Book Review: DC SuperHero Girls Hits and Myths: by Shea Fontana, Yancey Labat

DC SuperHero Girls: Hits and Myths is a children’s graphic novel written by Shea Fontana and illustrated by Yancey Labat. It is the second volume of the series. The first volume was Final Crisis, which I did not read. “Intro to Epics” is one of Wonder Woman’s favorite classes at DC Super Hero High, but even for an overachiever, balancing high school literature assignments with learning to be a superhero can be tough. But you know what they say about learning, experience is the best teacher! So when Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Bumblebee, Poison Ivy, Katana, and Harley Quinn fight a cyclops, a witch, and a bevy of sirens, they’re sure to learn a thing or two about The Odyssey, if they survive their epic battle in the underworld! 

Hits and Myths is a fun story that does a good job of introducing a variety of DC Comic characters to young readers. I am a little confused with why some of the characters are heroes or villains- since in the stories I know some are switched- but that could be as simple as using information from story arcs that I have missed over the years. I like the humor and adventure, and found myself wishing I saw more of some fringe characters, like those from Teen Titans, but there is no way they could get every character in a single story. The story line was broken down into chapters- each a individual part of the adventure, and with a different portion of the characters. I think some readers might be a little confused here, but the breaks were clear enough that it should not be a big problem. I really liked the comradery and the message of not having to do absolutely everything yourself. Delegating tasks, working as a team, and trusting your friends are major parts of the story and are things even adults need to be reminded of.

Hits and Myths is a nice introduction to the DC universe and its characters for young readers. The writing is well done, and the strong female (and male)  characters are important in works for readers of all ages.

Book Review: Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn

Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn is a wonderful contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and mystery. Kellen Ryan has taken the survival skills she learned on the streets and used them to create an elite search-and-rescue operation, as well as the first home she’s known in forever—a sanctuary in Haven, Colorado, high in the Rockies. A small mountain town was the last place Harvard-educated Dr. Dana Kingston expected to find herself. Still, when she’s offered an opportunity to partner with Kellen’s operation and develop a medical triage center, Dana follows her heart. Dana falls hard and fast for the enigmatic Kellen. But she quickly realizes Kellen’s heart is as carefully guarded as her past, and breaking through will take time. Except time is the one thing they may not have, because a deadly threat has returned, and this time he plans to finish what he started.

Just Enough Light is a story with wonderfully complex characters. Kellen has survived much, a horrible home life, time on the streets, and a fall that would have killed most people. However, she is still determined to help others and rescue everyone she can, even when it means putting herself at risk. The only thing she really does not want to face is her past. Dana is a doctor that wants to live her life for herself and make her own decisions. Working with Search and Rescue in the Rockies seems like a great way to start over. She did not expect to need rescuing, or to fall in love. But, life and love seem to have their own ideas. Finding their footing in their working roles, and in the relationship has its pitfalls. But when danger comes too close for comfort the past must be confronted and Kellen needs to face down more than a grieving murderer, she also needs to face her past and decide if she is ready to stick around and forge a brighter future. A great love story, and interesting mystery, and a look at characters with different backgrounds and history. I really enjoyed the look at how the past can shape our present, but that we have control over who we become. I also found that I loved the pure honesty ad organic nature of the love story. At no point did the fact that the romantic interests were both woman become the major point of the story. They are just two people in love. That is beautiful. Too often the heart of the story gets lost in the gender, sexual orientation, or race of a character rather than just enjoying that we are all people and none of that really matters.

Just Enough Light is a well-told romance. I like that the psychological scars of the characters are addressed, but at no point is that the main point of the story. The love story was just so natural and organic that any aspect of the story that might otherwise override it just melted away. Great writing, I look forward to more from the author.

Early Book Review: The Jolly Regina (The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters) by Kara LaReau

The Jolly Regina is the first book in The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters series by Kara LaReau. This middle grade novel is currently scheduled for release on January 10 2017.

