Early Book Review: Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World by Catherine Thimmesh, Melissa Sweet

Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World, written by Catherine Thimmesh and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2022. Women all over the globe are asking questions that affect lives and creating businesses that answer them. Like, can we keep premature babies warm when they're born far from the hospital? Or, can the elderly stay in their homes and eat a balanced diet? Women are taking on and solving these issues with their ingenuity and business acumen. How did they get their ideas? Where does the funding for their projects come from? And how have some of these businesses touched YOUR life? Girls Solve Everything answers these questions, inspiring today's kids to learn from entrepreneurs and take on some of the world's biggest problems, one solution at a time.

Girls Solve Everything is a collection of short biographies feature women that have shown perseverance and made impacts on the world through their discoveries, inventions, and more. I like how the book illustrated that a small idea, class assignment, or serious problem can spark the inspiration for real change, and that anyone can make that change with the right tools. I thought the illustration work was extremely well done and matched the content and tone of the text perfectly. I think this book would be a great addition to school and public libraries, as well as home libraries. I have to admit that my digital copy had some formatting issues, which made it challenging to enjoy, but I know these issues will be resolved well before the final copy hits the shelves. 

Girls Solve Everything is a book that shows some of the many accomplishments of women, and just might inspire current and future generations to make their own marks on the world. 

Early Book Review: My Monsterpiece by Amalia Hoffman

 My Monsterpiece by Amalia Hoffman is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on March 2 2021. Have you ever tried to make the meanest, wildest, scariest monster? What if even a green tongue, pointy horns, creepy sharp teeth, and claws won’t frighten anyone away? Join the frustrated artist on an adventure where the scary and not scary mingle and lead to the discovery that overcoming fear and prejudice can bring about a wonderful friendship.

My Monsterpiece is a bright and entertaining read. I liked that the art looked like the art of the child artist at the heart of the story. There are many media used, drawings as well as construction paper and words in the art. I thought that the text and art had a good balance, the eye was continuously taking in new bits of detail while not loosing the text and the larger story. I liked that there was some critical thinking, not just how can I draw something scarier because I cannot seem to- but understanding that maybe monsters do not need to be scary and can be just like people you know, while just being a little different, and that monsters just might be scared of us. The bright colors, inclusive storyline, and fun words to say, like grrr, also make this a good read aloud to share and to start an art project and discussion about the ideas of the book. 

Book Review: The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith

The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith is the first book in a new series. Many years ago, Claire was named Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing-- a neutral space in Hell where all the stories unfinished by their authors reside. Her job consists mainly of repairing and organizing books, but also of keeping an eye on restless stories that risk materializing as characters and escaping the library. When a Hero escapes from his book and goes in search of his author, Claire must track and capture him with the help of former muse and current assistant Brevity and nervous demon courier Leto. But what should have been a simple retrieval goes horrifyingly wrong when the terrifyingly angelic Ramiel attacks them, convinced that they hold the Devil's Bible. The text of the Devil's Bible is a powerful weapon in the power struggle between Heaven and Hell, so it falls to the librarians to find a book with the power to reshape the boundaries between Heaven, Hell….and Earth.

The Library of the Unwritten is a book that requires the readers full attention. It has a brilliant concept, complex characters, and a plot with action and foreshadowing to spare. I will admit the first few chapters started off rough for me, because there was so much that needed to be introduced, and characters to meet. Once the story got going however, I was intrigued and hooked.  I loved Claire's character- she is complex with secrets and hidden sides at every turn. Brevity has hidden depths, Leto is so much more than he seems, and then there are Hero and Ramiel who are not really what you expect. I liked getting to see the story from multiple perspectives, how the characters see each other, and their vulnerabilities, was just as important to the story for me as the mystery of the codex and its importance to them all. I liked the puzzles and bits of religious lore woven through the story, from a variety of cultures. I really enjoyed the thoughts and questions about the possibilities and importance inherent in books, ideas, and stories. The action scenes were well written, and readers will be completely engaged in the wellbeing of the characters, physically and emotionally. The only trouble I had was more about my reading habits and life than the actual book. There are so many nuances and  important hints through the bok that readers should really give the book their full attention while reading, but that is rarely possible for me. This meant that it took me a little longer to read the book than expected, because of the distracts of life. However, I am really glad that I had the time to finally give the read the attention it deserved.

