{Review} The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Page count: 128

Publisher: Ebury Press

Published on: October 10. 2019

Genres: Children's graphic novel, philosophy, fiction, art

Format: physically borrowed from library

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 5/5 ✨ 

Synopsis:

Enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most important life lessons. The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse have been shared millions of times online - perhaps you've seen them? They've also been recreated by children in schools and hung on hospital walls. They sometimes even appear on lamp posts and on cafe and bookshop windows. Perhaps you saw the boy and mole on the Comic Relief T-shirt, Love Wins?

Here, you will find them together in this book of Charlie's most-loved drawings, adventuring into the Wild and exploring the thoughts and feelings that unite us all.

Review:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“Kind.”

This was just excellent. Absolutely excellent. 

This book was so emotional. I'm filled with so much relief and hope and love for the people around me. This book is a book of friendship and unconditional love. It's about finding your family -- not those that are bound by blood to love you, but it's about the people you meet along the way -- the people that love you for who you are in that moment and love you as you grow and change into the person you want to be. 

I loved this little book. I don't think anyone should go a day of their life not knowing about the lonely little boy, the sweet little mole, the fox who is wary to trust, and the horse who is healing in his own way. 

Thank you Brenna (@bookish.brenna) for encouraging me to read this! 

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival, & Dewdrop by Katie O' Neill

Hey, guys!

This summer I fell deep into love with Katie O'Neill's writing style, art style, and overall skill. Her books are so engaging and entertaining. I've loved all three that I have read and they have been instant 5-star reads.  

If you adore beautiful art, wholesome and complex stories with wonderful and complex characters, and engaging story-lines --- YOU WILL LOVE THESE BOOKS! 

Please read these books! They deserve every bit of hype that they receive!

Dewdrop is out April 7, 2020

an eARC copy of this book was provided via NetGalley!

This is such a wonderful and uplifting little book.

Dewdrop is so encouraging and works to empathize with their friends to try to make sure that they aren't damaging their mental or physical health.

The different characters all have different struggles that they face. They all overcome their issues with simple, relatable solutions, and they're generally positive and relatable overall.

I think that this is such an important little book for young readers. It shows readers that everyone struggles at times, but with the proper encouragement and a different look on life, you can accomplish anything. I cannot wait to share this with my younger reader friends, older friends, kiddos --- well, anyone! This was such a delight!

I'm definitely going to be a long-term Katie O'Neill fan! 

The Tea Dragon Festival was released September 17, 2019

An eARC was provided via NetGalley for my honest review

This was such a lovely and perfect little story. I absolutely adore everything about this story, the art style, the plot, and the characters. The representation in this book was so freaking wonderful! Wonderfully done! I loved learning more and more about the world of dragons and tea dragons. I'm so in love with this world. I hardcore recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical, lovely, soft stories. Everything by Katie O'Neill is perfect so far.

The Tea Dragon Society was released on October 31, 2017

I borrowed this sweet book from my local library

This was such a perfect story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel so much emotion! If you haven't read this beautiful story yet, you are missing out!

Katie O'Neill has a magical, heartwarming storytelling skill that I rarely find in my favorite books. I tend to go for the darker, more violent stories and protagonists, but this book and her later books made me really appreciate the more wholesome and fluffy aspects that I love in my favorite characters, fantasy worlds, and my dragon babies. 

I don't want to spoil too much of this book, but I honestly think that every moment of it is perfect. I cannot wait to read it again and binge all of O'Neill's books. She deserves the world!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} Roar Like A Dandelion by Ruth Krauss and Sergio Ruzzier

Page Count: 48

Published On: October 1, 2019

Published By: Harper Collins

Genre(s): Children's, Picture, Early Learning

Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher
Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

From Ruth Krauss, the children’s book author of The Carrot Seed and A Hole Is to Dig, comes this never-before-published ABC book of one-liners—brought to life by artist Sergio Ruzzier.

Dance with a leaf.

Jump like a raindrop.

Sit in the sun and shine.

~~~

Hey, guys!

This book was sent to me by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review.

This was a really quirky and lovely book for early readers. I really enjoyed the art style, the clever one-liners for each letter, and the many engaging qualities fo the little characters.

This is definitely going to be a favorite of the little babies and 1-5 aged kiddos. They are going to love to make the sounds and sound out the words. It's simple enough to challenge early readers, engage the non-reading readers, and inspire kids to continue to read.

Bravo Krauss and Ruzzier!

Happy reading!

Olivia

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{Graphic Novel Series Review #25-28} Picture Books

Hey, guys!

I read three picture books this year and I thought they were just so much fun. Here are my thoughts on these books. I definitely recommend them for younger readers. 

Page Count: 40
Published on: September 12, 2017
Published by: Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Education (Language and Writing), Fiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

From E.B. White Read Aloud author Adam Lehrhaupt comes an inspiring new picture book that takes apart the pieces of a story—hero, heroine, setting, conflict—and asks the reader to put the story back together again. This is a good story…or is it?

As a child takes her pencil and begins to draw pictures for a story, the narrator takes her and the reader through a rollicking sequence of events in this classic tale of bad guys and townsfolk and dungeons. With simplicity and flair, Adam tells a story and then a meta-story of the parts of the story at once! This Is a Good Story is a wonderful primer on the parts of a story and an imaginative way to encourage creative thinking, writing, and storytelling.