Meet Jaundice and Kale Bland, two sisters who avoid excitement at any cost. Together, they patiently await the return of their parents, who left on an errand years ago and have never returned. One day, the Bland sisters are kidnapped by an all-female band of pirates. They’re unwillingly swept into a high-seas romp that might just lead to solving the mystery of what happened to their parents.

The Jolly Regina is a quick, fun read. The Bland sisters like thinks simple since their parents disappeared on an errand. They need to learn how to deal with adventure and surprises, and become very good at it. There is a good amount of humor here, but it is a dry subtle style that might go over the heads of some readers. I like the semi-reliable narrators that the girls made. They are very observant, but often fail to connect the dots of the facts they face. I enjoyed the ending and the twists tossed in along the way, the coincidences were great fun.  I have mixed feelings, and I think that this is one of those books that readers will love or hate with very little middle ground. the adventure is wacky and fun, but has the undertone of dry humor that can amuse and entertain.

The Jolly Regina is a fast and fun read. I think it would be a good read for those making the transition from easy readers to chapter books, and those that want reads that combine a slightly Gothic feel with a zany adventure. 

Book Review: 2create: Art Collaborations in New York City by Yoav Litvin

2create: Art Collaborations in New York City by Yoav Litvin is a book that showcases the work of nine pairs of New York City's finest graffiti and street artists, delving deep into their backgrounds, techniques, and collaborative processes. Each duo consists of artists with unique styles who come together to create a larger-than-life work of street art in a neighborhood in New York, the birthplace of modern graffiti. Witness the immense creative potential of collaborations that have produced stunning examples of classic graffiti, collage work, screen printing, and murals. Each chapter provides access to a mysterious underworld, leading readers to secretive meetings of creative minds out of which ephemeral, yet nonetheless remarkable, works are born and later transferred onto walls, rooftops, trucks, and subway platforms.

2create: Art Collaborations in New York City is a wonderful book offering the insights, artistic processes, and motivation for a variety of artists. I liked reading about the diverse artists and how they work alone, and in collaborations. The process of collaborating is  as varied and interesting as the artwork that it produces. The combination of inspiration and work styles made the read very interesting. As a crafter that lives in the region of the artists interview, and the state at least one was born in, I felt a connection to some of the artist and saw some of my own inspirations and thoughts in their words. I really enjoyed reading about all these artists. It really shows that art is universal, no matter how differently it is approached and how the artists and admirers come to it.

2create: Art Collaborations in New York City is a great read for artists and art enthusiasts alike. I found the interviews and photographs to be inspiring and informative. The variety of styles, processes, and canvases was well balanced and made for a nice read. 

Book Review: Striker, Slow Down by Emma Hughes, John Smisson

Striker, Slow Down is a picturebook written by Emma Hughes and illustrated by John Smisson. Striker the cat is unstoppable! He thinks that there is too much fun to be had, and no matter what his mama tells him, he never slows down. One day, a bump to the head brings this busy cat to a standstill. Will Striker finally listen to his mama and learn to make time for a little calmness?

Striker, Slow Down is a charming book about slowing down and taking the time to notice things and clear the head. The illustrations are sweet and charming, capturing the energy Striker has and the reluctance to slow down. As a mom of two very active children I have seen this in real life, the fear of missing out or not taking advantage of every fun possibility that comes their way. I enjoyed that the book show how slowing down and being more aware, more mindful, of their bodies and the world around them. I think there was a nice balance of fun and getting the point across with out getting pushy. I think the concept of thinking of nothing might be hard for some youngsters to grasp, and I felt like there was not much time spent on how to actually relax. Although I do like the idea of starting this conversation and giving parents and caregivers some of these tool, both for themselves and the kids. 

Book Review: Stickman’s Guide to the Oceans in Layers by Catherine Chambers, Venitia Dean (Illustrations), John Paul de Quay

Stickman’s Guide to the Oceans in Layers, written by Catherine Chambers and illustrated by Venitia Dean and John Paul de Quay, offers readers of all ages a look beyond the surface of the ocean. Dive deep into the ocean to explore what each layer from the surface to the ocean floor contains. Discover the animals and geography of each layer as you descend. Current stressors on our oceans are included along with the basic information on each layer of the oceans. 

