Lynx Vol 1

 

Lynx is a beautifully drawn western style manga written by Samuel Sattin and illustrated by tokitokoro. Released 11th Aug 2026 by Viz, it's 224 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The art is reminiscent of DK and Sin City era Miller, full of motion and an almost strobe effect, quite jagged in places. The story, a post apocalyptic "girl and her dog (who's a bio-enhanced cat)" story is similarly disjointed... but also engaging and interesting. The art and story fill one another out to a sufficient degree to make an intriguing whole. There's not much back-story in this (the first) issue, but wrapping anything around the core idea of a queer female detective and her intelligent talking cat investigative partner trying to figure out how murder victims keep showing up dead with angel feathers in their brains in a post-apocalyptic frozen world is worth the price of admission just for the setup. 

Art is 5/5, story is 3/5 (but promising to be more understandable in future issues hopefully). Overall a solid 4/5. 

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

Mr Scribbley: Camping in the Woods - Mr. Scribbley #3

 

Mr Scribbley: Camping in the Woods is an adorable illustrated adventure for young readers by Y. J. Toner. Released 14th Aug 2026 by Troubadour, it's 22 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The prose is age-accessible and written in a fun free verse which will have the littles chanting along with Mr. Scribbley, making a list of items for their camping trip, finding supplies, and enjoying an adventure in the woods with Sat Nav and Worm. As ever, not everything goes to plan, and Scribbley and pals (Sat Nav is his dog, and Worm, his... worm friend) are soon having adventures and hijinks. 

The art is full of whimsy and details which invite a closer look. Despite being a very *fun* book, there are good takeaways about reading and following instructions, planning carefully and carrying out plans, adjusting expectations when things go awry, as well as the importance of friends and having fun.

The language and spelling are British English. It shouldn't pose any problems in context for readers from the USA, but it is noticeable. 

Four and a half stars. The art and story are delightful.

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

 

Twig's Traveling Tomes

 

Twig's Traveling Tomes is a cute YA romantasy by Gryffin Murphy. Indie published and due out 8th Sept. 2026 from Bindery Books, it's 280 pages and will be available in 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 throughout.  

This is a warm, cozy, cottage-core romantasy full of found family, queer-positive representation, and low stakes adventure. There are side quests galore, a traveling/teleporting bookstore, magical creatures, and a very eclectic ensemble cast. 

Although it's not derivative, there's a sort of dreamlike whimsy a la Howl's Moving Castle, with lots of bizarre magical creatures and adventures, with bonus egregious flirting. Wynne-Jones fans will probably enjoy this one. Spicy scenes (there aren't too many) are fade-to-black. There's lots of stolen kisses and on page flirting. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 12 hours 30 minutes and is capably (if a bit bombastically) read by Imogen Church. She has a light, youthful, professionally trained voice and precise delivery. Many of the characters are completely silly and the reading is full of whimsical character voices and renders them with aplomb, and absolutely does not take herself seriously at all. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Three and a half stars. Recommended for romantasy fans, and low stress adventure romance. 

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

Coop Design By Merriweather

 

Coop Design By Merriweather is a cute artsy book for the very youngest readers (Lexile 500L) by Kelley M. Likes and illustrated by Marta Serraggiotto. Released 1st July 2026, it's 52 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. There are a couple other books in the series (including book 2 in Italian) which are also available with KU. 

This is a nice introduction to different artistic styles when Merriweather and her friend Sammy try to decorate her new coop. What should she choose? How should she choose. It's lighthearted with colorful illustrations throughout. The author has provided links to further educational resources, questions, and lesson plans online. 

Simple, but very cute. 

Four stars. It would be a great choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, or for gifting to a young friend/family member. 

