Book Review: 'Body on Ice: A Vermont Murder Mystery' by Alan S. Kessler

✰✰✰✰ A pastor's wife, known for her contributions as a Red Cross Volunteer, has hidden a secret life for years. When she's found dead under scandalous circumstances, her secret comes to light. Her marriage has been a sham, and she has enjoyed the "sporting" life. There's no shortage of suspects, but with city corruption manipulating the investigation, it's questionable whether justice will ever be served. This fast-paced story of sex, lies, and corruption will keep your attention as you try to keep track of the clues. 1919 was definitely a year to be remembered.

The Bottom Line: Based on a true story, this novella keeps you guessing with twists and turns and layers of corruption. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s a surprise at the end. This is a page-turner that left me wishing it had been longer. Enthusiastically recommended for adult fans of mystery based on true events.

Details: Body on Ice: A Vermont Murder Mystery by Alan S. Kessler. Paperback published by Leviathan Books in 2024. 110 p. 978-1938394850 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Shine' by Bruno Valasse

✰✰✰½ A beautiful little moth and his family are afraid of the dark! It prefers to stay inside where it's cozy, light, and safe. However, the little moth secretly loves watching the stars. Oh how nice it would be to see the stars up close, but in order to do that it must brave the darkness. The little moth learns to blend in and make new bug friends. As they explore the night, an unpleasant surprise awaits them. The little moth spreads his wings to try to save his new friends, and in the process he learns something quite remarkable about himself. 

The Bottom Line: Told from the little moth's point of view, this story celebrates being different, making friends, and overcoming a fear. The mixed media artwork features a limited color palette features a neon orange that practically jumps off the page; little ones will appreciate it. This feel-good picture book will help little ones understand that one can be different and overcome a fear. Recommended for little ones in Preschool - Pre-K.

Details: Shine written & illustrated by Bruno Valasse. Picture book published by Tundra Books in 2024. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-77488-428-7 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'The Stroke Recovery Activity Workbook' by Activated Minds Press

✰✰✰½ Recovering from a stroke can be challenging physically, emotionally, and intellectually. With over 100 activities, this workbook aims to help those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and want to regain their intellectual powers through brain games. Starting with easy activities and puzzles, the workbook progresses to medium and then challenging levels. Filled with activities including word searches, mazes, Sudoku, coloring, tracing, fill-ins, crosswords, matching, and more, these activities will keep one busy over time, while empowering the survivor to complete these games at their own pace.

The Bottom Line: Recommended for survivors of stroke, aphasia, and other traumatic brain injuries. This activity workbook starts out easy, so readers will not be overwhelmed. However, the more challenging activities might not be suitable for survivors of more severe brain injury. Thus, some readers may complete the entire book, while others may only want to challenge themselves to easier activities and games. The Large Type format is definitely helpful too. 

Details: The Stroke Recovery Activity Workbook: Aphasia & Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Exercises, Games & Puzzles to Help Regain Cognitive Abilities, Speech and Fine Motor Skills (Large Print) by Activated Minds Press. Paperback published by Activated Minds Press in 2023. 144 p. ISBN: 9781962176002 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.]

Book Review: 'The Hidden World of Gnomes' by Lauren Soloy

✰✰✰✰ Gnomes are hiding in plain sight. You just have to know where to look for them. Don't know where? Author & illustrator Lauren Soloy presents this informative and imaginative book about gnomes. Following the seasons of the moon, gnomes are busy little creatures with jobs and hobbies. Did you know that some gnomes even have pets? It's true! Check out this gem to find out.

The Bottom Line: This charming tome of gnome trivia is sure to please the young and the young at heart. With folksy artwork created using the Procreate app and plenty of characters, readers will delight in the daily antics of gnomes. There's even a recipe for gnome cookies!

