The Dark Remains (Jack Laidlaw #0)

The Dark Remains is a retro vibe first case in the perennially popular Laidlaw series by the late William McIlvanney with an assist from Ian Rankin. Released 7th Sept 2021 by Europa Editions on their World Noir imprint, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 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.

There has been an ocean of commentary on tartan noir (and Scandi-noir and all the siblings). I have heard Laidlaw (there are three other books in addition to this prequel) referred to as Scottish noir or at least a precursor and while that might be strictly speaking true, and it is certainly gritty and brooding and Scottish, it's much more than that. I love crime novels with imperfect protagonists, Laidlaw has that in spades. This prequel, ghost written from a previously unfinished manuscript, has the vibe and voice and without knowing the background, I wouldn't have pegged it for a collaboration.

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.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 31 minutes and is well narrated by Brian Cox. He walks a razor edge, keeping true to the spirit of the Glaswegian accents and at the same time enunciating clearly and well and rendering the whole understandable.

That being said, this is a relentlessly dark book. It's also a beautifully written book. I'm glad to see this new entry being finished in a manner worthy of McIlvanney's oeuvre.

Four and a half stars.

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

Boards and Spreads: Shareable, Simple Arrangements for Every Meal

 

Boards and Spreads is a well written and beautifully illustrated guide to creating platter and board arrangements by Yasmin Fahr. Due out 23rd Aug 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson-Potter imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The author has a very chatty and friendly writing style and her reasoning for grazing and boards as a dining choice really resonated with me. If you don't want to go to the effort of dining out, but at the same time don't want to expend the effort cooking at home - boards are a nice alternative. The introduction covers the basics of building a board including the board itself (not necessarily wooden), bowls, serving utensils, and food considerations.

The board setups are arranged thematically: breakfast, breads, snacking salad & veggie platters, meal boards, al fresco/picnics, extras, and dips spreads & fun things. The highlighted recipes used in the boards are listed right with the boards to which they belong, saving readers searching or bookmarking and having to flip back and forth. Recipe ingredients are listed in a bullet-style sidebar. Measurements are in imperial (American) measurements followed by step by step instructions. The book doesn't include nutritional information or portion sizes. The recipes are pictured with the finished boards and the pictures are beautifully clear and colorful. Most recipe ingredients will be easy to source and familiar to readers.

The dishes and boards here aren't *fancy* but they really *feel* special because of the presentation. I liked everything about this book, from the varied dishes, to the presentation, the clearly written recipes, and the beautiful photography and food styling. Five stars.

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

The Complete Guide to Anti-Inflammatory Foods: To Boost Your Health and Immune System

The Complete Guide to Anti-Inflammatory Foods is a balanced practice based look at physiological inflammation and the relation to diet by dietician Lizzie Streit. Due out 14th June 2022 from Quarto on their Chartwell Books imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

This is a very well organized and sensibly presented book, full of science based information. Glossary pages include layman accessible definitions which are easy to understand. Foods are arranged by category: vegetables, fruits, whole grains legumes & soy, fish & shellfish, nuts seeds & oils, hebs & spices, and drinks sweets & dairy products.

Each category is explained in clear basic terms and with charts and tables showing which foods are best for anti-inflammatory and calming properties. The author also includes a short overview over special diets (diabetes, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian, etc) and how to combine them with anti-inflammatory ingredients to maximize results.

Recipes are attractive and appetizing. Ingredients are in bullet lists, followed by step by step instructions. Ingredient measurements are given in imperial (American) measures - no metric equivalents, but most recipes can be easily converted. Alternative prep and ingredient choices are written in text bars at the end of the recipes. Nutritional info is not provided. The photography throughout is in color and very well done. Serving suggestions are appropriate and the food styling is polished and skillfully done.

Four stars. This would be a good choice for the home cook, public library, or similar.

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

Spun Cotton Crafts 25 Vintage Projects for the Nostalgic Crafter

Spun Cotton Crafts is a crafting and tutorial collection with 25 vintage/retro projects by Valerie Lloyd. Due out 24th May 2022 from Fox Chapel, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.

Spun cotton is a medium used for creating figural ornaments and decorations using simple materials such as cotton fibre, glue, and embellishments. It's a traditional craft with its origins in the late Victorian era in Europe, but moderately popular up through the 1960s and enjoying something of a renaissance now. The author is adept at explaining processes and materials and general DIY/crafters won't have any trouble at all following the instructions in this volume. 

