Audiobook Review: What Do Bees Think About? by Mathieu Lihoreau, Narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick

What Do Bees Think About? by Mathieu Lihoreau, audiobook version narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick, is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024.

Have you ever observed a bee up close and wondered what was going on inside its head? Like ours, insects' brains take up most of the space in their heads, but their brains are smaller than a grain of rice, only 0.0002% as large as ours. But what purpose does the insect brain serve, and how does that drive their creativity, morality, and emotions? Bees in particular exhibit unexpected and fascinating cognitive skills. In What Do Bees Think About? animal cognition researcher Mathieu Lihoreau examines a century of research into insect evolution and behavior. He explains recent scientific discoveries, recounts researchers' anecdotes, and reflects on the cognition of these fascinating creatures. Lihoreau's and other scientists' research on insects reinforces the importance of protecting and preserving insects such as bees: after all, our survival on the planet is deeply dependent on theirs. This book provides an eye-opening window into the world of insect cognition and echoes an important ecological message about bees—they are intelligent creatures sharing the same fragile ecosystem as us.

What Do Bees Think About? is an interesting and informative read. I have read quite a few books about bees, but this was the first that focused on their learning and though processes rather than just the basics of beekeeping and behavior. I thought the scientific focus are highly engaging and I learned a lot about the cognition of bees and other insects. I will admit that there were moments when my mind wondered during some of the more technical moments of the book- but that is much more on me than the book. I think this is a great read, or listen, for those interested in the intelligence and learning capabilities of creatures that are so often dismissed as 'just insects'. 

Book Review: I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl, Volume 1, by Kashikaze

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl (Volume 1) by Kashikaze is a manga style graphic novel. Quintessential good girl Sakurai finds herself trapped in the middle of a bribery scheme. Her teacher offers to write a recommendation letter in exchange for luring a truant student into attendance. Sakurai pins down the reclusive transfer student Honda, but there are strings attached. Honda demands that Sakurai grant one wish every day. The first wish is a kiss—and Sakurai finds herself feeling very eager to please.

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl is a graphic novel about a budding friendship that did not have the most natural beginning- blackmail. It is nice to see the two girls get to know each other, with the possibility of more than friendship clearly an option. It is well drawn and engaging. My only issue was that I think I might have read this before as a webcomic or something since it all seemed very familiar- and not just because it leans heavily on the tropes of the subgenre. It was cute, fun, and is a great start to a series about figuring out who you are and how you feel about those around you.

Early Book Review: Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann is currently scheduled for release on May 21 2024. Lucky Hart has a special affinity for the supernatural but almost no one takes parapsychology seriously. She’s estranged from her family, lost her friends, and has been rejected from graduate school. Twice. But her big break finally arrives when she gets insider info about a troubled production company. Every actor on their new show mysteriously quits after spending three nights inside Hennessee House, an old Victorian with a notorious reputation. After scheming her way onto the show to investigate, Lucky meets Maverick Phillips and chemistry instantly crackles between them. He tempts her in ways no one ever has, challenging and supporting her, and making her finally feel seen. Their connection is so palpable everyone notices it–including Hennesee House. Now Lucky and Maverick’s relationship has a challenger: the lonely, sentient house desperate for her undivided attention. As love begins to clash with career, Lucky refuses to choose one over the other because everyone deserves a happily ever after, even houses with haunted hearts. But when all her plans begin backfiring one-by-one, she realizes that if she wants to have it all? She'll have to risk everything.

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places is a very engaging read that had me guessing at both the paranormal mystery and the relationships and where they might go. I enjoyed getting to know Lucky, Maverick, and the rest of the crew. I thought the premise and the slow reveal of several aspects of the story was very well done, and I loved the entire ride. There were a couple moments when I was worried for Lucky's safety- but I was enthralled in figuring out what was actually happening with the house and how this group might find their way. I will be looking for more from this author.

 

Book Review: Sharks! Sharks! Sharks! by Susan Martineau, Vicky Barker

Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!, written by Susan Martineau and illustrated by Vicky Barker is a children's nonfiction book that offers hundreds of fascinating facts about the amazing world and lives of these often misunderstood creatures of the deep found throughout the world's oceans. There are detailed drawings of many different species, as well as facts about what they eat, how they take care of their baby sharks, their social circles, and how we can preserve them. Find out which sharks can glow in the dark, and which ones like to hang out in the coral reef. You'll even find out what sharks were like in the past and how they have evolved.

Sharks! Sharks! Sharks! is a well illustrated and written book. The information is interesting and accessible, and I found the artwork to be a pretty perfect blend of realistic and cartoon- able to give a real idea of the details without ever being scary or sterile. I thought the page layouts were very well done- keeping the reader's interest and keeping them fully engaged with the book on several levels- making this a great book for independent reading and for sharing with those that the text might be a little too much for. I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary of 'special shark words' at the end of the book as well as the reminder that sharks are living creatures in trouble because of stereotypes and fear. Young readers with an interest in nature, the oceans, or sharks will get the most out of this read- but I think everyone can enjoy it. 

Book Review: Crowned A Traitor: Book One (A Hellish Fairytale Universe) by Kate Callaghan

Crowned A Traitor is the first book in the Hellish Fairytale Universe series by Kate Callaghan. Heir to Hell and the Dark Forest of Malum, Klara has been called upon to take her place as High Queen of Malum. Though Klara has no intention of ruling, her guardians want her head on a spike. Klara's only option - escape to Kalos, Fae ruled lands free from Dark Magic. To survive the perilous journey, she needs help. A Leprechaun with a talent for smuggling. A mischievous Demon with swaying loyalties. The soul of a greying Warlock. Lycaon siblings with a talent for deception. Destiny has an awful habit of catching up with those who run.

