Learn to Draw (Almost) Anything in 6 Easy Steps

Learn to Draw (Almost) Anything is a step-by-step tutorial drawing guide aimed at absolute beginners. Due out 26th May 2020 from Quarto on on their Race Point imprint, is 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is an ultra simple, quick study, beginner's guide to drawing lots (and lots!) of different simple everyday items. The introduction is easy and very basic and covers how to use the book and a very little on line drawing. The 6-frame tutorials are split into thematic sections: animals, birds, fish, architecture, transportation, garden, outdoors, and people.

The format of these tutorials will be familiar to most readers. They start with simple shapes or geometric line drawings, add simple shapes and refine the outline to wind up with a recognizable finished drawing. Some of the drawings were whimsical, some were very stylized.Each tutorial page has a 'now you have a go' blank facing page for practice.

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.

Four stars. Fun collection.

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

Drawing and Painting Expressive Little Faces

Drawing and Painting Expressive Little Faces is a step by step tutorial book by Amarilys Henderson. Released 18th Feb 2020 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a well presented and colorful tutorial guide for rendering faces in several media: watercolors, liquid pigment, paint paper pigments, and inks & markers. The tutorials are very well illustrated and include step by step process illustrations.

The tools and materials are universal and will already be owned by most artists. For readers starting from scratch, the basics are easily accessible and inexpensive. The introduction includes a good discussion of tools and materials and cover both practical (what paper to choose) to encouraging general advice (getting over the intimidation of starting and gaining confidence).

The instructional chapters break down the face into features, showing proportions and individual eyes, noses, hair, etc and then show the student how to build the parts into a cohesive and pleasing whole. The whole book is quite versatile, but I think the art is especially suited to (and I will use it for) enhancing bullet journals. I had been looking for a specific tutorial guide for bu-jo sketching and this is a nice one.

This would make a superlative selection for a makers group/studio or for the home library. The numerous well illustrated included tutorials are simple but really appealing.

Five stars.

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

The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan: Discover the Joy of Spending Less, Sharing More, and Living Generously

The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan is a tutorial and philosophy guide which proposes practical ways to decrease our carbon footprints, live richly and simply, and provide ourselves with the things we *need* to do well.  Released 14th April 2020 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 288 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The pandemic and subsequent economic collapse have shown us what people have known for ages. Our current treadmill of ever faster and more frenetic consuming isn't sustainable for us or for the planet we share. We need to find another way to do better and we're really on the knife-edge of passing the point of no return.

The authors were the originators of the Buy Nothing Project and have seen their grassroots group grow to become thousands of groups and more than a million active members. The book has an engaging and accessible format with usable plans for reducing waste, buying little (to nothing), giving away excess to be used by other people in your area (thus keeping unneeded items out of landfills), and enjoying being surrounded by less clutter and the positive emotional benefits of direct generosity.

I found it worthwhile and thought provoking. Four stars.

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

My Nature Journal and Activity Book (A Girl's Guide to the Wild)

My Nature Journal and Activity Book is an illustrated beginner's guide to nature journaling. Released 7th April 2020 by Sasquatch Books on their Little Bigfoot imprint, it's 208 pages and available in diary format (as a physical book, no ebook format as far as I can see).

For journalers who are intimidated by a blank page staring at them, this is a perfect start. The book has pages and pages of gentle writing prompts: where I explored, what I saw, what I took with me, how I felt, three words that describe my day.  Interspersed between the writing exercises are really useful informational pages full of nature tutorials with lists of equipment and useful tools, weather essentials, and safety tips.

The illustrations are attractive and calming and the writing is clear and accessible. This would make a superlative gift for a young writer (really all ages, but mostly slanted to girls or young women in my opinion). Four and a half stars.

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

Children Against Hitler: The Young Resistance Heroes of the Second World War

Children Against Hitler is a historical look at the youngest members of the resistance during WW2. Released 30th April 2020 by Pen and Sword books, it's 184 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

I have always enjoyed reading history and found the stories of these young ww2 resistance fighters both touching and incredible. My father-in-law, born at the end of the war, in occupied Norway, was too young to make any substantive difference, but the stories his friends tell of stealing and destroying the boots from the occupying soldiers' barracks, hiding resources (several families hid and raised a pig together in the forest near Bergen), sabotaging vehicles, stealing materials and supplies, guerilla warfare, and more, are scary and sometimes funny/sad. A lot of kids were used as couriers since they were less likely to be stopped and questioned, but the ones who were caught were viciously punished. These stories are equally enthralling. There were only a few of these names which were previously familiar to me and I came away from the read with a renewed respect for the sacrifice and commitment of these children.

