Book Review: Twain Illustrated

Katie October 15, 2022 0 Comments

Twain Illustrated contains three stories from Mark Twain, will illustrations added.  The first is Emerson, Holmes, and Longfellow – which is also known as Twain’s December 17, 1877 Speech at the Hotel Brunswick in Boston. The second is The Facts Concerning The Recent Carnival of Crime in Connecticut and finally the third, Running for Governor.  None of these had been something I had read before, so getting to read them as well as have the illustrations worked in to break the text up was a nice treat.

I received a free e-copy of this book from Net Galley in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Twain Illustrated: Three Stories by Mark Twain, is a collection of three classic Mark Twain stories, illustrated by Marc Johnson-Pencook. All three stories, Emerson, Holmes, and Longfellow, The Facts Concerning the Recent Carnival of Crime in Connecticut, and Running for Governor, show why Mark Twain is recognized as a master of wild, American humor. But unbelievably, when Twain teams with contemporary-classic illustrator Marc Johnson-Pencook, his humor grows even wilder yet. For Marc displays his own brand of mastery depicting the outrageous scenes that shape each Twain story. Forty-three of his pen & ink illustrations are interspersed throughout this collection of stories, which is respectfully adapted and illustrated to capture and hold the attention of modern-day, middle-school readers. But these stories are not just for them! Modern-day adults love illustrated literature, too, especially when Mark Twain tells the stories that generate such wildly-imagined images. All readers will be pleased to discover that Mark the author and Marc the illustrator work perfectly well together, almost as if they share the same mind across the decades.

Book Review: The Witch’s Spellbook for Beginners

Katie October 15, 2022 0 Comments

The fact that I am reading a spellbook may be worrisome for some, and others probably think it is a good idea. The introduction states, “We all want to lead a magical life – one in which we are able to both shape and take responsibility for our destinies. This book reveals how, by simply casting spells that align with the cycles of nature and the universe, you too can begin to manifest your dreams.”

The book then goes into how to be a good witch and the solar and lunar cycles as well as some magic tools you may need for your spells. It also heeds the warning – what goes around comes around and ill intentions sent out may be visited upon you – usually threefold.  Something to keep in mind when you might be wanting to be a bit impulsive with the spell casting.

I will say, the spells in this book all have a positive vibe to them – so hopefully it won’t be creating any ill intentions for anyone!

I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Manifest your dreams with easy-to-follow spells that align with the cycles of nature and the universe.

Magic can change your life and help you manifest your best self. Anyone with the curiosity and willingness can connect to the power of the natural and supernatural and to blend ancient practices in a modern context. Adapted from Sarah Bartlett’s The Witch’s Spellbook, this guide gives new and aspiring witches a simple path to the art of practical magic and the empowerment of magic spells.

Following an introduction to the basics of witchcraft, The Witch’s Spellbook for Beginners holds an abundance of spells organized by concern—including your self, change, wishes, love, home and family, career, money, and protection. Whether you are looking to channel spirit guides and those who have passed over, need a protection amulet for you or a loved one, or manifest a new direction that aligns with your life’s desires, this spellbook will empower and inform your budding craft as a witch. Harness the power of the astrological elements, explore the lunar cycles and how they can enhance your magic, and embrace the seasons to amplify your spells and divination work.

The spells include:

• Find Your Life Direction
• Restore Holistic Health
• Make a Decision
• Manifest an Aspiration
• Ignite Desire
• Get Over a Breakup
• Change Careers
• Open the Door to Prosperity
• Banish Negativity

Plan your spellwork by date, season, and lunar phase, and identify spells that can be used any time, using the calendar index of spells at the back of the book.

Start your journey into witchcraft with purposeful and practical spells for every day and every event.

Book Review: I Saw Santa’s Underpants

Katie October 15, 2022 0 Comments

I Saw Santa’s Underpants is a cute rhyming story about what happens when Santa has a mishap at young Max’s home.  This is a really short quick read but it shows some quick thinking and impressive problem solving skills by the main character to help Santa out once he sees his underpants.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review from NetGalley. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

When Santa has an unfortunate mishap, a young boy and his dog are shocked by what they see.

He will need ingenuity to figure out how to help Santa out of this embarrassing situation.

A laugh-out-loud funny children’s picture book that:

• Demonstrates problem solving at its best
• Provides opportunities for family bonding
• Utilizes fun rhymes to help children develop reading skills

Grab yours now and start a new Christmas tradition.