Early Book Review: Five Hiding Ostriches by Barbara Barbieri McGrath

Five Hiding Ostriches by Barbara Barbieri McGrath is currently scheduled for release on August 9 2022. Count five fast ostriches as they flee—and hide—from a lurking lion in this playful, rhyming twist on an early concepts counting book! Five ostriches run, stomp, and hide from a sneaky lion. But a surprise ending reveals that the lion is only trying to play hide-and-seek! The back of the book includes five fun facts about ostriches and an idea for a game that will inspire your little readers to get moving, too.

Five Hiding Ostriches is a fun and charmingly illustrated picturebook. I love the playfulness of it, and that information about ostriches is included in the book as well. I think the book does a good job of supporting the teaching of counting skills, entertaining readers, and encouraging further activities. This is a well rounded and engaging book that will stand up to repeat readings. 

Early Book Review: The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem by Nancy Castaldo

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem by Nancy Castaldo is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2022. Journey to the isolated islands of Isle Royale National Park where the longest predator/prey study in the world is being conducted along with a controversial genetic rescue to save not only the wolves and moose, but the entire island ecosystem. For over sixty years, in what has been known as the longest study of predator and prey in the world, scientists have studied the wolves and moose of Isle Royale and the island’s ecology to observe and investigate wildlife populations. But due to illness and underlying factors, the population of wolves on the island has dropped while the number of moose has increased, putting the Isle Royale ecosystem in jeopardy. Now, for the first time ever, scientists are intervening. If they can successfully relocate twenty to thirty wolves from the mainland to Isle Royale, scientists can potentially restore the balance among wolves, moose, and trees of the island's ecosystem. Now the living laboratory experiment begins.

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale is a nonfiction book that can be understood and enjoyed by middle grade readers and older., including those of us that have been out of school for longer than we might want to disclose. I thought the text was well written and accessible, and the combination of photographs, sketches, and info boxes help keep the readers focused and interested without overwhelming them. I thought the research was fascinating and I thought the information on the researchers and the next steps were interesting. This isn't a project that is over, it is a work in progress, and effort in motion, and something interested readers can follow in the years to come to see what worked, what did not, and how the ecosystem in fairing, This makes me more excited and invested in the read,  more so that when I read about completed research studies in far off places with vague commentary about what might come next. I love that the endpages include not only the expected glossary and index, but also a bibliography and sources for further information. This always makes me a happy reader, more so when it comes to nonfiction for children. 

Book Review: The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken is a contemporary romance. Colby's living her best life: as a popular food blogger, she gets to fulfill her dreams of exploring the globe. But her world comes crashing down when a tragic accident leaves her co-guardian of her best friend's two adorable children. Not only does she need to put down roots—fast—but she'll be sharing custody with the one man she can't stand sharing a continent with, let alone a house. Accountant-extraordinaire Rip values rules and plans. But when he loses his sister and his best friend and becomes an insta-guardian all in one night, Rip sees his organized life imploding. What he really doesn't need is his sister's irresponsible, flighty—albeit kind and gorgeous—best friend making it worse. Rip doesn't trust Colby to take their new responsibilities seriously, while Colby can't believe Rip thinks children will thrive under his rigid control. Yet soon Rip and Colby discover they need each other more than they hate each other. Could it be possible that following their hearts is just what their new little family needs?

The Godparent Trap has some serious subjects throughout- mostly grief and coming to terms with loss and change. However, there is still some humor thanks to the secondary characters and the opposite's attract nature of the relationship between Colby and Rip. I was highly engaged in getting to know both characters and seeing them grow as people, caregivers, and a couple. I really enjoyed the interactions between Rip and Colby, and some secondary characters like Banks. There were moments that were hard to read, but that is more because of the topics at hand- like loss and the well being of children- than any lacking in the writing. I think the book was well written and the hard stuff was handled well including the use of content warnings for readers that might have difficulty with the subject matter. 

The Godparent Trap  is a solid romance with lots of feels and some laughs along the way. 

Early Book Review: The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon is the third book in The Boyfriend Project series, but can be enjoyed on its own as well. It is currently scheduled for release on August 2 2022. Successful pediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress. According to her friends Samiah and Taylor, what London really needs is a casual hookup. A night of fun with no strings. But no one—least of all London—expected it to go down at her high school reunion with Drew Sullivan, millionaire, owner of delicious abs, and oh yes, her archnemesis. Now London is certain the road to hell is paved with good sex. Because she’s found out the real reason Drew’s back in Austin: to decide whether her beloved hospital remains open. Worse, Drew is doing everything he can to show her that he’s a decent guy who actually cares. But London’s not falling for it. Because while sleeping with the enemy is one thing, falling for him is definitely not part of the plan.

