A Little Bit Different

author: Claire Alexander
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/29
date added: 2019/09/29
shelves: childrens
review:
'A Little Bit Different' with words and pictures by Claire Alexander is an allegory about accepting those who are different.

The ploofers are creatures that look like balloons. They have been practicing something they all want to do together. When one of the ploofers does something different, no one knows how to react. That ploofer is left on the outside, until someone else comes along and encourages everyone to accept the difference.

This book works well for small children to help them understand that it's ok for others to be different, and it does it in, I think, a pretty accessible way. The illustrations are a bit simple, but they get the truth of the story across well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War

author: Mireille Messier
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/29
date added: 2019/09/29
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War' by Mireille Messier with illustrations by Kass Reich is a picture book that shows how often truth is stranger than fiction.

A group of Canadian soldiers on their way to World War I, made a stop in a prairie town. They find a young girl named Daisy with a goat, and they ask if they can take the goat with them. She makes them promise to bring the goat back unharmed.

The goat becomes a kind of mascot and good luck charm. At one point the soldiers head to the front, but the goat isn't supposed to go, so the soldiers think of a clever way to smuggle a goat into the dangerous trenches at the front.

I loved this true story of a goat who helped morale. The book ends with some real pictures and talks about where in Saskatchewan you can find out more. The illustrations are also fun with rounded looking characters and a goat with quite the personality.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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An ABC of Equality

author: Chana Ginelle Ewing
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/09/29
date added: 2019/09/29
shelves: childrens
review:
'An ABC of Equality' by Chana Ginelle Ewing with illustrations by Paulina Morgan is a board book with a definite agenda. If you agree with that agenda, you will love this book. If you don't, you won't. My review is asking if it works as a board book for toddlers.

Teaching equality is a noble aim, and I understand what the author is attempting. Unfortunately, I think it conceptually fails on a few levels. One function of an ABC book is to teach the very young the letters we use to form words. Usually these are accompanied by illustrations that help serve as mnemonic devices to remember, like an apple or a zebra. Here the illustrations are for concepts like belief or ability. While I like the illustrations, they don't convey anything memorable for little readers.

Secondly, each entry is accompanied by text to explain things, and for the very young, I think these are a bit wordy and don't actually explain things well enough. I'm not sure how a three year old would get the concept of transgender or xenophobia. Books can inform conversations, but concepts like these are not be as easy.

I like the concept and the colorful illustrations. I just don't think it works as a book for the very young.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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King Mouse

author: Cary Fagan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves: childrens
review:
'King Mouse' by Cary Fagan with illustrations by Dena Seiferling is a beautifully illustrated book but the story was just ok.

Mouse finds a crown in the woods that fits and decides to be a ruler over other animals that come by like Crow and Bear. When most of the other animals also find crowns, that leaves one feeling left out. Mouse chooses kindness over kingship, and so makes the best choice of all.

The illustrations and story remind me a bit of the classic Little Bear stories. I really do like the lesson of the story. It just felt a bit bland. I like the illustrations as well. They are in muted earth tones. This would be a good quiet time book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden

author: Heather Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden' by Heather Smith with illustrations by Rachel Wada is a story adapted from a beautiful and poignant true story.

Makio lives in a village and he likes to stand with Mr. Hirota and watch his father head out to sea. When a tsunami destroys his village, Makio doesn't know how to deal with his grief. Mr. Hirota understands and builds a phone booth in his garden that is not connected to anything. Makio sees other villagers go to the phone booth and "make calls" to those they've lost. Can this help Makio?

The story is touching, but told in a really gentle way for younger readers. The illustations are in a Japanese style and are beautiful. I think this might make a good gift for a child who has lost someone important to them. It may help them through the grieving process.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Children's Home

author: Charles Lambert
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.91
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves:
review:
'The Children's Home' by Charles Lambert is a moody book about a disfigured recluse and the people who enter his life.

Morgan Fletcher lives in a sprawling estate. We aren't told where or when. There are clues that it may not be on our world at all. The artifacts in his home are strange, like the wax figure of a pregnamt woman with a hinged womb containing a baby. When a couple children show up, Morgan takes them in. Then more and more start appearing. Morgan and the town physician, Dr. Crane, set out to try to figure out where these mysterious children seem to be coming from.

