Book Review: Stitched #1 by Mariah Mccourt, Aaron Alexovich

Stitched #1 is a middle grade graphic novel by Mariah Mccourt and Aaron Alexovich. The story opens with a patchwork girl waking up in a crypt with no idea of who, where, or what she is. Welcome to the Cemetery of Assumptions, a vast landscape of stones, mausoleums, and secrets. Home to monsters and mayhem, it may also hold the answers to her unknown parentage. Crimson is a resourceful patchwork girl and determined to those answers. Along the way, she meets the mysterious Wisteria, who has a tendency to change and a witch named Parameter whose spells tend to go awry. And two boys, Simon and Quinton, who make her feel something besides lost and confused. She must battle ghosts, zombies, and monsters in order to learn where she came from and who her real "mother" is. But will she do it alone, or will she have help from her new friends and unexpected crushes?

Stitched #1 is an interesting story with a fun and unique twist. I liked the characters, particularly Crimson and Wisteria. I also enjoyed the setting and the complications found in the haunted house. I think the entire cast of characters was well done and I liked that no character was all good or bad, they were flawed characters with flaws and insecurities- which makes them more real in my opinion. I really enjoyed the artwork, and the atmosphere of the story. It worked well for me. The only thing I did not like was the crushes and love interest sub stories. I think it was unnecessary, and I would have preferred more of a friendship focus, regardless of gender, at least a bit longer before resorting to romantic ground laying for future volumes. It did not ruin the story, I just felt that it watered down the goodness of the setting and characters. It would have felt more solid and had me more enthusiastic had Crimson thought more about her missing memories and evolving friendships than how 'cute' the guys around her were. I just think that it is too hard already to find good books without romance or the groundwork for it, while it may be more important in the plot for future volumes, it was just unnecessary adornment here.

Stitched #1 is a fun and has sweet but creepy elements that will appeal to a number of readers. I enjoyed the artwork and story and am hoping to see more from this series.

Book Review: Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours by Wiebke Martens, Jennifer Jang

Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours by Wiebke Martens and Jennifer Jang is a photographic guide featuring five fully illustrated walking tours of the charming New Jersey town with seventeenth-century roots and the renowned university at its core. It explores the heart of Princeton University as well as its more modern sections; downtown Princeton, including some of its oldest neighborhoods; and the campuses of Princeton Theological Seminary and the Institute for Advanced Study. Each walk highlights the town's rich history, varied architecture, and a multitude of local attractions, ranging from museums and theaters to parks and playgrounds. For those who want to roam a bit farther, a host of ideas for short outings and longer excursions in the greater Princeton area are included.

Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours is a visual interesting and informative book about the history and features of Princeton and the surrounding area. The walking tour guides and information about how and why specific buildings came to be, and how things have changed over the years was interesting and well organized. I enjoyed the look at the school, its buildings. The full-page images paired with informative captions make this guidebook something that will appeal to locals, guests and the families of potential students or alumni.  I think the ideas for further excursions in the surrounding areas were particularly useful. The only downside is that much of the architecture and landscaping looks similar to other large universities- so as someone that has worked at or visited prestigious schools on a regular basis I found the images to be less interesting and unique than others that actually have a connection to Princeton. Too many colleges and universities have similar architecture, which means that the target audience for the book is very limited- but for those with a personal connection to Princeton and the area will certainly love it.

  

Book Review: Argyle Fox by Marie Letourneau

Argyle Fox is a picturebook by Marie Letourneau. Argyle Fox, with his signature style, wants to play outside on a springtime day, but the wind is wreaking havoc with his fun and games. As soon as he builds a card tower, climbs into a giant spider web, or takes up his pirate sword, here comes the wind: Woosh! Mama Fox tells grumpy Argyle that if he thinks long enough, he will come up with something to do. Following his mother’s suggestion and inspired by her knitting, he works all the pieces of his day together and creates the perfect solution.

Argyle Fox is the story of a young fox determined to play outside, but the wind is making his favorite games impossible to play. I like that he has so many ready options, and that he is willing to keep trying. I was a little annoyed at the need for all the crazy cool props that Fox had to play with, rather than the use of pure imagination and playing with friends. HOwever, when he finally gets around to his final activity attempt he uses some of those props to build his new springtime toy. I understand that he needed some of that stuff to make that possible, and that it made his previous play attempts that much more heartfelt, but I still would have liked more imagination and less costume. That being said, I still loved the book and wish I had some of thase play props when I was a kid.

Argyle Fox is  a well drawn picturebook with a nice blend of imagination, lesson sharing, and fun. I love the message about creative thinking and the need to keep on trying. I think it would make a nice addition to school and public library collections.

Book Review: Batgirl Vol. 1 (Rebirth) Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson

Batgirl Volume 1 (Rebirth) Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson collects issues one through six. Barbara Gordon’s heart belongs to Burnside, the ultra-hip Gotham City neighborhood. But some threats are bigger than Burnside. And when those threats come calling, Batgirl will answer! When Babs plans a trip to train with the greatest fighters in the Far East, she has no idea her vigilante life will follow her. Lethal warriors are out to take her down, each bearing the mysterious mark of “The Student.” And where there are Students, there must also be…a Teacher. Batgirl’s quest to track down her enemies’ master will take her from Okinawa to Singapore to Seoul to Shanghai. Along the way, she’ll enhance her martial arts skills, and meet legendary heroes. 