Details: The Hidden World of Gnomes written & illustrated by Lauren Soloy. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2023. 96 p. ISBN:  978-0-7352-7104-3 [NOTE: I received a free, uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the publisher and the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku' by Nancy Stone

✰✰✰✰✰ When the author's husband was diagnosed with "likely Alzheimer's," Stone turned to poetry and art to try to make sense of it all. In this book, she covers five years of challenges in the role of caregiver as she lays bare her feelings of sadness, grief, anger, fear, and sometimes little joys along the caregiving journey. Told with brutal honesty, humor, and compassion, the author shares little snippets of their life together post-diagnosis.

The Bottom Line: Caregiving is a role most of us wouldn't choose. Unfortunately, many of us, including me, are finding ourselves doing just that. Artist and author Nancy Stone has channeled both the joys and the challenges of caregiving into a beautiful book of haiku poems. Although based on her experience of caregiving for her husband, who has "likely Alzheimer's," this book would be helpful to anyone struggling with long-term caregiving regardless of diagnosis. Stone's haiku cover the entire spectrum of emotions that one faces as the loved one's illness progresses: anxiety, fear, compassion, care, kindness, anger, grief, frustration, sadness, loneliness, and resolve. Highly recommended for anyone who finds themselves in this situation and in search of wisdom. Stone's inspirational poetry, along with her playful illustrations, will simply soothe your soul.

Details: Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku written & illustrated by Nancy Stone. Paperback published by Rootstock Publishing in 2023. 104 p. ISBN: 9781578691425 [NOTE: I received a free, uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the publisher and the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'Super Family! (Simon & Chester Book #3) by Cale Atkinson

✰✰✰✰½ Chester adores his Grandma, but sometimes he wishes he lived in a "perfect" family like Amie's. Amie has a mom, dad, and siblings, and they do fun things on weekends. All Chester ever gets to do is watch old movies & do puzzles with his Grandma. Chester dreams that if he were part of a normal family, then he could do fun things too. 

Simon is skeptical, but he has to pack for SpecterCon, With Simon gone, Chester goes on a family outing with Amie. This is Chester's chance to have an amazing weekend, but just when they get to the water park, Amie's dad gets called away on business. Chester suddenly has his hands full helping Amie play with her siblings. By the time Amie's dad picks them up, Chester is exhausted, stinky, and has a new perspective.

Meanwhile, Simon is looking for an opportunity to impress the other ghosts at SpecterCon; after all, Simon haunts his very own house. Unfortunately, Simon's nemesis, Clancy, is not impressed. What will it take to get everyone to notice Simon? As SpecterCon continues, Simon realizes that maybe he had things all wrong too. Both Chester and Simon arrive back home with a new appreciation for what they have instead of what they wished they had.

The Bottom Line: Funny, sweet, and thoughtful, author Cale Atkinson takes the reader on a comic journey to see if the grass is indeed always greener on the other side. This humorous tale is enthusiastically recommended for young readers in grades 3 - 6.

Details: Super Family (Simon & Chester Book #3) by Cale Atkinson. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2022. 96 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-7243-9 [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden' by Marthe Jocelyn

✰✰✰✰½ The third book in the series takes the young detective, Aggie Morton, and her pal, Hector, to a Yorkshire spa, where Aggie's recently widowed mother can take the waters and recuperate. Along with Grannie Jane, they all could use a break. As Aggie's mother settles in to her schedule of treatment, Aggie and Hector stumble onto not one crime, but two! The two young sleuths are delighted at the challenge, but with two mysteries to solve the stakes are higher. Together with the help of a young disabled patient and Grannie Jane, Aggie & Hector must get help before they meet their demise.

The Bottom Line: This installment was a quick, pleasant read that takes one back to a different era. The two sleuths have grown in their abilities to solve crimes and work well together as a team. Highly recommended for young fans of mysteries and historical fiction. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Details: Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden by Marthe Jocelyn. Published by Tundra Books in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0735270817 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story' by Charis Cotter

✰✰✰✰½ Alice and her friends had their whole summer planned, but now that her parents are getting a divorce, summer is ruined. She suddenly finds herself on a train to a small town where her mother has taken a job as a live-in nurse. The rich lady who lives there is known to be cantankerous and dislikes kids. The house is huge and spooky, but Alice quickly befriends the housekeeper's daughter, Lily. 