I liked this atmospheric tale, and I really liked the prose. For those looking for a specific story arc, this may be a disappointment. Morgan is more of an observer than a protagonist, and the ending left me with more questions than answers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Scribner, Gallic Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Apple Cake: A Gratitude

author: Dawn Casey
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves: childrens
review:
'Apple Cake: A Gratitude' by Dawn Casey with illustrations by Genevieve Godbout is a simple rhyming picture book with a message about being grateful.

A young child wanders outside with a huge satisfied smile on her face. She is thankful for all that she sees from hedges to bees to even the rain. She is thankful for all the things that provide food, and her friends. We find out her journey has been showing many of the things that go into making apple cake. The book ends with a recipe to make apple cake.

I love this rhyming journey of gratitude. I especially love the illustrations by Genevieve Godbout. They are lush and beautiful. I'm a big fan of anything she illustrates.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Enough

author: Subir Chowdhury
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
'The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Enough' by Subir Chowdhury is an inspiring book about developing a caring mindset and what that can do for you.

Using the acronym STAR, this short book then adds chapters on straightforwardness, thoughtfulness, accountability and resolve, the 4 attributes. The idea is to create a caring mindset. This affects how you act when you see a toothpick on the ground or a hungry child looking for food in a drain. What would happen to our lives and those around us if we had this kind of caring mindset?

Using lots of anecdotes and stories from his own life, this book is like having a conversation with someone. The writing style is affable and friendly. The concepts are piercing and challenging. I'm glad I had a chance to read this book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Ghost Of Gaudi

author: El Torres
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.53
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Ghost of Gaudi' by El Torres with art by Jesus Alonso Iglesias is a graphic novel about a weird series of murders in Barcelona around the architect Antoni Gaudi's sites.

In what seem to be two unrelated stories at first, a young woman sees what my be the ghost of Gaudi, and a police inspector is investigating very gruesome murders at the site of Gaudi's marvelous buildings. Things build as the police begin to shut down tourist sites with the discovery of more murders and the woman finds herself the possible next victim of the killer.

The art is really good. The city and buildings are detailed and amazing. The story isn't bad, but the gruesomeness of the murder scenes kind of threw me off because the gore didn't seem to need to be there. The story has a couple twists and turns.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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40 Inspiring Icons: Music Legends: Meet 40 pop and rock stars

author: Hervé Guilleminot
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/28
date added: 2019/09/28
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Music Legends: Meet 40 pop and rock stars' by Herve Guilleminot with illustrations by Jerome Masi is a collection of 40 different pop and rock stars in an iconography form.

Starting with Elvis, then quickly jumping in the mid-1960s, the book features forty stars or bands up to the band Arcade Fire. There is a pretty good representation of the 70s and 80s, then it falls off in later years. Bands like The Doors, The Velvet Underground and U2 are here as well as Madonna and Beyonce.
I was puzzled by the addition of Blur, Arcade Fire and Daft Punk, but to each their own, I suppose. Each act gets a two page treatment with an icon version of the band featuring iconic styles. There is a list of important dates or albums, and a brief bio of the band.

It's a pretty brief overview of 50+ years of music, but perhaps it works to introduce readers to new bands they may be less familiar with.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Kriss: The Gift of Wrath

author: Ted Naifeh
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/25
date added: 2019/09/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kriss: The Gift of Wrath' by Ted Naifeh with art by Warren Wucinich is a story about a young man who doesn't fit in and the help he finds when he needs it.

Kriss doesn't look like the people in his village. He was found when he was a baby, and his pale skin makes him stand out. He also lives with an abusive father figure. The only person who gets him is Anja, the blacksmith's daughter. Together, they discover the mythic figures of Kriss' country. Kriss hears them talk to him, and they help fill him with rage when he needs strength, but that rage has a downside.

