Tag: 5 stars

Christmas and Other Horrors – Ellen Datlow (editor)

I was so keen to read this anthology. I was anticipating demonic Santas, murderous reindeer and a bunch of unfortunates getting impaled on Christmas trees and strung up with lights. Basically, a not so silent night.

I was so focused on the cover image that I entirely missed where it clearly states ‘and other horrors’ and ‘winter solstice’. My initial surprise quickly turned into delight because, while I got Big Bad Santa, I also encountered an array of local legends and the darkness that lurks during the longest night of the year.

The Importance of a Tidy Home by Christopher Golden

Freddy knows all about the Schnabelperchten, who come one night a year to ensure households are prepared for the new year. Being homeless, it’s as though Freddy is invisible to them. This year will be different.

I loved the growing dread of this story. I hadn’t heard of the Schnabelperchten. I would be so dead.

“Chi chi chi.”

The Ones He Takes by Benjamin Percy

Joel’s family made it onto Santa’s naughty list last year and I am more delighted than I probably should be that Santa is the Big Bad of this story.

“You’re safe here, buddy. I’ll protect you.”

His Castle by Alma Katsu

Trevor and Cate have come to Wales for the holidays. A few of the locals are keen to introduce them to the tradition of Mari Lwyd, the grey mare. But Trevor and Cate grew up in Wales and they know a thing or two themselves.

“There’ll be revellers coming to your door one night”

The Mawkin Field by Terry Dowling

This story is set in Australia so of course there’s a fridge filled with beer in a random field. Colin Traynor stops by for a cold one.

Don’t disturb the cupboards!

The Blessing of the Waters by Nick Mamatas

Nasos has come to implore Father Gus to go ahead with the blessing of the waters. Father Gus may not believe in Christmas goblins but Nasos sure does.

“You can’t cancel it, Father. It’ll be your fault, what happens next, if you do.”

Dry and Ready by Glen Hirshberg

Aliyah’s father made his family promise to honour their Hanukkah tradition. She doesn’t know why it was so important to him but they grudgingly go through the motions every year.

I was lulled into a false sense of security for some of this story before being blindsided in the most wonderful way.

“So they know they’re remembered.”

Last Drinks at Bondi Beach by Garth Nix

Light and darkness, Bondi Beach and predators.

Then you must bring her here. Into the dark. Bring her to me.

Return to Bear Creek Lodge by Tananarive Due

Johnny comes face to face with the creature from his nightmares.

Always take your shot, Johnny.

The Ghost of Christmases Past by Richard Kadrey

Every year, the scar on Laura’s arm begins to itch and she prepares for her Christmas lockdown.

“I’m not going to end up like Reiner”

Our Recent Unpleasantness by Stephen Graham Jones

Jenner absolutely didn’t see what he saw that solstice night.

“I want my two seconds back, please”

All the Pretty People by Nadia Bulkin

It’s time for the Airing of Grievances portion of Festivus night.

Grievances should be directed toward a person you know

Löyly Sow-na by Josh Malerman

Russell has travelled to Finland with Hannele, his partner of six months. It’s time for him to meet her father.

“What are your motivations?”

Cold by Cassandra Khaw

Welcome to the apocalypse.

It had died slowly, by degrees, choking wetly on denial of its circumstances.

Gravé of Small Birds by Kaaron Warren

As the most attractive woman on the island, Jackie is sure that she will be the Beauty this year.

If they got this wrong, there could be consequences – and had been, in the past.

The Visitation by Jeffrey Ford

This Christmas Eve, there may be an angel at Jill and Owen’s door. Or maybe it’s just an elderly man who farts a lot.

From sunrise on the day of Christmas Eve to sundown on the day after Christmas, if a stranger comes to your door seeking shelter and assistance, you are compelled to help them.

The Lord of Misrule by M. Rickert

Darla is going to meet her partner’s son. Don’t let his cute teddy bear slippers fool you. This kid is in charge.

“I can send you away too if I want.”

No Light, No Light by Gemma Files

This story brings an apocalypse that’s climate change and vulcanology, with what’s quite possibly my favourite ship, the Naglfar.

Everything about me is a lie.

After Words by John Langan

Thirty years ago today, he last saw Maria Granza.

There were thirty-three days left for her to complete the Great Work we had begun. Until the winter solstice.

