Groovy!

I bought this action figure at the dollar store with the intention of giving him a squid head, but the squid proved surprisingly hard to attach.

Random inspiration struck one day and I decided to take it in a different direction.

First, I gave it a new neck joint with a bamboo skewer, straw, bead, and hot glue.

I formed his new head with Model Magic air dry clay, then finished it off with paint and wiggle eyes.

He's very happy to be Earthworm Jim

 
 

Book review - The Lovely and the Lost

Title: The Lovely and the Lost
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: The Lost and the Found by Cat Clarke
                      Too Shattered for Mending by Peter Brown Hoffmeister
Rating:

a bit of a mixed bag

Summary (provided by publisher):  Kira Bennett's earliest memories are of living alone and wild in the woods. She has no idea how long she was on her own or what she had to do to survive, but she remembers the moment that Cady Bennett and one of her search-and-rescue dogs found her. Adopted into the Bennett family, Kira still struggles with human interaction years later, but she excels at the family business: search-and-rescue. Together with Cady's son, Jude, and their neighbor, Free, Kira works alongside Cady to train the world's most elite search-and-rescue dogs. Someday, all three teenagers hope to put their skills to use, finding the lost and bringing them home.
But when Cady's estranged father, the enigmatic Bales Bennett, tracks his daughter down and asks for her help in locating a missing child-one of several visitors who has disappeared in the Sierra Glades National Park in the past twelve months-the teens find themselves on the frontlines sooner than they could have ever expected. As the search through 750,000 acres of unbridled wilderness intensifies, Kira becomes obsessed with finding the missing child. She knows all too well what it's like to be lost in the wilderness, fighting for survival, alone.
But this case isn't simple. There is more afoot than a single, missing girl, and Kira's memories threaten to overwhelm her at every turn. As the danger mounts and long-held family secrets come to light, Kira is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her adopted family, her true nature, and her past.


My opinion: In a book like this one, where minors investigate a mystery, it's important to draw careful lines. Barnes handles this carefully. The teens are actively involved in searching for the missing child. As soon as it becomes clear that a crime has been committed, though, the teens are blocked from the investigation. They can do search and rescue because they are trained. They cannot interfere with the police. And the teens themselves are careful to stay out of the way of the police. Sure, they keep investigating but their investigation takes the form that any citizen could do. They talk to people, hunt through library records. Their training simply gives them different insight than other people. The mystery itself is thinly evidenced, the suspects vague at best. Compelling enough for a single read.

More information: The Lovely and the Lost releases May 7.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Non-fiction book review - Planet Fashion

Planet Fashion by Natasha Slee

This book follows a consistent pattern. It takes a region/cultural group and time period and explores the fashion elements that defined the era. It looks at silhouettes and fabrics. The role of gender and politics. It's largely the "what" of a time period's fashion but there's a fair amount of exploration of "why". This includes not just the clothes but also the culture. Be it bicycles or disco, war or economic surplus, many things have an influence on fashion. Slee looks at a wide variety of locations as well. A fun look at history for young readers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Carp kites

There's something about the look of carp kites that I thoroughly enjoy. So I like to portray them whenever I can. In this case, for a card for an upcoming craft fair.

 

Non-fiction book review - Art Masterclass

Art Masterclass with Claude Monet by Katie Cotton
Art Masterclass with Gustave Klimt by Lucy Brownridge

Most kids' books about art and artists take one of two approaches: 1) the life of the artist; 2) examples of the the artist's most famous works. Now, both of those things are present in these books but the larger focus is on elements of the artist's style. In both books, we are presented with a painting that exemplifies some element of the art style. Motion, shadow, shape, focus. We look at the element and then experiment with replicating the element. These books allow young artists to experiment and develop their own art styles as well as looking at the artists' work through a new lens.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers

Title: Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers
Author: Shauna M. Holyoak
Genre: mystery
Similar books: Charlie & Frog by Karen Kane
                      The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton
Rating:

a touch disappointing

Summary(provided by publisher): When a string of dognappings grips her Denver neighborhood, Kazu Jones vows to track down the culprits. She can't stand to see more dogs go missing-especially once her neighbors' beloved pet is taken because of her gigantic mistake.
With the help of her gang-including her best friend and expert hacker, March; and her ginormous, socially anxious pup, Genki-Kazu uncovers evidence that suggests the dognapping ring is bigger than she ever imagined. But the more she digs, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. The dognappers are getting bolder, and Genki could be next... 