Soon Lily lets Alice in on a secret, there's a ghost in Alice's bedroom. But that's not the only secret being kept at the house. When Alice discovers a dollhouse locked away in the attic, things start to get really weird and spooky. As Alice drifts back and forth between real-time and era represented by the dollhouse, she starts to lose herself. Will she be able to find her way back to the real world? Or is she lost forever? Pick up this supernatural page-turner to find out.

The Bottom Line: There's nothing I love more than a good ghost story, and Charis Cotter is one of the best at telling them. With an eerie Gothic feel to this story, readers won't be able to put this one down. Enthusiastically recommended for kids, teens, and adults who enjoy suspenseful ghost stories and stories with the supernatural at work.

Details: The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story by Charis Cotter. Paperback published by Tundra in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6908-8 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'The Littlest Airplane' by Brooke Hartman

✰✰✰✰✰ There's an airport way up north where airplanes come and go all day. The turboprop is reliable, and the cargo plane is strong. The jet plane is super quick, but the littlest plane is always left behind. All the little bush plane can do is watch the others as they fly around, until one day, a storm blows into town. With people stranded in the snowy mess, the turboprop, cargo plane, and jet plane all try to rescue them. All three fail leaving the people struck. Who will save them now? Surely not the littlest plane. But the bush plane is not scared; slowly and surely he sets out. With the odds stacked against him and time running out, will the littlest plane be able to save the day? Check out this inspiring tale to find out. 

The Bottom Line: This sweet, inspirational tale reminds me of The Little Engine That Could. With rhyming verse and colorful, snowy illustrations, this picture book is sure to please. The book also contains information about the parts of a bush plane and a little bit of history at the end. Highly recommended for kids who need a little boost of self-confidence. Also, enthusiastically recommended for story times.

Details: The Littlest Airplane written by Brooke Hartman & illustrated by John Joseph. Picture book published by Alaska Northwest Books (am imprint of West Margin Press) in 2022. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-51312-864-1 [Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'Cress Watercress' by Gregory Maguire

✰✰✰✰ When Papa Watercress doesn't come home one morning, Mama must figure out how to make ends meet. That means moving out of their cozy burrow, and moving into the basement apartment at the Broken Arms. Although rabbits don't usually hang out with birds, mice, and squirrels, young Cress Watercress has no choice but to make friends with a hodgepodge of animals. 

While Mama struggles to pay the rent, Cress stumbles into a journey that will lead to new friendships and danger. Cress learns that if she is going to help her Mama, who always behind on the rent, she must grow up fast. With a sneaky fox, slithering snake, and terrifying bear to look out for, Cress has no time to complain. Check out this witty tale of family, friends, and hope for an engaging read.

The Bottom Line: This delightful tale comes from the fantastical mind of author, Gregory Maguire of Wicked fame. Perfect for kids in grades 4 - 7, this coming-of-age story will appeal to kids facing challenges and changes at home. While I have not seen the final illustrations, the proof illustrations are entertaining. Recommended with enthusiasm for all.

Details: Cress Watercress written by Gregory Maguire & illustrated by David Litchfield. Paperback uncorrected proof published by Candlewick Press in 2022. 224 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-1100-9 [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'Your4Truths: How Beliefs Impact Your Life' by Judy Kane

✰✰✰½  If you have recently found yourself struggling in life and experiencing stress, this just might be the book for you. Everyone has the power to change their lives, and it starts with identifying the four basic beliefs that can impact you. These subconscious beliefs have been ingrained into our lives since childhood and may be the root of our limitations. By changing these beliefs, anyone can move forward and make the decisions you want rather than decisions based on reactions to fear or self-doubt. 