The Library of the Unwritten is a well written and entertaining read. To really enjoy it and catch all the foreshadowing and character nuances, I highly recommend reading it when you can give it your undivided attention. 

Early Book Review: The Girl Who Rode a Shark: And Other Stories of Daring Women by Ailsa Ross, Amy Blackwell

The Girl Who Rode a Shark: And Other Stories of Daring Women was written by Ailsa Ross and illustrated by Amy Blackwell. Itis currently scheduled for release on October 25 2019.  This non fiction book is a rousing collection of biographies focused on women and girls who have written, explored, or otherwise plunged headfirst into the pages of history. Undaunted by expectations, they made their mark by persevering in pursuit of their passions. The tales come from a huge variety of times and places, from a Canadian astronaut to an Indian secret agent to a Balkan pirate queen who stood up to Ancient Rome. Author and activist Ailsa Ross gives readers a fun, informative piece of nonfiction that emphasizes the boundless potential of a new generation of women.

The Girl Who Rode a Shark tells the stories of some amazing woman. A good many of them I knew, but some (and their exploits) were new to me. I think it is wonderful that people are taking the time and effort to uncover tales of those so often forgotten in history classes. I thought that the short biographies were well written and accessible, and found the illustrations to be colorful and I think they added a nice touch throughout the book. I liked the varieties of woman included, and how they were organized by kind of adventures they had rather than time they lived or location. I also liked that such a nice variety of cultures and eras are included in the book as well. I really enjoyed the read and got a great deal from it, and I think other readers of all ages will as well. 

The Girl Who Rode a Shark is a great collection of short biographies about amazing woman. I think this is a great choice for classrooms and libraries to encourage readers to follow their dreams, and to show them that they can do anything with enough effort- no matter who they are.

Early Book Review: The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat by Anne Renaud, Milan Pavlovic

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Milan Pavlovic, is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2019. Frank William Epperson is a curious boy who wants to be an inventor when he grows up. Since inventing begins with experimenting, Frank spends a lot of time in his “laboratory” (better known as his back porch) trying out his ideas, such as building a double-handled handcar that whizzes past the single-handled cars in his neighborhood. What Frank loves most, though, is experimenting with liquids. When he invents his own yummy flavored soda water drink, his friends love it! And this gets him to thinking: “I wonder what this drink would taste like frozen?” Though he doesn't yet realize it, his curiosity will lead to his best invention ever: the Popsicle!

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a biographical picture book that shows young inventors and dreams that yes they can start experimenting early, but that it does not have to be all they do. I like that the book shows young Frank experimenting and questioning things- but it also shows him playing and doing other things.Too often I see books about great inventors or scientist only showing the person doing things involved in their subject matter- which can be daunting to young people that might want to follow a similar path. I also like that it shows Frank finding success, and having things go wrong. I love that there are experiments, with instructions, woven through the story that will allow readers to try some of Frank's experiments. The illustrations did a good job of capturing the mood and time of the story. I thought that the book was very well researched and love that the back matter includes a bibliography, historical notes, and photographs. 

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a good read for young readers that have inquisitive minds and might want to experiment a bit on their own. This might just inspire some future inventors to keep trying new things.

Early Book Review: Milk Soaps: 35 Skin-Nourishing Recipes for Making Milk-Enriched Soaps, from Goat to Almond by Anne-Marie Faiola

Milk Soaps: 35 Skin-Nourishing Recipes for Making Milk-Enriched Soaps, from Goat to Almond is a creative guide by Anne-Marie Faiola, which is currently scheduled for release on April 30 2019. Handmade soap can be extra-special with the inclusion of milk! Soaps enriched with milk can be creamier than those made with water, and milk's natural oils provide skin-renewing moisture and nourishment. In Milk Soaps, expert soapmaker Anne-Marie Faiola demystifies the process with step-by-step techniques and 35 recipes for making soaps that are both beautiful and useful. She explains the keys to success in using a wide range of milk types, including cow, goat, and even camel milk, along with nut and grain milks such as almond, coconut, hemp, rice, and more. Photographs show soapmakers of all levels how to achieve a variety of distinctive color and shape effects, including funnels, swirls, layers, and insets. For beginners and experts alike, this focused guide to making milk-enriched soaps offers an opportunity to expand their soapmaking skills in new and exciting ways. 