The book contains an introduction and history followed by a general tutorial on techniques: coloring, dyeing, painting, tinting, structure (armatures and shaping the base), and building and applying cotton fibre to the base. The following chapters contain the actual tutorials. They're full of fun and appealing, very retro projects such as animals, decorative sculptures, and ornaments. As the author points out in the introduction, although spun cotton is a distinctly nostalgic/retro craft, the reader is only limited by their imagination and the process can certainly be applied to whatever style the artist fancies. 

Tutorials include tools and supplies in a bullet list, followed by step-by-step instructions. Tutorial photos are clear and in color, and not hampered by hands or tools in the way of the action. Measurements are given in both imperial (American) and metric units. Full size project templates are provided in the book.

Four stars. It's nice to see fibrecrafts other than quilting, knitting, cross stitch, and crochet getting some representation. This is a very well written guide for an admittedly niche craft. 

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

Making a Chaputs The Teachings and Responsibilities of a Canoe Maker

 

Making a Chaputs is a well and simply written ode to the rich traditions and woodcrafting culture of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations by Joseph Martin and Alan Hoover. Due out 17th June 2022 from the Royal BC Museum, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a well documented and detailed masterclass on the physical aspects of creating a dugout canoe, from choosing materials, through the process to finishing. The author, Tuu-tah-qwees nup-she-tl (Joseph Martin) is a lifelong woodworker and learned the traditional methods at his father's knee from childhood on. Possibly more importantly, it's a detailed documentation of the vitally important culture and craft of the artisan dugouts upon which his people literally depended for day-to-day life. Traveling, fishing, and living on the water, under often difficult weather and terrain conditions rendered the dugout canoe absolutely necessary. The process has been honed over thousands of years and the functionality and safety of the design is inextricably entwined with the art and culture. 

The vibe throughout the book is conversational. It feels very much like a masterclass with a master shipwright. Additional editorial comments by the editor Alan Hoover are provided in the text in contrast colour for clarity purposes.

The book is very well illustrated throughout. Action photos are taken without hands or tools obscuring the view. The book also includes a number of historical photos from (presumably) the author's personal family collection. 

Five stars. This is a well written important documentation of the culture and art of First Nation people. Some of the personal recollections include mentions of casual racism and institutionalised cruelty in the residential schools. I found them sad, but a necessary reminder of the resilience of the people who went through them to pass on traditional culture and art into a new renaissance. This would make a good selection for public and school library acquisition, as well as for students of local history and culture. 

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

Black Decker The Hardworking Home: A DIY Guide to Working, Learning, and Living at Home

Black & Decker The Hardworking Home is a well organized DIY/design manual for effective home improvement by Mark Johansen. Due out 24th May 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook format available now). 

One thing that characterizes these Black & Decker reference guides is the uniform logical layout. The books are streamlined and information is grouped thematically in chapters - so the relevant info is easy to find and easy to use. The first chapters cover design and utilization of existing rooms and space with general tips for carving a working space from any room in the house. The author has good tips and short tutorials for re-purposing underutilized areas (basement, spare room, closet, garage, and shed) and turning them into a viable workspace (or recess/home gym area). Tutorials are well arranged graphically and not too busy visually. Guidance for tools and materials is provided in bullet lists in highlighted text boxes, followed by an overview of implementation tactics and planning. Pictures are abundant throughout and they are clear and uncluttered and easy to understand.

Five stars. This is a great resource for DIYers and homeowners, and would be a good choice for school and public library acquisition. All the books I've seen from this publisher are well written, accessible, and safety conscious. Taken as a whole, the collection is invaluable for homeowners and smallholders who want to be proactive in improving and maintaining their properties, especially given our "new normal" hybrid work and school daily life. When I moved away from home, decades ago, my dad gifted me one of the early B&D general repair manuals. I still have it.

