Book Review: Batgirl Vol. 1 (Rebirth) Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson

Batgirl Volume 1 (Rebirth) Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson collects issues one through six. Barbara Gordon’s heart belongs to Burnside, the ultra-hip Gotham City neighborhood. But some threats are bigger than Burnside. And when those threats come calling, Batgirl will answer! When Babs plans a trip to train with the greatest fighters in the Far East, she has no idea her vigilante life will follow her. Lethal warriors are out to take her down, each bearing the mysterious mark of “The Student.” And where there are Students, there must also be…a Teacher. Batgirl’s quest to track down her enemies’ master will take her from Okinawa to Singapore to Seoul to Shanghai. Along the way, she’ll enhance her martial arts skills, and meet legendary heroes. 

Beyond Burnside takes place before the Birds of Prey story in the Rebirth story cycle. It is a look at Bab's past, and an interesting side story. As a fan of the idea of Batgirl, I have not read much about her aside from where she appears in other character's comics as a supporting character. This was a good glimpse at her background, and I really enjoyed the artwork and tone of the story. Batgirl is finding herself and ready to study and improve her skills to become who and what she wants to be. The mystery part of the story was good, but I think it was the character strength and development that really made the book.  I enjoyed the read, but only wish I had already read the Birds of Prey story- and more Batgirl books. 

Beyond Burnside is a good book, and one that tells a side story that is well done and fun- but not a must read. 

Early Book Review: Can You Find My Robot's Arm? by Chihiro Takeuchi

Can You Find My Robot's Arm? is a picturebook by Chihiro Takeuchi. It is currently scheduled for release on July 4 2017. This book is about a robot in search of his missing arm, in a paper-cut journey through home, garden, library, aquarium and the big city. He tries many objects that he finds in the world around him and discards them fairly quickly. Eventually he does settle on a replacement and discovers that it is not such a bad choice.

Can You Find My Robot's Arm? is a nice picturebook with well done paper-cut art work. The text is very simple, and the story allows for the reader to search each pages artwork for the robot's arm, and substitutions. I like the exploration of different possible arms, but was not blown away by the book. It was a good book, but not a great or stand out title. It is worth exploring for big robot fans, but I cannot picture it being requested for repeated reads. 

Book Review: Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy by Gareth Wronski

Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy by Gareth Wronski is a middle grade novel. Holly Farb is not the Princess of the Galaxy. She may be top of the class in every subject, but she can’t even win a school election, never mind rule the Milky Way. The aliens who kidnapped her have gotten it all wrong. Unfortunately Holly’s alien pirate kidnappers believe that she’s the princess they’ve been looking for, and so she finds herself hurtling through space on an alien pirate ship together with her teacher, Mr. Mendez, and Chester, the most annoying boy in her class. Now all she has to do is escape the pirates, find the missing princess, and get back to Earth in time for her big test on Friday. But it turns out that space is a pretty big place, and before they can go home, Holly, Chester, and Mr. Mendez must face down space cruise liners, bounty hunters, giant worms, perky holograms, cosmic board games, sinister insectoid librarians, and a robot who is learning how to lie. Between running from space pirates, defying the President of the Universe, and meeting a host of rather unusual new friends, Holly starts to wonder if there might be more to life than being top of the class after all.

Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy is the adventure of one young lady that has never felt in control, but has always tried to get her attention by being smart- because that is what she is good at. All she wants is to be important, to matter, and she does not even seem to get that at home. When pirate kidnap Holly, her teacher, and the new kid the real adventure starts. I loved the twists and turns, and while I expected a twist as to who the princess was, that twist was only one of the several possibilities that I had considered. I liked that while I knew something was coming, it was not so completely obvious that it was my only thought. I also liked how interconnected, but unusual, some of the turns the story took. The only thing that happened that I completely expected was the President of the Universe's attitude when push came to shove. While Holly began as a pessimistic and self pitying character, her actions and thoughts were understandable and I liked how much she changed and grew as the story continued. Chester, while not what they seemed at the beginning, changed and grew with Holly. I think it was their relationship and changing understanding that really pushed the book forward, even more so that the danger and adventure from space pirates, asteroid belts, the criminal element in a dive bar, and more that they faced along the way. I really liked that even in the moments of highest drama and danger there was an underlying sense of humor and fun. I love a story that does not take itself too seriously, and this book hit the balance of fun, danger, and emotional growth very well.

Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy is a middle grade adventure with a coming of age story arch and sense of humor that appealed to me, and that I think will appeal to many other readers that have ever felt as isolated and 'other' as Holly. 

Book Review: Blue Beetle, Vol. 1: The More Things Change (Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1) by Keith Giffen, Scott Kolins, Romulo Fajardo, Jr., Josh Reed

Blue Beetle, Vol. 1: The More Things Change (Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1) by Keith Giffen, Scott Kolins, Romulo Fajardo, Jr., and Josh Reed collects the first six volumes of the Rebirth story arc of Blue Beetle. Bonded to the Blue Beetle Scarab, teenager Jamie Reyes has no idea what he's doing with one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. But he's in luck, because his predecessor--Ted Kord--is back in the DC Universe and here to serve as the young hero's mentor!Alongside fellow teen hero Doctor Fate, this duo will have to learn how to be heroes on the fly!

Blue Beetle, Vol. 1: The More Things Change is an entertaining and well drawn read. I know little of Blue Beetle's story, so I went into this book excited to learn more, but a little worried that my lack of knowledge would be an issue. Thankfully, my ignorance was not an issue and I felt fully engaged and entertained by the story. I think there was enough explanation of the Blue Beetle character- and the changes that must have taken place in previous storylines- that newcomers will be able to jump in like I did. I liked that the story includes mysticism along side action and emotional challenges for the major players. I also enjoyed the artwork and colors, and felt that they added so much to the atmosphere and character personalities as they faced the problems in the story. I do not know if long time fans of the characters will enjoy the book as much as I did, but I think new readers like myself will easily find themselves looking to discover more (both in the past and future) of the character.

Book Review: Strange Medicine: A History of Medical Remedies by John Farndon, Venitia Dean

Strange Medicine: A History of Medical Remedies by John Farndon and Venitia Dean is a children's non fiction book. Many of today's illnesses are often treated with a prescription for medication. But long ago, people battled sicknesses with roots, plants, and even bugs. Learn more about early remedies and the seemingly strange ways people tried to cure illnesses. This book combines visuals and concise explanations of historical illnesses, accepted cures, and various other tidbits of information relating to the history of medicine.

Strange Medicine: A History of Medical Remedies is well organized with a combination of photographs and illustrations that help interest the audience and support the information in the text. The language used is clear and concise, giving information and entertainment mixed in together. The information is engaging and entertaining, with bits of weird facts (often involving pee or poop) that will appeal to those more interested in gross or silly facts of humor. I like that the medical history and odd facts included are not only about one area, culture, age or gender. More importantly, at no point is the information mocking of the people or practices. I think the blend of information and entertainment is very well done, and it is clear that the authors know their audience, and what will keep them engaged and reading. 

Strange Medicine: The Sickening History of Medicine is a fun and informative collection of medical history complete with images that further interest and engage readers of all ages. 

Book Review: Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem by Patricia Newman

Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem by Patricia Newman is a non fiction book for children and adults.  Marine biologist Brent Hughes didn't think sea otters and sea grass had much in common. But his research at Elkhorn Slough, an estuary on Monterey Bay in northern California, revealed a new and surprising connection between the two. The scientist expected this estuary to be overrun with algae due to the fertilizer runoff from surrounding fields. But it wasn't. Why?

Sea Otter Heroes goes into well organized and worded detail about the hows and whys behind Brent HUghes investigating why Elkhorn Slough was not overrun with algae like other similar locations. What inspired him and how he went about the research is an important portion of the book, with made me happy. Too often, books explore scientific mysteries or studies leave this important part of the story out. I liked that readers got to see how complex and layered the effort was to discover what made this particular slough different than others, and how the research and studies were hard but satisfying work. I loved the information that was presented, and how the images were used to further connect the reader to the information, bringing everything into a clearer focus. As someone that spends a good portion of the summer loving the ocean, and loves all animals I was interested and entralled with the read. As the mother of a young animal lover that has been insistant for years that she is going to take care of wild animals as a career, I found that this book offered her further inspiration for that desire. Furthermore, the book offered a better understanding of ecosystems and the nature of scientific research and studies that are needed to make that kind of job possible and effective. 

Sea Otter Heroes is a great book for exploring how studies like this are done, and how seemingly little changes in the environment can have very important effects on the ecosystem. It is well organized, interesting, and understandable read that might inspire young readers to be out future scientists or simply more aware of the environment and how interconnected the individual creatures- regardless of size- can impact each other.

Early Book Review: Yellowstone Country: Idaho, Wyoming & Montana by David Skernick

Yellowstone Country: Idaho, Wyoming & Montana is a collection of artwork by David Skernick. It is currently scheduled for release on June 28 2017.  Are you up for a road trip? Ride along the back roads of the vast Yellowstone region and enjoy stunning panoramic photographs that reveal the beauty of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana and include Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in all their glory. Embark on an expedition without GPS, visiting majestic wildlife and drinking in fantastic landscapes along the way. Glimpse the emerald green Shoshone Falls in Idaho, turning aspens and grazing moose in the Grand Tetons, black bears roaming the Devil’s Tower region in Wyoming, glorious geysers, steamy hot springs, and imposing bison with their young in Yellowstone, the raging Bull River and otherworldly Glacier National Park in Montana, as well as lonely railways and isolated barns along “gray” roads, that is, the ones less traveled. The appendix includes a complete list of camera equipment, exposure, and panorama statistics—enough to satisfy even the techiest of photographers.

