Thursday, October 14, 2021

Book Review - Salt Magic by Hope Larson + Giveaway

 

Vonceil is excited to have her older brother, Elber, return home to Oklahoma after serving in the war. However, she quickly realizes Elbert isn't who she remembers him to be. Elber  has became more serious and responsible after the war and he barely has time for Vonceil anymore. He even married this childhood sweetheart that he had left behind.

A beautiful and mysterious woman shows up and claims that Elbert had abandoned her in France. Elber refuses to leave his wife so, the woman puts a curse on the family well. The town's entire water supply turns into saltwater. Vonceil is determined to find the woman and save her family.

The graphic novel was an endearing and lovely read. I love Vonceil and the wonderful world of witchcraft that the author created. The gorgeously illustrated book is perfect for young readers who want a standalone adventure. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About the Book:

Title: SALT MAGIC

Author: Hope Larson, illustrated by Rebecca Mock

Pub. Date: October 12, 2021

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Pages: 240

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&NiBooks, KoboTBD, Bookshop.org

When a jealous witch curses her family's well, it's up to Vonceil to set things right in an epic journey that will leave her changed forever.

When Vonceil's older brother, Elber, comes home to their family's Oklahoma farm after serving on the front lines of World War I, things aren't what she expects. His experiences have changed him into a serious and responsible man who doesn't have time for Vonceil anymore. He even marries the girl he had left behind.

Then a mysterious and captivating woman shows up at the farm and confronts Elber for leaving her in France. When he refuses to leave his wife, she puts a curse on the family well, turning the entire town's water supply into saltwater. Who is this lady dressed all in white, what has she done to the farm, and what does Vonceil's old uncle Dell know about her?

To find out, Vonceil will have to strike out on her own and delve deep into the world of witchcraft, confronting dangerous relatives, shapeshifting animals, a capricious Sugar Witch, and the Lady in White herself--the foreboding Salt Witch. The journey will change Vonceil, but along the way she'll learn a lot about love and what it means to grow up.

Hope Larson is the author and illustrator of the Eisner Award nominated All Summer Long and the illustrator of the Eisner Award winning A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic NovelSalt Magic is an utterly unique graphic fairy tale complete with striking illustrations by Rebecca Mock. 

Praise For SALT MAGIC:

"The best comics reading experience I've had in a long time." —Ben Hatke, author-illustrator of #1 New York Times Bestselling Zita the Spacegirl series
 
"Sumptuously detailed in all aspects, readers of all ages will be whisked away by this unique and modern fairy tale. Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock take a story filled with fantasy and imagination and ground it with great humanity and depth. A book to return to over and over again."—Jen Wang, author-illustrator of the Eisner award-winning The Prince and the Dressmaker
 
"The perfect alchemy of gorgeous illustration and richly imagined story." —Victoria Ying, author-illustrator of City of Secrets
 
"Salt Magic is an epic coming-of-age adventure. Rebecca’s artwork is some of the most gorgeous cartooning I have ever seen, bringing Hope’s incredible storytelling to vibrant life. With witches, magic, and cowboys, you’ve never read a Western like this before!" —Cathy G. Johnson, author-illustrator of The Breakaways


"This story by the previous collaborators (Compass South) unfolds skillfully, taking time to develop memorable heroine Vonceil and her quotidian world . . . before setting her on an adventure that echoes fantasy classics yet feels entirely distinct."—Publishers Weekly

"Unusual and excellent, containing wonder within."Kirkus Reviews

  

About Hope Larson:

Hope Larson has written and illustrated many graphic novels including All Summer Long, which was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018 and an Eisner Award nominee, as well as its recently published sequel, All Together Now. She adapted and illustrated A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel, which spent forty-four weeks on the New York Times graphic novel bestseller list and for which she won an Eisner Award. She is also the author of Compass South (A New York Times Bestseller), and its companion volume, Knife's Edge, both illustrated by Rebecca Mock. She lives in North Carolina.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 


About Rebecca Mock:

Rebecca Mock is an illustrator and comics artist. They illustrated the graphic novels Compass South and Knife's Edge, both written by Hope Larson. Their work has also appeared in various publications, including the New York Times and The New Yorker. They are the co-organizer of the Hana Doki Kira anthology. They live in Brooklyn, New York. Visit their website at https://rebeccamock.com

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 


Giveaway Details: 

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SALT MAGIC, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/4/2021

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt

10/4/2021

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

10/5/2021

YA Books Central

Excerpt

10/5/2021

Little Red Reads

Review

10/6/2021

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

10/6/2021

Pick a good book

Excerpt

10/7/2021

Celiamcmahonreads

Review

10/7/2021

History From A Women's Perspective

Review

10/8/2021

Nerdophiles

Review

10/8/2021

The Momma Spot

Review

Week Two:

10/11/2021

Books Are Magic Too

Review

10/11/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

10/12/2021

two points of interest

Review

10/12/2021

@coffeebooksandmascara

Review

10/13/2021

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

10/13/2021

@abackwardsstory

Review

10/14/2021

Nonbinary Knight Reads

Review

10/14/2021

Midnightbooklover

Review

10/15/2021

@bookisheclectic

Review

10/15/2021

The Bookwyrm's Den

Review


Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Book Review - Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose by Lauren Tarshis + Giveaway

 

 


To everyone, this youngster looks like a well behave child. He eats all of his veggies, he shares his toys with his little sister, and behaves while taking a bath. However, there are those secret moments where no one is looking that are the most special ones. This beautifully illustrated books share a glimpse into a child's life along with the special moments he shares with his dog. It shows the different sides of ourselves that we show to loved ones and the way we behave in private. I liked the it shows how the child could be himself and his pet will unconditionally love him. I think this is a cute and fun book for little readers. However, while the title of the book is has fun gross name, I think ti would be more appropriate to name it "Only my dog knows..."

 **Disclosure - I relieved a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**  

 

 

 

About The Book:

Title: ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE

Author: Lauren Tarshis & Lisa Bronson Mezoff (Illustrations)

Pub. Date:  October 19, 2021

Publisher: Orchard Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 48

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBDBookshop.org

A hilarious and tender picture book perfect for fans of No, David that insightfully explores the inner world of a child. The picture book debut from the New York Times bestselling author of I Survived, Lauren Tarshis!

To the outside world, it might look like you do everything right: eat your broccoli, share your toys, and behave in the bath. But what about the moments when no one is looking, and your messier, mushier, scared-ier self is revealed? The only one who knows is... the loyal dog friend who sees it all and still loves you just the way you are.

This celebration of friendship, loyalty, and unconditional love with man's -- and child's -- best friend is sure to delight and entertain readers of all ages. Laugh along with recognition and delight in this ode to being true to yourself. With tender, humorous text from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis, and joyful, expressive watercolors from artist Lisa Mezoff, this sweet book presents a validating message of confidence, empowerment, and unconditional love.

 

About Lauren Tarshis: 

Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series tells stories of young people and their resilience and strength in the midst of unimaginable disasters and times of turmoil. Lauren has brought her signature warmth and exhaustive research to topics such as the battle of D-Day, the American Revolution, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and other world events. She lives in Connecticut with her family, and can be found online at laurentarshis.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon

 

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/11/2021

YABooksCentral

Interview

10/11/2021

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

10/12/2021

Two Points of Interest

Review

10/12/2021

Jazzy Book Reviews

Review

10/13/2021

For The Love Of The Page

Review

10/13/2021

celiamcmahonreads

Review

10/14/2021

@Curlygrannylovestoread

Review

10/14/2021

The Momma Spot

Review

10/15/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

10/15/2021

booksaremagictoo

Review

Week Two:

10/18/2021

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt

10/18/2021

BookHounds ya

Review

10/19/2021

The Phantom Paragrapher

Review

10/19/2021

Nerdophiles

Review

10/20/2021

Geaux Get Lit

Review

10/20/2021

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

10/21/2021

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

10/21/2021

Jaime's World

Excerpt

10/22/2021

Little Red Reads

Review

10/22/2021

She Just Loves Books

Review


Sunday, October 10, 2021

October 2021 Empties!

 

October is already here and I can't believe it! I feels like the year has blown by so quickly. However, I am loving this weather and I hope it stays like this for awhile and we have a mild winter. I didn't really manage to finish much this month and the few things I did finish were okay.

