Stephen Hawking by Isabel Sanchez Vegara

New in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Stephen Hawking, the genius physicist and author.

When Stephen Hawking was a little boy, he used to stare up at the stars and wonder about the universe. Although he was never top of the class, his curiosity took him to the best universities in England: Oxford and Cambridge. It also led him to make one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century: Hawking radiation. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant physicist's life.

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This adorable little book gives us a brief history of Stephen Hawkings life. (Do you get the joke??) Its written in short simple sentences, with full color illustrations. Perfect for reading to pre-readers, and to extend the library of a little one whose in the throes of learning to read.

It talks about all parts of his life, including about his "rare disease" and its affects on Hawking; including that at the time, the doctors gave him only 2 more years to live. While this style of writing towards kids may seem harsh to some parents, I prefer books that are blunt to a point. And this book walks that line of being blunt enough so that children can get the full effect of the words and the implications behind them, without scaring them. 

I was very surprised and excited when I got to the end of the book, and was given a timeline of Hawkings life, as well as a few actual photos and a couple paragraphs that used his age when referring to certain events. The ending also lists some extra resources to look into if your child becomes especially interested in Hawking.

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This book is part of a series of children's books called Little People Big Dreams. Here is some info on them. 

 Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

The end of the books lists several board books, and several hardcovers so I will be reviewing as many of those as I can and im even going to add LPBD as a tag since there are quite a few that im hoping to read!

This book is already out! It released on the 5th of February 2019!  You can find it on Amazon, Target, or Barnes and Nobles for about 11 dollars.

Draw Manga: Step-by-Steps, Character Construction, and Projects from the Masters by Sweatdrop Studios

Inside Draw Manga, 140 color illustrations and easy-to-follow directions are divided into three sections: basic tutorials; how to turn raw ideas into finished comics; and projects from the masters, with exhaustive detail on producing professional-grade artwork.

Draw Manga covers not only traditional media such as colored markers, pencils, and watercolors, but also computer-generated manga. And there's advice on special techniques for drawing the distinctive eyes and hairstyles that are the genre's hallmark, as well as on character creation, developing a first sketch, using color and motion, sequencing, pacing, and more.

In Draw Manga, professional manga artists reveal their secrets for drawing individual character elements and creating an effective manga character!

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Draw Manga is divided into three parts. 1.) Basic tutorials 2.) Creations and 3.) Projects.

Part 1 Is a very quick descriptions on how to draw heads, eyes and other body parts. It is not kidding when it says BASIC tutorials. They are quick, and definitely not for the beginner as the book describes. Part 2 is supposed to be step by step creations. This part of the book is to put what you learned in part 1 into action. But its not step by step. In fact it is mostly talking about what is implied by the drawing vs how to draw it (how confident the character looks because of where his head is tilted). Once again this part is not for beginners.
Part 3 the projects. They seem like more complete version of part 2. Having backgrounds added in and shading. Very much not beginner friendly.

i would guess that it is maybe in the "Advanced Beginner" category, because it does expect you to know some stuff already, and it doesn't take the time I would have liked to explain everything. Me being a Non-Artist, I was hoping to gain something from this book, but I mostly got frustrated. The first sketch they expect you to do after Part 1 is a full body and face.

This Isn't to say this book is bad, as I don't believe it is, but, it isn't one I would have picked up had I known its contents ahead of time, and it probably would have been that book that sat on my shelf forever not being read, or being given to a little cousin who can draw better than me..... >.>

It is something I could see as useful for those who have some general skills in art and who have some previous knowledge with drawing Manga. I like this book as it is, if it wasn't marketed as a beginners book.

Pages : 128

Can check it out on Amazon Here 

Knights Club:The Bands of Bravery by Shuky

"Introducing a new series of interactive, pick-your-panel graphic novels for middle grade readers, full of adventure, magic, and fun! Knights Club is a hilarious, medieval-themed quest for bravery and glory.

The year is 1012 in the kingdom of the good king Louilepou. Three brothers dream of joining the Royal Order of Knights: fearless adventurers, able to travel long distances, slay the most dangerous theives, and defend the valorous peasants. And one of these brothers is you!

But the road to knighthood is long. You must journey through snowy mountains, haunted lakes, and dark forests in search of the bracelets of bravery. During your expedition you will come face-to-face with a troll, an old wizard, or a warrior. You must solve riddles, discover hidden compartments, learn combat techniques, and gather magical objects. Your success depends on your choices alone, because the hero is you!"

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Originally published in 2012 in France as Chevaliers: Journal D'un Heros , this book feels like a throw back to the build-your-own adventure goosebumps books I read as a child. Couple this with me being an avid Dungeons and Dragons player and DM, I had a blast following this adventure! It has a few "game overs" and some surprises that break the 4th wall.... but all of this will keep kids coming back to this story. 

Its full color pages are engaging, and knowing where to go is easy with a quick three page "how-to" at the front. The digital copy I received had 6 character trackers that were dotted (unsure if they will be perforated or simply dotted and need cutting out) but could easily be copied onto lined paper, or in a machine if this book is bought for a classroom.

This story is set apart from other "choose your story books" by having you keep track of what you have done/earned and makes reading feel like a game. The puzzles in it add an extra layer of problem solving that isn't always there in a book, let alone a game.

I cant suggest this book for a Kindle read, as the way you read this book is difficult on a computer (how I received my ARC copy) and I imagine would be slightly frustrating on a small screen as well.

This book is set to release on September 4th 2018 on Amazon here And is now available for preorder!

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Here are a few of the pages from the book to give you an example of the artwork and how this choose your own story flows! (I purposely didn't get the frame # in that second picture as to not ruin the story! And please excuse the grainy quality, that is my phone not the comic!)

   

   

As you can see, your decisions have numbers attached, and you follow the numbers to whatever panel is next in the story progression. This means that sometimes you will visit the same page several times, and that each read through can be different than all the previous ones! You can also see how vibrant and colorful this comic is, and wonderfully detailed in ways it doesn't have to be but it is!

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

"   Marjorie Glatt feels like a ghost. A practical thirteen year old in charge of the family laundry business, her daily routine features unforgiving customers, unbearable P.E. classes, and the fastidious Mr. Saubertuck who is committed to destroying everything she’s worked for.
Wendell is a ghost. A boy who lost his life much too young, his daily routine features ineffective death therapy, a sheet-dependent identity, and a dangerous need to seek purpose in the forbidden human world. When their worlds collide, Marjorie is confronted by unexplainable disasters as Wendell transforms Glatt’s Laundry into his midnight playground, appearing as a mere sheet during the day. While Wendell attempts to create a new afterlife for himself, he unknowingly sabotages the life that Marjorie is struggling to maintain. Sheets illustrates the determination of a young girl to fight, even when all parts of her world seem to be conspiring against her. It proves that second chances are possible whether life feels over or life is over. But above all, it is a story of the forgiveness and unlikely friendship that can only transpire inside a haunted laundromat."

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A look into the life of a child who has to take on more responsibility than she should have to, when she loses her mother. This story of a strong willed young teenager, helped (and even a little hindered at first) by an old friend, while she tries to cope; and help her family cope, and the story of  little ghost who finds himself needing validation that the other ghosts cant give him.

Its a wonderful story, and could easily be adapted to use in a school setting, or counselors office, to help children deal with and understand grief and loss, depression, and alcoholism in themselves and their friends. Perfect for late elementary and middle school children, possibly for younger depending on the child. The artwork is different, but good. It works well with the story.

Definitely not for everyone, very slow (which works for the story) but I had trouble relating with Marjorie, but I am looking forward to the next Thummler novel.

The Taco Tuesday Cookbook by Laura Fuentes

"The Taco Tuesday Cookbook is the cookbook your family’s been dreaming of, because if there’s one thing we all can agree on, it’s that tacos are awesome. They’re customizable. They’re quick. They’re tasty. And most importantly, they make us all happy!"

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So I haven't ever reviewed a cookbook before but who can pass up Tacos?? I mean they are tacos! The most awesome thing in the world.

So first off, it is exactly what it says it is : A cookbook about tacos. This book gives you 52 taco recipes so you can literally have a different taco every Tuesday for a whole year. It also provides sauce and drink recipes to add to your amazing main dish! One of the more interesting parts is the recipes for gluten free, vegetarian and paleo options, which means that dietary restrictions shouldn't stop you from 1.) purchasing this book and 2.) eating some freaking tacos on Taco Tuesday!

I did learn something from this book. I have had breakfast burritos before, but until this book I hadn't thought about breakfast tacos, and that alone made me so very excited to keep browsing this book. (Yes browsing, its a cookbook, I'm not going to read every single recipe) Also, the my daughter caught me looking at the breakfast tacos and we ended up having them for breakfast (Totally recommend the black bean and queso breakfast tacos!) and insisted we have tacos for breakfast this morning.