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

The Gardener’s Palette: Creating Colour Harmony in the Garden

The Gardener’s Palette is a lushly illustrated and inspirational guide to colour harmony and garden design by Jo Thompson under the auspices of the RHS. Due out 5th July from Timber Press, it's 388 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a visually stunning and superlatively written guide with specific design instructions and cultivar recommendations for gardeners like me who always buy too many seeds and plants, and wander around forlornly looking for a place to fit them. I've always *wanted* to have the sort of garden which works from a design standpoint, and this is certainly a helpful book for pulling together spaces into a working cohesive whole. 

The book is arranged around specific palettes. Each of the chapters has an introduction and pantone palette bar along with a general introduction/theme followed by lots of photos. The photos include keys with very specific plant and cultivar information in table form. The plant information includes name, annual/perennial, height, spread, flowering season, and culture requirements. 

The author has also included an abbreviated list of stockists and suppliers, mostly slanted toward readers in the UK and North America, a short bibliography, and a cross-referenced index. The abundant photography and meticulous cultivar notes are clearly the star of the show, however.

Five stars. This would be a superlative choice for public library acquisition, gardening clubs, and lovers of gardening.

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

Ascendant (Songs Of Chaos #1)

Ascendant is the first) book in the Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller. Released in 2020, it's 536 pages and is available in most formats. 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

I grew up on a steady diet of Pern, Eragon, Hobbs' Farseer, and the like. Later on I devoured Novik's Temeraire series (it was published a lot later). This book is more on the Pern/Eragon YA(ish) side of the balance instead of gritty adult military dragon fantasy. It's well written and eminently engaging. The characterizations are believable and the protagonist is sympathetically rendered. It's very trope-y, but it's also quite good.

Interestingly enough, though the author and publisher are both in the British Isles, the spelling throughout is Americanized.

Enjoyable and immersive. Yes, trope-y but that's why we devour fantasy. There's a second book and a prequel out at this point, so it could be a good candidate for a weekend binge.

Four stars.

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

Double Twist (Mia Murphy Mystery #1)

Double Twist is a new small-town cozy mystery series starter by Stephanie Rowe. Released 3rd May 2022, it's 358 pages and is 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 and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

This is such a fun and promising start. The protagonist is plucky, intelligent, loyal, and just out of a harrowing two year investigation and prosecution of her druglord ex-husband which she was coerced into by the FBI. She's bought a run-down marina in a small town and is determined to leave the past behind her with her purloined (she says "rescued") cat. 

It's not long until she's neck deep in a new murder investigation and being threatened by thugs in moose costumes on jet-skis. The local law enforcement is a buffoon and she's definitely not willing to pay for a murder she knows neither she nor her friends committed. 

Four and a half stars. The entire book is genuinely funny and reminded me in all the best ways of Janet Evanovich. It's a caper from start to finish and will likely make my yearly cozy wrap-up list. Definitely one to watch. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Mia and her buddies. 

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

Claws for Suspicion (A Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery #3)

Claws for Suspicion is the third book in a new cozy mystery series by Deborah Blake. Released 3rd May 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages (print edition) and is available in mass market 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 and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

This is a fun and easy read. The plucky protagonist is a former waitress turned millionaire lottery winner who bought a dilapidated animal sanctuary and has supported and poured resources into making it a going concern supporting neglected animals in the community. She finds herself unwillingly involved in a murder investigation *again* when her ex-husband shows up years after their divorce to try to claim half her lottery winnings. 

I enjoyed this installment, with Kari and her band of friends and small-town vibe. It ticks a lot of boxes: funny and down to earth protagonist, lots of animals, twists and red herrings blended into the plot, decently written dialogue that isn't clunky, and a satisfying denouement and resolution. It's a fun and enjoyable clean cozy mystery. The language is "PG" rated, a few hells and damns but nothing worse. The crimes occur off-page and there's no graphic content.

Four stars. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Kari & co. (Especially recommended to fans of cozy mysteries featuring animals). 

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

Tomato Love: 44 Mouthwatering Recipes for Salads, Sauces, Stews, and More

Tomato Love is an exuberantly colorful ode to the ever popular tomato with recipes developed and curated by Joy Howard. Due out 21st June 2022 from Storey, it's 104 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a thin volume for a cookbook, but it's bursting with seasonal recipes for using fresh and preserved tomatoes in a starring role in all sorts of dishes. The recipes are arranged thematically: Breakfast & Brunch, Snacks, Salads Soups & Stews, Vegetable Mains, Meaty Mains, and Sauces and Basics. Recipes contain a description and introduction, bullet lists of ingredients (measurements are given in imperial/American units only), followed by step-by-step instructions. All the recipes are photographed and illustrations are attractively styled and appetizing. Most of the ingredients will be easily sourced at any large grocery store.