My opinion: Mysteries for middle grade readers are tricky territory. These are kids old enough to handle a mystery about actual crime, elements of real danger. At the same time it has to be handled carefully. You don't want to glamorize risky behavior. You want the reader to question the kid's involvement when real crime is involved. Holyoak tries to do that. Kazu gets in trouble every time she investigates. When she puts herself and her friends in real danger they get in trouble with parents and police. That's commendable but Kazu is undeterred. She ends the book still running investigations, implying that she could get involved in another crime in future. The actual mystery is thinly evidenced and without enough reasonable suspects.
More information: Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers releases April 23.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Sojourner Truth

I'm playing with an idea for peg dolls to sell at craft fairs. I'd love to do a series of famous historical figures with a special focus on women. For a test case, I made Sojourner Truth.

Graphic novel spotlight - Yasmina and the Potato Eaters

Yasmina and the Potato Eaters by Wauter Mannaert

A little girl encounters mutant potatoes. This sounds like a strange concept for a graphic novel. It is translated from French. That likely raises red flags for a potential reader. In spite of those things, it's a charming story. The sci-fi elements are fairly minimal, to be honest, and take on more the flavor of a classic B-movie. Yasmina is more a story of appreciating food. This is a story of a little girl who loves to cook, who enjoys the process of putting fresh foods together in unique and appealing ways. She appreciates the way that a good meal brings people together. Mannaert brings up organics, processed foods, GMOs, and general ecology. I should note, too, that while the genetic manipulation in this book goes bad, Mannaert doesn't out and out vilify GMOs. Rather, he seems to urge caution and thoughtfulness.
Artistically, it's very stylized. There's a heavy use of contrast more common in European comics. And there are many near wordless passages, so the illustrations are used to their proper effect.
I was frustrated to find that Part 1 cuts off rather suddenly, with no resolution of any sort. Certainly give this series a read but do yourself a favor and wait until you can get both volumes at once.

More information: Part 1 is available now. Part 2 releases April 17.
Advanced Reader copy provided by NetGalley.

Non-fiction book review - Killer Style

Killer Style by Serah-Marie McMahon and Alison Matthews David

With every industry there is value in examining the dark side. Sure, fashion has value. It tells us about culture, can be a vehicle for change. It can also be incredibly dangerous. McMahon and David take us through several examples of the dangers. We see the physical dangers of wearing fashions like restricted movement and fire hazards; dangers in production like industrial poisons and factory conditions; social dangers like sweat shops. The cases span a range of history and are careful to point out any myths connected to each story. It's a fascinating read and would be a good choice for teens and tweens with an interest in fashion or social justice.

More information: Killer Style releases April 15.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - The Next Great Paulie Fink

Title: The Next Great Paulie Fink
Author: Ali Benjamin
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan
                      Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Sheerger
Rating:

A pleasant read

Summary (provided by publisher): When Caitlyn Breen begins her disorienting new life at the rural Mitchell School--where the students take care of real live goats and study long-dead philosophers, and where there are only ten other students in the entire seventh grade--it seems like nobody can stop talking about some kid named Paulie Fink.
Depending on whom you ask, Paulie was either a hilarious class clown, a relentless troublemaker, a hapless klutz, or an evil genius. One thing's for sure, though: The kid was totally legendary. Now he's disappeared, and Caitlyn finds herself leading a reality-show-style competition to find the school's next great Paulie Fink. With each challenge, Caitlyn struggles to understand a person she never met...but it's what she discovers about herself that most surprises her.
Told in multiple voices, interviews, and documents, this funny, thought-provoking novel from the bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish is a memorable exploration of what makes a hero--and if anyone, or anything, is truly what it seems.

My opinion: Initially, I wasn't a fan of this book. I found Caitlyn frustrating. She constantly judges everyone and everything around her. Admittedly her new school is atypical but she seem determined to be unhappy there, unwilling to try out anything new. The constant negativity is grating. Things start to turn a corner when her classmates call her out on her attitude. And it was around this time that I realized I had become emotionally engaged in the plot. I cared about these characters and their school, their growing understanding of bullying and the difference between a person's true self and their public front. These are largely standard topics for middle grade fiction but are masterfully handled by Benjamin in a story enjoyable to read and re-read.

More information: The Next Great Paulie Fink releases April 16.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book 7 complete - Speechless

Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt

Grief is a complicated thing. Especially when you didn't particularly like the deceased person. Schmitt takes the reader through those complex emotions in a darkly humorous, often uncomfortable, but ultimately edifying way.

Book 6 complete - Doctor Who

Doctor Who Archives Volume 3 by Tony Lee

Doctor Who is always a solid read and perfect for the late night hours (when I actually read this, before falling asleep for a couple of hours - whoops!). Adventure and humor without a lot of complex though. This collection introduces a number of new characters, a couple of complete story arcs, and contains the conclusion of a larger arc as well.

Book 5 complete - An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason

An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

I think my favorite part about this book is the insanity it paints around the original productions of Shakespeare plays. Constant changes to the text during rehearsal. Men dressed as women and, at times, playing up that reality. The historical context of the plot to assassinate the queen was certainly interesting but it couldn't hold a candle to the image of Shakespeare wandering around like a madman, needlessly inventing words.

