Echoes Across Time

Echoes Across Time  by Carmen Monica Oprea was a feel-good, nostalgic, holiday book about a woman named Sophie. Between being recently laid off from her job at a marketing firm and being dumped by her long-time boyfriend, to say Sophie has had a rough few months is an understatement. Then, to make matters worse, her grandmother, Dolores, unexpectedly passes away.

Having planned to spend Christmas with her, Sophie is absolutely devastated. Having had a very special bond with Dolores, she cannot believe that she will never again have the opportunity to hug, laugh, cry, or visit her beloved grandma ever again. Alone on Christmas Eve, this tragic story spills out in tears to her cab driver Armando who reassures her that she is not alone and offers comforting words of cheer that this Christmas can still be special.

Armando drops Sophie off at the Red Couch Inn, with plans for Sophie’s parents to hopefully make a flight there the next day. Fortunately, the inn’s owner is already aware of her dire situation and does her best to make her feel right at home. Settling in for the evening with a hot bath and promises for a Christmas morning brunch, Sophie wistfully hopes that this day will be less disastrous than it feels. That is until the electricity goes out.

Running from her room to join the others outside by the blazing fire, she wanders away to look at the stars, recalling her grandmother’s stories when she suddenly slips and hits her head hard on the pavement. Waking up disoriented, Sophie cannot find the Red Couch Inn and proceeds to wander in the blizzard before her in an attempt to find her way. Then, something peculiar happens and before Sophie knows it, nothing is as it seems anymore.

I thought Echoes Across Time was a lovely read. Truly reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, I loved the way Oprea was able to take a heavy topic like grief and transform it into a magical, Christmas miracle. Her intense imagery and attention to detail really set the scene; I felt like I was transformed into this quaint, picturesque town alongside Sophie experiencing her moments of awe and surprise.

Finally, I really enjoyed how this book covered the story of not just Sophie but Dolores. It helped capture why Sophie had such a strong relationship with her grandma, and how their love could transform and even change the course of time. Overall, I would recommend this book to women looking to read holiday fiction, and those who may be experiencing grief around this time of the year.


Tangled Verdict

Tangled Verdict is a compelling legal thriller by Katherine Smith Dedrick in the Victoria Rodessa series. Readers are introduced to lawyer Victoria Rodessa as she gets on stage to give a campaign speech to become the next senator of the United States. But just as she gets started, she gets called off the stage by her assistant, Jenny. Victoria's team hustles her out of the arena and into a car. She learns that an awful rumor has been started about her regarding a past case that she won. There is no doubt her opponent is behind these rumors and Victoria and her team must act quickly to dispel the false information.

Although the book is fairly short in length, Katherine Smith Dedrick does a fantastic job of introducing and developing her characters and diving quickly into the story. The book is fast-paced because Victoria and her team are on a deadline to squelch the rumors before she has to back out of the campaign. Set in Chicago, the busy city setting is perfect for this legal thriller and readers will enjoy following Victoria as she and her team dig deep into why the judge who worked on her case says that she tampered with the jury. When one of the characters is murdered, the clock ticks even faster. What could the motive be behind these rumors? The judge has an impeccable reputation as does the person who gave him the information.

My favorite part of the book is Victoria's character. She's tough and won't give up. She is also very close to the members of her team including Armond who slides into the book as a past love interest. The dialogue between Victoria and the other characters in the book comes across as easy and realistic. Although this book is a legal thriller, I appreciated the fact that the author did not pack with book with unnecessary legal jargon. Anyone who loves a great suspense thriller will enjoy reading Tangled Verdict.

The only part of the book that I felt was a little questionable is the part where Mary Ellen's sixteen-year-old sons are trying to contact her via text. The texts read "Mom, what is going on?" and "Why didn't you tell us about this?" Mary Ellen doesn't like to engage in conversation via text, however, the fact that these are her sons trying to contact her, I found it hard to believe she wouldn't just pick up the phone and call them due to the tone of the messages.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Tangled Verdict. Although it is part of a series, the book reads well as a standalone and I would recommend it to anyone who loves legal thrillers.


Hummingbird Season

We loved that this book was written as poems. Some feelings are too big for a book. And Archie has big feelings—about his brother, his family, COVID-19—and the poems say it all perfectly. We haven’t read many books that are all poems that aren’t poetry collections, so to read a whole story told in a series of poems was amazing.

COVID-19 was really hard for our family. Our grandmother died and it was really confusing about where we could go and what we were expected to do. Hummingbird Season by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic reminded us of what it was like to go through the pandemic, and Archie’s stories helped us process some of those confusing feelings.

We love Archie and how he sees the world. We didn’t have the same experience as he did during the pandemic, but that’s okay. We’re all different and that’s okay. This book made us sad, but also happy and silly and hopeful. We recommend this book for readers who had a rough time during the pandemic too.


Class

Class is the follow up to Stephanie Land's award-winning memoir Maid, which was also turned into a Netflix series. The subject matter is largely the same, though this work focuses more on Land's life as a mother and a student at the University of Montana than on her life cleaning houses in Seattle.

The writing is fine if a bit pedestrian. Much of the memoir is recounted through descriptive lists of what happened rather than scenes actively shown. It feels like a first draft in that way. The choices Land makes to be a student while raising her six year old, Emilia, are questionable. Land laments her financial constraints but chooses Cliff bars as her snack of choice—a more expensive version of a granola bar—and cleans houses around her class schedule rather than getting a more traditional job. The argument that her schedule can be flexible this way makes sense, but it's hard to feel sorry for her when she's chosen some of her hardships.

As someone who grew up in a working class house and then had my own money issues for years, I find her story neither inspiring nor important. Those who read it and get something more from it, I'm guessing, are experiencing her poverty as tourists: looking in on her life as one through a kaleidoscope, awed by what they see all the while knowing they can put the view down. It's well written, though, so if you're interested in memoirs about socioeconomic differences in America, this one may well be for you.


Headstrap: Legends and Lore from the Climbing Sherpas of Darjeeling (Legends & Lore)

The valiant stories of Western mountaineers traversing the world’s highest peaks are well documented. Much less celebrated are the Sherpas and porters from Nepal who made the ascents possible. Their courage, knowledge about wayfinding, and familiarity with the icy and snowy terrain of the Himalayas supported adventurers in reaching the heights of their success. Headstrap shares the untold stories of the legendary porters of Darjeeling, such as Ang Tharkay, Ang Tsering, and Tenzing Norgay. Authors Nandini Purandare and Deepa Balsavar detail the painstaking work of collecting and making meaning of oral history among families, descendants, and friends. The authors cross-walked interviews and testimonies with written records.

Headstrap is an important contribution to mountaineering history. As a whole, the book is a fascinating trek through history and culture, as it centers on the forgotten stories of high-altitude Sherpas. The authors took great care in providing context about attitudes toward mountain climbing and labor relations from the perspective of Indigenous spiritual beliefs and traditional customs. Not all the stories ended in triumph: tragedies, broken vows, and tarnished reputations haunted many expeditions.

The narratives explained the different ways in which the expeditions changed and challenged the Sherpas and their European counterparts, pushing their physical and mental capacities. Collectively, the stories relay the power of building community and nurturing trusting relationships.


Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time

Be warned that this book is not intended to be a traditional cookbook – the title can be misleading.  There are recipes (usually at the end of the chapter), but the main intent of this book is to help reduce our carbon footprint through the food choices we make. It traces the connection between our food choices, from growing the food to packaging, and transporting, to cooking, consuming, and discarding spoilt food.

The first part focuses on the foods themselves. While ancient grains, fruits, and vegetables are well-known among most Americans, there are chapters on sea vegetables and nuts. The focus here is how much of a carbon footprint our food makes when it is produced. The next part of the book focuses on packaging and transportation. Chapters here include food waste, school lunches, fast foods, and international and virtual markets.

Throughout the book factoids and sidebars accompany the text to provide added information on the main topic being discussed. The narrative is easy to follow. The layout feels minimalist (in line with its objective of reducing carbon footprint). The main points are backed up with credible evidence, and the factoids seem genuine. The book is a fun and educational read for those who are interested in reducing their carbon footprint through their food choices.


South of Somewhere

Mavis and her family are coming home to Chicago from a vacation in Hawaii. When they turn the corner onto their street, the street is filled with big black SUVs and people in FBI jackets. Dad asks what’s going on, and he is told their house has been seized and the FBI is looking for Mom, who took a cab from the airport. She is wanted for embezzlement, and she then disappears.

Dad goes to the bank only to find their accounts have been seized too. With nowhere to go and no money, Dad takes Mavis, her sister, and her brother to his estranged sister’s home in a nearby small, shabby-seeming town. Mavis feels like her life is over.

Kalena Miller has written a compelling story of a family nearly destroyed by one selfish, criminal parent who walks away and leaves the rest of the family to muddle through. Told from the viewpoint of twelve-year-old Mavis as she navigates a new place, making new friends, finding ways to help keep the family afloat, and more, this story will connect to middle-grade readers. The writing is excellent, the characters are believable, and the story will keep pages turning.


Dirty Thirty (30) (Stephanie Plum)

Dirty Thirty is the latest installment in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum mystery series. In this book, Stephanie is hired for multiple bounty hunter jobs but the main job she is working on is for a pawn shop owner named Martin Plover. Plover claims his store was robbed and the thief dropped the bag of jewels outside. He said the security guard he hired named Andy ran off with the jewels. He wants Stephanie to find Andy.

Just like the other Stephanie Plum books, this one is a wild goose chase. Plum's boyfriend, Morelli, a police officer is out of town and Stephanie must take his big dog Bob with her wherever she goes. Bob is not well trained to say the least. She also has her sidekick, Lula, with her who claims there is an ogre from Beowulf who comes into her apartment while she is sleeping. Lula is crazy as always. The love affair between Stephanie and Ranger is also alive and well and Stephanie must hold herself back since she has committed herself to Morelli. Ranger is always there when she needs him though. From digging up corpses to tracking down homeless people, this book is nonstop action and fun.


