My Tonks face

This one is a serious flash-back, the costume that started it all. This is my costume from a Harry Potter program we held about three or four years ago. The picture quality isn't great so you can't see the purple and green in my hair. Also not visible are the safety pins along my pant seams or my combat boots.

Looking for my regularly scheduled book review? Rejoin me tomorrow for my review of Patricia Dunn's Rebels by Accident.

Graphic Novel Spotlight: Snow

Snow by Morgan Luthi

In design, Snow is like most American comics, making comprehension less of an issue. In terms of atmosphere and general tenor, it's more reminiscent of manga. Snow is the tale of a young refuge who arrives on Hub, one of a handful of planets holding out against the terrifying Warmongers. Snow is about regular people trying to survive oppressors as well as desperate secrets. Its about forming your own destiny. The art style is simple but each panel is complex in its use of imagery. I recommend this book for kids transitioning to "teen" comics and starting to explore the world of manga.

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?
Suspicion by Alexandra Monir
Seven years ago, Imogen's parents died in a fire that destroyed the family manor. Ever since, she has been living in New York with her new guardians. When she is forced to return to England, Imogen learns that the Rockford estate holds many dark secrets.
I've quite literally only just started this book but it holds a lot of promise and the few chapters I've read had a great sense of atmosphere. 
 
What did you recently finish reading?
Strong Female Protagonist by Brennan Lee Mulligan and Molly Ostertag
Allison used to be a famous superhero. As Mega Girl, she and the rest of her team of teen heroes fought a number of dangerous villains. A chance encounter with Menace, a mind-reading villain, brought her evidence of a grand conspiracy and she gave up crime fighting in favor of a normal life. Her efforts to focus on her education are hindered by public opinion and a world of heroes that seem determined to draw her back in.
I love books, graphic novel or print, that turn our idea of superheroes on it's ear. This book combines a fantastic concept with great art, resulting in a truly compelling read.
 
What do you think you will read next?
The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
At last, we come to the end of Percy Jackson's adventures. I've literally been waiting for this book since last October and at last I've got my hands on a copy.

Book review - Rite of Rejection

Title: Rite of Rejection
Author: Sarah Negovetich
Genre: dystopian fiction
Similar books: Divergent by Veronica Roth
                     The Giver by Lois Lowry
Rating:

A charming, entertaining read

Summary: All of her life, Rebecca has been working towards her Acceptance, the day that she becomes a full citizen and is eligible for marriage. She works hard in school and follows all the rules. So it comes as a surprise when the Machine rejects her as a future criminal and she is sent to the PIT. There is no future in the PIT, only lawlessness and decay. Rebecca's only chance is to throw in her lot with a group planning to escape.
Rating: I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, Rebecca is an incredibly passive protagonist. She spends a great deal of time sitting around waiting for people to take care of her rather than doing anything to take control of her life. Additionally, there are a number of overly convenient plot points, things that happen a little too easily. On the other hand, it is a unique twist on a standard setting and has a sort of rough charm. The ending is open enough to allow for a sequel or for the reader to imagine a future for the characters. All in all, I think the positives outweigh the negatives.
More information: Rite of Rejection is available now in print and as an e-book December 4.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Giraffes love cookies

While perusing craft ideas, I came across this tutorial for a dinosaur serving tray and knew I needed to make one of my own. But I didn't want to make it a dinosaur. I had visions of making one with a giraffe. So, here are some photos of my completed version.

The plate came from Dollar Tree and the giraffe from the bin of dollar animals at Walmart. I used E-6000 glue to attach the giraffe to the plate. 

Puppets!

Yesterday was our monthly puppet workshop. Being the day after Thanksgiving, it was a relatively small group but the kids had a great time and made some pretty cool puppets.

Robin Hood the Musketeer

a bacon chef, complete with bacon flipper and "kiss the cook" sign

a dancer

Abra, the wizard

a fancy girl with bells on her feet

Book review - Blood of My Blood

Caution: this review may contain spoilers for I Hunt Killers and Game 

Title: Blood of My Blood 
Author: Barry Lyga 
Genre: thriller
Similar books: Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
                     The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Rating:

Completely gripping

Summary: When we left them at the end of Game, Jasper, Howie, and Connie were in trouble. Jasper had been shot and locking in a storage unit. Howie had been attacked by Jasper's aunt Samantha and was potentially bleeding to death. And Connie found herself in the clutches of Billy Dent himself. They must escape their circumstances if they are to stop Billy's murderous reign. In the process they will come across someone even worse: the Crow King.
My opinion: Oh Barry Lyga, what are you doing to me? This book had me on edge the whole time I was reading it. It is the hallmark of a good thriller that even when you've figured out who the killer is there is still a heavy layer of tension. That was certainly this case with this book. Now, this was by far the most gruesome of the trilogy and takes Jazz right to the brink of darkness, tipping him nearly over the edge more than once. I like that it doesn't end perfectly, with Jazz still dealing with the sense of darkness inside of him. In all, it is a most satisfying ending to the journey we began in I Hunt Killers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley