Book Review / Knitting Block by Block

I'm a big knitter in my off-library hours, and was excited to check out this book by Nicky Epstein, Knitting Block by Block:

Knitting Block by Block is a testament to the author's creativity and love of experimentation with knitting.  The concept of knitting small blocks of different patterns and textures is a fun one, but as a knitter I'm looking for projects and patterns that give you a useful and wearable finished product.  I didn't feel this book delivered that, and if you're on the same page I would not recommend this title.

However, Epstein's work is presented in a beautifully photographed coffee table format and if knitting adventurous textures and stitches is your thing, definitely give this title a try!

Review copy provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review / Make Up Your Life by Michelle Phan

A new nonfiction review this week for Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style and Success Online and Off by Michelle Phan:

Michelle Phan, a well-known makeup guru thanks to her online presence, presents a girl's guide to a well rounded life online and off. I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up.  I think the ideal audience for this title are younger (late teen-early 20's) fans of Michelle's work.  I was unfamiliar with the author before opening this book and felt the content was ok, but mostly applicable to younger women looking for their first job or just starting out on their own.

If you're a fan of Michelle's videos and tutorials, I definitely recommend checking out this book.

Review copy provided via Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review / Homemade Decadence by Joy Wilson

This is a perfect read coming up to the holiday season - I've got a long list of recipes to try for gatherings with family and friends thanks to this lovely read from Joy Wilson of Joy the Baker:

A beautiful book that will have your mouth watering after the first few pages, Homemade Decadence is a must-have cookbook for anyone who enjoys baking.  After reading the first few recipes, I wanted to put this book under my pillow so I could dream of these desserts, then wake up and bake them all.  And then eat them.
My favorite part of the book are the sections like the ones on pie or cake that start with a great basic recipe for yellow cake or a traditional cheesecake and then give ideas and recipes for variations - like an apple pie with brie baked into the crust.  On top of the delicious (but not ridiculously hard) recipes, the whole book is beautifully styled and photographed.  This is a perfect choice to give as a gift or keep for yourself if your kitchen needs a little sweetening up.  Be sure to check out Joy's blog Joy the Baker for more recipes!

Review copy provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review / DIY Type by Dana Tanamachi

Here's a book that is both beautiful and useful!  I've been a fan of Dana Tanamachi's work for several years, and I was so excited to find out about this book:

DIY Type is filled with two sets of sturdy alphabet stencils in the artist's signature serif lettering style as well as ideas and inspiration about how to use these stencils.  Suggestions include personalized notebooks, t-shirts, a monogrammed birthday cake, and even a chalk lettering photo backdrop like the ones that Dana would create for her friends.
After reading through DIY Type, I'm dreaming up some monogrammed artwork for my niece and nephew with these handy stencils.  This book would make a perfect gift for a crafty friend or family member!  The only thing I would have liked to see is a script alphabet as well as the serif alphabets included in the book, but overall, I highly recommend this title!

Find out more about Dana's work and portfolio here.

Thank you to Blogging for Books for a review copy of DIY Type in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review / Knockout Knits by Laura Nelkin

Today's post is a change of pace from my usual kid/teen book reviews.  I recently joined Blogging for Books in the hope that I can share some adult and nonfiction reading suggestions with you all as well!  If you are a knitter, you should definitely take the time to pick up Knockout Knits by Laura Nelkin.  And if you're not a knitter, this book might convince you to become one!

Knockout Knits is the perfect book for adventurous knitters looking for unique and luxurious yet wearable knits.  Split into three sections, this book features beautiful small scale projects that let knitters try out new techniques like wrapped stitches, adding beads, and unique lace patterns.

Laura Nelkin's passion for unique, creative design is obvious with each project.  Nelkin shares her design process in the introduction for each pattern and provides a thorough explanation of the techniques showcased in each section of the book.  The projects are beautifully photographed and have a vintage-inspired feel to them that will attract a young, fresh audience. The projects showcased here are best suited for advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced knitters.  Knitters who cast on with this book will end up with a one-of-a-kind piece for wearing or gifting.  I'm already itching to cast on the Bootsy Boot Toppers for the fall season! Thank you to Blogging for Books for providing a review copy of Knockout Knits in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review / The Falconer by Elizabeth May

This book was on my to-read shelf for a long while before I finally got to it, and I don't know what I was waiting for!