I see more clearly than ever the danger we face in the current world-wide craziness and I can only hope and pray we're not doomed to repeat history. I wish all our kids could have the gift of an unencumbered childhood.

Five stars. Well worth a read. Deeply moving.

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

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures: A Visual Who's Who of Prehistoric Life

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures is a gorgeously illustrated and scientifically correct encyclopedic overview of prehistoric creatures and dinosaurs from the earliest down to the rise of the age of mammals (sabertooth tigers and mammoths). Due out 11th June 2020 from Quarto on their Chartwell imprint, it's 312 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a super interesting and engaging look at dinosaurs and other creatures (insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals) arranged chronologically from the earliest to the latest, showing their development and succession. There are over 600 species included with highlights and information about habitat, diet, possible appearance, and behavior. The colors are vibrant and varied (a huge upgrade from the usual brown, mud, black, ochre, and khaki in most dinosaur books). 

The writing is accessible and engaging. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful. This would make a superlative classroom or library book, as well as being a wonderful pick for any paleontology fans in your circle of friends or family. 

Five enthusiastic stars.

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

That Affair Next Door (Mr. Gryce #8)

That Affair Next Door is the 8th book in the Mr. Gryce series by Anna Katharine Green. First published in 1897, this reformat and re-release from Poisoned Pen Press is part of the Library of Congress Crime Classics. It's 384 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats (other editions available in other 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Anna Katharine Green is often credited as the first American female to write a mystery novel (there is some doubt about this claim). She was indubitably a prolific and successful writer, especially considered as a female in the late 19th century in a field dominated by male writers.

There are several series published by different publishers re-introducing these long out of print classic mysteries. They all include well written introductions (in this case by Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress - which might be the coolest job title ever) full of interesting historical notes and resources for further background reading. Although listed as the 8th book in the Mr. Gryce series, this book is also the first one introducing Amelia Butterworth, one of Green's more enduring characters. To modern readers, the book does seem quite dated (Ms. Butterworth herself is quite a product of her time period and is quite antiquated in attitude and thoughts). It's written in first person point of view which can be difficult, but the author was technically adept and capable andenough that the book doesn't suffer for that. The language is very clean, the dialogue (if a bit anachronistic to modern ears) is well executed. 

Three and a half stars. It's very nice to see these classics (however dated) being re-released for a new generation of fans. I found the introduction and historical notes very well written and informative. 

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

The Haunted Lady (Hilda Adams #4)

The Haunted Lady is the fourth Hilda Adams mystery by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Originally released in 1942, this reformat and re-release from Penzler as part of the American Mystery Classics series was released 7th April, is 288 pages and available in ebook format (other editions available iTHeyn other 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Although ostensibly the fourth book in the series, these lovely classic mysteries can be read in any order. Rinehart was a really adept writer and all of these tales are wonderfully convoluted, the clues are fair-play, and the puzzles delightful. 

As always, the introduction by mystery maven Otto Penzler, is erudite, incisive, informative, and interesting.

Three and a half stars. Worth a look for fans of the author, and for the insighful history lesson from Mr. Penzler. It's also very nice to see these classics (however dated) being re-released for a new generation of fans.

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

The Kitchen without Borders: Recipes from Refugee and Immigrant Chefs and Stories of the Journey to Make a New Home

The Kitchen without Borders is a touching and very human recipe collection based on the culture and experiences of chefs who came to the USA as refugees.

This is a lovingly crafted tribute, wonderfully photographed, with recipes (yay!) from a number of world cuisines and cultures. The chefs profiled all came to the USA as refugees from a number of places including Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Their culture and experiences have left an indelible stamp on their food and recipes. There are 14 chefs spotlighted and a total of 70 recipes from Eat Offbeat, a multi-cultural literal melting pot catering service. 

