Fighter Fred and the Dungeon of Doom

Fighter Fred and the Dungeon of Doom is the first book in a new series of fantasy adventures by Jason A. Holt. Due out 1st Aug 2019, it's 198 pages and available in ebook format.

This is a farcical humorous fantasy roleplaying novel written around a group of adventurers who all have their own reasons to raid the local dungeon for treasure, revenge, or coercion. The author has a lot of fun exploding the usual fantasy tropes and breaking the fourth wall constantly with asides to the reader about the GM, gear, armor, fantasy role-playing class restrictions and more. Poor Fred is the only one who doesn't know it's a roleplaying game.

This is a really really nerdy book. I found it perfectly charming and nostalgic. Anyone who has spent hundreds of hours eating pizza with a bunch of friends, throwing platonic solids around and making saving throws versus dex (to avoid falling into a lava trap) will probably "get it" and anyone who hasn't, probably won't.

I loved it and fully intend to get the follow up book ( Fighter Fred and the Wombat Wilderness ) when I can. Long live Fred!

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The World Sauces Cookbook: 60 Regional Recipes and 30 Perfect Pairings

The World Sauces Cookbook is a new cookbook/tutorial from travel writer Mark C. Stevens. Released 30th July 2019 by Rockridge, it's 238 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

It's always amazed me how picking a protein (chicken, fish, beef, tofu, etc) and just changing the sauce and carbohydrate side dishes (rice, noodles, potatoes) gives a completely different meal.

The author says something that resonated with me in the introduction:

On the road in a foreign land, seeing everything is impossible. If you try, you miss what is truly unique about a place. Books with 400-plus recipes claim to be exhaustive, yet many of them don’t have Khoresh Fesenjoon or Jajik. Are they truly acquainted with Persian cuisine? Have they been in the kitchen, or did they just go to the monuments?

 This is such an interesting cookbook.  It is laid out logically and in an easy to follow format. The first section includes sauces arranged in chapters by geographical location. There are recipes from Asia-Oceania-The Indian subcontinent, the Americas (North & South), Middle East-Africa-Mediterranean-Caucasus, and Europe.

The second section has all the recipes for using the sauces as well as serving suggestions. Many of the recipes include alternative sauces or presentations. The recipes are written for American standard measurements and are (mostly) not converted to include SI measurements. There are a few places where gram measurements are given (for example the ponzu recipe which calls for 5g each of  kombu and bonito flakes).

These are regional sauces many of which are not well known outside of the locale or amongst those who have emigrated elsewhere. As such many of the ingredients may be difficult to source without a well stocked international food store.

The recipes have a header with location info,  short description with prep/cooking time and yields, followed by ingredients, cooking instructions,  alternative finishes and (if appropriate) links to coordinating dishes.

It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

Very tasty and exotic sauces to dress up one's staple recipes. We've tried several with our regular chicken, porkchop, and sliced beef and all were quite enjoyable.

Four stars. This one will be a keeper for me.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Released 30th July 2019 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  There is so much information included in this little book about which I was completely unaware. Bruce Lee was a master of cha cha? He was a western boxing adept?  The art by Miguel Bustos is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are active and kinetic and suit the dynamic energy of the subjects.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Bruce Lee died tragically young and I'm impressed by the way this series manages to provide age appropriate biography without emphasizing or detracting from the racism, tragedy, and trouble the subjects lived through. This would make a great starting point for deeper research for young readers who are interested in Bruce Lee's life and legacy.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes 

Everyday Keto Baking

Everyday Keto Baking is an accessible and easy to follow low carb cookbook which includes quite a number of dessert recipes which are often difficult to find in low/no carb versions. Released 30th July 2019 by Quarto on their Fair Winds imprint, it's 160 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

I'm not on a low carb diet, however I am insulin resistant and when taking dishes to shared food gatherings, it's nice to have an alternative which anyone can eat which is tasty (#1 priority) and guilt-free.This cookbook includes a number of tasty recipes which satisfy the craving for breads, cakes, cookies, and those sweet desserts which usually don't fit into a ketogenic diet.

The introduction provides some very basic background and definitions for keto diet, what it is, where it's appropriate, sourcing storing and using low-carb flours, sweeteners, etc. Sidebars scattered throughout refine and build on the main text information and provide extra tips and tricks for food prep.

The following chapters progress through: breads biscuits & pizza, waffles pancakes muffins & donuts, cakes & cupcakes, brownies cookies & bars, pies & tarts, soups & smoothies, and savory bites & meals.

Though the book is aimed at readers in North America, the ingredients and measures are conveniently also given in SI units (grams, ml, etc). I know a fair number of diabetics use kitchen scales which are calibrated and measure in SI units, so having the measurements already pre-converted is a time saver.

There's an index along with a short resource links list (slanted toward readers in North America) which provides some tips about sourcing ingredients and equipment.The ingredients are (mostly) easily sourced and should be available from any large well stocked grocery like Whole Foods.

