Book review - Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards

 

Title: Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards

Author: Susan Tan

Genre: magical realism

Similar books: Spirit's Key by Edith Cohn

                     The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington

Rating:

 

excellent use of details

Summary (provided by publisher): Mo is not afraid of toast. Just to be clear. She is afraid of fires, though. Which can be caused by everyday appliances, like toasters. So toast isn’t the problem, but you could say it’s the start of a slippery slope. Since her family's recent move, Mo's been eating oatmeal for breakfast.
Moving to a new town is never easy, but it’s even harder when you’re dealing with a stepdad who just left and a mom who can’t get out of bed long enough to find a new a job.
But Mo doesn’t have time to dwell on these things. Because it’s her job to keep her family together. To keep them safe.
So when an elephant starts to haunt her dreams—and a mysterious spirit attacks her home—Mo knows it’s up to her to intervene before things get too dangerous.
With her new friend, Nathaniel, she embarks on an investigation, searching for the truth about the town, its people, and their history. But things are much more complicated and tangled than she thought.
To find out what’s really going on, Mo might have to live a little dangerously after all.

My opinion: How do you tell a ghost story without making it scary? You tell this story. You have a ghost that has an effect on the world but without really haunting anything. Now, it becomes apparent pretty early on that the ghost is a symbol for change and loss. It is, after all, a literal elephant in the room. It is the pain that Mo and her family don't want to acknowledge. While that metaphor is a bit heavy-handed for an adult reader it's about perfect for a young reader starting to read more deeply in a text. Tan uses specific sensory details to great affect so we truly experience the ghost and the junkyard along with the characters. With a decent level of character development this is a solid choice for a solo read or a book club or classroom setting.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Pick 6 : Animals

 I'm often intrigued by the approach an author takes to a plot. This is especially true when they make the main characters animals. You can do things with animal characters that would seem implausible with humans. Simply by virtue of being animals, they encourage us to expand our suspension of disbelief. Not to mention they're usually cute and fun. Here are six new books published in the past six months that feature animal characters.

6 new books with animal protagonists:

1. Famously Funny Parrott by Eric Daniel Weiner
2. Pluto Rocket New in Town by Paul Gillian
3. Batcat by Meggie Ramm
4. Wizkit by Tanya J Scott
5. Otis & Peanut by Naseem Hrab
6. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate
   

Book review - A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower

 

Title: A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower

Author: Mark David Smith

Genre: mystery/humor

Similar books: Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander

                      The Ghost and Max Monroe series by L. M. Falcone 

Rating:

 

a nice blend of elements

Summary (provided by publisher): It’s summer, and the Weird Sisters are convinced that the residents of Covenly aren’t coming to their pet emporium—and newly opened detective agency—because the sisters are too strange. So they decide to let nine-year-old Jessica Nibley teach them how to play on the swing to fit in.
They soon discover the town’s beloved tire swing lying on the ground with its rope severed. Who would do such a thing? And why? Jessica and the sisters are determined to solve the mystery. As they search for clues, they stumble onto a second mystery: the robin that nests at Chelsea Oh’s house has gone missing. So they plan to find both the robin and the swing vandal.

My opinion: This is the second book in a series, a fact I didn't realize when I started reading it though that quickly became apparent. There are many references to previous events and established relationships and identities are not rehashed. Even so, that was only a minor barrier to understanding. Since this is a beginner chapter book, the plot and writing are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. There is a fair amount of humor, largely based on the multiple meanings for words and the confusion based in homophones. So not only is this a mystery, it could be used to reinforce lessons on grammar. It's a mystery but largely light hearted. There is no danger or serious crime. It's cute and one I would easily recommend to young readers.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

                      

Thank goodness for toothbrushes

 This winter I learned the ancient art of nalbinding after I was gifted a book and needle for Christmas. After I finished my little basket, I set aside my needle until I could find some wool yarn for my next project. 

A couple of weeks ago I was gifted the perfect yarn and wouldn't you know, I can't find the needle. I'm quite certain I put it somewhere "safe". Too safe, I guess, because I'm going to have to move everything to find it. 

I was resigned to setting aside the yarn for months when I remembered a stash of used bamboo handled toothbrushes. I'd figured I would use them for spatter painting or detailed scrubbing but I was struck by the resemblance to my nalbinding needle.

Obviously, the toothbrush is much thicker but after I cut off the brush head it only took a couple of evenings shaving it down with my pocket knife to get the right general shape. Then I drilled in the eye and sanded the whole thing down. After letting the glue dry (it cracked when I drilled it) I have a workable needle.

 

I actually kind of like the contour

May the Fourth be with you

 It's been a little while since I've done one of these. It used to be my habit to draw a Star Wars character as I imagined it looked as a baby every May 4. I quickly ran through my favorites and the exercise has forced me to think more creatively. I hadn't planned to draw one this year but this juvenile Tauntaun found it's way into my doodles this week.

Happy Star Wars Day my friends.

Graphic novel spotlight

 

Otis and Peanut by Naseem Hrab

At face value, Otis & Peanut is like a lot of early graphic novels currently on the market. Think Narwhal and Jelly or Shark and Bot. Even the title has the same construction. Now, those other books can be a lot of fun. They're silly and reach beginning readers with their easy to follow text and engaging illustrations. Otis & Peanut has those same elements. This book includes three stories where the pair work through some challenge together. These appear simple but, as with a Frog and Toad story, the simplicity masks a deeper reflection on life and identity. A fear of getting a haircut or the changes that come with moving house are met with funny solutions but also examine change and being true to yourself. And then there's "The Swing", where Otis and Peanut remember a friend who is gone. They discuss grief and how even remembering the good things is painful. This is a sweet, heartfelt story that may be a little emotionally intense for some but is beautiful anyway. Much as with Frog and Toad, this may be a book that will be appreciated by children in a surface way and on a much deeper level by their parents.

 Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non fiction book review - The Van Buren Sisters vs. the Pants Police

 

The Van Buren Sisters vs the Pants Police by J.F. Fox

This is the sort of book we see occasionally - a woman who defies cultural standards and opens the door for future women to do the same. This one gives us a few unique details. Not only is this a story of sisters, they were raised to be independent and as capable as their brothers. It's no wonder, then, that they decided to travel the country on a motorbike, wearing trousers. It's a simple narrative. The language is easy to understand and none of the content is challenging so it's suitable for young readers.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley