Total read in March thus far: 55
Friday, March 27, 2020
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Graphic novel spotlight - The Fox & the Tanuki
If you have any interest in Japanese folk tales, in magic and mythological beings, then this is the manga you're looking for. Largely a humorous tale, this book is also fully rooted in a complex mythology of spirits, yokai, and old gods. The fox is a spirit who is being punished for cruelty and self-centered behavior. He's presented as a villain but as in many Japanese stories he's not truly evil. He makes bad choices, may even have evil inclinations, but he remains redeemable. He can learn to consider the welfare of others, even while he continues to cause mischief. There's a lot of humor present, making it a lot of fun to read. And as is typical in manga, the art has a heavily cartoony style with a lot going on with facial expressions.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
What am I reading today?
Total read in March thus far: 54
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Non-fiction book review - Bringing Back the Wolves
There is certainly no shortage of books about endangered animals or efforts to restore populations. This one stands out from the crowd because it gives us the whole picture. We see first how the wolf population was destroyed and the effect that had on the entire park. We see how losing a key species nearly destroyed the ecosystem. Then, with their reintroduction, Isabella walks us step by step through how the wolves affected various animals and plants. This book functions as a palpable object lesson in the food chain and keystone species. A very cool, very easily understood book.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Book review - Zatanna and the House of Secrets
Author: Matthew Cody
Genre: fantasy graphic novel/superhero
Similar books: The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
Haphaven by Norm Harper
Rating:
 |
| good fun |
Summary (provided by publisher): Zatanna and her stage magician father live in a special house, the House of Secrets, which is full of magic, puzzles, mysterious doors, and storybook creatures--it's the house everyone in the neighborhood talks about but avoids.
At school one day, Zatanna stands up to a bully and everything changes--including her friends. Suddenly, Zatanna isn't so sure about her place in the world, and when she returns home to tell her father, he's gone missing, lost within their own home.
With thrilling twists from writer Matthew Cody and dazzling artwork by Yoshi Yoshitani, Zatanna and the House of Secrets will delight readers at the turn of every page--and the opening of every door!
My opinion: DC Comics does it again with this kid's book. Zatanna is not an especially well known character but she sure gets her due in this exploration. And there's no foreknowledge required to understand this plot. Cody introduces the characters and their world in an easily understood way. It's not an especially complex plot and there's certainly room to dig deeper into the relationship between Zatanna's family and the rest of the magical world. It's not a book that will lead the reader to a deep conversation but it's solidly entertaining.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
What am I reading today?
Total read in March thus far: 49
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