Early Book Review: The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins by Sandra Markle

The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins by Sandra Markle is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2017. The most recent addition to Markle's books about animals at risk focuses on the African penguins, which waddle around nesting colonies in lower numbers than ever before. Despite South African government efforts to protect the penguin colonies and their ocean fish supply, young penguins still struggle to survive. Fuzzy chicks waiting for food in open nests may overheat in the sun or become prey. Others simply may not get enough food to survive on their own once their parents leave. But new conservation methods, including rescuing and hand-feeding vulnerable chicks, are giving experts hope. Can volunteers and scientists help save Africa's only penguins before it's too late? 

The Great Penguin Rescue is a well researched and written non fiction book for children. Markle has included full color photographs, information that is interesting and accessible, and opportunities for readers of all ages to continue their own research on the topic. I expected nothing less, following the other books of hers that I have read about creatures that are endangered around the world. I like that she shows has natural and man made problems effect the world, and these penguins in particular, but does not stop there. Readers also get a look at the steps that have been taken in order to help the population of the African Penguins grow and thrive, as well as things that are in the works for the future. I believe Markle strikes a good balance between bringing awareness to the serious problems people have had a hand in, and offering hope and encouragement for the future. 

The Great Penguin Rescue is a great read for any reader that loves animals, cares about the environment, or wants to learn more about efforts people are making to help endangered animals. I recommend checking out all of Markle's books, so do not stop here.

Early Book Review: The United States of Absurdity: Untold Stories from American History by Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt

The United States of Absurdity: Untold Stories from American History by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, with a forward by Patton Oswalt, is currently scheduled for release on May 9 2017. From the creators of the comedy/history podcast "The Dollop," this book presents short but informative stories of the most outlandish (but true) people, events, and more from United States history. Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds cover the weird stories you didn't learn in history class, such as 10-Cent Beer Night, the Jackson Cheese, and the Kentucky Meat Shower, each accompanied by a full-page illustration that brings these historical "milestones" to life in full-color. Each story is accompanied by tongue-in-cheek trivia and timelines that help place the stories in context with the more well-known historical events that occurred around them.

The United States of Absurdity: Untold Stories from American History was a entertaining and informative read. While I had heard some of the stories before, such as the radium girls and Kentucky meat shower, some were new to me. Each story was short and offered some commentary on the intelligence (or lack there of) of those making decisions. Occasional the humorous commentary got a little profane, so those not interested in that style of humor might want to skip it. However, fans of the podcast or that have seen anything from the writers involved will not be surprised. It did catch me by surprise at first, but fit in with the stories and humor well so was not an issue once I got accustomed to it. Readers that will be too bothered by swearing, jokes about male anatomy, or intelligence levels in our country will want to skip it- but everyone else will laugh and learn at least a little. The short bits of history are organized by commonalities, and make for fun short reads.

The United States of Absurdity: Untold Stories from American History is a fun read for fans of The Dollop podcast, as well as those that enjoy learning about the more unusual bits of history. I normally get this tidbits from History's Mysteries, Mysteries at the Museum, and similar shows- but now I know I need to be listening to this podcast too. If history and humor tied together makes you happy, so will this unique look at American history.

Early Book Review: Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food by Paula Ayer, Antonia Banyard, Belle Wuthrich

Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food by Paula Ayer, Antonia Banyard, and Belle Wuthrich is currently scheduled for release on April 11 2017. This middle grade non fiction book is a colorful infographic look at the many surprising and fascinating facts about food. Information is presented in easy-to-understand graphics and clear explanations. Each spread explores a different aspect of the topic. Readers will find answers to a wide range of questions, including: Who grows our food? Where does our meat and fish come from? How does it get to us? What’s the difference between a hybrid and a genetically-modified crop? How do companies advertise to children? Who are the “Big 10” food companies? How much farmland is there across the world? Weightier topics (for example, farming and pollution, or child labor in agriculture), are balanced out by fun facts, such as “extreme foods” and how our sense of taste works (and sometimes deceives us). Other topics include how food production has an impact on the local and global economy, access to food and food insecurity around the world, and conventional vs. organic farming. Vibrant, dynamic illustrations, diagrams and photos and small chunks of text make this book ideal for reluctant or struggling readers.

Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food was an interesting read with graphics that caught the eye, and a good combination of thought provoking facts and fun or surprising information that is a little lighter. I knew a good portion of the information, but there were still bits of information and ideas that made me stop and think a little more about the food in my house. I found the organization and graphics of the book to be very understandable and accessible by readers in elementary school, but not boring or too easy for more advanced readers. This book hits that sweet spot of interesting and engaging for readers from a variety of ages and skill levels.