Milk Soaps is a well written and organized book for those that want to learn more about, and hopefully master, the art of making soap. I have dabbled before, and this book would be a wonderful resource for those looking to make a wide variety of milk based soaps, and to get more information and inspiration to help them become more comfortable and skilled in the process. I have to admit that I have not tried any of the recipes, because they are all cold process soap recipes, and the idea of working with lye water and the chemical processes involved honestly scares me- not just because I am a klutz, but also because of how interested my felines get with anything I am doing. However, having tried other styles of soapmaking I could easily understand and follow the recipes. I was inspired to try a few new things and learn a great deal about the techniques of cold process soap making. I found the information in the endpages to also be helpful, with common problems addressed and some resources that will come in handy to anyone looking to make soap.

Milk Soaps will be a valuable resource and inspiration for those looking to learn more about or master the process of making cold process soaps with milk as an ingredient. The recipes are well done, and leave room for further customization with offering insights and inspiration.

Book Review: The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona

The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona offers readers the chance to follow popular crochet blanket designer Rachele Carmona through her unique collection of crochet blankets inspired by the work of popular independent artists. The Art of Crochet Blankets will help you create your own colorful crochet blankets as unique works of art for your home! Inside this one-of-a-kind crochet blanket guide you'll find details on how to translate art to hook with 18 bold and unique crochet afghan patterns influenced by the works of their feature artist. Modern quilts, fabric designs, tapestry weaving, digital art, and more become the source of one-of-a-kind projects for a more artful home. Biographies and beautiful photos profiling 6 inspiring modern makers--Tula Pink, April Rhodes, Maryanne Moodie, Fransisco Valle, Maud Vantours, and Caitline Dowe-Sandes. 

The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers is a lovely book with great designs, and stories that tell of how they were inspired and came together. Some of the designs were just not my style, which happens with any collection of art or designs, but others made me smile and think about what I might do in a similar vein. For instance, the Boho Desert, Abstract Blocks, and Layered Waves caught my eye, and I love them. I also enjoyed getting to know the artists and medium that inspired some of these designs. Seeing the beauty and creativity in the original, and how the shapes and colors were turned into something new was very interesting. I like how varied the starting points were, and in turn how different the end results turned out. While I am not likely to design my own blankets, I like reading or binge watching too much as I stitch, I do like seeing how inspiration can become a tangible creation and a design to share. However, I just might be giving one (or more) of these patterns a go.

I think this book would be a good addition to a personal library if you like creating and exploring new designs, and enjoy the inspiration of others that do as well. For those of us who are content to find a lovely pattern and maybe change a color, size, or so on I think this would be better borrowed from the library. It is wonderful and lovely to explore, but not a necessary addition to my craft room at this point. 

Book Review: 5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook: Easy Dinners from Your Skillet, Dutch Oven, Sheet Pan & More by Linda Kurniadi

5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook: Easy Dinners from Your Skillet, Dutch Oven, Sheet Pan & More by Linda Kurniadi offers readers a selection of one pot meals to help make meal planning and cooking easier, more enjoyable, and healthy. From waking up with a Tex-Mex Omelette to winding down your day with Chicken Cordon Bleu or a Ravioli and Spinach Bake for dinner, this cookbook offers low-effort, delicious dishes that need only one pot and 5 main ingredients to make. With most recipes requiring only 30 minutes or less to prepare, cook, and serve—and others that only take 20 minutes or less— the 5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook gets you in and out of the kitchen in no time at all. The book also includes shopping and storage tips, along with an overview of cooking techniques for every piece of cookware. It is organized by cooking vessel and features skillet, saucepan, Dutch oven, sheet pan, baking dish, roasting pan, and no-cook bowl recipes.