Well written and easy to follow.

Four stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Year of Creativity: A Craft Date Planner to Meet, Share, and Create

A Year of Creativity is a planner with crafting prompts created by a group of four artists from the Netherlands. Originally published in Dutch in 2018, the English translation was released 23rd July 2019 by Quarry on their Quarto imprint. It's 144 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a beautifully appealing book. The photography is so calm and coordinated and the concept of a craft date, where everyone brings supplies for all the attendees to complete similar projects reminds me a bit of the old time quilting bees which I remember from my childhood. The social aspects of crafting together and the interaction and mutual support are so valuable. Here's a short definition from the introduction:

A Craft Date is a fun date with a handful of creative-types in which you surprise each other with craft and DIY projects and specific materials and make beautiful things together.
At each date, a group of participants come up with a self-made project to be carried out by the other attendees and provide everyone with the necessary materials. These materials are chosen based on the specific taste of each attendee and are packaged up and given like a unique personal gift. With these gifts and the step-by-step instructions of the planners in hand, everyone gets to work.

The chapter progression is easy to follow and even includes some recipes scattered throughout the book for snacks to have when people come together for social crafting. The page numbers are listed together in the table of contents for easy access. There is a short tutorial chapter which includes very basic instruction for crochet, some fabric related tutorial information, etc. The majority of the page content is used on the 25 project tutorials. The table of contents color codes the tutorials into short-longer-weekend/coop projects, which is very handy.

The projects themselves are stylish and varied. There's a lot of crochet, but there's also some sewing, papercrafting, DIYing, painting, and more. I really love the idea of getting friends together for social crafting with the freedom of not having to all work on the same type of craft! I knit and sew a great deal for charity (hospital preemie department, refugee camps in other parts of the world, knitting for refugees, etc) and I have often thought whilst sitting with my knitting buddies how great it would be if they could hang out with my sewing buddies. Craft dates are the perfect solution!  It's interesting to me also how often solutions to problems which have popped up during one crafting process can be solved with a technique from another type of crafting. I bet having people who are crafters of different sorts could well give synergistic benefits and expand our boundaries.

I received an electronic ARC, so I can't evaluate the finishing on the physical book, but I will say that every other aspect, from typesetting and graphics, to photography, to projects and recipes are very well done and meticulously presented.

I loved the included projects.  The photography is beautiful and easy to follow. The translation is seamless and I found no errors in the instructions.

5 stars. Lovely job!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

My First Fact File The Vikings

My First Fact File The Vikings is part of a series of short fact and exercise books aimed at younger children (K-2+). Released 23rd July 2019 by Quarto on their Ivy Kids imprint, it's 48 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a well written book, historically accurate and accessible for all ages, and an interesting and worthwhile series. Facts are presented with color paintings on each double page. Relevant supporting information is presented in sidebars. The included activities are also presented in sidebars at the bottom of the pages.

Chapters are short and cover who (and when) the Vikings were, their society and codes of conduct, their technology and artisanship, music, food, festivals, religious beliefs and more. The art style is unpretentious and appealing (see cover).

This would make a great weekend activity, classroom or library read for young readers, and the series would be great as a part of a homeschool library.  There's a short alphabetical glossary included at the end.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet, revised and updated

The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet is a new specialty cookbook and guide by Joni Marie Newman. Originally published in 2011, this reformatted update from Quarto on their Fair Winds Press imprint released 23rd July 2019 is 240 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

I'm usually a little wary of veg*n cookery which copies non-plant-based cuisine. To be honest though, summer, barbecue/grilling weather and entertaining season often brings family and friends together who 'don't like' vegetarian foods because it's 'bland and tasteless'. It's always nice to have some tried and true recipes which are anything but bland, and these true comfort food style burgers and fries with all the trimmings, fit the bill perfectly.

The book is lavishly and clearly photographed throughout (kudos to the graphics team!). It follows a sensible layout; an introduction with how-to's and basic general instructions is followed by chapters full of burger variations made with different base ingredients (meat-like protein, bean, tofu, grain, vegetable based, seitan, etc).  There are some breakfast sandwich recipes, as well as buns, sides and fixings for the burgers.

The ingredients are (mostly) easily sourced and can be found in any large grocery. The book also includes an alphabetical index for recipe access.

All of the recipes are helpfully provided in US customary measurements as well as converted to metric (SI) units.

I tend not to highlight any particular recipe when reviewing, all the ones we tested were quite good, but the cilantro lime rice side dish was -outstanding- and we've made it several times since our test runs.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Soulmates

Soulmates is a collaborative collection (is it an anthology if it's only 2 authors? Not quite sure) authored by Mike Resnick and Lezli Robyn. The 9 short stories were all previously published between 1999 and 2011 but are gathered here in one volume for the first time. 7 of them are collaborations, the two others are solo, one for each author.