The recipes themselves are tasty and well written and I loved that some of them were on the lighter/sweeter side. We tried the sun dried tomato scones and the latkes with romesco sauce. They were both delicious. We'll definitely be making them again as well as exploring further recipes from this collection. The book also contains a useful introduction and short overview over tomato varieties and uses. The author has a friendly, upbeat voice and I liked that she reassures readers that there's no shame in using store bought processed tomato products.  

Five stars. Sensible. Well written. Very high production quality throughout.

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

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons is a well written and engaging historical cozy mystery by Kate Khavari and a series starter for amateur sleuth Saffron Everleigh. Due out 7th June 2022 from Crooked Lane, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This book (and hopefully series) incorporates so many of my favorite cozy tropes: intelligent female protagonist, an academic setting, with all the jealousy and subterfuge that entails, historical setting (1920s London), some danger and intrigue and "fair play" well constructed mystery plot. 

Saffron Everleigh is a research assistant botanist, with all the misogyny and difficulty that entails at the time at a large research university. She's a legacy in academia, her late father was also an academic. A poisoning death at a celebratory dinner puts her father's friend and her mentor in the frame for the crime and if he's to be spared, she has to find out whodunnit herself.

The pacing, plotting, and characterizations are very well done and Ms. Khavari is adept at her craft. There is additionally a hint of romance (possibly foreshadowing), but it's not a main focus and I enjoyed being able to concentrate on the story without the distraction of romantic entanglements and/or drama. The main characters here are academics, and there are a number of academic in-jokes and humorous bits of dialogue which will either require readers to skim over or look up themselves. For readers who aren't bio-nerds, it could be a little tiresome, personally I found it enhanced the read.

Four stars. Delightfully engaging. I look forward to the next installment.

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

The Clockwork Man

The Clockwork Man is an early 20th century speculative fiction novel by E.V. Odle. Originally published in 1923, this reformat and re-release with extra commentary as part of the Radium Age Series was released 3rd May 2022 from the MIT Press. It's 202 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This early classic is less well known and often pushed aside in classroom use by showier examples of the time and genre, including R.U.R., Metropolis, and Automata. They make valid points about humanity (or the lack thereof), but this one by Odle throws hardwired testosterone fueled violence into the mix with an examination of gender and actions. 

There are moments of true humor, including some grousing dialogue when the Clockwork Man shows up from the distant future in a village cricket match (Ok, he's not really human, I'll give you that, but he sure can play cricket, let's not be hasty throwing him out just yet). There are insights which, despite being almost 100 years old, still resonate this minute. This book first showed up on my literary radar in a classroom setting alongside Margaret Atwood and Asimov.

Readers expecting a story arc with identifiable beginning, middle, climax, denouement, and resolution are going to be disappointed. It reads more like a thought exercise and there are no solid protagonists or antagonists. Some of the language was (to me) rather overblown and convoluted. That being said, however, there's a fair bit of profundity here and it's a worthwhile read on the whole. 

The book is accompanied by a foreword which takes up about 10% of the total page count. It contains an erudite and cogent introduction to the work in context to the time in which it was written. It also contains spoilers for the actual read, so I *strongly* recommend that readers who are new to the work refrain from reading the introduction before finishing the work.

Four stars. This is an important early work of science/speculative fiction. It's nice to see this series reprinting and updating important early works of SF/F. 

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

The Return of the Pharaoh: From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D. (Sherlock Holmes Pastiche by Nicholas Meyer #5)

 

The Return of the Pharaoh is the 5th Holmes & Watson pastiche by Nicholas Meyer. Released 9th Nov. 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats (paperback due out in Nov 2022). 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 very well written homage, done with respect and insight, by a talented author who is gifted at his craft. The characterizations, obviously, are paramount, and he does them justice. There are canonical fans who likely won't be satisfied with *anything* added to the genre, but really, this is a respectful and eminently readable book. 

