Why Do We Cry?

Why Do We Cry? is an sweetly illustrated and sensitively written book for young readers. Originally published in Spanish in 2018, this English translation released 7th April 2020 from Kids Can Press is 34 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The book takes the form of a dialogue between a mother and son about why people cry and why it's good to examine and experience negative emotions so we can process them and what function tears (and crying) actually serve physiologically and emotionally. The text by Fran Pintadera (weblink in Spanish) is supported and enhanced beautifully by the nuanced illustrations by Ana Sender.

This would make a superlative reading circle, library group, or classroom read for youngsters. There's a short discussion resource at the back of the book which includes some science based information on tears and the physiological functions they perform.

Learning to process strong emotion in a positive and constructive manner is -vital- for development. I appreciated that the dialogue was sensitively handled and that the author chose to make the child male was a nice touch. I think that this could be a very valuable book *especially* given our current pandemic world situation. 

Five stars. Beautiful little book with universal relevance.

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

Dewdrop

Dewdrop is a beautifully presented and engaging picture book for all ages. Released 7th April 2020 by Oni Press, it's 40 pages and available in ebook (comiXology) and hardcover formats.

This is such a gentle affirming book for all ages and the art by Katie O'Neill is just beautiful. Dewdrop and friends have different skills and strengths and the book has such a fun and wholesome vibe that I found it irresistible and have re-read it a couple times since the initial read and have found small rich artistic details which I missed on the first read-through.

Although the story is aimed at younger readers, this will make a superlative read-to-me or library/classroom circle read for all ages, even the youngest.

Beautifully done. I really love the artist author's work. Five enthusiastic stars.

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

Alien Nate

Alien Nate is a cute graphic adventure story for kids by Dave Whamond. Released 7th April 2020 by Kids Can Press, it's a compact 64 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a delightfully cute book covering some of the adventures of a kid-sized purple extraterrestrial called Nate who's been sent by his leaders to Earth in search of pizza. After a crash landing, he meets up with Fazel who helps him blend in and experience school, daily earth-life, and lots of earth cuisine in addition to pizza. Along the way, they have to outwit the evil vaguely governmental men-in-beige who just want to capture little Nate for their nefarious experiments.

This is a short book which can be read and enjoyed in one session and will appeal to kids of all ages (including grown-up kids who are still on speaking terms with their sense of fun). I also liked the subtle lessons of friendship and inclusivity.

Four stars, love the art and the positive (if slightly silly) message.

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

A Conspiracy of Bones (Temperance Brennan #19)

A Conspiracy of Bones is the 19th Temperance Brennan novel by Kathy Reichs. Released 17th March by Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 352 pages and available in all formats.

This has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite modern series. Despite the 'Hollywood-ization' of many other series, Dr. Brennan remains scrappy, dispassionate, intelligent, non-glamorous, and (mostly) ethical. The author is capable, delivering a tightly wrought and technically masterful book. This installment is excitingly twisty and revolves around the main characters sorting out conspiracy theory, shady governmental programs, cold case missing kids, and a faceless corpse, along with office politics and academia.

Although there's a lot of history and backstory covered in the last 18 books, the author is adept enough that this one could be read as a standalone for readers who are not already fans. The entire series is well worth a read, and I recommend them highly especially to fans of modern police/medical procedurals.

Four stars. Consistently top notch books.

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

Shelter from the Machine: Homesteaders in the Age of Capitalism

Shelter from the Machine is a historical and philosophical overview of the spectrum (mostly split into "hippies" vs. "hicks") of people living a subsistence off-grid existence in modern day Appalachia. Released 23rd March 2020 by University of Illinois Press, it's 304 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an interesting ethical and philosophical treatise written as a composite story composed of interviews, notes, anecdotes, and first person sources. The author, Dr. Jason Strange, is an academic and on the faculty of Berea College. Despite the potential for impenetrable academic rigidity (about which the author has some opinions) the narrative is simple, accessible, and compassionate, resulting in a genuinely captivating read.

This is *not* a how-to. There are no lists or tips on how to transition to an off-grid lifestyle. What it is is a compelling read and a fascinating glimpse into a group of people most of us rarely (if ever) encounter. Though it's a substantial book, the author's style reminded me a lot of the shorter interview style entries from the famous Foxfire books. The bibliography is comprehensive and the index usefully cross referenced. The footnotes are meticulous and plentiful.

This would make a superlative resource for a classroom setting. I usually have 4 or 5(+) books going at any given time and I personally found this one compelling enough that it took over my reading time and I finished it in one sitting.

Five stars. This is an important academic sociological study of an underrepresented group of people.

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

The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook: 100 + Effortless Meals for Your Slow Cooker, Skillet, Sheet Pan, and More

The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook is a well curated collection of tips and recipes by Shelby Ruttan. Released 14th April 2020 by Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 184 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 introduction includes a very good overview over the paleo diet, what it includes (and doesn't) and some theory behind the food selections. There's also an introduction to basic cooking equipment and ingredients. 

The recipes are grouped by category: eggs & breakfast, soups & stews, vegetable mains, seafood & shellfish, poultry, and beef & pork.

The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard only. Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. Nutritional information is included in the footer at the end of the recipes and includes macronutrients, calories, fat, protein,carbs, fibre, and cholesterol.  Tips and variations on each recipe are included in a text box at the end. Special dietary comments (egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc) are included in the headers.

The book also includes a short author bio, and a metric conversion chart, but lacks any index or general ingredients index.

My main quibble with the book is that the recipes are mostly not photographed. There are some photos, and they're clear and attractive, but they only represent about 5% of the recipes included in the book. It is, however, a very well written book for anyone who needs

Four stars. This would make a superlative selection for busy cooks wanting a simplified way to test the paleo diet and make a real effort to give it a genuine try in an accessible and logical manner.

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

Math Games Lab for Kids: 24 Fun, Hands-On Activities for Learning with Shapes, Puzzles, and Games

Math Games Lab for Kids is a fun activity and games book for young readers. Released in 2017 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and available in flexibound and ebook formats. It's book 6 of (currently) 24 books in the Labs for Kids series.  Aimed at middle grade readers (grades 3-7) and their adults (parents, guardians, school resource personnel/teachers etc), it includes 25 short lab units for diverse math related fun (really!) 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 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.

I feel very strongly that making STE(A)M subjects fun for young readers is vitally important to inculcating a real love of science, critical thinking, exploration, and development.  The authors' enthusiasm shines through in the text.

Laidlaw (Jack Laidlaw #1)

Laidlaw is a re-release of the original police procedural by William McIlvanney. Originally published in 1977, this re-formatting from Canongate on their Black Thorn imprint was released in paperback and ebook format April 2nd 2020.

There has been an ocean of commentary on tartan noir (and Scandi-noir and all their siblings). I have heard Laidlaw (there are three books in all) referred to as Scottish noir (or at least a precursor) and while that might be strictly speaking true, it is certainly gritty and brooding and Scottish, it's much more than that. I love crime novels with imperfect protagonists, Laidlaw is that in spades.

One of the things that sets this one apart is that McIlvanney was a remarkably adept writer, precise and masterful. There is not one fumble in the book. There is a spareness to the prose (the author was also quite well known as a poet). The characterizations are rich, varied, and precisely rendered. This might be the best crime novel I've read; it's certainly one of the best at any rate.

That being said, this is a relentlessly dark book. It had been a decade or more since I read it last and it has aged surprisingly well.  It's a beautifully written book. I'm glad to see it being presented to a new generation of readers.

Five stars.

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

Secrets of Aromatherapy

Secrets of Aromatherapy is a new theory and practice guide for aromatherapy in the Holistic Secrets series. Released 7th April by Quarto on their Chartwell imprint, it's 224 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a well written, accessible, and fairly systematic treatment of the subject matter.  Graphically, it's an appealing book with copious photographs, line drawings, and a clean and logical layout. The text is easy to understand and utilize. The introductory sections cover what aromatherapy is, some historical background and general information about the subject. The author continues with a general chapter about specific oils along with carrier oils and uses followed by an in-depth chapter on practical uses and specific applications, including a really useful section on self-massage. I liked that the book utilized modes of different ages and ethnicities. The book also includes a photo-tutorial about what to expect during a professional consultation from a practitioner. The author has included a good glossary, links and resources list, and index.

Although the entire series has an alternative/holistic feel, this book in particular is presented very professionally and doesn't leave the reader with much of an impressions of "woo woo" or pseudo-science (although there a mention of meridians and pathways - nearly all of the book is science based and sound).

Four stars. Illuminating, useful and worthwhile.