5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook was a well organized and useful resource. I like the way the book is organized, the information given on the different cookware, and how tips to adapt recipes to change ingredients or cooking tools can be done. Since I changed jobs this past summer, I have become more intent on meal planning and keeping the dishes simple, since my husband has had to take over the actual cooking part. I get the groceries, some of the prep work, and gather everything together for cooking ease. This also means a slow cooker meal about once a week. The recipes in the book help me get new recipes together, while not making my husband feel like a short order cook or under pressure to put together something complicated- while still mixing things up a little and making food the whole family will eat. It is hard to meet all those requirements in a single meal, but some of these recipes will fit the bill, or inspired me. The instructions and information is easy to understand and put into practice. I learned some great tips that I had never heard before, and am looking forward to trying out some new dishes.

Book Review: The Crochet Stitch Handbook The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden

The Crochet Stitch Handbook The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.

If you crochet, you likely have one or two books like this somewhere in your home. A guide or handbook that offers the basics of a variety of stitches, yarns, and techniques.I happen to have three- mostly because one went missing for a bit and two quickly made their appearance, and then the wayward book reappeared.  I often flip through these books when I want to make a new afghan, scarf, or other project and am looking for something more than a basic stitch. Sometimes I am looking for a certain texture or square that I could use to build something unique, or a special edging for an extra touch. Or just to try and hopefully master something new.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook is a solid example of this style of book. I was excited to see little things included that often fall by the wayside, like the extended single stitch. Many of the instructions, stitches, and motifs were familiar or similar to ones that I have seen before, which is expected. I like that there is a key on the edge of each page to give the reader information on the stitch. The only thing I was missing was the information on the way the finished stitch drapes, which another book I have offers- and that often aids in my decision making process for choosing a stitch. However, the instructions and images were well paired and very easy to follow. I would not recommend it for fresh beginners that have just started out and are still learning all of the language and abbreviations, but anyone that has the basics down would do well with this book as their go to guide for stitches and inspiration. 

Early Book Review: Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke

Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke is currently scheduled for release on April 17 2018. This book is exactly what the title suggested, pictures of sloths to help those looking through the pages to slow down and enjoy. Photos of a variety of adorable sloths illustrate a mindfulness book that reminds us to slow down and appreciate the small things.

Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus is full of photographs featuring sloths. Two toed sloths, three toed sloths, baby sloths, sloths holding flowers,sloths that seem to be smiling, and sloths looking right at the camera so it looks like they are looking you in the eye. Interspersed with these delightful images are quotes meant to encourage and support mindfulness and some factual information about sloths. The book is soothing, full of cuteness, and I learned some things about sloths along the way. Unless you are one of those people that do not find sloths cute or fascinating in some way, you will want to read this book, or at least take a moment and slowly flip through the pages. 

Early Book Review: Be The Change: The Future is in Your Hands by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle

Be The Change: The Future is in Your Hands by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2018. This book gives young readers the tools and encouragement needed to be the change they wish to see in the world. Featuring the popular founders of Hello!Lucky stationery, this guidebook offers instruction and guidance to spark readers’ creativity and inspire action in their local communities. The authors teach readers about great change-makers in history, the structure of community systems, and offer fun and creative project ideas to help budding activists get started making a difference right away.

Be The Change: The Future is in Your Hands is a book focused on empowering young people to understand and make changes in the world around them. I like that it is very encouraging to young women, focused on information about the government on all levels, community organizations, creativity, and how to get involved and help inform and encourage others. While I understand that the authors and the main audience of this book is more likely to be of the female persuasion, I felt like it was a little too focused on girls. If we want everyone to be involved, come together, and communicate I think it would be prudent to get people of all genders and walks of life involved. If the book is intended for girls only, then that should be included on the cover. It is not only CIS females that can feminists or should get involved. I did like the information and encouragement to get involved found in the book, and the idea behind it, I just felt like it could have been a little more inclusive. 

