The Diver by Veronica Carratello | Book Review #147

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Diver by Veronica Carratello

Are there spoilers?

Yes, there are some spoilers.

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Disclaimer:

This book was sent to me by the publishing company (Nobrow) in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Diver

Author: Veronica Carratello

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Pages: 32

Published: 2018

Publisher:  Flying Eye Books

Genre: Children's Book, Picture Book

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Date Read: I can't remember but it was in 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

A young girl and a penny coin share an unlikely dream to become divers in this enchanting tale from award-winning Italian illustrator Veronica Caratello.

The moment a penny sees a diving competition on television, it is determined to become a diver itself. Discarded by most, the penny is picked up by a girl who just so happens to be a young diver in training. Will both of them be able to achieve their dream with the power of a single wish? 

The Rating:

My Review:

The Diver is about a little girl who is scared she won't do the best dive that she can in her next competition and with the help of a penny she wishes and it helps with her dream. 

As always I first look at the illustrations that these picture books have. And I notice how vibrant the pastels are and how great the colors pair up with each other. The pallet is perfect for the mood this book gives off. The illustrations of the characters and the backgrounds are clean and kid friendly. By that, I mean that they are easy to distinguish. 

The end pages are super bright (almost blindingly) and I love the illustrations there too.
The front cover. For the longest time, I thought that the girl had some sort of headband with cat ears. But it was just a fountain behind her.
The back cover is adorable with the little girl and the coin about to take a dive.

It's not a very diverse book unless you count background characters that don't arent in the story. In fact, the MC and her family are all white, blonde, and have light colored eyes. So that was something that I wish could have been different. Considering that we are in modern times and interracial couples DEFINITELY exist.

I loved the penny and their story. They were a complete character. They had a dream and had some troubles achieving them. They were even going through some bullying. And in the end, got what they wished for the most. 

One thing that bothered me was how no one wanted the penny. The dad even said it wasn't worth anything. And it bothered me because all my life my mother has taught me the value of money. Especially of a penny. We would even spot change on the street and pick it up. Because she taught me that even if its one cent of a nickel or a dime in the end when you pick up a bunch of them you are going to have some money you didn't plan for. I've bought books saving up like that now. And when I was a kid I used to save up for toys. And I know that I am definitely going to teach my kids the same lesson.

In the end, this is a children's picture book so I loved the illustrations. The story was motivating and about not giving up on your dreams of doing your best. And It's a good read and easy to read to others. I've already read it more than 4 times since I got it. So I recommend it.

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island
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The Secret of the Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton | Book Review #115

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Secret of the Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Disclaimer:
This book was sent to me by the publishing company (Nobrow) in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Secret of the Black Rock

Author: Joe Todd-Stanton

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Pages: 40

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Published: 2017

Genre: Picture Books, Children's, Fantasy

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Date Read: July 5, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

This surreal modern folk-tale tells the story of an adventurous young girl who must protect a peaceful living creature.
Erin is fascinated by the stories of Black Rock: a huge, dark and spiky mass that is said to destroy any boats that come near it! But are the tales really true? One day Erin sneaks on board her mother’s fishing boat to find out…

The Rating:

My Review:

The Secret of the Black Rock is a beautiful story that grabbed my attention and took my heart for a ride.

I was truly taken by this book and its magnificent illustrations. I cried and smiled and felt I had -no! I must read this book again sometime soon.

Goodreads    |    Get it

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The Bookish Island
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Out, Out, Away From Here by Rachel Woodworth & Sang Miao | Book Review #114

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Out, Out, Away From Here by Rachel Woodworth & Sang Miao

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Disclaimer:
This book was sent to me by the publishing company (Nobrow) in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Out, Out, Away From Here

Author: Rachel Woodworth, & Sang Miao

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Pages: 32

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Published: 2018

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Mental Health

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Date Read: July 5, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

An elegant, poetic text accompanied by enchanting illustrations that shows children how to cope with strong feelings through creativity and imagination.