Originally released in 2016, it's 210 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

I'm very fond of short fiction collections because there's almost always a story which fits whatever reading mood I'm in and if the story I'm reading doesn't satisfy, there's another one coming in a few pages.  Happily all these stories appealed. They range from SF pulp formula story (Report From the Field), to sentimental fantasy (Benchwarmer), to homage (Anne-droid of Green Gables). All 9 are competently written and eminently readable, all are worth a look. I can't easily put it into words, but I realized after I finished reading that they left me with a distinctly nostalgic vibe.

Whenever I see collaborative fiction, especially when I'm familiar with one of the authors, I always wind up trying to see where/how they collaborated and find myself wondering about their writing process. Sometimes it's easy, this time it wasn't. I don't have a clue about their collaborative process, but the writing is seamless.

I enjoyed this collection very much. The stories ranged from about a 3-5 star range, and average 4 stars for the book.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

My First Fact File Weather: Everything you Need to Know

My First Fact File Weather is part of a series of short fact and exercise books aimed at younger children (K-2+). Released 23rd July 2019 by Quarto on their Ivy Kids imprint, it's 48 pages and available in paperback format.

Very well done book, and an interesting and worthwhile series. I've been touting STE(A)M education for decades. This book is engaging and colorful. Facts are presented in context with color gouache paintings on each double page. Relevant information is presented in sidebars. The included STEAM activities are also presented in sidebars at the bottom of the pages. Possibly worth noting, the book uses British spellings: 'clingfilm', 'kilometres', etc. The instances are few, and clear in context, so it's not a problem, but probably worthy of comment in a review.

Chapters are short and cover the water cycle, clouds, weather, barometric pressure, thunder & lightning, droughts & floods, conservation & climate change, and much more. The art style is unpretentious and appealing (see cover).

This would make a great bedtime read or a reading circle or classroom read for young readers, and the series would be great as a part of a homeschool library.  There's a short alphabetical glossary included at the end.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The 4-Week Gut Health Plan

The 4-Week Gut Health Plan is a recipe and workbook which addresses various digestive issues which affect a huge number of people. Released 30th July 2019 (ebook version released 16th July) from Rockridge, it's 263 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. Author Kitty Martone is a holistic health practitioner and blogger.

The human body is incredibly complex. Under ideal circumstances, it maintains a healthy balance without much interaction as long as it receives the nutrients and conditions which it needs. Unfortunately, environmental stressors such as pollution, unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, lack of exercise, etc), and stress can wreak havoc on the digestive system and the 'good guy' bacteria which keep everything functioning. This book aims to help readers identify problems, correct imbalances, and heal the damage caused by those imbalances.

The book follows a logical format. The introduction covers some very basic layman accessible biology and physiology,  symptoms of digestive dysfunction, and some definitions, as well as sidebars with questions to ask your healthcare professional, and available diagnostic tools.

The second section explains the 4 week action plan along with dietary info, meal plans, shopping lists and the like. The second half of section 2 covers the plan beyond 4 weeks.

Section three offers specific recipes listed by category: breakfast & smoothies, soups salads & sandwiches, meatless dishes, poultry, beef pork & lamb, fish & seafood, desserts, and staples condiments & dressings. The recipes use (mostly) easily sourced ingredients and sensible portion sizes.

There are included links and materials lists for further investigation as well as a bibliography, metric conversion table and other info.

It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a well written and appealing book. The information presented is factually accurate but some of the conclusions she makes are not necessarily fully supported by current peer-reviewed research (for example, there's no compelling research suggesting that -everyone- should cut gluten out of their diets - it's not going to -hurt- but doing so in an attempt to improve one's health doesn't necessarily follow; unless of course a diagnosis to gluten sensitivity or celiac disease has been made). There are some other suggestions and links which are also not compellingly supported by current medical research (for example special diets for the mitigation of autism). The author is a holistic healer and herbalist and as such, much of the slant of the book is toward alternative healthcare and healing.

The recipes, whilst appealing and nutritionally sound, require a lot of preparation. I would recommend it without reservation for people who are either really committed to improving their gut biome or for foodies who already enjoy cooking and find working in the kitchen relaxing.

Four stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

My First Fact File Oceans

My First Fact File Oceans is part of a series of short fact and exercise books aimed at younger children (K-2+). Released 23rd July 2019 by Quarto on their Ivy Kids imprint, it's 48 pages and available in paperback format.

Very well done book, and an interesting and worthwhile series. I've been touting STE(A)M education for decades. This book is engaging and colorful. Facts are presented in context with color gouache paintings on each double page. Relevant information is presented in sidebars. The included STEAM activities are also presented in sidebars at the bottom of the pages. Possibly worth noting, the book uses British spellings: 'mould', 'washing up', etc. The instances are few, and clear in context, so it's not a problem, but probably worthy of comment in a review.

Chapters are short and cover ocean geography,  oceanography, different habitats, exploration, food chains, ecology, conservation, and much more. The art style is unpretentious and appealing (see cover).

This would make a great bedtime read or a reading circle or classroom read for young readers, and the series would be great as a part of the homeschool library.  There's a short alphabetical glossary included at the end.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Murder in the Reading Room

Murder in the Reading Room is the 5th Book Retreat mystery by Ellery Adams. Released 30th April 2019, it's 320 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

The author is quite prolific, with many other cozy series, and while this one is also a cozy, it's odd. It has a multi-book plotline and as such does not work at all as a standalone. The plots are half Dan Brown, half Miranda James and for me, those halves make a whole which is jarring and off-kilter. Protagonist Jane Steward is the keeper of the worlds most secret library (containing unknown Shakespeare folios, items saved from the Library of Alexandria, and apparently, previously unknown items from Hemingway (?!). The Stewards (and secret tactical support team called the Fins) are in a DaVinci code style secret war with the Knights Templar (yes those Knights Templar), and the current dastardly leader of the KTs is a deeply disturbed English bibliophile with an unhealthy Hemingway fixation.

Two months after her boyfriend is kidnapped, she's on her way with a sidekick to the Biltmore estate (yes, that Biltmore) to find and rescue said boyfriend. The police aren't involved, the FBI isn't involved, just her and her assistant riding to the rescue with a cover story so lame it wouldn't fool a goldfish (she's there for a conference and plans to look for Edwin, the boyfriend, between conference meetings). The Templars have already killed people and kidnapped her twin 5 year old sons (who are named Fitzgerald and Hemingway) who were happily recovered unharmed in book 4.

Anyhow, in the book's defense, I will say that the author has a deft touch with dialogue and the plotting is taut and well paced. The plot itself was just too much for me, and I couldn't ever completely suspend my disbelief enough to really give the book a fair reading. I had almost precisely the same reaction to everything I've read of Dan Brown's (and spent most of those books wanting to punch Langdon right in his smug face), and they've sold umpty-bazillion copies, so I'm obviously in the minority.

Competent writing, weird plot. Three stars, your mileage may vary.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Rudolf Nureyev

Rudolf Nureyev is a new young reader book in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  Written by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Eleonora Arosio, it's due out 30th July 2019 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint.  Aimed at young readers, it's 32 pages, perfect for a storytime or classroom circle read.  It'll be available in ebook and hardcover formats. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovation icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

This series is really amazing for its accessibility and charm.  The subjects are profoundly important people culturally and historically who have lived through often deeply difficult lives.  How does one write them into a digestible and appealing format for very young children (and their caregivers)?

This particular book and the artist's finesse with settings and postures/expressions is truly charming.  There are also number of subtle and reassuring messages about inclusivity, respect, passion for one's art, and doing what one loves.

I really love all of these books I've read and reviewed and can recommend this one unreservedly.  In addition to the biography, there is a short additional bibliography/suggested reading list included at the end of the book.

Lovely book! Five stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

First Time Window Treatments: The Absolute Beginner's Guide - Learn By Doing * Step-by-Step Basics + 8 Projects

First Time Window Treatments is a tutorial guide aimed at beginning sewists by Susan Woodcock. Due out 6th Aug 2019 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

Window treatments are a very important part of dressing a room. It can be very difficult to coordinate fabrics in ready-made draperies, which are likely of limited selection at local retailers. Additionally, if the room's windows are non-standard sizes, custom fitted curtains generally cost a king's ransom. For DIYers, it's entirely plausible to make it oneself, in the size(s) and shapes and colors wished. It's also a great way to coordinate the soft furnishings in a room with coordinated decorative pillows, etc.

This guide presupposes zero familiarity with sewing and the introductory chapters (23% of the page content) cover tools, specialist supplies, motif matching, seams, finishes and more.  The following chapters cover curtains and draperies, shades and blinds, crown treatments (valances and cornices), and installation, including hardware. There's a short glossary, resource section (aimed at readers in North America), and an index.

The photography is clear and the step-by-step tutorial instructions are easy to follow. With this book in hand, a keen beginner could produce a simple window treatment (see cover photograph) without mishap.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Science in a Jar: 35+ Experiments in Biology, Chemistry, Weather, the Environment, and More!

Science in a Jar is a new tutorial STEAM resource guide by Julia Garstecki. Released 23rd July 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and available in ebook and flexibound formats. Aimed at middle grade readers aged 8-12, it includes 29 labs with alternate parameter refinements for many of them, split into 5 subject chapters. The individual chapters give a nice overview in life science, chemistry, earth science, physical science, and environmental studies. The links are arranged by chapters and the alphabetical index is cross referenced.

I am constantly talking about the importance of STEAM education on my blog and elsewhere. Tomorrow's critical reasoning, innovation, problem solving, technological and medical breakthroughs are all going to come from the kids we interest today. This book has a bunch of really interesting and fun labs to do together with an adult or with minimal supervision. The supplies for the labs are easily found and can be sourced inexpensively.