I didn't really do many face mask month because I been lazy about putting one on. The two new masks I did try were okay. I did like the Centella mask more than the green tea mask but, they were both average. I did try this new serum from Graydon that goes on like a charm and feels like a treat on my skin. I use it after applying a face sheet and my skin is glowing.

I finally finished a palette and a nail polish! This is the first time this year I finished a palette and nail polish. The Urban Decay palette is so old that I don't really know the name of the palette. I love this green polish and I am so sad that its finished. It's from Lollipop Posse Lacquer in Widely Regarded as a Bad Move. I got it last year for my birthday. The polish lasted so long and was a beautiful color so, I will probably buy more from this brand.

The last few things I tried this month was a bit disappointing. The Generation Clay mask was painful and burned when I applied it. I don't think it even did anything. The lavender spray from Kerstin Florian smelled nice but, did nothing to provide any hydration on skin. The Holifrog was one of the worst scrubs I ever used. The gummy texture made it hard to apply and the product smelled bad. 

Is there anything you used this month that you would recommend?

Pureology Clean Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
Orjena Green Natural Moisture Mask Sheet
FIF Centella Sensitive Ampoule Mask
Honey Jarret Super Beau'Tea Mask
Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack - Chamomile + Tea Tree
Urban Decay Palette
Graydon Fullmoon Serum
Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask
Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Lavender Body Spray
Holifrog Como Popp-e Renewal Scrubby Wash

Friday, October 8, 2021

Book Spotlight - Welcome To Dweeb Club by Betsy Uhrig + Giveaway

 About The Book:

Title: WELCOME TO DWEEB CLUB

Author: Betsy Uhrig

Pub. Date: September 28, 2021

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 272

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBDBookshop.org

What if a school club changed your life forever?

In the second week of seventh grade, Jason Sloan signs up for the brand-new HAIR Club. He and his friends have no idea what it’s about, but since they’re the first to sign up they figure they’ll be in charge in no time. The club turns out to be super weird: using fancy new equipment donated by a mysterious benefactor, the members are supposed to monitor school security footage. Their first assignment: find out what is stealing the cafeteria’s croutons.

Instead of the expected dark cafeteria, the computers show the club members something else entirely: actual footage of themselves as high school seniors, five years in the future! What on earth could be happening? Is it some kind of time warp, or alternate reality? Or is it just an un-funny prank? As they scramble to solve the mystery, they can’t help but notice something else—none of them like what they see five years from now. Is there any way to change the future—and their fates? 

  

About Betsy Uhrig: 

Betsy Uhrig was born and raised in Greater Boston, where she lives with her family and way more books than you are picturing. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in English and has worked in publishing ever since. She writes books for children instead of doing things that aren’t as fun. Betsy is the author of Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini and Welcome to Dweeb Club. Visit her at BetsyUhrig.com for more information about her books and her cats.

 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

 


Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WELCOME TO DWEEB CLUB, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/13/2021

I'm Shelfish

Excerpt

9/14/2021

Nay's Pink Bookshelf

Review

9/15/2021

A Dream Within A Dream

Guest Post

9/16/2021

Jazzy Book Reviews

Excerpt

9/17/2021

celiamcmahonreads

Review

9/18/2021

Nonbinary Knight Reads

Review

Week Two:

9/19/2021

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

9/20/2021

Perusewithcoffee

Review

9/21/2021

Cindy's Love of Books

Review

9/22/2021

The Momma Spot

Review

9/23/2021

@Curlygrannylovestoread

Review

9/24/2021

Midnightbooklover

Review

9/25/2021

Nerdophiles

Review

Week Three:

9/26/2021

Pick a good book

Review

9/27/2021

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

9/28/2021

YA Books Central

Interview

9/29/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

9/30/2021

Don't Judge, Read

Interview

10/1/2021

Fyrekatz Blog

Review

10/2/2021

Onemused

Review/IG Spotlight

Week Four:

10/3/2021

BookHounds YA

Guest Post

10/4/2021

booksaremagictoo

Review

10/5/2021

Book-Keeping

Review

10/6/2021

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt

10/7/2021

The Pages In-Between

Review

10/8/2021

Two Points of Interest

Review