Contest Win Book Haul!

 

As a reviewer, I try to make sure I get my reviews on book store websites, primarily Indigo Books as I'm in Canada. Periodically, Indigo runs contests where if you review books within a certain time frame, your name gets put in a pot and you have a chance to be randomly picked.

Well, for the December Contest, I was a random winner! This meant a $500 Gift Card to Indigo!

As I'm not reading for myself nearly as much as I used to, I took this opportunity to allow the kids to go on a shopping spree!

Munchie, who is 5, had a plan and knew what she was looking for: Food Group books. She already has The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, and The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky. 

This trip she grabbed:

She walked right past the Gabby's Dollhouse book on the bottom shelf, once I showed it to her it was a must have.

Biggie, who is 2, was much more about pointing at books he liked, flipping through them, then putting them back. That was until he found:

As a kid who has 3 Grandmas who he adores, this tracks.

ABC Black History & Me (Numbers and letters are everything he wants, he saw this one from the end of the aisle and started hollering about ABC!!!! Until we let him have it. The diversity angle is excellent and I hope to go through it with both kids.

Way too advanced for him reading wise, but lots of dinosaur pictures which is really why he wanted it.

Aka the Pickle book! Biggie is obsessed with pickles, not eating, just talking about them. This one is an instant fav.

I grabbed Just One More Story, which I reviewed the ARC of with Munchie earlier on the blog. I look forward to this becoming a family cuddle book.

We also grabbed a couple of board books for their little cousin:

A favourite in our house

 

Picked specifically by Munchie as she thought her cousin would love petting the chick.

Hubby grabbed:

which will allow him to catch up on that series as we've been able to get the galley for the Sub-Majer's Challenge, and he's looking forward to reading through that.

I, am still considering how I would like to spend my riches. After our haul, we still have nearly $200 on the gift card. I have a couple books I'm eyeing coming out in the fall, but for now we'll just see where our current library takes us. 

Jessie Facts: LibriVox

 

A number of books that I list and have reviews for come from the website LibriVox.org. This is a website made up entirely of volunteers who work diligently to put out free audiobooks of works in the public domain.

Starting up in August of 2005, Hugh McGuire began a mission to see all Public Domain works offered in audio format, for free, to the world. With a massive community of volunteers and over 20,000 works currently available in their library, LibriVox is well on their way to seeing it done.

I first became aware of LibriVox through Brenda Dayne's knitting podcast Cast On in 2008. Hearing her own recordings and the joy she had working with the site, I decided to sign up and give it a go. After a couple of years, my life had become rather busy and other things took more of my time.

In 2013, something reminded me of the site and I returned. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember my login information, and my account was connected to my college email that no longer existed, so I had to start anew. This time I lasted until 2017 when a family tragedy took priority. 

In August of 2024 I made my triumphant return, now a mother, but with a job that didn't require much phone time and allowed listening to music and audiobooks. Rather than record chapters or roles, I now take the role of Book Coordinator and Proof Listener, helping with the organization and completion of projects on the quiet side of things. 

In October of 2024 I restarted the LibriVox Community Podcast on a monthly schedule, allowing me to get a bit of recording done, and updating the community on news and happenings.

So far in 2025 I've maintained the Podcast schedule, and have 36 active projects that I'm working on:

1 Solo Project that I am recording.

24 Projects that I am Dedicated Proof Listener for.

8 Projects that I am coordinating.

My list of future projects is a mile long, and I've had to put a strict boundary on myself because I'm basically at my limit for how many projects I can handle.

If you are someone who enjoys voice acting, loves books, or is just interested in seeing more public domain books available free in audio format, definitely check out the LibriVox Community.

Review: How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea

Title: How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea Series: Standalone Author: Ari Kolender Publish Date: April 1, 2025 Publisher: Artisan Books Genre: Cookbook Age: 16+ Started Reading: March 11, 2025 Finished Reading: March 13, 2025 NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Goodreads:

James Beard award nominee and owner of LA's popular Found Oyster and Queen St. restaurants brilliantly demystifies the art of cooking fish and shellfish with 100 straightforward and delicious dishes for every seafood from cod to salmon, crab, oysters, scallops, and even tinned and frozen fish.

