Early Book Review: The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw, Translated by Christelle Morelli, Susan Ouriou

The Golden Glow is a picturebook by Benjamin Flouw, translated into English by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou. It is currently scheduled for review on May 15 2018. Fox loves nature. There's nothing he enjoys more than reading about and picking flowers. One evening, he comes across a rare specimen in his old botany book -- the golden glow, a plant from the Wellhidden family, found only in the mountains, a plant that has yet to be described. Fascinated, Fox decides to set off on a quest in search of the mysterious golden glow. He packs his knapsack, a map, a compass, a flashlight, a sleeping bag and other items for his hike. Along the way, Fox observes many different kinds of trees and plants. He also encounters woodland friends who help him make it to the summit of the mountain. But when Fox eventually stumbles upon the object of his quest, he makes a surprising decision.

The Golden Glow is a picturebook that offers some nonfiction information inside the story of Fox's search for the mysterious flower. I found the plant identification and other nature information be be well incorporated into the story without making it feel like a lesson. I learned a few things, and think it will capture the attention of younger readers as well.   I also like how prepared Fox is for his hunt, and how the book might be used to help young readers get excited for and prepared for nature walks, hikes, and other expeditions of their own. I found the fact that Fox consulted others, and was willing to both ask for and accept help, to be great- so often this idea is ignored. The art was stylized,  the digital painting and hand painted textures looking more like the paper cut out art than the digital work I have come to expect lately. I liked the effect, and think it worked nicely with the story. The attention to detail and precise nature of the plant, tree, and other nature themed identification was fantastic. I think this book might inspire a new generation to explore, investigate, and observe the natural world and to appreciate it. 

Book Review: Geek Ink: The World's Smartest Tattoos for Rebels, Nerds, Scientists, and Intellectuals From the Creators of inkstinct

Geek Ink: The World's Smartest Tattoos for Rebels, Nerds, Scientists, and Intellectuals from the Creators of inkstinct offers readers a look at some cutting-edge designs from some of the most sought-after and acclaimed contemporary tattoo artists worldwide. These tattoo ideas feature themes from science fiction and fantasy, as well as a wide range of topics across science, mathematics, literature, and philosophy. It also includes commentary from creators of the Inkstinct project (which connects people with the finest tattoo art from 380,000 studios worldwide and has an Instagram fan base of more than 1 million) and interviews with world-renowned masters like Eva Krbdk (460K followers), David Cote (232K followers), and Thomas Eckeard (169K followers), this is the definitive tattoo inspiration sourcebook for hipsters, bookworms, scientists, academics, engineers, and, of course, geeks!

Geek Ink: The World's Smartest Tattoos for Rebels, Nerds, Scientists, and Intellectuals is a fascinating wish list for me. I have three tattoos, and one that I always wanted but never got. However, I am always looking at ideas for more ink that I will likely never get- because life and raising kids tends to eat up any discretionary funds before I can even consider spending the money on some more ink. I loved the chance to learn more about some of the most talented tattoo artists from all over the world and their styles. I love the art and the discipline that goes into this kind of work. The dedication and love of art is inspiring. As with any art form, some styles are more pleasing to me personally than others, but even the styles that do not speak to me are impressive. I just wish that any of the artists were local, and that I could afford them.

In the gallery portion of the book I loved the variety and artistry that was on display. The collection is organized by theme, making it easy to find the perfect piece of art to lust after. My personal favorites can be found in the animal, fantasy, science fiction, and literature sections. However, there were beautiful and artistic pieces in each section that might inspire readers. I did not find a tattoo to beat out the one that has been on my mind for years now, but folks in need of tattoo inspiration might find something perfect for their own next work of inky art. 

Book Review: Astronaut Annie by Suzanne Slade, Nicole Tadgell

Astronaut Annie is a picturebook written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. Career Day is approaching, and Annie can’t wait to show her family what she’s planning to be when she grows up. But, she must keep it a secret until Friday! So curious family members each ask Annie for a clue. Convinced that she’ll be a news reporter like he once was, Grandpop gives her his old camera and notebook to use for her presentation. Grandma is sure Annie wants to be a champion baker like her, so she offers a mixing bowl and oven mitts to Annie. Hopeful she'll become the mountain climber he aspired to be, Dad gives Annie an old backpack. Mom presents Annie with a pair of high-top sneakers to pursue Mom's favorite sport in high school -- basketball. Grateful for each gift, Annie cleverly finds a way to use them all to create her Career Day costume. When the big day arrives, Annie finally reveals her out-of-this-world dream to everyone.

Astronaut Annie is a picturebook that embraces and expresses the idea that you can be anything you want to be when you grow up. Anne has her  own dream, but has not shared it. I love the variety of options her family encourages her to follow, and hopes for her. I found the little hints (as if the title was not enough to give it away to readers) about what she really wants to be.The illustrations are lively, and add a great deal to the story.  I love that there are no limits placed on her, and while each of the people on her family have their own ideas of what her choice may be- they only offer support not pushes to follow the path they had in mind. I found the additional information in the endpapers about real women in NASA and the moon to be helpful for readers that are interested in learning about people and things involved in the dream of being and astronaut. I also liked that the sources and information for further research is also included.

Book Review: Claiming Felicity (Ace Security) by Susan Stoker

Claiming Felicity is the fourth book in the Ace Security series by Susan Stoker. While the romance and the danger surrounding Felicity stands up by itself. However, fans of the series will have a better understanding of the characters, the town, the friendships, and what some of the characters have already gone through to get to this point. So, newcomers to the author will be able to enjoy the read, but those that have followed the series will get much more from it.

Former mercenary Ryder Sinclair’s stunning discovery that he has three half brothers in Castle Rock, Colorado, is giving them all the chance to color in the spaces of their tragic pasts. For Ryder, establishing roots is made all the more desirable by Felicity Jones. But if Ryder’s instincts are correct, this breathtaking beauty is in trouble. Castle Rock isn’t Felicity’s home. Like her false identity, it’s just a cover. All she wants is enough cash to keep moving to another temporary hideaway—to stay on the run from a secret that’s haunted her for years. As safe as Ryder’s strong embrace makes her feel, she fears that falling for him, and staying in Colorado, will put everyone she’s come to love in danger. The more Ryder learns about Felicity, the more determined he is not to let her go. It’s time for her to stop running—even as a relentless danger closes in, threatening their love and their lives.

Claiming Felicity is the last book in the Ace Security series (I think, although there promises to be a off shoot series). I was glad to see Felicity get her story told, she was one of my favorite characters in the entire series. She is on the run from an obsessive guy who thinks she did him wrong by reporting an abuse situation. She has been alone and running for so long that she is ready to do it again, but this time to protect those important to her more than to protect herself. Ryder might only be the half brother to the Anderson brothers, but he has the same kind of instant connection and attraction to Felicity as the other guys had to their counterparts. I like that while the connection was instant, and the alpha male protection mode was on right away, Ryder also respected Felicity and never rushed her to come to any decision or share things she was not comfortable. That kind of strong but honorable hero works for me, even though I find the instant "I'm going to marry her" thing to be a little off putting. However, the fact that the relationship was a slow burn, despite Ryder's focus on Felicity. I found the bad guy to be fascinating, and I think a study of how he went so wrong would be interesting, maybe the spin off series can pair a person with some insight with one of Ryder's buddies who will feature in the next series, although I still want to see Cole find his match. Needless to say, I will be continuing to follow Stoker's writing, and try to find the time to go back and read some of the series that I missed prior to finding these books. 

Book Review: Ghost Friends Forever: My Heart Lies in the 90's by Monica Gallagher, Kata Kane

Ghost Friends Forever: My Heart Lies in the 90's is the first installment in a graphic novel series for teens and tweens written by Monica Gallagher and with artwork by Kata Kane. Sophia Campos is only just getting used to her new life with her divorced dad and managing their business of helping ghosts, when she meets a ghost girl who changes everything. Not because she’s a ghost - but because of what it brings out in Sophia. Soon her brother, her best friend (who is also her old crush) Jake, and her parents are all entangled together on solving the case of the dead girl. Because she’s not just any average ghost girl. She also holds a piece of the puzzle to something Sophia cares about very much -what was the paranormal event that caused her parents to split up in the first place?

Ghost Friends Forever is a graphic novel that combines family drama, school conflicts, and the supernatural. I like that while many pieces of the story (crushes, divorce,school) are universal, I found that those universal feels carried over the the mystery and ghostly aspects of the story as well, making even the most fantastic moments feel real. Part of that was the deep character work with Sophia, and to a lesser extent the others. Family and relationship drama is something every tween and teen will face (not necessarily in the same degrees) and it just brings the emotional struggles Sophia faces more powerful. I liked the development of her brother as well, even though he does not always make the wisest choice, and the goodness of Jake just made me smile when the way their lives were interconnected was made clear. The art work added the detail and emotion needed to keep readers turning pages and enthralled in the story. I look forward to the chance to keep reading.

Ghost Friends Forever is a wonderful start to a new series. I liked the characters, their relationships, the underlying premise, and the artwork. I am eager to see what comes next. 

Book Review: Murder over Mochas (Java Jive) by Caroline Fardig

Murder over Mochas is the fifth book in the Java Jive series by Caroline Fardig. I have read all of the books in this series, and think it is extremely helpful in figuring out the character relationships, but the mystery itself can stand on its own.

As a newly minted private eye, Juliet Langley has sworn to leave homicide to the authorities, limiting the scope of her investigations to cheating spouses and dirty business partners, like her ex-fiancé, Scott O’Malley. When Scott shows up unannounced at her coffeehouse, Java Jive, Juliet’s first instinct is to punch him in the nose. Her second is to turn down his desperate plea for help with a case that’s way too dangerous for her liking. But when Scott drops dead before her eyes, Juliet isn’t going to wait around for someone else to clear her name. It’s only a matter of time before her tumultuous past with her ex-fiance comes out, so Juliet teams up with her ex-boyfriend, police detective Ryder Hamilton, to figure out who poisoned Scott. They soon confirm that Scott was involved in an illegal scheme that’s definitely grounds for concern. Just as romance is finally beginning to percolate for Juliet and her best friend, Pete Bennett, she has no choice but to head back to her hometown to seek out the truth. And she’ll need help from the locals to find the real killer—otherwise her happily ever after could easily end up including an actual ball and chain.

Murder over Mochas is a well crafted mystery with plenty of wacky characters, some funny moments, and plenty of tension. I like the depth of the mystery, and how complicated the mystery became with the variety of characters that readers met through the read. I was a little annoyed with the amount of ex boyfriends and whatnot of Juliet's crept into the story, but I was glad to see many of the relationship issues resolved by the end of the book. I liked the tangled nature of the mystery- it is not just murder and cheating- there are kickbacks and desperate people doing good and bad for different reasons. I kind of wanted more of the why's surrounding the bad guys decent and how he ended up where he was and how the people ended up so connected in unexpected ways. I admit that I suspected who the big bad was after awhile, since the track of suspects got to be too predictable, but the way everything came together made the read a lot of fun.

Murder over Mochas is what feels like the last book of this series, although I could be wrong. I love that I got a wrap up of so many long standing questions, and that fans of Fardig's other mystery series, Lizzie Hart Mysteries, will get a kick out of seeing their favorite characters make an appearance. Now I just need to find the time to read the other series because I want to see more.

Early Book Review: Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

Be Prepared is a graphic novel by Vera Brosgol perfect for middle grade, young adult, and adult audiences.  It is currently scheduled for release on May 29 2018.

All Vera wants to do is fit in, but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there's one summer camp in her price range, Russian summer camp. Vera is sure she's found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons, and outhouses straight out of nightmares!

Be Prepared is a story that I think many readers can find something of themselves in. Vera just wants to fit in, to be included. However, being Russian and with little money she is a bot out of step with the people she wants to be friends with. She thinks that summer camp will be the answer, but her troubles continue there. She has to find her own path, her own way. I felt for Vera through her whole journey, cringed at her less than stellar choices, and celebrated with her when she found her way. The art work and story captured me, heart and soul, and left me wanting more. For me the story was not just about the author's struggles as a child; it is all of us that have felt different, left out, or not good enough. It is only once we find our own way, trust in ourselves a little, and care a little less about what others think of us that we find real friends and get a bit more comfortable in our skin. It was wonderful to see the start of that journey for Vera and I was left rooting for her in her next challenges, because there is always a next obstacle or challenge to face.

Be Prepared is a story that will touch most, if not all readers in some way. Even as a 40 something mom, I remembered feeling the same way as Vera, and I think that readers in the middle of that same part of life, or just past it, will relate even more closely than I. There are already several readers in my school I want this book for, and a daughter who is just about ready for it. I cannot wait to share it with them. 