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

'Tis Thee, Not Me: A Modern Medieval Guide to Bad Dates and Worse Decisions

 

'Tis Thee, Not Me is a bitingly sarcastic examination of dating culture with illuminated (medieval) illustrations by Clarice Tudor (*snerk*). Released 5th May 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 144 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

It's illustrated in a cartoon medieval illuminated style and endless examples of the awfulness of modern dating culture. Page after page of men who make life as a single person much more appealing. It attempts to be lighthearted and funny, but honestly after 50 pages it's just anxiety inducing and depressing. There are a LOT of fart jokes, in fact a whole subchapter. Apparently the whole book project grew out of an extended fart episode on her web-comics. 

Three and a half stars. The art is awesome. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, as drawing inspiration for SCAdians and calligraphers, or as a great gag gift for a friend suffering the slings and arrows of cruel fate in the dating pool.

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

 

 

Low-Maintenance Eco Gardens: A Practical Guide to Creating an Easy & Sustainable Garden that Nourishes You

 

Low-Maintenance Eco Gardens is a well written practical guide to permaculture and self-sufficiency by Fred Meyer & Jen Kardos. Released 16th June 2026 by Fox Chapel, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The book has a logical and accessible format with an understandable progression. The author starts with background, motivation, and inspiration, and moves on to soil, design, seasonal gardening tasks, and companion planting and plant profiles. The book also includes a useful reference appendix, bibliography, and index.

This won't be the *only* book needed to get from dreamer phase to successful productive gardener, but it is a very useful resource and will be a welcome addition to the gardener's library. This would also make a good choice for public or possibly school library acquisition, as well as for community gardens and allotments. The photography throughout is superlative; clear and colorful.

Four and a half stars. The information contained in this volume is slanted toward readers in North America (zone maps and hardiness for example), but there are good takeaways for readers living elsewhere.

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

Renaissance Dogs: A Litter of Hilarious Pups, Mutts, and Hounds

 

Renaissance Dogs is an eclectic mix of Renaissance (and a bit of Reformation) paintings which include dogs, curated by Taylor Wagmore (*gentle eyeroll*). Released 16th June 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is just for fun. It seems like a pet project of one of the folks at Penguin Random House, and honestly, why not. The humor throughout is punny, and silly, and goofy, and whimsical, and it's accompanied by credited art from the period. It's a niche product, but there are a number of fun (often comical) dogs involved - see the cover art. 

It's not intended to be taken seriously. Here's a small quote from the "about the author": 

Professor Taylor Wagmore, a professor of cynology (the scientific study of dogs) at Great Dane University in Texas, is very much a 'dog person' - and proud. He lives in Houston, often called the 'dog capital of America' due to its high dog-to-human ratio and dog-friendly reputation. He shares his home with two chocolate Labradors, Barry and Carl. Oh, and a wife and two children. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library, or possibly as a humorous gift for an art (or dog) enthusiast. 

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

The Clew Bay Detectives - The Wild Atlantic Murders #1

 

The Clew Bay Detectives is the first Wild Atlantic mystery by Pam Lecky. Independently released 16th June 2026 by Storm, it's 316 pages and is available in 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 throughout.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

The author has a solid command of setting, and the wild coastline in Ireland is palpable and as much a driver of the plotline as any of the human characters. There's a brooding tension, and the isolation actually plays a pivotal role in the development of the story. 

The amateur sleuth main character is a well regarded professional landscape gardener who makes a move to the coast after the breakdown of her relationship at home in Dublin. She's intelligent and driven, and stubborn to the point of recklessness. Many of the secondary characters are more sketched in than fully developed, but it's a series opener, so there's room for returning development. There are several adjacent story threads, including one nasty organized crime element which means it's a bit thriller-ish for die-hard cozy fans, and a bit cozy for thriller fanatics. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for home library, or buddy read. 

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

Glow: Natural Body-Care Recipes and Relaxation Exercises to Help You Shine

 

Glow is a fun and well rounded guide to self-care and relaxation aimed at teens by Maya Pagán. Released 1st Sept 2026 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback (softbound) and ebook formats. 

There's so much stress and so many demands on everyone, and especially youngsters who are trying to find their way in the world and balance stress, and expectations, and school, friendship drama, and everything else. This book is a fun reset, with lots of interesting and safe recipes, along with tips for mindfulness and self-care. 