You don’t need to be an experienced chef to make delicious fish and shellfish. Cooking great seafood is all about simplicity and confidence, and this book gives readers the techniques to make sure their seafood always shines. Organized by cooking method, there are chapters on grilling, baking, broiling, frying, and more. Chef Ari Kolender worked at the country’s best seafood restaurants before opening his beloved spot Found Oyster in Los Angeles. Now, in his first book, Kolender teaches readers versatile, fool-proof techniques for serving up fish and shellfish every possible way. With an emphasis on sustainability, How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea offers 100 recipes for everything from Clam Chowder and Fried Cod Sandwiches to Two Bean Squid Salad and Low Country Fish Stew. Kolender takes the intimidation out of cooking fish and shellfish. He shows why crudos, ceviches, and aguachiles are some of the easiest seafood dishes to prepare at home, and he explains how to bake fish and veggies in paper packets for the gentlest way to cook seafood. Readers will learn the ultimate grilling method to make Grilled Mackerel and Miso Barbeque Shrimp, or they can recreate the magic of a seafood shack with chicken-fried and beer battered seafood. A larder chapter features a whole world of accompaniments for seafood, including Red Yuzu Mayo and Pickled Green Tomato Tartar Sauce, plus a Seafood Primer walks readers through how to select, store, and clean the seafood they bring home. Whether seafood newbie or fanatic, How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea will change the way readers think about seafood and guide them through techniques to unlock the dynamic flavors of fish and shellfish.

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  5 Stars

A fantastic resource for those looking to add more seafood to their diet. This book has an amazing variety of recipes to keep things from getting boring, while also giving you the information to get you well on your way to being a seafood pro. The book starts off with a lot of info on different ingredients that you get from the sea, including not only fish, shellfish, bivalves, but goes into seaweed and roe as well. There are instructions on what to look for when purchasing, and what ingredients are better fresh, canned, or frozen, and what the best way to store or prepare them are. The book is split up into type of preparation, and each section has a good variety of recipes using different types of seafood. Through the book are tips and instructions for difficult parts of preparation, like preparing a lobster or crab, many recipes also have substitution suggestions. This book isn't just for those who live near ports and can get fish fresh from the boat, it has a lot of information and recipes for using frozen, salt, canned, or smoked fish, allowing it to become a resource for anyone to enjoy seafood in their diet. I read this ebook through NetGalley.

To Sum Up: An excellent book to inspire you to include more seafood in your diet.

Review: Upon a Starlit Tide

Title: Upon a Starlit Tide
Series: Standalone
Author: Kell Woods
Narrator: Esther Wane
Publish Date: February 18, 2025
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: SciFi and Fantasy
Age: 16+
Started Reading: February 14, 2025
Finished Reading: February 21, 2025
NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Goodreads:

A dark and enchanting fairy tale-inspired historical fantasy combining elements of "The Little Mermaid" and "Cinderella" into a wholly original tale of love, power, and betrayal.

Saint-Malo, Brittany, 1758.

For Lucinde Leon, the youngest daughter of one of Saint-Malo's wealthiest ship-owners, the high walls of the city are more hindrance than haven. While her sisters are interested in securing advantageous marriages, Luce dreams of escaping her elegant but stifling home and joining a ship's crew. Only Samuel—Luce's best friend and an English smuggler—understands her longing for the sea, secretly teaching her to sail whenever she can sneak away. For Luce, the stolen time on the water with Samuel is precious.

One stormy morning, Luce's plans are blown off course when she rescues Morgan de Chatelaine, the youngest son of the most powerful ship-owner in Saint-Malo, from the sea. Immediately drawn to his charm and sense of adventure, she longs to attend the glittering ball held in honor of his safe return and begins to contemplate a different kind of future for herself.

But it is not only Luce's hopes at stake—the local fae are leaving Brittany and taking their magic with them, while the long-standing war with the English means Saint-Malo is always at risk of attack. As Luce is plunged into a world of magic, brutality, and seduction, secrets that have long been lost in the shadowy depths of the ocean begin to rise to the surface. The truth of her own power is growing brighter and brighter, shining like a sea-glass slipper.

Or the scales of a sea-maid's tail.

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

This book is a wonderful retake on traditional fairy tales. Much in the same theme as The Lunar Chronicles. Familiar plot points, but a new story. I really enjoyed this one, I was worried when it began that it was going to be filled with Tropes: "secret, special main character", "love triangle" etc, and while there were some aspects of them, it was done well. The narrator of this audiobook had the perfect voice for getting the feel of a fairy tale, while pronouncing the many French words well. The variety of voices she was able to bring really brought the story to life. Definitely one to check out if you're a fan of the re-worked fairy tale genre. I listened to this audiobook through NetGalley.

To Sum Up: A familiar fairytale plot remixed into a new story.

Review: Dinosaur Pie

Title: Dinosaur Pie Series: Standalone Author: Jen Wallace Illustrator: Alan O’Rourke Publish Date: February 18, 2025 Publisher: Little Island Books Genre: Children’s Fiction Age: 6-10 Started Reading: January 3, 2025 Finished Reading: February 20, 2025 NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Goodreads:

A hilarious and heart-warming story about a boy with ADHD who is transformed into a dinosaur. When Rory's mum gives him dinosaur pie for dinner he doesn't expect to be transformed into an actual dinosaur!

