Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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 Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Are you ready for a veggietastic, whimsical adventure that celebrates the works of farmers while highlighting the extraordinary miracle of growing our foods? Macie and the Magic Veggies is a colorful, vibrant, and charming children's book by Peter Contardo. It serves a wonderful educational purpose in teaching kids about where the fruits and vegetables we eat come from. It's actually a bit like From the Farm to Our Table by Sarah Rowe, in a sense, though Rowe's children's book focused more on animal products. Join Macie, a spunky, curious, precocious little girl, as she takes her grandfather's advice to learn about how farmers plant, nurture, grow, and harvest their crops. She meets up with Farmer Lundyn, a beautiful, freckle-faced, green-eyed female farmer, who shows her all the things that vegetables (like carrots) need to grow. We learn about how vegetables need soil, water, sunlight, and—above all—love. This book really highlights the love and care that farmers put into their work. Macie is even able to participate in the farming process, becoming elated at the fruits of her labor by the end of it. Something we really loved about this book is how it incorporated animal characters in the background. Rather than them being distracting or seeming tacked on, this book uses these animal characters to add some insight. In other words, they serve both as eye candy and as part of the educational process. For example, the butterfly says that "If you grow them, we will come." We learned from Cora's Garden Rescue by Sally Kashner that plants and bugs (like butterflies) have a mutually beneficial relationship. Speaking of eye candy, the characters are very eye-catching and look beautiful. Macie is adorable with big blue eyes, a baby-like face, and a blonde ponytail on one side. Her overalls/Farmer Johns really match the farming theme of the book. Meanwhile, Macie's mom is gorgeous, looking a bit like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Grandpa and Farmer Lundyn look friendly and welcoming, like people we'd love to hang out with. Check it out on Amazon!
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Review of "Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?" by Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi3/21/2025  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" It's a question that every child is asked at one time or another. But though it's a compelling, fascinating, and engaging question for children, it's just as important to parents and adults. Every parent wants the best for their children and dreams of them becoming great and successful. It's one of the greatest gifts of life: a hope for a better life—the ability to aspire and to dream. Oh Little One, Who Will You Be? by Sharon Varney perfectly captures that spirit. The parents in this book wonder and dream about what their children will grow up to be. One couple envisions their adventurous son as an explorer or, perhaps, a zoologist or biologist. One couple envisions their expressive and humorous baby as a comedian. Another couple of a son who is good with dogs envisions him becoming a veterinarian someday. Yet another couple wonders if their daughter, who is passionate (albeit messy) while baking, might become a professional baker someday. Another couple, who sees how their child cares for other children, envisions him becoming a nurse. Two scientists who've gotten their child on board with their scientific passions wonder if she'll become a scientist too. Perhaps one day, a baby who is fascinated by the planets hanging above his crib may become an astronaut. The concept and message of this book is powerful and beautiful. The illustrations, by mult-time OCA winner Anthony Richichi, are among Richichi's best in a children's book! In the past, one of the things that really stood out to us as holding Richichi's art back is how the scale of scenes were so great that characters were out of focus. That's not the case for much of this book. For example, on page 4, we get up close and personal with the parents, baby, and all of the baby's wild expressions. On page 7, we get up close and personal with the parents and the soon-to-be baker as she cooks up a storm. In scenes that are a bit large and scaled up, the backgrounds are mostly detailed and the action/events taking place make sense, adding rather than detracting or distracting from the story's message. For example, the soon-to-be athlete on page 10 is in the presence of statues of sporting legends as well as kids playing all sorts of spots, showing how these things inspire and encourage her. On the next page, the soon-to-be builder overlooks the city while the sun rises, illuminating the buildings that were build by people just like him. We have a soft spot for page 13, in which the little girl proves herself to be a budding farmer, because we just read Macie and the Magic Veggies by Peter Contardo, which highlighted this very thing. The scene is also among the most detailed in the book with several layers of depth ranging from the mountains and sun in the far distance, the barn and parents in the near distance, and the daughter and dog up close. Page 15, which showcases the teacher, features butterflies and birds outside the window. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 91+/100 (9.1+ out of 10)
