Herobear and the Kid: The Inheritance by Mike Kunkel
Here's a graphic novel that is sure to appeal to kids and adults alike. Indeed, Kunkel actually addresses the adults in the audience. The opening narration for each issue appears to be an adult Tyler recalling childhood and its sense of wonder, belief, and magic in a way that is certainly more typical of an adult than any ten year old. ThHe magic and that recapturing of wonder along with the great details and sense of artistry will appeal to adults. The cartoon style and the fulfillment of every kid's desire to be a hero will draw in the young, not to mention the universal dilemmas of new schools, the bus, and bullies. The combination of a thrilling plot and fantastic detail make Herobear an all around excellent choice.
Science Stunts by Jordan D. Brown
This is a great collection of cool science tricks. If you've spent much time looking at books of science tricks (or on Pinterest) many of these tricks will be familiar. Clear step-by-step instructions and excellent illustrations keep the experiments from seeming stale. From an educational standpoint, each experiment has an easily understood explanation of the science that makes it work. It's a great choice for individuals and libraries.
Title: The Bolds
Author: Julian Clary
Genre: humor
Similar books: Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith
The Ghastly McNastys by Lyn Garner
Rating:
 |
| very silly fun |
Summary (provided by publisher): The Bolds live in an ordinary suburban house on an ordinary suburban street in London—but they are far from being an ordinary family...
Mrs. Bold makes unusual hats from egg boxes and chicken bones.
Mr. Bold is rather fond of scavenging in the neighbors' garbage cans.
Bobby is a cheeky little one, always running about and chewing on table legs.
And Betty likes to chase her brother and has a strange, cackling laugh.
Yes, they are far from being an ordinary family. But have you guessed their secret yet?
My opinion: This is a truly bizarre book, but bizarre in a way that makes it a great deal of fun. It is the ultimate in silly with a perfect blend of the ludicrous and toilet humor. The illustrations really support the plot. Parents might not love this book but it should be a hit with the children. I personally enjoyed it more than I expected. Clary has an acute sense of comedic timing. A great choice for fans of offbeat humor.
More information: The Bolds releases March 1.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
My sister is a fan of lawn gnomes, so I've long considered the idea of customizing a gnome for her. I was lucky enough to find this one at a yard sale for a very reasonable price.
Personally, I find the original design somewhat creepy, what with his solid black eyes, bright red eyes, solid sky-blue suit, and odd gold boots. He had a high gloss finish so first I did some light sanding and covered the whole thing in a white base coat. I painted it with acrylic paints and finished it with an acrylic top coat.
His eyes still aren't quite right but the light grey isn't nearly as bad as the black.
Title: Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Genre: historical fiction
Similar books: Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
The Extra by Kathryn Lasky
Rating:
 |
| fascinating, tragic |
Summary (provided by publisher): The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.
In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.
Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.
Told in alternating points of view, and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's critically acclaimed #1 New York Times bestseller Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff--the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.
My opinion: At face value, this is a relatively easy read. The plot is relatively straightforward. Emotionally, though, it's far from easy. It's uncomfortable and hard to handle. War is tragic. Terrible things happen. People survive months of tribulation and near death, find what promises to be their salvation only to have that promise of safety torn away. This book is so beautifully written that, even when we know dreadful things are about to happen we are compelled to keep reading. This book is not for the faint of heart, especially as some scenes are overly descriptive and gruesome. For those willing weather the discomfort, though, this is a fantastic read.
More information: Salt to the Sea releases February 2.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
Ever since reading Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, I've been a fan of books about struggles to stay alive. Talking with middle grade readers, I know I'm not alone in this preference. Publishing companies know this too. Book catalogues tend to feature at least one survival story. Here are six new stories of survival published in the last six months.
6 new survival novels
1. Finding Someplace by Denise Lewis Patrick
2. The Detour by S A Bodeen
3. On the Run by Tristan Bancks
4. Calvin by Martine Leavitt
5. Instructions for the End of the World by Jamie Kain
6. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key
Well hello there! I sort of dropped off the map for a month so if you've stuck with me this long, thanks. I started a new job just before Christmas and moved into a new apartment just last week so my life has been a little hectic. But, things are settling down and my internet got installed last night (yay!) so you can expect to see me back to my regular schedule of 4-5 post a week from this point on.
