The Daily Thomas Paine: A Year of Common-Sense Quotes for a Nonsensical Age

The Daily Thomas Paine is exactly as stated, a year's worth of quotes and observations from founding father and rationalist Thomas Paine. Due out 8th March 2020 from the University of Chicago Press, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The book contains a lengthy foreword by Edward Gray with some chilling observations and comparisons between Paine's time and the embattled political landscape in the USA. Paine's stirring and no-nonsense observations are more relevant today than ever.

This is a good (if niche) read and I enjoyed both sampling a quote per day and reading large chunks of the quotes at a time. The quotes themselves were often choppy and taken out of the larger context. This would be a good source for readers to find interesting excerpts to follow up in the original contexts later, however.

This would be a good fit for students of history, philosophy, politics, current events or anyone concerned with the current political climate in the USA.

Four stars.

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

Murder at Pirate's Cove (Secrets and Scrabble #1)

Murder at Pirate's Cove is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Josh Lanyon. Released 29th Feb 2020, it's 206 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a formulaic but really fun and enjoyable cozy. Handsome newcomer Ellery has inherited a mystery bookstore and white elephant of a house which is falling down around his ears. He's single with a bad breakup behind him and just trying to keep the floundering bookshop afloat and make a new start in the tourist town of Pirate's Cove. The last thing he needs is a dead body in his place of business, or a potential entanglement with the town's handsome lawman.

The deceased was unloved by basically everyone and there are tons of secrets and hidden motives.

All the violence is off-scene, the language is clean (a few damns, nothing worse), the romance is slow burn and chaste. The denouement was fair-play (though I had figured it out a while before), and the whole combines into a fast and fun read. I'm looking forward to finding out what comes next.

Four stars. Recommended for fans of bookstore cozy mysteries.

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

The Art of Comic Book Drawing: More than 100 drawing and illustration techniques for rendering comic book characters and storyboards

The Art of Comic Book Drawing is a tutorial and style guide to comic and storyboard layout. Due out 10th March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format. At least some of the material is re-formatted and recompiled from several earlier publications 2006-2014.

The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies, digital illustration, drawing and inking techniques, followed by a short and easily accessible general drawing tutorial and an introduction to texture and perspective.  The book is aimed at character driven graphic storytelling, so a fair bit of the content concentrates on building characters, storytelling through perspective and movement, villains, battles, adding word balloons and lettering.

Each of the chapters includes several start to finish tutorials illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter. There are interactive blank panel pages for the reader/artist to try out the preceding lesson.

This is a basic book but full of good technique and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists.  This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library. This would make a welcome gift for a young person who wants to learn some comic drawing techniques.

Four stars.

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

Paradise on the Hudson The Creation, Loss, and Revival of a Great American Garden

Paradise on the Hudson is a well written biography of the Untermyer gardens by Caroline Seebohm. Due out 03 March 2020 from Timber Press, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The history of the man behind the creation of the gardens and estate as well as his unorthodox life and relationships are well documented by the author. The book is enhanced by personal photos, documents, and drawings. The introduction is followed by chapters detailing the architecture, garden designs and completion, as well as the Algeresque decline, decay and finally resurrection of the gardens and grounds in the early 2000s. The book reads like a novel and the photos are such an integral and inspiring part of that narrative.

The sheer scope of the projects and the tireless dedication of the army of volunteers, workers, gardeners, engineers (for the water works and other permaculture features), laborers, and other folks just boggles the mind. Some of the photos included document just how heartrendingly decrepit and desolate parts of the gardens had become. This book is a lovely tribute to the love and passion which brought the original vision back to life again for new generations to enjoy.

Four stars. Recommended for gardening enthusiasts as well as lovers of garden history and design. The maps, indices, and bibliography are likely worth the cost of admission in their own rights.

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

Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style

Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style is a lushly illustrated and beautifully curated collection of artistic floral arrangements by Christin Geall. Due out 24th March 2020 from Princeton Architectural Press, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a lushly illustrated book on a practical subject (flower arrangement) which has a truly renaissance artistic sensibility. Every single illustration is a feast with lighting and scene, arrangement, color, and presentation carefully controlled (but looking beautiful and spontaneous).  There are many of the arrangements which actually literally look like oil painted still life paintings from old masters. The Thanksgiving arrangement on page 24 truly fools the eye, it absolutely could have been a detail from a Rubens.