It's arranged logically, with chapters arranged thematically: waking up, everyday wellness, face care, hair care, body care, and hands & feet. Chapters include tutorial recipes, exercises and short highlighted text boxes with salient info. It's very well photographed and illustrated throughout, and although the models are all girls, and the vibe is "girlzone" throughout, there are good takeaways for anyone (everyone has skin and needs to slow down and relax). There are a range of skin types and colors represented in the models in the book. 

Recipes are written with a bullet list of ingredients, followed by step-by-step directions. Ingredient measurements are given in imperial (American) units; there's a metric conversion table in the back of the book. Illustrations are bright and punchy throughout. 

Four stars. There are some nice recipes (although coconut oil can block pores and it was one of the ingredients in one of the face cleanser recipes) and there were also some tips about shaving (or not), as well as some menstruation DIY tips. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a young family member. 

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

Woodworking with Plastics: 26 Simple Projects to Bring Plastics into Your Woodshop

 

Woodworking with Plastics is a well written and accessible tutorial guide with projects by Ralph Bagnall. Released 11th Aug 2026 by Fox Chapel, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback (softbound) and ebook formats. 

This book grew out of a number of classes and seminars the author has done at woodworking fairs and through other venues, and it shows. The book has a logical layout and reads like class materials delivered at a very well organized workshop. He covers safety and PPE in depth, materials, tools and other equipment, and suitability of various types of plastic alone or in combination with other materials (wood). 

The tutorial projects are written with a bullet list of materials, tools, and supplies, and followed by a step-by-step guide to finishing. The book is very well photographed throughout with clear process photos (without hands or tools in the way of the "action"). Safety is emphasized throughout the book. The author presupposes familiarity with, and access to, a number of woodworking and crafting power tools. It would be -possible- for a keen beginner to do these projects, but for actual beginners a mentor (and access to a well equipped woodworking shop) would be necessary. 

Very well photographed throughout, with precisely engineered projects and lots of inspiration. 

Five stars, it would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library, for shared studio and maker-spaces, or for gift giving.

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

Modern Bushcraft

 

Modern Bushcraft is a well organized tutorial guide by Tim MacWelch. Released 30th June 2026 by HarperCollins on their Cider Mill Press imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The book contains a collection of self-sufficiency and survival info, arranged thematically into logical chapters: safety, knives & tools, ropes knots & lashings, building a camp, water, fire building, food in the wild, campfire cooking, and navigation. The author has decades of experience, including teaching these skills, and it shows. He emphasizes safety throughout, and the book is refreshingly free of grandstanding and macho attitudes, and full of useful practical tips on securing a safe camp, providing food and shelter, and also fitting into and protecting nature and wild spaces. 

The book is full of breathtaking color photos, as well as illustrated with simple colored line drawings which support and supplement the text very well. Important concepts are placed in highlighted text boxes throughout. This isn't a book which will lend itself to being read cover to cover, but for short interludes or as a reference, it's useful.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, for activity groups, and possibly for scouting groups/leaders. 

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

Griffin Speaker - Griffin Speaker #1

 

Griffin Speaker is the first book in a middle grade fantasy series by Jan M. Flynn. Released 5th May 2026 by Disney on their Hyperion imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 2nd quarter 2027 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is an absolutely not-nuanced lambasting of socially stratified societies, colonialism, and political systems. It's sort of a more kid friendly dystopian novel such as Hunger Games, than any sort of cozy fantasy. The pacing is quite uneven, but the world building is interesting and well thought out. There isn't a lot of nuance to be found in the story, including the secondary characters, and especially the background structure, but at the end of the day, it's a story about an underdog (Rain) with a special gift, who defies odds to save herself and maybe change the world. 

There's not a lot of character development for Rain in this book in the series, but it's the first book, so there's that. 

Three and a half stars. It's somewhat depressing for a middle grade reader. It would probably be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, or home library. 