Book 4 complete - My Life as a Diamond

My Life as a Diamond by Jenny Manzer

I'm not a sports oriented person. At all. So I generally avoid sports themed books. The exception: when sports are a metaphor for a greater life lesson. And that's the case here. I find that baseball, in particular, is often used as a life metaphor and it works for me. This is a delightful, heartwarming story of self-acceptance and rising above other people's judgement.

Book 3 complete - It Wasn't Me

It Wasn't Me by Dana Alison Levy

Breakfast Club meets school mystery. A disparate group of middle schoolers realize they don't know much about each other as they are forced to work through which of them committed an act of bullying. My expectations were pretty low but Levy blew me away. While the resolution is exactly what you might expect, the journey is worth it.

Book 2 complete - Astrid the Unstoppable

Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr

A clever, if decidedly foreign feeling, adventure for fans of Pippi Longstocking and the work of Polly Horvath.

Book 1 complete - All Our Broken Pieces

All Our Broken Pieces by L. D. Crichton

Periodically, I read teen romances. Romance is in no way my favorite genre but on occasion a book transcends simple romance, tells a more complex story. This book makes a strong stab at being more. It is, at heart, still a romance and has some tropey, eye-rolling moments and overly convenient plot points. Still, a decent read.

And we're off

Once again, I find myself generally obligation free during Dewey's Hour Read-a-thon so I figure I'll read today. This is my official starting line post. I'll be posting here as I finish books so check in with me through the day.

Pick 6: love stories

Romance is definitely not my favorite genre. I try to read them occasionally just be aware of what's out there.  Here are 6 love stories published in the last 6 months.

6 new love stories:

1. 29 Dates by Melissa de la Cruz
2. Come Find Me by Megan Miranda
3. Paper Girl by Cindy R Wilson
4. Pretty in Punxsutawney by Laurie Boyle Crompton
5. Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
6. Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E Smith

Non fiction book review - Follow Your Stuff

Follow Your Stuff by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hlinka

One might not think that the global economy could easily be explained for a young audience but Sylvester and Hlinka put in a solid effort. Through three concrete examples they break down the minutiae of the cost of a product: raw materials, transport, marketing, and profit. Not only do they discuss the money, though. They devote a fair amount of space to ethics. Sure some products are cheaper but that means that someone in the chain is taking less money and that someone is usually low level workers. That or the product is being produced in a more ecologically destructive way. Through the text we're being asked to be more mindful consumers. And that's always a good thing.

More information: Follow Your Stuff releases April 9.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - In the Key of Nira Ghani

Title: In the Key of Nira Ghani
Author: Natasha Deen
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: 29 Dates by Melissa de la Cruz
                      Breakaway by Kat Spears
Rating:

thought provoking

Summary (provided by publisher): Nira Ghani has always dreamed of becoming a musician. Her Guyanese parents, however, have big plans for her to become a scientist or doctor. Nira's grandmother and her best friend, Emily, are the only people who seem to truly understand her desire to establish an identity outside of the one imposed on Nira by her parents. When auditions for jazz band are announced, Nira realizes it's now or never to convince her parents that she deserves a chance to pursue her passion.
As if fighting with her parents weren't bad enough, Nira finds herself navigating a new friendship dynamic when her crush, Noah, and notorious mean-girl, McKenzie "Mac," take a sudden interest in her and Emily, inserting themselves into the fold. So, too, does Nira's much cooler (and very competitive) cousin Farah. Is she trying to wiggle her way into the new group to get closer to Noah? Is McKenzie trying to steal Emily's attention away from her? As Farah and Noah grow closer and Emily begins to pull away, Nira's trusted trumpet "George" remains her constant, offering her an escape from family and school drama.
But it isn't until Nira takes a step back that she realizes she's not the only one struggling to find her place in the world. As painful truths about her family are revealed, Nira learns to accept people for who they are and to open herself in ways she never thought possible.
A relatable and timely contemporary, coming-of age story, In the Key of Nira Ghani explores the social and cultural struggles of a teen in an immigrant household.

My opinion: I found Nira to be a frustrating character. While her struggle to get her parents to understand her dreams is relatable, she's so judgemental when it comes to her peers that her story was difficult to read at times. This is especially true with McKenzie, who Nira paints as racist and inherently hateful. While McKenzie has an ignorant and dismissive vibe, she doesn't play all that hateful. What it comes down to is the secondary characters being under described, under-characterized. I liked the messages about looking beyond a person's surface, recognizing what things influence their decision making, the kind of person they are becoming. Well intentioned but far from perfect

More information: In the Key of Nira Ghani releases April 9.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

A super-cute peg

I realized recently that my superhero peg doll collection skews pretty heavily to the Marvel side. So I set out to specifically make a DC peg. I settled on Bumblebee this time. She's a pretty great peg doll.