Book Review: A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans, Vol. 1 Story by Kurusu Natsume, Illustration by Sai Izumi

A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans, Vol. 1 Story by Kurusu Natsume, Illustration by Sai Izumi. Judging by the title and cover I thought this was a graphic novel, fair warning that while there are scattered illustrations, it is not.

I'm Rei Hitoma, a self-professed misanthrope thanks to some past trauma. Just when I thought my new teaching job in the mountains would provide a chill, rejuvenating environment, it turns out that this school is actually for demi-humans who want to become full-fledged human beings! There’s a mermaid, a werewolf, a rabbit, and a bird...all of whom are now my charges. It’s my duty to teach them about humankind—and maybe in the process, I’ll learn a few things myself. This isn't an alternate world or a case of reincarnation. It’s just the story of a teacher at a somewhat peculiar school, and his students who are striving to become human.

A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans is an interesting read, and deeper than I was looking for or expecting from the title. I was expecting a bit of a fun fish out of water story. There certainly was some of that, but there was also a great deal of insight into how people think and think they are perceived by others. Not only does Hitoma learn about the demi humans that are his students, he grows and matures along the way as well. I think readers get a good understanding of all the major characters and still get surprised a few times along the way. I honestly picked this book up expecting a light, fun read to take a break between some denser reads- and while I did not get what I was looking for I still really enjoyed the ride. 

Early Book Review: Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome by Mihaela Noroc

Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome by Mihaela Noroc is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This collection of powerful photographs and moving stories showcases young women of all backgrounds, from a myriad of cultures, showing us that all girls are awesome in their own special way. Travel from Kabul to Texas with author and photographer Mihaela Noroc and experience astonishing diversity and a shared humanity in Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome. The inspiring stories of these young women are the stories of our planet. Their gaze into the camera reveals their strength and tenacity, their joy and fun-seeking spirits, even in the face of hardships and extraordinary challenges.

Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome is a wonderful book for children and adults to look through and explore. I loved the diversity of girls included, and thought that everyone could see someone they could identify with or aspire to be more like. Some of the girls had more information shared about their experiences, culture, and plans than others. However, I think the information shared was well balanced between different parts of the world, different cultures and experiences, and different plans for the future. Some of the young people included were continuing and celebrating the culture and traditions of their families, others were breaking new ground, and some shared nothing more than enjoying being a kid. I loved that every path was celebrated and that the emphasis was on strength, happiness, and hope for the future.  I learned some things about different countries and cultures, and I think some readers will see the names of countries or people that they have never heard of before. I hope that it can inspire future exploration into those areas, and the understanding that all of us are at the heart the same, while we have so many differences to celebrate and explore to better understand each other.

Book Review: Fowl by Shaun McMahon

Fowl by Shaun McMahon is a children's chapter book. Bert loves playing football. He dreams of being a professional footballer for his local side West Farthing F.C. There is just one problem. Bert is a chicken. Bert lives on Manor Side Farm where the other chickens make fun of him for being different – a chicken should not play football, they say – but despite this, it is still Bert’s dream. After a chance visit to the farm by Gerald Fox, the manager of West Farthing F.C., Bert is talent spotted and offered a try out. Gerald wants Bert to be their secret weapon in an upcoming game. 

Fowl is a short chapter book that will appeal to young readers that enjoy doing something unexpected, like a chicken playing football (soccer to Americans). I thought the story had a good balance of adventure and Bert trying to do what he loved. The action was well done, and Bert's loyal character made him a solid character for young readers to relate to and root for. There are lessons about being yourself, support of/for friends and family, and friendship. I have to admit that looking at the cover and reading the description I expecting some illustrations, and I was a little sad to find none. I think the book could have benefited from some, even simple black and white sketches at chapter beginnings or high action moments would have added a great deal to the whole.  