Book Review: 50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History: Weird Inventions that Seem Too Crazy to be Real by the Walter Foster Jr. Creative Team

50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History: Weird Inventions that Seem Too Crazy to be Real by the Walter Foster Jr. Creative Team is a nonfiction book for children that illustrates how wonderful and wacky the creative mind can be. Have you ever heard of a bike TV? Or a bird diaper? The 50 inventions highlighted in this book range from useful, to entertaining, to downright silly. These mind-boggling inventions and gadgets from yesterday, today, and tomorrow will surprise and delight fun-fact lovers of all ages.

50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History: Weird Inventions that Seem Too Crazy to be Real offers information and images that capture the imagination and interest of readers. I liked that while some of the inventions might seem ridiculous, the inventors and the reasoning behind each invention is offered, but not mocked. The silliness of the inventions is not left out, but at no point are the idea or people involved made fun of. This is important in my eyes, because making light of inventors might discourage readers that might have some wonderful ideas. The illustrations in the book are fun and cartoony, breaking up the text a little so that more reluctant readers will feel less overwhelmed by the amount of text and information. This was a fun and informative read, and one that I can see many taking the time to re read. 

Book Review: Hedgehog Wisdom: Little Reasons to Smile by Carolyn Parker

Hedgehog Wisdom: Little Reasons to Smile by Carolyn Parker is based on the popular Huffy Hedgehogs Instagram. The book is filled with pictures of the most adorable prickly pets as they dress up, chow down, and make you laugh out loud, all while promoting positive thinking and good vibes. Though spiny, huffy, and timid, these little pincushion creatures are too sweet for words, and will win your heart in no time!

Hedgehog Wisdom: Little Reasons to Smile is a fun and sweet little book that offers simple but true advise about happiness, mindfulness, and being yourself along with pictures of Hodge Huffington and Marshmallow Fluff the hedgehogs in the middle of various poses and activities. Humor and sincere goodwill flow through out he book and made me aww more than once. The result is cute, fun, and sweet. It is enough to lift the heart after a rough day (or week) and is worth glancing through when you need a smile or moment of cute.

Book Review: How To Be A Scientist by Steve Mould

How To Be A Scientist by Steve Mould offers readers a bold and playful approach to science that makes the subject relevant to kids and encourages them to discover it in the real world with more than 40 fun questions, science games, and real-life scenarios. It tackles questions that children have such as; Why does mold grow? Why is the sea salty? and What makes day and night? The book helps them learn how to think like a scientist and look at the world to figure out how science works. More than 40 simple activities have undetermined answers, encouraging curious young readers to find new ways to test ideas, and fun questions, games, and real-life scenarios make scientific concepts fun and relevant. The stories of the great scientists and their discoveries—and failures—are told in an entertaining way to provide even further inspiration for little budding scientists.

How To Be A Scientist is exactly what I expect from DK. It is well written and organized, accessible to young readers and with bright, colorful images that enhance the text. THe diagrams, photographs, and varied page layouts keep readers from getting bored, and if everything goes right, will get them a little more excited about science. While the book does list facts about famous scientists, it pairs that information with experiments to balance out the learning experience with some hands on options. There is plenty of information within these pages, but it is well balanced with the photographs, diagrams, and info boxes in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. It hits the balance of learning, fun, and activities pretty much perfectly. The book is well organized, allowing readers to focus on a single subject at a time if that is what they want.  The beginning of the book features instructions on how to use the book, the types of tools and materials you may need, and then breaking down the concepts explored into categories such as the Natural world, chemistry, and so on. 

How To Be A Scientist is a book that will appeal to a wide age range, and will encourage children (and their parents and teachers) to do some more research and some science on their own. 

Early Book Review: I Love Science: A Journal for Self Discovery and Big Ideas by Rachel Ignotofsky

I Love Science: A Journal for Self Discovery and Big Ideas by Rachel Ignotofsky is currently scheduled for release on March 7 2017. This is a guided journal for young women and girls based the author's illustrated book Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World.Both books encourage young women and girls to ponder the world and the daily ins and outs of their
lives. Opening with a short reference section that contains basic equations, the periodic table, basic HTML codes, and a measurement converter, the journal then invites the user to write and dream through writing prompts like, "What is a challenge you've overcome recently?" and inspirational quotes from notable women who've achieved greatness in the science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) fields, such as famous primatologist Jane Goodall's, "Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together can we reach our full potential."

