Cyclops Witch and the Heebie Jeebies by Kyle Sullivan

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Cyclops Witch is only afraid of one thing: KIDS! And guess who comes tromping up to her front door? That's right, KIDS! Desperate to escape their wild and mean natures, their tickling, rough-housing, pinching and biting, she sends them on a wild goose chase through Hazy Dell. But what happens at the end of that chase isn't exactly what Cyclops Witch expected.

A very cute tale for those who love spooky stories. I really enjoyed this tale, especially the imaginative creatures that live in Hazy Dell. The illustrations are reminiscent of a Cartoon Network show and pop off the page with cute, round life. The story is cute, though not every rhyming line scans perfectly, making it a potentially difficult read aloud, and it runs a little long. In spite of this, many children will be looking forward to the adventures of Cyclops Witch. 

Thanks to Hazy Dell Press and Consortium for my galley.

I Love My Colorful Nails by Alicia Acosta and Luis Amavisca

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Ben loves to have colorful nails. They make him cheerful and he he likes to share this activity with his mom and his friends. But when Ben goes to school, some of the boys make fun of him. Will Ben ever feel safe with his colorful nails? Alicia Acosta and Luis Amavisca have created a beautiful (though overly simplified) feminist story, pushing back against overly restrictive gender stereotypes. No one is being hurt by Ben's colorful nails, but he is bullied for them. While there is no real solution given to the problem of bullying, there is support shown by Ben's parents and classmates. Gusti's pen and watercolor illustrations are overly large and full of life and color. The double spread illustrations are so vibrant that you feel like you can sink into them. A fun addition to a children's collection (though one that should be supplemented with anti-bullying books).

Thanks to Nube Ocho and Consortium Book Sales for the copy!

Evie and the Strawberry Patch Rescue by Stefanie Dahle

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Evie the Strawberry Fairy has a conundrum. The rain is coming down and swamping her strawberry patch. She has to move herself AND her strawberries. With a little help from her friends and some knowledge of the natural world. Evie and her strawberries get moved and back to normal in a jiffy.

This is an adorable book, perfect for those of us who grew up (and still might be growing up) on Strawberry Shortcake. Evie is adorned in a strawberry like dress with ginger curls and freckles. She’s also a little naturalist. She talks about environment, ideal growing conditions, pests and remedies. The only thing that would have absolutely made this book ultimate for me would have been a further reading section in the back about gardens and growing things. Even though it’s not there, the book is still a treasure.

Thanks to Floris Books and Consortium Publishing for my copy.

Cannabis: The Illegalization of Weed in America

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Box Brown turns over another piece of history to reveal its seedy underbelly. I think I'd read pretty much anything Box Brown wrote. I loved Andre the Giant and got sucked in to Tetris. I wasn't sure that I'd like or appreciate Cannabis, but I was wrong. Brown's simple line drawing and matter-of-fact writing style make clear muddled history. I think this is a timely book, not just because there are recreational cannabis laws popping up on ballots across the country, but also because we're continually being faced with dissembling politicians trotting out "scientific facts" and "polls" to support whatever legislation they're being paid to support. For people who like graphic novels, history (including Steve Sheinkin), and political scandals.

Manfried the Man by Caitlin Majors

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In Major and Bastow's world, cats are large intelligent creatures and men are....cats. Though they still retain their odd human hairlessness, their ability to walk upright, and other humanish traits. Manfried the Man is really the story of Steve Catson. Stuck in a dead-end job that he hates and not motivated enough to get his art going and out there, Steve exists and makes bad decision after bad decision. When he's at his lowest, Manfried, his man, goes missing sparking Steve to finally do something.

Manfried the Man was interesting - I liked the little quirks of owning a man versus a cat. Men say "Hey" not meow, eating food that is shaped like tiny people food. While Steve's misadventures are frequently cringe-worthy, they're real, and the whole thing is topped off with a believable and happy ending. The art is perfect for this kind of a story, round and often cute, without being too twee. This definitely isn't for everyone, but I think it will resonate with cat-lovers.


Thanks to Edelweiss and Quirk for the egalley!