Welcome to 14th century Europe, a time and a place of famines, war, and plagues; a time and a place of power struggles between kingdoms and theocrats. It's in this chaotic, drama-filled cesspool in which we lay our scene for Animals Divided by David Bush! Animals Divided exists in the same series and continuity as General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms--frankly, one of the best novels to ever come our way—and Animal Quest, another OCA award-winning book! This is a series that uses anthropomorphic animals to brilliantly capture the complexities of human history, diving into the depths of political intrigue, moral conflict, and societal breakdown. This is a series that—despite its cute, adorable animal characters—isn't afraid to explore the deeper, darker, more disturbing aspects of humanity and human history including sadism, war, manipulation, murder, violence, and death. In other words, this is more so a series in the vein of Watership Down or Animal Farm than Peppa Pig or Winnie the Poo. This is a series that has established that characters—human and animal alike—can and will die, just like they would in the harsh realities of real life. They don't pop back up like Bugs Bunny or Wile E. Coyote after they've been mauled or experienced combat. Animals Divided follows the lore established in General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms, mainly that Miaow, the great and legendary cat hero, and Jack, the first human in Our Land, together established a natural law designed to create peace and harmony between animals and humans. After the animals freed themselves from oppressive tyrannical rulers, Miaow and Jack introduced a guiding principle to ensure harmony between species and maintain balance across their diverse society. Unfortunately, as you may know from history and general human nature, people (and animals) don't always get along. Conflict is commonplace. That's why our history is littered with wars. While the previous book, Animal Quest, focused on the horrors of the Black Death and the mass hysteria it brought out of humanity in the mid-1300s, Animals Divided explores the events surrounding the Great Western Schism of the late 14th century. This was a time in which there were two competing popes supported by separate competing parties with different competing interests. There was Pope Urban VI (in Rome), supported primarily by England, Germany, Italy, and other northern European nations. Then, there was Pope Clement VII (in Avignon, France), supported by France, Scotland, Spain, and some Italian territories. Just as in actual history—when Europe was bitterly split between these two competing popes, leading kingdoms into rivalry and animosity—this story highlights the stark consequences of power struggles, corruption, and fractured allegiances among its animal protagonists. The animals, much like their human counterparts, find themselves trapped in a cycle of distrust, betrayal, and conflict, painting a compelling picture of the turbulent times and timeless lessons about division and unity. In Animals Divided, characters like Arnaud, Armand, and Thierry illustrate different reactions to conflict and tragedy. Arnaud, driven by grief and anger, embodies the danger of letting emotions control actions. His brother Armand, calm and rational, balances Arnaud's recklessness, highlighting the value of careful thought during troubled times. Their father, Thierry, represents wisdom and authority, but his wrongful death demonstrates how easily justice can be lost during chaotic periods. Adele, Arnaud's kidnapped wife, symbolizes the personal losses suffered in larger conflicts, highlighting how deeply individuals can be affected by broader political struggles. Meanwhile, Lady Emma serves as a compassionate figure caught between loyalty to her tyrannical father, King Hal, and her innate kindness. King Hal himself personifies unchecked power, whose destructive obsessions and vanity plunge his realm into further instability and suffering. Gavin, the loyal bodyguard to Lady Emma, embodies innocence entangled in dangerous politics beyond his control, emphasizing the peril faced by ordinary individuals when powerful figures pursue selfish agendas. Together, these characters capture the complex realities of historical conflict, demonstrating the many faces of courage, corruption, loss, and resilience. This book may be the weakest of the three David Bush books we've read so far, but that's more so a compliment to those previous books than a knock on this one. Animals Divided seems to be the least sophisticated and least dense of the three. Also, it might actually have the least conflict, action, and violence, believe it or not. It's the most efficient and safe of the three books, for better or for worse. The characters aren't nearly as memorable as the likes of Miaow, Jack, Big Bertha, and Jonas in previous books. Also, this book kinda seems undeveloped and rushed. No, the writing is still good, but it really seems like the plot just happens, and we were lost wondering if that was really it. Is that all? Perhaps there will be more sequels to continue things? To be fair, it is listed as a novella, so you can't really expect it to be as long, intricate, and dense like General Jack was. But Animal Quest accomplished a lot and was still relatively the same length. How come this one comes across as so barren and sparse in terms of content? A lot of this book isn't actually the story (involving the animals), but a rather long history lesson. Admittedly, like with Animal Quest, this is the most interesting part of the whole book. However, if you're coming into this to read a complete epic story, you may be disappointed. This story is brief and abrupt, and it ends abruptly. We were kinda hoping that the conflict would build and develop more and that there'd be a bit more of a payoff. With that said, David Bush always impresses in one way or another. This is, first and foremost, a highly educational book that introduces readers to a rather obscure and lesser known part of Europe's history, the Great Western Schism, something that often gets overshadowed by the Hundred Years War and Black Death. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 92+/100 (9.2+ out of 10)
Some books take you on a journey, and others rewrite the rules of time itself. Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper is a thrilling, mind-bending tale that blends the intensity of a government conspiracy with the existential weight of time manipulation. Through Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper, Gary Natoli crafts an intricate narrative, centering on a heroine who is as stubborn as she is brilliant. Readers will find themselves tangled in the paradoxes of fate, free will, and identity, all while racing against forces that should not exist. Elizabeth “Lizard” Larson never wanted to be a scientist like her parents. In fact, she actively avoided science, preferring art and literature over the cold, hard logic of equations. But when her parents pick her up from school one afternoon, rushing her toward Grand Central Terminal with no explanation, Lizard’s life changes in an instant. An explosion—unlike anything the world has ever seen—rips through the station, sending her parents into oblivion and landing her in the hands of a shadowy organization known as the Bureau. As Lizard awakens in an isolated facility, she quickly realizes that nothing makes sense. Dr. Alyssa Kali, a high-ranking Bureau scientist, interrogates her under the pretense of public safety, but Lizard soon understands the truth: she is an anomaly in time, something that should not exist. Her parents' research had uncovered secrets about time itself—secrets the Warpers, an enigmatic force beyond human comprehension, are determined to erase. Aided by the mysterious Jeret—who may be an ally or a betrayer—Lizard uncovers fragments of her parents' work, revealing that she herself is the key to the greatest time paradox in history. As the Warpers close in, intent on erasing her from existence, Lizard is forced to make an impossible choice. In a breathtaking climax, she steps outside of time itself, ensuring that no one—not the Bureau, not the Warpers—can control her fate. But in doing so, she becomes something both more and less than human, a guardian of time who can never truly go home. Lizard is a fiercely independent and sharp-witted protagonist who grows from a rebellious teenager to someone who understands the heavy cost of her own existence. Her arc is one of self-discovery, loss, and ultimately sacrifice. She begins as a reluctant participant but ends as a force beyond time. Dr. Alyssa Kali is a chilling antagonist who embodies control at all costs. While she initially presents herself as a scientist seeking the truth, it becomes clear that she views Lizard as an error to be corrected rather than a person to be saved. Jeret is the classic rogue with shifting allegiances, Jeret appears to be helping Lizard but is later revealed to be working with the Warpers. His betrayal stings, but it also adds depth to the narrative, forcing Lizard to realize she cannot trust anyone in a game where the rules are constantly changing. The titular Time Keeper is a mysterious figure who exists outside of linear reality, offering guidance but never direct interference. His cryptic warnings hint at larger cosmic stakes beyond what Lizard initially perceives. Lizard and the reader is often torn between considering him a villain, a hero, or something in between. Likewise, there's Nick, a character who is one part love interest and one part traitor. However, Lizard has loyal and trustworthy companions. For example, Jakson becomes one of Lizard’s closest friends and the only real tether she has to a normal life. While Mahalia (Lizard's best friend) fades from the altered timeline, Jakson somehow remains, suggesting that his connection to Lizard might be more significant than even time itself. There are a bunch of competing organizations and special interests in this book. They range from benevolent to unscrupulous to outright villainous and antagonistic. The Bureau is a secretive government agency tasked with researching and controlling time anomalies. Initially presented as a protective force, they are later revealed to be developing time as a weapon, with Dr. Alyssa Kali secretly working for the Warpers to eliminate threats like Lizard. Their failed Project Chronos, led by Lizard’s father, sought to manipulate time for predictive and strategic advantages but ultimately led to catastrophic consequences, including the Grand Central explosion. The Warpers, in contrast, operate as an enigmatic force outside of time, ensuring the "natural order" remains intact by eliminating paradoxes. They view Lizard as a mistake and attempt to erase her from existence, manipulating the Bureau to achieve their goals. Meanwhile, The