Book Review: Animals at Night by Anne Jankeliowitch, Delphine Chedru, Eve Bodeux

Animals at Night is a children's book written by Anne Jankeliowitch, illustrated by Delphine Chedru, and translated by Eve Bodeux. What do animals do at night?  For humans, the setting sun marks the end of the day and signals to us that it's time to go to sleep. But while people are quietly dreaming in their beds, there's a whole world of animals that's just waking up! Who are they, what do they do until morning, and how do they move, see, and hunt in the dark? The book features glow-in-the-dark content on all 32 pages.

Animals at Night is a nice non fiction book with details about what different animals do at night. While the glow in the dark gimmick is a fun draw, and will capture the attention of young readers, since I had a digital copy I was unable to enjoy the glow in the dark feature. However, I can picture late night reading by flashlight to take full advantage of the feature and enjoying it greatly. The information offered is well worded and organized. The animals were sorted by ecosystem, and offered a wide variety of creatures. I learned a few new things, and enjoyed the journey. I think it will capture the interest and curiosity of young readers. I liked the overall package, and think it will appeal to many both for the information and the glow in the dark feature. 

Book Review: The Troublemaker Next Door (McCauley Brothers) by Marie Harte

The Troublemaker Next Door is the first book in the McCauley Brothers series by Marie Harte. Flynn McCauley never thought he’d be so cliché as to fall for the girl next door. But when Maddie calls him over to help fix her faulty sink, he’s a goner. Too bad the fiercely independent interior designer wants nothing to do with him. Even worse, he’s forced to rely on the advice of his nosy brothers—and his five-year-old nephew!—to figure out how to make her give him a shot.

The Troublemaker Next Door is a nice way to visit the world I have come to love from Harte, and see where it all started. Maddie has always had to work hard for everything, which makes her stubborn and fiercely independent- even when she should ask for support. Flynn meets Maddie on her worst day, and is immediately enthralled by her spirit and temper. I like that they are both honest about what they do and do not want from each other, and then have to struggle with themselves about the true of their words. I really loved that while Flynn is very much a take charge guy, he gives Maddie respect and space. His patience and thoughtfulness really makes him a great character, and one that will leave many readers swooning. The juxtaposition between the sweetness of his character and the not so sweet talk and commanding nature they both exhibit in the bedroom makes it all more attention grabbing. I loved the banter between the characters, and the set up for the bevy of books that follow it. Even knowing how some of the pairings turn up, I will be reading all the books I missed along the way. 

The Troublemaker Next Door is a book I picked up because I enjoyed the later works of the author so much. This has the same writing style and feel, but I can see how much she has already grown and evolved as a writer. I will continue reading her books new and old, because of her skill with characters.  

Book Review: Yak and Dove by Kyo Maclear

Yak and Dove, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Esme Shapiro, is a picturebook with three interconnected stories about two very different friends. Yak and Dove are complete opposites. Yak is large and Dove is small. Yak has fur and Dove has feathers. Yak is polite. Dove is ill-mannered. Yak likes quiet. Dove likes noise. One day as Yak and Dove list their differences they come to the conclusion that maybe they aren't meant to be friends. In the hope of finding a new best friend, Yak holds auditions. But when a small feathered contestant sings Yak's favorite song, the two begin to think that maybe they are alike after all.

Yak and Dove is a fun read. The three interconnected stories center around the friendship of the very different individuals. They are very different, and that does not always make friendship easy. However, I like that the stories came together to show how they compliment each other and are good friends because of those differences rather than in spite of them. I liked the whimsical nature of some of the story, it contrasted nicely with the real issues of friendship and working through problems with our friends rather than giving up and walking away, or making friendship conditional.

Book Review: Hold Tight (For You) by Alexa Riley

Hold Tight is the second installment in the For You series by Alexa Riley. I have not read the first book in this series, but I have read other books by the author and found that each book can be enjoyed on its own, but reading them in order does give a better sense of the main characters and how they interact.

 

A hotshot consultant hired to streamline Osbourne Corp. meets his match in Pandora Justice—the more she plays hard to get, the more he wants her.  Pandora Justice took over as head of security at Osbourne Corp. after her father's retirement. Eighty-hour workweeks are normal; being brushed up against by hot consultants with ridiculous names is not. And she doesn't like it. Not even one bit.  The first time Pandora sees Royce in the ring—all tattoos and sinew, covered in sweat—he looks at her like he's just won more than the fight. Like he won her.  Royce's cocky grin with deep dimples makes Pandora melt. Once she wanted to smack that look off his face—now all she wants to do is kiss it. For the rest of her life.  