The text is rich in small details and the author is a meticulous and knowledgeable expert both with writing and with advice for gardening and cultivation. Despite being a book with an artistic sensibility and soul, it's well laid out and presented and accessible. The table of contents is subdivided into sections so that the reader can put a finger on information without aggravation or tears. There's also a good cross referenced index and footnotes section for even more easily finding desired info. The chapters cover sourcing, tools and materials, a solid chapter on color theory (which will have applications in other areas of the reader's life), architecture and building up an arrangement along with a number of erudite and solid observations on practical applications, the elements of style (baroque, Dutch masters, rococo, a little William Hogarth, just breathtaking). This section also includes some tutorial lessons on different presentations to inspire (and in my case, just try to copy outright). The final content in the book covers design theory and developing a personal style. I'm not quite there yet (I'm a copier, not a designer, yet). It's full of positively written supportive exhortation to build a solid background and then trust one's instincts.

The book is a valuable technique book, but there's also a vast personal dialogue between the author and the reader which is, in my humble opinion, more tender, aware, and precious. This book is light years away from the average 'how-to' book. It would be as relevant on a list of philosophy or spirituality books (but blessedly mostly "woo woo" free). The epilogue touched me deeply.

Five stars. This is a superlative book and well worth a thorough read.

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

You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes: A step-by-step guide for learning to draw cute and colorful manga chibis and critters

You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes is a tutorial style book for manga chibi characters, animals, and scenes. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster Jr imprint, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback format.
I love to draw and doodle. Despite not being super advanced and skillful yet, I find drawing very relaxing most of the time. This is an accessible guide full of techniques and cheerful upbeat advice. The drawing style itself is completely adorable (chibi ちび translates to 'little'). They're big eyed and round faced with tiny hands.

This guide has an accessible and appealing format. A short introduction is followed by tools and supplies, basic techniques, some color theory, and then the individual drawing tutorials. The authors do a good job of explaining (and showing) proportions for different ages, positions, action and movement, etc. The authors have also included a number of templates at the end of the book which can be photocopied and used to improve consistency in drawing and proportion.

Great selection for a gift for a young artist, perhaps with some added sketch pads and pencils. This would also make a superlative classroom or library book.I would also recommend this book to babysitters, grandparents, parents, and basically anyone who spends a fair bit of time with small kids in order to up their 'draw with me' game. I really enjoyed this.  I will use these to decorate journals and notes for friends. I see some chibi style science stuff in my future (chibi microscope, chibi lab, chibi test tubes)!

Four stars. Fun collection.

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

Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM

People have different strengths and ways of problem solving. That is one reason that diversity in any workplace is a positive and productive thing. Especially where rigorous critical thinking skills are driving scientific and technological discovery it's more important than ever to have creative and diverse minds tackling society's ever more disastrous problems. STEM is critically important and is one area which has traditionally been male dominated. Changing the Equation is a collection of profiles and short biographies of women of color representing different fields of science in the USA. Due out 3rd March from Abrams, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is an interesting and informative collection of women of color who were unbelievable trail-blazers in some cases, impressive in all cases who defied tradition, prejudice, and powerful opposition to become notable in their chosen fields of study. The book includes doctors, inventors, educators, mathematicians, veterinarians, engineers, geochemists, data and computer experts, and even a video game developer.

As women in technological fields (I'm a bioengineer), we've been subjected from birth on to constant subtle universal conditioning that math is *hard*, science is for boys, and we should choose something more ladylike to pursue. I really believe that's changing (oh so slowly), but it's really nice to see a real representation of women, and especially women of color, excelling at these traditionally male-dominated professions.

There's room for everyone. We have a critical need for creative, smart, solution oriented, curious, persevering scientists now more than ever. We need books which can show young people that they CAN pursue an education in STEM careers.

This would make a superlative classroom or library book. It would also make a great gift for any young person. These are well written biographies and well worth a read. Despite being a huge science nerd myself, there were a number of these women who were unfamiliar to me. I enjoyed reading this myself and I can think back when I was 12 or 13 and determined to pursue a career in science that I would have been ecstatic to find this book.

Five stars. Well done and appropriate for *anyone*.

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

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem

Bringing Back the Wolves is a beautifully illustrated all-ages book about an experiment which unfolded over some years in Yellowstone National Park. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Kids Can Press, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is an accessible, science based, wonderfully illustrated story. The text by Jude Isabella is clear and concise without being dry or dull. Graphics and sidebar notes show the direct and indirect interactions of species in the park environment. The art by Kim Smith supports and enhances the story. The illustrations are detailed and appealing.  Ecological concepts are highlighted in bold text and defined immediately in accessible language in context.

The book includes a good table of contents, an index and resource and links list for further reading. This would make a superlative classroom or library read as well as a great selection for a young person. I really liked this book.

Four stars.

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

  

Just Draw Botanicals: Beautiful Botanical Art, Contemporary Artists, Modern Materials

Just Draw Botanicals is a beautifully curated artwork collection and gallery book by Helen Birch. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their White Lion imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in flexibound format.

This is both an inspiration book and (much less so) tutorial or instruction book. It covers a very wide range of artistic styles and subjects. The only common theme is the botanical subject. It includes a helpful picture gallery table of contents as well as an artist index, so readers can concentrate on one artist at a time or the entire smorgasbord of variety which is included.

A short introduction is followed by the gallery of works. Each of the studies has the work on a full page with a *short* info and tips section on the facing page. These explanations include techniques such as medium used and other contrast and style info.

The gallery is followed by a short fundamental tutorial for drawing botanicals: choosing tools and materials, getting started, painting, sketching, and working digitally. The tutorial chapter segues into a short (but fairly useful) bibliography and links for further reading.

This is a well done book showing a very wide variety of rendering techniques. This would be a valuable resource for a student up to professional artist, or as a beautiful art book in its own right. I'm emphatically not a gifted artist, but I found a number of good tips in this compilation.

Five stars

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

Mending Life- A Handbook for Repairing Clothes and Hearts

Mending Life is a gently illustrated tutorial guide to repairing and repurposing textiles (especially clothing) for the modern person, along with a dose of philosophy and musings on meaning. Due out 10th March 2020 from Sasquatch Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is an accessible and well written guide to basic mending techniques but it's also a wonderfully illustrated and gently philosophical treatise on the malaise of a consumer driven lifestyle and disposable culture. The introduction and background lead into chapters on darning, patching, other repair techniques, and alterations for clothing. Throughout the book, the artist authors have used their artwork to illustrate and illuminate. The style is naive and whimsical, gentle and with a soothing palette.

The book includes a short index and a comprehensive and eclectic bibliography and resource links list for further reading.

Five stars. I really enjoyed this one and recommend it highly for all age groups and abilities. Anyone could use this book as a starting point to acquire some valuable life skills.

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

Just Draw Fineliner Art Incredible Illustrations Crafted With Fineliner Pens

Just Draw Fineliner Art is an artwork collection and gallery book curated by Liam Carver.
Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their White Lion imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in flexibound format.

This is both an inspiration book and (less so) tutorial or instruction book. It covers a very wide range of artistic styles and subjects. The only common theme is the medium used. It includes a helpful picture gallery table of contents as well as an artist index, so readers can concentrate on one artist at a time or the entire smorgasbord of variety which is included.

A short introduction is followed by the gallery of works. Each of the studies has the work on a full page with a *short* info and tips section on the facing page. These explanations include techniques such as providing vertical contrast by leaving parallel lines of negative space between drawn lines to give the impression of height and depth to tree trunks or other vertical subjects. The info pages also include the dimensions (in cm.) of the original work as well as the paper used. 

The gallery is followed by a short fundamental tutorial for fineliner art: choosing tools and materials, getting started, and working digitally. The tutorial chapter segues into a short (but fairly useful) bibliography and links for further reading.

This is a well done book showing a very wide variety of rendering techniques. This would be a valuable resource for a student of pen and ink, or as a beautiful art book in its own right.

Four stars

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

If . . . 25th Anniversary Edition

If . . . is a reformat and re-release of a gorgeous picture book from 1995 by Sarah Perry. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Getty, it's 48 full color pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a very short book, but overwhelmingly lush and beautiful. The pictures are surreal and realistically rendered. The artwork is precise and engaging, it draws the eye and invites a lingering contemplation. I have revisited the book a couple times since my original read-through, and I've found myself thinking about one picture or another many times in the intervening hours.

Each of the 23 paintings (not counting endpieces) has a one sentence introduction "if" ants could count, hummingbirds told secrets, dreams were visible, with the artwork illustrating the posit on the facing page. The illustrations are surreal and dreamlike with lots of semi-hidden subtleties and sly details.