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

No-Waste Organic Gardening: Eco-friendly Solutions to Improve any Garden

No-Waste Organic Gardening is a new tutorial and resource guide for gardeners written by Shawna Coronado. Due out 21st April 2020 from Quarto on their Cool Springs imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a multi-resource guide with general chapters for most garden tasks: seed starting, setup & maintenance, pollinator support and building a healthy biome, flowers, edibles, container gardening, permaculture/landscaping, lifestyle & utilizing outdoor space, and a good general guide on tool selection maintenance and use. Each of the chapters include multiple mini-tutorials for garden tasks and supplies such as home-made seed starting mix, DIY seed tapes, harvesting-storing-keeping seeds whilst maximizing viability, building bee habitats and many more. All of them are clearly photographed with step by step instructions.

The language is upbeat and accessible. This would make a super resource for a community garden lending library, school library, or gardener's home library. Many of the tutorials would be appealing and appropriate for children with a teacher/facilitator.

Five stars. Well written and informative.

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

Teen Writer’s Guide: Your Road Map to Writing

Teen Writer’s Guide is a tutorial instruction manual by educator Jennifer Jenkins. Released 24th March 2020 by Owl Hollow Press, it's 171 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.

This is a logically presented accessible guide full of writing prompts which are engaging and when worked through will give the fledgling writer a good technical background, developing a specific writing skill set which they can then turn on their own stories.

Each of the chapters includes specific examples from the author/instructor which she then deconstructs with notes on nuance, language selection, description, and more.  She carefully and clearly elucidates the potential traps and snares and how to avoid them.

The author defines the terms throughout and although they begin at an introductory level (what's a protagonist, antagonist, tension, story arc, stereotype) they are all very well defined in a manner which is never condescending to the reader.

The author also includes specific information for educators/facilitators. She provides some guidance for age groups (6th - 12th grades) with regard to the common core writing standards and applicable content in the book. This would make a superlative support text in a classroom setting as well as a workbook for individual study. Although written for teen(ish) readers, there are valuable takeaways here for new writers of all ages.

Five stars. Well written and informative.

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

A Murderous Relation (Veronica Speedwell #5)

 A Murderous Relation is the 5th Veronica Speedwell mystery by Deanna Raybourn. Released 10th March 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 308 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a historical cozy mystery with a strong dash of saucy romance between the main character duo (Veronica and Stoker). There is a fair bit of backstory for the characters and setup for the storyline, so I wouldn't really recommend it as a standalone. The entire series is well written and diverting, so a definite contender for a binge reading session.

The main characters are a lepidopterist (Veronica) and a taxidermist (Stoker), so the author gets points for the characters' appealingly nerdy quirks. Their backstories are as varied as they are and there are significant subplot elements revolving around their family entanglements. Although some plot elements are very dark (Jack the Ripper, seedy Victorian London underbelly, murder, extortion, etc) the book itself is firmly in the cozy mystery romance genre.

Thoroughly readable and entertaining, the series reminds me a lot Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody. There's no objectionable language, but there are strongly sexually suggestive scenes between the two main characters, some minor (good humored) cross dressing, some shooting, stabbing, and other mayhem. For readers in search of meticulously researched verisimilitude, this one will likely engender teeth gnashing. Bring a hefty suspension of disbelief. On the other hand, it's delightfully wonky, humorous, and ever so slightly spicy (with a few actual bodices being ripped in the course of the adventure).

Four stars.

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

Animal Friends to Sew Simple Handmade Decor, Toys, and Gifts for Kids

Animal Friends to Sew is a decor and tutorial book for soft toys and furnishings by Sanae Ishida. Released 30th March 2020 by Sasquatch Books, it's 240 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully illustrated, well written, and whimsically appealing sewing book for animal themed soft furnishings. The tutorials are not limited to plush pillows and animal cuddly toys; there are numerous decor items, adorable stylized silhouette placemats (which I want to sew for my grown-up table settings), and wearables including bibs, slippers and a backpack. I didn't count carefully, but there are more than 35 projects to keep anyone crafting for a long while.

They are grouped thematically by project type. All of the tutorials are pictured (in color) in the table of contents with page numbers included for easy lookup. The introductory section has a good basic overview of tools and general techniques which is beginner accessible and clearly written.

The tutorials themselves include a color photo of the finished project, tools and materials in a bullet list in a highlighted sidebar (US standard measurements only), followed by step by step instructions. The book includes an index, metric conversion charts, and a resource/links list.

I really love the breezy and sweet style, and the quirky comfortable projects. Full size templates are included for all the tutorials (in the back of the book).

Five stars. There are a number of these projects I fully intend to do myself (and I have grown children and no grandkids on the horizon).