My favourite stories in this anthology were by Christopher Golden, Benjamin Percy and Glen Hirshberg but there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. My inner bah humbug was satisfied, my love of mythology was catered to and I found some new (to me) authors whose work I need to catch up on.

This is one of those books that you’re likely to enjoy regardless of whether you’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read this anthology.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

The winter solstice is celebrated as a time of joy around the world — yet the long nights also conjure a darker tradition of ghouls, hauntings, and visitations. This anthology of all-new stories invites you to huddle around the fire and revel in the unholy, the dangerous, the horrific aspects of a
time when families and friends come
together — for better and for worse.

From the eerie Austrian Schnabelperchten to the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd, by way of ravenous golems, uncanny neighbours, and unwelcome visitors, Christmas and Other Horrors captures the heart and horror of the festive season.

Because the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is hungry…

Featuring stories from: 

Nadia Bulkin
Terry Dowling
Tananarive Due
Jeffrey Ford
Christopher Golden
Stephen Graham Jones
Glen Hirshberg
Richard Kadrey
Alma Katsu
Cassandra Khaw
John Langan
Josh Malerman
Nick Mamatas
Garth Nix
Benjamin Percy
M. Rickert
Kaaron Warren

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , , , ,

Edenville – Sam Rebelein

🎵 What’s New Pussycat? 🎵 Spider people! Do you need to know more than that? I didn’t. For the sake of argument, though, let’s assume that you do. 🎵 It’s Not Unusual 🎵

University staff actively seek Cam out to be their next writer in residence. They travel to him to offer him the position and there’s not even an interview. Which, you know, has red flag written all over it.

Cam and Quinn (🎵 She’s a Lady 🎵) know horror movies so they should know better. They do know better.

“Look, I’m just sayin. If it smells creepy, it is creepy.”

They go to Edenville anyway. 🎵 I’m Coming Home 🎵

On the way, they pass a burnt garage, which you don’t need to know. I just wanted an excuse to say 🎵 Burning Down the House. 🎵

Do they get what they deserve? Does anyone deserve what they get? That’s for you to decide.

I only know that there’s no way I would get out of Edenville alive because I would’ve been sucked in by the nice old lady offering me free ice cream samples. In my defence, there’s chocolate marshmallow, caramel coffee and birthday cake on offer, which all sound to die for.

We’re all rotting ribbons in the end.

I cherish having the opportunity to read advanced copies, especially when they’re debut novels. It’s like I’m in on this wonderful secret that’s about to be shared with the world. I’m so excited to have been able to love and laugh and be grossed out by this book early and I can’t wait to watch others discover this amazing new author. I need both a reread and Sam Rebelein’s next book ASAP. 🎵 Do What You Gotta Do 🎵

“How was it?”

“Strange. You?”

“Fucking bizarre.”

This read was so much more fun than I expected, and I expected a lot. It’s culty, it’s body horror, it’s people messing with stuff they have no business messing with and expecting different outcomes. There are sunflowers, berries and a character that loves 🎵 Tom Jones 🎵. And did I mention the spider people?!

“Don’t say nobody warned you.”

Ichabod!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

When young horror writer Cam Marion is offered a teaching opportunity at a prestigious liberal arts college upstate, his long-time girlfriend Quinn is skeptical. She knows the college is located in Edenville, in infamous Renfield County. The county where people seem to go missing. The county where Quinn’s high school best friend was mysteriously killed. Quinn figures the job opportunity is a trap somehow, so she follows Cam upstate to investigate some of the county’s mysteries (including her own). 

She quickly discovers that there’s an entire society dedicated to solving Renfield’s many riddles. A society that puts on plays about Renfield’s macabre, blood-soaked history. A society that meets in the library basement once a week. A society made up of people who might not be people at all… Meanwhile, Cam discovers that his newest story idea isn’t an idea so much as it is a vision of another world. A world that the faculty at Edenville College need his help to access before it accesses them.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , , ,

Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire – Flavia Z. Drago

Vlad wears black to fit in with his friends, but there’s another reason as well. Vlad has a secret, something he is ashamed of.

Vlad had rosy pink cheeks! They made him look different from everyone else – so horribly alive!

He decides to use his love of fashion to design clothes to hide his pink cheeks. His clothes may be fabulous but hiding who he truly is makes Vlad feel alone.

Then Vlad learns he’s not the only one with a secret. With the help of Shelley, his best friend, Vlad discovers a world of colour and the confidence to be himself.

I love this series. They’re books I’d happily read over and over again. The characters are relatable and they have positive messages.

