The Spell of a Story by Mariajo Ilustrago The Spell of a Story by Mariano Ilustrajo is a delightful children’s book about discovering the joys of reading. I love the little magical swirls around some books, and others with characters peeking out. Too cute, even if I do not share this child’s initial dislike of […]
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn by KR Hebdige is a novel of historical fiction centring on 11th century Wales, and the struggle to unite the country into one kingdom, rather than several smaller ones. In total the tale ranges from the 1020s to 1061, following, for the most part, the life of the eponymous Gruffudd. I […]
This book was reviewed for Netgalley Out of the Blue is the second of Oelschlager’s books that I’ve read recently. This one I also read with my cubs. This book looks at various colour themed idioms, pairing the phrase with a picture both literally and figuratively depicting the phrase. ‘Born with a […]
As the finale to the Chorus of Dragons series, Jen Lyons’ The Discord of Gods wraps up an intriguing and far-reaching plot. Not gonna lie- I adore this series. I had hoped that one of my favourite characters would find a measure of redemption. In fact, I used his name for two characters I created […]
Akata Woman by Nnedi Okorafor is the stunning finale to the mystical Nsibidi Scripts trilogy that blends African folklore, and Nigerian culture/ traditions with contemporary life. Themes of friendship, identity, and personal growth take center stage, as Sunny and her Leopard Knocks friends navigate complicated magical politics and face immense battles. The world-building resonates with […]
Dragon Bonds by Ava Richardson is the 3rd book in the Return of the Darkening trilogy. The story continues to follow Seb and Thea, who have been chosen by the red dragon Kalax. War is here, and the tensions are wound tight. Some of the dragon stones have been found. But will it be enough? […]
Painting Calm by Inga Buividavice Inga Buividavice’s Painting Calm presents an immersive journey into creating introspective watercolour art using nature as inspiration. Buividavice’s artwork draws the viewers in with a gorgeous interplay of of soothing colours and shapes. Take ‘Dusk’s Resilience’, reflecting the calm of twilight, and inviting profound contemplation. Likewise, ‘Ethereal Symphony’ suggests a […]
The Anatomist’s Library by Colin Salter The Anatomist’s Library by Colin Salter is a tour through medical history. Divided into six chapters, Salter explores medical texts from the ancient world of Galen and Hippocrates to today’s modern world. The book is full of beautiful illustrations, primarily with informative captions, making for engaging reading. It was […]
Strange Animals by Tom Jackson Organized by region, Strange Animals by Tom Jackson looks at some of the most unusual critters around the world. From the tuatara to the anteater, readers will be introduced to myriad marvelous faunal facts. Each section has a short written introduction, with the remainder of the chapter being gorgeous photos, with […]
Immersive and occasionally unsettling, The Wych Elm by Tana French is an engrossing exploration into the fracturing of one’s identity amidst an unexpected crisis. The story revolves around Toby, a charismatic young man from Dublin who suffers a debilitating head injury after a brutal home invasion. French pairs this personal jeopardy with the shocking discovery […]