I'm a fan of Ted Naifeh's particularly moody stories, and this one was just as good. Warren Wucinich's art is great. I like his goth take on Kriss as well as the design of the ancestors.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Red Suitcase

author: Giles Baum
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.94
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/25
date added: 2019/09/25
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Red Suitcase' by Giles Baum with illustrations by Amandine Piu is a picture book about packing up and starting over.

This book follows a young alligator as he packs up from his former home, which is stormy, and moves somewhere else. The journey may be long, and things may be strange in the new place. Courage is needed, but there are also rewards.

I've read that this is about the journey of refugees, but there isn't much to go on besides dark weather in the old place. The illustrations work, and it's a short read. I just think the message that the authors think they are conveying will be lost.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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When We Walked on the Moon: Discover the dangers, disasters, and triumphs of every moon mission

author: David Long
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/24
date added: 2019/09/24
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'When We Walked on the Moon: Discover the dangers, disasters, and triumphs of every moon mission' by David Long with illustrations by Sam Kalda is a book for young readers that talks about the space race, then every Apollo mission afterward.

Starting with a few pages about the space race, the book quickly gets in to the amazing Apollo missions. Mission details, who the astronauts were, and what they thought are all highlights. The dangers and problems are also there. So are the sentimental things, like Charlie Duke leaving a photo of his family on the moon for future explorers to find.

I recently read a similar book for young readers, but this book really brought out the wonder of discovery, and finishes with a chapter on the legacy as well as what is next. The illustrations are nice and the book ends with bios of all the astronauts featured.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Cold Blood Samurai Volume 1

author: Massimo Rosi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/24
date added: 2019/09/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Cold Blood Samurai Vol. 1' with story by Massimo Rosi and art by Ludovica Ceregatti is a samurai story featuring anthropomorphic reptiles. My first reaction was that I've seen this before. I was pleasantly surprised.

In this story, frogs are the native species and others are the gaijin. A war is started over the death of an important child, and the war is pretty ruthless. A fierce samurai warrior who is a salamander has suffered a great loss. He has learned under an almost mythical teacher. He offers his skills in exchange for the one thing he wants: an honorable death.

I found it a bit hard to get in to this story. By the time the story ended, it made sense, and I enjoyed it. Part of it is that all the characters are reptiles, and the color scheme is similar. Ludovica Ceregatti makes the characters distinctive enough and I really liked the art.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Action Lab Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Milo's World Book One: The Land Under the Lake

author: Richard Marazano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2019/06/16
date added: 2019/09/24
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Milo's World Book One: The Land Under the Lake' written by Richard Marazano with art by Christophe Ferreira is a magical graphic novel about a young boy and a goldfish. And maybe a few things more.

Milo lives on his own. His mother is gone, and his dad works a lot away from home. Milo is looked after by his three eccentric aunts who bring him more food than he can possibly eat, but he is mostly left on his own. One day, in the local river, Milo finds a strange goldfish. He feeds it and it starts getting bigger. He also starts getting strange visitors asking about the weirdly large fish.

The art style looks just like the cover. It's kind of a painted animation style and I really liked it. I liked the story and the odd characters. This would be a fun read for younger readers.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Big Nate: Hug It Out

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/23
date added: 2019/09/23
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Big Nate: Hug It Out' by Lincoln Peirce is a collection of comics about the worlds silliest sixth-grader.

This time around, there are the usual hijinks, but also, Nate goes to spend time with his grandparents and talks them in to chaperoning field trip. Sherman the pet hamster in Mrs. Godfrey's class finds out he likes Cheez Doodles. Nate goes to the fair and rides a scary ride with a cute girl, then she disappears before he can get her name.

There is a lot to like about a new Big Nate collection, and the timing is as good as ever. The jokes are kind of familiar at this point, but that is comforting as a reader. I enjoy all of these collections I can get a chance to read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Witchy

author: Ariel Slamet Ries
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/09/23
date added: 2019/09/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Witchy' with art and story by Ariel Slamet Ries is a graphic novel full of beautiful art and an unusual world.

In the kingdom of Hyalin, the length of your hair determines how powerful your magic is, but grow it too long and you can be declared an enemy of the state. Nyneve lost her father years ago, and now hides the length of her hair using a spell. She attends a school that wants to recruit her, but she wants nothing to do with that. She does something unthinkable and is on the run.