The Hookup Plan is a great read with characters that feel very real. They each have their issues and hangups, but they also have self awareness and do their best to communicate and be good people even when it is hard. London is at a cross roads, trying to better balance her life to be healthy while dealing with layers of stress and big decision making. Drew is thrilled at a chance to develop a relationship with London, but has his own challenges to face at the same time. I loved the communication and honesty that is such a huge part of their story, and their lives in general. I was glad to get both of their perspectives, to see how they chose to share with each other and getting a glimpse at their concerns and struggles made them even more real to me as a reader. This was such a great journey and I loved this book, and the whole series. 

The Hookup Plan is a wonderful wrap up to this trilogy. I am looking forward to reading whatever Rochon writes next!

Early Book Review: Elephants on the Move: A Day with an Asian Elephant Family by Lela Nargi

Elephants on the Move: A Day with an Asian Elephant Family by Lela Nargi is a nonfiction picturebook created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2022.

Rumble and mumble. Trumpet and stomp! Meet Kamala, Rani, Bozie, Swarna, and Spike! These busy Asian Elephants have formed a family at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Discover a day in the life of this elephant herd, how keepers interact with them, and how this work helps wild elephants thousands of miles away. 

Elephants on the Move is an engaging and informative read for lower elementary age students. I thought the pictures and information chosen balance nicely, keeping reader focused on the book and interested in the text. I like that readers get a good look at the daily life of these elephants in the zoo, and a greater appreciation for both the animals and the work that goes into running a zoo and caring for all the animals, and keeping them happy and health. The information was well chosen and accessible to readers, although it might be a little tough going for some younger or less advanced readers. I think this book would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries as well as public libraries and personal collections. 

Early Book Review: This is a Birthday Cake by Andrew Cangelose, Josh Shipley

This is a Birthday Cake is a picturebook written by Andrew Cangelose and illustrated by Josh Shipley. It is currently scheduled for release on July 12 2022. It's Taco the squirrel's birthday, and all of his little animal friends are planning a big surprise for him—they're going to make him a birthday cake! The only problem with their plan is that the baker in the group is too slow. So, as this sassy crew of critters is known to do, they set out to learn all they can about birthday cakes and how to make one, with spectacularly disastrous and delightful results.

This is a Birthday Cake is a fun and highly entertaining read. I like that readers get a bit of history about birthday cakes, and how to bake one, even as we go along as Bucky speeds through a much less tasty cake making process. I thought that Bucky's desire to hurry things along and do things his own way is something that many young readers can relate to, as are the less than perfect results. I like that while a lesson is learned, the book is still a joy to read without feeling like the lesson was the only point of the book. The story and illustrations are great fun and never treat the readers or even the impetuous Bucky like they are bad for the mistakes that they make. This was just a fun read and I think it would be a great choice for storytime, bedtime, and multiple reads by new fans.  

Book Review: Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini

Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini is intended to guide women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century, so they can finally live life on their own terms. It uses  humor, storytelling, and a healthy dash of behavioral science, to teach readers how to leave it all behind, dropping the beliefs that no longer fit, and creating a new narrative about what it means to be female—and what, exactly, life looks like from here. Full of thoughtful questions, gut-check exercises, and interview content from both men and women, Fuckless is a book with a mission—to give women the applicable tools they need to change the way they show up in the world, and to pour gasoline on the fire of the women's movement.

Fuckless is a guide to letting go of the preconceived notions we have about who we are supposed to be, and how we should live our lives. To let go of all the little bits of societal norms that have shaped us over the years and made so many of us afraid to step out of line.  This does not mean stopping doing thing that honestly give us joy, even if they do fit the narrative, it is more about being more authentically ourselves and caring less about how other people see us. Its also about taking ownership of our own choices, not blaming them for expecting us to conform, but in the little (and not so little) things we do, think, and say to avoid conflict or uncomfortable feelings for everyone. I like that the author admits her place of privilege- and stresses that every one and their situation is different so that nothing is one size fits all. I also like that while the book is definitely about empowering women to be their most authentic self, and to break out of the boxes we feel confined in, she stresses self awareness, accountability, and taking stock of our own choices rather than just blindly blaming others and society. I really like that the author includes access to the references and resources used in the book on her website. Sometimes you see a study referenced in an article or book and want to see more about how the study was done, and perhaps some raw data to see if the interpretation is skewed by unconscious bias, and this access allows us more curious folks to follow up on those questions. However, for those that do not like to seek out extra information it does not clog up the read, and for those curious but not enough to go hunting there is a good deal of related information in the endpages. A little something for all kinds of readers, which I appreciate. 

Fuckless is an honest and open book about figuring out what you want, what could be holding you back, and taking control of your life and choices in order to be the most authentic self you can. I think it will resonate and help those that pick up the book. 

