Book Review: A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea by Michelle Cusolito

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea by Michelle Cusolito is a children's nonfiction book that offers readers a front-row seat to cutting-edge ocean twilight zone technology. Join scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and international partner organizations on a research trip to study the ocean twilight zone using the newest technologies. From moving onto the ship and unpacking equipment to facing massive storms while in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this book details the fascinating equipment used to study the deep ocean as well as day-to-day details such as what you eat on a Spanish research ship. Meet people and animals and learn more at sea than you ever imagined!

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone is a detailed description of one scientific expedition. I learned a great deal about some of the scientific tools and equipment that were being used, and the way carbon behaves in the ocean. I think science and technical minded readers will get the most out of this, as it does get very in depth (ha!) at times and younger or less interested readers might lose interest. I like that the book detailed the experiments and efforts to get data that can be correlated and studied as well as the very hard work that is involved in making something like this happen. The interpersonal relations, and how important each and every person was to making the research trip safe and successful- regardless of what their title was. I really appreciated the detailed information on where interested readers can find more information about this trip, the research it is a part of, and the field in general. I thought it was a great way to encourage readers to take things to the next level. I also appreciated the encouragement that anyone with curiosity can be a scientist. It is not straight A's, but the effort and interest that make a scientist.

 

Early Book Review: Whales & Dolphins by Tom Jackson

Whales & Dolphins by Tom Jackson is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024. Whales and dolphins alike are renowned for their intelligent nature and fascinating social rituals. Like us humans, they use vocalizations to communicate. They both have distinctive, streamlined body shapes and propel themselves through water using powerful tails and flippers. These magnificent mammals are frequently described as ‘sentinels’ of ocean health, providing key insight into marine dynamics and ecosystem quality. Whales are the largest marine mammals belonging to the Cetacea order (whales, dolphins and porpoises). Their incredible size continues to amaze us, the blue whale reaching an astounding 100ft (30.48 meters) and weighing as much as 200 tons. Dolphins, found in both oceans and freshwater, are actually classed as small- toothed whales. They are esteemed around the world for their sleek physical appearance and intriguing sounds used to communicate with each other. Did you know that porpoises are often shy creatures and therefore most of us will very rarely encounter them in the wild? Among their species is the vaquita, tragically the most endangered species of any whale, dolphin or porpoise.

Whales & Dolphins is a visually attention grabbing book. I found the chosen photographs to be wonderful, and the book is worth a look just or the images alone. I thought the text was well done as well, and I learned quite a bit about the featured animals. There were full captions explaining the different species, as well as their behavior and feeding habits. I was fascinated by whales when I was young, and was thrilled to revisit the subject matter. Also, I can finally say that I understand the differences between porpoises and dolphins and just how some outliers like narwhales and belugas fit in the family tree. 

Audiobook Review: What Do Bees Think About? by Mathieu Lihoreau, Narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick

What Do Bees Think About? by Mathieu Lihoreau, audiobook version narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick, is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024.

Have you ever observed a bee up close and wondered what was going on inside its head? Like ours, insects' brains take up most of the space in their heads, but their brains are smaller than a grain of rice, only 0.0002% as large as ours. But what purpose does the insect brain serve, and how does that drive their creativity, morality, and emotions? Bees in particular exhibit unexpected and fascinating cognitive skills. In What Do Bees Think About? animal cognition researcher Mathieu Lihoreau examines a century of research into insect evolution and behavior. He explains recent scientific discoveries, recounts researchers' anecdotes, and reflects on the cognition of these fascinating creatures. Lihoreau's and other scientists' research on insects reinforces the importance of protecting and preserving insects such as bees: after all, our survival on the planet is deeply dependent on theirs. This book provides an eye-opening window into the world of insect cognition and echoes an important ecological message about bees—they are intelligent creatures sharing the same fragile ecosystem as us.

What Do Bees Think About? is an interesting and informative read. I have read quite a few books about bees, but this was the first that focused on their learning and though processes rather than just the basics of beekeeping and behavior. I thought the scientific focus are highly engaging and I learned a lot about the cognition of bees and other insects. I will admit that there were moments when my mind wondered during some of the more technical moments of the book- but that is much more on me than the book. I think this is a great read, or listen, for those interested in the intelligence and learning capabilities of creatures that are so often dismissed as 'just insects'. 