Twinderella: A Fractioned Fairy Tale by Corey Rosen Schwartz

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Did you know that Cinderella had a twin sister?  Most people don't, but you should get to know Tinderella, math whiz extraordinaire.  Corey Rosen Schwartz, teamed with Deborah Marcero, has created a sure to be smash hit with Twinderella.  I love Schwartz's signature rhyming style, the words roll of my tongue magnificently, both in rhyme and meter and I can hardly wait to share this in storytime.  Marcero's illustrations, watercolor with India ink, are bright and cheery with just the right amount of detail, enough that you're always discovering new things upon rereading.  I'm also excited about the math language in here.  We know (thank you research*) that girls usually start out deficient in math language, that grown ups are more likely to use math words with boys, rather than girls, so a girl-oriented book about fractions is fantastic!  Overall, this is a cute, funny, important book.  I want to put it in the hands of all the girls who come to storytime.

*See Thirty Million Words: building a child's brain : tune in, talk more, take turns by Dana Suskind

Thank you so much to Corey Rosen Schwartz and G.P. Putnam for the galley!

Every Body Yoga by Jessamyn Stanley

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Jessamyn Stanley is known for her fresh Instagram account, posting pictures of herself in all kinds of yoga asanas.  While this might not seem revolutionary to most, Jessamyn isn't your typical yoga practitioner - waifish and white.  She's a big black lady who can twist into the most epic asanas I've ever seen.

 I've been waiting for this book for a while, because I love yoga and I love seeing Jessamyn's Insta and because we need it.  Yoga is good for most people - I know that it works for me.  I'm more flexible, stronger, and more healthy mentally when I'm practicing on the regular and Jessamyn hits on those points in this book.  But the more important message here is that EVERY BODY can do yoga.  You don't have to get in shape to then try to get in shape.  So many of the messages coming from yoga, outright and subliminally are that you have to be skinny and in shape to do yoga and it's not true.  Jessmyn talks about her life and how she got to where she was and how she came into her practice and what that did for her.  The book is also a solid beginner's guide to practicing yoga.  Jessamyn covers basic asanas or poses, modifications, and also puts together some simple sequences to practice. I love the models in this book.  They are diverse bodies - different sizes and shapes rocking different asanas.  I will definitely be purchasing this for the library and putting it into the hands of several of my friends and patrons.

A Change of Heart by Sonali Dev

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After witnessing his wife's brutal murder, Dr. Nikhil Joshi runs away, as far away as he can go, becoming a cruise ship doctor.  He prescribes antacids during the day and gets blackout drunk at night, anything to stop himself from thinking of Jen.  But a woman confronts him on board, berates him for letting Jen's killers get away, and tells him he has to help her.  Because she has Jen's heart and she won't rest until justice is served.

 

I LOVE Sonali Dev.  I just love her.  This book was a magical whirlwind of action, adventure, love, romance, women's fiction and more.  Nik and Jen were so real and so wonderful, you couldn't help but root for them.  The pacing was excellent.  I never found a dull moment or a time where I could put the book away and leave it.  I was racing to the finish, desperate to find out the answer to the mystery, to find out if they would end up together, to find out how it all wrapped up.  *sigh* I'm just disappointed I have to wait for another.

The Story Book Knight by Helen and Thomas Docherty

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Leo the knight just wants to read.  But when his parents insist that he go out into the world to tame a dragon, he dons his armor, takes up his new wooden sword, packs a LOT of books, and sets out to face the dragon.  Along the way he runs into some rather impressive obstacles, but nothing that a little story can't fix.

This is adorable!  The story is clever - Leo uses his reading smarts to get himself out of trouble (and there's even a subtle poop joke for good measure).  The rhyming text has a wonderful rhythm to it and isn't so rhymey-whimey as to be annoying.  The illustrations are gorgeous and really feel like a classic children's book.  They reminded me of books that I had as a kid or ones that I loved (like Norman the Doorman - also about a mouse).  This would be a great storytime book, especially paired with The Sunflower Sword.

The Trespasser by Tana French

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I always go into Tana French’s novels with two questions: who’s it gonna be and how’re they gonna get it?  This time it’s Antoinette Conway, the half South American, half Irish, all woman detective with a chip on her shoulder the size of Dublin Castle itself.  When Conway and her partner Moran are partnered with oily senior detective Breslin on what appears to be a routine domestic murder, Conway’s suspicions rise.  There’s something more to this case than the gaffer and Breslin are letting on, but she isn’t sure what.  Could it be a test of her skills?  A gang connection?  Or something more sinister? 