I really liked this world and it's pretty good world-building. I loved the art which has a fluid and colorful style that drew me in on just about every page. The style is kind of minimal, but that works well to its advantage.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Just Beyond: The Scare School

author: R.L. Stine
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.71
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2019/09/21
date added: 2019/09/21
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Just Beyond: The Scare School' by R.L. Stine with art by Nichole Matthews and Kelly Matthews is a graphic novel for young readers with a spooky story. What could be more scary than school?

Scare School has a name that no sane parent would send their child. It's named after a mysterious headmaster. My review copy was missing the beginning of the story, so my story began with three kids in weird clothing being pursued down a hallway by scary creatures named droggs. They manage to escape into a school assembly. We then follow a story with some different kids and that's where the story manages to come together.

It's a confusing beginning to the story, but all gets explained for patient readers. The art is passable, but I found it confusing when it changed the story perspective as well. Overall, it doesn't seem all that scary, but I have been out of school for quite a few years. It could be a fun read for a reluctant reader.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Business Ground Rules: Be Great in Business

author: Tony Jeary
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/19
date added: 2019/09/19
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
‘Business Ground Rules: Be Great in Business’ by Tony Jeary and Peter Thomas is a set of 100 secrets to becoming successful, wealthy and having a richer life overall.

The book is divided into sections like Thinking, Leadership, People, and Health. Then it is subdivided in to bite-sized chunks like Live Life on Purpose and Create Elegant Solutions. There is really no progression of the ideas, so the reader could read this in just about any order. The precepts are really good for the most part and are motivating. The book at times feels like an ad for the authors’ consulting business, which I guess is to be expected. I just bristle at the nature of commercials in books.

I liked the book, and rather than grind away on topics, the nature of the book flows along pretty quickly. I also liked the reading list at the back for further inspiration. I read this straight through, and I suspect this is a book that is better handled in smaller, reflective readings.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Carpenter’s Son Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.



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The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1

author: Carly Usdin
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/19
date added: 2019/09/19
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
‘The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1’ by Carly Usdin with art by Noah Hayes is a sports comic about a somewhat diverse group of people who get together to form a basketball team.

Charlie is new to the Georgia O’Keeffe College for the Arts and Subtle Dramatics. During a student fair, she meets force of nature, Olivia, who is trying to form the school’s first basketball team. Charlie is reluctant, and really doesn’t seem to fit in to this group of outgoing drama students. We learn she is there to study film, and that she is a bit shy. We also learn that she doesn’t like team sports for some reason. During the team’s first game, the Avant-Guards crush the competition.

After 100+ pages of a comic, I feel like I barely found out anything about these characters, except for the diversity notes. Perhaps that will play out as the story goes, but Charlie is kind of a boring character, especially compared to Olivia. I liked the art well enough. As far as sports comics go, it was really just kind of mediocre.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.



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The Race to Space: From Sputnik to the Moon Landing and Beyond...

author: Clive Gifford
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/19
date added: 2019/09/19
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
‘The Race to Space: From Sputnik to the Moon Landing and Beyond’ by Clive Gifford with illustrations by Ian Murray is mostly about the space race of the 1950s and 1960s, but it tells it from different perspectives.

The story of the space race is one of the Soviet Union pitted against America. This book takes a child’s perspective and tells the story in bite-sized chunks with some really nice illustrations. Told from the US and USSR perspectives through a mostly chronological perspective, the reader sees the development of space travel as well as the terrible cost that it can have. When man finally gets the moon, the book starts to wind down and shows how these two rivals assisted each other with joint missions, including building a space station.

I liked the retro design of the illustrations in the book. I also liked the flags being used to denote which country we were reading about. There is obviously a lot more that could be written and I feel the book does a pretty good job of distilling the facts into a timeline for younger readers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.



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Wallace the Brave

author: Will Henry
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/19
date added: 2019/09/19
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
‘Wallace the Brave’ by Will Henry is a collection of comic strips starring an ordinary boy named Wallace and his friends Spud and Amelia. When I say ordinary, I mean bright, curious, and imaginative.