This is an all-ages book. Adults will appreciate the beauty and creativity while children will likely appreciate identifying the features of each of the illustrations and everyone can enjoy hunting the hidden 'easter eggs' in each painting. 

This 25th anniversary edition also includes a reader's guide with some background info on some of the pictures as well as 2 new paintings and some new spot illustrations.

Gorgeous book, haunting in a good way.

Five stars.

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

Wanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom

Wanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom is a cute illustrated nature book for young readers. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Kids Can Press, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a whimsically illustrated list of 13 animals 'wanted' for different crimes (the cuckoo leaves an egg in other birds' nests and gets them to raise the chicks, anglerfish trick prey into their jaws with bioluminescent light appendages, wood frogs 'fake their own deaths' every winter, and 10 more). The layout is colorful and appealing and author Heather Tekavec's writing is both engaging and scientifically accurate. The 2 page layout 'wanted' poster for each animal is full of well drawn whimsical illustrations by Susan Batori. They combine into a whole which will be loved by young nature fans and the rest of the family as well.

This would make a superlative classroom read (in fact the author has coordinating classroom resources available on her website) as well as a fun bedtime or read-to-me read. It's nice to see fun nature books for children which are science based and accurate (as well as being fun).

Five stars.

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

The Art of Basic Drawing: Simple step-by-step techniques for drawing a variety of subjects in graphite pencil

The Art of Basic Drawing is a tutorial technique guide for graphite pencil drawing for the beginning to intermediate artist. Due out 3rd March 2020 from  Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by a short and easily accessible general drawing tutorial and an introduction to texture and perspective.  There's a good subchapter on blending, texture strokes, and pencil techniques as well as a short intro on how to compose a drawing and developing forms.

Each of the chapters includes several start to finish projects illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter. The tutorials are grouped roughly thematically: still life, animals, landscapes, and people/portraiture.

This is a very basic book but full of good technique and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists.  This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library. The material is at least partially compiled from previously published work; one of the contributors (Walter T. Foster) passed away roughly forty years ago.

Four stars.

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

Shrubs and Hedges: Discover, Grow, and Care for the World's Most Popular Plants

Shrubs and Hedges is a modern herbarium collection of shrubs and hedges along with culture notes mostly aimed at the home gardener. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The book is quite well written, layman accessible, and it has an easy to follow logical format. The introductory material includes some good botanical definitions and uses and benefits of shrub plantings. The following chapters contain some horticultural history, general nomenclature and ID information, classic standard shrubs and some very basic garden design instruction, pruning and training, propagation, large plantings and permaculture (hedges & hedgerows), building and maintaining a healthy biome to attract pollinators and other creatures, especially challenging applications (water, hillside, pond, creek, riparian plantings, etc), as well as a wealth of advice on choosing, sourcing, and purchasing the correct plants for a particular purpose.

The book also includes a resource links list which is extensive and very useful along with a cross referenced index.

The photography throughout is lush, bountiful, clear, and beautiful. It's possibly the most outstanding part of the book. The varieties are clearly (and as far as I can see, correctly) labeled and distinguishable.

Larger plantings can be quite breathtakingly expensive to purchase, and preventing making even one major error purchasing the wrong plant could potentially save much more than the cost of the book.  Highly recommended for anyone designing a garden area with larger focal plantings. I also really liked that there was good information for challenging areas (ponds, swamp, etc).

Five stars.

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

Oil Painting: Oceans & Seascapes: Learn to paint step by step

Oil Painting: Oceans & Seascapes is a is a tutorial and style guide by Martin Clarke. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and will be available in paperback format. Some of the content has been reformatted and expanded from previously published (2013) material.

The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by a short and easily accessible general tutorial on color theory and painting methods.  There's a good subchapter on brushwork leading into an overview on seascapes/water/foam, etc. There are 5 full tutorials with tips and techniques to complete the projects with varied types of water and associated landscape features. Each tutorial includes the palette, some step by step instruction and tips for completing the paintings. It doesn't include an index or links for further reading (but it's not necessary for such a short book). Each of the chapters includes a start to finish project illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter.

This is a very basic book but full of intermediate techniques and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists.  This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library.

Four stars.

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

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga #1)

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first book in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Originally published in 2008, this reformat and re-release (with new illustrations and content) from Waterbrook, due out 10th March 2020 is 304 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).

This is part one of an epic fantasy which reminds me in a lot of ways of the scale of the Chronicles of Narnia or the Lord of the Rings. While it's admittedly not as well written (how could it be?), it does have a similar scope and reach. The author has a tendency to break the fourth wall often (asides to the audience are ok, but it's a device which in my opinion should be used quite sparingly). The footnotes are copious and extensive, and I found them a little tiresome.

The subject matter is largely a battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and a willingness to defend one's beliefs. Although often listed as a Christian selection, I read the book and didn't find -overtly- Christian doctrine or beliefs. It could certainly be read without the reader feeling catechized. The book is appropriate for all ages and there's no rough language or disturbing content.

The eARC which I received for review did not include the new artwork, maps, or addenda, so I can't speak to the quality of those. The cover art is lovely however, and I hope the new reformatted content is as well done.

Four stars. This would make a good selection for a family read, bedtime read, classroom or library circle read.

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

Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics: Learn to draw step by step

Drawing: Colored Pencil Basics is a tutorial and style guide by Cynthia Knox. Due out 3rd March 2020 from  Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by a short and easily accessible general drawing tutorial and an introduction to color theory.  There's a good subchapter on blending, burnishing, and pencil techniques as well as a short intro on how to choose the right pencils.There's a good bit on grid drawing as well as drawing from reference photos. The book ends (quite abruptly) with a short tutorial on drawing animal fur.

Each of the chapters includes a start to finish project illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter.

This is a very basic book but full of intermediate techniques and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists.  This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library.

Four stars.

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

It Walks by Night: A Paris Mystery (Henri Bencolin #1)

It Walks by Night is the first Henri Bencolin Paris mystery by John Dickson Carr. Originally released in 1930, this reformat and re-release from Poisoned Pen Press is 272 pages and due out 3rd March 2020. This edition will be available in paperback and ebook formats. (Other editions available in other formats). This book is one of the books in the British Library Crime Classics series and it's really nice to see these gems being brought back into print and presented to new readers. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

As the others in the series, there is an introduction by mystery history maven Martin Edwards. As engaging as these classic mysteries have been, I have also looked forward in equal measure to Mr. Edwards' insightful commentary.

Carr is well known (with good reason) for his 'impossible' locked room mysteries. This is another such. Despite being almost 100 years old, it wears well, and still provides a load of atmosphere (in some places, positively creepy). The first murder is quite gory (a beheading) and there's a varied cast of suspects and a load of red herrings along the way.

The dialogue and style are admittedly a bit dated and true to the period, but I found it charming. For fans of golden age mysteries, it'll definitely be a plus, not a detraction.

Very well done. I have read a lot of Carr's work, but somehow had missed this one. Worth a read, especially for fans of the golden age.

Four stars.

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

The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy

The Best of New Orleans Cookbook is a new recipe collection from Ryan Boudreaux. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 130 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

An introductory chapter gives a good introduction to the author's background and the philosophy of the food culture in and around New Orleans. The following chapters contain tutorials and recipes arranged roughly thematically: breakfast and lunch, cocktails and appetizers, rice dishes, main courses, and desserts. The book includes some conversion charts and resource links as well (but no ingredient index).

Ingredients for the individual recipes are listed in a bullet sidebar with American standard measures only. Info and tips about the ingredients or the recipes themselves are given below the preparation information. Prep time, yields, and cooking time are given in the header info. Nutritional information and special diet concerns/allergens (nuts, celery, wheat, etc) are not given.

These are yummy and (mostly) made from easily sourced ingredients.

I am very much a visual learner and one of my concerns with several cookbooks I've reviewed recently has been the lack of photography and serving suggestions. I know that photography can increase the cost of a published book significantly but it enhances the end result so much that in my case at least, it's a necessary part of any cookbook which I buy and use. This book is somewhere in the middle. There aren't many photos, but the ones which are included are clear and appealing.

Four stars. This is a good niche cookbook with a wide variety of goodies included.

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

Drawing: Landscapes with William F. Powell: Learn to draw outdoor scenes step by step

Drawing Landscapes with William F. Powell Learn to Draw Step by Step series. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and available in paperback format. This appears to be a reformat and re-release of material first released in 1997 with the same title by the same author.

The titles in this series are all formatted in a similar manner and this one is no exception.