A Haunting in the Arctic

A Haunting in the Arctic takes place aboard the Ormen, an old ship that has washed up on the shore of Iceland. In 1901, it was a whaler, aboard which Nicky woke up on against her will and discovers what her purpose will be to the crew. In 1973, it was a research vessel that was discovered with the entire crew missing, except for one dead body. Now, Dominique boards the wreck intending to document its final days before it is destroyed. She’ll uncover the dark and grisly past of this ship, and all the lives it has ruined.

This is a truly haunting tale about the horrors that are often inflicted on women, but also about tragedy and guilt. I can’t imagine going through what Nicky did. It’s easy to understand her desire for revenge. The author did a great job of showing the uncontrollable nature of revenge, how it often hurts more people than you think and has unforeseen consequences. If you enjoy ghost stories and historical fiction, then this is a book for you to add to your reading list. However, be warned there are many instances of physical/sexual abuse and self-harm in this book.


Dragonboy and the 100 Hearts (Dragonboy, 3)

Dragonboy and his four stuffed animal friends must stay inside on a rainy day. Dragonboy suggests that they explore inside, but Yellow Kitty says they can’t find anything new inside and poor Simon the Sloth struggles to keep up with them. Darwin immediately begins to find small surprises, but the others won’t listen to him. Eventually, they end up in the top story of their house where they find old toys that are new and interesting again. When the group finally realizes that Darwin is sad because no one listened to him, they all stop and realize Darwin has been finding little red hearts all throughout the book that mark acts of kindness.

Occasionally, a children’s picture book comes along that will remain in the recesses of memory long after others have faded. Dragonboy and the 100 Hearts is just such a book. Here, the characters are adorable and distinct. Messages throughout the text, such as “I’m perfectly ok with not being liked by everyone” and “Sometimes sitting with a friend is the perfect kind of kindness” provide wonderful teaching moments. Finally, little readers will enjoy searching for 100 little hearts throughout the book. This book will become a beloved favorite.


For the Last Time: A Novel

For the Last Time is a book that will intrigue readers from cover to cover. Is Erin Harding going crazy or what? When Erin's husband, Will, gives her a necklace, she pushes him away as he goes to put it around her neck. Why? Even Erin doesn't know. Then, their dog, Coco, goes missing and Erin thinks Will did something to her. Why is she feeling so suspicious of her husband nowadays? Erin and Will decide to see a couples counselor named Maggie Day, and what happens next will show readers the power of the subconscious memory. This book will have readers wondering why Erin suddenly doesn't trust her husband and how the death of Maggie's younger sister over twenty years ago may be connected to Erin and Will. Although none of the characters are particularly likable, the story's plot was written in a way that I couldn't wait to find out how all the pieces were connected. I loved how the author wrote the chapters both in the present and the past and from different points of view.

For the Last Time will have lovers of suspense and thrillers on the edge of their seats as the truth is revealed.


The Kiss Countdown

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde:

In "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde," readers are swept into the pulsating world of the music industry, where Ricki's journey towards love and self-acceptance unfolds amidst the backdrop of catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Through trials and triumphs, Ricki's story resonates with the universal quest for belonging and authenticity. With its melodious narrative and relatable characters, this novel offers an enchanting blend of romance and self-discovery that will linger in readers' hearts like a cherished melody.

The Kiss Countdown:

"The Kiss Countdown" beckons readers into a world where time is of the essence, and love hangs in the balance. With each page turn, the tension mounts as two unlikely souls navigate the highs and lows of romance against the backdrop of a ticking clock. Will they seize the moment and find their happily ever after before time runs out? This captivating tale is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, promising readers a whirlwind romance that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the final countdown reaches zero.

The Partner Plot:

In "The Partner Plot," intrigue and deception reign supreme as protagonists unravel a web of lies to uncover the truth. With secrets lurking around every corner, the stakes are high as they race against time to save what matters most. This thrilling tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing at every twist and turn. As the tension mounts and suspicions deepen, "The Partner Plot" delivers a gripping narrative that will leave readers breathless until the very end.

Zora Books Her Happily Ever After:

"Zora Books Her Happily Ever After" invites readers on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through Zora's quest for love and fulfillment, readers are reminded of the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. As Zora navigates the trials and tribulations of life, her story serves as an inspiring reminder that happiness is often found in unexpected places. With its uplifting message and relatable characters, this novel is a celebration of hope, courage, and the enduring power of love.

Sex, Lies, and Sensibility:

"Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" delves into the tangled web of relationships and desire, offering readers a tantalizing blend of scandal and romance. As characters navigate the complexities of love, lust, and betrayal, secrets are revealed and passions ignite. With its gripping narrative and steamy encounters, this book is a captivating exploration of human nature and the lengths we will go to in pursuit of our desires. From forbidden affairs to shocking revelations, "Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" keeps readers hooked until the very last page, craving more of its deliciously scandalous drama.


Fangirl Down: A Novel (Big Shots, 1)

Wells Whitaker is professional golf’s bad boy, but he’s stuck in a career slump. While competing in a tournament, he runs into his superfan, Josephine Doyle. Otherwise known as Wells’ Belle, she knows Wells has the potential to get back in the top ranks. Soon Josephine cannot refuse an offer to become Wells’ caddy when he discovers that she knows a ton about the sport and even runs a pro shop. The two have a chemistry both on and off the greens, and no matter how hard they try to keep their relationship professional, nothing can keep them apart.

This book was steamy! Tessa Bailey is known for spicy romances, and this one delivered. Although I’m not a huge golf fan, I found myself enjoying learning about the behind-the-scenes details of professional golf. This was a grumpy meets sunshine romance, yet I found both main characters endearing and enjoyed their love story. Josephine was hard not to love, and I liked how the book shone a light on diabetes. Wells had a chip on his shoulder, but Josephine brought out his soft side. Fangirl Down will make you swoon! Any fan of Tessa Bailey will love her latest novel.


Keyana Loves Her Friend (Keyana, 2)

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

A year ago, Keyana’s best friend, Nia, moved away. Now, Nia is returning to visit, and they are going to have the greatest sleepover ever. Keyana, who is a powerhouse of personality, begins planning all of their activities before Nia arrives, but Nia has ideas of her own. Some of those ideas stem from their time apart. Keyana’s father tries to tell Keyana that she may discover new things she likes to do, but that’s not what Keyana wants to hear.

After Nia’s arrival, the sleepover goes less than smoothly, with Nia saying she’s ready to go home. Keyana finally admits she afraid that Nia will forget the things they like to do and Keyana. Nia says she could never forget her best friend, and they come up with new sleepover activities, creating the most spectacular sleepover ever.

This book, the second in the Keyana series, gently teaches important lessons about friendship and how to navigate the changes that can occur with distance and time. Given Keyana’s bigger-than-life personality, don’t be surprised when little readers may request more stories with Keyana.


Rental Person Who Does Nothing: A Memoir

The introduction of Rental Person Who Does Nothing suggests a team assisted author Shoji Morimoto in the writing of the book, though there is little note of that fact elsewhere. It is unfortunate because, while the premise is intriguing, I did wonder who to blame for the presentation of the author as a rather unlikable protagonist.

Morimoto began advertising himself as a "rental person" in 2018 in Japan. He'd had a rough encounter with an employer who suggested his presence at work made no difference, so Morimoto began to wonder what he could do that would have value.

When clients hired him. he accompanied them as they accomplished small tasks, shared meals with them, and at times, just sat in a room while they worked as a sort of proxy accountability partner. His only compensation was reimbursement for travel expenses and the price of whatever food they shared. Morimoto repeatedly expresses a philosophical belief that all human beings are valuable regardless of how productive they are, and his primary goal seems to get though his life by doing and producing as little as possible.

Perhaps it is my existence in a capitalist culture or my own hard-scrabble work ethic at play, but I found his disinterest in the clients with whom he worked—preferring their interactions to be silent in a somewhat antiseptic manner—to be cold and infuriating. There is much to learn from one another, and he seemed poised to do that better than most, but elected, instead, to simply be a Rental Person Who Does Nothing.


A Different Kind of Fast: Feeding Our True Hungers in Lent

Beyond merely abstaining from food, there are fasts that can lead to the fulfillment of other, non-physical needs. Fasting from Inattention, Anxiety, Rushing, or even Certainty can open space to Embrace Presence, Trust, Tenderness, or Mystery.

The book offers a fast for each of the six weeks, marked by a specific spiritual practice for each day. Reflections on scripture or sacred art, meditations, walks, teachings, and other rituals lead you to higher and greater spiritual capacity. You are encouraged to interact with each practice through journaling or art as you ponder the spiritual messages and guidance that will open to you. As the weeks and fasts progress, you will find more and more of what is unnecessary and distracting falling away, leaving you ever more awake and aware of your true self, of your core being, and of your connection with the Divine. This is a process of becoming, and it is profound. The author's words carry a sense of stillness and centering. Everything offered here is given without coercion, as an invitation to find deep growth. Spend time with this book, savor it, and allow the practice time to distill in your soul. Earnest seekers will find treasures beautiful and rich.


Thunder in Yellowstone: A Contemporary Literary Novel

Thunder in Yellowstone by E.B. Lee was a delight to read. Told from the perspective of former crime reporter Amber Phillips, the reader is taken on a journey of mystery, love, heartbreak, and betrayal set in the magnificence and beauty of Yellowstone.