Emotions can be strange, sudden, and even overwhelming at times. With thoughtful words and expressive images, this book guides us on a journey through our imagination… to a place where everything feels calm again.

The Rating:

My Review:

Out, Out, Away From Here is one of those children's books that make me which I was a kid again. To be sitting in a corner reading this book and feeling all the beautiful emotions this book makes me feel now. 

That, or to have a little one of my own and share this brilliant little, but ginormously enchanting story and just see their reactions.

I cried and felt happy when I finished reading this. It's that good. 

Goodreads    |    Get it

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The Bookish Island
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Audubon, On The Wings of The World by Fabian Grolleau and Jeremie Royer | Book Review

Book Review:
Audubon, On The Wings Of The World by Fabien Grolleau & Jérémie Royer

Spoilers?

Maybe.

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Title - Audubon, On The Wings Of The World
By - Fabien Grolleau & Jérémie Royer
Publication -  April 4th, 2017 by Nobrow Press
Format - Hardcover, 174 pages

Genre - Children's Book, Mythical, Picture Book, Fantasy, Graphic Novel

At the start of the nineteenth century, John James Audubon embarked upon an epic ornithological quest across America with nothing but his artist’ s materials, an assistant, a gun and an all-consuming passion for birds...

This beautiful volume tells the story of an incredible artist and adventurer: one who encapsulates the spirit of early America, when the wilderness felt limitless and was still greatly unexplored. Based on Audubon's own retellings, this embellished version of his travels captures the wild and adventurous spirit of a truly exceptional naturalist and painter.

Fabien Grolleau has written and created several comics for Vide Cocagne (which he co-founded) as well as the graphic novel, Jaques a Dit.

Jérémie Royer is an illustrator and designer. After studying art for two years in Nice, he specialized in comic book art and illustration in Brussels. 

The Rating:

My Review:

via GIPHY

I want to say that this was sent to me for review from publisher and that, as all my reviews, this one is full of my honest opinions.

The Cover:

Although they say never judge a book by it's cover I believe the cover should represent what the book is going to be like or at least some aspect of it.

The cover filled with birds is what attracted me to the book. They are beautiful and colorful. And with a cream colored background, it makes the birds stand out more.


The Story:
Based on Audubon's own retellings. The tells of his travels capture the wild and adventurous spirit of a truly exceptional naturalist and painter. Who along the way catalogs America's birds.


Illustrations:
The illustrations are beautiful birds and people. But I liked the bird illustrations more. They were so much moe appealing to me. With pretty colors and realistic lines.

Overall:
At first, I was surprised to see this book when it came in the mail for me. But after I finished reading it I was a bit disappointed. Yes, the illustrations were beautiful but the story kinda didn't sit right with me. I just couldn't either understand it or whatever but I just didn't like it.

Get a copy at:
Barnes & Noble  |  Amazon US

Get a copy here using my affiliate link. Please:
Book Depository

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Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd Stanton | Book Review

Book Review:
The Brownstone’s Mythical Collection: Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd Stanton

Spoilers?

Maybe.

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Title - The Brownstone’s Mythical Collection: Arthur and the Golden Rope
By - Joe Todd Stanton
Publication -  February 14th, 2017 by Flying Eye Books
Genre - Children's Book, Mythical, Picture Book, Fantasy, Graphic Novel

Imagine a vault so cavernous that it could contain all the world's greatest treasures and relics, from mummified remains of ancient monarchs to glistening swords brandished by legendary warriors. Who could be in charge of such a vault and how did he come into possession of such a unique collection? Who is...Professor Brownstone?

The Rating:

My Review:

via GIPHY

I want to say that this was sent to me for review from publisher and that, as all my reviews, this one is full of my honest opinions.

The Cover:

Although they say never judge a book by it's cover I believe the cover should represent what the book is going to be like or at least some aspect of it.

The title and the ribbon are in gold foiling and it's beautiful. The cover art is amazingly beautiful too.