Wallace lives in the odd little town of Snug Harbor with his mother, father and little brother. His dad is a fisherman, his mother is in to gardening, and his brother seems to have been raised by wolves. Wallace’s friend Spud is just a weird kid. Amelia is the new girl in town and plays the antagonist against Spud. To her credit, Spud does seem to deserve it, mostly.

This feels like the kind of comic strip we haven’t seen for a while. The book also was a Will Eisner nominee for Best Humor Publication and Best Publication for kids age 9-12. I liked the art and the gags tend to be more gentle in nature, which made me really like the humor. Wallace and his friends spend a lot of time outdoors just being kids.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.



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Home Remedies

author: Xuan Juliana Wang
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/18
date added: 2019/09/18
shelves:
review:
'Home Remedies' by Xuan Juliana Wang is a debut collection of 12 stories featuring immigrants, families and people from China.

There are quite a wide variety of characters in this collection, from a duo of gay synchronized divers preparing for the Beijing Olympics to a father and daughter who change roles when they arrive in a new culture. There is time travel and stories of the wealthy.

This is a pretty interesting collection because it features a variety of characters and they all feel fully formed. The author has a grasp of character that is impressive. I have my favorites, as well as a couple I was less impressed with, but overall, this is a striking debut by a new voice.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Superman of Smallville

author: Franco
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/18
date added: 2019/09/18
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Superman of Smallville' by Franco Aureliani with art by Art Baltazar and Franco is from the DC Zoom line of graphic novels for younger readers.

There are four short, but linked stories here. We see Superman helping out the people around Smallville. His parents want him to do chores without using his powers. Using powers will get him grounded (how you ground Superman is a good question). In other stories, a strange being is zipping around Smallville as well as an odd spacecraft. Lex Luthor shows up as well as Lana Lang.

This was a lot of fun to read. I've got some younger kids to buy presents for and this is on my list. The illustrations are just like other Art Baltazar work. I like his style.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!

author: Julie Berry
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.69
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/18
date added: 2019/09/18
shelves: childrens
review:
'Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!' by Julie Berry with illustrations by April Lee is a picture book to teach about medieval bestiarys.

Godfrey is a young peasant boy working in a courtyard. He finds a bestiary. He starts making up a story with the animals drawn within. Before he knows it, there is a lion running around, then a unicorn, a griffin, and others. Godfrey finds himself in trouble, until he gets some unlikely help.

The book finishes with information about read bestiaries as well as medieval life. The story is fun and the illustrations are really nice.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Getty Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Alma and the Beast

author: Esme Shapiro
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/18
date added: 2019/09/18
shelves: childrens
review:
'Alma and the Beast' with words and pictures by Esme Shapiro is a wildly imaginative picture book about making new friends, even if they are different from us.

Alma lives in a very hairy land. She braids the trees and combs the grass and pets her ceiling. The bees leave strands of honey, and Alma's pet is a hairy butterfly. One day, she finds a monster that is a little girl from our world. The girl is very different from Alma, but she is also lost. Can these two very different creatures become friends?

I really liked this story of how our differences can be overcome and we can be friends with people who are different from us. I loved the world this story takes place in and the imaginative drawings. There is quite a bit of imagination here and I enjoyed the book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Operation Copperhead Chapter 1

author: Harambat Jean
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/15
date added: 2019/09/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Operation Copperhead' with words and art by Jean Harambat is a graphic novel based on a true story about what two actors did during World War II.

Using the filming of 'Death On The Nile' in 1977 as a framing story, we find David Niven and Peter Ustinov reminiscing about the strange role they played in World War II. Ustinov as a sniper and Niven was doing recruiting tours using his fame as an actor. They get recruited to make a different kind of movie about army life, but the real reason only starts to come to light at the end of the book. They are to recruit someone who looks like an officer in an intelligence campaign to throw the Germans off.

I liked this story with its mix of comics and quotes from real life. The characters seem true to what I remember. The art style is kind of cartoony, but fits the story really well. Now I have to find the other parts so I know what happened!

