Book Review: Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal by Traer Scott

Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal by Traer Scott is a combination of photography and animal memoirs. Gregarious or shy, curious or placid, playful or retiring, all the animals in Traer Scott's newest collection have one thing in common: a sparkling personality! This whimsical, soulful, and personal photo collection focuses on the lives of the farm animals we often take for granted. Scott introduces us to barnyard animals both familiar and lesser known, from cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens to Dolly the woolly llama, Bianca the Sicilian miniature donkey, Percy the Indian peafowl, and Justice the yak. Some of the animals are kept as pets; others are denizens of farm sanctuaries that Scott has visited. She shares her anecdotes about a Texas longhorn steer whose best friends are a trio of goats, a turkey who likes to snack on grapes and watermelon, and many others. Lively captions provide information on each breed, to round out this enchanting tribute to our four-legged (and winged) friends from the farm.

Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal is a wonderful look at the personalities and lives of various animals that have found their way to animal sanctuaries and loving homes. Some have lived through horrible situations, abuse, or health complications while others have known nothing but loving care. The variety of animals, and their stories, made this book perfect for reading as a whole, or four browsing through to find a specific animal or story that really captures the heart or attention in the moment. I enjoyed reading about the happy endings some of the abused animals found, and the work that people are doing to save animals in need and to preserve and protect species that are on the decline. I have already been working to reduce my carbon footprint and the affect my lifestyle has on the world and animals we share it with. However, while this book does not chide people for their choices, it does encourage them to be more thoughtful and aware of how their choices can have an impact, and that small changes can help. Small changes add up, and I am planning on continuing to make some of those small changes to continue decreasing the negative impact I make, and to increase the positive. 

I really like that there is a list of the animal sanctuaries and related organizations at the end of the book. I encourage readers to look through that list and find one reasonable close to you, or doing work that means something to you, and follow up on the contact information given to see how you might be able to help. Not all of us can give monetarily, or help muck stalls or whatever. However I bet there is some way we can all support these organizations and help their work- such as organizing field trips, fundraisers, or simply just helping to spread the word about what their biggest need might be at the moment.

Book Review: Around the World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that Get Us From Here to There by DK, Katy Halford

Around the World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that Get Us From Here to There from DK, with illustrations by Katy Halford is a children's non fiction book about different modes of transportation. Travel around the world by yacht, tram, train, unicycle, jetpack, camel... everything you can imagine! Each scene depicts various exciting things that go and provides a wealth of interesting information. The fun and charming illustrations will prompt discussion and the incredible facts on every page will amaze readers.

Around the World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that Get Us From Here to There is a well illustrated book, using realistic but colorful depictions of everything from the dugout boats and horses that were among the first modes of travel people used, to the more unusual items like kiteboards and unicycles. Each invention or animal used for transportation has a brief explanation, offering some history of tidbit about comfort using that type of travel. Some items, like the car, hot air balloon, and camel have much more information than the rest. I can think of many young readers from my past elementary school library position that would have adored this book, and think it will be a favorite for some. 

Book Review: Love Like Ours (Sugar Lake) by Melissa Foster

Love Like Ours is the third book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster. While it is a series, and those following the series in order will have a better understanding of the characters and town, new readers will be able to fully enjoy the read as well. 

Talia Dalton lives her life on cruise control. Despite her successful career as a professor, she prefers protecting her broken heart to taking chances. She’s calm, cool, collected, and steady. Until the morning she takes her eyes off that familiar road and almost runs over the sexiest man she’s ever seen. It may not be the best way to start the day, but it might be the type of shake-up she needs. Male dancer Derek Grant has goals, and nothing is going to get in the way of achieving them. As a graduate student and the sole caretaker of his ailing father, he hasn’t much time for relationships. Then Talia crashes into his life. Sweet, pretty—and so buttoned-up that he can’t wait to help her cut loose. For Derek, falling in love was a beautiful accident waiting to happen. And it might be exactly what Talia needs—if she’s willing to let go of the past and embrace every surprise Derek has to offer.