A short general introduction (10%) covers tools and materials including pencils, paper, blending tools, etc. The intro is followed by a group of non-specific tutorials on graphite techniques, shading, light, shapes and perspective. The following tutorial chapters are specific for different subjects (landscapes) and include specific tutorials: clouds, rocks, trees & branches, etc, leading to some full studies. There is also a very abbreviated tutorial on rendering some surfaces and finishes. It should be noted that the style of these renderings is very retro/traditional in a style which was popular in the early to mid 20th century, much of that popularity springing from the art of Mr. Powell himself.

I like these tutorial booklets, they're inexpensive and full of useful info for artists looking for improvement in their own work. It's nice to see them getting a re-release for a new audience of artists and learners.

Four stars - for what it covers and for a very short tutorial guide, it does the job admirably well.

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

My First Maria Montessori

My First Maria Montessori is a new entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series of historical biographies of the childhoods and lives of notable people. I've reviewed a number of the books in this charming series on my blog. This one, about Maria Montessori, introduced me to some facts of which I was previously unaware.

Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 24 pages and available in boardbook format.

This is a lovely tribute to a woman who was educated as a medical doctor (the first woman doctor educated in modern times in Italy) and who used her abilities and observational skills to serve some of the most vulnerable children in her society. Considered disposable by her society at the time, she recognized that everyone could be educated and used her skills to make learning fun for the marginalized and institutionalized children of Italy, and later the world.

The text by Isabel Vegara is simple enough to be understood by very young children. The art, by Raquel Martin is colorful and appealing and illustrates the text very well.

Very well done book and a lovely and worthwhile series. It would make a great bedtime read or a reading circle or classroom read for the very youngest "readers".

Four stars.

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

Brushstrokes: Acrylic: Effortless painting with minimal tools and materials

Brushstrokes: Acrylic is a tutorial and technique guide by Angela Moulton aimed at beginning artists. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.
Walter Foster are familiar and loved by readers everywhere for their specialized technique tutorial books and this one follows the same format. The introductory chapters (~15% of the content) include tools, supplies, brush anatomy, a little color theory, some technique basics, palettes and choosing colors. The rest of the book contains 11 step by step tutorials for specific subjects. These really are projects which almost anyone can complete. The author has a calm and positive teaching 'voice' and the projects are simple but appealing (see cover).

There are no links or bibliography included and no index. In fact the book ends so abruptly I wasn't sure that I had gotten a full review copy. (I had). The artist author is adept and certainly talented with the medium she uses and her instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Four stars.

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

Vivienne Westwood: My First Vivienne Westwood (Pequeña & GRANDE)

My First Vivienne Westwood is a new book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Written by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Laura Callaghan, it's due out 5th March, 2020 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint.  Aimed at the youngest 'readers', it's 24 pages, perfect for a storytime or bedtime read.  It'll be available in ebook and boardbook formats. I've reviewed a number of the books in this charming series on my blog. This one, about fashion rebel icon Vivienne Westwood, takes the often turbulent life of the originator of 'punk style' and handles it in a charmingly age-appropriate manner.

I really liked that the author and illustrator have managed to write an engaging book for children as well as including cultural events and bands which will appeal to adults.

I don't know what criteria they use for selecting the subjects of their biographies, but the varied and interesting people in this series have all been winners in my opinion.

Well worth a read. Would make a good library selection or gift.

Four stars.

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

The Burglar in Short Order

The Burglar in Short Order is a new collection of short pieces and chapter excerpts from both new and previously published work by Lawrence Block. Due out 29th Feb 2020 from Subterranean Press, it's 144 pages and will be available in a hardcover limited edition from the publisher.

I've loved Bernie Rhodenbarr since he first debuted 40+ years ago. It's a series I revisit regularly whenever I need a short and humorous uplifting read. They're wonderfully undemanding hugely entertaining reads. This collection, although admittedly short on new material, is filled with 15 selections perfect for a short interlude or commute read.

The pieces included are varied in point of view and narration. There's also a teaser at the end of the book which takes the form of a short dialogue between the author, Mr. Block, and Bernie, the fictional character, on what the future holds for Bernie's adventures since time has stood more or less still for Bernie while it's marched on for the rest of us. I also liked being able to read a very early story with a recognizable 'seed' of a story which later germinated into the Bernie/Burglar series. He's not named in the story, but it's proto-Bernie for sure.