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Little Big Nate: Draws A Blank

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.66
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/15
date added: 2019/09/15
shelves: childrens
review:
'Little Big Nate' by Lincoln Peirce is a board book feature Big Nate when he was a lot younger.

Little Big Nate gets a new box of crayons. He stares at his blank page and thinks about what he will draw. He rejects many ideas for being too bumpy or stinky or too silly. What will Little Big Nate draw?

It's a fun, simple read that would work well for toddlers. I love the fact that the books meter works Nothing peeves me like childrens books that are supposed to rhyme and roll off the tongue clumsily. This could bring in a whole new generation of younger Big Nate fans.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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You're in Good Paws

author: Maureen Fergus
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/15
date added: 2019/09/15
shelves: childrens
review:
'You're in Good Paws' by Maureen Fergus with illustrations by Kathryn Durst is about a young childs visit to an unusual hospital.

Little Leo needs to have his tonsils out. That makes him nervous enough, but when his parents get him to the hospital, he finds that the doctors and patients are all animals. Will Leo's first visit to the hospital go without a problem if his doctor is a mouse?

This is a cute story and would be a fun read for a child faced with a hospital stay. The illustrations by Kathryn Durst are fun and filled with all kinds of details.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Work It, Girl: Boss the Bestseller List Like J.K. Rowling

author: Caroline Moss
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/15
date added: 2019/09/15
shelves: non-fiction, young-adult
review:
'Work It, Girl: J.K. Rowling' by Caroline Moss is part of a new series made to help inspire young women. I'm neither young, nor a woman, and I found it very inspiring.

The story of JK Rowling, or Jo as she is referred to here, is one I was familiar with. Here it is presented along with quotes from Jo, and shows her determination to create. The inspiration for Harry Potter is discussed along with how long the story stayed with her. At one point, she quits a job with a very long commute to keep working on the series that would make her famous. The book finishes with 10 takeaways from the life of J.K. Rowling, like 'If you work hard now, it will pay off later' and 'Give back!'

I found this a very inspiring read for younger (and older readers). The book is filled with really nice papercut illustrations, and the quotes add a nice touch to reinforce the message of the book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Forgotten Queen

author: Tini Howard
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.05
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/09/14
date added: 2019/09/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Forgotten Queen' by Tini Howard with art by Amilcar Pinna is about an oceanography expedition that finds something really unusual.

A group of divers uncovers something in the ocean and unleashes an immortal being named Vexana on the world. Vexana has a history of showing up and creating chaos and bloodshed. She seems to crave the bloodshed. She has other appetites as well. It also turns out that releasing her was no accident, but was planned.

I'm not sure what the plan was here, but it was pretty mediocre. There is a big reveal at the end that I saw coming a mile away. I thought the art was better than some of the other reviewers of the title, but overall, I found this story to be lurid and tepid at the same time.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Aria: The Masterpiece Volume 3 (ARIA The MASTERPIECE, #3)

author: Kozue Amano
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2019/09/14
date added: 2019/09/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Aria: The Masterpiece Volume 3' by Kozue Amano continues the journey of undine Akari Mizunashi as she learns to navigate the canals of Aqua, formerly known as Mars.

Kozue has lived for a full year on Aqua and this book brings her back to Spring and Summer. There are treasure hunts in the city, visits to the grand lady of the canals, and festivals on the water. There is a day when roses are given to women that are to be honored.

This series has so little conflict and it's hard to imagine that in a story, but these stories are truly about the joy in the journey and awakening to the beauty around us. I really love this series and the characters and world.

I received a review copy of this manga from Tokyopop and Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Little Mama

author: Halim Mahmouidi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2019/09/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Little Mama' by Hakim is a difficult graphic novel to get through. It deals with a harsh subject in a pretty harsh way.

Little Brenda was born to a teenage mother who is pretty bad at being a mother (or even a grown up). Little Brenda takes the brunt of her mother's anger. People outside the home take notice, but Brenda learns to cover things up for her mother's sake. She also takes care of things at home, earning her the nickname of Little Mama. When her mother gets a new boyfriend, and becomes pregnant again, things get worse for Brenda until she does what she has to do.