An exciting historical steam punk novel, The Falconer by Elizabeth May takes readers to 19th century Scotland where faeries are real and very dangerous.  With a kick-butt heroine, a strong dose of romance, and steam punk world building, this book has something for everyone.  May's writing creates a mysterious and dangerous world that readers will be clamoring to return to after finishing the last page.  This is a must-purchase for teen and young adult library collections!

The Falconer (first in a trilogy) is a great choice for readers who enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson, His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, or The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Book Review / Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann

This is probably the most beautiful new book I've seen this summer:

Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann tells the story of a brave and curious mouse who wants to travel to America.  Unfortunately, when he tries to board a ship, he finds it guarded by a group of vicious cats. Instead, the mouse decided to use in ingenuity to build a flying machine that will carry him to America.  Despite several failed flying attempts, more cats, and owls looking for a meal, the little mouse succeeds in his transatlantic journey.  He makes a splash as he arrives in New York, inspiring a young boy named Charles Lindbergh.

Kuhlmann's story alternates between sections of text and beautifully detailed panels with a style and quality that are reminiscent of Shaun Tan's The Arrival.  Readers will find more to look at each time the book is read.  Perfect for sharing with a small group or one-on-one, Lindbergh will inspire readers to go in search of more titles about the history of flight.

Perfect for readers ages 6 and up.

Book Review / Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

Fair warning, if you start this reading series, you will not want to stop.  And the newest book, Heir of Fire, isn't being published until September 2nd.  However, there are supposedly three more books being written in this series!  So if you want to avoid some fictional withdrawl, wait until September and then read these really slowly. (ha! who am I kidding, that's impossible.)

Heir of Fire is the third installment of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.  I was completely hooked after finishing the first book, Throne of Glass.  Calaena Sardothien is a strong heroine readers will want to root for from the very beginning.  She's real and rough but with a courageous heart that is learning to stand and fight for those she loves.

This third book gives readers a deeper understanding of Celaena herself and the brewing conflict in her world.  The story picks up right where Crown of Midnight left off, with Celaena off on a mission for the Adarlanian king.  Dorian and Chaol must discover the secrets of the dangerous magic beginning to show itself in the court while Celaena is forced to come face to face with her darkest memories and personal demons.

Several new characters are introduced including a witch named Manon Blackbeak, a beautiful young healer named Sorscha, a Fae warrior Rowan Whitethorn, and a mysterious general named Aedion.  Each has their own distinct voice, fleshing out Celaena's troubled world.  The plot in this book is slower paced than the two previous books, but no less dramatic, with an ending that will leave readers clamoring for more.

Hand this series to readers age 15 and up, especially ones who enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

Book Review / The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy

The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis has been one of my favorite series ever  since the first book came out.  The presentation of these books is absolutely beautiful with illustrations by Carson Ellis that bring Colin Meloy's quirky and whimsical world to life.  I have been recommending the Wildwood Chronicles to kids and parents every chance I get and I'm sorry to see this series come to an end. 

The third and final book in this series brings all the separate story lines from the second volume together as Prue, Curtis, the reformed Wildwood Irregulars, and Unthank orphans join forces in an epic fight to save the Wood. Absolutely wonderful storytelling and beautiful illustrations seamlessly combine to make this an amazingly satisfying conclusion to an epic series. 

I love the way all three volumes of the Wildwood Chronicles reflect elements of classic fantasy stories like the ones from C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, but is also clearly a product of Meloy's own quirky creative imagination. 

Give this series to readers who have enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, the Harry Potter series, or who enjoy their fantasy with a heavy dose of realism.