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

 

The Five Seasons Method: A Gentle Path toward Emotional and Spiritual Balance

 

The Five Seasons Method is a thoughtful and well written philosophy/lifestyle guide explaining the Chinese 5 Seasons method of balance, emotional regulation, and spiritual balance by Leda Elliott. Released 4th Aug 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

We're constantly bombarded relentlessly at all times with information, news, updates, work, family, and everything else screaming for our attention. The vast majority of people are more tired, less rested, less balanced, and often mentally and physically unwell.  The author has a calm, precise, and encouraging writing style and provides concrete do-able exercises for breathing and centering which are layman accessible. 

Each of the seasons has a chapter, with themes, exercises for emotional work (and gifts), seasonally associated strengths to use, and invitations and affirmations. It's definitely got a more "alternative" vibe, and not so much "westernized medicine" vibe, so readers will probably already know that going in. 

Four stars. Gentle, interesting, relaxing, and calm. It would be a good choice for public or home library, or possibly for practitioners, alternative treatment folks, etc. 

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

Origami Gift Wrap: 25 Beautiful, Tape-Free Techniques for Mindful Gift-Giving

 

Origami Gift Wrap is a well illustrated tutorial guide to Japanese gift wrapping and presentation techniques with tutorials by Megumi Lorna Inouye. Due out 8th Sept 2026 from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

These are mindful designs, which are made to showcase a presentation or gift thoughtfully. The author shows ways to wrap different shapes, how much material is needed, and how to go about folding the designs. Each of the folds are appealing, but even more valuable is the calm and deliberate (mindful) writing. Ms. Inouye has such a restful, kind, and welcoming style of writing.

Five stars. The folds/wraps themselves are original, very pretty, and timeless, and the slow and methodical process is lovely as well. It would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library acquisition. 

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

Science Fiction Ecologies: Worldmaking with Butler, Le Guin, and Merril

 

Science Fiction Ecologies is an interesting, layman accessible, and scholarly monograph on worldbuilding in (science) fiction by Dr. Shelley Streeby. Released 25th Aug 2026 by NYU Press as part of the Postmillenial Pop series, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

Interpreted through the lens of three feminist speculative fiction writers, Octavia Butler, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Judith Merril, Dr. Streeby analyzes how the authors utilized notes, resources, extant real-life science and ecology to build a believable framework for their own fictional works. 

Although written in layman accessible language, the author is an academic, and it's written very precisely and meticulously and rigorously annotated. The chapter notes alone are probably worth the price of admission. It's already a big book as it it, but it would've been interesting to see Dr. Streeby also turn her lens on other luminary female speculative fiction authors such as Sheri Tepper, Nnedi Okorafor, and Ann Leckie to name a few. 

Interesting and very well written. Dry in places, but engaging and readable. 

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended for public or post secondary library acquisition, as well as very useful for writers and other creatives. 

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

Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop - 満月珈琲店の星詠み #3

 

 

 

Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop is the third book in a cozy fantasy series by Mai Mochizuki. Originally published in Japanese in 2021, this English language translation was released 25th Aug 2026  by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint. It's 224 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.

There's a vibrant sub-genre in Japanese food related cozy fantasy, the genre is generally called "iyashikei" (Kamogawa Food Detectives, Tales from the Cafe, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Dallergut Department Store (which was Korean, but same basic genre), etc), and this one fits right in with the others. There's definitely a dreamlike, slightly trippy, aspect (the cafe is ephemeral and changes location depending on circumstances dictated by the patrons' needs, always on the full moon, oh, and it's staffed by giant anthropomorphic talking cats).  

The book has a misty quality, and the cats wax poetic to their patrons about Japanese astrology (quite a lot) and philosophy, and music. It contains a fair bit of "woo-woo" pop psychology, but overall it's entertaining, full of whimsy, and fun with a serious bent. The patrons themselves are a mixed lot, but the story is written around their lives and fates and how their stories relate to their larger world. The other books in the series follow a similar format, with new/different patrons and their issues.