After losing the love of her life, Amber has moved cross country from Philadelphia to Montana to work for a new magazine. Fletcher, her news reporter boss, is counting on her to craft a publication that captures the good, the bad, and the ugly about the region. With a dream to help their community grow while retaining its fundamental values, Fletcher believes Amber is the perfect reporter to bring his visions to life. Upon her arrival, she immediately becomes aware of how much she stands out; entering a tight-knit, small town as a newcomer is both intimidating and lonely. Thankfully, she is tucked under the wing of Abby, a diner owner, who gives her the scoop on everyone and everything in town.

On the day of Amber’s arrival, a horrible accident occurred. Per Abby’s report, a tourist was gored by a bison who had broken into local rancher Sam Nelson’s fences. Sam, also present at the scene of the crime, unfortunately, did not make it. The tourist is in extremely rough shape, and there are whispers all over town about how this came to be. Why would a bison gore someone? Why was there a bison even near Sam’s ranchlands? With rumors swirling about insurance monies, financial troubles, and foul play, clearly something is not right about this horrific tragedy.

As previously stated, Amber is a former crime reporter. Although not assigned to this case, she closely follows the sheriff’s and Fletcher’s leads and reports about the investigation. Before long, she finds herself invested in solving this devastation, one that with her stellar skill set just may be able to be solved.

I loved reading Thunder in Yellowstone. With a perfect mix of mystery, fiction, and romance, I think Lee did an excellent job creating a novel to interest a variety of readers. Truly a unique story, I loved that this book had so many interesting facts about Yellowstone, bison, and ranching. Per the afterword, Lee drew from many real events and laws concerning bison and cattle protection. I learned a lot about Montana, environmental laws, and actions Tribal nations have taken to protect the buffalo. This book has a heavy focus on conservation and awareness for Yellowstone, one which I really appreciated. Lee clearly had performed excellent research to capture this topic in depth as she was able. If you are a reader looking for a one-of-a-kind mystery plot, this is the book for you!


Bessie

"Cathi Bond weaves a narrative that will tug at your heartstrings as Edward's enduring love for Bessie unfolds amidst the struggles of a bygone era. A novel that celebrates the indomitable spirit of women who held families together in the face of adversity, prepare to be swept away by a fast-paced, beautifully written story that will evoke a myriad of emotions, leaving you cheering, contemplative, and moved to tears. With its compelling characters and gripping plot, Bessie is one book that will keep you enthralled from the first page to the last."—Maria Yinks, San Francisco Book Review


Girl Storm: A memoir of chaos, humor, and resilience in the path of profound autism

Girl Storm, written by Peg Kerswell, is a biography about a mother’s journey of raising her daughter, Ellie, who has been diagnosed with severe autism. Along the way, Ellie is diagnosed with other medical conditions, such as epilepsy. Kerswell includes many anecdotes to highlight what it is like to be a mother of a child with severe autism. For example, she discusses a time when her doctor’s office would not allow her to cancel her appointment due to a lack of babysitting, which resulted in Kerswell bringing her child to the appointment and knocking over the brochures and magazines in the waiting room.

While one can tell that Kerswell is overworked with the curveballs life throws at her, she uses dark humor to cope through the pain (and exhaustion). The author is authentic and real, as she lets the reader into some of her deepest thoughts regarding being the mom of a young child with severe autism. In one chapter, she describes her blood pressure lowering as she sees Ellie’s respite provider (otherwise known as Kerswell’s savior) arriving at the home, providing Kerswell with a needed break. Kerswell also shows her creativity by adding things such as poems and word searches, which gives the reader moments to pause in between digesting Kerswell’s hardships.

Girl Storm will pull on every heart-string. With every page I turned, I noticed tears forming in my eyes, as the author is able to extract a great sense of empathy for Peg and Ellie’s experience. The reader, if a mother themself, will feel an immense deepness for Peg, as she struggles to understand why her young infant isn’t rolling, sitting, or talking at the appropriate developmental milestones. The anecdotes about Ellie’s conditions and the late night emergencies lead the reader to having a deep sense of heartache for Peg, as motherhood is such a difficult experience, along with all the other experiences.

The reader will also find adoration for Ellie as well, especially in moments where Peg is begging Ellie to use the potty and Ellie’s response is to hit Peg on the side of her head. The character development and storytelling are artistic and brilliant. The book overall is a page turner and a fast read because of how captivated the reader will become, especially as Peg and her husband Jim try to navigate making a difficult decision on how to manage Ellie’s increasing self-harming behaviors.


Thunder in Yellowstone: A Contemporary Literary Novel Kindle Edition

Thunder in Yellowstone is a thought-provoking read by author E.B. Lee. Journalist Amber Phillips decides to make some life changes after her fiancé Jake and his K-9 companion Olive both pass away while in the line of duty. Leaving her twin sister Eva and her family back in Philadelphia, Amber takes a job working for The Gazette in the small town of Morris, Montana. She knows it will be a culture shock going from big city life to a small rural town of only population 800, but as she integrates into the life of hunters and ranch owners, she finds herself learning more than ever about wildlife, land, and water.

Lee does a thorough job of giving readers a snapshot of the complex political and personal relationships as they pertain to land ownership. Amber's boss, Fletcher, teaches her what to do and what not to do so that she doesn't get shot and Amber has some near misses along the way. When one of the ranch owners gets killed by a bison on his own land and a tourist staying with him gets injured, it seems like foul play. There is a bison disease called brucellosis that is causing cattle owners to be on high alert. This disease could wipe out their whole flock, not to mention, humans can also contract the disease. Amber gets to know the owner of the local diner, Abby, and the wife of the deceased man, Shelly, and these three end up forming a close friendship that develops throughout the story.

The story itself is very intricate and there are a lot of characters in the book. There were times that I forgot who was who when it came to the secondary characters. The author did such a great job of keeping the story moving, however, that this didn't matter. I became so engaged in Amber and her story that I could not wait to see what would happen. The setting of the fictional town Morris, was a beautiful backdrop and the author's descriptions of the wide expanse of land, bubbling streams, blue skies, and fresh air will make readers feel like they are exploring the land with Amber.

Anyone who picks up this book is in store for a great history and science lesson. From the history of Montana's cattle communities and the laws that pertain to them to the different shapes, sizes, and colors of bacteria found in water, this book has details like no other. With its wonderful character development, beautiful scenery, and fantastic attention to detail, Thunder in Yellowstone will have its readers mesmerized and asking for more.


Workitu's Passover

Workitu’s mother and sister wonder why she’s not up at dawn preparing for the coming celebration. Her sister, Almaz, discovers she’s on her bed sulking, dreading what’s customary of this time of year. The Passover is near, and today she and her family will break their dishes, then grind them into soft, powdery material. Workitu mourns the thought of losing her favorite cup to this tradition. She holds it close and sips from it one last time. When she arrives at her Auntie Balainesh’s hut, she drops her cup and runs. With trepidation, she joins her aunt in crafting beautiful treasures from the remains of the old.

This heartfelt book takes place in Ethiopia. It’s both culturally and religiously rich. Additionally, it offers children a new perspective on letting go of the old, so they can welcome the new. Change is hard and often especially for youth. Whether a soft, handmade blanket or a hard-earned first place ribbon, things are sacred and held close to the heart. The lesson is, perhaps, that attachment is normal as is letting go of things past. The illustrations throughout this meaningful story perfectly complement the text and are full of emotional appeal that young ones will favor.


Nature: Why We Need to Care for Our Planet (The WHY Files)

Nature: Why We Need to Care for Our Planet by Joli Hannah and illustrated Amelia Herbertson offers a good overall view of current climate issues. It’s a great book for kids who don’t know about what is going on with climate change and what it’s impacting.

This book is a bit graphic for readers who are already sensitive to climate issues and ecological problems, without offering enough solutions for what the average kid can do. It looked so much like real Earth that it disturbed us. We would have liked to see more ways to help the planet and make change, aside from getting outside and drinking more water, or not throwing away clothes.

We would definitely ten thousand percent recommend this book because it opens up what’s happening in the world. In the beginning of the book Jane and her calling out for help mentally is kind of what Mother Earth is doing right now. But if we can care for the earth the way Jane cares for her body and mind, we can make things better.


The Only Lonely Fairy

The Only Lonely Fairy is the story of a little girl named Leah who only wants a friend to be fairies with when she dresses up! Leah assumes she is the only fairy among all her classmates and lets them know how she feels about that. Not until she takes a break from complaining does she meet and notice Allie, who wants to join her in playing fairies. The two have a fun and creative time together and find it's not difficult to get playmates when you act positively.

I learned from The Only Lonely Fairy that it's important to recognize how your actions affect others and how they interpret them because they might be different than you intend. I also learned that it's important to include others in what you do because you don't know if they would be complaining otherwise.


Science FACTopia!: Follow the trail of 400 STEM-tastic facts (FACTopia!, 6)

Science FACTopia! has so many facts that it's hard to name only a few and not all of them! Some categories include video games, space, animals, fossils, and ancient Egypt. Like the other FACTopia! books, each fact has something in common with the one after it, leading the facts through a long chain or line. Some of my favorite facts include how scientists determine if a rock is a fossil or rock, how peanut butter can be made into diamonds, and how people who play video games can better control their dreams!

The facts in Science FACTopia! are easy to read and understand; each one is short and fun. I have enjoyed each FACTopia! books I've read because the facts are ones that kids will find interesting and remember for a long time. There are so many categories that even if someone wasn't interested in a couple of them, there are still plenty more! Kids who can understand basic things up to adults will enjoy this book and feel smarter after reading it.


Looking for the Eid Moon

Did you know that some religions base their celebrations on a Lunar schedule vs. a calendar date, and that there is a moon watch committee? When two young girls are on the moon watch committee, they are disappointed to find out they were not the first to find it. However, now celebrations and traditions can begin.