Hold Tight is a quick, contemporary romance. I like that I had read a previous book where Pandora's parents meet so I already knew about the family, their personalities, and long standing family dynamics- however newcomers will not suffer for the loss of information. I liked that Pandora is a strong, hard working woman and an alpha in her own right. I like her work effort and transparency as to what she wants from the world. I also like her hidden vulnerabilities, her fear of getting hurt and how she tries to protect herself, even on an unconscious level. I also like that while Royce is a strong, confident man he give her the space that she needs to figure out what she wants. Even though he might want to push the issue, and occasionally veers into the stalker zone, he never pushes her so far that she feels the pressure. I did find the physical attraction and parts of the relationship to be a little over the top, but it was still a fast, fun read that gave me almost exactly what I expected from the author.

Hold Tight is a short, quick read. Fans of Riley will recognize and enjoy the writing style, and get more of what they are looking for. I found Royce to be less of the stalker, domineering male than her other books- which I counted as a good thing- but this is still very much about an alpha male falling for a strong woman. 

Book Review: I am Bat by Morag Hood

I am Bat by Morag Hood is a picturebook about a bat who is a little grumpy, and very protective of his cherries. When they start going missing the bat searches for the thief, even blaming the reader. As he searches he discovers that cherries are not the only delicious fruit available. 

I am Bat is a cute picturebook about a grumpy little bat afraid that his favorite foods will disappear. When he finds cherries gone he is desperate to find the cherries, and the culprit. I loved his reluctant admission that he likes pears too, when that option appears. The art is simply but bold, and reminds me of the art on Gravett's picturebooks (which is a good thing). It is a short, simply, fun read that plays well for a short read aloud while being simple enough for independent reading for the littles as well. 

Book Review: Blood Gamble (Disrupted Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Blood Gamble is the second book in the Disrupted Magic series by Melissa F. Olson, which is an offshoot of the Scarlett Bernard series. I highly recommend reading all of the two series in order, but to be honest I love the author so I recommend reading all of her books period. 

If there is one city that Scarlett Bernard hates, it’s Las Vegas. But when the cardinal vampire of Los Angeles convinces her to go investigate a new vampire-themed stage show, Scarlett quickly finds herself shoulder-deep in sequins, slot machines, and Old World intrigue. The show’s creators are vampire celebrities Arthur and Lucy Holmwood, who once inspired characters from the original Dracula. Now, however, they have no qualms about announcing their true status to the human world, endangering the secrecy of the Old World and Scarlett’s mission to keep it hidden. But before she can begin untangling the Holmwoods’ motives, Scarlett also discovers that their new production has attracted more than just fans: Las Vegas’s many vampires are suddenly disappearing, and rumors are flying that actual vampire hunters may have followed Arthur and Lucy to town. Now, without her allies, her bargest, or her frequent partner Jesse Cruz, Scarlett must navigate a new underworld of secrets and murders in a city where nothing is ever as it seems. And the stakes have never been higher.

Blood Gamble is a fast and furious addition to Scarlett's story. She is facing huge odds, yet again, and deals with crisis on physical and emotional fronts. Again, I loved her journey of personal and work related discovery, and her drive to protect those around her even if they might not need her protection. I think her drive for information and the conflicts and betrayals that thread through the story kept me turning pages and eager to see how her reunion with another Null goes, and how the story of Lucy and Arthur will play out. I loved the addition of the fact Scarlett is in a city she hates, and that she is trying to guard the secret of her real job while doing it and keeping her family and friends safe.  So much is going on that I think the reader can see what is coming easier than Scarlett, only because we are a step back, but oh what a ride. I enjoyed every agonizing or life and death moment. Oh, and the changing dynamics with Dashnell, and how Jesse gives Scarlett and the readers perspective on the whole thing- so good. I found the final twist to be one I had been holding my breath for, and oddly anticipating. I am eager to see where the series takes us next.

Blood Gamble is another great urban fantasy, and I was left stunned at the end. I cannot wait for what ever comes next. Seriously, I need the next book now. 

Book Review: Under-the-Bed Fred by Linda Bailey

Under-the-Bed Fred is a transitional chapterbook written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Colin Jack. This is perfect for those readers moving beyond picturebooks and branching into more challenging reads. It is broken into a few smaller stories, so it is not overwhelming to readers that might still be intimidated by chapter books.