The Bottom Line: While this is not a how-to book for the layperson new to the theories of PSYCH-K, it does get one thinking about what is troubling you. By learning about the four beliefs and reading about real-life examples of how changing your internal beliefs can help people live their best lives, you can begin to identify which subconscious thoughts are blocking you. Recommended for the individual who is curious about PSYCH-K. Also, recommended for those familiar with the concepts already. The ideas introduced in this slim book are intriguing.

Details: Your4Truths: How Beliefs Impact Your Life by Judy Kane. Published by Highlander Press in 2021. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-7372638-1-4 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. 

Book Review: 'Return of ZomBert' by Kara LaReau

✰✰✰✰ ZomBert is back along with Mellie and Danny in the spooky second installment of this series. Bert is settling into a cozy life with Mellie and her family. He knows he needs to rest and recuperate, and with Mellie's care, Bert is growing smarter and healthier every day. He's even beginning to understand words. However, he hasn't forgotten about the ones he left behind in the lab when he escaped. As he tries to figure out a way to return to the lab and keep his promise to the other animals, Mellie decides to enter him in the YummCo Best Pet Contest. 

While going to school and working odd jobs to pay for Bert's care, Mellie befriends an elderly neighbor who's husband used to work at YummCo. Mrs. Witt confides in Mellie that some things at YummCo aren't what they seem. As Mellie works with Bert to learn tricks for the upcoming contest, Danny continues his filming project. When Bert's big day comes, Mellie hopes he has what it takes to win the contest, but the competition is steep. In the blink of an eye, Bert is whisked away and finds himself exactly where he wants to be...in the lab. It's just not how he planned it. Now Bert must figure out how to save himself as well as the others, while Mellie and Danny are left to wonder what happened to Bert.

The Bottom Line: This quick read leads the reader through several twists and turns and ends in a nail-biting cliffhanger. The story is told via multiple points of view, including the cat's, which makes for really interesting reading. The characters face challenges together and grow in friendship. Middle grade fans of mystery and horror will enjoy this next tale of The ZomBert Chronicles.

Details: Return of ZomBert written by Kara LaReau & illustrated by Ryan Andrews. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 161 p. ISBN: 978-1536201079 [NOTE: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'The Secret Starling' by Judith Eagle

✰✰✰½ From the moment Clara Starling was taken in by her Uncle, her life has been full of routine and gloom. Nothing ever exciting ever happened until the day her uncle dropped her off at a cafe and disappeared. With no other options, Clara heads home to Braithwaite Manor only find an orphan named Peter and his cat. With no adults around to spoil the fun, the children can do whatever they want. Soon their games uncover a worn ballet slipper that takes them on an adventure to London and the Royal Opera House. As Clara begins to uncover information about her parents the duo are chased by villains and uncover a tale of glamour, romance, and murder. With time of the essence, it's up to Clara and Peter to unravel the secrets of the Starling family.

The Bottom Line: Although the beginning was a bit of a slow read for me, the pace picked up to reveal family secrets and twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. Although the final interior images were not available in the advance reading copy, the preliminary sketches were charming. An enjoyable treat for middle grade readers who favor historical fiction about dance and friendship.

Details: The Secret Starling written by Judith Eagle & illustrated by Jo Rioux. Advance reading copy published in 2021. 256 p. ISBN: 978-1-536213652 [NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the publisher and the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Amber and Clay' by Laura Amy Schlitz

✰✰✰✰½ Travel back in time to Ancient Greece through the poetry and prose of Newbery Medal Winner Laura Amy Schlitz. It was a time when people were restricted to the boundaries of class. A time when households owned slaves. Melisto was born into a noble family, but unloved by her mother; while Rhaskos was born to a slave woman, who loved him with all her heart. This girl and boy with nothing in common would someday forge a friendship that would free them both. This is their story told in their voices and in the voices of others like the Greek god Hermes and the philosopher Sokrates. This haunting tale of a wellborn girl and a slave boy illustrates power of friendship and love that knows no bounds.

The Bottom Line: Don't be dissuaded from picking up this book because of its page count; the mix of poetry, prose, and illustrations of archaeological exhibits makes for quick reading. The author deftly transforms the reader into the audience, and the story is like watching a play. Once I started reading, I was transfixed. Very highly recommended for young adults and adult interested in historical fiction, Greek mythology, and supernatural tales of friendship. 

Details: Amber and Clay written by Laura Amy Schlitz & illustrated by Julia Iredale. Advance reading copy published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 544 p. ISBN: 978-5362-0122-2 

[NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing. Some interior images were not final at the time this review was written.] 

Book Review: 'Twenty-One Steps' by Jeff Gottesfeld

✰✰✰✰½ Back in 1921, an unknown, fallen soldier returned in a casket to lay in state in the U.S. Capitol. He represented the many who died nameless and faceless during World War I. After being laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, time went by and people began to forget. To stop the desecration, changes were made and sentinel guards installed. Never again would the Unknowns be alone. 

Without fail, a sentinel guard has been present at the tomb since July 2, 1937 to keep vigil. It's the most difficult post to earn in the United States Army, and the guards strive for perfection. Every single thing the sentinel guards do honors the unknown fallen. This book is an excellent reminder of the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made in the past and continue to make today.

The Bottom Line: This picture book tells the little known history of the sentinel guards and what they do. Respectfully written without politics, author Jeff Gottesfeld broaches a difficult topic with dignity and grace. Beautiful illustrations cover full page and two-page spreads and help convey this difficult topic with reverence. Highly recommended reading for children in grades 2 - 3. Also, a highly recommended addition to school and public libraries.

Details: Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier written by Jeff Gottesfeld & illustrated by Matt Tavares. Picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0148-2 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team' by Christina Soontornvat

✰✰✰✰ In 2018 the world was captivated by the amazing rescue of twelve young boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. The members of the Wild Boar soccer team often liked to go on adventures together after practice. One day the boys and their coach decided to go caving. What started out as an adventure, turned into a nightmare as they quickly found themselves trapped in a cave with floodwaters rapidly rising all around them. There was no way out. All the boys and their coach could do was huddle together on a patch of land in complete darkness and wait.

As news of the missing boys spread, experts from all over the world arrived to help with the rescue. But this would be no ordinary rescue. Even trained divers struggled against the muddy waters and strong currents. With time running out, it would take the coordination of many people with different areas of expertise to orchestrate this harrowing rescue. Some even doubted a rescue could be possible. With time running out, and the rainy season just arriving, the rescuers had no choice but to proceed as quickly as possible. You won't be able to stop turning the pages as this rescue against time unfolds.

The Bottom Line: In this suspenseful, detailed account of this rescue, Soontornvat also includes abundant information about Thailand's culture, religion, and politics. Maps, photographs, and other interesting facts supplement the text to help illustrate the complexity of this rescue effort. Suggested reading for middle grade science class and anyone interested in rescue or survival stories. [Note: Full-color photographs not seen in the ARC.]

Details: All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat. Advanced reading copy published by Candlewick in 2020. 288 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0945-7 [Note: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'The Sisters of Straygarden Place' by Hayley Chewins

✰✰✰½ Winnow, Mayhap, and Pavonine Ballastian have been living alone at Straygarden Place ever since their parents left them behind seven years ago. The house is surrounded by strange, silver grass and floating trees, and their parents warned the three sisters never to go outside. The girls never want for anything as the magical house takes care of their every need, but then one day Winnow goes outside. When she returns, it's obvious to Mayhap and Pavonine that something is very wrong with her. Mayhap is determined to help her ailing sister, but what she uncovers may destroy their very existence. With time running out to save Winnow, the young girls must make decisions that will change everything.