Love Like Ours is a book full of feels. Talia is afraid of putting herself out there, and has been hiding behind her job and helping others rather than dating. When she did date it was all safe guys that she had no chemistry with- all because of a blow to her self esteem in college. I hate seeing characters that cannot seem to move past things like that for so long, but I will forgive that for now. Derek has a lot on his plate and adding a sexy professor with walls around her was unexpected. Their first encounter, and second, were pure chance, and I loved seeing their personalities play off each other. Derek is almost too perfect- so patient and sweet while trying to break down Talia's walls and help her trust him, and herself. Their intimate moments were very hot, and there were a ton of super sentimental moments. There were a few too many super sweet moments for me, Derek was just too sweet and thoughtful for me, firmly fantasy. However, it was a sweet and romantic read that fans of the series and the author will enjoy. I will stick out the series because I need Ben to get his moment, and I kind of want to know more about the secondary characters and their happy endings as well. 

Love Like Ours is as hot and heart warming as I expect from Foster. The characters are real and complex, and sentimental enough to trigger as the feels. 

Book Review: More Than a Princess by E.D. Baker

More Than a Princess is the first book in a new series by E.D. Baker. Aislin of Eliasind is more than just a princess, she's half-fairy and half-pedrasi, with magical gifts from each side of her heritage! One day, as Aislin is venturing through the woods, she is alarmed to hear a band of humans coming through. How did they get past the guarded magical passageway that leads to her hidden kingdom? Mistaken for a human herself, Aislin is captured, and soon realizes she's in even bigger trouble. She is being used as a pawn to help the king of this nearby kingdom, Morrain, find a secret passageway to the warring land of Scarmander so that he can capture his enemies by surprise. Aislin must find a way to break free, while also minding the beautiful human princess and ladies-in-waiting she now shares a castle with, who are all too ready to point out her differences. Thankfully, Aislin's inner strength goes beyond her magical qualities. And with a few loyal friends by her side, she's ready to stand up for herself and her kingdom once and for all.

More Than a Princess is a good start to a new series, with a few secondary characters that I think I might have seen mentioned in previous series by Baker- but not many familiar locations or characters so new comers will not feel left out or lost. Aislin is a smart and independent princess that feels less than or other than the majority of her family because her skills are different than theirs. I like that she is willing to take risks to protect others, but at the same time does not blindly make dangerous choices without forethought. This book introduces a new cast of secondary characters that will be important in Aislin's journey as it continues through the series, and I think the most important are very well fleshed out and made complex and interesting in their own right. I am a little over the hints for a future romantic relationship. I think it is more important for the middle grade set to see valuable friendships work regardless of gender, and not go right for the love match every time a boy and girl work together for a common goal. It is well done here, subtle with a will they/ wont they kind of feel- but I just want them to be a team without that feeling like a couple. It might not go that route- but I get the feeling that it will here. I enjoyed the journey and I think there were some great twists in the story and some significant danger and secrets conquered. There is nothing in the book that I could point to that made me unhappy, Baker did exactly what I have come to expect with their middle grade fantasy, however I still felt rather meh about the whole thing. Maybe it is just because I read it shortly after finishing the latest entry in the Frog Princess series, but I did not love it as much as I had hoped.

More Than a Princess is a book that fans of Baker will want to pick up, as it follows the themes and feel of what I have seen from them thus far. It did not feel as fresh and new to me as some of the earlier books, but I think this was more because of how soon I read it after another of their books rather than because of anything lacking or wrong with the book itself. 

Book Review: The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals by Maia Toll, Katherine O'Hara

The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals is a guide written by Maia Toll, with illustrations by Katherine O'Hara. Rosemary is for remembrance; sage is for wisdom. The symbolism of plants — whether in the ancient Greek doctrine of signatures or the Victorian secret language of flowers — has fascinated us for centuries. Contemporary herbalist Maia Toll adds her distinctive spin to this tradition with profiles of the mysterious personalities of 36 herbs, fruits, and flowers. Combining a passion for plants with imagery reminiscent of tarot, enticing text offers reflections and rituals to tap into each plant’s power for healing, self-reflection, and everyday guidance. Smaller versions of the illustrations are featured on 36 cards to help guide your thoughts and meditations.