 

The Trespasser didn’t disappoint.  French’s mysteries twist out into directions that I never expect, and I find myself wandering among tangled what-ifs and who-could-ofs until finally when I think that I’m lost beyond all reasoning, I find the answer smack dab in front of me.  Conway was an interesting pick as a protagonist – very different from most of her other previous heroes.  There was one moment in the middle that felt very forced (you’ll know it when you read it), but otherwise the story read smoothly.  (I also always try to pick out who will be the next protagonist, but I’m not positive this time – maybe Breslin, maybe the journalist…) Overall, a good read.  Not her best, in my opinion, but definitely intriguing.

The Worst Breakfast by China Mieville

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Two sisters rehash the worst breakfast they ever have.  Their descriptions start tamely - burnt toast, soggy tomatoes, and then spiral into the most fantastical and disgusting foods.  Mieville's writing is tweely rhyming (and meta - making fun of a few slant rhymes) and Smith's watercolor illustrations pile putrid food upon putrid food.  This would be a great storytime book for two voices and a fun read to share with the whole family.  Two thumbs up!

Tetris: The Little Game that Took Over the World by Box Brown

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I have a particular set of childhood memories that revolve around my dad and our Nintendo. I think he bought it for us, but he played it way more than we did. He beat the original Mario game and played tons and tons of Tetris. I can't even think of the game without getting the song stuck in my head and wanting to drop block after block. So when Box Brown's Tetris: The Little Game That Took Over the World cruised through my inbox, I knew I HAD to read it. The history of Tetris is fascinating, originating from a Soviet computer engineer's love of puzzles and games. Brown delves a little into game theory to help explain Alexey Pajitnov's motivations as well as the addicting/rewarding nature of Tetris and all other games. Tetris' journey from a research and development center in the U.S.S.R. to worldwide success was long and twisted, with tangled negotiations over rights, altered documents, and unauthorized trips to Soviet government buildings. I devoured this book. I love Brown's minimalist style, which worked so well for Andre the Giant and does well here also. I had no idea how intriguing and influential this game was. I know that teens and adults will adore this book, so it'll be a good addition to the library.

My copy courtesy of First Second Books and Netgalley.

Dogs in Cars by Felix Massie

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Massie and Walker have created the ultimate counting book, Dogs in Cars. Different dog breeds (in varying amounts) ride around in stylish cars.  The book would be a beautiful addition to a library or nursery.  The illustrations are gorgeous and text and illustration are littered with tongue-in-cheek humor.  For instance, the Dalmatians are "trying to get back" and they are riding in a Delorian.  Not only does the book promote counting, but it also is a bit of a look-and-find with questions at the end, asking the reader to go back and find different color cars, dogs wearing glasses, and more.  Definitely recommend this one and most by Flying Eye books.  Two thumbs WAY up.

My copy courtesy of Netgalley and Flying Eye Books.

Professor Astro Cat's Atomic Adventure

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Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure by Dr. Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman is an illustrated exploration of physics. This publication is impeccably timed with education’s push for more STEM studies as well as the Common Core’s focus on informational texts. The space-suited Professor Astro Cat leads readers through basic physics theories that range from rainbows to dark matter. While the topics may seem at times overly complicated, Walliman makes the information easily accessible. This, in fact, would be a good physics primer for both children and adults. Walliman’s narrative pairs well with Newman’s illustrations which are reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s Busy Town. The simple characters are painted with vibrant colors making every page pop. While Professor Astro Cat doesn’t have the hands-on appeal of the Scientists in the Field series, it’s an invaluable resource, as it gives an thorough overview of a subject that many find abstract and confusing. A great addition to any elementary or public library.

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

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Isabel, Apple, Erin and our unnamed narrator are the biggest Strepurs around. No, not strippers, STREPURS - fans of the eponynously named boy band the Ruperts (yes all of the band members are named Rupert and not ironically). The girls find out that the Ruperts are going to be staying at the Rondack Hotel while they're in New York and use Apple's parents' money and devotion to get a room there in the hopes that they might catch a glimpse of the band. What they actually catch is one of the Ruperts in the flesh...and then they take him back to their room...and tie him up...What follows is a hilarious exploration of fandom, girl friendships, and just being a teen.

I liked this book. Just like. I know many have professed their undying love for it, but, while it was entertaining and humorous, it was also problematic. SPOILERS TO FOLLOW: The characters were diverse, which was nice, but the fat shaming of Apple was completely unnecessary and grossly cliched, also the fact that she didn't grow or really learn anything from the whole experience was sad. I did feel like the book was overall dismissive of fandom. I'm not really part of any fandom myself, but I know that fandom and fanfic and everything that goes along with that can be really important and identity forming for many teens and to make fun of it doesn't really do much to add to the conversation about that topic. Yes, we do need to talk about crazy fans ("stans"), but it's reductive to dismiss all of fandom as ridiculous or stupid. I also didn't love the whole "Am I crazy?" subplot at the end. Yes, please, let's play on centuries old hysterical female tropes. All of that being said, I think that the black black humor is cutting and brilliant and I'd like to read other stuff that Goldy Moldavsky writes. (Also this would be a hilarious movie)

A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen

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How do you write a story when you don't know how to write?  A little helpful advice from big sister jumpstarts our young hero's writing career.  Start with what you know!