This was a very informative book. I did not know what an Eid Moon was. I really enjoyed learning about another culture and their traditions. I especially found the information in the back of the moon helpful to learn more about Muslins and their two celebrations of Eid. The pictures were very detailed and colored with a calming shades of blue, exactly what I would expect when looking to the sky to watch the moon.


A Killing on the Hill: A Thriller

Author Robert Dugoni has written twenty-three novels and one nonfiction book. A Killing on the Hill is his first historical fiction novel. Rest assured he writes what he knows best, so this is obviously a crime novel. Dugoni lives in Seattle, Washington, so his locations in the city are accurate, and he paints a richly layered description of Seattle in 1933 during the Great Depression.

William Schumacher is the narrator of his chilling adventure as a young reporter for a Seattle afternoon newspaper. Shoe, as he’s known, has his first big crime story. He migrated from Kansas looking for work. As the saga unfolds, part one is not an in-your-face shocker. Shoe introduces the most important people in his life, Amara Giovacchini, whose father owns a bakery; his boss, Howard Phishbaum, Phish for sort; and Chief Detective Ernie Blunt of the Seattle PD.

Halfway into Shoe’s narrative, the tale picks up momentum. The number of characters expands as he digs deeply for the truth. There are gangsters, cops on the take, and rival newspaper reporters, all of whom have slightly different views of how the killing took place. This historic novel from Dugoni is worth the read.


Finding the Way to Faraway Valley

Little bear is curious about the postcard that’s been on Grandpa’s refrigerator for what seems like an eternity. It features a mystical place Grandpa calls “Faraway Valley.” The two of them imagine what it must be like and spend countless hours preparing for a journey north. Then, one day, they finally set out for this magical land. They experience obstacles along the way but are relentless in their quest. Just when they think Faraway Valley must have vanished years ago, they find the life and beauty for which they have so desperately searched.

Finding the Way to Faraway Valley is a book about wonder, persistence, and preservation. Grandpa and little bear are central to the story, but their innocent determination and deep longing to care for nature and all it entails are at the core of it as well. Their example is a positive one for children, especially those ages five to eight. The detailed illustrations will captivate young minds. Little ones are sure to discover novel things within the brightly hued pages with each new and exciting read.


Sweet Valley Twins: Choosing Sides: (A Graphic Novel)

Francine Pascal, Claudia Aguirre, Nicole Andelfinger

Meet Elizabeth and Jessica; they’re twins on the outside, but they’re very different on the inside. Elizabeth is sweet and kind, and Jessica is very popular. Elizabeth’s friend, Amy, wants to try out for the cheer squad. However, Jessica and her friends are trying to keep Amy off the squad because they don’t think she’s good enough for it! Can Elizabeth convince Jessica to give Amy a shot?

I liked the way the book was paced, and I thought it was a good book. I liked the art and thought it was very finished and clean. The story was good and pretty simple and straightforward, in my opinion. My favorite character was Amy because she was super confident and NEVER gave up no matter how much people tried to tell her that she wasn’t good enough. I recommend this book to people who like books about cheerleading and, specifically, twins.


The Emperor and the Endless Palace

Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner
Return to the enchanting world of Godkiller in this thrilling sequel to the internationally bestselling fantasy debut. Join professional godkiller Kissen and her companions, the young noble Inara and the knight Elogast, on a winding adventure through lands filled with gods and demons. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of their world, they encounter magic, beauty, and danger at every turn. From noble halls to treacherous landscapes, their journey is fraught with peril, testing their resolve and strengthening their bonds. With twists and turns aplenty, this gripping sequel promises an unforgettable exploration of courage, friendship, and destiny.

The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
"The Emperor and the Endless Palace" weaves together the lives of two men across disparate timelines, from ancient palaces to present-day Los Angeles. Bound by an undying love, they face challenges ranging from political intrigue to supernatural terror. As they are reborn lifetime after lifetime, their connection persists, defying the constraints of time. This genre-bending romantasy debut challenges conventional notions of love, offering a thrilling roller coaster ride of twists and turns. Prepare to be swept away by a tale that transcends boundaries and explores the power of love in all its forms.

House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky
In a world consumed by the pursuit of Perfection and Correctness, the Palleseen wage war city-by-city and kingdom-by-kingdom. Amidst the chaos, Yasnic, a former priest turned healer, finds himself in an unconventional medical unit led by 'the Butcher'. Tasked with saving lives deemed beyond hope, they employ forbidden methods, including unapproved magic and illicit Gods. But as enemies close in, their existence becomes increasingly precarious, threatened by discovery and dissolution. In this gripping tale of survival amidst horror, the unlikely band of healers must navigate treacherous waters, where even a hint of a miracle could spell their undoing.

The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
In this gripping sci-fi novel by the author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, January, a former ballet principal turned refugee on Mars, faces discrimination as an Earthstronger. When xenophobic politician Aubrey Gale proposes a fake marriage to save their reputations and planet, January reluctantly agrees. But as their relationship deepens, January uncovers Gale's hidden agendas and becomes entangled in dangerous political schemes. Now, January must navigate a treacherous landscape to protect Tharsis from a destructive enemy, even if it means sacrificing everything. Get ready for a thrilling tale of love, survival, and intrigue set against the backdrop of a terraformed colony on Mars.

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
From the bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle comes the eagerly awaited sequel to the international hit, "Empire of the Vampire." Gabriel de León, having saved the Holy Grail, now seeks to end the eternal night shrouding the world. Teaming up with a mysterious vampire, Gabriel must navigate perilous terrain, facing enemies both external and internal. Pursued by terrifying foes and haunted by his own bloodlust, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the Grail's power. But as secrets unravel, Gabriel confronts a reality more chilling than he ever imagined. Prepare for a thrilling tale of sacrifice and revelation.


Some Days Are Yellow

We all have good days and bad days. Some of our days are easy and breezy, while others are stormy and hard. This is true for little children as well as the rest of us. This sweet book, written in perfect rhyming couplets, explores a lot of different kinds of days and how they make people of all sizes feel. It’s hard to be mad or sad on a bright, sunshiny day, but other days, when things don’t seem to go the way we want them to, those days seem dark and difficult. But there are ideas that can give anyone comfort and hope, to help them get through those difficult times.

Suzanne Slade has written a perfectly charming book that will help youngsters navigate the vicissitudes of life and understand that there are fresh starts along the way. The sweet illustrations by Michelle Lee, all in soft colors and filled with lovely details, both support and complete the text. The enchanting rhymes and delightful illustrations will keep young listeners completely engaged with the reading and the message. This one is not to be missed.


Imagine You and Me

Meet Randall and Parker. They are best friends and do everything together. However, Randall meets a pack of bears, and they quickly become friends with him. But the other bears can’t see Parker because she is Randall’s imaginary friend. And the more Randall plays with the other bears, the less he can see Parker!

I really liked this book because it was everything you’d want from a book. It was very creative, and the story was inspiring, sweet, and touching. The art was one of my favorite parts of this book, though, because it was so cute and fun, and the colors were bright and cheerful. I especially loved the colorful backgrounds and the cute expressions the characters made.

I loved Randall and Parker’s matching red glasses because I thought they were SO CUTE! My favorite character was Parker because she always encouraged Randall and pushed him out of his comfort zone. I recommend this book to people who like cute stories about imaginary friends or just good friendships.


French Cooking Academy: 100 Essential Recipes for the Home Cook

Stephane Nguyen moved from his native France to America and after a while discovered he missed real French food. He did a lot of research and taught himself how to create authentic French cuisine. He and his wife started the French Cooking Academy online cooking school to share their expertise. They have gathered one hundred recipes they consider essential for those wanting to create authentic French dishes at home.

They start with two pages of tips, followed by French Staples with recipes for stocks, dressings, and sauces needed for the recipes in the rest of the book. Sections include Small Bites for All Occasions; Timeless Salads, Soups, and Appetizers; Mouthwatering Meats and Poultry; Dishes from the Sea; Classic and Regional Sides; and Treats, Tarts, and Desserts to Please Everyone. Each recipe has an introductory paragraph, a good ingredients list, thorough instructions, and a gorgeous colored photograph of the finished product.

This is written for an American audience and the ingredients are those one can find at a local supermarket. The writing is conversational and friendly, making the process not at all intimidating. Don’t miss the Slow-Cooked Beef in Dark Belgian Beer or the Potato Gratin with Mushrooms.


How Cats Say I Love You / Cómo los gatos dicen te quiero

Cats are finicky animals. This book is perfect for cat lovers and learning all about your feline friend. How Cats Say I Love You is a cool book, not only because it is a bilingual book but because it is full of information and fun to read. Like most animals, cats talk with their bodies, and various meows, since they don't have actual words. This book helps you to know how cats will hold their tails and ears when they are feeling playful, mad, or curious.

The illustrations in this book are fun. What I like most is how each page features a different type of cat and its owner. This is a great book for readers who are new to cat ownership or maybe someone who just wants to learn more about their cat.


The Bumblebee Garden

Ben is in the garden with his grandfather. The year is coming to an end, winter is on its way, and a fat bumblebee is buzzing by. When Ben wonders where it is going, Grandpa tells him the queen bumblebee will find a nest in the ground. There, in the spring, Ben learns, she will lay her eggs and feed her larva pollen from flowers. As bees collect pollen, they also spread pollen from one plant to another, allowing the flowers to turn to fruit, feeding us. The larva, after being fed, spin cocoons, where they will, over time, become bees. Ben wants to know if they can do something to help the bumblebees since they help to feed people. Grandpa is happy to show Ben the way.

Dawn Casey (author) and Stella Lim (illustrator) have created a beautiful picture book to help young readers understand the importance of bees to all of us in creating fresh produce for people to eat, and to show children how simple it is for them to support helpful insects as they pollinate plants that bring us food. The text is conversational and easy to understand. The illustrations beautifully support the text.