Time Keeper exists in a desolate, crumbling realm outside of reality, warning Lizard about the dangers of altering time and ultimately respecting her decision to step beyond its reach. Jeret’s Resistance Network appears to be a rogue faction fighting against the Bureau, but it is later revealed to be a front for the Warpers, with Jeret betraying Lizard to serve his own interests. While his group initially provides valuable information, their true purpose is to gain access to time-related data for the Warpers' objectives. Lurking in the background is the Corporation of Time, a powerful and mysterious organization that may be more influential than the Bureau itself. Unlike the Bureau, which operates under government oversight, the Corporation seems to function with its own independent agenda, funding secret projects and potentially shaping history for profit. Their involvement with Project Chronos suggests that they could be the ones poised to seize control in the aftermath of Lizard’s disappearance, setting the stage for future conflicts. These forces converge around Lizard, whose ultimate decision—to step outside of time—ensures that neither the Bureau nor the Warpers can control her fate. However, her departure leaves a power vacuum, and with the Corporation of Time still intact, the war over time is far from over. In all honesty, this book is incredibly involved and—arguably—overly complex for the cool, fun story it seems to be trying to tell. It took some of us nearly 20 hours to read, not because it's long but because it's dense and frequently failed to keep our interest for more than an hour at a time. In other words, we found ourselves closing the book and putting it away to revisit at a later time because reading it for any significant length of time was too challenging. It's also one of those books that likes to start and stop, then go back on itself several times over. At a certain point, we ended up with multiple different versions of Lizard with their own experiences. It became a bit much. It's a lot to follow and a lot to keep track of. However, if you're up for a sci-fi mystery involving time-travel, this might be the book for you. Check it out on Amazon!  Paperback Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)
Audiobook Score: 90/100 (9.0 out of 10) Lost Blades is a spellbinding and ambitious fantasy novel by Liz Sauco. It also blends elements of steampunk and sci-fi while exploring themes and topics like oppression, systemic inequality, and the erasure of history. Through the eyes of Jamirh, a cunning yet marginalized Avari thief, the novel delves into the consequences of authoritarian rule, racial discrimination, and the search for identity in a world that seeks to suppress the truth. Sauco weaves together a richly detailed dystopian setting with elements of rebellion, hidden magic, and forgotten civilizations, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is action-packed. With all that said—through all the lore, mythos, drama, and political intrigue—perhaps the thing that stood out to us the most about this novel was its emphasis on friendship and the bonds between characters. Despite the oppressive world they live in, Jamirh and Hel’s growing trust in each other becomes a driving force in their journey. Their unlikely partnership, forged in desperation and uncertainty, evolves into something deeper—highlighting the power of companionship in the face of adversity. You really get the sense that they grow to trust, respect, and care about one another even when they challenge each other and get on each others nerves. Acting as a bit of a foil, Takeshi—our favorite character by far—brings a steady, grounded presence that contrasts with Jamirh’s skepticism and Hel’s enigmatic nature. A warrior with a haunted past including having slain the royal he was assigned to protect (Lady Hotaru), Takeshi embodies the themes of redemption and resilience. He is proof that even those who have been part of a corrupt system can choose a different path. His wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering loyalty add emotional depth to the story, making him not just a mentor, but a true friend to those who need it most. His story mirrors and overlaps with that of Jamirh and Hel, despite them being on different ends of the larger conflict involving the Rose Empire, the rebellion, and regions like Ni Fon. We're just going to be blunt: Takeshi is just plain COOL! We hate to say it, but we wish that more of this book/series was about Takeshi rather than it being about Jamirh. Takeshi is a bad@$$. He is a former elite enforcer and bodyguard—a shinobi who was respected as a master and a leader. You can compare him to someone like Ser Barristan Selmy from Game of Thrones. While the story and relationship with Jamihr and Hel is interesting—especially considering the big, huge reveals about Hel later on—it still pales in comparison to the intrigue and excitement that surrounds Takeshi and his journey. Think about this: Takeshi is a guy who can wreck just about anyone in a one-versus-one fight (in addition to having cool ninja magic), but he is crushed, conflicted, and ridden with guilt. Meanwhile, he has the Empress—the mother of the princess he killed—sending him off on one last side mission in his exile, seemingly astroprojecting and communicating telepathically. To make things even more complicated for the guy, he has the disembodied voice of a ghostly woman speaking