Each of the listings include a picture of the cook, recipe introduction with ingredients in the sidebar (measurements in US standard only, but there's a conversion table in the appendices), and step by step instructions. The ingredients are mostly relatively easily sourced and should be available from any well stocked international grocery or large supermarket. The book includes a recipe listing by chef as well as a regular table of contents. There are accompaniment suggestions with recipes for coordinating sauces and enhancements.

This is a beautifully photographed book with fascinating and awe inspiring stories of courage and generosity in the face of adversity.  This is such a vibrant book full of world cuisine and entrepreneurial spirit. The bios are fascinating and the food is just gorgeous.

Five stars.

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

Death of a Bean Counter (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #12)

Death of a Bean Counter is the 12th Maggy Thorsen mystery by Sandra Balzo. Released 7th April by Severn House, it's 208 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Although this is the 12th book in the series, it works well as a standalone and I had no trouble keeping up. It's a modern small-town cozy with coffee shop amateur sleuth Maggy and her handsome fiance Sherriff Jake trying to solve the shooting death of the fiance of a local businessman (and embezzler) with whom the coffee-shop's barista is entangled. The suspects are legion, the victim seemed to be quite sleazy, and nobody seems to have a solid alibi.

It's a quick and easy read with a plot that moves along at a satisfying clip, light and bantering dialogue, and a satisfying denouement. There are plot twists aplenty right up to the last page. My main quibble is that main character Maggy feeds (or mentions feeding) her two dogs pizza several times over the course of the book. No pizza for pups!

Entertaining and engaging. Well written and fun with pretty clean language (a few "sh*ts" and "d*mns", nothing worse). There's no explicit sexual content or on-page violence. Four stars.

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

Foil Pack Dinners: 100 Delicious, Quick-Prep Recipes for the Grill and Oven

Foil Pack Dinners is a technique guide and recipe collection for steaming/grilling and more in foil on the grill and oven. Released by Simon & Schuster on their Tiller Press imprint, it's 192 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

Logical and accessible format. The author provides a good introduction (I was unaware of the papillote or el cartoccio techniques prior to encountering this book, except in the most general terms from camping trips in my childhood - very primitively steamed fish). She continues with a tutorial on sourcing and buying the right heavy duty foil for cooking, different ways of packing food in foil (flat packs, tents), ingredient prep, liquids, and even transporting food in foil. The author does a thorough job of covering all the relevant points of different heat sources, safety, and food handling.

The recipes are well written and clear. They're grouped by category: chicken, meats, fish, vegetarian. The recipe ingredients are listed in a sidebar. Measurements are given in American standard only (with a conversion table in the back of the book for metric). The recipes don't include nutritional information or serving size/yields.

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 full of tasty food prepared in a novel way. 

This would make a good gift for folks living away from home for the first time, as well as adventurous cooks looking for some interesting and tasty new techniques. I liked that much of the recipes can easily be made ahead of time. This would be a great collection to adapt to meal-prep and planning lifestyles. 

Four stars. Well written and attractive.

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

Wolf Girl: Finding Myself in the Wild

Wolf Girl: Finding Myself in the Wild is a memoir by Doniga Markegard. Released 1st April 2020 by Propriometrics Press, it's 264 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

There are physicians and therapists who are increasingly likely to prescribe nature walks for depression and other mental illness as part of a therapy regimen. Kindergartens and primary schools have incorporated nature walks, gardening, and outdoors activities as an integral part of their curriculum. We are inextricably tied to nature and people who live completely divorced from the outdoor environment are much more likely to have chronic illness and suffer from anxiety and depression.

Doniga Markegard explores the necessity of nature in our lives through her autobiography. Moving through a troubled adolescence, she finds her way by becoming immersed in the wild through a nature school (for non-traditional learners). Her writing style is simple and direct and sometimes uncomfortably straightforward.

Ostensibly aimed at young girls/women, I think this book could be a good fit for any age.  There are potential triggers: drug use, sexual assault, teenaged runaways, rebellion, depression, amongst others. It makes for sometimes uncomfortable reading, but on the whole, worthwhile.

Four stars.

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

Meditative Stone Art: Create over 40 Mandala and Nature-Inspired Designs

Meditative Stone Art is a tutorial guide for painting nature inspired and mandala-like patterns on stones. Released 14th April 2020 by Quarto on their Rock Point imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an appealing all-ages accessible guided instruction book for transferring and painting designs onto stone surfaces (it would work on many surfaces other than rock also). The book has a very useful and graphically appealing gallery style table of contents showing each of the tutorial projects in color. They are grouped by category: mandala inspired projects, and nature inspired objects. The introduction covers tools and supplies (including making one's own dotting tools), sourcing stones, transferring designs, and a little bit of color theory.