There's a monster under Leo's bed making a ruckus every night. When Leo needs to go to the bathroom, he leaps from the bed to the door -- careful not to put his feet on the floor within the monster's reach. But one night Leo gets tired of being scared and boldly calls out to the monster to see if they can't just work something out. Surprisingly, the monster listens, and Leo finds out that even enormous monsters have fears! Leo and his monster, Fred, team up to face their fears, each with his own unique strengths. Over the course of five easy-to-read chapters, their friendship blooms as they face everything from bullies to bedbugs.

Under-the-Bed Fred is a fun book for independent readers, and for sharing. I like that Leo faces his fears, and learns something about prejudice and friendship. I found Fred to be a cute and imaginative creature, making the story fun. Leo has real kid problems, and some fears shared by most children at some point. I liked his persistence and patience with Fred- and thought that the exasperation he feels towards Fred at times mirrors what adults and older sibling might feel when the target audience gives into the fears Leo faces. I think this book could help young readers  face monster fears, and dealing with the stresses of bullies and school. The illustrations add a nice touch to the story, adding emotion and additional fun to the read.

Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit) by Katie Ruggle

On the Chase is the second book in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series by Katie Ruggle. The first book was Run to Ground. While each book can be enjoyed on its own, I think the character information that is carried from one book to the next enhances the read, and that fans of the series will get more out of the experience, but that new comers can enjoy the read too.

The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention, especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch. Because Hugh is tall, dark, and nothing but trouble. Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench. Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town's mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper's bullet, Hugh's mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps, or both of them will pay the price.

On the Chase is a good contemporary romance with the suspense twist. I liked Kaylee's character for the most part, but I occasionally found her to fall a little flat. The start of this show was Hugh, he is a great character with humor and strength. I liked his pragmatism and attempts to save everyone while still sidelined from his last round of being a hero. I found their romance itself to be a little understated, it just kind of happened, but the danger and suspense aspects of the story were constant. I liked that it was coming from all sides, and that there were twists that I did not expect. I enjoyed the read, but have to admit that I was not as emotional involved in the romance of the book as I expected, but will keep on reading to see where the larger story arch takes the small town our endangered characters are taking cover in.

On the Chase is a solid addition to the series, and left me satisfied with the story, but wanting the next installment. While I enjoyed the first book more than this one, I fully expect the next book to be even better and will keep on reading. 

Book Review: Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin

Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin is an interesting take on the classic tale.The wicked witch has Rapunzel trapped, but not for long! Rapunzel lives all alone in a tall, dark tower. Under the threat of a witch's fearsome curse, the poor girl seems doomed to a life in captivity. But is Rapunzel frightened? Oh no, not she!

Rapunzel is a twist on the classic tale, having Rapunzel quicker to find her spunk than most versions of the story, and taking bigger risks. The art is stylized, a little too much for my tastes but I think it will appeal to many parent and young readers. I like that Rapunzel does not need a prince or any encouragement to want more, although she does form friendships. I think it was fun, and an entertaining read. It was quirky and will appeal, but it just did not wow me. 

Book Review: Brooklyn's Sweet Ruin: Relics and Stories of the Domino Sugar Refinery by Paul Raphaelson

Brooklyn's Sweet Ruin: Relics and Stories of the Domino Sugar Refinery by Paul Raphaelson tells the story of what was once the largest in the world, shut down in 2004 after a long struggle. Most New Yorkers know it only as an icon on the landscape, multiplied on T-shirts and skateboard graphics. Paul Raphaelson, known internationally for his formally intricate urban landscape photographs, was given access to every square foot of the refinery weeks before its demolition. Raphaelson spent weeks speaking with former Domino workers to hear first-hand the refinery’s more personal stories. He also assembled a world-class team of contributors: Pulitzer Prize–winning photography editor Stella Kramer, architectural historian Matthew Postal, and art director Christopher Truch. The result is a beautiful, complex, thrilling mashup of art, document, industrial history, and Brooklyn visual culture. Strap on your hard hat and headlamp, and wander inside for a closer look.

Brooklyn's Sweet Ruin: Relics and Stories of the Domino Sugar Refinery is a look at something I had never thought much about, even though I am well versed in the state of manufacturing in my local area. The Domino sugar factory, abandoned and in disrepair is something haunting to look at. I was very interested in the information about the factory and the struggles to keep it afloat, and the perspective of those directly involved in the factory. The idea that the building was set for destruction is sad, but the state of it and the empty rooms was simply depressing, but still somehow beautiful. The combination of photography and information is poignant and enthralling. It offers readers a look at the history and importance of the building and former business. The book is a great coffee table book for those that appreciate industrial art, and the stark beauty that can be found in these images of this factory after being abandoned, but before demolition.