There’s so much to see in the illustrations.

description

The characters are expressive and there are plenty of background details to enjoy. I particularly enjoyed finding Gustavo and Leila from the previous books and the ghost in a teacup.

Vlad can make clothes for me whenever he wants.

Thank you so much to Walker Books for the opportunity to read this picture book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Vlad’s passion is fashion. And just like every other vampire, Vlad dresses head to toe in the colour black. But unlike other vampires, Vlad has bright pink cheeks: cheeks that make him look, and feel, so different. Vlad tries to hide behind his clothes and his cape but, as it turns out, being yourself – truly yourself – is the most fabulous way to be.

An uplifting and charming celebration of our differences set in the same monster universe as the New York Times #1 bestseller, Gustavo, the Shy Ghost and Leila, the Perfect Witch.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , ,

The Norendy Tales #1: The Puppets of Spelhorst – Kate DiCamillo

Illustrations – Julie Morstad

“We must contain stories upon stories, stories without end.”

Spelhorst was a sea captain who lived above a tailor shop. It may seem odd that an old man with no family would purchase a set of puppets but one of them reminds him of someone.

A king, a wolf, a girl, a boy and an owl.

A king who dreams of having his own kingdom.

A wolf who talks about their teeth. A lot. They are very sharp, after all.

A girl who knows a song.

A boy who wants to do something important.

An owl who longs to fly.

Together they have a story to tell.

“We will tell a tale of truth and wonder and sorrow”

I’m becoming more and more convinced that the only stories Kate DiCamillo can write are those that I love. I’ve yet to find one I haven’t adored.

She invites me into her imagination. She introduces me to characters who become real to me, even when they’re puppets. I smile and get misty eyed. My heart warms and my curiosity engages. I feel hope.

“May you always look upon the moon and the stars and the sun with wonder. May you journey out into the great wide world. And wherever you go, may you love without regret – for that is the greatest glory there is.”

Is it any wonder I never want to leave the worlds Kate DiCamillo creates?

Thank you so much to Edelweiss and Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends — a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl — bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined.

A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humour, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , ,

The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand – Matthew Gray Gubler

I loved wonderfully weird Rumple Buttercup when I met him four years ago and have been patiently (sometimes) waiting for Matthew Gray Gubler to introduce me to a new friend whose life began in his imagination.

Meet Lenore. She was born with a BIG green hand. She doesn’t know why she has a BIG green hand.

description

She just knows she needs to hide it from the world. So that’s what she does.

One day Lenore meets Chuck. He doesn’t have a BIG green hand but he does have a story to tell.

If I tell you this book is adorable, will that make you want to read it?

Yes? It’s so adorable. Your heart will be warmed. You’ll feel hope. You’ll want to be kinder and to look for the good in others. You may even start looking for smiley clouds.

No? This is a book about looking at the world through someone else’s eyes. It’s about connection. It encourages empathy and kindness. It’s about accepting yourself and others. It makes you curious about what you could do if you didn’t hold yourself back. It’s about embracing your uniqueness. It gives you a perspective reset.

Not convinced yet? You may need this book the most.

The only sadness I have about this book is that I haven’t managed to find a signed copy yet. I missed out on the Rumple Buttercup signed copies so started looking early for Big Green Hand ones. If I could have made it to America in time, I would have found my way to the book tour. To try and claim a signed copy of the book, of course. But also to see one of the best cars ever!

description

Sadness aside, this book has brought me joy each time I’ve read it so far. My mother’s just met Lenore and is currently being introduced to Rumple. It’s looking like her love for them both is as BIG as mine.

I never realized how bright the world could be … when you remember we are all connected

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Matthew Gray Gubler comes a heartwarming story of colours, creatures, and connection.

Join two unlikely friends, Chuck and Lenore, as they embark on a dreamlike adventure and uncover the magic of seeing the world through each other’s eyes. Lovingly hand-drawn, and featuring a cloth cover and ribbon bookmark, it’s a book to treasure, read, and re-read.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , , , 1 Comment

Our Polyvagal World – Stephen W. Porges & Seth Porges

I was tempted to post a glowing review as soon as I finished reading this book but held off. I wanted to see if time did anything to dull the glow. It’s been three weeks now and my feelings about this book are as shiny as ever.

Oftentimes when I find a book I expect to be life changing, I come away disappointed. When I do connect with a concept, I always plan on applying what I’ve learned to my life but then I move on to the next thing and my good intentions remain just that.

This book, though. It felt like entire chunks were written specifically with me in mind and the follow through? It actually happened!

I’ve been interested in learning about Polyvagal Theory but until now I’d never made it past the science speak. This is the first book I’ve found that doesn’t talk at you like a textbook but invites you to understand, using examples that are relatable. Examples like dogs and the Hulk.

So, what’s Polyvagal Theory all about?

How safe we feel is crucial to our physical and mental health and happiness.

Sounds obvious, right? How safe we feel can be different to how safe we are, though, and that’s a crucial distinction here.

By the end of this book, you’ll be well versed in the vagus nerve and why it matters. You’ll gain a better understanding of trauma: why we respond the way we do when traumatic events happen and why the impacts of such events make so much more sense than you’ve probably ever realised.

The impact of trauma is not isolated to our brains, but stretches through our nervous system to virtually every part of our body, changing how our senses sense, how our organs operate, and just about every aspect of our physical and mental health.

The first part of the book explains Polyvagal Theory in a way that made sense to me. I understood the sciencey bits and the examples that explained the sciencey bits, and I was able to apply it to specific parts of my life. I make more sense to me now! And the bonus is, so do other people!

To give you just one example, life experiences have made me particularly wary of breathing exercises. Many well meaning individuals have tried and failed to teach them to me over the years. It wasn’t until I learned from this book the best way to do them (because science) and how doing them helps (also science), that I was able to attempt them without my body panicking. I’m now someone who can use breathing exercises (the scientific way for scientifically proven benefits) to regulate myself. And it helps!

Along the way, I discovered why I’m hypersensitive to sound, particularly background noise. I’m currently also working on my own theory (which I haven’t found research on – yet) about whether the proximity of the trigeminal nerve to the vagus nerve may explain why I experience the pain pattern associated with trigeminal neuralgia after I spend a considerable amount of time in the red zone.

The second part of the book takes what you’ve learned and applies it to “circumstances and settings such as the pandemic, the workplace, schools, and prison.” While each of these chapters are helpful in their own right, by seeing how Polyvagal Theory applies to these, you are essentially given a road map to allow you to apply it elsewhere.

Then there’s the glossary, which amps up the science. If you don’t have a scientific background, you may not want to spend too much time here. I found I started to lose some confidence in what I had learned when I tried to decipher all of the science. Then I let it go. I didn’t need to be able to quote all of the right terminology to start making changes to my life.

This is a book I know I’ll keep coming back to. I expect I’ll need a refresher from time to time and as the circumstances of my life change, so will the parts of the book that speak to me.

I’ve already recommended this book to a bunch of people who work in the trauma field and I don’t think I’m going to be shutting up about it anytime soon.

Thank you so much to Edelweiss and Norton Professional Books, an imprint of W. W. Norton & Company, for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

The creator of the Polyvagal Theory explains the principles in simple terms that are accessible to all.

Since Stephen Porges first proposed the Polyvagal Theory in 1994, its basic idea — that the level of safety we feel impacts our health and happiness — has radically shifted how researchers and clinicians approach trauma interventions and therapeutic interactions. Yet despite its wide acceptance, most of the writing on the topic has been obscured behind clinical texts and scientific jargon.

Our Polyvagal World definitively presents how Polyvagal Theory can be understandable to all and demonstrates how its practical principles are applicable to anyone looking to live their safest, best, healthiest, and happiest life. What emerges is a worldview filled with optimism and hope, and an understanding as to why our bodies sometimes act in ways our brains wish they didn’t.

Filled with actionable advice and real-world examples, this book will change the way you think about your brain, body, and ability to stay calm in a world that feels increasingly overwhelming and stressful.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , , 1 Comment

A Study in Downing – Ava Reid

Effy has read her copy of Emrys Myrddin’s Angharad so many times she can quote entire chunks of it verbatim. A student of architecture (because women aren’t allowed to study literature), Effy has a unique connection to the story.

Though she had read Angharad for the first time at thirteen, she had been dreaming of the Fairy King long before that.

When she learns that designs are being sought for Hiraeth Manor, which will house the recently deceased national treasure’s writings, Effy jumps at the chance. While the odds are slim that a university student a mere six weeks into their degree will be chosen, Effy’s determined to make her design stand out.

Upon arriving at Hiraeth Manor, Effy meets Ianto Myrddin, Emrys’ son, and Preston, a literature student. Ianto is … odd and she’s not a fan of “smug, pedantic” Preston. (Effy’s words, not mine.)

Effy’s disdain for Preston grows when she learns the focus of his study, to discredit Emrys Myrddin. Fair enough, too. If your intention is to cast aspersions on one of my favourite authors, we’re going to have a problem.

A book featuring a character who’s this passionate about a book was always going to end up on my radar. Set it in a location like Hiraeth Manor, which you should really explore yourself before anyone describes it to you, and I’ll be planning a road trip. Add fear, uncertainty, some trauma, magic and a mystery to solve, and consider me sold.

I may have to rethink my ‘I don’t do romance’ stance. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries and now this book have both well and truly sucked me in, and I haven’t had a problem with the romance components of either. I was actually looking forward to the characters finally getting their acts together and declaring their love.

“Oh, stop it. You’re being so relentlessly you.”

And now I must retreat into the forest to contemplate my fractured bookish romance worldview.

This book describes dissociation in one of the most authentic ways I’ve ever read. The impacts of the trauma Effy has experienced also rang true.

The writing is beautiful, even when it’s describing darkness. It took me much longer than I expected to finish this book, not because I wasn’t enjoying it but because I wanted to linger over each sentence. I didn’t want to miss a thing and I’m keen for a reread.

I’ve agonised over this review for weeks. There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to ruin anything. I expect this will be one of my favourite reads of the year.

But if fairies and monsters were real, so were the women who defeated them.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Effy has always believed in fairy tales. She’s had no choice. Since childhood, she’s been haunted by visions of the Fairy King. She’s found solace only in the pages of Angharad – a beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, and then destroys him.

Effy’s tattered copy is all that’s keeping her afloat through her stifling first term at her prestigious architecture college. So when the late author’s family announces a contest to design his house, Effy feels certain this is her destiny.

But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit estate on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, she finds she isn’t the only one who’s made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin’s papers and is determined to prove her favourite author is a fraud.

As the two rival students investigate the reclusive author’s legacy, piecing together clues through his letters, books, and diaries, they discover that the house’s foundation isn’t the only thing that can’t be trusted. There are dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspiring against them – and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , , , ,

When Frankie Made a Human – Rachel Delahaye

Illustrations – Maïté Schmitt

Frankie isn’t like the other monsters in Monsterweld. They enjoy showing off the weird things their bodies can do, like Violet the Skeleton and her musical rib cage, but Frankie needs to be careful he doesn’t accidentally undo the stitches and bolts that hold his body together.

Frankie’s home, Frankenstein Castle, sets him apart even more because … ‘humans used to live there.’ Sure, humans are creepy but Frankenstein Castle has secret tunnels so it’s definitely my kind of creepy.

Frankie really wants a friend, but not Spooky Suki. He does have standards. So he comes up with an ingenious plan; he’ll make his own friend. Sounds easy enough.

Fido might be human but it quickly becomes apparent that Frankie has indeed created a monster.

Rachel Delahaye has reimagined a classic in a fun, imaginative way that will make you wonder why you didn’t think of it. The focus is on friendship but there’s some accidental learning in there as well. 

I always look forward to finding out how Rachel is going to play with words to make me smile. One of my favourites in this book was discovering that Monster Radio plays rhythm and boos.

Maïté Schmitt’s illustrations are detailed and just the right amount of quirky. The characters are expressive and there’s just so much to find in the backgrounds. I absolutely adored the Jaws poster.

I really liked Frankie and wanted him to find a friend. It was Suki who stole my heart, though. She was independent, smart and merrily did her own thing instead of trying to blend in with the crowd. I need another story set in Monsterweld that has her centre stage. I’m also keen to watch Frankie’s mother at work. She’s definitely got some stories to tell. 

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sweet Cherry Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

A charming twist on a classic gothic tale, a classic villain is turned into the good guy in this story that explores modern themes and issues.

‘But there wasn’t any harm in making one human…’

Frankie is fed up of his nasty monster classmates and bored of being lonely in freaky Frankenstein Castle. What he needs is a friend. But since monsters are mean and werewolves are scary, Frankie decides to make his own friend – a human!