Book Review: The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species by Sanda Markle

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species by Sanda Markle is a non fiction book for children. In 2013 scientists announced the discovery of the olinguito, an adorable relative of raccoons living among treetops in cloud forests of Central and South America. It was the first new mammal species in the Carnivora order to be discovered in 35 years. Learn how scientists solved the mystery piece by piece over more than ten years, traveling to museums all over the world to look at similar species and eventually scouting cloud forests at night. Large photos bring readers face to face with the olinguito in this real-life science adventure.

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species is a well. Told non fiction book for young readers. While some of the words will require sounding out or help from a more experienced reader, I think. That many independent readers will enjoy taklng this one on their own. I had never heard of the Olinguito before seeing this book, and was glad to learn of the research and adventure that was had in proving its existence. It was good to.  See the efforts and work in proper scientific methods how so clearly and understandably to young readers. It just might inspire them to explore their environment and do research. Maybe reading books like this will help inspire a new generation of dedicated scientists. 

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species is an or transitional non fiction book great for sharing in a classroom, one on one, or for independent reading. I think the combination of facts, adventure, and beautiful illustrations will make this an enjoyable and interesting read for many. 

Book Review: 2create: Art Collaborations in New York City by Yoav Litvin

2create: Art Collaborations in New York City by Yoav Litvin is a book that showcases the work of nine pairs of New York City's finest graffiti and street artists, delving deep into their backgrounds, techniques, and collaborative processes. Each duo consists of artists with unique styles who come together to create a larger-than-life work of street art in a neighborhood in New York, the birthplace of modern graffiti. Witness the immense creative potential of collaborations that have produced stunning examples of classic graffiti, collage work, screen printing, and murals. Each chapter provides access to a mysterious underworld, leading readers to secretive meetings of creative minds out of which ephemeral, yet nonetheless remarkable, works are born and later transferred onto walls, rooftops, trucks, and subway platforms.

2create: Art Collaborations in New York City is a wonderful book offering the insights, artistic processes, and motivation for a variety of artists. I liked reading about the diverse artists and how they work alone, and in collaborations. The process of collaborating is  as varied and interesting as the artwork that it produces. The combination of inspiration and work styles made the read very interesting. As a crafter that lives in the region of the artists interview, and the state at least one was born in, I felt a connection to some of the artist and saw some of my own inspirations and thoughts in their words. I really enjoyed reading about all these artists. It really shows that art is universal, no matter how differently it is approached and how the artists and admirers come to it.

2create: Art Collaborations in New York City is a great read for artists and art enthusiasts alike. I found the interviews and photographs to be inspiring and informative. The variety of styles, processes, and canvases was well balanced and made for a nice read. 

Early Book Review: To Burp or Not to Burp by Dr Dave Willians, Loredana Cunti, Theodore Key

To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space by Dr Dave Willians and Loredana Cunti, with illustrations by Theodore Key is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016. Of all the questions astronauts are asked by kids, the most frequent one is “How do you go to the toilet in space?” This book answers that question, but many others about the effect of zero gravity on the human body like; How do you brush your hair in space? What happens when you sweat? What does food taste like? The best thing is that the answers are provided by Dr. Dave Williams, a NASA astronaut who speaks from first-hand experience. Written for kids ages 7 to 10, this book uses age-appropriate language to explain the different phenomena that astronauts encounter during a mission. The bright, colorful pages, short blocks of text accompanied by photos and humorous illustrations make this a very attractive choice for young readers. The opening message from Dr. Dave empowers kids to follow his example by believing in themselves and following their dreams.

To Burp or Not to Burp is a perfect book for readers that love space, and those that like to tell joke or learn about bodily functions- and most kinds fit into at least one of these categories. I am not surprised that the most common question asked of astronauts pertains to bodily functions, and am glad that I can answer these questions (or offer the book) when my kids or library patrons ask. There are cartoons and photographs to illustrate the information in the book, and the text is well organized and written in a conversational manner with humor and fun little tidbits I never thought about before. I think readers will enjoy the fact that the book was written with reference to first hand knowledge, rather than in a more textbook style. at no point does the text talk down to readers, in fact it encourages them to work hard and work toward achieving their dreams. The read was fun and highly informative. I think many reluctant readers might use this book as a jumping off point to explore more books about science and the astronauts mentioned in the book.

To Burp or Not to Burp is a book that balances the weird aspects of human biology and the wonders of space travel. well organized facts, humor, and a tone that entertains but does not talk down to readers will keep readers interested. Well down all around. 