Crowned A Traitor is an interesting start to a fantasy series. I thought the world building was well thought out and provided some twists and turns. It was in engaging story, with plenty of action and putting the world and some of its inhabitants on the page to help paint a picture of where the main characters and series might go from here. I must admit that there story did not quite grab me they way I had hoped. I see potential in the series, but some of the twists and turns just did not really work for me and I failed to connect to the characters. I do think that this book, and following series, will be a hit for some readers. 

Book Review: Aftermarket Afterlife (InCryptid) by Seanan McGuire

Aftermarket Afterlife by Seanan McGuire is the thirteenth book in the InCryptid, and the first focusing on Mary- the family's babysitting ghost. For those that enjoy audiobooks, the audiobook editions of this series are very well done (including this title).

Mary Dunlavy didn't intend to become a professional babysitter. Of course, she didn't intend to die, either, or to become a crossroads ghost. As a babysitting ghost, she's been caring for the Price family for four generations, and she's planning to keep doing the job for the better part of forever. With her first charge finally back from her decades-long cross-dimensional field trip, with a long-lost husband and adopted daughter in tow, it's time for Mary to oversee the world's most chaotic family reunion. And that's before the Covenant of St. George launches a full scale strike against the cryptids of Manhattan, followed quickly by an attack on the Campbell Family Carnival.  It's going to take every advantage and every ally they have for the Prices to survive what's coming—and for Mary, to avoid finding out the answer to a question she's never wanted to know: what happens to a babysitting ghost if she loses the people she's promised to protect?

Aftermarket Afterlife offers readers exactly what they want and expect from the continuation of this series. I really enjoyed getting to see the characters and plot points of the last twelve books come together here. We get Mary's history and huge movements in the larger story lines. There is so much going on here- and fair warning for very attached readers- not everything turns out the way you want or are prepared for. This is very much for fans of the series- for whom this is an absolute much read (or listen), but I do not recommend to newcomers to the series because there are just so many threads coming together here that they would be beyond lost. 

Early Book Review: Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim is a middle grade graphic novel scheduled for release on May 14 2024. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers. That is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved, or not. What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer. If she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Summer Vamp is a fun and entertaining read about embracing and owning the interests that make us different. I thought Maya was a well written character, one readers could empathize with and relate to even if they did not always agree with her words or choices. Her fears and doubts are universal, at least in my opinion, and I loved going along as she got a little more comfortable in her own skin and found her friend group. I think upper elementary and middle school readers will get the most out of this read, but older and younger readers that are interested will enjoy it just as much. 

Early Book Review: Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim is a middle grade graphic novel scheduled for release on May 14 2024. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers. That is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved, or not. What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer. If she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Summer Vamp is a fun and entertaining read about embracing and owning the interests that make us different. I thought Maya was a well written character, one readers could empathize with and relate to even if they did not always agree with her words or choices. Her fears and doubts are universal, at least in my opinion, and I loved going along as she got a little more comfortable in her own skin and found her friend group. I think upper elementary and middle school readers will get the most out of this read, but older and younger readers that are interested will enjoy it just as much. 

Book Review: The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson

The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson is a nonfiction book for children. After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Acclaimed science writer Jennifer Swanson brings readers along with a group of scientists as they work to explore and map the site, collect samples of cypress wood, and learn about the marine creatures that live here—namely, shipworms. Page Plus links lead to videos of the scientists at work.

The Lost Forest is an intriguing read and it was very informative. I like that the book detailed the scientific process, as well as the human experience and curiosity, which gives readers a solid understanding of why people are driving to take part in these expeditions and this kind of research. I learned a great deal about the processes involved, as well as things I never knew existed like the shipworms that can help scientists uncover information and questions that I never would have thought to ask. I also liked that the book included QR codes so that interested readers could more closely explore what it might have been like to be there on the expedition. I think this will appeal to many readers and could be a great start on a school project or setting up the fascination on some aspect of the science for someone's future course of study and career. 

Early Book Review: Loch Ness Uncovered: Media, Misinformation, and the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time by Rebecca Siegel

Loch Ness Uncovered: Media, Misinformation, and the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time by Rebecca Siegel is a middle grade nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on April 23 2024.

In 1934, a man was walking by a lake in the Scottish Highlands when he saw a long-necked creature swimming in the water. He grabbed his camera and snapped a photo. When the photo landed on the front page of the Daily Mail, it shattered the belief that paranormal creatures were pure fiction. But amid the monster-hunting craze, complex conspiracies soon emerged. The Loch Ness Monster became more than a mysterious sea creature—it became a phenomenon that caused people to question their assumptions and dig for the truth.   Meticulously researched through primary sources and in-depth interviews with key figures, Loch Ness Uncovered is the fascinating true story of the conspiracy that sparked intrigue worldwide.

Loch Ness Uncovered is a book with solid research and many details about the Nessie legends that I did not know previously. I liked the inclusion of archival images, and the context of what else was going on in the world and how the known news cycles effect the way things were reported and viewed. The depth of information is amazing and I appreciated it throughout the book.  The images and text were well balanced and the text was engaging and entertaining to read. I am a firm skeptic, with the caveat that I still think there are things to discover out there in the world. While on the face of it I agree with the book, that Nessie is a combination of many things but not a monster living in a loch.  However, I did wish that the tone was a little less judgmental. It was clear within the first chapter that the author had little empathy for those that believe (or want to believe) that Nessie could be something more than a hoax, a scam, or a log or known animal in the water. It is possible to point out the problems in a sighting and possible motivations behind claims as well as the psychological and sociological reasons why someone might believe something without distain.