Book Review: How To Make a Planet: A Step-By-Step Guide to Building the Earth by Scott Forbes

How To Make a Planet: A Step-By-Step Guide to Building the Earth by Scott Forbes is a book that describes the scientific theories of how the earth was formed. The book does a great job of talking the details of how our planet was formed with the basic building blocks of protons and neutrons and became the life sustaining place where we were all born. Forbes does a wonderful job of taking huge and abstract idea understandable.

How to Make a Planet begins with a timeline that easily shows how little time we have spent on our planet, and how long it took to get Earth to how it looks today. The books goes step by step through the history of our planet, and offers time checks through the book to show where each event of change took place in the larger scheme of things. The pictures and graphics are wonderful, and are worth exploring in their own right, even as they help drive home the information.  Information about weather, the water cycle, the atmosphere, and more are included in the book, which I find helps readers of all ages to see how interdependent the aspects of our world are, and how easy it would be to destroy out planet my ignoring the effects we can have on it.

I would highly recommend How to Make a Planet for middle grade students as well as libraries, The book would be a great resource in science classes and for homeschooling, since it offers well organized information in a way that inspires awe and further exploration.

Book Review: Snow White and the Vampire by Marina Myles

Snow White and the Vampire is the second book in The Cursed Princes series by Marina Myles. Like the first book in the series, Beauty and the Werewolf, the book is a historical romance. Alba Spencer thought her past in Romania and the dark magic that haunted it was behind her forever. She is one of the first female barristers now, safe in London. But London has its dark side, Jack the Ripper stalks the midnight streets and her hated stepmother has found her again. To make things even more difficult, the gypsy boy she loves at 14 has arrived in town and brings new dangers with him. That gypsy is Dimitri Grigorescu, who has become a surgeon, a gentleman, and a vampire. He fights his nature and wants to protect Alba, even from himself, but that is easier said than done.  Alba must rely only on her wits to discover what she wants, and to stay alive.

Snow White and the Vampire almost lost me a few times. In fact I put my Kindle down, ready to call it quits, only to pick it back up determined to finish. I liked Alba's character and the Snow White aspect of the story. She was smart, strong, and open minded without being gullible. The Jack the Ripper thing was good, and added some extra danger to the story since people kept going out at night unprotected. However,  I think the combination of three complex story lines was just too much. When I got to around 40% complete I was ready for the story to wrap up. I will say that I was surprised with who the Ripper turned out to be- but the rest rather fell flat for me. I just think there were several unnecessary bits, and while the important stuff was well done it lost its potency because of the sheer volume of extra information.

I would recommend Snow White and the Vampire to fans of Marina Myles, and for those that particularly loved Beauty and the Werewolf. If your reading list is as big as mine, and you do not fall in those categories then I would suggest skipping this book at least for now.

Early Book Review: Plant a Pocket of Prairie by Phyllis Root, Betsy Bowen

Plant a Pocket of Prairie, written by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Betsy Bowen, is a non fiction picturebook scheduled for publication on April 15 2014. The prairie once covered almost 40 percent of the United States and is currently one of the most endangered ecosystems. This book explains what a prairie is, why they are important, and how readers can bring back a little of the prairie in their own backyard.

Plant a Pocket of Prairie does a nice job of explaining the nature of prairies and the variety of wildlife in the ecosystem. There are specific suggestions for what readers might plant in order to help displaced or hungry animals and insects, as well as how to go about growing those plants. The airy illustrations capture the feel of the prairie and just might inspire a few pockets of prairie before readers finish the book. The text offers some great information, but did not really flow like I wanted it to. However, the book is still a lovely book and inspired me to change up my spring planting a little bit this year.

I would recommend Plant a Pocket of Prairie for school and library collections. I think this book would be a good classroom or homeschooling resource for talking about the environment, the prairie, and the webs of life. It might be particularly engaging for those that live in areas where there were once vast prairies.

Book Review: Handle With Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey by Loree Griffin Burns, Ellen Harasimowicz

Handle With Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey is a nonfiction children's book written by Loree Griffin Burns and illustrated by Ellen Harasimowicz. The book describes the work done on a butterfly farm in Costa Rica, as well as the journey the farmed butterflies take. Workers care for these delicate, winged creatures as they change from eggs to caterpillars to pupae. Like any other crop, the butterflies must eventually leave the farm. But where will they go, and just how do you ship a butterfly?

Handle With Care was a beautiful and interesting read. I have seen libraries, schools, and museums (and more recently commercials about ordering them for home) with cocoons waiting to open and reveal a butterfly or moth, but I never really thought about the source for this living things. I loved getting a look at the care and dedication that butterfly farms put into raising healthy caterpillars, and in turn butterflies. The photographs were stunning as well, and I spent some time flipping through the pages just to enjoy the images after finishing the book the first time. The information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and engaging.

I would highly recommend Handle With Care for libraries and classrooms. I think the book would be a great classroom aid for discussions about life cycles and nature. Every insect loving child will find something interesting here, and just might be inspired to do a little further research and investigation.