to him in broken passages, seemingly supporting him, comforting him, and asking him for help as her presence is struggling to pass through dimensions. To make Takeshi's situation even more fascinating, he seems to get entangled with some pirates on their ship during his journey, and the results are humorous. Why are they humorous, might you ask? Well, because Takeshi is generally quite stoic and pessimistic (do you blame him?), but he pirates and their crew are goofballs. They really challenge Takeshi to step outside of his bubble of self-loathing with their strange accents (that he can't understand) and their insistence that he join them in being social. Food is usually enough to get Takeshi to come out of his shell, and it feels good as a reader to see a character like this find some positivity in a negative situation. Jamirh, on the other hand, simply doesn’t command the same level of gravitas or intrigue as Takeshi. While his journey of survival and self-discovery is engaging in its own right, it often feels overshadowed by Takeshi’s depth, complexity, and sheer presence. Jamirh sorta follows the Aladdin archetype, something we've seen in many novels and stories. With that said, Jamihr does bring a bit of intrigue that makes him special and unique. One of the reoccurring mysteries of the book is how and why he so closely resembles the legendary hero Ebryn Stormlight, which leads to speculation that he may be some sort of reincarnation or return of the Arthur-like hero with an affinity for the Crystal Light Blade—seemingly the Excalibur of this series. It is both cool and kinda funny that Jamihr seems to be trying to master Ultra Instict (from Dragon Ball) while sparring with Ander, the 8th Priest of Hades (by age, not succession). Hel is another character who is shrouded in mystery, and this becomes even more significant as we learn more and more about the lore/mythos of the world/universe of this series. For example, we learn a lot about the priests of Hades and why worship of the death deity is prevalent in some places while completely absent in others. Another really cool and interesting character who might slip through the cracks on your first readthrough is Jeri, the vampire girl. There's also Vlad, the king of the vampires, who is ironically also a major character in other books we've read (like the works of M.C. Ryder). We wanted to briefly mention that our experiences with the audiobook version proved to be shaky and somewhat negative. The narrator/narration didn't seem to fit the genre or tone of the book. The narrator seemed to be excessively cheerful and upbeat during the dark fantasy scenes, especially in the first half. For example, there are scenes in which characters are in great peril (locked in cages and such), but the narrator reads it aloud as if reading about bunny rabbits frolicking in a field with butterflies flying around and a rainbow overhead. Flamboyant narration is great for children's books, comedies, and romance novels, but this book was supposed to be a somewhat serious fantasy novel about things like oppression, regicide, and war. Why does it sound like the narrator is playing hop scotch or jump roping at recess when characters are brooding or in life or death situations? It kind of ruined the tone and, consequently, the immersion. However, in the second half (we're not sure if someone coached the narrator or pointed it out), they became much more serious and read it straight. Also, we ended up being rather impressed by the use of sound effects/edits, especially regarding the transmission of the disembodied voice that talks to Takeshi. It did get a little annoying and gimmicky at times, but we enjoyed it overall. Next, because of the narrator's higher pitch, it also fit the female characters a bit more. Also, the accents the narrator performs (especially the pirate ones) are actually quite good! One last positive about the narration is that it kind of fits the sarcasm and playful banter of some of the characters. So, the audiobook is hit-or-miss. Anyway, going back to the physical book... there are also some developing mysteries surrounding a superweapon/monster called Abomination and sorta-technological/sorta-magical agents called Truth Seekers. Lots of cool stuff and intrigue! With all this great set up, we look forward to the sequel! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
One of the most ambitiously researched books of the year so far! The Beatle Who Vanished by Jim Berkenstadt, a premier music historian, tells the extraordinary and largely forgotten story of Jimmie Nicol, the drummer who briefly replaced Ringo Starr in The Beatles during their 1964 world tour. This book is a blend of biography, music history, and investigative journalism, attempting to piece together the enigmatic life of Nicol—his rise, his fleeting moment in the global spotlight, and his mysterious disappearance from the public eye. If you are a lover of music history (particularly some niche, obscure music history), this is the book for you! If you are a hardcore, passionate fan of The Beatles, this is an indispensable book! Ok, we'll digress a little... The Beatles are arguably the furthest thing from niche or obscure. The Beatles are—by multiple expert accounts—the most famous, popular, and successful band in music history! Think about that. Think about all the bands you know and love. Think about the many decades of music history. The Beatles still stand the test of