Beyond Burnside takes place before the Birds of Prey story in the Rebirth story cycle. It is a look at Bab's past, and an interesting side story. As a fan of the idea of Batgirl, I have not read much about her aside from where she appears in other character's comics as a supporting character. This was a good glimpse at her background, and I really enjoyed the artwork and tone of the story. Batgirl is finding herself and ready to study and improve her skills to become who and what she wants to be. The mystery part of the story was good, but I think it was the character strength and development that really made the book.  I enjoyed the read, but only wish I had already read the Birds of Prey story- and more Batgirl books. 

Beyond Burnside is a good book, and one that tells a side story that is well done and fun- but not a must read. 

Early Book Review: Can You Find My Robot's Arm? by Chihiro Takeuchi

Can You Find My Robot's Arm? is a picturebook by Chihiro Takeuchi. It is currently scheduled for release on July 4 2017. This book is about a robot in search of his missing arm, in a paper-cut journey through home, garden, library, aquarium and the big city. He tries many objects that he finds in the world around him and discards them fairly quickly. Eventually he does settle on a replacement and discovers that it is not such a bad choice.

Can You Find My Robot's Arm? is a nice picturebook with well done paper-cut art work. The text is very simple, and the story allows for the reader to search each pages artwork for the robot's arm, and substitutions. I like the exploration of different possible arms, but was not blown away by the book. It was a good book, but not a great or stand out title. It is worth exploring for big robot fans, but I cannot picture it being requested for repeated reads. 

Book Review: Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy by Gareth Wronski

Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy by Gareth Wronski is a middle grade novel. Holly Farb is not the Princess of the Galaxy. She may be top of the class in every subject, but she can’t even win a school election, never mind rule the Milky Way. The aliens who kidnapped her have gotten it all wrong. Unfortunately Holly’s alien pirate kidnappers believe that she’s the princess they’ve been looking for, and so she finds herself hurtling through space on an alien pirate ship together with her teacher, Mr. Mendez, and Chester, the most annoying boy in her class. Now all she has to do is escape the pirates, find the missing princess, and get back to Earth in time for her big test on Friday. But it turns out that space is a pretty big place, and before they can go home, Holly, Chester, and Mr. Mendez must face down space cruise liners, bounty hunters, giant worms, perky holograms, cosmic board games, sinister insectoid librarians, and a robot who is learning how to lie. Between running from space pirates, defying the President of the Universe, and meeting a host of rather unusual new friends, Holly starts to wonder if there might be more to life than being top of the class after all.

Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy is the adventure of one young lady that has never felt in control, but has always tried to get her attention by being smart- because that is what she is good at. All she wants is to be important, to matter, and she does not even seem to get that at home. When pirate kidnap Holly, her teacher, and the new kid the real adventure starts. I loved the twists and turns, and while I expected a twist as to who the princess was, that twist was only one of the several possibilities that I had considered. I liked that while I knew something was coming, it was not so completely obvious that it was my only thought. I also liked how interconnected, but unusual, some of the turns the story took. The only thing that happened that I completely expected was the President of the Universe's attitude when push came to shove. While Holly began as a pessimistic and self pitying character, her actions and thoughts were understandable and I liked how much she changed and grew as the story continued. Chester, while not what they seemed at the beginning, changed and grew with Holly. I think it was their relationship and changing understanding that really pushed the book forward, even more so that the danger and adventure from space pirates, asteroid belts, the criminal element in a dive bar, and more that they faced along the way. I really liked that even in the moments of highest drama and danger there was an underlying sense of humor and fun. I love a story that does not take itself too seriously, and this book hit the balance of fun, danger, and emotional growth very well.

Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy is a middle grade adventure with a coming of age story arch and sense of humor that appealed to me, and that I think will appeal to many other readers that have ever felt as isolated and 'other' as Holly. 

Book Review: Blue Beetle, Vol. 1: The More Things Change (Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1) by Keith Giffen, Scott Kolins, Romulo Fajardo, Jr., Josh Reed

Blue Beetle, Vol. 1: The More Things Change (Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1) by Keith Giffen, Scott Kolins, Romulo Fajardo, Jr., and Josh Reed collects the first six volumes of the Rebirth story arc of Blue Beetle. Bonded to the Blue Beetle Scarab, teenager Jamie Reyes has no idea what he's doing with one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. But he's in luck, because his predecessor--Ted Kord--is back in the DC Universe and here to serve as the young hero's mentor!Alongside fellow teen hero Doctor Fate, this duo will have to learn how to be heroes on the fly!

