Book Review: Everyone Loves Cupcake by Kelly DiPucchio, Eric Wright

Everyone Loves Cupcake is a picture book written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Eric Wright. It is a delightful follow up to Everyone Loves Bacon, but of course they each stand perfectly well on their own.

Cupcake dresses to impress. Her smile is brilliant. Her wave is flawless. She even wears a tiara. Everyone loves a tiara. And Cupcake wants everyone to love her. But when she tries too hard to make everyone happy, she crumbles under the pressure and realizes that sometimes just being yourself is enough.


Everyone Loves Cupcake is another fun picturebook from DiPucchio. Cupcake is always doing her best to be perfect, and in turn to impress everyone around her. If you have ever had anyone in your life that always seems perfect, you can empathize with the other foods and how frustrated they became, if you are a perfectionist like cupcake you can understand her drive to have everything perfect.  I like the bright, fun illustrations as Cupcake struggles to make everything just right, and her slow realization that her efforts are causing more damage to her friendships than good things. i think my favorite part of the book is when everyone is making their confessions, including Cupcake. good fun, great illustrations, and a wonderful lesson about being yourself rather than who you think others want you to be.

Book Review: Black Fairy Tale by Otsuichi, Nathan Collins

Black Fairy Tale is a novel written by Otsuichi, and translated to English by Nathan Collins. A raven who has learned to speak from watching movies befriends a young girl whose eyes were ruined in a freak accident. He brings her eyeballs he steals from other people, and when she puts them in her eye sockets, she sees memories from their original owners. Desperate to make the girl happy, the raven brings her more and more eyeballs. This is also the story of a young girl, Nami, who has lost her memories and cannot seem to live up to the expectations of those around her. The stories intertwine in a haunting, dreamy, horrific narrative evoking the raw and universal need for love.

Black Fairy Tale is a well written tale that is more than a little disturbing. It starts off with what seems like a short story, but quickly we land in a full length novel that brings everything together. the largest part of the story is about Nami- who loses her memory with her eye. She is on the search for her old self, her new self, and a understanding of both. when an eye transplant adds a new set of memories to her list of problems she discovers a new world to become part of.  She embarks on a mystery to discover the life and death of the eye donor, and looks to solve the mystery of a kidnapped girl. Family dynamics, personality, and memory are all huge parts of the story. Readers get a look into the mind of the kidnapper, who has a strange power over life and death that they experiment with. the book is definitely dark, and speaks to the nature of memory and the human heart. I enjoyed the gothic, mental suspense style of the horror. There were some gruesome moments, but is more the imagined horror that will stick with readers. My biggest issue with the book is my personal hangup- eyes. Horror movies and moments that include injuries to eyes freak me out every single time. I can still see that scene in Village of the Damned.... *shutter*


Black Fairy Tale is a creepy story with a few twists and turns. Fans of Japanese horror will love this read, but those that are easily scared or squeamish might want to take a pass.

Book Review: Light (Lost) by Rob Cham

Light is the first graphic novel in the Lost series by Rob Cham. This is a wordless graphic novel about a backpack wearing adventurer on a quest. As they go on their way we discover what they are searching for on their quest and encounter a variety of different creatures and situations. The artwork is mostly in black and white with the occasional burst of color.


Light is different from the majority of graphic novels I have read, mainly because it is wordless. That being said the artwork is very eye catching and detailed. since a large portion of the story takes place in caves and underground, it makes sense that the majority of the artwork is in black and white, which makes the occasional burst of color that much more important and attention grabbing. I will admit that I occasionally had to really study a page to figure out exactly what I was supposed to be getting from it. however, I think this was more from the noise and chaos in my house when I was trying to enjoy the book than anything to do with the book.

Light is a well done graphic novel that requires the full attention of the reader. I enjoyed the story, and can think of readers from many age groups that would enjoy the story. people that enjoy Bone and similar graphic novels are likely to really enjoy this story and artwork. 