Degas & Cassatt: A Solitary Dance

Collaborations among avant-garde artists have always captured the imagination of art enthusiasts and scholars. Such partnerships have inspired creativity and innovation in style, perspective, and materials. Salva Rubio and artist Efa focuses on the decades-long friendship between Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, icons of the Impressionist movement. Degas, an artist who strongly critiqued the art establishment in Paris, has often held unorthodox views. Only a handful of his contemporaries could stand to be around him.

Arrogant and self-assured, it is a wonder that he fancied Cassatt, an American artist, who shared similar aesthetic sensibilities. Degas & Cassatt: A Solitary Dance details the precarious partnership between the two artists, who pursued their own visions while also colluding on shared aspirations to change the status quo in the 19th-century Parisian bourgeoisie.

While the friendship between the two artists has been documented in books and even featured in museum exhibitions, Rubio and Efa bring it to light in graphic novel format. Efa simulates the unique brush strokes of the famed artists in each frame, capturing the essence of Degas’ creative approach. Readers will come away with a refreshed understanding of how Degas and Cassatt led a group of iconoclasts who dreamed of novel ways to invite people from different backgrounds to engage in art.


T'ai Chi Classics: Illuminating the Ancient Teachings on the Art of Moving Meditation (Shambhala Classics)

T’ai Chi Classics is a wonderful place to start if you have never tried T’ai Chi but have always wanted to. The book explains a lot about the history of martial arts, especially that of T’ai Chi and integrates the basic facts about the practice. Even if you’re not new to T’ai Chi, this book is great for referencing different forms and techniques. I enjoyed reading about how to be mindful with ones energy and how to shift energy without making a single, physical movement. The book includes some simple illustrations of each form which is helpful when trying to figure out what each one looks like.

As someone who has dabbled in Qi Gong and T’ai Chi, I can appreciate the simple explanations about how to cultivate ch’i, how to turn it into jing, and how to shoong, or relax. While reading this book, I tried several of the exercises and found that the more I did them, the more I could feel my energy in different parts of my body. This ancient practice is wonderful for all ages and I would recommend this book to everyone.


The Weekend Retreat: A Novel

The Van Ness siblings have gathered for The Weekend Retreat, their annual celebration of Harper and Richard’s birthday, hosted at their winery estate. They’ve both brought their spouses and their younger brother Zach has brought his latest girlfriend, Lauren. The party is set to be huge, that is, until a storm starts brewing and it looks like the roads will be flooded. Guests start cancelling, except for one, who’s been there the whole time and is going to make sure every Van Ness secret comes out this weekend.

Here you have a classic tale of super-rich people full of secrets and backstabbing at a secluded location, which becomes even more so with a storm cutting off all communication or help. While it’s been done, it’s still an entertaining read even though most of the characters are pretty unlikeable. I enjoy it when writers add news excerpts telling you from the beginning that people will die. It makes it interesting trying to figure out which ones it will be, especially when they are all kind of jerks. If you enjoy murder mysteries, then I recommend this book.


The Star and the Strange Moon

No one knows the name Gemma Turnner, even though her disappearance is one of the greatest mysteries in the film world. One moment she was there, the next she was gone. The only thing strangers is how no one wants to talk about her or the movie she was in the middle of filming.

Christopher Kent has been haunted by Gemma since he was a boy, her photo being the thing that set his mother into a spiral. He's on the search for the truth and risks losing himself along the way.

A fantasy mystery on the verge of horror, The Star and the Strange Moon had a fantastic start, a fantastic middle, and a disappointing end. Not to say it was horrible, it just wasn't what I was expecting and was disappointed with the romance between Gemma and Christopher. He's been obsessed with her for years; he's her rescuer, yet it felt forced and boring.

I didn't particularly like Christopher, he had a one track mind and can't see the people around him. Gemma was better; a strong, stubborn, heroine that didn't need rescuing. Of course, until a handsome man shows up.

I did enjoy this book, though, it's fast paced and I finished it in a few sittings. There's heavy language scattered throughout.


Wild: Tales From Early Medieval Britain

Wild: Tales from Early Medieval Britain by Amy Jeffs is a full body experience.

It’s the type of book that you hold in your hands and can’t wait to find a place for on your nightstand. It’s visually enthralling, the detailed woodcuts on the cover and copper highlights drawing you in. Then you open the book, trace the original woodcuts with your finger, and begin to read. Jeffs’ atmospheric and lyrical prose brings the voices of earlier centuries alive. From a woman trapped inside a burial mound to medieval dreams of paradise, each of the stories and the accompanying explanation is a singular gem that, when put together, become a treasure hoard of words and images. In addition (for the true medieval geeks reading), the original Saxon poems and translations are pure joy, with lines that feel remarkably prescient about our own times and haunt long after reading.

“Gone are the days / when nations made sense; / gone are the kings and the emperors, / the gold-givers of yesteryear […] / the consensus collapsed, / now only the craven carry on.”

This is one of the few books that I’ll be exploring in audio also, since the audiobook uses songs in place of the woodcuts.


House of Open Wounds


The Friendship Club: A Novel

The Friendship Club is a sweet story about a group of women and is centered around main character, Marnie, who has her own successful cooking show on tv. The story takes place in Reno, Nevada and the group consists of Marnie, her production assistant Ellen, her intern Sophia, a woman named Nettie,  and her very pregnant daughter Bella. The lives of these women intersect everyday and both Marnie and Ellen who are a little older both end up finding that life in their later years can still be good, albeit different.

This book was well-written, although the women were a little annoying with the exception of Marnie who was very strong and the leader of the group. Ellen is vey wishy washy, Bella is all hormones, and Sophia makes a really stupid decision which gets her into trouble that she runs away from. I think Sophia is the worst character because her actions affect everyone in the story, especially her adoptive father, Sam, who is probably my second favorite character aside from Marnie.

Overall, this book is a very good ready about friendship, helping others, and generational differences.


Attacked!: Pearl Harbor and the Day War Came to America

Attacked! Pearl Harbor and the Day War Came to America by Marc Favreau is the true story behind December 7, 1941 (December 8 in Japan, because of the International Dateline). This book explores the points of view of different people who experienced the Pearl Harbor attack and lived through it. It goes in order of what happened at Pearl Harbor and follows the different character’s points of view as the attack happens, and in the aftermath.

I enjoyed this book because I love history. My great-grandma was a Marine in WWII and remembered Pearl Harbor! It was really incredible to read about a time that she remembered. These were just ordinary people who history happened to, and I like books like that a lot because it makes history more real. Our world is always changing and understanding history is important because it helps us decide what to do when big, tragic events like Pearl Harbor happen. I’m glad Marc Favreau wrote this book, so that kids like me, who love history, can learn more about important events like Pearl Harbor.


The Missing Witness: A Quinn & Costa Novel (A Quinn & Costa Thriller, 5)

The Missing Witness is the fifth book in the Quinn & Costa Novel series by Allison Brennan. Detective Kara Quinn is "on loan" to the FBI after a mission went wrong. Working closely with FBI Agent Matt Costa, she develops a sexual relationship with him but learns to keep him at arm's length because she doesn't know "how to love." When the human trafficker she is about to testify against gets killed, Kara knows there is something sinister going on.

Told from the viewpoints of both Kara and the woman who witnessed the murder, the reader is introduced to a situation where not everyone is playing fair.

Although I enjoyed the plot of this book, I felt like most of it dragged on and there was a lot of over-explaining of parts. I loved the part where Kara and the witness had to flee where they were to keep the witness safe because it was exciting, but a lot of the book was introducing new character after character which just became confusing. This was not my favorite book by Brennan by far.


Adventures in the Biostate

Andy Lazris's Adventures in the Biostate weaves a grand tale about a world where the people are ruled by extremists and health freaks. They claim they've created a society where people are living long and happy lives, crime and terrorism are almost nonexistent, and even diseases that kill people are no more. Marissa finds out she is deemed a threat to society and has no idea who reported her for her little slip-up. Could it be her doctor or ex-husband? Regardless, Marissa decides she won't go down without a fight. What does the future hold for our rebel protagonist? Join Marissa and other rebels in Adventures in the Biostate as secrets unravel and political battles wage on in a false utopian world.

The book's worldbuilding is in class on its own. I am still astounded by how real events are merged expertly with fictional ones, such as the mask controversy during COVID-19 and fictional characters who find wearing masks unnecessary. The book's democrat and liberal groups both have dangerous extremists who exploit the sophisticated system of the government despicably. A group called The Four Bs—representing beer, bowling, butts, and badass—go as far as taking out those who don't wear masks.

Though the story is told from multiple perspectives, it never veers too far off from a familiar point and the core themes of the narrative. I enjoyed the seamless blend of various intriguing themes, including dystopia, dance, discrimination, politics, education, health, science, romance, smoking, and more. The book offers several thought-provoking ideas, like smoking freely and trusting the healthcare system to keep you healthy. This concept calls attention to the irony of accepting unhealthy habits and trusting big pharma and a questionable health system instead of choosing healthier practices.

From the intricate backstories to the contrasting and unique personalities, the book hooks you with an interesting group of characters. Whether it's the female president who mysteriously disappears, Mic Medicine who is the world's most famous scientist and talks about the wonders of the biostate, or Ted who detested the liberal elites but later becomes the state's greatest executioner, each character adds intrigue and richness to the story.

Adventures in the Biostate is not only an engrossing fiction that's hard to put down for even a second, it's also a greatly insightful book that serves as a warning on the grim reality of a future of relying completely on modern systems as opposed to embracing natural, healthy living or asking important questions. Like Nineteen Eighty-Four and The Catcher in the Rye, there's a lot of truth hidden in Andy's book. It's a must-read!