Book Review / His Fair Assassin series

This little space has been neglected lately!  I finally got around to reading one of the galleys I was looking forward to the most, Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers which is the final book in the His Fair Assassin series:

I am sad to see this series end, but man, was it a satisfying ending! This series is without question at the top of my list of YA fantasy series. 

This final installment focuses on Annith, a character who we've met briefly in the previous two books, Grave Mercy and Dark Triumph. Annith is desperate to receive her first assignment from Mortian, the god of death, outside the abbey's walls. However, Annith's fate is more intertwined with the fate of the abbey and its abbess than she could have ever imagined. 

I love the way each title focuses on a particular young woman, but in this final book they all three come together once more to fight together for the people they love. The wrap-up isn't cheesy or over-done, but just enough tying up of loose ends. The plot was a perfect mix of intrigue, romance and action and had enough surprising twists and turns to keep readers engaged.

I highly, highly recommend this title for readers in grades 9 and up - especially ones who are fans of Rae Carson's Girl of Fire and Thorns series.   Mortal Heart will be available on November 4th, 2014; thank you to Edelweiss for the digital galley. 

Book Review: Hermelin the Detective Mouse

I've finally gotten into my ordering routine this spring, and Hermelin the Detective Mouse by Mini Grey is one of the titles I'm most excited about:

Hermelin is a most unusual mouse.  After making a home for himself in the attic of Number 33 Offley Street, he discovers a typewriter.  One day, he notices the message board where local residents have left notes about their missing jewels and pets.  Suddenly, Hermelin is on the case!  He returns the missing items to their rightful owners with typed notes, but on one knows where to find this mysterious detective.  When the residents search him out, will they accept a mouse as their friend and helper?

Mini Grey, of the Traction Man series and Toys in Space, has created another winning picture book.  The whimsical cartoon-like illustrations provide depth and detail in Hermelin's world that will bring readers back again and again.  They will want to tag along with the detective mouse and will cheer when he finds a young sleuthing partner to join him.  I can't wait for more adventures with Hermelin and Emily!  This one is a must-purchase for my library collection!

Appropriate for ages 4 and up; reviewed from a digital copy provided by Edelweiss.

Book Review / Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio has become really popular lately, and after it was chosen as the Fox Cities Read title for 2014, I wanted to give it a read!

To be honest, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book to read on my own, but I am so glad I did - this is a book that will stick with me for a long, long time.

Wonder is the story of August, or Auggie, who was born with a severe facial deformity that kept him from attending public school until now.  But this year, Auggie starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep, a real school with real students who aren't used to Auggie and his extraordinary face.

What I loved most about this novel are the unique perspectives we get from the characters including Auggie, his sister Via, his classmates, and even Via's boyfriend.  Each section of the book is told from the viewpoint of one of these characters, with the book returning to Auggie's perspective in the final chapters.  Each character's voice is incredibly unique, honest, and completely believable. Though the minds and voices are unique, the longing in each character is the same; they each long to be accepted and loved simply for who they are.  

The overarching theme that I sense in this story is hope.  Life is messy and hard but there are moments and people that make it worth living and sharing with others.  And if we can be a little kinder than necessary with the people around us, maybe we can bring that moment of hope to someone else.

Highly recommended for kids 4th grade and up - and adults too!

Book Review / Ottoline series by Chris Riddell

I've been a fan of Chris Riddell's work for awhile now, and I finally got a chance to read the latest book in his Ottoline series, Ottoline at Sea, which turned out to be just as charming as the rest of the series.

The Ottoline books are some of my favorites to give to the 2nd-3rd grade crowd.  Ottoline herself reminds me a bit of an older Eloise, with an eccentric, independent lifestyle.  With her mysterious companion Mr. Munroe, an ever-growing collection of shoes(she keeps one and wears the other) and frequent postcards from her parent's far flung travels Ottoline has plenty of quirk and charm to share.  It's Chris Riddell's illustrations that really make the story pop for me.  Detailed line drawings and diagrams invite readers into every aspect of Ottoline's enchanted life from her flat on the 24th floor of the Pepperpot Buiding to the "mysterious objects of various kinds" that her parents sent back from their travels.