This installment sees Dr. Watson accompanying his wife to Egypt, to a sanatorium to try to improve her health after a recent tuberculosis diagnosis. Soon he's embroiled in a curious missing persons case with Holmes and the game is most definitely afoot. The plotting, denouement, and resolution are satisfying and complete. The author has also listed a short bibliography of source material at the back of the book which is worth a perusal.

Four stars. It's a diverting read and while it's not *actually* Conan Doyle, it could easily *have been*. One interesting thing to me is how much effort writers must expend writing in the style of another writer. I believe it craves more talent and a great deal of humility to suppress their natural voices in order to let the other writer's voice come out clearly. This one succeeds.

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

The Spirit Engineer

The Spirit Engineer is an atmospheric and creepy historical fictionalization very roughly based on real events in the early 20th century. Released 7th Oct 2021 by Duckworth Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 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 undeniably a competently written book. A.J.West's prose flows well, the characterizations are believable, and there's a creepy aura of threatening dread throughout, nevertheless I struggled to finish it in a timely manner. I found myself actively loathing the main protagnonist; he's a fussy, pedantic, sexist (even considering the time period), mean spirited braggart and I grew tired of him about 12 pages into the read. 

By the time Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini showed up, I didn't much care anymore. I do understand that all books are not for everyone, all the time and as such, fans of historical spiritualism/seance investigation will likely find a lot to enjoy here. 

Three and a half stars for me; the writing quality brings it up to four. For fans of this niche subgenre, it should be a high four stars. The chapter and section engraved illustrations are also gorgeously rendered.

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

Vegan Richa's Instant Pot™ Cookbook: 150 Plant-based Recipes from Indian Cuisine and Beyond

Vegan Richa's Instant Pot™ Cookbook is a very well curated book of plant based recipes and techniques for the Instant Pot by Richa Hingle. Due out 24th May 2022 from Hachette, it's a hefty and comprehensive 384 pages and will be 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 and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

I love my Instant Pot beyond all reason. It's a staple of my kitchen and it gets used almost every day for food prep. I'm also a busy person with a job that eats up a significant amount of my time. This book cobines some of the strengths of the instant pot cooker with the efficiency of meal prep and planning. 

I liked the efficient and accessible layout of this book. A general introduction covers general plant based cooking as well as the long history of vegetarian cooking from the rich Indian food culture, and a solid tutorial for cooking with the Instant Pot. The author has included a really good and useful pantry section with lists and ingredients, sourcing, and storage. The following chapters contain the recipes, arranged thematically: basics, Indian comfort food, dals lentils peas & beans, vegetables and grains, soups & chilis, curries & stews, stir fries, pastas & casseroles, tacos burgers & wraps, pot-in-pot meals, breakfasts, and desserts (whew!).

The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard with metric measures in parentheses. Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. The ingredients will mostly be easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store or international food store.

The photography is abundantly plentiful and most of the recipes are pictured. The photos which are included in the cookbook are well done, clear, appealing, and (for tutorial photos) easy to follow.

Nicely done. This book would make a great gift/housewarming for someone looking for instant pot recipes as well as readers interested in incorporating more plant based meals into their daily routing. It would also make a nice selection for library collections.

Five stars.

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

Nature Smarts Workbook 2; Ages 7–9: Nature-Themed Puzzles, Games Quizzes; Outdoor Science Experiments; and Sticker Activities

Nature Smarts Workbook 2; Ages 7–9 is an engagingly colorful and accessible field guide/workbook for outdoor learning activities for kids presented by Mass Audubon. Due out 10th May 2022 from Storey, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

Throughout the book the vocabulary words which might be unfamiliar to readers are written in the text and defined immediately negating the necessity of accessing other books or the internet. I liked that the emphasis is on learning, appreciating, and guarding our natural world and showing the interconnections between living creatures (including us). I also liked that the puzzles and activities are really fun. I also liked that the creative team made the effort to include a diverse group of kids in the tutorial illustrations (STEAM projects are for -everyone- and representation is important).

This is a workbook, and it's arranged in activity pages. The activities are grouped thematically: geology, earth science, habitats, animal classifications, and botany. The quizzes and puzzles scattered throughout have an answer key at the back of the book, along with some sticker pages. 

Activities are age appropriate and the language and concepts throughout will challenge, but not frustrate, most kids in the age range (7-9+ years).