Heavenly Empress: The Age of Wu Zetian: A Novel of Tang and Wu Zhou China

The Empress Wu Zetian is a fascinating figure. I’ve thought so ever since I saw a segment of a video about her in a series on Imperial China. She was cunning and ruthless, and she was able to use both manipulation and sheer power to become not only the empress but the empress regnant, ruling over China in her own name until her death due to old age. I was sure that any novel about her would be truly fascinating.

Heavenly Empress was not quite the novel I was looking for. At times it didn’t seem like a novel at all but like a textbook. Each chapter has multiple endnotes to help explain various cultural and linguistic aspects, which might otherwise be lost on readers unfamiliar with the setting. They can be easy to overlook, however, which led to some confusion on my part as I read.

That wasn’t the only thing which made the book difficult to read. Characters were often brought in with little to no explanation of who they were, and little to make them memorable beyond a brief statement of their significance in the grander story. Because Wu Zetian’s life was so long and contained so much, there are a host of these characters, and it was difficult to tell which ones deserved to be remembered later on and which could be set aside when their time was done.

Even following Wu Zetian herself could be difficult at times. Zetian was not her given name for her whole life, and for much of the book she is referred to instead by the title Tianhou. Other names and nicknames are given to her so quickly that it can be difficult to remember which names are hers and which belong to another woman.

I also felt the book lacked focus. As I said before, a great deal happened during Wu Zetian’s reign. To cover all of it with enough depth and characterization to make it memorable would likely take more than the five hundred pages in this book. Xiong is ambitious enough to attempt it, though, and leaps from the Imperial Palace and the center of power to various uprisings. At times, the uprisings are given only short segments in each chapter, making it even more difficult to keep track of them.

Heavenly Empress takes on an ambitious project, but in the end, I think most readers would be better suited by turning to an actual textbook.


Captain Sparky and the Pool Pirates

Sparky is a girl with a big imagination. She loves hanging around the shallow end of the pool, even though she can’t swim and doesn’t like getting her feet wet. One day, three wacky pirates emerge from the drain and they soon befriend Sparky. Both Sparky and the pirates learn from each other, like how the pirates show Sparky how to become a real pirate, and she teaches them some proper manners. After meeting them, Sparky finally thinks of the perfect story. Sparky’s story features her and the three pirates: Bobble, Gobble, and Wobble. The story is full of silly encounters, budding friendships, and loads of fun! Sparky is sure her story is true, but her classmates aren’t convinced.

Captain Sparky and the Pool Pirates is perfect for fans of Dory Fantasmagory. This book was a very charming and fun read. Sparky is a very creative and clever girl, making her a very fun and relatable character to root for. I like the contrast between Sparky’s smart personality versus the silly and carefree pirates, so it was hilarious when their dynamics clashed. I appreciate how all the characters are well thought out. I would’ve really enjoyed this book if it was available when I was a young child. Even though the author wrote an epilogue, I still hope the author will consider writing a sequel because I would love more adventures from Sparky.

The illustrations have a very cute and cartoony vibe, and it suits the book’s theme perfectly. The cover artwork is so playful and fun. It almost looks like a little whirlwind is surrounding Sparky. The detail in each character is amazing, but I like the illustrations of the pirates the best. Each pirate has a unique feature and has a slightly different outfit design. I really appreciate the illustrations in the book because it allows the reader to visualize all the characters and their zany facial expressions. I only wish there were more illustrations.

Kids will surely love reading about Sparky and the pirates on their adventures. I think young readers will enjoy reading this book because not only does it provide lots of pirate fun, it also shows them that they should believe in themselves. I recommend this book to all young pirate enthusiasts, and if you have an imaginary friend or if your child is imaginative like Sparky, this book will be right up your alley!


Captain Sparky and the Pool Pirates

Sparky, a cheeky fourth grader with a looming homework deadline, is racking her brain for inspiration. She paces the shallow end of her local public pool with red rubber boots on (to keep her feet dry) and her pet turtle in her pocket (to teach her how to swim). The homework assignment: Write a story to read in front of the class. The due date: Tomorrow. Her mother offers plenty of suggestions, but Sparky declares them all dead ends.

The child at last finds inspiration when three totally real pirates — Gobble, Bobble, and Captain Wobble — emerge from the pool drain and offer to teach Sparky how to be a pirate if she teaches them how to be nice. It's an offer she can't refuse, and as a bonus, she can use the experience as fuel for her story. Forget everything you might know about 18th century pirates — the crew of this pool-drain-sailing ship has more in common with the Lost Boys of Neverland. They play all night and sleep all day, and they avoid land for too long for fear of the dreaded “landlubber fever.”

Sparky prepares her nicest outfit for pirate life (cutting her favorite pants off at the knees and writing “PIRATE” across her nicest silk shirt, now dotted with scissor-cut holes) and then takes off with her new crew. Down the drain they go, here, there, everywhere, and even "Elsewhere," on a fun-filled adventure that bears a striking resemblance to the story ideas offered by Sparky's mother.

The tale is narrated by Sparky herself as she reads it aloud to her class, with plenty of interruptions from her fellow students. Classmate Billy insists her story can't be true, not even a little. Bucky doesn't believe in pirates. Others can't be sure but insist Sparky continue so they can find out what happens next. Sparky fields these interruptions with grace and proudly continues with her story that deals with patience, sharing, conflict, anxieties, and even minor sensory issues.

Captain Sparky and the Pool Pirates is delightfully odd, providing a bizarre-but-satisfying mixture of Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo and Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones series. Author T.E. Antonio's charming prose and easy-to-digest story should appeal to a wider audience than the book’s early-reader presentation might suggest.  It’s weird, it’s funny, and it’s cute, sure to put a smile on any young reader’s face — and, as I can personally attest, the face of any parent reading it to their kids.


A Flash In Time

Strange things are happening in New Mexico.

It begins with a scientific experiment, an antenna meant to facilitate communication using the Earth itself as a transmitter. However, when it is activated, parts of the Earth itself begin to disappear, including the people on it. Body parts are found at the edges of the vanished areas, sliced cleanly off the bodies which are… where? No one can say. The police and the scientists who created the antenna must work together to stop this before it goes too far.

Meanwhile, the people who vanished are caught up in their own horror and must find their own way to survive.

It’s a compelling concept, but the execution falls short. The characters felt flat and stereotyped, with little to distinguish them beyond a perfunctory description and occasionally some quirks of dialogue. The names were distinctive enough that I could determine who was who, but beyond that, I found myself lost. I also didn’t have much of a reason to feel invested in them. They felt more like incidental people, there to react to the plot rather than to push it forward.

A plot-driven story isn’t a bad thing at all, but it does require that the reader be able to follow the plot. In this case, the narration became a stumbling block. The internal monologue of the characters slowed down the action and sometimes drowned out descriptions of settings and events. The narrative tone was also distracting. The dry attempts at humor took away from the tension, and some of the cultural references were dated enough to leave me baffled, especially when they were applied to descriptions of various characters. Sudden jumps between scenes or into flashbacks also made it difficult to follow the action, and they would have made more sense if they were clearly marked out.

I gave the book two stars rather than one because it does a good job of establishing the stakes. The descriptions of the aftermath of pieces of the Earth disappearing are intense and visceral without crossing the line into overt gore, and the tension and confusion the characters feel is well-written. The mystery of exactly what is happening and what, if anything, can be done about it is a compelling one, and one I would otherwise have very much enjoyed reading.

As a whole, I would recommend giving this book a pass. There are other, better sci-fi thrillers out there.


A Flash In Time

A high-concept, action-packed, and truly explosive science fiction novel set in a recognizable if somewhat advanced version of the near present-day United States, J.N. Frye’s A Flash In Time blends the concepts of time slips and alternative realities with the conventions of the thriller genre to provide a perplexing puzzle that hinges on the danger posed by both unchecked power, government conspiracies, and possible alien invaders.

A long-running, highly secret, and deeply controversial government project being conducted at E-R-Mag Labs, buried far within and under Sandia Mountain in the New Mexico desert, is due to reach fruition after 13 tortuous years on May 30, 2006. The ENet project and the many associated failures have dominated the involved scientists’ lives for over a decade and the program manager is determined that it will finally be finished, although Doctor Joan Rand is very concerned about the wisdom of going ahead with the latest and supposedly final test.

It rapidly turns out that she was right to be worried, as switching on the ENet antenna causes a massive explosive that triggers a blinding white flash of light over the nearby town and somehow leads to the disappearance of the “Silver Tree,” an out-of-place oak tree decorated with metal streamers, which takes two local teenagers with it. As events quickly spiral out of control, there are more disappearances of people and landmarks, and then dismembered corpses start showing up.

As the devastation spreads in the wider world, Corporal Ivanov “Ivey” Longfeather of the Sandia Mountain Reservation Sheriff’s Department and Detectives Jaylee Washington and Bart Williams from the local police force form a joint task force to investigate events and discover the cause of the mysterious disappearances. While their investigation is initially thwarted by the secrecy at E-R-Mag Labs, things soon become so bad that the scientists and government authorities have no choice but to cooperate.

But what of the disappeared themselves? Where are they being taken and why are certain body parts being left behind/returned? Could there really be alien involvement? Many complex questions need answering, but first, the detectives and scientists need to find a way to shut ENet down and so prevent it from having any more deadly consequences. Unfortunately, the antenna seems to have evolved to develop its own purpose, and it’s not going to give up on that purpose easily.