In this latest installment, Mr. Munroe disappears leaving Ottoline with only a mysterious note as a clue to his whereabouts, sending her on a whirlwind journey to find her dear friend and bring him back home.

Perfect for independent readers who are fans of the Cam Jansen or Nate the Great series.

Book Review / Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday!  I'm back after a Picture Book Advent series with a review of a graphic novel for a whole new audience - Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff:

This is one swashbuckling graphic novel! Delilah Dirk is an adventurer and sword fighter extraordinaire who rescues Selim, a kind, tea-loving lieutenant and turns his world upside down as the two unwittingly set off together in Delilah's flying boat. From stealing gold from a greedy Sultan to staged explosions, its clear that neither of their lives will ever be the same again!

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant is a perfect graphic novel to share with new readers of the genre. The book's winning combination of action and beautiful artwork will leave readers wanting more after finishing the last page. In addition, Delilah is a spunky, strong female protagonist that readers will want to root for.  Keep an eye out for upcoming installments of this series on Delilah's website. Give this one to readers age 10 and up.            

Book Review / Journey by Aaron Becker

I love illustrations, so it's not surprising that wordless books are some of my favorite kinds of picture books!  I just wish I could use them in story time!  This new wordless picture book, Journey by Aaron Becker has become one of my favorites:

When a bored and lonely young girl discovers a piece of magical red chalk in her bedroom, she finds herself escaping her dreary world on an unexpected journey. Along the way she encounters amazing places and people, and some prove to be more dangerous than others. The girl is not alone in this imaginative world however, and meets a valuable new friend along the way.

Aaron Becker's illustrations are beautifully detailed line drawings that literally sweep the reader along on this little girl's journey. You feel as if you could step right through the pages into the worlds that Becker has created with rich colors and intricate details. The story created through these illustrations has a cinematic & suspenseful quality that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages. Journey by Aaron Becker is a must-buy for any library!  If you're interested in some of my other wordless favorites, check out my Goodreads shelf!

Book Review / The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

I'm starting to think ghosts are the new "paranormal trend" in tween & YA lit...move over vampires and werewolves!  However, that's not necessarily a bad thing; between Shadow Breakers by Daniel Blythe and The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud (set for publication September 17th) as well as this title on my to-read shelf, it's looking like there are some seriously good books coming out this fall!

A dark and dangerous Problem has occurred in London: ghosts, specters, and spirits are appearing all over the city and no one seems to know why. However, kids are the only ones who are able to see these unfriendly Visitors.  As a result, physic detective agencies employing young people as "ghost hunters" have sprung up all over city to help deal with the Problem.

Jonathan Stroud's new series follows the talented and ambitious Lucy Carlyle as she joins an up & coming young agency called Lockwood & Co. Run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood and his rather dumpy colleague George, Lockwood & Co is run without any adult supervision and as Lucy discovers, is trying desperately to create a legitimate reputation in the ghost hunting business.  After a disastrous and almost deadly job however, Lockwood & Co finds itself facing bankruptcy & closure. Fortunately, a mysterious benefactor offers them a job: survive one night in the most haunted estate in England and the future of their business is secure.  However, things, as usual, are not what they seem and the three intrepid ghost hunters will have to fight for justice, the future of their business, and their very lives before the night is out.

The Screaming Staircase is a wonderfully well-written paranormal fantasy for young adults.  Normally, I'm not a huge fan of scary stories & movies but Stroud's novel was just creepy enough to keep me interested and was balanced out with a healthy dose of humor.  The main premise of the Problem that's pervading London is mysterious & intriguing rather than off-putting, giving readers a sense of a much bigger set of events driving the immediate plot lines.

The characters were probably my favorite part of this novel.  Lucy, Lockwood and George are all seem so different on the surface but as readers get to know each character throughout the book they'll discover the characters have more in common than they thought.  It's because of these hidden similarities that they all work so well as a team.  