Early Book Review: Frightlopedia: An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling, from Arachnids to Zombies by Julie Winterborn

Frightlopedia: An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling, from Arachnids to Zombies by Julie Winterborn is scheduled for release on August 23 2016. It combines fact, fiction, and hands-on activities together to scare and entertain readers  with some of the world’s most frightening places, scariest stories, and gruesomest creatures, both real and imagined. Discover Borneo’s Gomantong Cave, where literally millions of bats, cockroaches, spiders, and rats coexist in pitch darkness. Learn about mythical creatures like the Mongolian Death Worm—and scarily real ones like killer bees, which were accidentally created by scientists in the 1950s. Visit New Orleans’s Beauregard-Keyes house, where Civil War soldiers are said to still clash in the front hall. Plus ghost stories from around the world, a cross-cultural study of vampires, and how to transform into a zombie with makeup. Each entry includes a “Fright Meter” measurement from 1 to 3, because while being scared is fun, everyone has their limit.

Frightlopedia is a fun and sometimes frightening read that will appeal too many readers. I like that the book is well organized, so readers looking for information on a certain type of monster or scary story can find the wanted information quickly. I think the scare-o-meter is a great aspect as well, since it forwards readers just how scary some of the stories might be for them. The variety of urban legends, well known stories and monsters, and those less known is nice. The inclusion of real creatures that some find scary, like spiders that eat birds and other sizable critters, rounded out the collection well. I even learned a few new bits of certain legends that I had not heard of before. I think readers that love all things masters or creepy will enjoy this book for multiple reads.

Frightlopedia is a great read for those that like scary stories and monsters, and not just to be scared. I liked the fright-o-meter so the least and most stalwart of readers can still enjoy the book and skip over bits that might not be conducive to bedtime. 

Blog Tour with Excerpt: Memories of a Mad Man by Don Spector

SYNOPSIS

Mad Men. Don Spector didn’t just watch them on television. He was one of them.

Starting in a Madison Avenue ad agency in the ‘60’s, he actually lived the life captured in the TV show. In "Memories of a Mad Man" he shares with us an unforgettable era filled with humor, brilliance, wonderful heroes and big, bad villains.

The funny and fascinating stories he tells uncover the reality of the ad world behind the show.
• What was it like dealing with celebrities of the era?
• How did the advent of computers spoil one of the greatest boondoggles that Mad Men—and Mad Women—enjoyed?
• The Three Martini Lunch. True or false?
• What's the real truth about truth in advertising?
The book answers these and many more intriguing questions in this unique look into a unique profession.

GOODREADS

 PURCHASE

AMAZON

B & N

KOBO

iTunes

ABOUT DON SPECTOR

Starting as a junior copywriter in a Madison Avenue ad agency in the ‘60s, Don Spector qualifies as a genuine Mad Man. Creating advertising for the agency’s high-profile accounts like Smirnoff Vodka and Tareyton cigarettes, he began his ascent up the creative ladder in several New York agencies. His commercials and print ads for advertisers like Xerox, the Yellow Pages and Jaguar ultimately led to an offer of a key position in Los Angeles-based BBDO/West where he was soon named Creative Director.  After moving to a similar position at Foote Cone Belding/Los Angeles, he eventually started his own agency where he served until his retirement.  The advertising he created for dozens of companies like ARCO, Absolut Vodka, Bristol-Myers and S.C. Johnson won numerous awards. But, more importantly, it generated millions of dollars in sales for them.

Follow the entire MEMORIES OF  MAD MAN tour 

Brought to you by Worldwind VBT

Memories of a Mad Man - an excerpt

I don’t know if it was like that before I entered advertising but by the time I did, the days of the fabled three-martini lunch were beginning to fade. And that was just as well because, frankly, I wasn't very good at handling my liquor. Even one glass of wine at lunch made me sleepy and, besides being unable to write much, I didn't relish the idea of someone coming into my office at three in the afternoon to see me snoozing at my desk. But I did occasionally make an exception. And once when I did, I learned a valuable lesson.

I went to lunch in a Madison Avenue restaurant with an agency producer I did a lot of work with. I don't remember what the occasion was but Ed suggested we have a drink and I agreed. I ordered a Bloody Mary while Ed ordered a scotch and soda. I was surprised.

“Ed,” I exclaimed. “When we get back to the office they’ll smell that booze on your breath. That's why I'm having a vodka drink.”

“Yes,” Ed said, “but you know that we're not going to stop at just one drink. And when we get back to the office, at least they'll know I'm drunk. They’ll just think you're stupid.”

I thought about his wisdom for a moment and called the waiter over. “Make that a scotch and soda.”

     And from that day on when I did have a drink at lunch I made sure it wasn't vodka. I’d rather be thought of as drunk, not stupid.