Book Review: Flea and Spikey by Pieter Koolwijk, Linde Faas

Flea and Spikey is a children's book written by Pieter Koolwijk and illustrated Linde Faas. Meet Floyd, otherwise known as Flea. He's not so brave, rather small, and constantly being hassled by Arnold the bully. His life isn’t very exciting until a new student joins his class. A petite girl with colorful clothes.  Spikey is not afraid of anything. She isn’t even afraid of Arnold, and she takes Floyd under her wing. Slowly but surely Floyd discovers that life isn’t as ordinary as he thought. Spikey shares a big secret with him and Arnold turns out to have a voodoo mother. When Arnold discovers that Floyd knows, Floyd lands in big trouble. How will Flea and Spikey escape the wrath of Arnold and the machinations of his mother? And how will Floyd come to terms with his pesky nickname?

Flea and Spikey is a great example of characters that are real, and more than a little unreal. Floyd, or Flea, is a boy that you might be able to find in any school. He is small and picked on, not because he is exceedingly different but because of the nature of childhood bullies. Flea just wants to keep his head down and go unnoticed- but that is not working. When Spikey joins the class Flea is both scared and in awe of her fearlessness. She embraces the parts about her that others might consider weird, or tease her about, and just rolls with the punches. Her strange family and the oddities that Flea discovers about life make the adventure exciting, with some humor and wonderful lessons about embracing what makes you you, and ignoring those that might want to put you down in order to feel better about themselves.


Flea and Spikey is a children's chapter book that will appeal to those transitioning to chapter books through middle grade readers. The characters are both wacky and relatable and deal with fantastical problems along side those most children see on a daily basis. A good book for opening conversations about bullying, being different, and being yourself.

Book Review: Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees by Beth Moon

Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees by Beth Moon is a collection of photographs taken of grand, isolated trees with the backdrop of night skies. Staking out some of the world’s last dark places, photographer Beth Moon uses a digital camera to reveal constellations, nebulae, and the Milky Way, in rich hues that are often too faint to be seen by the naked eye. As in her acclaimed first volume, Ancient Trees: Portraits of Time, these magnificent images encounter great arboreal specimens, including baobabs, olive trees, and redwoods, in such places as South Africa, England, and California.

Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees is a wonderful collection of photographs. The trees are isolated and out where light pollution cannot touch the night sky. This means that behind ancient trees we get to witness the expanse of space, with stars and all the glory to be seen in the night sky. The images and essays combine to offer anyone that picks up the book plenty to enjoy, and to contemplate about life, nature, and the environment. The book also includes an artist’s statement, in which Beth Moon describes the experience of shooting at night in these remote places, and an essay by Jana Grcevich, postdoctoral fellow of astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, which provides the perspective of a scientist racing to study the stars in a world growing increasingly brighter. Clark Strand, the author of Waking Up to the Dark: Ancient Wisdom for a Sleepless Age, takes a different tack, illuminating the inherent spirituality of trees.


Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees would make a lovely addition to a art book collection, or a gift for those that love art and nature. The photographs are delightful and inspiring.

Blog Tour with Excerpt and Video: Phil by RP Momsen

PHIL! By: RP Momsen



Blurb:
A very funny science fiction adventure that will change the way you look at life, the universe and why we're all here. 

Billions of years ago, our universe was born. Not really that terribly exciting for most life forms except of course yourselves… and, well, Phil. The poor bastard who’s had to watch over all you people the last billion or so years.

Well, finally after years of listening to all your griping, bitching and whining, always with some imaginary being getting all the credit, he’s finally had it! 

Phil has decided to explain what the world is, why you’re here and how you can evolve finally into a species worth talking about at parties. 

In this hilarious actual account, Phil takes two unwitting Physicists on the adventure of their lives, which isn’t saying much for a couple of physicists, and shows them what life, the universe and lovely little corner pubs really is all about. They’re transported to other dimensions to meet their better looking selves, get taken prisoner by an evil but very good looking race, fly through black holes and help the creation of a new planet all while their greatest challenge hangs in the balance, saving earth from the most evil, and best dressed, species the universe has ever seen. 
Will they save earth? Has all the years of hard work Phil has done creating you beings be lost? Does any of this really matter?