~~~

This was such a fun book for educational use. My sister, who is studying to become a teacher, was gushing about the concept of this book and I had to check it out. This story basically breaks down the parts of a story in a way for children to learn about them in an engaging and entertaining way. As an English major, this book made me so happy. I loved this book. I think that it should be used in school curriculum regularly. 

Page Count: 32
Published on: April 1, 2006
Published by: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Set during the devastating tsunami of 2004, MAMA is the touching true story of a baby hippo that was separated from his mother when the wave hit. After struggling alone for several days, the baby was rescued by Kenyan wildlife officers and brought to live in an animal refuge. There, all by himself, he adopted a new "mother"--that just happened to be a 130-year-old giant male tortoise. And they've been inseparable ever since.

Although MAMA takes place against the backdrop of a terrible human tragedy, at the heart of this story is a moving and original tale of adoption--and of finding love and companionship in the least likely of circumstances. 

~~~~

I picked this picture book up on a whim while on my break at my job at the library. I thought this was so touching. I loved the art style and the overall story. I loved the story of the baby hippo and I loved the pictures at the end of the book that tied it all together. The art style was so nice and the color scheme was probably my favorite part of the book.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

Page Count: 32
Published on: April 1, 2006
Published by: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A book with no pictures? 
What could be fun about that?
After all, if a book has no pictures, there's nothing to look at but the words on the page. 
Words that might make you say silly sounds... In ridiculous voices...
Hey, what kind of book is this, anyway?

~~~

I picked this book up for three minutes at a super market and quickly zoomed through it. I thought that this was a super fun and quirky children's book. I know B.J. Novak from the Office and from some videos on YouTube, but I was really suprised to see his name on a children's book. I'm actually quite impressed with the cleverness of this book 

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

Page Count: 40
Published on: April 8, 2014
Published by: Little Brown Books For Young Readers
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Fantasy
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.

~~~

This story is super cute. Beekle reminded me of the little creatures from Doctor Who that were made up from fat in humans. This story is so colorful and beautiful. I loved the illustrations. I love the focus on the imaginary worlds of children and the real-life world. This was just really lovely and delightful. I recommend this for bed-time reading for younger readers (and older readers too!)


Which picture books are you jazzed about this year?

Happy reading and happy holidays!
Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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{Graphic Novels/Comics/Picture Books 2018} #1-5

Hey, guys! 

    It's already July and I've already read so many more graphic novels and comics than I anticipated. I've probably read 3 times more comics/graphic novels/picture books than the past two years combined (Don't check my math on that. I'm just guessing.). I'm going to continue on with this sort of mass review strategy just to continue sharing my thoughts on these books. They've ended up being about one third to a half of what I've read this year, so I ought not to be lazy about reviewing them. I won't go too into depth when it comes to talking about them, but I did want to dedicate some blog-space to them. 

    In the past couple of years, I would compile my thoughts in one long blog post and share my thoughts, but I've already read 30 books like these

#1. Lumberjanes Volume 2: Friendship to the Max! by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Maarta Laiho, and Brook A. Allen

Page Count: 126

Published by: Boom! Box

Published on: October 13, 2015

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brooke Allen.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max includes issues 5-8 and the first fourteen pages of Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison.

Review:

This is a really cute addition to the Lumberjanes series. I'm really enjoying getting to know each of the girls and learning more about their camp and going on more adventures. I really love how their friendship is portrayed and how their characters begin to develop.

~~~

#2. Lumberjanes Volume 3: A Terrible Plan by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Carolyn Nowak, Maarta Laiho, Aubrey Aiese, Brittney Williams, Aimee Fleck, Faith Erin Hicks, Rebecca Tobin, Felicia Choo, and T. Zysk

Page Count: 126

Published by: Boom! Box

Published on: April 5, 2016

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

IF YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT!

Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them ever planned.

This New York Times bestselling series continues with Lumberjanes #9, "If You Got It, Haunt It Badge;" #10, "Abscence Make the Heart Grow Fondant Badge;" #11, "Go Ball-istic Badge;" and #12, "Oldie but Goodie Badge."

