Quickshots #37

A Fool’s Guide to Actual Happiness by Mark Van Buren A Fool’s Guide to Actual Happiness by Mark Van Buren was a quick, humourous read about mindfulness, meditation, and the benefits of cultivating one’s own practise. I liked the message that who you are now, and where you are now on the path of life […]

Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer by Ryan Suvaal

‘Seventeen gruesome murders were reported across the United States, within a span of six months. Ohio, Minnesota, Arkansas and several other states were hit. There was one clear connection among victims, they were all book authors. While media was decorating the murders with sensationalist stories, and law enforcement was playing catch-up, the homicidal maniac remained […]

The Princess and the Peacock by CS Johnson

The Princess & the Peacock by CS Johnson ‘The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing. Two memories burn within Kaipo’s heart — the death of his mother, which left him […]

When the Whales Walked by Dougal Dixon

‘A 2019 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students: K–12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council). From the moment life crawled out of the oceans and onto land, to when our primate ancestors climbed down from the trees, the history of Planet Earth is filled with incredible stories. This beautifully illustrated guide explores […]

The Jade Rebellion by Alanna Mackenzie

The Jade Rebellion by Alanna Mackenzie ‘A reckoning. A rebellion. The worlds of artificial intelligence and ancient magic collide. ​ ​Crystal City glistens with diamonds, but its dazzling beauty comes at a deadly price. The capital of Khalendar thrives on a steady supply of gemstones from the neighboring Barrens, a colony of the Empire. Walter […]

Kidfic

Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki & Genevieve Simms Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki & Genevieve Simms tells the story of Mayumi, who visits her grandfather in Japan each summer. When Mayumi was born, her grandfather created a very special garden for her- a Zen rock garden. Mayumi loved her times visiting her grandfather and working […]

Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle

‘Attempted murder, that’s how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte’s engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent. When her kingdom’s attacked, Charlotte’s parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, […]

Book Love by Debbie Tung

‘Bookworms rejoice! These charming comics capture exactly what it feels like to be head-over-heels for hardcovers. And paperbacks! And ebooks! And bookstores! And libraries! Book Love is a gift book of comics tailor-made for tea-sipping, spine-sniffing, book-hoarding bibliophiles. Debbie Tung’s comics are humorous and instantly recognizable—making readers laugh while precisely conveying the thoughts and habits […]

Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham

‘The curious flight patterns of crows lead a teen computer programmer down a path of mystery and romance. Gin trusts logic a little too much. She even designs programs to decide what to eat and how to spend her time. All that changes when she’s paired with a new transfer student, Felix, on a computer […]

Quickshots #36

Ten Reasons to Love a… Lion! by Catherine Barr Catherine Barr’s Ten Reasons to Love a… Lion! is a beautiful book to teach kids all about lions as an endangered species. It gives 10 special facts about lions, from the fact that they live in prides to the fact they spend a great deal of […]