Book Review: The Right Kind of Rogue (Playful Brides) by Valerie Bowman

The Right Kind of Rogue is the eight book in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. I have not read the previous books, but while I could tell some characters carried over, it is not necessary to read these books are a series or in order. Although, I would think that those who do will greatly enjoy seeing past characters make appearances and have some prior knowledge to the featured characters which makes for a more engaging read.

Viscount Hart Highgate has decided to put his rakish ways behind him and finally get married. He may adore a good brandy or a high-speed carriage race, but he takes his duties as heir to the earldom seriously. Now all he has to do is find the right kind of woman to be his bride—ideally, one who’s also well-connected and well-funded and not like his scheming mother. Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry—or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none, but she has to try.

The Right Kind of Rogue might be deep into a series, and I can clearly see some of the interconnected characters that makes it clear, but it has not fallen into the traps that make it hard for newcomers to join in and pick up just about anywhere. There were a couple mentions of things that happened in previous books, but at no point was I left behind because of not having read the prior books. I loved Meg's character, while practical and pragmatic she is still a romantic and is hoping for her chance with Hart- even though she thinks her chances are slim to none. I like that she is shy on some levels, but willing to stand up for her friends and do everything she can to protect them and herself. I liked her honesty and openness, and Hart's desire to find someone just like her even when he had no idea what he wanted.  I enjoyed the slow realization on Hart's part, and that even when everything seemed to be falling apart and he behaves badly, he is still protecting those he cares about. I just enjoyed this read from beginning to end, and while there were a few occasions when pride and stubbornness made me want to kick a character, they still stayed consistent and highly entertaining. In fact, I liked the book so much that I just downloaded another book in the series to see if they are all as entertaining.

The Right Kind of Rogue is a fully engaging historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found the characters and the situations they find themselves in to be very well put together. My only disappointment is that it took me this long to find this series.

Early Book Review: Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology by Jonathan Adolph

Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology by Jonathan Adolph is currently scheduled for release on May 29 2018. Heatproof, transparent, and durable, the mason jar is a science lab just waiting to be discovered. Unlock its potential with 40 dynamic experiments for budding scientists ages 8 and up. Using just a jar and a few ordinary household items, children learn to create miniature clouds, tiny tornadoes, small stalactites, and, of course, great goo and super slime! With a little ingenuity, the jar can be converted into a lava lamp, a water prism, a balloon barometer, and a compass. Each fun-packed project offers small-scale ways to illustrate the big-picture principles of chemistry, botany, biology, physics, and more.

Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology is a well organized book that not only offers interesting science experiments for children, but it also explores the science involved and encourages young scientists to use the scientific method and to take things to the next level, safely of course. I liked that most of the experiments can be done with things your are likely to already own, but are fairly inexpensive to gather if you need them. Some of the experiments are classics, ones that need to be included, suck as making rock candy, clay, and spectacular bubbles. But, the book also included some of the more trendy kitchen concoctions like slime. There were some that I have never seen, and some that were familiar but with some added or changed details to make it new. I think this would be a great resource for families with a science loving child (or more), those dreading a science fair, and libraries (including public, school, and classroom). I am now looking forward to the next school vacation so I can take my time and explore some of these with my own young scientists.

Early Book Review: Red Sky at Night by Elly MacKay

Red Sky at Night is a picturebook written and illustrated by Elly MacKay. It is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2018. Red sky at night, sailor's delight. And, the next morning, when the dew is on the grass, no rain will come to pass. These are the perfect conditions for a grandfather to take his grandchildren out on a fishing trip. Especially since, as the saying goes, when the wind is from the West, then the fishes bite the best. The family takes a boat out on the lake, fishing and swimming and eventually camping out on a nearby island, taking full advantage of the gorgeous weather. But the next day, red sky in the morning, sailors take warning! The family ventures back home just in time to avoid a rainstorm. But not to worry -- the more rain, the more rest. Fair weather's not always best.

Red Sky at Night is more than a collection of weather related folklore, and more than a story about a family on a fishing trip. I like the way this book combines the two, and includes weather saying s that I have known all my life, and taught me some I had never heard before. I like the way the The illustrations were lovely, and captured the family's emotions, that the weather at hand, and the hints of weather to come. I thought the animals in the background spoke to the wildness of nature, and how changeable and untameable it is. I also liked the information on the sayings, their background, the truthfulness of reliability of the sayings, and how they have changed. I love a picturebook that tells a story and teaches something interesting and fun, without losing the charm of a story- and this book does it admirably.