Book Review: The Only Alex Addleston in All These Mountains by James Solheim, Jeffrey Ebbeler

The Only Alex Addleston in All These Mountains is a picturebook written by James Solheim, and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. In this story young Alex Addleston has just moved to a new town, and on her first day of school discovers that a boy shares her name. The two Alex Addlestons begin to do everything together. They chase Flatt Mountain fireflies, code secret messages, and collect crawdads. When Alex's parents move her family to Kenya, the two friends lose contact with each other. Half a world apart, each Alex still keeps the other close while climbing trees, counting stars, playing games, and growing up. One day, just maybe, they will rediscover what it means to be best friends, no matter what.

The Only Alex Addleston in All These Mountains is a fun and heart warming story about true friendship. The two Alex's vow that they will be best friends forever, and do everything together. When they are separated, the two keep their vow despite not being in contact and the vast distance between them. I loved the feel and the bright, playful illustrations that were splendid in their own right. I think that the ending was especially wonderful, with a conclusion in images alone that will particularly speak to the adults that might be sharing the book.

I really enjoyed The Only Alex Addleston in All These Mountains, and think that readers of all ages will as well. Parents, teachers, and caregivers of all kinds trying to handle the difficulties of children sharing a name (and not being happy about it) could use this book as a way to show nicer ways the conflict could be resolved, and those struggling with a pending or resent move could us this book to help handle transitions.

Book Review: The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids by Ammi-Joan Paquette, Marie LeTourneau

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids is a picturebook written by Ammi-Joan Paquette and illustrated by Marie LeTourneau. This delightful book combines real photographs of a trip to the beach with paper cut outs of mermaids and a story of children having an adventure on the beach looking for the elusive beings. Nature facts about the beach and what can be seen there, a seek and find feel, and the fantastical search for mermaids come together in a lovely book.

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids is the newest addition to the Tiptoe Guide series that explores nature and the joy of fantasy in childhood (and beyond). On a quiet beach day children hunt for signs of mermaids, and have great fun doing it. I think that the combination of beach and ocean facts with the sheer fun of seeking mermaids will delight many readers both young and old. Some pages have the drawn mermaids taking center stage, and on other pages there is a seek and find feel as eyes search for hidden figures. A sweet, light hearted read regardless of the weather.

As I sit still in the midst of a very cold winter, The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids warmed me up a little. This would be the perfect read to get ready for a trip to the beach, for mermaid fans, and for nature lovers. I could spark some great discussions or outdoor activities.

The Montana Gallagher Collection Book Boost & Giveaway!

The Montana Gallagher Collection Book Boost & Giveaway!

"Where words, romance, and adventure meet."

About The Collection

BOOK ONE - Gallagher's Pride

She was on a quest of discovery. He was on a quest for revenge. Together they would discover a second chance. Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds, and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family. As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

BOOK TWO - Gallagher's Hope

She sought a new beginning.He sought what he didn't know was missing. Together they would discover hope in unlikely places. Isabelle Rousseau must escape New Orleans and the memory of her family's tragic loss. With her younger brother in tow, she accepts a position as the new schoolteacher in Briarwood, Montana. Desperate to keep what's left of her family together, Isabelle joins her life with a stranger only to discover that trust and hope go hand in hand. Gabriel Gallagher lived each day as it came believing he had everything he could possibly want . . . until a determined woman and her brother arrive with a little luggage and a lot of secrets. It will take a drastic choice to protect her and give them both hope for the future.

BOOK THREE -  Gallagher's Choice

He finally had a family to call his own. She now knew what it meant to risk it all. Together they had a chance to find peace at last. Eliza Gallagher is tough, resilient, and rides a horse like she was born in the saddle. All necessary qualities for someone who runs a cattle ranch. She had more to avenge than any of them and she was counting on those skills to finally find the justice they all sought -- until she realized it could cost her everything and everyone she loved. Ramsey Hunter finally knew what it was to have a family and what it took to keep that family together. He knew coming back wouldn’t be easy, but he never imagined what he would have to risk to keep it. Eliza got him home; now Ramsey has to do whatever it takes to save her life and help bring peace to Hawk’s Peak.

About The Author

MK McClintock published her first novel, Gallagher's Pride, in July 2012, and followed one month later with the release of her second book in the same series, Gallagher's Hope. Her third novel, Alaina Claiborne, was published in January 2013. Gallagher's Choice, the third book in her Gallagher Series, was released in August 2013. She is now working on her next story. 
 
McClintock dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana. 
 
McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West. 

Connect with MK!

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Blog Tour Review for I'll Never Let You Go by Marianne Richmond

I'll Never Let You Go by Marianne Richmond is a charming picturebook about the love a child has for their favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Edward has had Blankie since the day he was born. They do everything together and would do anything for each other. However, it is time for Edward to go to school, and he needs to leave Blankie at home. The story handles his questions and fears about the separation, and parallels that with a parent's need to handle separation as well.