The last thing I would like to say about this cookbook, is that you dont have to have a ridiculous amount of time or money to make these tacos. The breakfast one we had actually said "1 can black beans" because this author KNOWS that soaking beans overnight just for breakfast tacos isn't always something someone can do when you have kids. These are easy recipes that would make a great edition to anyones house.

The Peoples Awards by Lily Murray

"Welcome to the People Awards! The ceremony is about to begin. Who will win the Best Hat award? Who will be named Bad-Tempered Musical Genius? Who gets the Stand Up For What You Believe In prize?

A celebration of 50 famous people from around the world who made history and changed the world for the better, with stunning art from award-winning artist Ana Albero."

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With full color illustrations, and pages brimming with information on everyone involved, The Peoples Award is a wonderful introduction to history both recent and not so recent, for curious kids! This book introduces you to a historical figure with a 2-3 paragraph blurb of what that person is famous for and gives you 4 great reasons that they have received their award at the bottom of the page. A cartoon representation of each person is given "portrait style" along with a quote. The second page devoted to each person is full of "snapshots", or illustrations of events that happened in that persons life as if a camera had been thee to see it. These are all followed up with descriptions.

Some awards have multiple earners, such as the Trailblazer Award. These pages contain 4 award recipients each who have a kind of "sub award"(ie: the shoot for the stars award) and a short description is given for each person.

Overall this book is a great addition to any curious kids bookshelf, or even a supplement to a history lesson in a school!

A List of all people featured: Albert Einstein • Wangari Maathai • Abraham Lincoln • Valentina Tereshkova • Leonardo da Vinci • Marie Curie • Mahatma Gandi • Trischa Zorn • Pablo Picasso • J. K. Rowling • Vincent Lingiari • Tim Berners-Lee • Ellen de Generes • Nelson Mandela • Mary Anning • Alfred Nobel • Frida Kahlo • Louis Pasteur • Gabriel Garcia Marquez • Olaudah Equiano • David Bowie • Anne Frank • Confucius • Cleopatra • Pelé • Beethoven • Maria Montessori • Tegla Louroupe • Malala Yousefsai • Isaac Newton • Erno Rubik • Sejong the Great • Jan Amos Komenský • Katherine Johnson • Roald Amundsen • Hanae Mori • Eva Peron • Joan of Arc • Sir Donald Bradman • Queen Anna Nzinga • Rosa Parks • Muhammed Ali • Antonia Rodrigues • Simon Bolivar • Rigoberto Munchu • Antoni Gaudí •Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • Hans Christian Andersen • Sappho

The Night Dragon by Naomi Howarth

"“I wish I could fly, and breathe fire, and fill the sky with great grey, sooty clouds,” Maud said to her friend, Mouse.

Maud is picked on by the other dragons, so stays cooped up in her cave, sad and lonely. But when the chance comes, will her friend Mouse help her pluck up the courage to fly? A beautiful picture book about individuality and friendship from Naomi Howarth."

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Bright, brilliant, and intuitive, The Night Dragon is a perfect book for bedtime. Its a very "wind down" style of writing that keeps a kid engaged in the story without riling them up with excess excitement at the crucial point in the night.

Its presents kids with a You-Can-Do-It story, (especially helpful in a time where kids are being faced with bullies more often than not) that shows them that, it doesn't matter what other people say, as long as you believe. It is also a reminder to always stick up for and encourage your friends, because you'd be surprised at what they can do with your support! 

Its nicely paced. The pages do not have a ridiculous amount of text, (which is a deterrent if you have a kid that wants 3 or more stories at bedtime!) and the text is set so that it doesn't detract from the wondrous almost watercolor like illustrations. Definitely recommend.

10 Reasons to Love...a Lion by Frances Lincoln Children's Books

"Lions are magnificent animals! Did you know that lions are the only big cat to live in groups? Or that their roar can be heard for miles? Discover ten reasons why lions are amazing and five ways you can show they love them in this gorgeous picture book. A must for any young animal enthusiast and a fantastic introduction to environmental issues."

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10 Reasons, is a childs' book with full page color photos. It educates the reader on lions using text and images! The text tells you facts, IE: They are social cats. While the images present locales, and other animals, as well as plants that might be found in a lions habitat. This was my favorite part of the book honestly. The facts were something I would look up if a had a question about lions ( which you often have random questions you need to answer if you have kids!) But the illustrations brought the book to life with me.