It wasn't really Rory's mum's fault. She just bought Dinosaur Pie for a change and gave it to Rory for his dinner. The next morning he was a dinosaur. Not dressed up as a dinosaur – actually a dinosaur. It's not very funny really. Rory can't talk (because he's a dinosaur). And he can't bear the thought of eating an apple. All he wants to eat is sausages. A lot of things are much harder when you're a dinosaur. Like going to school, or playing with your friends. This is turning out to be a BIG problem.

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

I got this book to try and read a chapter book with my daughter (5) because she quite enjoys dinosaurs. While she did great for the first 25%, I think the subject matter and writing was a bit advanced for her. For the part that she read with me, she was very interested in Rory's ADHD and we chatted about how different people learn and handle their emotions differently. She also really liked the pictures. After she tapped out, I finished the book because I wanted to know what happened with the Dinosaur Pie. The book is very much written from a child's point of view, using language and thoughts that line up like a child. Slang, usage of filler words, and thoughts about video games rather than serious issues seems like it would really connect with the age group this book is written for. While my daughter wasn't ready for this book yet, she has expressed an interest in reading it again in the future, so we may give it another try next year. We read this ebook through NetGalley.

To Sum Up: An entertaining book for kids a bit older than mine.

Review: The Rhino Keeper

Title: The Rhino Keeper Series: Standalone Author: Jillian Forsberg Narrator: Caroline Hewitt Publish Date: February 14, 2025 Publisher: History Through Fiction LLC Genre: Historical Fiction Age: 16+ Started Reading: January 28, 2025 Finished Reading: February 14, 2025 NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Goodreads:

Based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe, THE RHINO KEEPER evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros.

2022 - College student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. From hidden desk drawers come unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros. On a lichen-covered eighteenth-century grave, the same animal is carved. When an expanding river forces exhumation, what she finds buried there is life-changing. Andrea faces her nightmares to retrieve what a grave robber steals: valuable proof of a long-forgotten history.

1740 - Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer has something not seen in two hundred the only rhino in Europe, called Clara. Douwemout and Clara tour Europe, enthralling peasants and queens, hoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. Absolute wonder follows, but when a priest sees idol worship and becomes hell-bent on destroying her, Clara, Douwe, and the lives of her bonded caretakers are at risk.

As Douwe becomes protectively dedicated to adventuring with Clara, unexpected love finds him, and his heart starts to tear. Will he choose a life with a traveling wonder-beast forever, or can love exist in many forms for the rhino keeper?

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  3 Stars

I debated on what to rate this book as. I appreciate that a portion of this book goes to Rhino conservation, and that the author had a note at the end pointing out specific moments in the book and how they related to the actual history. Unfortunately, I found myself annoyed with half of this book as I felt it was completely unnecessary. The story of Douwe and Clara in the 1700s truly feels strong enough to stand on its own. The modern plotline was superfluous, and did not add to the story in anyway. I was strongly considering skipping chapters that were set in the present, and I don't think the story would have been weakened by it. This felt like it could have been made into two separate books that were mildly thematic in that they both dealt with the same topic of Clara the Rhinoceros, but having them smashed together, flipping every other chapter, was completely disjointed. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job, especially with differentiating between all of the voices and accents that were represented. I listened to this audiobook through NetGalley.

To Sum Up: Enjoyable historical fiction interrupted by the modern plot.

Review: Cute Fantasy Art Class

Title: Cute Fantasy Art Class: Mystical Anime Besties - Learn to Draw over 50 Charming Characters Series: Standalone Author: Naomi Lord Illustrator: Naomi Lord Publish Date: February 11, 2025 Publisher: Rock Point Genre: Arts & Photography Age: 12+ Started Reading: January 20, 2025 Finished Reading: January 21, 2025

NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Goodreads:

Learn how to draw your favorite and adorable fantasy characters with Naomi Lord!

An amazing and prolific artist, Naomi Lord is beloved by fans for her enchanting illustrations that range in style from anime/kawaii to characters from Dungeons and Dragons to figures in Greek mythology. Coming after her first drawing book, Cute Creature Art Class, Naomi is ready to expand your anime fantasy world with even more cute characters, all with some adventurous and inspiring personalities. In Cute Fantasy Art Class, learn how to draw 50 fantasy characters, including Pirate, Princess, Air Elemental, Orc, Anthropomorphic animals, and even their familiar companion, such as dragon, horse, and snake.