Early Book Review: Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders

Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders is a non fiction read written to help readers master the practice of choosing one thing to do, when to do it, and getting it done. It is currently scheduled for release on March 18 2024.

Every day, a billion knowledge workers wake up, gravitate towards a pixelated screen and process information for eight hours or more, facing an endless and bewildering array of work and life choices. This book is a comprehensive guide to carefully and intentionally selecting what to do, specifying start and finish times, focusing solely on that single activity, and getting it done to an acceptable standard within that timeframe. This is the fundamental, transcendent time-management practice; countless luminaries, from Carl Jung and Albert Einstein to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, have employed some form of it in their daily lives. Zao-Sanders provides an informative and accessible look at every aspect of this revolutionary method– how to do it consistently, and how to do it well. This pragmatic practice of intentional daily activity has been proven to yield what almost every human being wants most: a chosen, cherished life.

Timeboxing is a time and life management tool that can work wonderfully for many people. Many of us already do aspects of the practice to a certain extent- and this book explains how and why we might want to expand on it. I like the idea of it, and think and can be a very valuable tool. The author also touches on some of the problems and solutions for things like distractions, procrastination, and poorly chosen tasks for multi tasking. I do like that he emphasized to do what works for your work style and life. This type of tool is great fore many people in reasonably predictable positions or lifestyles. However, those of us in positions where our workday is more dependent on other people's actions (just about any service or customer facing position) would find this type of scheduling very difficult in practice. That being said, the tips and tools shared certainly were helpful when it came to the more predictable parts of life like groceries, taxes, bills, and finally calling to schedule that thing you have been putting off.

 

Audiobook Review: Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

The audiobook Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You has been written by and narrated by Ali Abdaal. We think that productivity is all about hard work. That the road to success is lined with endless frustration and toil. But what if there’s another way? Dr Ali Abdaal – the world's most-followed productivity expert – has uncovered an easier and happier path to success. Drawing on decades of psychological research, he has found that the secret to productivity and success isn't grind – it's feeling good. If you can make your work feel good, then productivity takes care of itself. In this audiobook, Ali reveals how the science of feel-good productivity can transform your life. He introduces the three hidden "energizers" that underpin enjoyable productivity, the three "blockers" we must overcome to beat procrastination, and the three "sustainers" that prevent burnout and help us achieve lasting fulfillment. He recounts the inspiring stories of founders, Olympians, and Nobel-winning scientists who embody the principles of Feel-Good Productivity. And he introduces the simple, actionable changes that you can use to achieve more and live better, starting today.

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You is an interesting and informative book. Abdaal does a great job narrating, and I think that only enhances the audiobook format of this read. I thought that he described the problems that many of up face with motivation and productivity and offers information to help us understand the science and feelings that sometimes make us get in our own way. I thought the examples and information was well chosen and explained, getting the details and inherent nature of them across without getting too technical or dry. The suggestions and tools Abdaal offers are manageable, and I like that he mentions several times that not every tool or method will work for everyone. However, the awareness, effort, and intent can all help us work towards happier and more fulfilling lives. 

Book Review: A Year of Crochet Stitches: A Stitch-a-Day Perpetual Calendar by Jill Wright

A Year of Crochet Stitches: A Stitch-a-Day Perpetual Calendar by Jill Wright is a standing desk flip calendar showcases a new stitch pattern for every day of the year! Each date features a new pattern swatch with complete instructions--so many exciting new stitches to try, from lace and filet to shells, colorwork, and more. The handy size fits easily in a project bag, making it a favorite stitch dictionary for on-the-go hooking. 

I have more than one book that collect various crochet and/or knitting stiches, and honestly I often flip through and pick one when I am looking to make and afghan and want something new to try. A Year of Crochet Stitches is a lovely desk calendar that offers me most of those same stiches, but in a new format. I liked that the stitches were grouped together in a logical and helpful way for the learning process, starting in January with some simple, basic stitches and then grouping things like baubles, chevrons, lines, edging, and motifs in later months.  I really like the idea of this collection, but think it would have worked better for me if there was some continuity- creating a finished project at the end of each month rather than 365 different stitches in different projects. At the end there are suggestions for patterns in which to use the different stitches, and the instructions for joining motifs and some great information. I think this would be a fun gift for crafters like myself that are always looking to change things up or learn something new.

Early Book Review: Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts

Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Every part of the human body has a name—and story. But how familiar are you with your arachnoid mater or your Haversian canals? Anatomical Oddities explores the less-familiar realms of the body, unveiling the mysteries etched into the most outlandish landscapes hidden inside all of us: our crypts and caverns, gorges, islets, and mountains. Along the way, it dips into the history of our relationship with our physical form and the discoveries that paved the way for modern anatomy and medicine. Quirky, bizarre, and beautiful, these pages feature original artworks by Alice Roberts. The stunning, full-color illustrations lay bare the intricate details of the human body, the stories of people who unearthed its secrets, and the meanings of the words we use to describe it.

Anatomical Oddities is a fascinating read, and I am very glad that I requested it on Netgalley. I thought the page long sections on each body feature was just enough information to keep readers engaged, interested, and learning. I found the text to be accessible, with a conversational tone and sense of humor that balanced the more scientific and technical aspects of the topic. I thought the matching images were very well done, and gave context to the text. It was well written, and readers can feel the expertise and knowledge that has gone into crafting the book. The only thing I could have asked for is a bibliography or suggestions for further reading for those that would like to explore anatomy or the entomology of the related language further.  I really enjoyed the entomology for the terms, and learning more about the human body, and how bizarrely wonderful it is. 

Book Review: Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust

Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust is a nonfiction resource. For too many people, the simple act of contacting a plumber or repair person can feel like a game of chance. As a transwoman and a professional maintenance technician, Mercury Stardust has discovered (the hard way) that we live in a world with much to fear. If you've ever felt panicked about opening your home to strangers in order to fix a maintenance issue, this book is for you. Renting a home can be a complex process—from finding a safe and affordable space, to hiring help for moving in and out, and of course, managing any repairs that come up during your stay. You deserve to feel empowered to take matters into your own hands—and it’s not as hard as you might think. In this book, Mercury will show you how to tackle the projects that need improvement in your home—from how to properly fix a clog in your bathroom sink and safely hang things on your walls to patching small and medium drywall holes. Remember—a little bit of knowledge can go a long way toward making you feel more safe and in control of your own life.

Safe and Sound is a great resource for renters, that have rules and conditions that they need to follow in their lease. The book offers useful information about renters rights, as well as support and encouragement that readers can do new and challenging things. I found the text to be well written, easy to follow, and strangely comforting. I loved the gentle tone of the writing, and the space for emotional resets.  I have followed Mercury Stardust on Instagram for awhile, and I was thrilled to get a copy of this book via NetGalley. I have always leaned towards trying to fix the little problems in my apartments, now house, myself and this is resource I wish I had back when I first was on my own. I think that homeowners who would rather tackle the doable repairs themselves rather than invite other people into their space unless they have to could get a great deal from this book as well, even if apartment hunting and all they trials that go with it are not something they need. 

Safe and Sound is a well written and valuable resource for renters, and a good book to have on hand for anyone that might need to deal with a household emergency. I will be buying copies of this book for all the young adults in my extended family when they are ready to strike out on their own.

Early Book Review: Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece

Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece is currently scheduled for release on September 19 2023. Did you know that you are a glorious and incredible artist? Wait, really? Well, you are. Shitty Craft Club gives you permission to have fun and be as weird, wild, and wonderful as you want to be. It’s about trying your best, not perfection. With step-by-step instructions and funny, deeply relatable tales from her life, Sam Reece, founder of the Shitty Craft Club movement, hilariously guides you through dozens of projects. Making a bunch of pom-poms so you can be your own cheerleader? That’s a craft. Sculpting a rhinestone shrimp out of aluminum foil and a glue gun? A craft. Having literally one sip of water (congrats, by the way)? Yup, you bet—a craft. Because life is hard. So why not spend a bit of time gluing some trash to more trash if it makes you happy?

Shitty Craft Club is a fun and enjoyable read. Are the crafts in the book my style? Nope, but I think that is kind of the reason I read this book. The encouragement to craft things just because it is fun and you deserve to do something you enjoy is fantastic. I have been doing different types of arts and crafts all my life, and I admit to falling into the trap of needing things to be just right or as close to perfect as possible before letting it been seen. Making myself a trophy for getting through the week might have sounded silly before, but maybe that is just the reward I need. Not the final result necessarily, but the making and doing of the craft for no good reason other than I want to and can is something we could all stand to do a little more, especially when (hot glue gun burns and clean up aside) there is no harm or downside in giving yourself the space to do this type of thing. I thought the authors voice was very honest and funny, making this book a joy to read. The emphasis on being health and happy, and working with sustainable and recycled supplies was an added bonus. I think this book is a great read for crafters and perfectionists of all kinds, and is definitely worth the read. 

Early Book Review: Cute & Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals by Lauren Bergstrom

Cute & Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals by Lauren Bergstrom is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2023. Author and artist Lauren Bergstrom provides 12 step-by-step projects for crocheting popular, trendy, huggable animals, such as a flamingo, a dinosaur, an elephant, an octopus, a red panda, a fox, a narwhal, and more. While amigurumi animals are often very small, this book features instructions and tips for crocheting larger plushie animals that are perfect for baby gifts, birthday gifts for kids, home decor, and more. Cute & Cuddly Crochet also offers a guide for crochet basics, such as crochet techniques, stitches, how to do color changes, materials and where to source them, and much more. Accompanying the book are helpful videos from the author. 

Cute & Cuddly Crochet offers readers a good selection of projects, with helpful hints and tricks that will make these projects (and future endeavors) less intimidating and stressful. I thought the text was easy to follow and the pictures were very well chosen to give a solid visual reference to the instructions. I like that the author left room for personalization, and showed some variation with eyes and colors, giving the crafter some room to make things their own. I think this book offers readers exactly what it promises. For crafters that are looking to make this style of project on a regular basis this might be a good addition to your crafting library. 

Early Book Review: Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrott-Ryan

Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrott-Ryan is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2023.  Late one night, ecologist Jonathan Martin was searching for tree frogs in his Wisconsin backyard when he made an unexpected discovery. As he shined an ultraviolet flashlight in the direction of a high-pitched chirp, Martin saw a flash of bright pink at his bird feeder. That pink glow was coming from a flying squirrel. What was going on? You’re probably familiar with some kinds of glowing animals. Fireflies light up summer nights. Bioluminescent jellyfish and other sea creatures fill our oceans. But some animals glow only under ultraviolet light. This is called biofluorescence. That flying squirrel Martin found turned out to be one of the first-ever recorded sightings of a biofluorescent mammal. Follow along with Martin and his colleagues as they delve into the mystery of the flying squirrels and discover that they aren’t the only glowing mammals out there!

Mysterious Glowing Mammals is an interesting and informative read. I like the balance of personal experiences of the researchers and related information that was shared in the book. The process of confirming and expanding on scientific finding was interesting to see, and might inspire young readers to observe and explore the world around them like Martin did. The pictures included are well placed and do a great job of illustrating the point and giving readers a visual reference for the topic at hand. The information about the different scientific specialties and how they are all very different and still overlap when trying to find answers is an important point that many of us often forget about,  I learned a great deal in this book and I think many other readers will as well.  I found the book to be engaging and well researched, and love how a glossary, bibliography, and recommended reading for those interested in learning more are included in the endpages. I feel like these important details are too often left out of children's (and sometimes adult) non fiction books. 

Early Book Review: The League of Lady Poisoners: Illustrated True Stories of Dangerous Women by Lisa Perrin

The League of Lady Poisoners: Illustrated True Stories of Dangerous Women by Lisa Perrin is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2023. This illustrated book will introduce you to some of the most infamous women throughout world history, united by their shared taste for poison. It weaves together the stories of more than twenty-five accused women poisoners, exploring the circumstances and skill sets that led them to lives of crime. You might find yourself rooting for some of them—like Sally Bassett, who helped poison her granddaughter’s enslavers in Bermuda, or Giulia Tofana, who sold her name-brand concoction to women wanting to be rid of their abusive (or otherwise undesirable) husbands. Other stories, though—including that of Yiya Murano, one of Argentina’s most notorious swindlers and serial killers, or the terrifying Nurse Jane Toppan—may prove less palatable. Organized into thematic chapters based on the women’s motives, the book also includes an illustrated primer that delves into the origins and effects of common poisons throughout history, as well as a foreword by Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi, creators and hosts of the podcast Criminalia. It is a treat for true crime fans, feminist history buffs, and any curious readers fascinated by the more macabre side of human nature.

The League of Lady Poisoners is a well researched and written book. I found the author's voice and discussion of the social, economic, and gender expectations of each situation to be well informed and helpful in getting a better understanding of the topic, and what we just do not know because of the way journalism and history color history and information. I liked that the topic and people were all treated with respect but at the same time the author never took themselves too seriously, so there was a sense of humor and with through out the book as well. I thought the artwork matched the text and tone of the book, and enhanced the read for me. I greatly appreciated the detailed bibliography, which helps readers intrigue by a particular story or aspect of the book to further explore the research and information behind the book. I always appreciate recommendations to further my knowledge or understanding of a topic. 

Early Book Review: The 30-Minute Gardener: Cultivate Beauty and Joy by Gardening Every Day by Greg Loades

The 30-Minute Gardener: Cultivate Beauty and Joy by Gardening Every Day by Greg Loades is currently scheduled for release on July 11 2023. Are you ready to discover your garden’s unexpected gifts? All it takes is a daily practice. This book describes what dedicated time spent in the garden every day can create for readers: a moment of solitude in a busy world, a welcoming space to enjoy with family and friends, and an increased connection to nature. In this guide you’ll find advice on tasks like pruning a rose bush and planting bulbs, inspired ideas like adding a green roof or laying a patio, and hints on how to sit back and enjoy your accomplishments.

The 30-Minute Gardener is a wonderful reminder of taking things in small doses and enjoying the fruits (sometimes literally) of our hard work. I thought the pictures were well chosen, and match the text well, and broke up the text in just the right spots to give my eyes and mind a break. The text was well written, and I enjoyed the conversational tone of the text. I am very much the kind of gardener that has great plans and vision, but when it comes to the daily weeding and upkeep rather falls down on the job for reasons- too hot, too tired, too buggy, a good book needs reading, or whatever. I read this book in hopes that it would provide me the tools and motivation to do better this year. I like that Loades includes the important details the gardeners might think they already have a handle on (like hardiness zones), and describes them with enough detail and information for newcomers to understand, but it never felt condescending or trite for even very experienced gardeners.  I found myself nodding as I recognized impulses that I share with the author (like getting impatient and wanting to plant a little to early for me area) but I also got a great deal of little hints and encouragement on how to make getting out there in the garden, even in the colder months, part of a healthy daily routine. I also liked that they emphasized a low stress approach in regards to weeds, and things that will take several weeks of attention. It is much easy to get out there and do what you can, when you can, without the guilt and stress that often creeps in when we look too hard at what needs to be done. I also thought some of the suggestions- like a simple garden diary in some form is great, because it helps you see how the small changes and growth really have made a difference when you cannot see it in the moment. 

The 30-Minute Gardener is a nice and thoughtful read, and a helpful resource for gardeners of all skill levels that need a little help staying motivated with changes and upkeep in a garden. 

Book Review: Do Other Earths Exist?: Mysteries of Space by Jennifer Lombardo

Do Other Earths Exist?: Mysteries of Space by Jennifer Lombardo is a children's non fiction book. Until 1990, no one could say for certain that planets existed beyond our solar system. Today, thanks to unprecedented advancements in technology, astronomers have found more than 5,000 of these exoplanets. Some are Earth-sized, some orbit a sun-like star, and some are rocky rather than gaseous. Could any of them hold life as we know it? Full-color photographs and engaging, age-appropriate text let students explore the exciting field of exoplanet study. A glossary of terms is provided to help expand readers’ scientific vocabulary.

Do Other Earths Exist? is a well written and designed introduction to the search for other inhabitable planets for young readers. I thought the information was well organized and accessible. While those that have been space obsessed for awhile ad have already done some reading, not everything here will be new information. However, since it is such a specific subject I think the angle and focus makes the read engaging and informational for young readers. I appreciated the glossary and information for further reading and exploration included in the endmatter a great deal. 

Early Book Review: The World's Most Atrocious Animals by Philip Bunting

The World's Most Atrocious Animals is the third title in the series from Philip Bunting. It is currently scheduled for release on July 11 2023 and is filled with facts about some of the scariest creatures in the natural world. Meet the enormous murder hornets of east and southeast Asia, the poisonous blue-ringed octopus, Africa's hungry but deadly hippos and some truly shocking electric eels, among many more truly scary creatures! The antagonist voice (speaking though cheeky annotations) points out the most frightening aspects of each creature's characteristics, while the narrator's voice describes engaging, factual information about each animal's seemingly scary characteristics. Are they really as scary as they seem? With humorous text and bright illustrations, this guide to terrifying animals contains funny labelled diagrams and fabulous facts. It will help teach kids about the animals we fear and whether their gruesome reputation is deserved!

The World's Most Atrocious Animals is another great addition to this series. There is a great balance of humor and information. While there was a good deal of information that I knew, I still learned a good deal. The illustrations are fun, and accurate while still maintaining the humorous tone of the book. There is a wide range of creatures covered here- with plenty of interesting information about each of them. The only things I would have liked to see here that I didn't, is some sources for further reading in the endmatter of the book and some kind of organization for the order of creatures in the book. If there was a reason for the order I missed it, but organizing them by something would have been nice; location, habitat, alphabetically, anything at all would have been helpful to me personally but no one else might be bothered by this at all.  Fans of the previous books in this series will not be disappointed, either will readers that like a little fun along side their information.

Book Review: Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia by Ilaria Demonti, Camilla Pintonato

Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia, written by Ilaria Demonti and illustrated Camilla Pintonato, is filled with incredible sheep facts told in a playful tone and endearing illustrations. Discover all there is to know about sheep in all their woolly glory in this illustrated guide ewe will flock to again and again! For instance, did you know that sheep do not like to be alone and get along well with other animals? Or that a sheep was the first mammal to be cloned by humans? Have you ever wondered how sheep's milk turns into cheese? Or how sheep are shorn and wool is made into cloth? These and other intriguing and engaging facts about this lovable animal can be found in Sheepology, a visual encyclopedia and follow-up to Chickenology and Pigology. Nature- and animal-loving readers of all ages will find something to learn and love about these fascinating farm friends.

Sheepology offers readers exactly what the title and blub suggest. There is a humorous tone in the interesting information shared about sheep here, some I knew and some was new to me. I thought the illustrations were well done, and the art style felt a bit like some of the classic picturebooks I remember fondly from my own childhood. I thought the information was well chosen, and the text was accessible and I learned more about sheep in this relatively short book than I thought I would. While there is a bit on anatomy and animal husbandry, the information and images are completely age appropriate for the target audience of children 6-10 years old. This book would be great for an animal obsessed young reader, a child doing a report, or anyone interested in learning more about sheep. 

Early Book Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham; Sophie Timms; Theresa Wensing

Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book  presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.

Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.

Early Book Review: Strange Animals by Tom Jackson

Strange Animals by Tom Jackson is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2023. How does a mudskipper fish manage to “walk” on land? Why is the Hoatzin also known as ‘The Stinkbird’? And once the female Pipa toad has laid her eggs, where does she put them? The answers? The mudskipper can “walk” using its pectoral fins, the Hoatzin has a unique digestive system which gives the bird a manure-like odor, and the female Pipa Toad embeds its eggs on its back where they develop to adult stage. Strange Animals presents the most unusual aspects of 100 of the most unusual species. The selection spans a broad spectrum of wildlife, from the tallest land living mammal, the giraffe, to the light, laughing chorus of Australian kookaburra birds, from the intelligence of the Bottlenose dolphin to octopuses that change color when they dream to the slow pace of the three-toed sloth. Arranged geographically, the photographs are accompanied by fascinating captions, which explain the quirky characteristics of each entry. Including egg-laying mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, cannibalistic insects and other invertebrates. 