The action and danger come thick and fast in A Flash In Time, as the bloody devastation unleashed by each surge of the ENet antenna causes the story’s body count to rise rapidly. J.N. Frye has crafted a singular concept for a thrill-packed science fiction novel and provided the advanced yet plausible technology necessary to make it possible. The world-building is really very good in this regard, with a lot of thought having gone into balancing the recognizable and futuristic elements of the story in such as way as to make it all scarily believable.

But while the formulation of the story is impressive, the execution lets it down somewhat. It can be difficult to follow what is happening sometimes, particularly during shifts from scene to scene and when immersed in characters’ internal monologues. Better indication of such changes would have added clarity to the story. Moreover, the characters themselves do not always come across as naturally as they should, especially during episodes of banter-like dialogue. Still, A Flash In Time is an exciting and fast-paced story that ventures into intriguing alien territory.


A Flash In Time

The scientists at ER Mag Labs are committed to seeing their new project through to completion, despite several setbacks in the past. They had developed an expensive, very technologically advanced, and revolutionary antenna. Strange events start happening in an attempt to get it to function. Bart and the other police officers are made aware of these things. There were abrupt disappearances, most notably of an oak tree that vanished without a trace and the disappearance of two teenagers.

Later, it was claimed that objects and individuals had been sliced in half. The scientists are told to cease operations right away by the security staff. However, the antenna has evolved into an uncontrollably destructive electrical energy absorber. The worst part is that more disappearances occur as it recharges. But it turned out that these individuals had been transported to a whole different location and were being attacked by an odd group of extraterrestrials. The race to stop the electrical force and save the victims begins.

The tale centers on the iconic police team of Jaylee and Bart, who have different personalities and physical characteristics. The 6'6" solid Black Jaylee stands in stark contrast to the older, white detective Bart, who is almost retirement age. A Master Sergeant in the Army challenges Bart's early racial preconceptions, causing a profound change in his perspective. Because Bart saved Jaylee from a life of crime, the two of them establish an unbreakable bond that highlights the book's themes of friendship and atonement.

The protagonists fight with existential anxieties, deal with personal setbacks, and deal with the impending catastrophe of events linked to the Sandia mountain range. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into the themes of racial biases, personal development, and the perseverance of people overcoming adversity. With a dynamic backdrop that combines urban crime and nature scenery, the novel presents a realistic portrait of characters moving beyond cliches. Although there was a lot of scientific jargon in the book, which could dull readers, it still had potential. I became weary of studying unrealistic equipment and seeing a lot of numbers. Although fans of science fiction might find it fascinating.

It was also difficult to keep up with the abrupt introduction of too many characters, in my opinion. Additionally, the author frequently strayed from the plot at the beginning of the book by describing unimportant details. However, all in all, A Flash in Time by John N. Frye was an intriguing science fiction novel.


A Flash In Time

A long-running government project is nearing a pivotal moment. Results are expected as the funding costs have reached exorbitant amounts. Corporal Ivanov Longfeather is a member of the tribal police keeping watch over the Sandia Mountain reservation area. The tranquility of his shift is abruptly interrupted by a noticeable surge in energy in the air around him. Longfeather feels different and notices the aberrant behavior of wildlife he comes across. He begins to question his mindset with every passing second. This unease is only heightened once he descends the mountain heights and temperature anomalies compete with the sudden disappearance of a local monument for high strangeness.

As the morning progresses, the weirdness becomes the norm as a pair of mutilated bodies are located, the parts belonging to an unknown male and female. Detective Jaylee Washington is a seasoned homicide cop coming off the adrenaline rush from his latest case when he and his partner are assigned the case of the maimed bodies. The joint investigation between the detectives and Longfeather leads them to a government-backed laboratory. Their efforts at obtaining answers are stymied by one of the chief doctors at the lab. Washington believes there is something covert if not sinister going on at E-R Mag Labs.

The next surge of energy occurs and the display of power is noticed by everyone in the immediate vicinity, and not everyone emerges unscathed. Washington and his fellow law enforcement brethren pay a return visit to the labs, demanding immediate answers. The situation is rapidly spiraling out of control and even the lab scientists are worried. A weapon has been unleashed capable of unimaginable death and destruction. The police need to be informed on how to deal with the crisis before the next event.

Pandemonium is all around as a government experiment goes haywire in the opening pages of A Flash in Time. The pacing of the plot is effective as the calm before each event disarms the reader’s defenses only to be shocked with every successive calamity. There are multiple themes in the book that play out in the chapters: man’s meddling with nature, the frustrating inaction of government bureaucracy, collaboration in times of crisis, and the appreciation of the important things in life. The various characters from Washington to his partner/mentor Bart to Longfeather bring depth, humor, and compassion to the story. This book is a winner from start to finish, a sci-fi adventure with heart.


Our Report

With all the numbers that appear in the Bible (one of the books is even called Numbers), it should surprise no one that some biblical scholars make numerology their focus, both in and out of the academic sphere. Every so often, there is a news story about someone who has used those numbers to find a secret key that tells the day of the Rapture, when the end of the world will begin. These predictions have been happening for centuries, and the days invariably pass by without incident.

Ruperto Punsalan’s book takes a new (to me) approach. He takes the numeric value of each letter of the alphabet (A=1, B=2, C=3, etc.) and adds all the letters in a given word together. (CAT, for example, would be 3+1+20, or 24.) He then goes a step further and adds the digits of the final number together, repeating as necessary until all that is left is a single digit. (In this case, 2+4=6.) By this method, he says, you can find the secret meaning of any word and determine connections between words which can be “fused” to form the same number.

It’s a simple system, and accessible to anyone who can hold several numbers in their head at once to perform addition or who has a calculator handy. Less simple is what the system is meant to lead to. Punsalan says outright that any of the numbers could be positive or negative, and it would not show in the value outright. (In mathematical terms, we are only finding the absolute value.) Everything boils down to interpretation, which makes for a wishy-washy system of understanding a holy text.

That basically sums up how I felt about the book as a whole. Over a hundred pages are dedicated to “fusing” words and hinting at what meanings they might have and the connections between them. (Many of the words are athletes’ names or sports teams.) This quickly grew dull. The rest of the book was interesting mainly in its oddity. Throughout, Punsalan oversimplifies and occasionally misspells, leading me to doubt his method. (The Colorado hockey team is revered to as the Avalance, for example.) The book also falls prey to the heresy of Americanism, overemphasizing the United States based on the weight given to a few coincidences.

There are no doubt mysteries and wonders hidden in the world, perhaps even in the Bible itself. I do not think, however, that they can be summed up as simply as they are in this book.


Our Report

Our Report by Ruperto Punsalan offers a unique perspective on Christianity and the meanings of key passages from the Bible by combining the fields of numerology and biblical interpretation. The book introduces a novel concept that Punsalan terms “Number Fusion,” which he states “will unlock the ambiguity of the Bible when it comes to prophecies.” Through this concept, Punsalan explores the interconnections among major prophecies from both the Old and New Testaments, seeking to render their implications clear to a twenty-first century audience.

Simply put, the Number Fusion process entails assigning each of the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet a numerical value (e.g., A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, etc.) and then using those values when breaking down significant words in order to calculate the fixed numerical symbols associated with them. The first example of this that Punsalan offers is the word “COURAGE,” the numerical symbol for which can be calculated as follows: 3 (C) + 15 (O) + 21 (U) + 18 (R) + 1 (A) + 7 (G) + 5 (E) = 70. Next, 7 + 0 = 7, which makes “7” the numerical symbol for “COURAGE.”

The math is certainly clear here, although the purpose is unfortunately not. While it is possible to calculate a numerical value of every word, what is the reason for doing so? What do the resultant values indicate or mean? More importantly, beyond the mere possibility of performing such calculations, why do words have numerical values? Who or what made things this way? Punsalan doesn’t address these issues in any great depth, but he suggests the key outcome is whether the final number is a positive or negative integer, indicating a word to have a positive or negative meaning.

Expanding on this, Punsalan concentrates on words giving rise to positive and negative sevens and sixes due to the frequency with which these numbers occur in the Book of Revelation, most notably in terms of “666” being the mark of the Beast. Again, the whys and the wherefores are lacking, and it is unclear if the Bible actually intends to convey anything through this math. If letters are assigned numerical values and then those values are used for the purpose of addition until the final calculation gives rise to a single-digit value, every word will certainly have such a value, but why?

Aside from the biblical interpretation, Punsalan also applies the Number Fusion concept to a selection of important dates from U.S. history, seemingly suggesting a link between, for example, the “911” emergency number and the events of 9/11. The numbers are, of course, the same here, but the possibility of a coincidence really needs to be considered. What’s more, selecting the numbers associated with only certain events could result in a self-fulfilling prophecy when searching for meaning. The same is true when Punsalan applies the process to events from his own life.

Our Report offers an interesting mix of numerological, historical, and biographical elements, and the math that Punsalan presents certainly works out. However, the book is rather densely written and overly full of repetitive examples, despite overlooking the key aspect of why what is discussed is significant and whether it can really be said to be intentional. Its novelty lies in its unique numerical interpretation of key biblical passages (or prophecies), but this could be achieved in far less pages and with far less references to extraneous matters.


Our Report

Ruperto Punsalan's Our Report presents a new Christian theology and reveals the link between computations of host numbers and information from the Bible. As it explores a concept named Number Fusion, the book interprets the Bible and proves that the United States is proof of God's promises. It also touches on theological concepts, divisions in Christianity, and some important prophecies in the Bible. You will get to see Ruperto's comprehensive interpretation of Revelation 13:18 and the significance of calculating the number of the beast (666).

Besides the analysis of biblical concepts, Ruperto explores personal experiences, such as the difficulties he faced while immigrating to the USA, family separation, and his struggles with smoking. Find yourself a calculator and prepare to fuse "a set of numbers into a single digit" to make sense of some complex biblical concepts in the book.