It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

Five stars. This would make a great classroom resource book, summer library science activity guide, homeschooling resource guide or gift for a young person.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Little Learning Labs: Bugs for Kids, abridged paperback edition

Bugs for Kids is book 5 of (currently) 8 books in the Labs for Kids series. Due out 3rd Sept 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in a paperback format. Aimed at younger readers (grades 3-7) and their adults (parents, guardians, school resource personnel/teachers etc), it includes more than 20 short lab units for diverse entomology related fun activities.

The book includes a surprisingly diverse selection of scientifically accurate and age appropriate activities. The note-keeping lab journal exercises which accompany the activities promote good observational and recording skills.  It's laid out in units which each contain several lab activities.  The introductory sections include information and instructions for adults/teachers/guardians assisting young people performing the labs. The following units cover: finding bugs, collecting and preserving,  the most common orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, etc),  arthropods, and art and science projects involving bugs.  The emphasis is on bugs which are native to North America, but the basic information is appropriate and usable by readers in other areas.

STEAM learning is vitally important to our future and training our problem solvers now, and showing our young people how fascinating and fun biology is, is important.

This is a fun and worthwhile book. It would make a great classroom library book, resource book, homeschool book, or support text for kids. There's also a wide range of activities and the labs use easily sourced  (relatively) inexpensive materials. The photography is appealing and easy to follow.

Five stars. This is a great book and part of a solid series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Little Learning Labs: Math Games for Kids, abridged paperback edition

Math Games for Kids is book 6 of (currently) 24 books in the Labs for Kids series. Due out 3rd Sept 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in a paperback format. Aimed at middle grade readers (grades 3-7) and their adults (parents, guardians, school resource personnel/teachers etc), it includes more than 25 short lab units for diverse math related fun activities.

The book includes a surprisingly diverse selection of fun puzzles which introduce basic concepts in topology, graph theory (including a really cool intro to the bridges of Königsberg), geometry, map theory, and fractals. The real genius of this book is that many of the labs are fun learning... the Sierpinski triangle in the fractals section will have learners of all ages reaching for drawing supplies.

STEAM learning is vitally important to our future and training our problem solvers now, and showing our young people how fascinating and -fun- mathematics is, is key to the process.

This is a fun and worthwhile book. It would make a great classroom library book, resource book, homeschool resource book, or support text for kids 8-12(+). There's also a wide range of activities and the labs use easily sourced inexpensive materials. The photography is appealing and easy to follow.

Five stars. This is a great book and part of a solid series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Stitch and String Lab for Kids: 40+ Creative Projects to Sew, Embroider, Weave, Wrap, and Tie

Stitch and String Lab for Kids is book 21 of (currently) 24 books in the Labs for Kids series. Released 23rd July 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and available in a flexibound workbook and ebook formats. Aimed at middle grade readers and their adults (parents, guardians, school resource personnel/teachers etc), it includes more than 40 short lab units for diverse fibrecrafts including embroidery, sewing, knitting, weaving, and braiding.

This is a very appealing colorful and kid friendly book.  An introductory tools and supplies chapter leads into some short very basic stitching and cutting tutorials. All of the tutorials are very well photographed and easy to follow.  The following chapter units: embroidery, hand sewing, fiber arts, and weaving & string crafts, are composed of self contained sub-sections composed of self contained short project tutorials which would be very well suited to art classes, VBS, camp crafts, public library school holidays clubs, and similar venues. Outlets for creativity and exploration are vitally important for kids' social and intellectual development and these projects are fun and whimsical and stimulate that vital development.

This is a fun and worthwhile book. It would make a great classroom library book, resource book, homeschool resource book, or support text for kids 7-10(+). There's also a wide range of activities and most of the labs use easily sourced materials. The photography is appealing and easy to follow.

Five stars. This is a great book and part of a solid series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

From Freezer to Instant Pot: The Cookbook: How to Cook No-Prep Meals in Your Instant Pot Straight from Your Freezer

From Freezer to Instant Pot is an ingenious cookbook and guide to meal prep using the electronic pressure cooker. Released 16th July 2019 by Little, Brown & co., it's 192 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. The authors are experienced and have several other cookbooks written for the Instant Pot, including my favorite general use pressure cookery book, The Instant Pot Bible.

I love the premise for this cookbook. The recipes are written around being able to take deep frozen proteins and ingredients directly from the freezer into the Instant Pot without thawing or precooking. Streamlining and simplifying food prep is something that really appeals to me. With everyone in my own family working or studying full time, being able to come home after a full day, exhausted, and still put tasty and nutritious food on the table is amazing.

The book follows a logical and accessible progression. The intro chapter includes technique notes and tips  concerning ingredient volumes (measure carefully so they don't overflow and ruin the pressure seal), removing foreign objects (that plastic 'diaper' under frozen blocks of meat if you've tossed the packages into the freezer directly from the supermarket and other packaging) and more. There's also a good general guide to cooking with the instant pot, and a useful weight and meat-type table for cooking times and special handling instructions.

The following chapters contain recipes for soups, noodles, chicken and turkey, beef, pork, and fish and shellfish. One of the special features of this book is that every chapter (except the fish one) has several customizable 'road map' recipes which allow for wide variations in sauces, cooking liquids, and amounts.

It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of cookery books with interactive formats lately. Cooking (for me, all thumbs) with paper cookbooks in the steamy kitchen is a recipe for disaster (haha).

The eARC I received did not have pictures included, so I can't review those, but they will be included in the final release copy. (I have not reviewed typesetting or graphics, nor deducted from my review for the lack of photography in the ARC).

My final thoughts. This is actually a godsend for people who don't have hours to prepare and cook dinner. In the recipes we tried, however, the reality didn't quite live up to the promise. Cooking ground beef in the Instant Pot requires the extra step of breaking up the meat which is steamy and unpleasant (but do-able). If your chicken breasts or thighs are frozen solid, separating them can be problematic. The authors do discuss freezing meal sized portions, which requires an extra step. I'm not sure that most people don't do that already which is good. The recipes themselves are 'American family style' cuisine: roasts, chicken, pasta, soups, sloppy joes, etc.  The road map recipes allow for a nice amount of variation. The ingredients are easily sourced in any average grocery store.

Well written, humorous, and time-saving.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

With These Hands

With These Hands is a book full of short spotlight interviews and bios of traditional crafters and artists from Canada. Released 30th June 2019 from Nimbus publishing, it's 224 pages and available in paperback format.

There is as much contemplation on philosophy and the history of 'plain' crafts and tools as there is biography in this volume and much of what the author says really resonated with me. In the intro, he touches on the differences between art and craft (and trades) and the way that handcrafted tools and objects define and enhance our lives. The introduction alone is full of sources for further reading and I found that the author and I share more than a few of the same watershed books in our lives, such as the Whole Earth Catalog and Robert Pirsig's phenomenal Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

The book's biographical entries are grouped roughly by category: naturecrafts, wood, folk art, textiles, metal/glass/leather, and sporting crafts. There are a number of featured artists and objects from the First Nations peoples and the author treats all of the crafters with dignity and respect.

Most of the entries are 1-3 pages with a photograph of the subject. It isn't lavishly photographed, but there's a retro vibe with black and white photos which suits the book very well.

The bibliography and included  resource links might well be the best and most comprehensive I've come across. There is an astounding amount of info for further reading and research included here.

This is a good overview of traditional crafts, many of which are being lost as the knowledge dies with their practitioners. It is not a tutorial book and there aren't any included instructions.

5 stars. Beautiful and important work.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Epic Vegan

Epic Vegan is a cookbook full of hearty and satisfyingly tasty classic plant based recipes with an American slant by Dustin Harder. Released 9th July 2019 from Quarto on their Fair Winds Press imprint, it's 192 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

As the author says in the introduction, plant based dishes have an undeserved reputation for being bland and boring. People who love bacon, Philly cheese-steaks, pizza, fried chicken, and BBQ burgers tend to think that vegan cuisine has nothing to tempt them. This book has recipes for all of the above and more.

The book is laid out logically. Staples and recipes for ingredients are followed by categories like beads, appetizers/snacks, handheld food (burgers, sandwiches, etc), pizza, pasta, soups/bowls, drinks, desserts, etc.

Some of the ingredients could prove difficult to source unless the reader has access to vegetarian specific ingredients or specialty suppliers. The rest of the ingredients should be buy-able at any well stocked large grocery.

There's a lot of humor and whimsy in the instructions and recipe names: the pastabilities are endless, cheesus take the wheel, etc. I found it amusing; serious foodies might take exception (lighten up, it's supposed to be fun).

I really feel that moving toward a plant based diet will solve a lot of problems for our resource management as well as provide positive health benefits for all of us. I do think that there is room for a cookbook based on 'cheater' recipes which attempt to replicate meat heavy dishes. I've only tried a handful of the included recipes but we found them tasty and anything but bland.   The cover photo is a good indication of the style of recipes included in this cookbook.

Many (but not all) of the dishes are photographed and the photography is lush, clear, and beautifully appealing.  I must say, however, that many of these recipes require quite a bit of prep-time. They are mostly 'cooking on the weekend' type recipes and not so much 'I worked all day, the dog threw up in the lounge, and my toddler is naked and running around with her undies on her head for the 34th time today' type recipes.  I feel better for having said that (no judging here).

This is the go-to book for veg*ns who want to convince their omnivorous friends and family that plant based meals are not boring and bland.

