book are phenomenal. I liked the short paragraphs of information, which gave interesting and easily digestible bits of information on the creatures in the book- but the start of this show unequivocally the photographs on each and ever page. It is worth the cost of this book, or borrow from the library, to sit and leisurely flip through the pages and just enjoy the fantastic photographs or these animals. 

Book Review: Too Wrong to Be Right by Melonie Johnson

Too Wrong to Be Right by Melonie Johnson is a contemporary romance. While it is not labeled as in a series, fans of the author will see some familiar characters. 

After her latest jerk of a boyfriend dumps her (and ditches her with his pet hedgehog), florist Kat Kowalski is done chasing after Mr. Wrong. With her two best friends moving on to more serious relationships, she’s ready to stop repeating the same mistakes that are leaving her stuck in the single lane. Armed with a list of qualities for her perfect Mr. Right, Kat swears off dating until she finds him. Then in a meet-disaster involving a corpse and a salty cockatoo, she stumbles across Mick O’Sullivan at his family's funeral home. Their immediate chemistry warns Kat to keep things platonic; after all, following her heart never worked out in the past, and this time she’s determined to listen to her head. But can Kat and Mick be just friends? As she gets to know him better, the lines blur, and Kat starts to wonder if she’s gotten it wrong and Mick is exactly who she’s been looking for.

Too Wrong to Be Right is an engaging romance, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I liked Kat, even if she got stuck in her own head too often. Although, as someone who does the same I really should not judge. I thought her attempts to break the cycle and find a better relationship was realistic and something many readers might relate to. I really liked Mick, and adored his family. I thought the cast of characters, and the pets, were well written and in most cases fun to read about. I liked the interplay between Kat and Mick, and thought the family dynamics and self doubt were realistic and relatable obstacles that kept me turning pages and looking to see how everything would come together. 

Too Wrong to Be Right is a well written and entertaining romance.