I'll Never Let You Go is a sweet book about love and growing up. Edward and his Blankie are best friends, doing everything together. As school looms he must deal with being separated from Blankie, as well as his mother. I think all children with a favorite blanket, animal, or whatever, can relate to Edward. Parents can also relate to the need to let their children grow up and face their similar challenges and the explanations that come with them. The lovely illustrations and delightful text come together to make this a charming story to share.

I think that I'll Never Let You Go is a sweet book that can strike a cord with many children, parents, and teachers. I think that it could be especially useful in households that are facing similar crisis- such as the loss or necessary separation between parents and children or children and their favorite object.

About the Author:

Beloved author and illustrator MARIANNE RICHMOND has touched the lives of millions for nearly two decades through her award-winning books, greeting cards, and other gift products that offer people the most heartfelt way to connect with each other. She lives in the Minneapolis area. Visit www.mariannerichmond.com.

Book Review: Pinkerton's Great Detective: The Amazing Life and Times of James McParland by Beau Riffenburgh

Pinkerton's Great Detective: The Amazing Life and Times of James McParland by Beau Riffenburgh is an intriguing exploration of the legendary Pinkerton detective who took down the Molly Maguires and the Wild Bunch. The operatives of the Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency were renowned for their skills of subterfuge, infiltration, and investigation. This is particularly true of McParland. So thrilling were McParland’s cases that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle included the cunning detective in a story along with Sherlock Holmes. There are many conflicting accounts of McPharland's life, and this book looks at the likelihood of what is true in light of the variety of stories and known facts about his life and times.

Pinkerton's Great Detective is the result of Riffenburgh digging into the recently released Pinkerton archives. Colorful narratives and a sharp look at the conflicting stories are combined to give interested readers the first biography of McParland and the agency’s cloak-and-dagger methods. There are a lot of theories and story explored within the research and suppositions of Riffenburgh. The result of the meticulous research makes for a dense but very interesting read. I was intrigued by the life and mysterious portrayed, but had to put the book down a few times to read something of a less dense nature. There are just so many stories about McParland, some perfectly possible and others completely impossible, that Riffenburgh had a huge amount of ground to cover and make accessible to interested parties. I think the result is well done, thoroughly researched and vetted, and an interesting read.

Pinkerton's Great Detective is an educational and interesting read for anyone interested in real detectives and the evolution of cloak and dagger detecting in the early days of the Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency. With the re-surging interest in Sherlock Holmes, I think that Riffenburgh will find an eager audience of individuals interested in one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's inspirations.

Book Review: The Alchemist War by John Seven, Craig Phillips

The Alchemist War is the first book in the middle grade series the Time-Tripping Faradays written by John Seven and illustrated by Craig Phillips. A wager involving Hannibal’s elephants and a mouse lands the Faradays in hot water with their employer, the Cosmos Institute. They are punished with a trip to 1648 Prague to educate Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III about fashions in footwear. Teenage siblings Dawkins and Hypatia fall in with alchemist Jan Richthausen. Somebody is meddling with technology that is beyond even the Faradays. Dawk and Hype traipse along on a multi-century chase that loops back around to close with tantalizing hints of adventures to come.

The Alchemist War seems to have less to do with the actual alchemists and much more about setting up an exciting and plausible set of adventures for the Faraday family. I loved the characters, and the technology, that sets the stage for the story. Dawk and Hype are well done, as are their slightly too trusting parents and the electronic guardian that seems eager to lead them into adventure and allow them some freedom to explore which might not be the best idea since they are on probation due to Hawk's previous adventure. The set up with the alchemist is good, as is the very plausible connection of personalities, technology, and rules that make the time travel that the entire series hinges on work. I think the history and factual bits woven into the story just might capture the attention of some readers and encourage further research.  Since I had a galley version, I did have a few editing issues, certain letters seemed to be missing regularly through out the copy, but I am going to assume (I know, usually a bad idea) that those were fixed in the final edits. All in all, and fun and interesting read that should capture the attention of many readers.

The Alchemist War was a well done and intriguing start to a new series. I think that it will be well received, particularly by those that grew up reading books like the Magic Tree House series when facts about history and science are delivered in adventure and excitement. I look forward to seeing just where Dawk, Hype, and their family end up next.

About the Author:
John Seven grew up in the 1970s, when science fiction movies and TV shows were cheap and fun. His favorite shows were The Starlost, Land of the Lost, and Return to the Planet of the Apes, and he loved time travel most of all. John collaborated with his wife, illustrator Jana Christy, on the comic book Very Vicky and a number of children’s books, including the multi-award-winning The Ocean Story, A Year With Friends, A Rule Is To Break: A Child’s Guide To Anarchy, and Happy Punks 1-2-3. John was born in Savannah, GA, and currently lives in North Adams, MA, with his wife and their twin sons, Harry and Hugo, where they all watch a lot of Doctor Who and Lost together.

About the Illustrator:
Craig Phillips is an award winning illustrator who has been providing illustrations to the publishing and advertising industries in the United States, Australia, and Europe for over a decade. He has created book jackets and interior art for Random House, Penguin, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, TOR Books, Wizards Of The Coast, Oxford University Press, and many more. His work has been included in many art annuals, as well as national and international exhibitions.