The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals is a lovely book for both exploring to expand your knowledge and understanding of herbs, and to narrow in on a certain plant and better understand it. I like that the book explains the path to knowledge that led to the book I also really enjoyed the artwork, beautiful regardless of if it is there to decorate a section's beginning or to illustrate the herb being explained and explored. As someone that grows their own herbs and enjoys explore their uses, understands that most medicine began with the basics of herbal knowledge, and the belief in science and study I found the idea and approach of this book to resonate with me on several levels. For those looking for a new way to center themselves or meditate these rituals could be just what they are looking for. Since I was reading a digital copy I did not have the botanical cards, and so did not got to try the layouts and ideas offered at the end of the book for their use. However, I did like the ideas for rituals and the new ways of looking at some of my favorite herbs, and some that I had never thought too much about. 

This book is exactly what you would expect from the title, and has lovely illustrations alongside the text throughout the entire book. If this is the type of information and ritual that hold interest for you, this book will be a valuable addition to your library. 

Book Review: P is for Pterodactyl by Raj Halder, Chris Carpenter, Maria Beddia

P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever written by by Raj Halder and Chris Carpenter,and illustrated by Maria Beddia. Turning the traditional idea of an alphabet book on its head, this book is perfect for anyone who has ever been stumped by silent letters or confused by absurd homophones. This unique book takes silent letter entries like "K is for Knight" a step further with "The noble knight's knife nicked the knave's knee." Illustrations offer context clues, and alliterative words help readers navigate text like "a bright white gnat is gnawing on my gnocchi" with ease. Everyone from early learners to grown-up grammarians will love this wacky book where "A is for Aisle" but "Y is definitely not for Why."

P is for Pterodactyl is a great picturebook for almost all ages. I think it might be confusing for the youngest readers that are still working on sight words and figuring out the basics, but it might be an entertaining book for family sharing, or in a classroom setting. I can picture an upper elementary, or even higher, class using this book to show how strange our language can be, and get a better grasp on some of those oddities. I have to admit that I found the pronunciation key at the end of the book very helpful, because there were some words that I knew I had been mentally mispronouncing for years, because I had only seen them in books but never spoken. The illustrations are cute and bright, and offer a good amount of context clues to help readers figure things out. 

I think P is for Pterodactyl will be a big hit with a particular group of readers, and will be useful to others. I just do not see it having a broad or widespread appeal. 

Book Review: Yankees New England Adventures from the editors of Yankee Magazine

Yankees New England Adventures, from the editors of Yankee Magazine, offers readers a go-to source for in-depth travel information, with the photography and practical know-how that Yankee readers have come to expect. Whether you are interested in exploring the vibrant culture of tiny villages or big cities, eating outstanding meals in colonial inns or vintage diners, rambling through art museums or up steep wooded hills, this is the guide for you. An island stuck in the 19th century? A walk-in, stained-glass globe? A place where you can eat Thanksgiving dinner every day of the year? From the golden dunes of Nantucket to the alpine tundra of the White Mountains, from the blue waters of Lake Champlain to the green grass of Boston Common, travelers and residents alike will find over 400 local secrets, out-of-the-way places, and unique experiences in all six states of this remarkable region of America. Live the Yankee lifestyle and get on the road with Yankee’s New England Adventures.

Yankees New England Adventures is a lovely book for those that live in New England (like myself) and wonder what fun or beautiful things they might have missed over the years, and for those planning a visit. I am glad to say that I have visited most of the listed locations for my home state, and a good number of the locations in the others. I enjoyed seeing the photographs and reading the practical and succinct descriptions of locations that are familiar to me, and some that I have yet to visit. While not all of the information is absolutely correct, for instance Sleeping Giant State Park is still mostly closed- but who involved in publishing this book could have predicted a crazy tornado hitting Connecticut and causing the amount of damage it did to the area. However, I still think this is a great resource for planning a day trip or staycation if you are local, or a lovely time away for those coming from further away. I enjoyed the information and images, and the ideas the read gave me about where I can drag my family the next time I get the urge to explore.