I Love Science: A Journal for Self Discovery and Big Ideas is a great journal and source of inspiration for those interested in science. I like that it offers interesting quotes and prompting questions to encourage the reader/writer to think about things in new ways and to keep on exploring the world around them. My daughter is a little to unfocused for this yet, but I think this would be a great thing for her to use and enjoy. I think exploring and experimenting with his book by her side would be a great thing for summer break. This could also be a great tool for organizations or classroom sessions that are focused on getting girls and women interested in STEM or STEAM- like perhaps a Girl Scout troop or summer science session through a school, library. or camp.

I think I Love Science: A Journal for Self Discovery and Big Ideas would be a great gift for anyone interested in science and exploring the world around them. I think artists and those that consider themselves more observers than scientist would also benefit from and enjoy the book. 

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: Doodletopia: Manga: Draw, Design, and Color your own Super-Cute Manga Characters and More by Christopher Hart

Doodletopia: Manga: Draw, Design, and Color your own Super-Cute Manga Characters and More by Christopher Hart is a book that combines instruction, inspiration, and interesting illustrations. The instructions are clear and concise, with activities and ideas that aspiring artists can use to expand their skill and comfort level with a variety of anime and manga style art. There is a great deal of information as well as exercises and challenges. Sections include opportunities for readers to draw a companion for an existing character, create their own emojis, and finish their own scenes. Readers can design manga bookmarks, stationery, and even get started developing their own graphic novels.

I think Doodletopia is a good buy for readers that are looking to expand on their drawing skills, particularly in this style of artwork. I would suggest photocopying a few of the challenges and activities, only so you can complete them more than once and see how you skill and style grows. 

Early Book Review: The Branch by Mireille Messier, Pierre Pratt

The Branch is a picturebook written by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Pierre Pratt. It is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. When an ice storm snaps a small girl's favorite branch from the tree in her yard, she's crestfallen. The girl's mom says it's just a branch. But not to her! “That was the branch I sat on, jumped from, played under. It was my castle, my spy base, my ship.” Luckily, her neighbor Mr. Frank understands. He says the branch has “potential.” And so, with imagination and spirit, and Mr. Frank's guidance and tools, the girl transforms the broken branch into something whole and new, giving it another purpose, and her another place to treasure.

The Branch is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that inspires creativity and looking for solutions rather than dwelling on the bad things in life. The young girl used the now broken branch to climb and sit in the tree, it was her special perch. Without it she is at a loss. The neighborhood is working together to clean up after the storm, and her neighbor takes notice of her distress and works with her to find a solution. I like that the little girl takes part in the solution, learning how to use tools and help create a new use for the branch rather than the older gentleman just doing the project on his own. I loved the spirit of  people working together, for no other reason than to be helpful and kind. This is a beautiful lesson that not only encourages a feeling of community, but also encouraging creativity, ingenuity, and hard work.

Early Book Review: What Color is a Kiss by Rocio Bonilla

What Color is a Kiss by Rocio Bonilla is a picturebook that was originally published in 2015, but has a new edition being published on December 6 2016. Sassy and intrepid Monica loves to paint and sees her world in every color of the rainbow, but the color to paint a kiss is a question that nags at her. She paints and paints, hoping to discover the answer. With the help of her mother, Monica discovers that kisses and love come in all colors.

What Color is a Kiss is a sweet and creative way to explore colors, concepts, and creativity. Monica loves to paint and create. Her current project is to paint a kiss, but what color should it be? She explores the positives and negatives of several colors- listing the good and bad things that she associates with them- not finding just the right shade in her exploration. When her mother stops in and gives a moment of affection Monica comes to realize than any color can be a kiss, and every color can show love. A simple and sweet story that is good for exploring creativity, self expression, and colors.