I really enjoyed Klassen's telling of this folktale, following Otilla a child runaway who happens upon a maginificently macabre home deep in the woods. Otilla is funny, and out of context a little relentless, but I love the relationship that develops with her and Skull. In Klassen's notes he mentions happening upon the original story in a library in Alaska, upon later reflection he realized he had remembered the story completely wrong but in a way that he liked more. He talks of how this is how fairytales and folklore should be, made personal for each reader, and it made me love his take on the tale even more.
Nicole Angemi's Anatomy Book : A Catalog of Familiar, Rare, & Unusual Pathologies is all I had hoped for! It started for me a few years back when a friend showed me this amazing and upfront mortician's Instagram, since then I have enjoyed Nicole's content and was thrilled when she announced this title! Not for the weak of heart (or stomach), but definitely for us who can't help but be curious about the human body and the things that can ail or effect it.
I couldn't help but smile upon reading through my ARC for this story. As a person who has always loved the weird and the darker things in life I immediately fell in love with Beatrice and this telling of her and her much lighter sister Roo. Beatrice loves the Dark, and the Dark loves Beatrice. Much like how Roo loves the Light, and vice versa. Neither sister understands the other and why the other just can't like what they like? A fun story of accepting and understanding.
The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sardà is visually compelling and follows three sisters on their quest down through the forest. Starting with the illustrations, I am just absolutely floored and in love with this style and character design. It's giving classic japanese wood blocking meets where the wild things are meets over the garden wall like I am just really obsessed with this and it compliments the story perfectly. The story is of Franca, Carmella, and Tomasina, three sisters adventuring past their garden gate based on a dream and a feeling. The meaning of the story is a bit ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways which i really like and appreciate that it can mean something different for everyone.
Little Witch Hazel a year in the forest by Phoebe Wahl is so darling following pocket sized Hazel in her adventures throughout the seasons. The illustrations are in a beautiful etching style with a simply perfect earthy color scheme. Hazel is helpful and resilient, a wise little creature who is one with the woods. Top ten characters whose lives I wish I was living.
Grady Hendrix's The Final Girl Support Group satiates the horror nerd in me with well written nostalgia and fresh twists and turns. Taking from the great and established slasher films we love, Hendrix gives us interesting character backgrounds that B horror sequels just can't. Following the lead Lynette, a traumatized "Black Christmas" inspired survivor now in her 30's, is once again targeted by an individual with a blood lust for "final girls". I just really love this book, it's just so fun and appropriately gross and squelchy.
The perfect book for those of us that don't know things and did not learn new things during the lockdown. Do you look back on your doomscrolling couch days and wish you had learned how to make a sourdough starter or quilt like everyone else on your tiktok feed? Well this book is perfect! From bread baking to soap making to candle rolling the Little Book of Cottagecore by Emily Kent is truly a great resource for those of us who crave simple pleasures and instruction.
Phoebe Wahl's The Little Blue House, like her other stories, are illustrated so beautifully. This story follows Leo and his father as they are forced to move from their house. Not just any house though, their quaint and quirky blue home that both individuals unconditionally love from it's funky old heater to it's lush garden. In the end the little blue house must go, but for Leo it is not truly gone. Lovely read for anyone~
It's finally here! I love Alina's web comics and when she announced this I was just so excited! Emi and Cookie are real monster hunting pros. One night on a stake out when things go awry, Emi must brave the dark and save Cookie from the potential monsters! Fun before bed read with lovable characters.
Funny and playful, a Spoonful of Frogs is sure to entertain. Following a tv star kitchen witch as she is trying to show how to make a classic: Frog Soup. One must simply add vegetables, a fair share of garlic, and a pinch of salt to start. All that's left is to add the Frog, if only she could. Like I stated, a fun & playful story that would be hilarious for an autumn read aloud.
The World Belonged To Us by Jacqueline Woodson is a nostalgic ode to latch key kids and summers that one could argue don't exist anymore. The scene set in Brooklyn in the 70's, Woodson tells of all the things kids could do to entertain themselves and others from street games to building castles or skyscrapers from cardboard to loosened fire hydrants. The story is thoughtful and the illustrations pair beautifully, truly a good summer read.