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

A Game of Fox and Squirrels

A Game of Fox and Squirrels is a novel for middle grade readers by Jenn Reese. Due out 14th April 2020 on Macmillan's Henry Holt imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a very well written touching and often heartbreaking story about the meaning of family, courage, honesty, stability, trauma, and growing up. There are several interwoven stories told on different levels.

This was a difficult book to read and review. The narrative is very well written but the themes of domestic violence, abuse, psychological abuse and parental failure are rough going and can be triggering for some readers. 11 year old Samantha and her 14 year old sister Caitlin were removed from their family home in California by protective services after serious (sustained) episodic violence. They're sent to live with their aunt in Oregon. The aunt represents a loving, stable, if non-traditional home and the book is chiefly concerned with detailing working through their trauma and forging a new family life. Most of this plot is not directly written down. The previous (multi-generational) trauma is alluded to in italicized flashes. Most of the action in the story is wrapped around a magical realism quest story-line, with young Samantha trying to find a golden acorn to make her dreams come true. The quests and the rules keep changing and Sam's trying to figure out what her fondest dreams really are and how to write her own story at the same time she's dealing with her own scary feelings.

This would make a good fantasy read for more mature middle readers. If it's being read as a story time type read, the adult/caregiver should expect some difficult questions which will require a certain sensitivity. I also appreciated the depiction of a loving and stable home-life and family who were outside the mainstream (her aunt has a wife who is also kind and loving to the girls). It's not a huge deal in the book, nor should it be.

This is a really phenomenally well written book which deals with difficult subjects sensitively, compassionately, and in a manner which will be accessible to young readers.

Five stars. Difficult themes.

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

Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook: 30-Minute Recipes to Get Started in the Kitchen

Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook is a tutorial cookbook and recipe collection aimed at easy, fast, and good food without lots of ingredients. The recipes included can be prepared in 30 minutes or less with 5 main ingredients (not including seasonings, water, oil, cooking spray, etc). Due out 14th April 2020 from Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 108 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.

The introduction includes a very good overview over basic kitchen equipment and ingredients.  There's also a subchapter with food safety and handling information.


The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard only. Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. Nutritional information is included in the footer at the end of the recipes and includes calories, fat, sodium, carbs, fibre, sugar, protein.Tips and variations on each recipe are included in a text box at the end. Special dietary comments (dairy-free, freezer friendly, gluten-free, nut free, etc).

The book also includes a short author bio, and a metric conversion chart, but lacks any index or general ingredients index.

My main quibble with the book is that the recipes are mostly not photographed. There are some photos, and they're clear and attractive, but they only represent about 5% of the recipes included in the book. It is, however, a very well written book for anyone who needs

Four stars. This would make a superlative selection for busy cooks or a housewarming gift for a newly-fledged first apartment dweller.

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

Embroidered Wild Flowers: Patterns Inspired by Field and Forest (Make Good: Japanese Craft Style)

Embroidered Wild Flowers is a new embroidery guide with templates for surface embroidery by Kazuko Aoki. Released 24th March 2020 by Roost Books, it's 96 pages and available in paperback format.

It's nice to see surface embroidery coming back into its own.  It seemed for years that almost all of the new tutorial books were aimed at counted cross stitch or quilting.  This book is laid out as a series of vignette project sections: along the path, when the dandelions bloom, walking along the embankment, long headed poppies, violets, spring paths, and several more. There are alternative colorways and alternate flower choices for many of the projects.

The projects themselves are mostly line drawings with filling stitches.  Some are quite structural and border on stumpwork.  They're all appealing and would be ideal for decor or clothing applications.  The book is peppered with photographs showing the author's sketchbook pages and color selections (very inspiring). 

There is a very short technique chapter and templates of the line drawings of the patterns. This chapter also includes a few tips (how to carry thread, tips and equipment to make stitching more even and enjoyable, etc) which can be utilized to make the projects easier and better.

The photography is very clear.  With the diagrams, the projects should be comfortable for a keen beginner. One important aspect of the surface embroidery process which isn't covered in the book is pattern transfer to ground fabric. The info is easily accessible elsewhere, so I haven't detracted anything in the review for the oversight/lack.

The line drawings of the patterns also include recommended stitch fillers.

Lovely and useful addition to the embroiderer's library.  I am going to incorporate some of the line drawn motifs in the freehand areas of my next counted thread sampler.