Each of the tutorials contains a color photo of the finished object, tools and supplies in a bullet point list, followed by step by step instructions (including color process photos). The designs are very pretty and varied; there are both naturalistic and stylized flowers and animals along with the circular designs.

There's enough inspiration here to keep crafters experimenting for ages. This would make a great selection for a family activity or library group (when we're allowed to congregate again) as well as solo-mindfulness exercise. I also liked the creative philosophy of the book - the author emphasizes the meditative and mindfulness of painting and art without being strident or preachy. It's a well written book full of lovely things to paint. These would make great gifts, garden decor, or inspiration stones to release back into the wild. I believe I'm going to paint some to leave on friends' and neighbors' porches until we can safely gather together again.

Five stars. There really are quite a number of these which have my fingers itching to paint.

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

Carve Your Clay: Techniques to Bring the Ceramics Surface to Life

Carve Your Clay is a collection of surface enhancement tutorials for clay projects. Due out 18th August 2020 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a well presented and perfectly accessible tutorial for working patterns and surface embellishments into a base object. The tutorials are very well illustrated and include step by step process photos. The objects are a mixture of decorative and functional, all are beautiful. The tutorial techniques run the gamut from beginner to advanced.

Each tutorial includes materials including type of clay and tools and supplies in a sidebar with both American standard and metric weights and measures given (yay!). The techniques include carving, beveling, imprinting, sgraffito (carving through a layer to show a contrasting color layer), combing, turning, incising/piercing (gorgeous candle holder project), a sort of repoussé imprinting, and several more.

The tools are basic and will already be available in most pottery studios. The clays are a mixed lot and the author includes some specific recommendations for each project.

This would make a superlative selection for a makers group/studio or for the home library. There are numerous well illustrated tutorials included and the finished objects are all wonderful.

Five stars.

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

Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives

Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives is a STEAM manual and ecology resource book aimed at middle grade readers. Due out 12th May 2020 from Orca Books, it's a compact 48 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The book has a logical and accessible layout. The author makes an interesting case for investigating the chemicals in the substances we use (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant), eat (food, milk, cereal), and the packaging our groceries come to us wrapped in. She wonders how they impact our world and our environment.

The following chapters introduce elements as well as the periodic table, the discovery and development of plastics, and many more topics. Each of the sections clearly defines introduced concept and is well illustrated and photographed throughout. The author builds on the introductory themes and widens them to show the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the impact chemical waste and plastic pollution have on our environment. She winds up with reader accessible practical ideas for action on an individual scale to heal the planet we all call home. The book includes a resources/links list including online links for further reading, a glossary, and an index. It's a very short book but information dense and useful.

The book also has pictures of young student activists. I liked that they seemed engaged in the projects that they were doing and looked like they were having fun. I also liked that the creative team made the effort to include a diverse group of kids in the tutorial photos (STEAM projects are for -everyone- and representation is important).

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 reader, library activity project, 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.

The World Eats Here

The World Eats Here is a glorious celebration of street food at the Queens Night Market. Due out 12th May 2020 from The Experiment, it's 256 pages and will be available in flexibound and ebook formats.

This is a lovingly crafted tribute, wonderfully photographed, with recipes (yay!) about the Queens Night Market in NYC. The recipes are listed grouped by continent (with a second table of contents listing recipes by type of dish - finger foods, main dishes, sandwiches, crepes, etc) and each of the listings includes a story about the cook and a recipe from their menus. I'm 100% serious. I had to stop and go eat because the book made me so hungry. Everything looks amazing and I fully intend to work my way through the recipes.

Each of the listings include a picture of the cook, recipe introduction with ingredients in the sidebar (measurements in US standard and metric), and step by step instructions. The ingredients are mostly relatively easily sourced and should be available from any well stocked international grocery or large supermarket. The foods themselves are mostly not photographed but the illustrations are very well done and easy to follow.


This is such a vibrant book full of world cuisine and entrepreneurial spirit. The bios are fascinating and the food is just gorgeous.

Five stars.