Cielo is a skilled and fierce little skater whose town just got a new skate park with an intimidating bowl. I love the lesson of this story because of just how true it is to life skating and life : If you fall, get up and try again. Even if you fall a lot. With help from new friends, and newfound determination, Cielo is sure to inspire.
Author Crescent Dragonwagon and Julián Is a Mermaid illustrator Jessica Love pair up in this powerful new edition of a classic picture book that asks a tough question and answers it with humanity, humor, and grace
In this beautiful new edition of a timeless picture book classic, a child asks, Will it be okay?
Mushroom Rain by Laura Zimmerman is just so stinkin cool! A whimsical telling of true mushroom facts paired with beautiful illustrations. Did you know mushrooms could smell like bubblegum?? Me neither! If you want more cool knowledge you should read this book
*25th Anniversary Edition*—with an Introduction by the Author!
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic.
This book cannot be returned.
An instant New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick from beloved author Alice Hoffman—the spellbinding prequel to Practical Magic.
Find your magic.
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at t
“Hoffman certainly knows how to enchant” (The New York Times Book Review) in this breathtaking conclusion to the Practical Magic series—a spellbinding and bewitching novel that asks how far will you go to change your fate?
For over three-hundred years a curse has kept the Owens family from love—but all of that is about to change.
In this “ bewitching” (The New York Times Book Review) novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.
Where does the story of the Ow
Bree Paulsen’s brave little protagonist, Garlic, is back in this charmingly illustrated standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire, serving up another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery. Give both books to readers who fell in love with Tidesong or Witch Boy!
Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulson is perfect for those looking for a nice short story that is cute and spooky but not quite scary. Follow Garlic on her journey to overcome her self doubts and fears and to face off with the mysterious inhibitor of the abandoned castle. A great intro to fall title!
the Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane is a spooky heartwarming tale accompanied by well written representation. Drago, a non-binary vampire child, is sent on another grueling task by a dictating witch to find her missing grimoire. On this journey they learn lessons of self acceptance, standing up for ones self, and that your family are those who you surround yourself with. An excellent intro to Fall!
Carrie is a title I just will never stop recommending. Not only does it hold a personal memory for myself, but it is just truly a suspenseful classic. Following teenage Carrie White, an awkward and gawky looking girl who is relentlessly bullied and manipulated by her classmates and religiously oppressive mother. Times change when Carrie finally discovers after years of funny little goings on, like say a raining of stones, that she has telekinetic abilities. I was gifted Carrie by my mother as a going into freshman year gift in highschool and I cannot thank her enough for it.
I will say I think I read this title at the perfect time, whereas I have heard from others who kept up with her blog and postings were a bit disappointed and felt the material was recycled. I however love this book, and can honestly say it scared me so much that while reading it in public I had to call my fiance to pick me up because I was afraid to walk home. The way Michelle thoughtfully worked with these victims and their cases along with her own experiences adds just the personal touch that I feel separates a lot of modern day crime discussions. I highly recommend this though, especially if you are unfamiliar with the recently apprehended golden state killer. Great writing paired with very real and terrifying subject matter.
Barb The Last Berzerker by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson is a new and developing series that is the perfect cross between the silliness of Pilkey's Dog Man and the awesomeness of She-Ra. Barb is of the Berzerker clan, a wild bunch who defend villages and crush evil. When her clan is rendered helpless Barb must set out for help from the Northern faction of Berzerkers. Follow Barb on her radical quest where she will make unlikely friends and save her family.
This whole series is perfect for kids transitioning from early chapter books towards middle grade. Follow Jared, Simon, and Mallory through the series as they battle and outwit the evil ogre Mulgarath and his goblin minions. Assisted by hobgoblins to Thimbletack the brownie to a Gryphon. A fun and fantastical new classic~
He's back! There's a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers is very thoughtful, in its story and its design, following a small child through their large home while they swear to you there's no ghosts (there are totally ghosts they're just sneaky. With real photographs and translucent pages throughout the story we see the ghosts dodging and avoiding the child. A fun read for any time of year!
★ A New York Times Best Children's Book of 2020
★ Gold Medalist in the 2021 Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibition
★ A 2021 Eisner Award Nominee for Best U.S. Edition of International Material
★ A 2021 Eisner Award Nominee for Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art)
This is a Gift for You by Emily Winfield Martin is just darling. With her whimsical illustrations, and poetic wording, she tells you all the special thoughtful things that one can give to another ~~
We discover a new species of life form every day.