Stickman’s Guide to the Oceans in Layers offers a pretty perfect balance of illustrations, humor, and information. The information is delivered in small chunks, but offers some facts and information that I had not already seen in all the children’s nature books that I have read with my animal obsessed daughter. It was nice to learn something new, in a way that was fun and well paced. I think this would new a hit in home, school, and public library collections. I think I am going to have to revisit the Stickman’s Guide series and see what other titles would be well received my my own readers. Fun and information, what a great combination.

Stickman’s Guide to the Oceans in Layers is a wonderful resource for readers that want more information about the world they live in. I like that current issues that are affection the ocean environments, such as climate change and oil spills, are included in the book. Will the balance of illustrations, information, and silliness I think that just about everyone that picks up this book will learn something, and greatly enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Agnes and Clarabelle by Adele Griffin, Courtney Sheinmel, Sara Palacios

Agnes and Clarabelle is a children's book written by Adele Griffin and Courtney Sheinmel with illustrations by Sara Palacios. It is currently scheduled for publication on January 17 2017. It is an advanced easy reader or easy chapter book, depending on how you categorize those transitional books that help bridge the gap for young readers.

Agnes the pig and Clarabelle the chicken are best friends through every season! Whether it's planning the perfect birthday party in the spring, spending a summer day at the beach, braving a big department store in the fall, or making the very best pizza in winter, they help each other through every up and down. For Agnes and Clarabelle, everything is better when they're together!

Agnes and Clarabelle is a charmingly illustrated set of stories about best friends Agnes and Clarabelle. They are friends that will do anything for each other and help each other face challenges and fears on a daily basis. I like that they how teamwork and understanding no matter what they face, and do not judge each other no matter how intense those fears might be, or how silly someone else might find them. They are a perfect pair, and that is my only sticking point. While I love that the stories clearly show a character with anxiety, and how the pair care for each other unconditionally, i thought the lack of any frustration or conflict was a little too perfect. Although, that could have been intentional.

Agnes and Clarabelle is a sweet book that can help start discussions on anxiety, tolerance, and acceptance. I think it will appeal to many, and can help foster empathy in some and the feeling of not being alone in others.

PAIRED - Champagne & Sparkling Wines By Fran Flynn & David Stevens-Castro

  Blurb

• Writers Digest Book Awards - First Place - Reference Category

• Gourmand World Cook Book Awards - A 'Best in the World' award - Food & Wine Matching category

• Foreword Reviews - Finalist - Cookbook of the Year

• Australian Wine Communicator of the Year Awards - Finalist - Best Wine Book of the year These awards followed on from winning 'Best in Australia' in two categories of the Gourmand regional awards for 'Food & Wine Pairing' and 'French Wine' earlier in the year

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Food and wine pairing can be easy! All you need are taste buds and a sense of adventure. This beautifully presented, full colour recipe book will encourage and support you to experience the pleasure of food and wine pairing for yourself. The first volume showcases sparkling wines of all styles, and challenges usual perceptions by offering sparkling wines with tantalising home-cooked recipes for all courses of a meal, not just with finger food. The delicious recipes, presented by husband-and-wife team wine expert David Stevens-Castro and food photographer Fran Flynn create a foundation to apply your new pairing skills with confidence. Leave your comfort zone behind, try the unexpected, and bask in discoveries that your taste buds will be forever grateful for. Renowned award-winning wine expert Tyson Stezler contributes a foreword and discusses the current trends in champagne and sparkling wine consumption. Aimed at anyone with an interest in food and wine, this book uses a light-hearted and accessible style of language, plus full-colour illustrations to guide you on the right path to understanding food and wine pairings for yourself, with the added benefit of demystifying terminology and explaining wine labelling. Seven chapters each showcase a style of sparkling wine, present a visual synopsis of the country of origin, supply complimentary cheese ideas, and several recipes that will pair with the topical variety. Every recipe illustrated with full colour photographs is introduced by Fran, while David narrates some pairing suggestions. Common misconceptions about wine are dispelled, a broad range of dishes suitable for sharing and entertaining are presented, and suggestions on how you can introduce your friends to the wonderful world of food and wine are also provided. Note: All measurements appear in both imperial and metric format throughout the book.