I devoured The Screaming Staircase in about three days and I already can't wait for the next installment in the series.  This title is perfect for readers age 10 and up, especially those who are paranormal fans or who are looking for a darker and more challenging read after finishing Rick Riordan's series.

Reviewed from a digital review copy courtesy of NetGalley.

Book Review / Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

Molly Idle has definitely become one of my favorite new author/illustrators.  Flora and the Flamingo is a beautifully creative wordless book perfect for young ballet fans.  This isn't your average pink & girly ballet book, making it a stand-out choice for young readers.

The entire story is told visually through Idle's expressive illustrations of Flora and her flamingo - at first shy and unsure, but becoming friendly and bold despite a few mixed up dance steps.  The perfect combination of silliness and charm, this picture book will have kids eagerly turning the pages (and flaps) to find out what happens next.  Flora and the Flamingo is a must-have addition for libraries & aspiring ballerinas!

Book Review / Shadow Breakers by Daniel Blythe

I've got a huge "stack" of galleys waiting to be read on my Kindle and Shadow Breakers by Daniel Blythe was the first off of the pile over the weekend.  I'd been reading it in bits and pieces during my lunch breaks at work but couldn't wait to sit down with it for more than half and hour.  Once I did, I couldn't put it down!  It's a definite must-buy for middle/high school or YA collections!



Miranda May has just moved with her mom & baby brother from London to a tiny seaside town in England where nothing seems to happen - until the "Shadow" that has been haunting Miranda's dreams starts showing up around town.  Not only is Miranda desperately trying to ignore the mysterious Shadow", but she meets a group of secretive students who moonlight as paranormal detectives.  They seem to think Miranda has some kind of special skill or power to offer their group as they investigate unexplained occurrences around town.  Miranda isn't sure of herself or of these new friends, but as the world as she knows it begins unraveling faster and faster around her she must come to terms with who (and what) she is and decide where her loyalties truly lie.

Shadow Breakers by Daniel Blythe is a paranormal thriller perfect for tween & teen readers 12 and up. Blythe's writing has a descriptive, cinematic quality that will keep readers' rapt attention as well as send the occasional shiver down their spine!  The story wraps up well by the end of the book but leaves readers wanting to know more about each of the characters as well as a few open story lines for a sequel.  This is a great choice for fans who are ready to graduate from the Percy Jackson series or enjoy Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories.

Reviewed from a digital ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

Book Review / Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

We've gotten a whole bunch of new picture books in the last few weeks - it's so exciting to have a brand new shiny copy of a book in your hands!  This title was definitely one of my favorites:

Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld (of Duck! Rabbit!) make a wonderfully creative team and their latest collaboration, Exclamation Mark, is absolutely wonderful!  Told in short, sweet sentences and expressive line drawings, Exclamation Mark tells the story of how this personified punctuation mark discovers his role & purpose in life (and sentence structure!). This book is a great choice for teachers and not only makes a perfect grammar introduction but also provides a jumping off point for classroom discussion.


Appropriate for ages 4-8. Reviewed from a library copy.

Favorite Board Books / Baby Lit series by Jennifer Adams

I've got another round of my favorite board books for you today!  In full disclosure, I have not had an opportunity to use these board books in baby or preschool programming (yet!). The Baby Lit series is probably enjoyed the most by adults who are familiar with the novels these board books are based on, but they are just too clever and cute not to share with you.

Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver have created a series of board books for babies & young kids based on classic novels.  There are currently nine titles in the series, including Romeo & Juliet, Alice in Wonderland and Moby Dick to name a few, along with the titles in the image above.  Each book focuses on a single concept such as counting (Pride and Prejudice), colors (Alice in Wonderland), opposities (Sense & Sensibility) or a single topic like weather (Wuthering Heights).  The books are extremely well designed with clean, bright vintage inspired illustrations that bring these well-known characters to life in a completely new and enjoyable way.  The humor and cleverness of these books is all in the illustrations which adults who are familiar with the original novels will no doubt pick up on.  These books are a great way to introduce classic stories and characters to young listeners during family story time - and the adults will enjoy the book just as much as the kids will!