Blue Beetle, Vol. 1: The More Things Change is an entertaining and well drawn read. I know little of Blue Beetle's story, so I went into this book excited to learn more, but a little worried that my lack of knowledge would be an issue. Thankfully, my ignorance was not an issue and I felt fully engaged and entertained by the story. I think there was enough explanation of the Blue Beetle character- and the changes that must have taken place in previous storylines- that newcomers will be able to jump in like I did. I liked that the story includes mysticism along side action and emotional challenges for the major players. I also enjoyed the artwork and colors, and felt that they added so much to the atmosphere and character personalities as they faced the problems in the story. I do not know if long time fans of the characters will enjoy the book as much as I did, but I think new readers like myself will easily find themselves looking to discover more (both in the past and future) of the character.

Book Review: Strange Medicine: A History of Medical Remedies by John Farndon, Venitia Dean

Strange Medicine: A History of Medical Remedies by John Farndon and Venitia Dean is a children's non fiction book. Many of today's illnesses are often treated with a prescription for medication. But long ago, people battled sicknesses with roots, plants, and even bugs. Learn more about early remedies and the seemingly strange ways people tried to cure illnesses. This book combines visuals and concise explanations of historical illnesses, accepted cures, and various other tidbits of information relating to the history of medicine.

Strange Medicine: A History of Medical Remedies is well organized with a combination of photographs and illustrations that help interest the audience and support the information in the text. The language used is clear and concise, giving information and entertainment mixed in together. The information is engaging and entertaining, with bits of weird facts (often involving pee or poop) that will appeal to those more interested in gross or silly facts of humor. I like that the medical history and odd facts included are not only about one area, culture, age or gender. More importantly, at no point is the information mocking of the people or practices. I think the blend of information and entertainment is very well done, and it is clear that the authors know their audience, and what will keep them engaged and reading. 

Strange Medicine: The Sickening History of Medicine is a fun and informative collection of medical history complete with images that further interest and engage readers of all ages. 

Book Review: Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem by Patricia Newman

Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem by Patricia Newman is a non fiction book for children and adults.  Marine biologist Brent Hughes didn't think sea otters and sea grass had much in common. But his research at Elkhorn Slough, an estuary on Monterey Bay in northern California, revealed a new and surprising connection between the two. The scientist expected this estuary to be overrun with algae due to the fertilizer runoff from surrounding fields. But it wasn't. Why?

Sea Otter Heroes goes into well organized and worded detail about the hows and whys behind Brent HUghes investigating why Elkhorn Slough was not overrun with algae like other similar locations. What inspired him and how he went about the research is an important portion of the book, with made me happy. Too often, books explore scientific mysteries or studies leave this important part of the story out. I liked that readers got to see how complex and layered the effort was to discover what made this particular slough different than others, and how the research and studies were hard but satisfying work. I loved the information that was presented, and how the images were used to further connect the reader to the information, bringing everything into a clearer focus. As someone that spends a good portion of the summer loving the ocean, and loves all animals I was interested and entralled with the read. As the mother of a young animal lover that has been insistant for years that she is going to take care of wild animals as a career, I found that this book offered her further inspiration for that desire. Furthermore, the book offered a better understanding of ecosystems and the nature of scientific research and studies that are needed to make that kind of job possible and effective. 

Sea Otter Heroes is a great book for exploring how studies like this are done, and how seemingly little changes in the environment can have very important effects on the ecosystem. It is well organized, interesting, and understandable read that might inspire young readers to be out future scientists or simply more aware of the environment and how interconnected the individual creatures- regardless of size- can impact each other.

Early Book Review: Yellowstone Country: Idaho, Wyoming & Montana by David Skernick

Yellowstone Country: Idaho, Wyoming & Montana is a collection of artwork by David Skernick. It is currently scheduled for release on June 28 2017.  Are you up for a road trip? Ride along the back roads of the vast Yellowstone region and enjoy stunning panoramic photographs that reveal the beauty of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana and include Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in all their glory. Embark on an expedition without GPS, visiting majestic wildlife and drinking in fantastic landscapes along the way. Glimpse the emerald green Shoshone Falls in Idaho, turning aspens and grazing moose in the Grand Tetons, black bears roaming the Devil’s Tower region in Wyoming, glorious geysers, steamy hot springs, and imposing bison with their young in Yellowstone, the raging Bull River and otherworldly Glacier National Park in Montana, as well as lonely railways and isolated barns along “gray” roads, that is, the ones less traveled. The appendix includes a complete list of camera equipment, exposure, and panorama statistics—enough to satisfy even the techiest of photographers.

Yellowstone Country: Idaho, Wyoming & Montana is a beautiful collection of images that has me itching for a road trip. However, since that is not in the cards for my near future, I am turning that inspiration toward to local parks and beauty that can be found closer to home. Looking through this collection really made me more appreciative of the everyday beauty of the world, and wanting to both share it and protect it from the pollution and destruction that seem so inevitable these days. While I might be far from Yellowstone- and I might never get to see it in person- I found that the angles and light in this photographs made me feel like I was there, and I was able to glory in the sheer scope, amazing colors, and the pure power of nature. No matter where you live, and if you are a wanderer or homebody, this photographic journey will enthrall and amaze you with the wonderful sights to be found in Yellowstone Country.