The Bottom Line: Despite a slow start, the author eventually drew me in with her haunting prose, and the book turned into a real page-turner. The setting features a bit of creepiness as the children grow up with everything taken care of for them. However, what really shines through in this book is the bond of sisterly love. Recommended for middle grade readers and young adults who enjoy reading fantasy and horror. There are a lot of magical elements in this story that readers will appreciate as well.

Details: The Sisters of Straygarden Place by Hayley Chewins. ARC published by Candlewick Press in 2020. 208 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-1227-3 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen' by Anne Nesbet

✰✰✰✰ Darleen Darling is a young silent film star who's life is about to get even more daring. When her family's studio decides to generate some extra publicity with a fake kidnapping stunt, things go terribly wrong. Not only does Darleen get kidnapped for real, but she stumbles upon another kidnapping already taking place. To her surprise, the captive is none other than heiress Miss Victorine Berryman!

It's evident quite quickly that the two captives are in a heap of trouble. When it's obvious help isn't coming, the two young girls quickly become friends and hatch a plan to rescue themselves. With daring escapes, murderous plans, and danger around every corner, their daring rescue unfolds like an adventure movie serial. Will the two manage to outwit their captors or will evil prevail? Check out this captivating read to find out.

The Bottom Line: This tale of adventure is a quick read that will keep kids in middle school turning the pages. The escapes and plots are fun to read, but the budding friendship between two very different (and very resourceful) young ladies is what really shines through. I'm looking forward to reading more mysteries featuring these two clever heroines. Highly recommended for young fans of mysteries and historical fiction. 

Details: Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet. ARC published by Candlewick Press in 2020. 368 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0619-7  [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic' by Chronicle Books

✰✰✰✰ Chronicle Books presents 15 tales of horror from classic Japanese literature. The stories are divided into three sections (Journeys, Ghosts & Monsters, and Justice), with each story beginning with an original illustration by Kotaro Chiba. The stunning artwork is reminiscent of woodblock prints and demand the reader’s attention. In sum, this is a nice collection of folktales with twists of horror and enchantment, but the real attraction is the illustrations.

The Bottom Line: This is a gorgeous book; however, I unfortunately found the translated text to be quite stilted. Rather than racing through this book, I read the stories over time. Overall, I have given this a rating of 4 stars (5 for the illustrations and 3 for the text). It is important to note that the texts are readily available in the public domain with about half of the tales from Yei Theodora Ozaki’s Japanese Fairy Tales and another half from Lafcadio Hearn’s Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things. This book will appeal to those interested in Japanese folktales, literature, and culture.

Details: Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic by Chronicle Books, illustrated by Kotaro Chiba. Hardcover published by Chronicle Books in 2019. 168 p. ISBN: 978-1-4521-7446-4 [NOTE: I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]  

Book Review: 'The Wonderling' written & illustrated by Mira Bartók

✰✰✰ The groundlings are part human, part animal creatures from a different time and place. Like many abandoned and orphaned groundlings, Number 13 was taken to Miss Carbunkle’s Home for Wayward & Misbegotten Children. Number 13 can’t remember a time when he wasn’t here. To make things worse, he doesn’t even have a real name.

One day Number 13 sees a tiny creature being bullied even worse than himself; he finally decides to do something about it. In a show of unusual courage, he saves the little ball of fluff and makes a real friend. The first of many new friends, this is just the beginning of an adventure for Number 13. The duo will be tested time and again as they uncover a diabolical plan and try to prevent it. In a race to save the sounds of music, Number 13 and his ragtag group of friends will have to rely on their instincts, bravery, and each other if there’s any hope of overcoming evil.

The Bottom Line: This long fantasy is reminiscent of a Dickensian world with a nod to King Arthur and the knights of the round table as well. Filled with symbolism, references to classic works of fiction, and delightful black and white illustrations, this adventurous tale of friendship and overcoming fear may appeal to advanced middle grade or YA readers.

Details: The Wonderling written & illustrated by Mira Bartók. Reprint edition published by Candlewick in 2019. 464 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0890-0 Note: I received a free advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.