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

Pollock Confidential: A Graphic Novel

Pollock Confidential is a graphic novel biography of a period of Jackson Pollock's life. Originally published in 2018, this English translation released 7th April 2020 by Laurence King is 112 pages and available in hardcover format.

This biography takes a look via flashbacks and interludes at Pollock's influence and interactions with the CIA during operation "long leash" as part of the American cultural cold war with the Soviet Union. It was a relationship of which I was previously unaware although the broad strokes of his life, battles with substance abuse, and insecurities I had already known about. A fair bit of the biography narrative is fictionalised, but the framework is there.

The art is quite good, the recognizable major players are displayed against monotone backgrounds of some of Pollock's work as well as having some of the story panels inset into color versions of his work. The art is quite good and the text translation is seamless.

Four stars. A quick, interesting, and worthwhile read.

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

It Starts with Fruit: Simple Techniques and Delicious Recipes for Jams, Marmalades, and Preserves

It Starts with Fruit is a tutorial guide and recipe collection for preserving fruit by Jordan Champagne. Due out 12th May 2020 from from Chronicle Books, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The book follows a logical format. The introduction covers food safety and handling, choosing and using the correct equipment for the job, processing options, and other info to ensure a successful outcome. The following chapters introduce fruits both in general and in an alphabetical (exhaustive) herbal list including some lesser known (to North American readers) fruits such as quince, loquat, and mulberries (along with all the standard popular ones familiar to everyone). The rest of the book contains recipes and tutorials arranged roughly by category: jams, drinks, whole fruits (including pie fillings, sauces, and butters), and recipes which don't fit easily into one of the above categories for such things as candied peels, salts, pickles, chutneys, and the like.

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 are all easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store or farmer's market. The index is cross referenced and includes ingredients as item entries for quickly locating relevant recipes.

My one small 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 about25-30 % of the recipes.

Well done. This book would make a great addition to the home cooking library. It is a nice supplement to the standard classics like the Ball Blue Book, and this one includes quite a lot of adventurous and appealing recipes (plum, cardamom, bay, and anise together in a shrub (drinkable sweetened light vinegar decoction - there are several shrub recipes included in the book and they're delicious and versatile).

Four and a half stars.

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

Dragon Consultant (Supernatural Consultant #1)

Dragon Consultant is the introductory novella in a fantasy M/M series by Mell Eight. Originally published in 2015, this reformat/re-release was published 20th April 2020 by NineStar Press, it's not quite 100 pages and is available in ebook format.

This is a backstory/prequel for the series with world building and magic system featuring a demigod paranormal investigator and a vulnerable bronze dragon dad (with kits). It's sweet and lightly humorous and full of romance. It's not erotica, there's no on-screen physical descriptions apart from a few passionate kisses and a lot of soulful longing.

It's very light, the characters are anthropomorphic fantasy creatures (demigod investigator Dane has a banshee called Becky as an office manager), there are a whole bunch of young dragons foster dad Mercury has adopted/rescued from evil humans experimenting on them, add magic and stir. There is a light mystery plot element, to find the nefarious secret government science lab experimenting on the elemental air dragons, rescue them, take out the bad guys, and live happily ever after.

Very clean content, a few "damn"s and nothing worse. There are some potential triggers, kidnapping, experimentation on minor (dragons), magical murder, etc.

The author writes clearly, readably, and well. It's above average for the genre (paranormal romance).

Four stars.

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

The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II

The Women with Silver Wings is a well written and true history of the female Airforce service pilots (WASPs/WAFS) serving during WW2. Released 21st April 2020 by Crown Publishing, it's 448 pages and 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a meticulously researched and annotated history of the WASPs which includes photographs and documents. As a work of nonfiction, I found it readable and worthwhile. The author is adept at bringing the stories of the women to life and I found these tantalizing glimpses of their lives before and after their service to the war effort absolutely riveting. I hadn't heard much about what their service entailed or how it took until 1977 for most of them to be recognized and awarded the status their service deserved.

In addition to the meticulous research and writing, the book is comprehensively annotated with reference notes and documents for further reading.  Many of the notes have links to web resources for more information. This would make a superlative selection for relevant classroom study in history or allied subjects including gender studies and women's history.

I found the in memoriam list of the names of the 38 women who lost their lives in service very touching. It was a nice addition to the book.

Five stars. Well worth a look.

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