Early Book Review: Moon Pig by Celina Lagnado, Leo Lagnado

Moon Pig by Celina Lagnado and Leo Lagnado  is a children's book currently scheduled for release on December 1 2020. Pig is a dreamer and he is planning to go to the moon. Join Pig in his adventure as he works to make his dream a reality. After lots of planning and hard work he puts together a rocket and flies off to his adventure. A book for young children about possibilities, imagination, and big dreams. 

Moon Pig is a cute picturebook about a young pig that dreams of going to the moon. He seems to have talked about it ad dreamed about it for awhile, and uses his imagination and crafting skills to make it happen, and still make it home in time for dinner. I think the story itself was very cute, and one that kids can relate to and emulate, using their own imagination to take journeys of their own. The pages were colorful and told the story well, but I was not wowed by the book. It was cute, but the illustrations felt a little clunky and childlike- which could be the aesthetic they were going for- but it just dd not work for me. I think some young readers will really enjoy it, but it did not make me as happy as I had hoped.

Book Review: To Dream In Daylight by Candace J. Thomas

 

To Dream In Daylight by Candace J. Thomas is a new adult novel. From childhood, Adri and Simon have always been there for each other, through every loss, triumph, joy and heartbreak. They’re perfect for each other, but there’s an unfortunate catch — they’ve only ever met in their dreams. Each of them thinks the other one is just a figment of their imagination, but what if they weren’t? All it takes is one video clip to change their lives forever. When timid Adri finds herself going viral overnight thanks to an embarrassing video, all she wants to do is disappear forever. But on the other side of the country in Portland, Simon sees the video and realizes for the first time that his soulmate — the girl of his actual dreams — is real. Simon’s desperate search for Adri leads him through the streets of Chicago, hoping against all odds that they will finally find each other in the waking world instead of losing one another forever to the haze of their dreams.

To Dream In Daylight is as much about both Adri and Simon figuring out what is important to them as it is their finding each other. I got lost in Simon's search for Adri, and felt for Adri as she struggled with figuring out just what she wants to do. I liked Adri, and her quirky nature even if she seemed to let others override her good sense a little too often. I enjoyed getting know them both, and I really enjoyed the cast of secondary characters. I thought Simon's sister and Adri's found family were such interesting people- and some that I might have like to know myself. Simon's physical journey, just missing Adri at so many points, was almost as stressful for me as it was for him. As Adri faced her demons, and Simon searched and had panic attacks, I found myself wanting to read faster to see how it all worked out and trying to look away because something else was going to keep them apart or cause some kind if pain in mere moments. This was a very compelling read, and it had me hooked from beginning to end. My only complaint is that I was left wanting more. Once they find each other, what's next? So many decisions and choices- and I want to know where they go from here. I am greedy like that.

To Dream In Daylight is a sweet contemporary romance and coming of age story.

Early Book Review: Ida and the Whale by Rebecca Gugger, Simon Röthlisberger

Ida and the Whale is a picturebook written by Rebecca Gugger and illustrated by Simon Röthlisberger. It was recently translated into English and will be released in the states on April 2 2019. What lies behind the sun, the moon, and the stars? Ida can’t stop thinking about these and other very important questions. Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey—where some of her questions are answered and even more created.

Ida and the Whale is a beautifully illustrated story about wonder and imagination. It is worth looking at for the artstyle alone, to be honest. I loved the colors and use of motion and line on each page. The story is gentle and soothing, and I think it would work well as a bedtime story or to help settle young readers for a quiet play or story time. I did find the text to be a little dull in comparison to the artwork. However, I think that was more because of translation than anything to do with the author.  In picturebooks word choice is so important to the flow, and translations do not always hold the intended rhythm and feel as the original.

Book Review: My Friend Sleep by Laura Baker, Hannah Peck

My Friend Sleep is a picturebook written by Laura Baker and illustratrated by Hannah Peck. This story is meant to help parents tackle the common issue of night terrors in young children. Readers travel alongside the main character through her dreams, and her friend Sleep. Greet friendly aliens, ride on a dragon's back and meet a scary monster, who turns out to be not-so scary after all. With Sleep by your side, nothing is as terrifying as it seems.