The facts in the book are well presented and geared towards a 1st or 2nd grader, but are very child friendly even for the younger child.


10 Reasons releases on July 5th 2018!

Fizz Boom Bath by Caroline & Isabel Bercaw

"Have you ever been at a store and found yourself staring longingly at a table full of scrumptious-looking bath bombs, shower melts, or lotion bars and thought, “Gee, it would be fun to make these at home, but where the heck would I begin?!” Well, we’re here to take the mystery out of bath and body recipes and give you all the tools you need to crown yourself Archbishop of Bathtopia. We’ll hold your hand every step of the way, and then we’ll exfoliate it with some sugar scrub when we’re finished! This book will teach you how to create all kinds of delightful, natural, homemade treats. From fizzers to scrubs, masks to soaps, bubble bars to shower melts, we’ve got you covered."


Written by the two sisters that brought us DaBombFizzers ; and helped spark the popularity of the bath bomb; these teenage "Archbishops of Bathtopia" have a deep understanding of the process and ingredients involved, and the ability to transfer that knowledge to you in book form!

They list everything you could need right up front, both ingredients and equipment. The next part of the book a recipe for a basic bomb, then a whole ton of variations that they actually sell in stores. The last part of the book has all kinds of other "self care" products, such as body scrubs, shower jellies,(which are easier to make than I thought!) and a setting spray I am excited to try.

The artwork is full color, and beautiful renditions of their product ( and what yours could look like!) My daughter is loving this book (even if its on a computer right now) and Im pretty sure she is going to make us buy one when it comes out, and I am waiting for that day.

Release is scheduled for August 7th 2018 here!

Power to the Princess by Vita Weinstein Murrow

"What if princesses didn’t always marry Prince Charming and live happily every after?

Like Snow White, who gets on with her stepmother just fine (in the end). And Belle the Brave, whose open heart helps her become a member of the Fairyland Police. And Prime Minister Cinderella, who just wants to help everyone have a better life. These fifteen girls are smart, funny, and kind, and can do anything they set their minds to. Power to the princess!"

This anthology follows some of our favorite princesses ( 15 to be exact! Both Disney and otherwise) through their lives, if their lives had been different from the original stories. They are strong and fearless, in both life and love. This book has been a long time coming and I am so glad to see it! 

I particularly enjoyed "The Little mermaid". It follows Marisha, the youngest of the Sea Kings six daughters, after there mother died in a boat accident. The Sea-King becomes fearful to the point that even when the ecosystem they lived in started to be affected, instead of going up and talking to the "land-dwellers", he sets storms upon them. Her grandmother plays a large part in her discovery of what she wants. (Like a lot of Disney princesses :D ) Eventually she meets a human princess named Melody who helps her clean the oceans and, they bring their two kingdoms together in a "lively and loving" marriage.

The illustrations are simple but powerful. They take up little space and leave room for the story, and that is what helps make this book shine. The stories speak for themselves.

This is just one awesome story out of 15. Vita manages to retell each princesses life in a beautiful and new way that just forces you to root for them all over again. I so hope that Vita will continue to write more of these and release a second anthology.

Chili da Vinci by Jarrett Rutland

"While others do “penguin” things, Chilly da Vinci—self-declared inventor penguin, builds machines that don’t work…yet!"


Chili is a tiny penguin with big dreams. With him and some of his penguin buddies stuck on an ice burg away from home, and an Orca just waiting for them to be all out of ice burg, its up to Chili to find a way off (even if no one else thinks he can) especially since his inventions put them there!

Chili builds and builds and builds, even when his machines don't work. He keeps at it. Even after being teased for his attempts (and even for what he eats!) he keeps on trying.

This little book is great. Its story is thoughtful and well written, and its message is something all kids should be taught. The artwork is cute, and throws back to the book as a whole with its influence coming from Leonardo Da Vinci.

Swim Little Fish by ALTAN

"A little fish has a big day

In this sweet and simple story, a little fish rises from the sea to see the sun.  After a long day of play, the little fish is ready for bed."

Cute short story about a little red fish.  Large print, easy to read words are great for early readers. The no mess pictures make it even easier for kids to figure out harder words using context. This book is set apart from others by its simplicity in the way it is presented to the children who will be reading it. To quote my five year old "It was fun." She read it to her brother and smiled the whole way through. 

Swim Little Fish is set to release on Amazon on June 22nd 2018 (link opens in new tab)

#SwimLittleFish #NetGalley