I've been banging on for years on my blog (and real life) about STEAM subjects and how vital they are for our future. This book would make a great choice for a classroom library, gift for a young naturalist, library activity project, home library, homeschooling unit or similar use.

Five stars, there's a lot to like here.

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

Forest School for Grown-Ups

Forest School for Grown-Ups is a useful and accessible collection of tutorials and tips on wildcrafting and self sufficiency in the wilds written and curated by Richard Irvine. Due out 10th May 2022 from Chronicle Books, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

This is a fun and information rich guide for adults (and older kids) which contains tips and tutorials for engaging and learning activities outdoors. The chapters are grouped thematically: survival, foraging, navigation, forest skills, projects, meditative/emotion, and play and creativity boosting. The activities are appropriate for a wide age range and the number of suggested participants as well as safety considerations are provided by the authors along with alternatives and related activities. 

Many of the activities are appropriate for all ages. Tutorials are presented with info on setting, learning goals, tools and supplies, and optional activities. The step by step instructions which follow are well written and specific. I really liked that the authors had a mostly hands-off style of engagement, suggesting to facilitators that they provide the minimum of intervention and only then in regard to safety. 

The graphics and illustrations are woodsy and really suit the style of the book. The text and layout are high contrast and easy to read with simple line drawn illustrations and well rendered stock photography throughout.

Although it's aimed at kids, there is a quite surprising amount of bushcraft and practical survival advice contained here. There are also a lot of fun activities (rendering the pigments in leaves, making spore prints, navigating, and acquiring food for example) which hide lots of practical skills. 

Five stars. This is a -very- well written and presented book. It would make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, makers' groups, youth activity groups, smallholders, and similar.

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

Nature Smarts Workbook 1; Ages 4–6: Nature-Themed Puzzles, Games Quizzes; Outdoor Science Experiments; and Sticker Activities

Nature Smarts Workbook 1; Ages 4–6 is an engagingly colorful and accessible field guide/workbook for outdoor learning activities for young kids presented by Mass Audubon. Due out 10th May 2022 from Storey, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

Throughout the book the vocabulary words which might be unfamiliar to readers are written in the text and defined immediately negating the necessity of accessing other books or the internet. I liked that the emphasis is on learning, appreciating, and guarding our natural world and showing the interconnections between living creatures (including us). I also liked that the puzzles and activities are really fun. I also liked that the creative team made the effort to include a diverse group of kids in the tutorial illustrations (STEAM projects are for -everyone- and representation is important).

This is a workbook, and it's arranged in activity pages. The activities are grouped thematically: the world under your feet, fur scales & tails, feathered friends, plant power, and weather water & wind. The quizzes and puzzles scattered throughout, have an answer key at the back of the book, along with some sticker pages. 

Activities are age appropriate and the language and concepts throughout will challenge, but not frustrate, most kids in the age range (4-6 years).

I've been banging on for years on my blog (and real life) about STEAM subjects and how vital they are for our future. This book would make a great choice for a classroom library, gift for a young naturalist, library activity project, home library, or similar use.

Five stars, there's a lot to like here.

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

Weedy Wisdom for the Curious Forager: Common Wild Plants to Nourish Your Body & Soul

Weedy Wisdom for the Curious Forager is a nicely put together guide to wild foraging written and curated by Rebecca Randall Gilbert. Due out 8th May 2022 from Llewellyn Worldwide, it's 264 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The author has a very down to earth (sorry, pun intentional) accessible and friendly style of writing and this book is set up like an activity workshop, with guided introductions to different plants, their uses, and allied information on how to utilize them to best effect. There are some recipes and tutorials, but mostly the focus is on the plants and how to find and understand them to a safe degree without harming the ecosystem or readers themselves.

Although the entire book has an alternative/holistic feel, this book in particular is presented in a competent and friendly way and doesn't drown the reader with overwhelming amounts of "woo woo" or pseudo-science (although there a mention of magic and interconnectedness the book is safety conscious and sound).

There are no photographs but the book is beautifully illustrated with pen and ink chapter frames and full page plant portraits. There's a table of contents, recipe lists, and a general index for finding information quickly.

Five stars. Illuminating, useful and worthwhile. This would be a superlative selection for public library acquisition, gardeners, foragers, smallholders, community gardens, and the like.

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