The art is good. The story is just so gruesomely dark. There is a lot of honestly raw emotion, and I don't know that I could recommend this to victims of abuse, because it shows a broken system, and a child that has to live in a broken home for years. This may be the case for real victims, but it feels like the framing story treats things too lightly and doesn't offer much in the way of advice, and the glimmer of hope it does offer seems too simple.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm (Phoebe and Her Unicorn, #6)

author: Dana Simpson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/12
date added: 2019/09/12
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm' by Dana Simpson is a departure from the usual comic strip nature of these books, and presents here a full length story.

A big storm has knocked out power and while it seems like a normal winter storm, Phoebe and Marigold are suspicious. Magic seems to not be working and Marigold can't make herself invisible. Their investigation has them get help from Max and Dakota.

This was a fun story and works as a longer narrative. I like these characters and the art, and I recommend this for younger readers. It's another addition to a really good series.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1)

author: R.F. Kuang
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2019/07/23
date added: 2019/09/12
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Poppy War' by R. F. Kuang was the August book by my book club. It is a fantasy story told in a sort of alternate China.

The book feels a bit like two books. The first third feels like a YA book about a young girl named Rin who manages to work her way into an elite school, and team up with an unlikely mentor. Along the way she makes friends and enemies.

Then the story dramatically shifts as Rin's country is at war. She has unique abilities and finds herself in an unusual fighting unit. This part of the book is messy and fairly violent.

And I liked both parts. I think the story is cohesive. There are interesting characters and choices. I will definitely read the second book.


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Ada and the Number-Crunching Machine

author: Zoe Tucker
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/11
date added: 2019/09/11
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Ada and the Number-Crunching Machine' with words by Zoe Tucker and art by Rachel Katstaller is a picture book about a young girl who liked inventing things.

The book shows us Ada Lovelace as a young girl, who liked things normal children like, plus numbers and solving problems. Since she was female in a time when girls weren't allowed to go to school, she had to find education another way. One of Ada's friends had an idea for a new machine and Ada thought of a way to program it. It was considered the first computer.

The book finishes by telling more about Ada Lovelace and how she continues to inspire people. There is even a programming language named after her.

The story is fine and written well. The illustrations were cute too. I like the supplemental material included.

I received a review copy of this ebook from North South Books Inc. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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D-Day: Untold stories of the Normandy Landings inspired by 20 real-life people

author: Michael Noble
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/11
date added: 2019/09/11
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'D-Day: Untold stories of the Normandy Landings inspired by 20 real-life people' with words by Michael Noble and pictures by Alexander Mostov is a picture book about real events leading up to D-Day.

Starting with the people who planned, invaded, defended, and reported, the story of D-Day is told. Every aspect leading up and through the invasion is accompanied by a two page illustration, a picture representing someone in that phase, and text and additional information about what happened to the person after the war. Both sides of the war are represented, although more from the Allies than the Axis. There are men and women from quite a few different countries.

I really liked how well this was laid out. The illustrations are fantastic. The way the story is written is in the present tense, so it makes the story feel more alive. This was a pretty good read for younger readers who might like history.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing - Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real

author: Brian Gordon
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/09
date added: 2019/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Fowl Language: The Struggle is Real' by Brian Gordon is the second collection of comics from this hilarious series.

Parenting is hard. Kids do and say ludicrous things. These are illustrated here, but as ducks, which makes it funnier and even stranger. Siblings bothering parents, siblings bothering each other, and parents trying to get a moments peace to get chores done (or sleep, or a bathroom break) make up a lot of these comics.

I've been a fan of this comic for a while. The humor works so well because it feels so real. The ducks just make the conversations feel ludicrous. I laughed quite a bit, but this is probably not a collection for younger readers as it does contain some profanity.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass

author: Mariko Tamaki
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/09/07
date added: 2019/09/07
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass' by Mariko Tamaki with art by Steve Pugh is part of the DC Ink line of reimagined graphic novels for young adults. This is the best of the series so far in content and scope.

Harleen Quinn's mother sends her off to her grandmother's house to live when she gets a new job. Harleen has $5 in her pocket and discovers that her grandmother has been deceased for quite a few months. She is taken in by Queen, a large cross-dresser. Harleen starts school and makes friends with Ivy, a girl who likes plants. Harleen finds out that a program of gentrification is happening in the neighborhood and her friends' lives may be forced to change.