Five stars, very well done. The flower petal unicorn french bread pizza is -really- beautiful (but all my friends took the petals off before they ate the pizza, cowards).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners

Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners is a new tutorial gardening guide by Tammy Wylie. Released 25th June 2019 by Quarto on their Rockport imprint, it's 168 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

Gardening is enjoying a well deserved surge in popularity. It provides so many positive health benefits including stress reduction, exercise, meaningful stewardship of natural resources and healthy food & beauty for the gardener and their family and friends. This is a good introduction to raised bed gardening, its benefits and limitations. The book has an easy to use, logical layout starting with an introductory chapter which makes a compelling case for using raised beds for growing; less weeding, higher yields, healthier plants, better drainage, etc.

The next chapters cover planning and siting a garden, building raised beds, soil, planting, growing & harvesting, and ends with an alphabetical list of plant profiles.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.The ebook format also has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. The links and references are mostly slanted toward readers in the USA. A google search will provide equivalent resources in the reader's local geographical area.

There is scant photography or illustration in the book and the photos which are included are mostly stock photos (credited).  The hardiness map which was included in the resource section is very vague and only covers the US. Gardeners in search of this info would do well to check their local extension agency for more specific information. USDA hardiness zone maps are really only needed in the case of perennials, and more general info for expected high temps and annual rainfall for use with annual crops is widely available locally.

I am a fanatical gardening enthusiast and I love this book's 'you can do it' vibe. Gardening is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and provides so many benefits.

Four stars. There is some good info here for all gardeners, not only beginners.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Smoking Meat 101

Smoking Meat 101 is a technique guide and cookbook by Bill West aimed getting the most out of smoking and using meats. Released 9th July 2019 by Rockridge, it's 206 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

The book follows a logical progression. The introduction includes information about what smoking is, when & why to use the technique, meat and wood selection, and other basic info. The next sections include recipes and techniques for specific meats and cover poultry, pork, beef, fish & seafood, and other meats & vegetables. There are 65 specific recipes as well as a large selection of rubs and sauces which will allow for a huge number of mix-and-match combinations. The book also includes a good selection of resources and links for further reading.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.The ebook format also has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Summer is barbecue and grill season and these recipes are timely, easy to make from relatively easy to source ingredients, and some are fancy enough for party fare.

Five stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Rock Painting For Beginners: Simple Step-by-Step Techniques

Rock Painting For Beginners is a new tutorial guide by Adrianne Surian. Released 2nd July, it's 152 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

I really love DIY tutorial books. I especially love art tutorial books which are accessible for beginners or those with artistic longings inside us  who haven't got enough technical skill to transfer what we're visualizing into reality. This is a very appealing, upbeat, positive book which is technically accessible for anyone of any age or artistic ability to use to create beautiful results. As such, this would make a superlative classroom art-resource and a good addition to the artist's home library. These techniques and applications could also be used by children if supervised.

This one is beautifully illustrated, colorful, and it made my fingers itch to get started right away. The layout is logical, starting with an introductory section which covers materials selection (how to pick rocks), paints and tools, and a short intro to color theory.

The following chapters include specific techniques like tape resist painting, mixed media, decoupage, stencils, stamping, pens/pencils/etc, and much more. One of the things I really liked about this book was the incitement to guerilla art in the form of painting happy rocks and releasing them into the wild. #painthappyrocks.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.The ebook format also has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a fun book with lots of inspiration. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

101 More Mixed Media Techniques

101 More Mixed Media Techniques is a resource and inspiration guide to visual arts techniques. The media covered are varied and include: watercolor, resists, inks, pyrography, surface treatments such as distressing and aging, embossing, pens/pencil/pastel, and more.

Released 2nd July 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and available in paperback, spiral bound, and ebook formats. This is the second book by these authors, but works very well as a standalone. All of the techniques are accessible and achievable by beginning artists. As such, this would make a superlative classroom art-resource and a good addition to the artist's home library. Many (most) of these techniques and applications could be used by children if supervised.

There are no templates or tutorials, as such, but there's plenty of inspiration here for readers to apply to their own projects. Walter Foster is well known for the quality of their art books. This one is full of clear and appealing photos of the different techniques. Each page includes photographs of the media, along with sidebars with extra information and refinements of the basic instructions.  The book is written as a collaboration, so there is a wide variety or artistic styles and something will surely appeal to virtually all readers.

Five stars. Really well done.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Last Stage to Hell Junction

Max Allan Collins is an undeniably talented writer. He's prolific, writes genre spanning series with aplomb, and is generally just top-shelf. Mickey Spillane was a prolific writer of crime and screenplays and if some of his tropes seem slightly dated to today's audiences, it's because he -invented- the twists that writers are still using today.  This is a posthumous collaboration, written by M.A.C. around notes left by Spillane prior to his death in 2006. This is the 4th book which features Sheriff Caleb York and includes several characters from previous books in the series. The plot is self contained, and the book doesn't suffer from being read as a standalone.