The prose is beautifully wrought and although slightly discursive and meandering, manages to make some good points about the meaning and trajectory of life, choices (and how they can affect our entire lives), acceptance, and being truthful (and kind) to ourselves. The translation work, done by series translator Jordan Taylor, is seamless and invisible. The text flows very well, and it doesn't read as though it's been translated (which has to be the goal), although the whole vibe is indelibly Japanese. 

Four stars. Well written, professionally translated, and full of whimsy, it would make an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and a challenging and enjoyable book club selection/buddy read. There are currently 6 books in the series in Japanese, this is the third to be translated and published for English speaking audiences. The others are slated for translation and release later.

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

 

More Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead

 

More Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead is the second book of illustrated animal facts and info by Brook Hartman and illustrated by Maria Garcia. Due out 1st Sept 2026 from Sourcebooks, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Aimed at younger readers (~6-8 years), this is a colorful collection of cute animals which are either predators, venomous, or otherwise caution inducing. The art is cute and full of small whimsical details and will appeal to the youngest. It is emphatically not in a realistic style, in fact it's cartoonish, but might inspire readers to try rendering some of them by themselves. Each animal has its own entry spread, including binomial (Latin) name, range and habitat, conservation status, and a short explanatory essay. These short fact filled entries are entertaining and very simply written in age appropriate language. 

The book is *full* of puns and silly alliteration (menacing marsupials, brr-ocious beauties (Arctic fox), deep blue squee, and many others). Most of them fall flat for adults, but they'll probably work for small kids. The entries seem to be factual, and there weren't any glaring errors.  

Three and a half stars. It would potentially be a good choice for public or school library acquisition.

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

Land of Oz

 

Land of Oz is a sandbox anthology with 13 fantasy stories, edited by Marie O'Regan & Paul Kane. Due out 1st Sept from Titan Books, it's 368 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 throughout. 

This is a nice collection of varied short stories set in Oz and with many characters featured in the canonical Oz books. 

The stories are varied, there were (as always) some which were less engaging, but all were well written and competently plotted. They were mostly in the 4 star range(ish). This is a well curated solid anthology of stories in the 3-5 star range. There are 13 stories in the anthology and all are previously unpublished fiction from very well known and some lesser known authors. 

One reason collections and anthologies are so fun is that short fiction is really challenging.  It's spare and the authors don't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting.  Well written short fiction is a delight. Also, if one story doesn't really grab the reader, there's another story just a few pages away.  

Four stars on average. It's a diverting read.

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

 

Early Man Was a Woman - Reclaiming Prehistory

 

Early Man Was a Woman is an interesting graphic novel by Ulli Lust. Originally published in German in 2025, this English translation is being published by The Experiment. Due out 1st Sept. 2026, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The author interprets extant physical artifacts and art from a feminine point of view, reinterpreting the earliest prehistory through a feminist lens. It's engaging, and probably factual, given general human nature and the proclivity for the writers of accepted history (men) to revise the records to suit patriarchal systems, and Ms. Lust makes some intuitively salient points, though not absolutely proven beyond question. 

It's illustrated throughout in 4 color printing. Despite being written in completely layman accessible language, it's well annotated throughout, and the chapter notes will provide many hours of further reading and exploration. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or post secondary school library acquisition, home use. Fans of nonfiction graphic novels (like Larry Gonick's works) will like this one. 

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

 

Coltrane The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend

 

Coltrane is a beautifully and extensively illustrated retrospective and memoir of the legendary John Coltrane assembled by a host of friends, family, and his son Ravi. Due out 1st Sept. 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

Coltrane was a cultural icon; an incredibly talented and innovative artist, respected and acknowledged during his lifetime and down to the present day. He only lived 40 years and managed to have more of an impact on musical culture during his performance years than most manage in a long lifetime. 

This book contains 7 essays by collaborators, his son, and celebrities, followed by chronological pictorial chapters: 1950-1959, 1960-1963, and 1964-1967. The essays are short and written in unvarnished, layman accessible language. 

The pictorial chapters are full of stunning formal and casual photographs. Each is accompanied by a short caption. Photography credits are extensive and interesting, included at the end of the book.  

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or for home use or gift giving to modern music enthusiasts. 

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