Book Review: Forget Me by Michelle McCraw

Forget Me by Michelle McCraw is the fifth book in the Synergy book series, although it can also be read as a stand alone. When accountant Mimi wakes up after a night of fun with her girlfriends, she remembers the hot guy in glasses she flirted with at the bar but not much else. With no way to contact him – no phone number, not even a selfie – she’ll do her best to forget him. Because nothing, not even a sexy mystery man, will keep her from winning her dream job. Except maybe Mateo. Her brother’s friend is everywhere – spilling coffee on her presentation, bringing apology flowers to her at work, even wowing her new boss at her project meeting. Mateo has never struggled to be the fun, cool, suave guy – except around Mimi. She’s found his Awkward switch, and now it’s stuck in the ON position. After screwing up Mimi’s presentation, the least Mateo can do is help her. He charms her boss, who pushes them to attend the foundation’s upcoming gala together. If helping Mimi means being her fake date at her big work event, he’s more than up for the job. And if he can convince Mimi he’s good enough to be her real boyfriend, he’ll have all he’s ever wanted since he met her that night in the bar.

Forget Me had me worried when I noticed it was the fifth in a series and I had not read any of the previous books. However, while it did make me eager to read what all happened before this book, I felt like the characters and their situations were well handled and read well on its own. I understood Mimi, ever when I did not necessarily like her choices and actions at certain points, I could completely understand where she was coming from and how she felt. I loved that she was self aware enough to admit mistakes and deal with the potential fall out like an adult rather than just ignoring it. Mateo was a wonderful character and I loved the dichotomy that he presented in his personality and actions. Strong, suave, and smooth while at the same time as self doubting and self conscious as the rest of us. It reminded me that just about everyone has these kinds of feelings, no matter how the might act and how others perceive them. I loved the level of communication between the characters, and the honesty about the fears of getting close can bring on and how thy handled it in the story. I look forward to going back to read the previous books, and looking forward to the possible future books hinted at in this one. 

Forget Me is a read that has depth of character and humor. Now I want to go back and read the books I missed in the series so I can see how the other characters came together. 

Book Review: Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter

Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter is a collection of shorter works featuring heroines Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, as well as a host of other characters from the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series.  From a vampire-filled Halloween evening in New Orleans to the searing tale of how a certain were-leopard first got his spots, this collection has something for everyone, and each story is sure to put the super in supernatural. With eighteen stories in all, Of Claws and Fangs will enrich and entertain—it’s a must-have for Faith Hunter’s readers and all lovers of fantasy.

Of Claws and Fangs  is a collection of vignettes, short stories, and a novella all from the world of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood. Those that subscribe to the newsletter and follow Hunter online might have seen some of these stories previously, but most will be brand new to readers. I loved getting a look at some of the moments between the stories I have read and particularly moments from characters the generally do not get to have their thoughts shared. I loved that some of these stories tie the characters I felt I have come to know well, and those that always seem on the periphery, closer together in ways I never expected. This was a great collection and I think all fans of Hunter's work will enjoy it very much. 

Of Claws and Fangs is a must have for fans of Faith Hunter. For those that prefer to listen, the audiobook version is available, and extremely well done. 

Early Book Review: Hoop Quilts for Beginners: 15 Designs from Easy Patchwork and Embroidery by AnneMarie Chany

Hoop Quilts for Beginners: 15 Designs from Easy Patchwork and Embroidery by AnneMarie Chany is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2022. The craft of hoop quilts combine simple quilting techniques with embroidery, patchwork, and other favorite fabric arts. This is a  guide for quilters and crafters, featuring 15 hoop-framed block designs of all different sizes with step-by-step instructions and guidance for adding hand embroidery and other embellishments, resulting in stunning wall hangings and handmade gifts. A great way to use up some scrap fabric and make something beautiful without committing to an entire quilt, transform single blocks into impressive projects and practice a variety of sewing and embroidery techniques with this exciting, must-have source of inspiration!

Hoop Quilts for Beginners offers readers exactly what the title and publisher description promises. I have tried my hand at all of the skill sets used in this craft, and enjoy some more than others and have been more precise and technically proficient in some compared to others as well. I think this book offers instruction, tips, and tricks from crafters of all skill sets, but definitely is best for some that have a basic knowledge of sewing and needlecraft. However, I learned a great deal about proper quilting and other techniques that I have tried but not mastered. I found the instructions to be well written and the pictures to be helpful.  I thought the techniques and results are very cool and I am glad I have read the book. I found the finished projects to be interesting and I was inspired by many to look at my thread and fabric in a new light. Once I finish my current to do list I might be giving some of these patterns a go.