Yellowstone Country: Idaho, Wyoming & Montana is a beautiful collection of images that has me itching for a road trip. However, since that is not in the cards for my near future, I am turning that inspiration toward to local parks and beauty that can be found closer to home. Looking through this collection really made me more appreciative of the everyday beauty of the world, and wanting to both share it and protect it from the pollution and destruction that seem so inevitable these days. While I might be far from Yellowstone- and I might never get to see it in person- I found that the angles and light in this photographs made me feel like I was there, and I was able to glory in the sheer scope, amazing colors, and the pure power of nature. No matter where you live, and if you are a wanderer or homebody, this photographic journey will enthrall and amaze you with the wonderful sights to be found in Yellowstone Country.

Book Review: Baas Shapes by M.J. Burke, Jake Tebbit

Baas Shapes is a board book written by M.J. Burke and illustrated by  Jake Tebbit.  Meet Baa, a sweet and somewhat mixed-up sheep, who has a knack for getting into interesting situations, doing things in the most unexpected way, and smiling through it all. Baa’s favorite food is bright green grass and there is a whole field ready to be nibbled. Baa, a unique sheep, grazes that grass into shapes!

Baas Shapes is a short, sweet book that helps teach shapes. I really enjoyed the little hidden surprises in the illustrations- such as creatures like frogs and snails for young children to search for an find on each page. I think the happy little sheep, combined with the crisp colors, and value for teaching shapes makes this a perfect little book for the job. Some of the words might be tough for those trying to read independently, I think as a shared read will make this a hit. While it is not so incredibly new of an idea to knock my socks off, I enjoyed the book and think that the youngest set of readers will enjoy the book as well. 

Book Review: Hard to Handle by Christine Warren

Hard to Handle by Christine Warren is the fifth book in the Gargoyle series. This is the only book from the series so far that I would say a newcomer would be able to fully enjoy without the prior books as reference. While those that have read the entire series will still get more out of the read, those that are picking this book up without having read others will still be able to fully understand and enjoy the action. 

The only male among four sisters, Michael Drummond is no stranger to women’s strength and formidable will. His Dublin pub, the Skin & Bones, is his refuge, a reassuringly masculine retreat. Until a fierce woman warrior from another realm bursts into his life, bringing with her a battle between good and evil, and an explosive dose of desire. The first and only of her kind, Ash is a lone female gargoyle, a creature destined to protect mankind from Demons determined to unleash their darkest forces. But her arrival on Earth is more confusing than she expected: her bone-deep instinct to do battle is matched only by her untamed attraction to stubborn, stalwart Drum. If they manage to keep the world safe, can they turn the passion crackling between them into a love that will withstand the test of time.

Hard to Handle is a nice twist on the series, with our guardian and warden in switched genders. I liked that Drum is still alpha male personality wise, but smart enough to let go and let Ash take the lead in things she is better suited for than he. I really enjoyed the characters in this installment- not just our couple and returning players from previous book, but also Drum's family. I think the family connection and interplay goes a long way into showing the depth and fun or Drum's character. I think the danger level got more intense here, and I liked the way it answered more questions about the darkness and battle being fought. I did get a little impatient with the fighting, only because I wanted to see how Drum and Ash finally admitted that they loved each other and all that. I was very happen when I read how that happened, it was sweet and funny and pretty much perfect for the book, and series.

Hard to Handle is a good addition to the series, and is more accessible to those that have not read earlier books in the series than the others. It was consistent with what I expected, but did not wow me. I admit to skimming some of the fight scenes just to get to more character and relationship developments, but I am sure that's just because I was impatient to see how that was handled. 

Book Review: The Knights of Boo'Gar by Art Roche

The Knights of Boo'Gar by Art Roche is an illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers. Storm clouds hang over the kingdom of Boo’Gar. The cantaloupe crop has failed. There is no money in the treasury. Even kind old King Mewkus has started to doubt himself. Can things get any worse? Of COURSE they can! When Princess Phlema’s beloved goat is kidnapped, King Mewkus and his trusted wizard must assemble those fearsome warriors for justice—The Knights of Boo’Gar! There are just a few small problems. Sir Justin ditched the knights to start a boy band. Sir Daphne traded in her sword for a real estate license. Sir John shed his armor to become a tax attorney. That just leaves young (and short) Sir Rowland and his trusty pet turtle, Angelina. Okay … so maybe there’s a LOT of problems.

The Knights of Boo’Gar is a graphic novel that will appeal to many reluctant readers and fan of silly or gross comedy. The puns of grossnes got to be a bit obvious and overwhelming to me- Boo'Gar, Phlema, Mewkus, and so on. This will entertain and keep some turning the pages to see what snort worthy thing will happen next. HOwever, I think more mature (not in regards to age) readers might grow tired of it, as this parent did.  I think the combination of humor, adventure, font size and artwork will appeal to a number of young readers. I already can think of several students in my elemntary school library that will gravitate toward the book and share it with thier friends. I think that my favorite part of the book is Princess Phlema's character. Rather than needing saving, she is the one that saves the day in the end. This made me happier than any of the gross out humor in the book. 

The Knights of Boo’Gar is a fast-paced adventure filled with plenty of illustrations and gross humor to amuse readers. I think reluctant readers and those that just love a fast, fun, and more than a little gross read will enjoy this book.