The Story:
A young boy starts his adventures and things start happening. With the things he has picked up and learned he will save the day.


Illustrations:
The illustrations are very vibrant and detailed. I love the warm tones in the colors and how clean and clear everything is. Its simple but its very awesome and I love it. With every page being so different you have to look at them more than once, certainly read the book more than once too, to be able to see everything. Or you'd miss a little detail.

From a kids point of view:
I think children would find Arthur to be a hero. With Arthur being an unlikely hero who ends up saving the day. They would probably say he looks like Harry Potter which would make them like the character more.
That's what I believe.

Overall:
First thing first, I was supposed to write this review after Nightlights but I completely forgot.

Also, I just have to say it but this book smells amazing. Between the smell of books and new shoes, books always win. Especially this one.

Am I curious about what other stories can come out o this world Joe has created? Yes.

This story is intertwined with a little bit of Norse mythology having some of the Norse gods as characters. Like Thor, and Odin.

This is such a beautiful book in every way. An adorable main character whose also an adventurer, a beautiful world full of creatures and magic, and delightful illustrations that make it easily submergible.


via GIPHY

Get a copy at:
Barnes&Noble  |  Amazon US

Get a copy here using my affiliate link. Please:
Book Depository

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Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez | Book Review

Book Review:
Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez

Spoilers?

Maybe.

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*As of June 27, 2017 this book review updated after fifth time reading this book*

Title - Nightlights
By - Lorena Alvarez
Publication - March 14th 2017 by Nobrow Press
Format - Hardcover, 56 pages
Genre - Children's Books, Picture Book, Fantasy, Graphic Novel

Every night, tiny stars appear out of the darkness in little Sandy's bedroom. She catches them and creates wonderful creatures to play with until she falls asleep, and in the morning brings them back to life in the whimsical drawings that cover her room.

One day, Morfie, a mysterious pale girl, appears at school. And she knows all about Sandy's drawings.

Nightlights is a beautiful story about fear, insecurity, and creativity, from the enchanting imagination of Lorena Alvarez. 

The Rating :

My Review:

My review in a gif. Which equals 5 stars.

via GIPHY

I want to say that this was sent to me for review from publisher and that, as all my reviews, this one is full of my honest opinions.

The Cover:

Although they say never judge a book by it's cover I believe the cover should represent what the book is going to be like or at least some aspect of it.

The cover is just so beautiful and that spine, that orange spine, is just perfection.There are unique looking flowers and flora in bright colors. And the main character right in the middle of the front drawing away unaware of the eyes looking at her from the darkness. 

Its a nice soft matte cover with glossy parts here and there. Like some of the flowers, the papers strewn around, the font for the name of the book and author, as well as the little girl.
And there's a bike hidden in the back of the book suggesting that that's how she got there.

The Story:

Sandy has the talent to create whimsical drawings.
Just before she drifts off to sleep she gets surrounded by orbs of light that help her brings her creatures to life. And in the morning she goes off and draws some more. But something strange happened to her after she meets a strange yet fascinating girl named Morfie.

Settings:

Since this is a picture book the setting are more alive. And my favorite places have to be the world created by Sandy with their beautiful wildlife and plants. It's just simply amazing. And it makes you want these places to be real.
Then there are the places in the real world. The town with the bustling streets and crowded stores, the Catholic school Sandy goes to and even her home. I liked them all. 

Illustrations:

There are two different palettes when it comes to Nightlights.

Whenever it's Sandy’s real life the palette is more real. Mixing everyday colors in a way that makes each page sing in the same tone. But for Sandy’s art (her own world filled with drawings) it's a bit more purple and blue. Incorporating pops of that beautiful orange from the spine, and bits of yellow, pink, and green.

One word I’d use to describe how Lorena’s illustrations make me feel would be: Alive.

But more like I’m alive in a curious, colorful world that reminds me a bit of the world of Ghibli. And a smidgen of the game, Night in the Woods.

Overall:

I quickly fell in love with this book. From the beautiful eerie cover to the bright orange end paper with cute flower creatures, to the bright colors and beautiful illustrations. And not to mention Sandy's story throughout.

Lorena is brilliant and glimmering with talent as she brings the life of Sandy to life in this book.
Oh! And that orange title font and spine is to die for. I 💖it!
😍

Would I re-read this book? Definitely. And I already have read this book more than 4 times.

I’m in love with this book, but that's no surprise since I love all the books that have that are published by Nobrow. They are all so colorful and brilliant. I don’t know if it’s my artistic side singing whenever I read these books, or just how the stories are so simple and bright and beautiful, that makes me love them so much. Like if I had children or little ones around me, I’d sit them in a circle and read these books to them.

Get a copy at:
Barnes&Noble  |   Amazon US

Or get it here using my affiliate link. Please:
Book Depository

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Whatever Happened To My Sister? by Simona Ciraolo | Book Review

.

Book Review
Whatever Happened To My Sister? by Simona Ciraolo

I had been having some technical difficulties with my laptop. I even thought it was dead but my mom worked her magic and fixed it for me and now I can show you my review for this really cool book I got a couple of days back.

Title - Whatever Happened To My Sister?
Author - by Simona Ciraolo
Publication - November 10th, 2015 by Flying Eye Books
Format - Hardcover, 40 pages
Genre - Picture Book, Family, Children's
Source - given to me by Nobrow in exchange for an honest review Rating - ★★★★★

A young girl sets out to find out exactly what happened to her sister. Who is this new sister? Why does she never want to play anymore? For anyone who has ever felt left behind, Simona Ciraolo, the best-selling author of Hug Me, paints a touchingly sweet portrayal of the transience of childhood and how adolescence and growing up can be a truly mystifying experience.

About Author:

Simona Ciraolo is a Sardinian born author and illustrator whose witty and endearing tales recently won her the Sebastian Walker Award. Ciraolo studied animation at the National Film School in Turin, Italy, before moving to the United Kingdom where she undertook an MA in children's book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. She has also worked as a freelance 2D animator for children's TV shows and illustrated five picture books for an independent Italian publisher. Simona lives in South London.

My Review:

First of all just look at that cover with the girl being all cute and sneaky and that key next to the spine.
The story on its own is really cute and pulls at the heartstrings with this little girl feeling all sad and curious that her big sister has changed and become more distant and no longer plays with her. That's it that's the story but once you ad the artwork in it then it really becomes its own thing and shines brightly.

I want to talk a bit about the art in this book. As soon as I saw the cover I could tell that I liked the art. The way Simona draws this character really brings her to life and you either feel like that little girl or know girls who are like that. I liked how she mixed what looked like colored pencils with paint and it really inspired me to want to draw more. Recently I've had a kick and have been painting with watercolors and acrylics and pencils so I feel right at home seeing the pages of this book

In some places, the art is very bright in some pages where in others the colors are slightly muted. Like in this particular page above it is all grey except for the big sister and their mom who are highlighted as being the focus on this age. I really like this. There are others like this were the page is mostly red.

I had a lot of fun reading this book in the car right after I got it and I couldn't wait to get home and take photos of it. I remembered I had a bunch of square bright color things so I laid them out and just had fun taking these photos.

Get a copy at:
Nobrow  |  Barnes&Noble  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

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Imelda & the Goblin King and Pablo & Jane and the Hot Air Contraption | Book Review

Mini Update #3 | Imelda & the Goblin King & Pablo & Jane and the Hot Air Contraption Book Review

I had finished reading two great books that were sent to me by Nobrow Press and I wanted to do a review as soon as I got them but the weather hasn't been good here. There's a lot of rain and when there's no rain I have college responsibilities to handle so sadly I haven't been able to take good photos to show these amazingly good books off. But I managed to take one of them inside my bag. I will post a may talk more about these books in the future but for now here is a tiny review.