Quiet Girl in a Noisy World by Debbie Tung

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World is a quirky illustrated tribute to what it means to be an introvert.

This charming collection of comics follows author/illustrator Debbie Tung in her journey of self discovery, learning that she is perfectly normal as is. These comics look at Tung’s life as she wraps up college and joins the ranks of the working world, gets married, and stumbles upon the key to her seemingly odd lifelong behaviours, complete with flashbacks to childhood that any severe introvert is sure to recognise (I know I did…).

The title is what drew me to this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. Being a severe introvert myself, so much of this resonated on a deep level. Social interaction does me in, quite rapidly, and I most appreciated the ‘battery’ comics. Combined with spoon theory of hidden autoimmune conditions, I’ve long felt like a battery that not only drains fast, but can’t charge properly in the first place. I have the same rare Myers-Brigg rating Tung does, and get highly irritated with overstimulation.

A great gift for the introverts in your life, and who knows, it may even help them understand better what they are and why they are that way.

***Dos mere to Andrews McMeel/ Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

 

Manga Classics: The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe, adapted by Stacey King

This Manga Classics volume collects together five of the most popular and well-known of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories. Included are: The Tell-tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, The Raven, The Masque of the Red Death, and The Fall of the House of Usher.  It’s been quite some time since I indulged in Poe’s works, so this was a real treat. I’d forgotten just how creepy they could be.

Each story was illustrated by a different artist, and all of the artwork was brilliantly done. My favourite in terms of artwork was Cask, though my favourite story was Masque. Scattered at the ends of some stories were tidbits of information regarding the story, or extra artwork. At the end of the book is a brief section about Poe himself.

A must-read for any Edgar Allan Poe fan!

***Did mere to Udon Entertainment/Netgalley for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Ultimate Expeditions: Mythological Beasts by LJ Tracosas

Join budding archaeologist Kimberly Raleigh as she turns to history and investigates mythic beasties from around the world in her efforts to understand some unusual pottery fragments she unearthed at a North American site.

Tracosas’ Ultimate Expeditions: Mythological Beasts explores mythic critters from all over the world. Each entry has location info, and tidbits related to the myths surrounding the beast in question. Some mention related creatures, while others discuss real-life animals that may have given rise to some of these mythical beasts. Beautiful watercolor type sketches accompany each entry. Those that mention real world animals have pictures of those as well.

I read this book with my cubs, and we all enjoyed the delightful drawings. Most of these beasties were from Greco-Roman myth, which I did find frustrating. That seems to be the go-to and catch-all when it comes to mythology, and there’s just so much more! We loved the more unusual, less common creatures mentioned, such as chupacabra, ahuizotl, and catoblepas. More from North America would have been nice, like the Piasa, uktena, Amarok, or even the more whimsical critters like the jackalope or cactus cat. Even still, it was greatly enjoyed by all, and prompted interest in new areas of myth, legend, and real animals like titanoba, and hybrid creatures that can be found today, such as ligers. In the older cubs, it led to discussions of attempts to recreate lost creatures, like attempts to bring back aurochs, and the tantalising possibility of bringing back mammoth, and other Ice Age fauna.

Perfect for the mythology lovers in your life!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Drawing Cute with Katie Cook by Katie Cook

A purrrfectly adorable introduction to doodling and drawing!

From animals like cats, dogs, otters, and narwhal, to foods like pizza, ice cream, and hot dogs, and random objects like lamps and file folders, illustrator Katie Cook walks you through drawing 200+ different expressions of cuteness, in squee worthy anime style. There are five chapters, labelled ‘Animals’, ‘Food Stuff’s, ‘Hobbies and Games’, ‘Seasons’, and ‘Handy Objects’, each stuffed with step by step drawings. Throughout the book are humourous little comments, asides, and pop culture references.

I took a spin at drawing some of the pictures, mostly animals. I found the step by step easy to follow. Now… my brain translating to paper is a different story 😆 I’d say 90% turned out as they should, though. This book is perfect for children and adults alike, who wish to explore and practise drawing. I absolutely adore Cook’s style!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and F+W Media for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.