Book Review: Manga Art

Manga Art: Inspiration and Techniques from an Expert Illustrator, by Mark Crilley is an inspiring and educational art and drawing book focused on manga.

According to the Introduction, "At the heart of the book is manga-style artwork, but perhaps not in the way that you might expect. These are not images that meticulously mimic the art of published Japanese illustrators.... My approach was to take the manga style and be kind of mad scientist with it.... My goal was to inspire creativity, and to pass along specific information about my techniques that you could then use in creating your own work."

Throughout this book, there are drawings and illustrations in full-color, black-and-white, and gray-scale, as well as summary and descriptive text, captions, and Your Turn sidebars. This book is divided into five main sections, which are titled as Characters, Japan, Science Fiction, Conceptual Art, and Styleplay. Also, there's an Introduction, Conclusion, and Index.

Manga Art is an enjoyable book to add to your library collection, since it's geared towards all ages and especially recommended for those interested in drawing and manga-inspired art. 

 

 

Note: I received this book from Blogging for Books, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Zoo Scientists to the Rescue

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue is written by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Annie Crawley, which features a behind-the-scene glimpse of zoos, particularly scientists working to save endangered animals.

According to the introduction, "More than 181 million people visit zoos every every.... But zoos aren't just entertainment centers, they are living libraries. Zoos allow us to get close enough to animals to hear their stories.... Zoos also give scientists an up-close look at animals that are difficult to observe in the wild." This book focuses on three zoo scientists, Meredith Bastian with orangutans, Jeff Baughman with black-footed ferrets, and Rachel Santymire with wild black rhinos.

This book is divided into the following chapters: The Zoo: A Living Library, Treetop Teachers, The Comeback Kits, Feces Save Species, and The Rest of the Story. Also, there are Saving Wildlife sidebars and interesting animal facts intermixed with brilliant full-color photographs, graphics, and maps. 

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue is a fun way to learn, as well as providing practical suggestions about how to get involved. This non-fiction book is geared toward children, particularly third to seventh grades.

 
Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Her Surprise Engagement

Her Surprise Engagement, by Ashlee Mallory is an interesting contemporary romance, which is focused on family dynamics and a fake engagement.

Daisy Sorensen is a financially-struggling single mom who dreams of opening her own bakery. After her ex-husband disappoints their three children by promising and then denying them a trip to Disneyland, Daisy quickly plans a family vacation in Lake Tahoe.

Due to a mix-up, wealthy widow Jack Harrison also arrives at the same home for a vacation with his daughter and their dog. With the announcement of Jack's upcoming governor campaign, reporters appear on the doorstep of the vacation house and surprise both families in a humorous manner, which leads to Jack and Daisy's fake engagement. As the story continues, their pretend engagement leads to a real relationship, yet both Jack and Daisy have personal issues to overcome before truly combining their families.

Since it's the fourth book in The Sorensen Family series, it's ideal to start with the first book, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order. I started reading the series with this book.

Her Surprise Engagement is geared towards those who enjoy reading modern romances with children, pets, and pretend engagements.

Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Dating the Wrong Mr Right

Dating the Wrong Mr. Right, by Amanda Ashby is a pleasant modern romance, which is focused on family issues, relationship drama, and plenty of secrets.

Pepper Watson temporarily moved back home to reorganize her life, which is falling apart primarily due to her secret ex-fiance boss attempting to ban her from working as a lawyer.  While Ben is struggling to help his parents with their secret bankruptcy issues, by expanding his local business.

Despite her two sisters' wishes and her best efforts, Pepper has trouble dealing with Ben, due to an incident in their teenage years. Plus, Ben's secret unrequited love for Pepper causes him to be dismissive of her. However, Ben and Pepper unite with their personal secrets and decide on a truce, which leads to their secret romance. As the story unfolds, it's heavily focused on the past, particularly one specific incident, dictating the present and their possible future as a couple.

Dating the Wrong Mr. Right is geared towards those who enjoy reading contemporary romances. Even though it's the third book in Sisters of Wishing Bridge Farm series, it's not necessary to read the books in order, since it's a stand-alone romance.

Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Boston Monsters

Boston Monsters: A Search-and-Find Book is written by Carine Laforest and illustrated by Lucile Danis Drouot. This book is part of the City Monsters series, which "takes you on a sightseeing adventure. Find the hidden little monsters as you discover big-city landmarks." 

As an interactive story, children will learn about the city of Boston, as they search and find adorable monsters throughout the colorful illustrations of city landmarks, such as the Freedom Trail, Boston Public Library, New England Aquarium, and Fenway Park.

According to the back cover, "Boston is such a great place to live that even little monsters have taken up residence there.... Have fun spotting them all as you explore some of Boston's most iconic landmarks and sights!"

This easy-to-read board book is a charming children's travel book, which is geared towards younger readers, particularly ages three to eight.
 

Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Goodnight Lab

Goodnight Lab: A Scientific Parody is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Chris Ferrie.

According to the back cover, "Life as a scientist can be stressful. Find relief with this sweet parody and say good night to the tools strewn around your laboratory. While poking fun at the clutter and chaos of lab life, this book gives scientists of all ages the perfect way to end the day before returning to the world of research in the morning!"

Within thirty-two pages, Goodnight Lab is geared towards ages four to eight, yet scientists of all ages might enjoy this creative parody book.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for ebooks, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Tozer for the Christian Leader

Tozer for the Christian Leader: A 365-Day Devotional, by A. W. Tozer is a devotional book, which was complied by Ron Eggert from the author's previously published books and recorded sermons. This revised edition was previously published as Tozer on Christian Leadership.

Each daily devotion features the devotional text, prayer, and scripture verse for each day of the year. Since the devotions are listed by date, it's ideal to start this devotional on January 1, yet readers may start reading at any time throughout the year.

Also, it includes two sections: Reference Codes for Books and Booklets by A. W. Tozer and Scripture Index. According to the Preface, "Each passage cited is followed by a code and number which represent the name of the book and the page from which the quote was taken."

Tozer for the Christian Leader is geared towards those in leadership roles, particularly in church and mission organizations. With one devotional per page, this book may easily be added to your current personal devotional time or it's a a great way to start setting aside time each evening to spend with God.

"The rewards of godly leadership are so great and the responsibilities of the leader so heavy that no one can afford to take the matter lightly." A. W. Tozer


Note: I received this book from Moody Newsroom, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.