Released 28th May by Kensington, Last Stage to Hell Junction is a fast paced 240 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

It's increasingly difficult to find westerns these days. There are a few series being written currently, but the quality varies immensely. This series is very well written, gritty and face paced with solid characters and a taut plot driven narrative. Bullets fly and bad guys wind up under boot hill. It's a completely escapist read and perfect for the summertime TBR list.

The language is rough. There's some on-page sexual assault (an attempted rape of a young black girl) and a fair bit of racism in context (not glorified, just the opposite). The denouement is satisfying and exciting.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, the first book in this series is included in the KU subscription.

I enjoyed this one. It will definitely appeal to western lovers, or in a pinch, lovers of gritty noir (change the setting and re-costume the players and it could be any mean street in any big city with fedora wearing punks being hauled in by a squinting tough guy PI).

4 stars. Well worth a read.
 
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Beekeeping for Beginners: How To Raise Your First Bee Colonies

Beekeeping for Beginners is a new guide aimed at beginning beekeepers who might not have a good support and instruction network in place yet. Released 25th June 2019 by Rockridge, it's 178 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

Beekeeping has become ever more popular the last few years and there are a plethora of books covering every imaginable facet of beekeeping. The flood of books available reflects the rise in popularity as more and more gardeners and hobbyists turn to beekeeping as a way to increase productivity and 'do their bit' for nature. It's not always easy to tell which books represent the best value for readers. I've been beekeeping since I was a little kid assisting my grandfather and I try to read and review hobby books with an eye toward what would have helped me most when I was starting out again independently.

This is an accessible, scientifically accurate, appealing book aimed at getting the layperson from dreaming about beekeeping through setting up the first beehives as well as helping the bees to thrive through the first year(s).  It follows a logical layout split into three main parts: 1) bee anatomy and behavior and setting up an apiary, 2) the new apiary's first year, and 3) what to expect and troubleshooting for the future.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.The ebook format also has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

I think most people realize at this point how fundamental our pollinators are to our future. Now, there are more people than ever seeing the health benefits not just to nature but to the beekeepers themselves from the exercise and stress reduction which are part of keeping them. Beekeeping is a wonderful and productive hobby and this book is a good basic introduction.

It's a valuable addition to the beekeeper's library. I would strongly recommend it in addition to a few other apiary classics (Beekeeping for Dummies, for example). I like the author's encouraging and informal writing style very much.

Five stars. Always nice to see new and up-to-date beekeeping books!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Unofficial Minecraft Life Hacks Lab for Kids: How to Stay Sharp, Have Fun, Avoid Bullies, and Be the Creative Ruler of Your Universe

 

Unofficial Minecraft Life Hacks Lab for Kids is book 22 (of 24 currently) in the Lab for Kids series. Released 2nd July 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and available in a flexibound workbook and ebook formats. Aimed at middle grade readers and their adults (parents, guardians, school resource personnel/teachers etc), it uses analogies from Minecraft to roleplay real life situations and to model positive solutions. 

Despite being a 'gaming' book, this little lab book includes some really good introductions and exercises for very important life skills such as good communication, empathy, cooperation, problem solving, leadership, self confidence building, and many more. Most of the units include sidebars with new vocabulary or definitions. The information is presented in a positive manner and is never strident or intimidating (or preachy). There are 24 lab units included in the book as well as a comprehensive links and resources list for further exploration. The book also includes a simple cross referenced index.

This is a fun and worthwhile book. It would make a great classroom library book, resource book, homeschool resource book, or support text for a module on social studies subjects like relationships, bullying, social interaction, etc for kids 7-10(+). There's also a wide range of activities and most of the experiments use easily sourced materials. The photography is appealing and many of the photos use the familiar pixelated Minecraft graphics.

Five stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

50 Beaded Bracelets

50 Beaded Bracelets is a new step-by-step tutorial anthology which includes 50 bracelet designs from Interweave and Beadwork magazines. Curated by Tammy Honaman, there are designs which run the gamut from sleekly tailored to full on blingy glitz. Released 2nd July 2019 by Interweave, it's 240 pages and available in paperback format.

Each of the tutorial chapters includes a sidebar with technique information and tools and supplies. The written instructions are clear and well written along with the beautifully detailed Interweave beading diagrams. Most of the projects are made up of units which are put together to create the desired length. As such, nearly all of them can be adapted to create other pieces (earrings, necklaces, pendants, etc) to make a coordinated set. The materials lists in the individual tutorials are specific enough to allow for some judicial bead substitution if desired.

The photography is luscious and plentiful. All of the tutorials include hints and tips from the designers as well as alternate colorways and some alternate bead selections. There is a really handy designer links list included under the contributor credits which will provide hours of further inspiration.

This is a useful technique book in addition to the lovely tutorials. The beading and threading diagrams are clear enough for the beginner to learn weaving techniques as they create. All of the most common techniques are represented here such as RAW, netting, ladder stitch, peyote, and much more.

5 stars. These are gorgeous wearable pieces. Definitely a valuable addition to the beader's/crafter's library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.