My Friend Sleep is a beautifully illustrated journey through dreamland. I liked how the artwork was dreamy and creative, following the imagination of the dreamer. I also like how it showed the good things that we can see in our dreams, and gives young readers a way to cope or change the bad that they might dream. The text and illustrations paired together well, and I think the overall effect was lovely. I am not sure if it will have the desired effect for children that are afraid to sleep and thus avoid bedtime and fight it, but I think it is well worth a try.

Book Review: Astronaut Annie by Suzanne Slade, Nicole Tadgell

Astronaut Annie is a picturebook written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. Career Day is approaching, and Annie can’t wait to show her family what she’s planning to be when she grows up. But, she must keep it a secret until Friday! So curious family members each ask Annie for a clue. Convinced that she’ll be a news reporter like he once was, Grandpop gives her his old camera and notebook to use for her presentation. Grandma is sure Annie wants to be a champion baker like her, so she offers a mixing bowl and oven mitts to Annie. Hopeful she'll become the mountain climber he aspired to be, Dad gives Annie an old backpack. Mom presents Annie with a pair of high-top sneakers to pursue Mom's favorite sport in high school -- basketball. Grateful for each gift, Annie cleverly finds a way to use them all to create her Career Day costume. When the big day arrives, Annie finally reveals her out-of-this-world dream to everyone.

Astronaut Annie is a picturebook that embraces and expresses the idea that you can be anything you want to be when you grow up. Anne has her  own dream, but has not shared it. I love the variety of options her family encourages her to follow, and hopes for her. I found the little hints (as if the title was not enough to give it away to readers) about what she really wants to be.The illustrations are lively, and add a great deal to the story.  I love that there are no limits placed on her, and while each of the people on her family have their own ideas of what her choice may be- they only offer support not pushes to follow the path they had in mind. I found the additional information in the endpapers about real women in NASA and the moon to be helpful for readers that are interested in learning about people and things involved in the dream of being and astronaut. I also liked that the sources and information for further research is also included.

Early Book Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang is a young to new adult graphic novel currently scheduled for release on February 13 2018.

Paris, at the dawn of the modern age: Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride—or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia—the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion! Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances—one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? 

The Prince and the Dressmaker is a graphic novel that is classically romantic; a story about identity, friendship, and character. I loved the character building and arc for the major players. I adored Frances, Sebastian, and the immediate circle of friends. I think the story of finding yourself, who you are, and what you want, is universal- even if you have nothing else in common with Frances and Sebastian. The evolution of their friendship, and how honest it was just took my breath away. It was a heart warming journey with the requisite bumps along the way. The importance of truth and art throughout the story was key to the heart of the story, and made it work so well. I will admit that the only artwork I was not thrilled with were some of the renderings of Lady Crystallia, but that could have just been the way the graphics loaded on my Kindle. 

The Prince and the Dressmaker is a beautifully drawn graphic novel that tells a story of friendship, self discover, and the importance of being honest about who you really are. I love the exploration of friendship and identity, and think most people will enjoy the read. Those with linear views on gender and sexual identity are the only readers that I think might react badly to the book. 

Early Book Review: The Fearless Traveler’s Guide to Wicked Places by Peter Begler

The Fearless Traveler’s Guide to Wicked Places by Peter Begler is a middle grade novel currently scheduled for release in March of 2017. Twelve-year-old Nell Perkins knows there is magic at work that she can’t yet understand. Her mother has been taken by witches and turned into a bird. Nell must journey to get her mother back, even if it takes her deep into the Wicked Places, the frightening realm where Nightmares resides. There she must break the spell and stop the witches from turning our world into a living nightmare.

