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 don't think it's fair to set this book to a revelationary standard because of its kitschy base content, I do think this is a very fun book that as a lover of horror I really enjoyed the different turns Hendrix took and his readapting of stories that I love.
*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.
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
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!
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!
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!
Visually stunning, tactile, and mesmerizing, this graphic novel is a debut at the summit from a self-taught Argentinian visionary.
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 ~~
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.
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~
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.
Hide and Don't Seek and other very scary stories by Anica Mrose Rissi Is a refreshing and new collection of scary stories that remind me of the ones I personally loved and grew up with. Great book for a new generation of those who seek and love the weird things in life.
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!
Learn to Count with Johnny Ramone by David Calcano is so cute and just such a fun board book for any cool and expecting people in your life. From bass strings to cats to punk clothes, follow Johnny Ramone and count the unconventional.
Save the Bats! Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds is equally informational as it is sweet. Amara is passionate about bats and is diligent in bringing back her local bat population. A great read for those who love nature conservation.
My Own World by Mike Holmes is sobering in the best way. A loner child in the 90's who struggles making friends in the real world discovers a portal to a place where making friends becomes a talent. This is a tale that speaks to fellow introverts and the alienated.
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.
THE BASIS FOR THE MAJOR 6-PART HBO® DOCUMENTARY SERIES
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR:
Nathan Pyle's first childrens book, Strange Planet : The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature, is delightfully quirky. The reader follows the two main characters as they track the mysterious creature and observe and reflect on its odd habits. A fun read for children, parents, and cat people alike.
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!
Small Knight and the Anxiety Monster by Manka Kasha is such a great story and metaphor for children with anxiety. Small knight is shown struggling with self acceptance and in ths process their Anxiety Monster begins to grow and only by looking inward can they fix it. Great message too that you dont need someone to rescue you, just yourself.
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.
"Beautifully drawn, brutally funny, brilliantly honest. Vera is such a good cartoonist I almost can’t stand it.” —Raina Telgemeier, author of Smile
#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).
Poultrygeist by Eric Geron is morbidly funny following the story of the poor infamous chicken who crossed the road. On the other side chicken decides he's not so much scary as he is just spooky. A fun fall read!
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.
Dont Hug Doug (He doesn't like it) is a wonderful story in its ability to teach children boundaries of every sort in a way that is fun and easy to understand. The art style is silly, but balances well with the should be taken seriously subject matter.
Prince & Knight : Tale of the Shadow King by Daniel Haack is the well deserved sequel of Prince & Knight. Our heroes are back and happily wed when they must set out on a quest to find out what is ailing the kingdom. This heartwarming tale exemplifies lessons of love, acceptance, and pride.
Two Grooms on a Cake is so heartmelting. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction piece about America's first gay wedding is worth the read. The story of Jack and Michael is inspiring, persistant, and full of love.
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart is so darling and sweet it brings tears to the eyes. This book has an excellent message of Pride & self acceptance, while also being an incredible Father/Son story.
The Goonies : The Illustrated Storybook adapted by Brooke Vitale is a cute and heartwarming retelling of this 80's classic. Like the movie, we follow Mikey and the whole Goonies cast on their adventure for one eyed Willie's treasure in order to save their homes. Dodging killer booby traps and the villainous Fratelli family, the Goonies triumphantly find the treasure and stop the men who threatened their homes. A nostalgic read!
The Little Forest Keepers by Mary Lundquist is an adorable and sweet short story that follows two pocket sized brothers as they prepare their woodland friends for the falling snow. As they do their chores in the forest they happen upon a rather large and strange thing. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is cozy, a great winter treat.~