Excerpt:
Ping.
Ping.
“You gonna answer that?” Delphinia slurred. Typically an attractive female colleague, except now she had half a glass of Pan Universal Kumquat Juice down her front, and somehow an equal amount sprayed randomly throughout her hair. We were all drunk—she was winning.
“Just another idiotic human with some whiny ‘I can’t do anything for myself’ question.” “Are they still making you do that? Didn’t you create some god chat line for them to look up on their own?” asked Braithwaight, a much larger and uglier version of myself who had the unusual characteristic of having the largest nostrils in the universe. You wouldn't know them as nostrils, of course, given that their size and look is of one of your outhouses, massively uneven, bright orange and dripping with something I'd rather not discuss.
“Ya, but they seem to be using it mostly for porn and watching other humans or animals doing idiotic stuff, which is even stranger when you realize that the average human does 4.8 stupid things per week; you would think watching each other in real time would keep them amused enough,” I replied. Braithwaight was correct, after all—a number of years ago, I had instructed humans to create something called God Gab to answer all their questions and, hopefully, quit bothering me. As usual, they misunderstood, called it Google, and continued to harass me anyway.
“Slow... what dey say?” Delphinia slurred, spitting Pan Universal Kumquat Juice over both of us, which as it turned out was actually rather tasty; I decided to order one next despite it being a bit of a girly drink.

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“Dear Lord.” (Dear Phil, it should have actually read.) Please give me strength in dealing with my two kids; I’m always so tired, they stay awake for hours on end, I seem to be the only one in the house able to nap, they eat all my food, hide my weed and are even messier than my 3 ex husbands. I can’t keep doing it. What should I do?”
Exclusive to  Amazon 
      


Author Info 
R.P. Momsen was lucky enough to meet Phil in a very lovely but rather smelly pub a few years ago. After listening to the most amazing story of his life, and a half dozen pints, Rick agreed to bring Phil’s story to the world and finally get Phil a vacation. Through an arduous process over the next couple years of intense notes, grand philosophical debates, lengthy trips through multiple universes and numerous beers this masterpiece of answers was named Phil and finally released. A great friendship has been created and Rick has agreed to continue to write the real truth about everything, why it’s kind of a good thing to know and what humankind could do to be invited to the really cool parties. 
Author Links: Website | Twitter |Facebook | Goodreads Other FB: https://www.facebook.com/rickhunterBM  
Brought to you by Worldwind VBT
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Book Review: Puggle’s Problem by Aleesah Darlison, Sandra Temple

Puggle’s Problem is a picture book written by Aleesah Darlison and illustrated by Sandra Temple. Pipp is a tiny puggle with a big problem. He's the only echidna who hasn't got his spines! Determined to have them come soon he sets out to ask his friends for advice.

Puggle’s Problem is a sweet story with the important lessons of patience, perseverance, and being yourself. Pipp, a spineless echidna, wants to know why he does not have his spines yet and how to get them to come in. He goes off in search of answers, which happen to be beautiful illustrated. He talks to other animals, and makes some new friends. On the way he learns more about the other animals, and himself. While he never gives up, he finally understands that sometimes we need to wait for things to come, and that some things happen at different times. I love that this book can be used to get a large variety of ideas across to children, but it never comes across as preachy- only as a gentle picture book.


Puggle’s Problem is a wonderful story time or bedtime read and conversation starter for those that want to bring up topics such as never giving up, diversity, how everyone grows at their own pace (including teeth, hair, height, and so on), and taking pride in what we are good at rather than worrying about things we see as our faults. 

Book Review: Wilde Bear (Blue Bear Rescue) by Terra Wolf, Holly Eastman

Wilde Bear is the first book in the Blue Bear Rescue series by Terra Wolf and Holly Eastman. Everyone is hiding something. Ever since his father died Xavier Wilde has thrown himself into his work. As the leader of the Blue Bear Search and Rescue Team, his job is simple, save lives. However, things become a lot more complicated when a cute curvy brunette from the Department of Transportation comes to help the team with a new job. Now Xavier is forced to show her his true self, in order to convince her to be his mate. Laurel doesn't let anyone tell her how to do her job. Especially not some polar bear shifter who thinks he's God's gift to Search and Rescue. But when Xavier begins to break down her walls, Laurel finds herself unable to say no. In their line of work, mistakes can cost people their lives. So how can they trust each other to keep everyone they care about safe when they're both hiding their own secrets?