But, every day,
a species also disappears.
The fly has 10 chromosomes,
the hamster 22, the rat 42, the human 46,
the chimpanzee 48, the cow 60,
and the butterfly 380.
London, 1881.
The astonishing story of how the dead live on via memorials across the globe, from Ethiopia and Nepal to Cambodia and Rwanda, told through arresting images and captivating narration.
Lumber-Jackula by Mat Hegarty & Sam Owen is punny and quirky, following small Lumber-Jackula, or "Jack", as he figures out what school he would like to attend. It isn't easy being the son of a gifted lumberjack like his mom, or a cool and eerie musician like his Vampire father, especially when all Jack wants to do is dance. Giving a kind of "Steven Universe" mixed with "Gravity Falls" vibe, this graphic novel is sure to please.
As an art major, and one who can admit they struggle with some school things, this brought me to tears in the best way. Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beatty is not only sweet, but shows the story of Aaron. A talented artist and expressionist, who also has a learning disability that hinders his being able to write a story for class. Follow Aaron as he works through and notice that this story is formatted in a dyslexic friendly font
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh follows the story of Snap on her meeting of the witch Jacks and a journey of self discovery. All of these characters are just so good and well developed it fills the heart. Kats art style and color story really compliments this story and I would recommend to any age.
The Ghoul Next Door By Cullen Bunn & Cat Ferris is such a spooky treat with a twist of friendship. As someone who's a sucker for anything witchy I can't recommend this book enough.
Hardly Haunted by Jessie Sima gives perfect spooky but cute illustrations mixed with a solid message of loving yourself and seeking those who accept and love you for you. No matter how spooky you can be!
Shy Willow by Cat Min is a touching and excellent story of leaving ones comfort zone as you follow little rabbit Willow who overcomes her anxieties and fears to deliver on a very special birthday wish. The illustrations for this story are beautiful and full of whimsy. A must read indeed~
Nina, a Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd is an emotionally moving telling of the beginings and life of musician Nina Simone. Following her from her childhood beginnings in North Carolina up into her successful adulthood intertwining with the civil rights movement. A valuable tale for all ages.
A journalist's twenty-year fascination with the Manson murders leads to shocking new revelations about the FBI's involvement in this riveting reassessment of an infamous case in American history.
Death & Sparkles by Rob Justus is such a quirky and thoughtful read. Following two unlikely friends: Sparkles is a little self absorbed, Impulsive, and elitist. Death is all work, reason, and has only one irresistable vice.The two find eachother in an odd situation and go on a journey of self discovery and friendship.
Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins is a great story that bridges summer and spooky. The story of baby Dracula's adventure is simply cute and the color story and illustrations are brilliant and compliment the actual story at hand. An end of summer must read!
A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend.
Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs.
Where would you find a professional recording studio that doubles as a funeral parlor? That would be Louisville. Or a hidden set of steps that connects two key parts of an historic neighborhood? Also Louisville. Or even the last ruins of a once-elite neighborhood of mansions owned by New Orleans millionaires? That would be Louisville as well.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The “mercilessly entertaining” (Vanity Fair) instant classic “about the nature of identity and the terrible secrets that can survive and thrive in even the most intimate relationships” (Lev Grossman, Time)—now featuring never-before-published deleted scenes
Life in Louisville in the years following the Civil War, and through the turn of the century, was as exciting as it was dangerous. The city continued to grow as important urban hub of culture and commerce, connecting the South with the Midwest and Northern states. As Keven McQueen proves in this collection of morbid tales of crime and depravity, life in Louisville certainly had a darker side.
New York Times bestselling author Kazu Kibuishi says of Lightfall: “Beautifully drawn. Tim Probert has created a world readers will want to visit.”
The Complete Language of Flowers is a comprehensive encyclopedia providing the meanings, powers, facts, and folklore for over 1,001 flower species.
The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza is a moving cautionary tale. Two gifted children, a brother and sister, divided by chance follow their own paths back to each other. One child is beloved by everyone, the Other is feared. Taking inspiration from the style of Germanic folklore and fairytales, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is an excellent holiday treat! Great for Holiday read aloud's~
From the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, Little Red, comes another thrilling and spunky fairy tale retelling about three very brave and rebellious Viking girls.