time. In fact, this is the second book about The Beatles that have been sent our way in recent years, the other being Any Rhyme At All by Terri Whitney. This indicates that they remain relevant and popular with a fan base that remains fanatical, devoted, and—above all—passionate to this day! With that said, it's interesting to note that even some of the most hardcore fans still might not know all there is to know about the iconic band. Jimmie Nicol is the perfect example of that—a largely unsung and forgotten part of that band's unforgettable journey. Despite the unfamiliarity of his name, especially compared to members like John, Paul, George, and Ringo, it can be argued that each and every one of us has a Jimmie Nicol in us. In other words, he represents and exemplifies something very familiar to all of us: the dream of MAKING IT. Many of us live our lives hoping, praying, dreaming, and working toward that moment—that one big break. Well, Jimmie Nichol did it. He lived it. He had his one big break, and he made the most of it. He's kinda like Rocky Balboa, in a sense! For 13 days in June 1964, Nicol lived what many could only dream of—playing with The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania. He stepped behind Ringo’s drum kit, toured with the band, stood in front of screaming fans, and then, just as quickly as he appeared, he was gone. His brief time with the Fab Four was a footnote in rock history, but Berkenstadt’s meticulous research ensures that it is no longer a forgotten one. Although this book keeps referencing and going back to those legendary 13 days, most of this book is actually about the aftermath, the part(s) of the story that not many people know. For example, did you know that Jimmie Nicol founded his own bands like Jimmie Nicol and the Shubdubs and later played with The Spotnicks, a Swedish instrumental rock group? Did you know that his dad, a World War II veteran who helped evacuate Dunkirk, was an honored member of the Scots Guard and played the drums on the Military Pipe Band? Music ran in the family! Did you know that Jimmie Nicol was heavily involved in the bizarre, surrealist film Anticlimax in which he appears numerous times and co-produced the soundtrack? Did you know that he traveled and toured Mexico, playing in various bands and even becoming a music producer there? Did you know that Jimmie Nicol was in Mexico during the infamous Tlatelolco Massacre of 1968? This tragic event took place on October 2, 1968, just days before the Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Thousands of students had gathered in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas to protest government repression, only for the demonstration to be violently suppressed by the Mexican military and police. The massacre resulted in an unknown number of deaths—official estimates were low, but eyewitnesses and historians believe hundreds may have been killed. At the time, Nicol was living and working in Mexico, attempting to rebuild his career after his brief stint with The Beatles. While it's unclear whether he was directly caught up in the violence, his presence in the country during such a politically turbulent period adds another layer of intrigue to his story. Speaking of political and social turbulence... it's sobering to think about the time in which The Beatles and Jimmie Nicol were in action. The 60s were a time of racial segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, the assassinations of both JFK and Martin Luther King Jr., the Vietnam War, and so much more. Yet, this book demonstrates something very special about The Beatles that we previously did not appreciate or recognize (as readers)... they brought joy. They provided an escape from the unrest, chaos, violence, and uncertainty. One of our favorite quotes from the book, recounting a concert, is: "The police had closed the street to traffic in an attempt to protect the Southern Cross, which is today an office building. Cooke recalls a radio broadcast chastising during all of the chaos, 'Parents, if your children are out there, you should be ashamed.' However, Cooke defended the event. 'It wasn’t like that; the event was filled with goodwill. These kids were laughing and crying and happy. And that’s what The Beatles sort of conveyed, happiness.'" In all honesty, our interest in this book waxed and waned, particularly in the beginning and middle portions. The writing is a bit plain and flat, albeit fact-based (as you might expect from a historical book). We wish that these sections had a bit more personality and zest, though we understand the difficulty in doing that with a man as mysterious, secretive, and lesser known as Nicol. One missed opportunity that we noticed is how the author really skipped and skimmed over Nicol's apparent struggles with substance abuse. We think this might simply be due to the fact that Nicol, as we mentioned, was mysterious and secretive. At the same time, wouldn't you like to know a bit more about that struggle? With all that said, this book really picks up near the end—ironically when news spreads that Nicol had suddenly died of cancer before a big event. We soon learn that things aren't exactly what they seem. Is Jimmie Nicol alive?! This book then becomes an investigative journalism or even private detective story! We gradually get more and more stories of people randomly spotting (or believing they've seen) Jimmie Nicol alive despite the death reports. He becomes like the Loch Ness Monster or Big Foot! It's actually fascinating as the author spends years and years working with numerous private detectives traveling to different countries to find clues of Jimmie Nicol's continued existence. Did he find a new life in another country like Mexico? And who is the mysterious woman who picked up his award, the "spinster" woman, Josefina? Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