The Fearless Traveler’s Guide to Wicked Places has a wonderful concept with a consistent amount of fantasy and imagination woven through the tale. The concept of the two realms and the threat the witches pose to all were very well done. I liked the characters of Nell and her brothers, as well as the complexity of the set up and major players. I thought the characters were complex enough not to fall flat, but the sheer volume of craziness happening and the danger brewing go to be a little overwhelming at times. I was often flipping pages eagerly and holding my breath, but I feel like I lost steam part way through. The magic and world building felt complete, and the information shared at a good pace, so that there was a limited amount of that information dump feel. A good pick for a middle grade reader looking for a complex fantasy with a good combination of adventure and coming of age. Nell's growth and self awareness was one of my favorite parts of the story, although the family relationships were another high point as far as I am concerned.

The Fearless Traveler’s Guide to Wicked Places was an interesting and entertaining read. I found it to be a great idea, but a bit long for my current reading mood. 

Early Book Review: Strong is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate T Parker

Strong is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate T Parker is a book of photography that is currently scheduled for release on March 7 2017. It is a celebration of strong girls being 100% themselves in 175 gorgeous photographs. The images show girls being strong in every way, being fearless, being silly, being wild, stubborn, and proud. 

Strong is the New Pretty is a wonderful collection of photographs and text. The text is made up of quotes from girls and women about their lives, particularly moments when they had to stand up for themselves and be themselves in the face of other people's expectations. The combination of words and wonderful photographs had me tearing up within the first ten pages. It inspired me to be more of what I want than what other people expect, and to encourage the girls and women in my life to do the same. I hope to show my daughter that being yourself is beautiful, regardless of who that might be, and what pursuits that includes.

Strong is the New Pretty is a perfect gift for anyone that thinks that being true to yourself and following their dreams is beautiful. While it will move many girls and women that have the chance to read it, I think anyone that loves another trapped by the gender or other social expectations of the world will appreciate the message and gain something from taking the take to look and read.

Early Book Review: Isabella Girl in Charge by Jennifer Fosberry

Isabella Girl in Charge is a picture book (and more) by Jennifer Fosberry. It is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2016. A big event has Isabella ready to leave home at the crack of dawn, but that’s a motion her parents are not likely to pass. After a two-to-one vote, it’s decided that some things need to happen before Isabella can leave the house, like eating breakfast and brushing her teeth! If her house is going to work like a democracy, Isabella knows what she has to do; call an assembly and campaign her way out the door! Isabella celebrates the women who were first to hold public offices. And if Isabella can get her parents out the door, she might just witness the first woman voted into the highest position of all.

Isabella Girl in Charge is a fun and informative book. As Isabella tries to get out to attend a grand event with her parents she changes names and imagined identities to take on the roles of some of the most important women in history. At the end of the book each of those women and their accomplishments are described in detail. In the end the family does get to their destination, to see a woman elected president (no, she looks nothing like Hillary or Jill). I like that while democracy and women breaking barriers is covered, were are no political lines drawn in the sand. It is not about policy or issues, but the fact that women are perfectly capable to doing such difficult jobs.

Isabella Girl in Charge is a great way to encourage girls to shoot for the stars, and to remind them that women can do anything. I really thought the information on the variety of women that are covered in the book was a crucial and interesting part of the book. Reading about women that decided the odds to be the first governor, mayor, and the like might just inspire a young reader to do something amazing. 

Book Review: Cleo by Sassafras de Bruyn

Cleo by Sassafras de Bruyn is a wordless picturebook about one young girl that feels alone. She is always in a hurry to get somewhere, the bus, school, home, and so on. She dreams of being able to get away and explore new places and having adventures. She plans on only having her cat along as company, but one fellow daydreamer wants to join her.

Cleo is a beautifully illustrated story. The watercolor style illustrations draw the reader into the story and brings Cleo's daydreams to life. As a long time daydreamer I related to Cleo, her loneliness, and her imaginings almost immediately. I think readers and dreamers of all ages will enjoy the artwork and Cleo's feelings immensely. I know I did.

