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: 'Yoga for Your Brain: A Zentangle Workout' by Sandy Steen Bartholomew

✰✰✰✰ Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Are you looking for a new challenge in the new year? Zentangle is a great way to find your inner peace. All you need are a few supplies and an open mind; then let the creativity flow. This instruction book assumes some basic knowledge of Zentangle techniques. However, I'll admit I knew very little about Zentangling when I first picked it up a few years ago. Nevertheless, I learned a whole lot as I progressed through the book. Just choose the tangles that appeal to you, and away you go.

The Bottom Line: This slim workbook is perfect for advanced beginners and intermediate Zentanglers. As the sequel to Totally Tangled, this one also includes plenty of tips, projects, and new patterns as well as basic information on shading, auras, and even using your pencil. The instructions are super easy to follow too.  It's an easy, peasy way to while away some free time. Enthusiastically recommended for artists looking for a little inspiration or new ideas.

Details: Yoga for Your Brain: A Zentangle Workout by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. Paperback published by Design Originals in 2011. 52 p. ISBN: 978-1574216981 

Book Review: 'Best in Snow' by April Pulley Sayre

✰✰✰✰✰ Featuring amazing nature photography, Best in Snow is sure to be a favorite read. Author April Pulley Sayre gently takes the early reader through the winter water cycle of snow precipitation. With stunning landscapes, animal shots, and close-ups, the photography takes the reader to a winter wonderland. Along the way we learn how snow forms, melts, and starts all over again. Educational information is included on the last pages too.

The Bottom Line: This beautiful, engaging picture book is ideal for STEAM related activities. Filled with gorgeous photography and limited vocabulary, this book is perfect for Preschool – Grade 1 classrooms. Kids will have fun learning without even realizing it, and teachers can elaborate on the scientific information presented in the back of the book. Enthusiastically recommended!

Details: Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre. Picture book published by Beach Lane Books in 2016. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4814-5916-7  

Happy New Year 2020!

Good riddance to 2019 & welcome to 2020! The New Year is shaping up to be an amazing adventure. I'm looking forward to getting back on track with reading and writing. I've also returned to my first love...art! I've taken the step to sign up for classes in watercolor painting, journaling, and iconography. And as always, I'll be sharing book related news and articles, so stop by often. 

Wishing everyone a brilliant & amazing 

New Year!

Note: The cool snowman clip art is from ClipArtKey.