I found the author's thoroughness and attention to detail quite impressive. His sophisticated analyses include scientific observations, numeric figures from the Bible, and US historical data. Since I studied economics and I love numbers, I found it fascinating to see that several numbers in US history share some similarities, such as the addition of the numbers of the 56 Founding Fathers and July Four (7 and 4) both making 11. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the book contains many similar numeric observations.

Punsalan's tone is conversational and communicative enough to keep the reader engaged in the parts dedicated to essays about his personal life, the history of the US, and biblical messages. This conversational tone is evident when he questions theological concepts with such statements as, "Now, do you know the values of this old, ancient praying hand?"

The book's stance on the Bible and its bold new approach to decoding the scriptures might feel outlandish to a good portion of the audience. I felt the volume of pages dedicated to numbers may serve its intended purpose with fewer pages. Furthermore, the book includes a complex mix of personal experiences, historical analyses, theological discussions, and other themes that might further confuse the reader.

This book is recommended to numerology enthusiasts and seekers of the hidden truths in the Bible. However, readers who don't like numbers or calculations might find it quite complex. Still, its exploration of US history, the Bible, and the author's personal life presents an enlightening, mentally stimulating experience. And since it is rife with scriptures and biblical prophecies, Our Report offers a chance to connect with the word of God and stick to a path of righteousness, especially for readers who like numbers and fancy seeing the scriptures from a new light.


Our Report

My knowledge of numerology before now was quite limited. I have read about it previously in a book but didn't think too much of it. Partly because the book made it seem complex and I didn't consider myself spiritual enough to learn more about the concept. I have read most of the Bible, but I'm more of an average reader. I didn't dive deeper to understand the true meaning of some of the passages.

I was intrigued by the concept of Number Fusion, which the author described as the merging, mixing, or combining of different items to form another item. It was a simple addition process to find the relationship between numbers. The author placed most of his focus on the numbers seven and six, as they were used multiple times in the Book of Revelation. The Book of Genesis and the Book of Revelation are two important pillars of Christianity and serve as a guide for every Christian to better understand God's purpose for mankind. So, this book will be helpful for anyone who wants to understand the impact and link of the words used in the biblical passages.

One thing I realized when he computed some common words was that most words that sound positive often have a positive seven or six. And the words that sound negative will likely have a negative seven or six. For example, while computing a word like AMEN, it goes like this: 1+13+5+14=33; 3+3=6. However, I don't think this would work for most scenarios; it could be a coincidence only.

This book was a lot to take in. The author discussed various aspects of American history and analyzed various words in the Bible, trying to show the significance of the words and their numerology. He would talk about a certain portion of the Bible, bring up a few important words, and start calculating their values. Seeing these calculations too much in the book got exhausting.

This book is not aimed at entertaining readers; rather, it serves to educate. It takes a level of determination to be able to read this book to the end, and if you don't have vast knowledge of the Bible, you'll find the book challenging. I think this book shouldn't have been this long. Since the author has made his point clear, he doesn't need to go on and on about it.

Our Report by Ruperto Punsalan is a thought-provoking read. And I recommend it to Christians who want to deepen their faith and better understand the significance of numerology.


Always Remember: Ben's Story (A Ravenswood Novel)

Lady Jennifer Arden has not walked on her own in years, not since a childhood illness left one leg twisted and useless to her. Ben Ellis is the illegitimate son of an earl with a daughter of his own. When they meet, there is instant affection, but as that affection blossoms into attraction, they find themselves held back by what society would consider their shortcomings. Eager as they are to follow their dreams, it is hard for them to see that their dreams will lead them to each other.

Always Remember is a charming story, with a pair of deeply charming characters. Even before Ben and Jennifer realized they were in love with each other, I had already fallen in love with them. It was a soft, tender book, exactly the sort of thing I enjoy on cold winter nights.

I could only have enjoyed it more if it were a little less wordy. At times the narration and the thoughts of the characters grew repetitive, and the focus on the inner lives of Ben and Jennifer at times left secondary plot lines and characters far enough in the background that I was in danger of forgetting them. On the whole, though, I expect this will be a much-loved romance.


Miss Morgan's Book Brigade

Fans of Janet Skeslien Charles's other works will love her latest historical novel, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. Told in two different timelines, the story reveals the power and passion of women who fight to protect others even, at times, at a cost to themselves.

Librarian Jessie "Kit" Carson, what some in 1918 would call an old maid at forty, is invited to join the American Committee of Devastated France as a CARD. Her role will be to share books with children whose lives have bene upended by war, but when she arrives in France, she is unprepared for the danger and destruction she encounters. Still, she rolls up her sleeves and begins to work alongside her fellow CARDs to bring some semblance of peace to displaced civilians, some of whom have lost everyone they love.

Kit's counterpart, Wendy Peterson (also a librarian and would-be fiction writer) in the 1980s, is less interesting than the woman she discovers while documenting artifacts in the New York Public Library archive. While Kit's story is filled with intrigue and heart and a clear and specific devotion a cause, to the beauty of books and their power to save us, Wendy's character is less developed and decidedly more annoying. She pines after a fellow archivist so much that she comes across as a lovelorn teenager, and her need to be liked is rather, well unlikable.

Still, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is a fascinating look at the CARDs who served during World War One, and while the story is fictionalized, Skeslien Charles' inclusion of her historical references at the end of the book open the door to even more research about these incredible women for those who want to learn more.


Above the Trenches (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #12)

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: Above the Trenches, A WWI Flying Ace Tale by Nathan Hale (the author, not the spy) is about World War One flying aces and it’s super cool.

Did you know that American pilots in WWI flew for the French military? They did! A flying ace is a pilot that has five confirmed kills. These American flying aces flew as a volunteer squadron, flying for the Lafayette Escadrille. We learned all about that and more, such as how they joined the squadron, where they learned to fly, and their fates in the skies.

 In this story, all the people are animals because it’s a confusing war because there’s a lot of people, so the people are represented by their national animal. Just so readers are prepared for that! There are some funny bits, like in all Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, like at the training grounds and at the aerodrome. But there’s a lot of history too, told in the silly, fun way of all Nathan Hale books. I hope other readers love this book and learn as much as I did!


I Want a Lion!

In I Want a Lion!, a young boy wakes up one day to propose a crazy variety of animals as pets to his mother: a lion, a hippopotamus, an orangutan, a goat, and a parrot. The boy’s mother points out the drawbacks of each animal. The lion is dangerous. A hippo will get mud everywhere. An orangutan will break all glasses. A goat will eat his father’s underwear, both clean and dirty. A parrot is too noisy.

The boy rejects all of his mother’s suggestions: a stick insect, a goldfish, a hamster, a tortoise, a rabbit and a cat. Finally, they agree on a dog and go to the shelter to find a small dog that smells like flowery soap. Instead, the boy, triumphant in his real quest, finds a vibrant, furry bundle of joy.

I Want a Lion! is a hilarious tale of a boy’s machinations to get his mother to agree to a pet. Here, however, the illustrations almost steal the show in their vivid celebration of color. Together the words and illustrations make an irresistible combination. Beware, however: this book may to lead to interesting conversations about pets.


Cats Are Great BUT (It's Great to Have a Pet, 2)

I liked this book!! The little girl in Cats Are Great But… by Stepanka Sekaninova, illustrated by Adam Wolf wants a cat really badly, but how can she convince her parents to let her get a cat? First, she grows a plant to show her parents that she can be responsible, but when she gets a kitten, cat-ownership is not all it’s cracked up to be!

The girl and reader learn a lot about cats in this book. Like why they scratch furniture, why they don’t like closed doors, why they are so hairy, and what to do about it. And much more!!

I learned a lot about cats from this book. Our cats make SO MUCH more sense now. (They even ask to go outside, by tapping the door handle!) This is a great book to help other kids understand their cats too. Cats might be problems sometimes, but they can be sweethearts too. I hope other kids read this so they can better understand their cat and why they act the way they do.


What Should I Wear To Work? (Mixed-Up Fashion)

Wearing the proper clothing to work is important, and if you are wearing the wrong clothing, then no matter how comfortable it feels, it will not work. That is the conceit of this slim children’s book as people in different career fields are confused if they are wearing the right outfit to work only to realize wearing a tutu while being a chef is not the right attire or conducting a symphony orchestra while wearing pajamas or a hockey goalie wearing a chef’s outfit.

On the opposite pages of each career readers will see the different outfits, gear, and accessories one would have for the different careers, which range from nurses, doctors, chefs, dancers, firefighters, flight attendant, car wash worker, and more. At the end of the book all the people are dressed in the clothing they need to be successful on the job.

This book is designed for young children to identify certain items that go with certain areas of the workforce with their parents. The art is fairly easy to follow and engaging, giving young children a glimpse into the working world.


Extreme Survival: How People, Plants, and Animals Live in the World's Toughest Places

English writer Ben Lerwill and illustrator Daniel Long combine their talents to escort a pre-adolescent audience through some of the more challenging biotas found in and out of this world. Travel through the world from one pole to the other and experience the frigid atmosphere while checking out penguins in Antarctica or narwhals and polar bears in the northern Arctic.

In a bit warmer environ, visit the North American coniferous boreal forests and their animal life, be especially wary of the bears. Examine the oceans and its sea creatures, or visit a rainforest and discover blowpipes.

Shift from the humid climes and find oneself marooned on a desert island or in the Australian outback, and learn to survive in these barren areas, or escape to mountainous regions such as the Alps or the Himalayas and become acquainted with the denizens which make their homes in these settings.

Finally, think about the challenge of life in outer space and how it feels to live on the international space station.

Each of a dozen challenging settings are illustrated in glowing colors to further enhance the captivating facts and short intriguing details that depict these regions. It is a masterful composite of exciting text embellished with captivatingly exciting artwork.