Five stars

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

Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook: Short-Term Meal Plans to Identify Triggers and Soothe Flare-Ups

Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook is a new specialty cookbook and recipe collection by Christa Biegler. Due out 14th April 2020 from Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 216 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.

The book follows a logical and easy format. The first three chapters cover the background of ingredient selection, what eczema is, what the diet entails and some general quick-start weekly meal plans. The author also includes some logical pointers, ingredients, and supplies. The recipe chapters are arranged thematically: breakfasts and beverages, soups salads and sides, vegan and vegetarian, meat and fish, desserts, and staples and ingredient recipes. Nutritional information is included in the footer at the end of the recipes and includes calories, fat, sugars, carbohydrates. Some special dietary information is included (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy, vegetarian,etc).
 
The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard only. Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. The book also includes a short author bio, and a metric conversion chart, but lacks any index or general ingredients index. Each of the recipes includes a space for notes and observations as well as tips and substitutions in highlighted sidebars.

My main quibble with the book is that the recipes are mostly not photographed. There are some photos, and they're clear and attractive, but they only represent about 5% of the recipes included in the book. It is, however, a very well written book for a niche (and previously largely ignored) group in the autoimmune community.

Four stars.

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

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees is a science based, layman accessible, entertainingly educational primer about our favourite pollinators, bees (and not just honeybees). Due out 19th June 2020 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a wonderfully accessible book with a primer of bees including places to find them, how to spot them, what their habits are, and what they look like. The descriptions include the proper nomenclature side by side with the common names and all include crystal clear colour photos of each subject. There are chapters full of advice for attracting and supporting both native and non-native pollinators including what *not* to do in one's garden. There's an herbal list with flowing plants which are food rich and attractive to bees and a seasonal guide to the gardener's year with respect to maintaining rich and diverse plant and insect populations.

The book includes a generous assortment of links for further reading and a cross referenced index. The photography is nothing short of breathtaking. There are numerous crystal clear macro shots in which one could (if so inclined) count every hair on the fuzzy bee bodies.The chapters also include lists of tips and advice, arranged bullet style, for supporting and providing nesting and living habitat for solitary bees and other beneficial insects.

This is a lovely and inviting book, well written, scientifically accurate and engaging. Five stars.

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

Gather at Home: Over 100 Simple Recipes, Diys, and Inspiration for a Year of Occasions

Gather at Home is a DIY - style- and tutorial book with a simple home entertaining aesthetic by Monika Hibbs. Released 10th March 2020 by Penguin Random House Canada, it's a substantial 304 pages and available in hardback and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully presented style guide full of well curated photographs. Everything is light and bright and there's nary a smudge to be seen. It's appealing and beautiful (and reminds me a lot of vintage Martha Stewart).

The book is full of good ideas which I will never get around to doing (but love looking at and pretending I'll put it on my inspiration board to get around to it soon). The ideas range from whimsical but fairly easy (hand dipped coloured birthday candles) to appealing but somewhat impractical (hand torn dyed chiffon ribbons).

The book is arranged around a seasonal theme, spring summer fall and winter. Each season get a full treatment with sample menus (recipes included) as well as decorations and coordinating DIY crafts tutorials.

This is an undeniably beautiful book. The numerous delicious recipes include yields, ingredients listed bullet style (with American standard and metric measures (in parentheses) included), step by step cooking instructions, and usage tips. The DIY crafts include full size templates. There is also a good cross referenced index for finding recipes and projects quickly.

It would make a superlative gift for a friend who enjoys entertaining as well as a gorgeous addition to the home lifestyle library.

Four stars.

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

Megabat Is a Fraidybat

Megabat Is a Fraidybat is a cute chapter book for middle readers by Ana Humphrey, with illustrations by Kass Reich. Due out 7th April 2020 from Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a well written and entertaining book about friendship, taking chances, meeting new people, and going outside of our comfort zones. The book has a positive message and manages to show a refreshing diversity in the characters without being strident.  I liked it that Daniel shows emotion and isn't shamed for that.

Megabat is adorable, as are the other anthropomorphic characters, Birdgirl, Priscilla (though she only gets a cameo in this book), Babybat, and Batzilla. The human characters are generally helpful and cooperative.  The illustrations are full of whimsy and gentle humor.

This would make a great gift, bedtime family read, library or classroom circle read, or similar. There is good scope for discussion here about bravery, honesty, facing fears, going outside our comfort zones (even with things such as food and meeting new people), etc.

Just a really lovely book for youngsters. Four stars.

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