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Book Review: Pedro 'n’ Pip: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey for Eco-Kids by Taylor Barton

Pedro 'n’ Pip: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey for Eco-Kids is a unique children's book by Taylor Barton. Pedro ‘n’ Pip is a raucous, uplifting rock 'n' roll odyssey about a tenacious ten-year-old girl, named Pip, and a ‘rockoctopus’, Pedro, who she meets while scuba diving after an oil spill in the Gulf. Together, they forge a powerful friendship and unite sea creatures and landlubbers alike to help clean up our waters for the good of all. A blend of colorful illustrations, easy-to-understand messages and an embedded musical score of more than a dozen original songs performed by a cast of award-winning musicians, including the legendary GE Smith, Robbie Wyckoff, (voice on Phineas and Ferb) Ella Moffly, Christine Ohlman, The Persuasions, David Broza and Jillette Johnson.

Pedro 'n’ Pip: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey for Eco-Kids is an interesting story- one that music fans, ecologically concerned children, and amateur marine biologists will understand and appreciate the most. Pip is a young girl with a vivid imagination and love of nature. When her father's company is involved in an oil spill her mission to help clean up is born- which lead her to the singing octopus Pedro. Yes, the story is strange, very much so, I do not mind that, and in some cases really appreciated it. I feel the same way about the inclusion of song lyrics. Sometimes this works, but I felt like the combination of both in the same book made it a little too unfocused. I just could not get lost in the story. Every time I would start to get into the flow another crazy event of song would pop up and I would lose the flow of the story. The adult is the story seemed to be fairly realistic at times, but more often than not completely unlikable. Pip's father had me upset with him in the very beginning, and I never really got over that- even when he was doing better.

Book Review: Made for Sin by Stacia Kane

Made for Sin is the first book in a new series by Stacia Kane. A lot of bad hands get dealt in Vegas, but E. L. Speare may be holding one of the worst: He’s cursed with the need to commit sins, and if he misses his daily quota, there’s hell to pay, quite literally. Fortunately, his hometown affords him plenty of chances to behave badly. But Speare’s newest case really has him going out on a limb. The right-hand man of a notorious crime boss has been found dead in a Dumpster—minus his right hand, not to mention the rest of his arm. What catches Speare’s attention, however, is that the missing appendage was severed clean by a demon-sword, a frighteningly powerful tool of the underworld. Speare’s out of his element, so he turns to a specialist: Ardeth Coyle, master thief, dealer in occult artifacts, and bona fide temptress. Ardeth’s hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk on the Fourth of July, but she’s one sin Speare has to resist. The dismembered corpses are piling up, unimaginable evil lurks in the shadows, and if this odd couple hopes to beat the odds, Speare needs to keep his hands off Ardeth, and his head in the game. 

Made for Sin is a solid start to an urban fantasy series. E.L. Spears is a man of two minds, the second is a demon that lives in his head and takes over his body if he does not feed him enough sin and anguish. He did not count on his best source of information top solve a gruesome murder being a woman that he would be so attracted to, and enjoy verbally sparring with. Ardith is a thief, and his best shot at finding answers. However, now they are both in danger and more murders are making this even more problematic- as is their attraction. I like how pragmatic both characters are, and how they seem to take everything in stride. I feel like Kane has laid some of the groundwork for this series in other books, but the world building is pretty good here. I think it started a little slowly for me as I tried to figure out all the connections and details, but by the end of the book I had  reasonable grasp of the larger world. I am interested to see what happens next, but because of the characters rather than that world building. 

Made for Sin is a fast paced book with a little bit of everything. I like that there is mystery, fantasy, suspense, and a dash of romance tossed in there. While the romance occasionally becomes the main part of the story, the paranormal and suspense factors quickly take back over.