It's time to learn how to put complex characters—with some complex lifestyles—on the page. With long tutorials of 15-30 steps, this thorough class takes its line-by-line and detail-by-detail. Find simple and digestible instructions, including tips and tricks, so that you never get stuck. The drawings are also customizable to the artist! Add accessories, change their clothing and hairstyles, and  have the freedom to color your characters however you want. Whether you are an avid fan of Naomi’s artwork or are an anime fan interested in fantasy drawing, this is a must-have for your collection.

This art class  

 

An overview of the tools and materials you can use for traditional and digital methods Anime basics, including thorough demonstrations for drawing facial expressions, clothing, hair, and accessories Mini coloring tutorials for adding highlights and shadows Naomi’s personal tips and tricks for perfecting your drawings A character key with short, playful descriptions of the tutorials in the book And much more!

With Naomi’s artistic knowledge, you can bring your creative ideas to life and gain the confidence to keep drawing your own anime fantasy characters. This book will become your go-to reference; whenever you feel stuck with a particular design or character look, Naomi will be there will helpful advice to get your creative juices flowing.

So put aside some time to draw and enter this adorable fantasyland with Naomi’s Cute Fantasy Art Class.

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

An utterly adorable book to assist with making chibi, anime style fantasy characters. I would suggest that this book is better for inspiration for high beginner or intermediate artists rather than a beginner's book on how to draw. While each character has a step by step instruction on how to draw them, it is in the one pose with one outfit. The introduction does touch on altering how a character stands, and changing facial expression, outfit, and accessories, it is very high level and doesn't go into deep explanation. The book is very encouraging, and has quite a variety of characters to choose from. The character key at the beginning makes finding the character you wish to practice drawing quick and easy. I would say this book is good to use if you are looking to try a new style or have a step by step instruction for specific characters, but may be frustrating for those new to drawing. I read this digital ebook through NetGalley.

To Sum Up: Adorable inspiration and instruction for drawing your own chibi characters.

Review: In Our Solar System

Title: In Our Solar System Series: Standalone Author: Jenny Sundstedt Illustrator: Susana Covelli Publish Date: March 11, 2025 Publisher: Familius Genre: Children’s NonFiction Age: 4-6 Started Reading: January 25, 2025 Finished Reading: January 25, 2025 NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Goodreads:

A stunning picture book for space lovers with poetic text by author Jenny Sundstedt and fun facts about each planet

In our solar system,
On the fiery hot sun
Burned a mother solar flare
And her little flare, one.
“Sizzle,” said the mother.
“I sizzle,” said the one.
So they sizzled and they popped
On the fiery, hot sun.

Based on the poem “Over in the Meadow,” this galactic counting book guides readers from the sun all the way to the far reaches of our solar system with adorably anthropomorphized planets by illustrator Susanna Covelli. Parents or older readers will love the added fun facts on each page for even more information about the different celestial bodies, their moons, and their orbits.

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

My daughter (5) loves the space, and this book really caught her interest. She enjoyed the counting and the poem. After the first page she asked to read the poem part while I read the facts. The drawings were very cute, and the counting got the interest of her little brother (2). They both enjoyed seeing illustrations, especially the cute little storms around the big red spot on Jupiter. I think it's great that the book included some educational facts about the various planets as it allows for the younger kids to learn counting with the poem and illustrations, and the older kids to further their knowledge about the solar system. We read this ebook through NetGalley.

To Sum Up: A cute and interesting book for space lovers.

Review: Dover Pocketbook Collection: Cross-Stitch Flowers

Title: Dover Pocketbook Collection: Cross-Stitch Flowers Series: Standalone Author: Gerda Bengtsson Publish Date: February 18, 2025 Publisher: Dover Publications Genre: Crafts & Hobbies Age: 12+ Started Reading: March 13, 2025 Finished Reading: March 13, 2025 NetGalley?: Yes

Book Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Discover 26 stunning, fully colored cross-stitch patterns at your fingertips! This collection of charted designs offers exquisite florals like buttercups, pansies, and spring flowers. With the Pocketbook Crafts series, crafters can now enjoy their projects on the go, with instructions in a portable size guide featuring space for checklists and notes — perfect for infusing floral charm wherever they wander.

My Two Cents:

Goodreads Rating:  4 Stars

An excellent resource of historical patterns from Denmark. With an introduction full of helpful information, this collection of patterns will give a lot of inspiration for future projects. The flowers are based on common wildflowers for the most part and each pattern includes the scientific name and a bit of information as well as a thread list, an area to write down any substitutions you make or notes you'd like to take. These patterns can be used for more than just cross stitch and would be lovely adorning a knitted sweater or needlepointed project. The back of the book allows for a personal message for any future generations who may inherit the book and continue the tradition. I read this book through Net Galley.

To Sum Up: A wonderful resource for historical patterns from Denmark