Wilde Bear is a short book, I read it in a night, but the characters are still multidimensional and have plenty of baggage to deal with. I like that Xavier and Laurel each have reasons to want to stay single, and are reasoning adults that talk through the issues (for the most part) rather than allowing those issues to become even bigger conflicts. I also enjoyed that Xavier, even though an alpha in his own right, respected and supported Laurel's abilities and strength rather than trying to cushion her from any discomfort- no matter how much he might have wanted to. Since I had already read book two in the series, River Bear, I already knew some of the characters and the larger plot line that was begun in this story. Although there was one thing from the mentioned in the second book I expected to see here, but did not, so was a bit disappointed that I did not get the insight on one of the other search team members that I had hoped for. I was impressed that the book was able to do the world and character building it needed to in order to set up the rest of the series while still getting a solid romance written as well.


Wilde Bear is a quick read with more going on than one might expect. Solid characters and a good start to a series that I expect to be keeping up with. 

Early Book Review: The Farther He Runs (Kick) by Lynda Aicher

The Farther He Runs is the third book in the Kick series by Lynda Aicher. It is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. I have not read the other books in the series, but I caught up on the two main players quickly and do not feel like I lost much because of the learning curve.

After years away from home, Tanner Dorsey is back and sorting through feelings that have him in a stranglehold. The hardened Marine will do anything for a fallen comrade, so when an accident leaves Finn Kelley fighting for his life, Tanner’s eager to be there for him. In fact, Tanner’s ready and willing to do anything Finn asks—especially if it means finally acting on the sexual tension that’s always kept him craving more. Finn senses it too—when he brushes against Tanner’s stubbled jaw, when he inhales the scent of the T-shirt that clings to Tanner’s body like a second skin. Now that he’s more vulnerable than ever, Finn knows the time is right to take control, even if it means risking the heart and soul of their friendship. The bond they share goes beyond desire; it’s a bond of brotherhood, forged under conditions few could imagine. But once they cross that line, there will be no more secrets. No more boundaries. And no turning back.

The Farther He Runs is a story that is rich in character development, emotion, and plenty of steamy moments. I liked that we get to see the intensity of the attraction and emotion shared by Tanner and Finn. They are both battle scarred, emotionally, mentally, and physically, and they have huge battles to face individually and together. I also liked that when the pair understand each other, and their wounds, so well that they often understand what the other needs without words but still communicate more than most couples in romance novels. While I was not expecting the amount of BSDM the book included (my fault for not reading up on the series before reading) but it was dealt with perfectly. The explanation of the hows and whys, and the strength of the submissive and the emotions and desires that often come with it all was well done. So often authors toss in moments of bondage, pain, or humiliation without touching on the importance of consent, care, and boundaries. Again, with military characters many authors do not cover the mixed emotions and wounds that many men that had or are serving our country face, it is handled extremely well and accurately. You can tell that the author has a full understanding of the subjects and took the time to write it correctly and honestly. Even though this is not my typical read, I very much respect and appreciate the authors writing and handling of the multiple aspects of the story.


The Farther He Runs was more than expected. I was ready for an LBGQT romance, but I was not expecting the level of BSDM that was included. This was my fault for not reading the full description. However the handling of the aspects of military, BSDM, and recovery included in the story are all extremely well done and has earned my respect and admiration for the author. 

Early Book Review: The Spell Thief (Little Legends) by Tom Percival

The Spell Thief is the first book in the Little Legends series by Tom Percival and is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. Jack (of the beanstalk fame) and his magical talking chicken, Betsy, have always been great at making new friends. But when Jack spots Anansi, the new kid in town, talking to a troll in the Deep Dark Woods, everything changes. Everyone knows that trolls mean trouble, and Jack will do anything to prove to the rest of his friends that Anansi is a troll spy. Even if that means using stolen magic!

The Spell Thief is a nice transitional book, good for those on harder easyreaders and easy chapter books. The characters are already well known to fairy tale fans, and the illustrations are fun and charming. Even readers that are not fully versed in fairy tale lore will quickly catch on and enjoy the story. Anansi is the new boy and town and Jack is a little jealous of the attention he is getting from his friends and the fact that his worries are ignored by those same friends. Jack gets so caught up in proving he is right that he changes, and almost loses friends, old and new. While the story was interesting I found the lessons of jumping to conclusions and judging others to be a little heavy handed, as was the point about obsession. It was still a good read, and I think many of the target audience will enjoy it, but I did not love it. I think including Anansi might also spark some interest in fairy tales that young readers might not know yet, and exploring a wider variety of tales.


The Spell Thief is a short read that will interest many transitional readers, and spark some interest in fairy tales and the rest of the series.