Book Review: The Frog Princess Returns (Tales of the Frog Princess) by E.D. Baker

The Frog Princess Returns by E.D. Baker is a return to the Frog Princess series, in fact it is the ninth book for those keeping track.Two weeks after Emma's birthday, Prince Eadric—having been turned from a frog into a human again—is still in Greater Greensward. One day, a beautiful princess named Adara arrives at the castle in Greater Greensward for a visit, claiming to be Emma's distant cousin. But Adara has other motives that threaten Emma and Eadric's blossoming romance. Meanwhile, something is very wrong in Greater Greensward. Crops are dying, streams are drying up, and large sections of trees in the enchanted forest are withering—all because the Fairy Queen has disappeared. Without her, there is no peace in the magical kingdom, and dangerous foes threaten to take advantage of her absence. Only brave, tenacious Emma with her knowledge of the land can restore order but first she must set out on a journey unlike any before.

The Frog Princess Returns is an entertaining return to the world of the Frog Princess. Emma and Eadric are dealing with a princess attempting to win Eadric's attention and a crisis in the fairy population. The queen is missing, and in the attempts to choose a new leader there is chaos and deceit. The group needs to get the bottom of the fairy problems, which is much more complex than they were quite prepared for. I loved watching Emma and Eadric work together and talk things out together.  The journey they took was well done, with plenty of new dangers and characters, letting new readers and faithful fans enjoy the read equally. There are plenty of references to the previous books so returning readers can remember past adventures, but newcomers or those that have missed a book or two in the series will not be left behind. It was an enjoyable read that was more complex than I expected, and I love that kind of surprise. It was a joy to read.

The Frog Princess Returns is a fun continuation of the series, with a fun combination of adventure and character growth. Fans of the series, and the author, will want to pick this one up.

Book Review: Sugar (Cake) by Lauren Dane

Sugar is a follow up novella to Cake by Lauren Dane. I somehow missed reading Cake, but have read related romances in the Whiskey Sharp series, so I did have a good understanding of the characters and their friends and family.

Bad-boy artist Gregori Ivanov wants nothing more than to marry Wren Davis. He’s asked her before—more than once—but she insisted on waiting until she’d established her own career. Now that the time is finally right, Gregori has one hell of a celebration in mind. Restaurants, museums and NYC luxury all the way…on top of all the newlywed sex they’ll be having. The universe, unfortunately, did not get the message. When their plane is grounded in Idaho, they’re forced to improvise a road trip to get back to Seattle instead of the romantic getaway Gregori painstakingly planned. But that they’re together is what’s important, and with giant roadside potato museums, funky galleries in towns with little more than two stoplights and some seriously great diner food—in between all the great sex—Gregori and Wren find a honeymoon as unique and memorable as their love.

Sugar is sweet, obviously. It is great fun seeing Wren and Gregori struggle with ruined plans. Wren is upbeat and willing to try anything. She is willing to make the best of anything and finds joy in some of the quirkiest roadside attractions. Gregori is much more stoic and grumpy, with a love for Wren and sweets that is unstoppable. I really enjoyed reading about the loving pair finding their way together and finding joy in moments that others might not. I liked how they compromised and find a path that makes them both happy. The conflicts are situational rather than threats to the pairs happiness, which makes the book a fun and easy read with plenty of humor and heat.  

Sugar is a fun, feel good read with great character interactions and plenty of heat. This read is a great way to spend a fall weekend.

Book Review: The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry by Sean Connolly

The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry by Sean Connolly, the master of messy and dangerous (and therefore extra fun!) science, offers readers more than 20 hands-on experiments that introduce kids to chemistry, element by element. It starts with the basics of chemistry,  some history and discovery facts, and experiments that are easy enough to try at home or at school. 

The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry is more about the details and background of chemistry than the experiments that I was looking forward to. While I understand that understanding the science behind he experiments is important- not just for safety but for education.  However, I think that embedding that information into the experiments would be more effective and interesting for readers. The information is well written and understandable, it would be useful in a classroom or homeschooling setting as well as for personal study. I have not contemplated chemistry outside my kitchen for more years than I care to admit, but I still was able to follow the information. 

The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry is a good resource, and offers a good amount of information at a accessible pace. I was disappointed in what I found in the book, but because I was expecting it to be more about the experiments than the periodic table. It is good at what it offers, I was just looking for something different.