Pick 6: humor

April Fool's Day is nearly upon us. How better to celebrate than with a funny read? Here are 6 funny books published in the last 6 months, covering everything from beginning chapter books to teen novels.

6 new comedies:
1.  Samantha Spinner and the Super Secret Plans by Russell Ginns

2. They Didn't Teach THIS in Worm School by Simone Cia

3. Wrapped Up by Dave Scheidt

4. Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey

5. Kim Reaper by Sarah Graley

6. Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton

Non fiction book review - Better Together

Better Together by Nikki Tate

This is a book that could easily be used by both an upper elementary school child and a young teen. The vocabulary is accessible but the content isn't overly simplified. Concepts are explained simply but thoroughly. Readers will learn about all kinds of community: from the nuclear family to humans as a global community, following a series of concentric circles. While older readers will want to explore the concepts in more depth, this is a nice way to introduce a complex topic.

More information: Better Together releases April 3.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review double feature

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

I'm departing from my regular review format today. These two books are linked thematically. It only seemed natural to draw comparisons between them. We have here two books on a timely and difficult topic: unarmed boys of color shot by law officers. There are, of course, differences. Tyler Johnson Was Here comes from the perspective of a victim's brother. It explores the nuanced nature of innocence, the right way to protest, and when violence and anger are justified. Coles' novel is more complex and aimed at a teen audience. Ghost Boys, a verse novel, is presented from the victim's perspective. It explores the history of violence against boys of color, how far we've come and just how far we have to go. Rhodes also touches on the emotional impact for the family of the shooter and the more subtle end of the racism spectrum.

While neither of these books are perfect, reading them with a group of kids is a great way to start a conversation about racism and violence in the modern world.

More information: Ghost Boys releases April 17.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Brighten up that bunny

Personally, I'm not big on holiday decorations. I don't like spending money on something that will only be displayed for a few weeks at most. That being said, I am a fan of re-purposing items that still have use. In this case, I was given this Easter decoration that had seen better days. 

While the paint was quite flaky, the underlying decoration was pretty cute. A quick once-over with a stiff brush and a fresh coat of paint has allowed it to shine again. 

Non-fiction book review - Robots and Drones

Science Comics: Robots & Drones by Mairghread Scott

I've had a mixed experience with the Science Comics series. This is a particularly good installment. The key is, Scott doesn't push too hard to give it a plot. This isn't a story, just a robot bird explaining the concepts, particularly the difference between a machine and a robot. We get history, basic details, a little bit about programming, and some speculation about the future, all with fairly simple but appealing illustrations. There is one fairly significant absence here: artificial intelligence doesn't even get a mention.

More information: Robots & Drones releases March 27.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Tale of Angelino Brown

Title: The Tale of Angelino Brown
Author: David Almond
Genre: magical realism
Similar books: Matilda by Roald Dahl
                      Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGhee
Rating:

better than I expected

Summary (provided by publisher): Do you believe in angels? Bert and Betty Brown do, because Bert discovered one in his shirt pocket the other day while he was driving his bus. All of a sudden they had a little boy of their very own to care for — how heavenly! Bert and Betty’s friends think Angelino is lovely. So do Nancy and Jack and Alice from school. But the Head Teacher, Mrs. Mole, is not so sure. Neither is Professor Smellie. And who is the mysterious Man in Black who claims to be a School Inspector? Or the big, lumbering Basher Malone? What could all these sneaky adults possibly have against such a perfect little angel?

My opinion: Generally speaking, I find Almond's writing too weird, representational, and generally dark. This one bucks that trend. Firstly, it skews a little younger, though it will land with older audiences as well. This story has messages about the state of modern schools and how perception affects behavior. Can be read and enjoyed several times.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Custom greeting card

I struggle with greeting cards. I don't like spending several dollars for a folded piece of paper with a generic sentiment on it. Making my own cards does mean that I'm less likely to give cards out but I feel like there's more meaning behind them this way.

This particular card has a watercolor background. The text was written in india ink with a dip pen.