But with a mind of his own, this new friend might make Frankie realise why humans were banned from Monsterweld in the first place…

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , , ,

Worst Week Ever! #4: Thursday – Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove

Justin Chase’s mortification began on Miserable Monday, when Nan’s crocheted swimmers were part of the chain reaction that resulted in … Traumatic Tuesday, where Justin (now more widely known as Pool Boy, viral video star), tried to save face at school. Unfortunately for Justin, his face didn’t cooperate, as evidenced by his disastrous school photo. Justin was stranded with his arch-nemesis, Marvin, on Wacky Wednesday. There were robot sharks!

Now it’s Thursday. And it’s time to Wake Up!

The viral video is a gift that keeps on giving. We catch up with Justin as one of his most embarrassing moments attracts worldwide attention (again!), this time as a result of his appearance on a breakfast TV show. Never mind the fact that he looks like he belongs in the circus.

Everything is fine. Nothing to worry about.

description

And it’s absolutely fine that champion swearer Nan is in arm’s reach of her photo album. It’s not as though she’d ever share humiliating photos of her grandson with a worldwide audience…

The most interactive day yet, Thursday invites you to colour by number, show off your artistic talent and solve some a-mazing puzzles. There’s leaping in and out of cakes, an abundance of cats and the obligatory wardrobe malfunction. Thursday has some fartastic moments and more evidence that this is not the series for readers with emetophobia.

Thursday’s deleted scenes feature such cuties as turtles, polar bear cubs, baby sloths and fluffy birds. My current favourite is the hatted axolotl.

description

Kid me would have been busy perfecting the secret handshake. Adult me waited as long as they could for the library to purchase this book but couldn’t let any more Thursdays pass without knowing what thorny situations Justin would be facing.

I definitely need a Mia spin-off, if only to see more of her drawings.

description

How much humiliation can one boy take? The schadenfreude continued unabated on Thunderstruck Thursday and Justin has three more red faced days to go.

Bring on Fraught Friday!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Have you ever had a bad week? Justin Chase sure has and this is it! Monday was mortifying, Tuesday was tumultuous, Wednesday was wild, but now it’s … Thursday! 

Justin’s utterly unwanted celebrity status sees his most embarrassing moments being beamed around the globe! But it’s a case of mistaken identity, creating a kidnapping kerfuffle, that will truly test our hapless hero to his limits.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , ,

A Friend for Ruby – Sofie Laguna

Illustrations – Marc McBride

I’m all for judging a book by its cover and this one is absolutely breathtaking. More often than not, though, I choose a book because of who wrote it. Sometimes I get an unexpected bonus, discovering an illustrator whose work I wasn’t already familiar with.

This book, though, I chose to read specifically because I wanted to see more of the illustrator’s work, having fallen in love with their style when I read The Glimme.

This time, it was Sofie Laguna’s words that surprised me, drawing me into Ruby’s world just as much as Marc McBride’s illustrations did.

Ruby has had a rough week at school when she comes across the creature at the beach. Hoping she’s found a new friend, Ruby takes the creature home but quickly learns that caring for it isn’t as easy as she thought it would be.

This is such an adorable book. Ruby is an absolute sweetheart who is yearning for connection. The story majors on friendship and has more heart than I usually find in picture books.

Within its pages you’ll visit the bakery of my dreams and meet one of the most colourful, imaginative creatures you’ll ever encounter.

description

Kid me would have loved the story, wanted to be friends with Ruby and spent way too much time poring over every detail of the creature. Adult me loves the story and has spent so much time poring over every detail of the creature, marvelling at how the riot of colours don’t seem like they should work so well together but somehow do.

I’m putting my hand up for the bakery’s leftover cakes and hoping that one day I’ll walk into a store and find a plush toy creature to adopt.

This author and illustrator team complement one another brilliantly. I definitely need to clear some space in my TBR pile for the books they’ve written and illustrated that haven’t taken up residence in my heart yet.

Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this picture book.

Title: A Friend for Ruby Author: Sofie Laguna
Illustrator: Marc McBride
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Published: 29 August 2023
RRP: AUD $24.99

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Ruby led the creature out into the garden. She drew a dancing circle in the sand. ‘I choose you!’ she said to the creature.

Walking along the beach, Ruby finds a strange creature on the shore. She takes it home, feeds it and makes a bed of straw for it in her cubby – but a cubby is no place for a creature from the sea.

Ruby must draw on all her resources to help the creature find their way home – and perhaps, along the way, she might just find an unexpected friendship.

A whimsical tale of friendship, compassion and resourcefulness, from a wonderfully talented creative team.

by Categories: ReviewTags: , , ,