Fairytale retellings in quick snippets!
Cleverly retold fairytale shorts. I think my favorites are the Cinderella and the Hansel and Gretel retellings because they both have wonderful twists in the storyline. 4 stars!
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu tells the story of Mozart and his older sister Nannerl when they were children and the fantastical world they discover together through their musical talent. I absolutely love how Marie Lu based this story on sources she found while reading about Mozart. She discovered that he did have a sister and they shared compositions along with their love of music, as well as their co-created stories of the Kingdom of Back. The historical based story fascinates me and I enjoyed every minute reading this fantasy. The struggles Nannerl dealt with because of the day and age she was born in were unfair but she persevered as much as she could. I love this story and give it a full 5 stars!
A creative way to build relaxation!
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read and review Creating Sanctuary by Jessi Bloom!
Informative and inspiring, Creating Sanctuary shows and tells the reader about sanctuary around the world and gives us the knowledge and freedom to choose and create our own special healing and meditative spaces. The five steps to creating your sanctuary garden are to clear out space, improve the soil, manage the water, provide wildlife habitat and build the plant layers. Different styles and designs for planting (medicine wheels) and different relaxation techniques (forest bathing)are discussed, as well as celebrating the changing seasons. Eye-opening and helpful tips for every aspect of building a personal sanctuary, 5 stars!
Adorably fun!
Thanks to Bookish First for giving me a copy of Crochet Animal Rugs by Ira Rott, published by Sewandso!
A great book filled with wonderful inspiration to create your own crocheted projects or create any of the adorable ideas included. Detailed instructions, simplified crochet guide and illustrations and photos are given to help even beginning crocheters. After reading this book, I went online to get a book cover image to post on my blog. I found even more adorable crocheted wonders from people who took their inspiration from Ira Rott’s book and added flourishes to make their own creations, such as a peacock and a unicorn. So cute!
5 stars for this user-friendly crochet guide!
An all-inclusive macrame guide!
Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read and review Modern Macrame by Emily Katz!
An informational and instructional guide to all things macrame. From the history of macrame to plant hangers to wall art, and more, can be found in this book of creativity. Photographs accompanying detailed instructions show tools and supplies needed, macrame knots and making macrame ropes and mounting. When I hear the word “macrame”, I think of the 1970’s plant hangers and bell bottom jeans, but the macrame creations in this book are streamlined and not just for hanging plants. The decorations and wall hangings are delicate and trendy. I especially love the swing! The daybed is fascinating and beautiful and the rugs are versatile. An all-inclusive macrame guide, 5 stars and happy creating!
Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media for the opportunity to read and review DIY KIDS’ Dress Up by Jessica Near. Sewing Instructions for twelve costumes and templates are detailed and included, all costumes are made with felt. Felt is versatile, doesn’t need hemming and holds its shape well. These attributes make felt perfect for costume making. A tools and materials list starts off the book and helps get the costume maker prepared and ready to create. Tips are also included, such as using a razor to de-pill your felt. Colorful illustrations accompany each detailed pattern. Fun and inspiring for dress up play, 5 stars!
Creative entertainment!
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for the opportunity to read and review STEAM Play & Learn by Ana Dziengel. This is a wonderful book filled with twenty projects, ranging from easy to difficult and all geared towards science, technology, engineering, art and math. Fun and helpful illustrations bring this project book to life and the detailed instructions are perfect! I love the STEAM applications and notes following each project. A must-have book for anyone wanting a little creative entertainment in their lives- 5 stars!
Draw your very own Chibi!
Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media for the opportunity to read and review Chibi!: The Official Mark Crilley How-To-Draw Guide! This instructional book is narrated by a cute, humorous character with a fun name (made by a play on Japanese culture) in a comic/manga format. The sections are “Chibi Basics”, “Characters and Poses” and “Chibi Craft Projects” and give detailed instructions for drawing any Chibi you could ever want to draw. I love this book because it’s not limiting Chibi drawing to characters inside a story but gives a variety of inspiring ideas for your very own Chibi! I’m purchasing this book for the school library! 5 stars!
The Thought Spot 