It's relatively easy to pick out books that go along with all of the five pre-reading practices from Every Child Ready to Read, EXCEPT for writing.  Finding books that talk about writing or that might inspire writing or feature writing is especially difficult.  Larsen's A Squiggly Story is a good example of a writing focused text.  That being said, the story isn't super intriguing, though I love the illustrations and the graphic novel format of this text.  Just because it didn't knock it out of the park for me though doesn't mean it wouldn't be a valuable addition to a library.  It's a quiet story that will enchant and inspire those littles who dream of being authors.

Faith: Issues 1 & 2

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JOY! Netgalley and Valiant released a partial galley (issues 1 & 2) of this this weekend and it was all I could do to stop myself from running away from my weekend responsibilities and downloading and binging on these.   Faith is an outlier in comics - she's a big lady and Houser and Portela & Sauvage just let Faith be that way.  She has a life - a job, an ex-boyfriend, a relationship with food that isn't portrayed as healthy or unhealthy.  Houser and Portela & Sauvage just let Faith be a normal person and it's so refreshing to see.  The art is awesome and the story is interesting and I want MORE.  

You Look Yummy by Tatsuya Miyanishi

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Tyrannosaurus Rex gets more than he bargained for when he picks a little Ankylosaurus for a snack.  

Tatsuya Miyanishi's little book is wonderful.  I can think of so many situations that it would be perfect for, not to mention it would definitely spark conversations between kids and their parents.  The illustrations remind me of a combination of my own child-like dinosaur drawings and Godzilla, big rounded bodies with triangle spikes. (All dinosaurs had triangle spikes; everyone knows that.)  Most kids like dinosaurs (I would say all but I can think of a few people off the top of my head who have confessed to me their lifelong fear and hatred of dinosaurs) so what better way to talk about parents and children and their relationships.  (Those of you who have been traumatized by dinosaurs, I'll give you a book about bears or something.) Two thumbs up.

My copy courtesy of Netgalley and Museyon.

Girls: Let's Sew by DK Publishing

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Let's Sew is a beginner sewing book aimed at young girls. The projects are all very simple, appearing to be around the same level of difficulty. DK has done a great job designing this book. There are ample examples and diagrams showing how to do each step of the process, and the pictures are very eye-catching and colorful. I think this is great text FOR GIRLS to learn how to sew. And this is my beef. Everyone should learn how to sew, especially the basic stitches. Knowledge of sewing can engender creativity, save money, and overall be generally helpful. There's no reason why this book couldn't have included projects that would appeal to both boys and girls. Since we're encouraging girls to pursue STEM projects, we should also be encouraging boys to pursue creative pursuits as well.

Stiletto by Daniel O'Malley: A Review

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Stiletto is the second in Daniel O'Malley's (hopefully long lived) Checquy series. The Checquy is reeling from Rook Myfanwy Thomas's announcement that an alliance had been made with the agency's long-time enemies, the Grafters. A delegation of Grafters, or the Wetenschappelijk Broederschap van Natuurkundigen as they prefer to be called, arrived for negotiations, bringing with them the two youngest of their group and a whole heap of trouble. 


I know that O'Malley struggled with this book - having technical issues, rewriting the draft several times, and so on and so forth. Stiletto does suffer a smidge from sophomore slump; it's not the tightly plotted, but rambly hysterical fun fest that The Rook was, but it retains the lighthearted center, all the while introducing new wonders from both the Checquy and the Broederschap. O'Malley's tone and turn of phrase are magical, turning what could be a taking-itself-way-too-seriously type of book into a fun romp through sci-fi and fantasy. That being said, the story drags a bit at the beginning and middle, and I'm still not quite sure I care enough about Odette or Felicity. They were both interesting, but not quite interesting enough to take the reins completely. I do hope that the series continues though because this world is so interesting and fun. Maybe the Americans can come to visit? Or Australia!

My copy courtesy of Edelweiss and Little, Brown, and Co.