This is a bittersweet collection and generally of a quality which compares well with the rest of the books. I definitely recommend it highly to fans of the canonical series as well as mystery lovers who were previously unfamiliar with Mrs. Rhodenbarr's son Bernie.

Five stars for Block fans like me, four for everyone else.

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

Undertow (Undertow #1)

Undertow is a YA fantasy by K.R. Conway. Released in 2014, it's 390 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. The ebook version is available on most platforms for free to download and read as an introduction to the series which is up to 4 books (plus a prequel) currently.

This was a readable and entertaining YA fantasy with a strong romance subplot and female protagonist. It's full of the type of high school drama and cars/boys/homework/cheerleader/potential world changing apocalypse drama endemic to the genre. There's quite a lot of snarky dialogue which caused me to roll my eyes now and again, but overall it's well written and perfectly readable. (Note: the things I found less-than-stellar about the book will likely be a positive for the intended audience; it's been decades since I was young, and I don't think I've ever been an adult).

I liked the world building, the author has provided a rich background history and captivating world building. The plotting was a little slow in the first half of the book but picked up and accelerated around the 45% mark.

I'm intrigued enough to pick up the next couple books in the series to see how it develops.

Four stars, it'll be interesting to read what comes next. As a bonus, readers don't have to wait for the author to finish the follow-up books

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

Never Forget (Victor Lessard #3)

Never Forget is the third Lessard procedural thriller by Martin Michaud. Originally published in French in 2012, this is the first of the series to be translated into English.  Released 18th Jan 2020 by Dundurn, it's 576 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a well written but often disturbing procedural thriller. The narrative is choppy and jagged for the first third of the book, switching abruptly between disparate elements both current and retrospective which circle and interweave ever more tightly until they become a single story including shadow politics, shockingly unethical medical research, cover-ups at the very highest level, corruption, dirty money and torture. It's a fairly hefty book (nearly 600 pages) and the author makes good use of the word count to develop the characters and move the story to its inevitable denouement.

The protagonist is flawed: depressed, a recovering alcoholic, physically and emotionally wrecked, suffering from PTSD and trying to have some semblance of a normal relationship with his adult kids (also troubled) and his lover (much younger, but a sane spot of happiness in his very messed up orbit).

The author writes convincingly and very well. This book is quite gritty and includes graphic depictions of torture/murder, rape/involuntary BDSM, graphic consensual sex, rough language, suicide, mental torture, domestic violence. Also, almost everyone smokes. Despite this, it's an engaging and intriguing read.

The translation work is seamless. It doesn't read like a book in translation. I hope Dundurn go back and release the earlier books in English.

Four stars. Worth a read for fans of gritty procedurals.

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

Cozy Case Files, A Cozy Mystery Sampler, Volume 8

Cozy Case Files is a sneak-preview collection of 5 new cozy mystery novels. Released 7th Jan 2020 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 180 pages and can be accessed on most ebook retailers (Amazon, Rakuten/Kobo etc) to download and read for free. This is the 8th cozy mystery sampler from St. Martin's.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

The collection includes a few chapters from each of 5 upcoming (or recently released) cozy mysteries by M.C. Beaton, Vivien Chien, Diane Kelly, Elizabeth Penney, and Paige Shelton. It was especially poignant for me because Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton) passed away fairly recently.

All of them are appealing, and all of the included mysteries are reviewed (or scheduled) on my blog.  The full mysteries themselves are all in the 4 star range, all are entertaining and well crafted.

Definitely worth downloading the collection to test sample the upcoming books. Four stars for the collection. 

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

30-Second Literature: The 50 most important forms, genres and styles, each explained in half a minute

30-Second Literature is a short style guide to the most common literary forms, with short explanations for each. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Ivy Press imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a collection and collaboration, well curated and edited by Ella Berthoud and compiled of essays and examples by a number of other authors.  It delves into 50 different forms arranged roughly thematically: historical forms, the novel, literary prose, poetry, drama, literary devices, and styles. Each of the categories includes several notable forms such as early modern fiction, epistolary writing, tragedy, comedy, narrative voice, realism, etc. Each of the archetype chapters also contains an illustrative profile: Dostoevsky, Hafez, Aristophanes, and so on. Each of the chapters also includes a handy glossary with good layman accessible definitions.

Each of the entries also includes a definition, some deeper interpretation and related topics for further reading, along with a bibliography and (very) short text.

Graphically this book is beautifully appealing as well, with lots of varied paintings, drawings, relevant illustrations and tie-ins, cartoons and artistic work both original and reprinted.

This would make a superlative choice as a support text for literature/classroom/instruction use or as a personal reference work for the keen reader. The index is brief but satisfactory to its purpose.

Five stars.

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

The Unspoken Name (The Serpent Gates #1)

The Unspoken Name is the first book in a debut series by A.K. Larkwood. Released 11th Feb 2020 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 464 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

Occasionally (but distressingly rarely) a new (to me) author comes along in one of my favorite genres and really blows me away. This is one such happy occasion. This combines epic fantasy, incredibly detailed world building that feels real down to details of social convention and interaction, elements of the best SF, a female protagonist who isn't supergirl and too utterly perfect, overarching themes of honor, building a life which defies external expectations, and does so without feeling like a mash of a million unrelated threads trying to be everything to everyone. I also appreciate that this book didn't devolve into a romance, that Csorwe (the young female orc protagonist) was more realistically rendered (apart from being a badass assassin) than a lot of super-protagonists. Early on in the book, she's being taught languages by a succession of tutors and really does grumble like a kid being forced to do unwanted homework.

The plot is wonderfully rich and detailed, the narrative arc is beautifully engineered and for a book of nearly 500 pages, it moves along at a good clip. I never felt that the story dragged or lost my interest. In fact, I stayed up way too late on a couple occasions reading and almost missed my bus stop on my morning commute because I was so absorbed in the story.

I heartily recommend this author and this debut unreservedly. Five stars.

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

Drawing: Faces: Learn to draw step by step

Drawing: Faces: Learn to draw step by step is a book in the Learn to Draw Step by Step series. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and available in paperback format. This appears to be a reformat and re-release of material first released in 1997 with the same title by the same author.

The titles in this series are all formatted in a similar manner and this one is no exception.

A short general introduction (10%) covers tools and materials including pencils, paper, blending tools, etc. The intro is followed by a group of non-specific tutorials on graphite techniques, shading, light, shapes and perspective. The following tutorial chapters are specific for different subjects (mostly faces) and include specific anatomy: eyes, noses, etc, leading to some full studies. There is also a very abbreviated tutorial on rendering some surfaces and finishes. It should be noted that the style of these renderings is very retro/traditional in a style which was popular in the early to mid 20th century, much of that popularity springing from the art of Mr. Foster himself.

I like these tutorial booklets, they're inexpensive and full of useful info for artists looking for improvement in their own work. It's nice to see them getting a re-release for a new audience of artists and learners.

Four stars - for what it covers and for a very short tutorial guide, it does the job admirably well.

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

What If Bunny's NOT a Bully?

What If Bunny's NOT a Bully? is a picture book with sweetly rhyming text for the youngest readers. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Kids Can Press, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardback and ebook formats.

This book has a good message about inclusivity and giving people another chance as well as being aware that everyone can do things which they regret. The text by Lana Button is short and simple and scans well. The typeset is easy to read and the formatting gives a good and readable contrast. The illustrations, by Christine Battuz are done in an appealingly whimsical collage with hand drawn elements and include a surprising amount of detail which encourages a lingering look (or hunt and find side game when reading).

Four stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, read-to-me, or gift.

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

Beautiful Pigs: Portraits of champion breeds

Beautiful Pigs: Portraits of champion breeds is an introduction with a short history and a gallery showing the variation and beauty of different breeds of pigs. Originally published in the UK in 2009 this re-format and re-release is due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Ivy Press imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback format. All of the books in this series follow the same format and are all well done and attractive.

The authors have an accessible and informative style. The book has a good introduction with some historic breeds, champion breeds, and exotic breeds, development of breed standards, and a very short capsule intro to shows. The intros are followed by a gallery listing of 40 swine, with a full color detail photo, breed intro with features, uses, related breeds, size/weight, and range/origin. The picture content also helpfully includes the sex of the subject. The end of the book contains some sepia-tone photos from specific show entry winners, along with an index and solid links lists for further reading. 

Honestly the completeness of the bibliography and links are probably worth the cost of the book by themselves. Very well done. This would be a very good choice for a 4H or FFA intro to selecting and showing or at least starting the necessary pre-purchase research. There is no animal husbandry content included here, this is a compendium of show quality healthy beautiful swine in show condition.

A useful and appealing book and a good introduction to the conformation and looks of standard purebred pigs.

Four stars.

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