Book Review: The Night Children by Sarah Tsiang, Delphine Bodet

The Night Children is a picturebook written by Sarah Tsiang and illustrated by Delphine Bodet. When the streets are empty and kids are called home for dinner and put to bed, the world becomes a magical place. The mischievous night children frolic in the twilight, rummaging for treasures and scattering surprises, stealing slices of the moon and dancing on rooftops. Only when dawn breaks do they tuck themselves away. But if you look very closely, you might just catch a glimpse of them disappearing as you wake up.

The Night Children is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that can capture the imagination. The text is lyrical, but the idea of night children, all drawn wearing monster-like hats, could either intrigue or frighten some children. the story could be an explanation for the shadows, sounds, and odd shapes that some children attribute to monsters, but I could see more adventurous children taking the story to heart and wanting to run with the elusive night children. The adventures of the night children answer many questions that children might have about the world around them, like unexpected changes in the landscape of odd sounds and movements. I think some young readers will love the flow of the story, and the splendid artwork, but I think it might be too abstract for others to really fall into and love.

The Night Children is a creative story about the unknown and imagination that some children will love completely. it just might fire up the imagination and creativity in some. However, I think some more pragmatic souls will not be quite so enraptured. 

Book Review: Dream Boy by Madelyn Rosenberg and Mary Crockett

Dream Boy is a young adult novel by Madelyn Rosenberg and Mary Crockett. Annabelle Manning feels trapped in the small town of Chilton, Virginia. She has a group of good friends, and some crazy dreams that include one perfect dream boy. But the blue-eyed boy with the fairytale smile is just that, a dream. At least until the Friday afternoon he walks into her chemistry class. One of friends suspects he’s an alien. Another is pretty sure it’s all one big case of deja vu. Could Martin Zirkle really be a dream come true? More importantly, if dreams can become real, what else can? 

Dream Boy started with a really good premise. a girl dream and somehow her dream boy finds his way into the real world. as usual, getting what we think we want causes more trouble than expected. Suddenly her male best friend is acting weird and a creep girl has started making her normally nice dream time something she would much rather avoid. Then the inevitable 'you are the special one' comes about along with the love triangle- or is that parallelogram? The book had a lot of promise, and some of it really worked. I liked the character development that took place in the immediate circle of Annabelle's friends, but honestly I came to like her friends more than her. The action of the book started slowly, which actually was a perfect pacing to allow readers to figure out exactly what was going on and form their own ideas. However, I felt like towards the end the pace alternated between crazy slow and so fast that I had trouble remembering who was where are doing what. it was still a good read, and I am glad i read it, but i felt like it could have been even better with a smidgen of work on Annabelle and Martin's characters and some work on pacing. 

I would recommend Dream Boy to readers that enjoy urban fantasy and do not mind a few cliches finding their way into the story. Not a perfect read, but one worth some time this summer.

Book Review: The Secret Kingdom by Michele Bledsoe, Richard Bledsoe

The Secret Kingdom is a combination of images and poetry celebrating the world of dreams in picturebook format by Michele Bledsoe and Richard Bledsoe.  Michele Bledsoe has been exhibiting her paintings and drawings in art galleries for almost 20 years. Inspired by the beautifully illustrated children’s books she grew up with, Michele started creating art when she was a child—and never stopped. With The Secret Kingdom, Michele Bledsoe hopes to inspire a new generation of artists to share her lifetime love of creating pictures. Art is for everyone, and The Secret Kingdom is a place that welcomes children of all ages.

The Secret Kingdom is less of a bedtime story, as it is marketed, and more of a book with the ability to inspire the interested, or either bore or frighten the uninterested. I enjoyed the flow of the poetry, and the related images were interesting and unique. Not a story or narrative, rather a book to display artwork with matching poetry that focuses on the power of dreams, art, and words.

I do no think this is a book for the typical picturebook, or even older picturebook crowd. The Secret Kingdom is a book best suited for those already with an interested in creating art, poetry, any kind or creative endeavor used to capture dreams and share them with others. From the descriptions I read, I expected more of a story or letter to young artists than I found in the pages, but it might find a special place in the collections of artists of all ages.