Strange Animals is a book that captured my attention and interest with its title. I love learning about the odd and unexpected animals in the world. Since I have read and watched so much information on the subject, I do have to say that very little of this book was new to me. Most of the animals were ones I had run across in the past, or creatures I do not consider odd or unusual at all. That being said, the photographs through out the entire book are phenomenal. I liked the short paragraphs of information, which gave interesting and easily digestible bits of information on the creatures in the book- but the start of this show unequivocally the photographs on each and ever page. It is worth the cost of this book, or borrow from the library, to sit and leisurely flip through the pages and just enjoy the fantastic photographs or these animals. 

Early Book Review:100 Morning Treats: With Muffins, Rolls, Biscuits, Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads, and More by Sarah Kieffer

100 Morning Treats: With Muffins, Rolls, Biscuits, Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads, and More by Sarah Kieffer is currently scheduled for release on May 9 2023. These baking projects will bring delight to your family breakfast, a Sunday brunch or bake sale, a morning at the office, or kids' soccer practice. Whatever your preference alongside your morning cup of coffee or tea—sweet or savory, buttery or flaky, hot off the griddle or taken to go—you'll find a recipe for it here, from coffee cakes to danishes, doughnuts, scones, quick breads, quiches, and muffins galore! Filled with more than 120 inspiring photographs, including how-tos for doughs and shaping, and instructions for prepping the night before and baking in the morning.

100 Morning Treats is a well rounded book for those that love to bake, and those that want to improve their knowledge and recipe base in baking. I thought the introduction and tips and other information included in the beginning of the book was well written and chosen, and that the book was laid out and organized well. The pictures were well chosen and made me eager to try my hand at the recipes, and if I am honest reading the descriptions and looking at the pictures made me a bit hungry and craving something freshly baked. I like that the ingredient measurements are given in metric and imperial units- so everyone can easily follow the recipes without having to do conversions and extra calculations. I thought the recipes were easy to follow and well written. The extra informational box content through out the book was helpful and interesting. There was a nice variety of recipes, something for everyone. While the classics were covered, so were some recipes I have never seen. I honestly cannot wait to test a few of these out in coming weeks. Ones I am looking forward to the most are: Grapefruit Glazed Muffins, Lemon Meringue Bread, Strawberry Knots, and the Chocolate Pudding Bundt Cake. 

100 Morning Treats is a wonderful collection of recipes, and if I had anymore room for physical books this would be joining my collection. It just might anyway. 

Early Book Review: Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur is currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. In 2012, Matika Wilbur sold everything in her Seattle apartment and set out on a Kickstarter-funded pursuit to visit, engage, and photograph people from what were then the 562 federally recognized Native American Tribal Nations. Over the next decade, she traveled six hundred thousand miles across fifty states—from Seminole country (now known as the Everglades) to Inuit territory (now known as the Bering Sea)—to meet, interview, and photograph hundreds of Indigenous people. The body of work Wilbur created serves to counteract the one-dimensional and archaic stereotypes of Native people in mainstream media and offers justice to the richness, diversity, and lived experiences of Indian Country. The culmination of this decade-long art and storytelling endeavor, Project 562 is a peerless, sweeping, and moving love letter to Indigenous Americans, containing hundreds of stunning portraits and compelling personal narratives of contemporary Native people—all photographed in clothing, poses, and locations of their choosing. Their narratives touch on personal and cultural identity as well as issues of media representation, sovereignty, faith, family, the protection of sacred sites, subsistence living, traditional knowledge-keeping, land stewardship, language preservation, advocacy, education, the arts, and more.

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is a stunning and important book. The photography is absolutely wonderful, and I could page through this book for hours to appreciate each image. More important, the text and purpose of this book is incredibly significant and I found the book to be highly engaging, informational, and meaningful on multiple levels. I think letting each of the interviewed individuals choose how that wanted to be photographed, and how their words were shared untouched went a long way in sharing their real and authentic voices, experiences, and perspectives with readers. Reading this book was as close to meeting such a variety of individuals and communities from across the country as I am likely to ever have a chance to personally. I feel like I learned a great deal, and will continue to learn more as I explore more ownvoices works by indigenous individuals. I thought I had a much better grasp and understanding on how colonialism and bigotry had shaped this country and all of its people, but I feel like I have a much better understanding of how little I actually knew after reading this book. This book has inspired be to continue my learning and understanding, and I hope it will have the effect on a wide variety of readers.