I really loved this story and art. The character feels like the one I know. There are some other characters in different forms in this. I loved this version of Harley more than others I've read. The art by Steve Pugh is so good. I kept just looking at the way he composed pages.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Ink and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Renegade: Martin Luther, the Graphic Biography

author: Andrea Grosso Ciponte
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.11
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/09/05
date added: 2019/09/05
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Renegade: Martin Luther, the Graphic Biography' by Dacia Palmerino with art by Andrea Grosso Ciponte is a graphic novel about the founder of the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther was born into a pretty cruel world full of poverty and plague. As he grew, he found himself in a monastery, but while there, he starts to have questions about what the Bible teaches versus what the church did at the time. This led him to post the ninety-five theses on a church door in Wittenberg. His stance makes him unpopular with the church and he goes into hiding.

Martin Luther is a controversial figure, but this graphic novel does a fair job of showing both sides of him. He's no saint, but he is not to be wholly reviled. The art was a weird style of computer art and it worked, but seemed to already look dated in style. The story is pretty dark in tone, and may be disturbing for younger or sensitive readers. I did enjoy reading it though.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Plough Publishing House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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If All The World Were...

author: Joseph Coelho
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/06/09
date added: 2019/09/05
shelves: childrens
review:
'If All the World' by Joseph Coelho with illustrations by Allison Colpoys was an emotionally packed book with a beautiful message and illustrations.

The book follows the journey of a child and her grandad through the seasons of the year. There are walks through flowers and toys and stories from grandad's childhood. Grandad gifts a journal and a special pencil to write with. Throughout the book, the child makes wishes for the grandad for more birthdays or better health.

The foreshadowing is there all along, but it's still strong when the ending comes. I read children's books because they can have full emotions, and this one was no exception. I found myself finishing this one with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful book to share with the children in your life.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Geeky Fab 5 Vol. 2: Mystery of the Missing Monarchs

author: Liz Lareau
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/09/04
date added: 2019/09/04
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Geeky Fab 5 Vol. 2: Mystery of the Missing Monarchs' by Liz Lareau and Lucy Lareau with illustrations by Ryan Jampole is a graphic novel about some young ladies interested in science.

This time around the 5 are looking in to why butterflies and bees are missing. When they find a vacant lot with caterpillars, they think it's a nice place to play and watch the bugs. When the lot is threatened by someone who wants to clear it and develop it, the girls realize the butterflies will lose a habitat and have to come up with a plan.

I think this is a pretty good series for young readers and the characters have some appeal. I liked the subject matter and found the art fine for the reading level.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Papercutz and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark

author: Chronicle Books
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/09/04
date added: 2019/09/04
shelves:
review:
'Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark' by Chronicle Books with illustrations by Ulla Thynell is a collection of 16 traditional tales.

The collection is broken up in to three sections: Transformations, Wit and Journeys. There are stories of bravery and courage and foolishness. Trust in the different is a theme and kindness is always rewarded handsomely. Reading these, it's fun to see the similarities and differences to stories I know.

I love the full color illustrations that accompany the beginning of each story. Overall, it's a beautiful collection and I loved the lure of a good tale told well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Chronicle Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Little Witches: Magic in Concord

author: Leigh Dragoon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/09/03
date added: 2019/09/03
shelves: young-adult
review:
'Little Witches' by Leigh Dragoon is a retelling of 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott in graphic novel form.

Take a beloved book about 4 sisters. Make them all witches of different types. That's what this is. The March sisters live in Concord with their mother. Father is at war. Stern aunt helps them out grumpily. New neighbors move in and they appear to be witchhunters. Also, things start disappearing around town, like a cow, or a woman's husband. The young ladies decide to use their skills to solve the mystery.

It's a very charming adaptation and it works surprisingly well. Sometimes when things like this get merged, it can feel tacked on. Here the relationships feel just as real as they do in the original, and the magic use is worked right in to the story. I enjoyed reading this one.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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