Mini-Review

Another adorable addition to the Lumberjanes series. The world that Stevenson and her comrades are creating is very interesting. I adore the mythological bits that they are adding and more depth for the characters. However, I did not enjoy the change in art style. It really changed up the tone of the story, which slowed down the regularly fast-paced story. 

~~~

#3. Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy (#1-6) by Chynna Clungston Flores, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, Maddi Gonzalez, and Whitney Cogar

Page Count: 160

Published by: Boom! Box

Published on: March 7, 2017

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

The Lumberjanes and Gotham Academy kids team up!

DREAM TEAM UP!

When a teacher at Gotham Academy goes missing, it’s up to Olive, Maps, Colton, Pom, and Kyle to figure out what is happening and how to get her back. With only an outdated birthday invitation as the clue, they find themselves in the middle of the woods with no idea of where to start. With the sudden appearance of the Lumberjanes—April, Jo, Mal, Molly, Ripley and Jen—who are on the hunt for their missing Camp Director, all clues point to an abandoned cabin with more secrets than cobwebs.

BOOM! Studios and DC Comics team up to bring together Lumberjanes and Gotham Academy for the ultimate friendship-fueled crossover event. Written by Chynna Clugston Flores (Blue Monday), and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me) and Maddi Gonzalez, this is a running-for-your-life-from-skeletal-monsters mystery that leads to lifelong friendship!  

Review:

I'm quite familiar with the characters in the Lumberjanes series, but I had never read any of the Gotham Academy comics. I thought this was a really fun series of comics. I really enjoyed how their characters interacted and the story was just super fun. The art styles were really nicely done and I really enjoyed the colors and themes that were prevalent throughout the comic compilation. 

~~~

#4. Sex Criminals Volume #1: One Weird Trick by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky

Page Count: 160

Published by: Image Comics

Published on: March 7, 2017

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Suzie’s just a regular gal with an irregular gift: when she has sex, she stops time. One day she meets Jon and it turns out he has the same ability. And sooner or later they get around to using their gifts to do what we’d ALL do: rob a couple banks. A bawdy and brazen sex comedy for comics begins here!

Collecting: 1-6

Mini-Review

This was a pretty fun and intriguing beginning to the Sex Criminals series. While it isn't my favorite graphic novel series, it's fairly entertaining. I'm not the biggest fan of the characters, but the art and the humor quite fun. The premise, itself, was really fun; but overall it wasn't my favorite.

Page Count: 128

Published by: Image Comics

Published on: March 7, 2017

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

The second storyline from the Eisner Award winning Sex Criminals finds the honeymoon to be over for Jon and Suzie. Once the thrill of new lust fades, where do you go? Come along and laff and love with Matt and Chip as they brimp back ceaselessly against the past.

Collecting: Sex Criminals 6-10

Mini-Review:

Overall, this addition to the Sex Criminals series wasn't as good as the first. While it was fairly entertaining, the pacing was much slower than the first. I do not think I will actively continue this series any time soon. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review} Night Shift by Debi Gliori

Page Count: 32

Published on: January 12, 2017

Published by: Hot Key Books

Genre(s): Sequential Art, Graphic Novel, Children's, Picture Book, Mental Health

Source: Hardback - via publisher

Age Rating: YA

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Twitter: @

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

'Debi Gliori is amazing. Her pictures offer people an insight into depression that words often struggle to reach. She makes visible the invisible. And I for one want to thank her for that.'
- Matt Haig, bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive

A groundbreaking picture book on depression with stunning illustrations.

With stunning black and white illustration and deceptively simple text, author and illustrator Debi Gliori examines how depression affects one's whole outlook upon life, and shows that there can be an escape - it may not be easy to find, but it is there. Drawn from Debi's own experiences and with a moving testimony at the end of the book explaining how depression has affected her and how she continues to cope, Debi hopes that by sharing her own experience she can help others who suffer from depression, and to find that subtle shift that will show the way out.

'I have used dragons to represent depression. This is partly because of their legendary ability to turn a once fertile realm into a blackened, smoking ruin and partly because popular mythology shows them as monstrous opponents with a tendency to pick fights with smaller creatures. I'm not particularly brave or resourceful, and after so many years battling my beasts, I have to admit to a certain weariness, but I will arm-wrestle dragons for eternity if it means that I can help anyone going through a similar struggle.' 

~~~

Hey, guys!

      I was sent this stunning picture book for an honest review from Hot Key Books and I'm so glad that they contacted me to read this. This book is so inspirational and it revolves around such an important topic that should be discussed with all age groups. 

      Night Shift is a gorgeous picture book about the author, Deb Gliori's, struggle with depression. Throughout the book, Gliori's illustrations and story personify her struggles in order to explain the impact that depression can have on a person. Through her art and her testimony at the end of the book, Gliori captures how mental illness can impact a person psychologically, physically, and emotionally. 

     I really thought this book was beautiful. Gliori's illustrations were not only beautiful, they were impactful and inspiring. As someone who does not have depression and has never experienced the full impact of what it can do, I thought this book really informed me of what others face everyday. Her journey through her hardships really spoke to me and her message of hope and healing was so beautiful.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. This revolves around such an important topic that I think children of all ages are capable of understanding. I'm so excited to share this book with everyone. 

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~

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