A child's imagination is an incredible, remarkable, and unpredictable thing! And nowhere is that fact better demonstrated than in What Mommy Doesn't See! This is truly a unique, fascinating, and wildly unorthodox children's book written by Karen Ledbetter. It is exceptionally illustrated by Kassy Keppol! This book follows an unnamed little boy and his titular mother ("Mommy") as they embark on a magical and fantastical adventure together. Well, Mommy initially sees the world and daily tasks as plain and mundane. However, from her child's point of view, the world is a magical, mystical, exciting place full of things (and strange creatures) to find and discover. On every single page of this book, the son imagines everything from lions to giants to dragons! There's so much to see and discover on each and every page of this book! Mommy takes the son on a walk while he's riding a wheelbarrow. Along the way, he imagines seeing unicorns, fairies, Vikings, and more! They go on a canoe ride, and the son imagines seeing a witch, sea monsters, and other exciting things. They go for a walk, and the son imagines seeing Yetis/Big Foot and a dragon. They have a picnic, and the son imagines a lion, an armadillo, a roadrunner, a dragon, elephants, dogs, and fairies joining them. In perhaps the most remarkable sequence of the entire book, the boy covers Mommy's eyes, then uncovers them to reveal all of the incredible mystical creatures who have been hiding from her. This two-page sequence is almost animation-quality! It's seamless! On one page, Mommy is unsure and looking a little anxious. On the next page, Mommy is surprised by all she sees. On one page, the unicorn is looking hungily at an apple that Mommy is holding. On the next page, the unicorn is eating Mommy's apple! On one page, the monkey is holding Mommy's glasses. On the next page, the monkey is giving Mommy her glasses so she can see clearly again. It's a really impressive sequence! This book kinda acts like those Where's Waldo? or Seeing Eye books. Children are invited to spot all of the interesting things hiding in the different layers of the book. It's a lot of fun and really invites children to flex and celebrate their imaginations. Check it out on Etsy!  Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)
Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways is a masterful chronicle of Delaware’s transformation across the twentieth century! Through captivating stories of innovation, resilience, and cultural development, David L. Tabler offers readers a nuanced portrayal of how Delaware, the First State, made outsized contributions to America’s narrative. As the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, Delaware holds a unique place in the nation’s history—a distinction that sets the stage for its continued role as a trailblazer throughout the twentieth century. From pioneering infrastructure projects like the DuPont Highway, which revolutionized transportation along the East Coast, to leading the charge in corporate law, attracting two-thirds of America’s Fortune 500 companies, Delaware’s influence far exceeds its small geographic footprint. The book also highlights Delaware’s pivotal contributions to science and technology, including the invention of nylon by Wallace Carothers at DuPont, a breakthrough that transformed the textile industry. The state’s environmental leadership is equally noteworthy, with figures like Edmund H. “Ted” Harvey championing conservation efforts, and landmark legislation like the Coastal Zone Act of 1971 setting national precedents for ecological protection. Additionally, Delaware’s role in the digital revolution emerges prominently through the University of Delaware’s groundbreaking internet research, positioning the state at the forefront of the emerging information age. Delaware’s cultural richness also shines through its art institutions, such as the Delaware Art Museum, and the enduring traditions of communities like the Nanticoke Native Americans. The state’s commitment to social progress is reflected in milestones like the desegregation of the University of Delaware, contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, and advocacy for women’s rights. Collectively, these highlights reveal how Delaware’s strategic location, historical significance, and forward-thinking spirit have continually shaped the broader American story, making it an essential subject for understanding the nation’s complex identity. The book’s exploration of transportation advancements, digital evolution, and corporate growth highlights Delaware’s pivotal role in shaping modern America. Its approachable writing style, bolstered by vivid anecdotes and historical photographs, makes it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic interplay of local and national histories. Though this book is PACKED-FULL of interesting stories about Delaware, there are some gems that stood out to us. One particularly fascinating story is that of Cecile Long Steele, whose accidental venture into poultry farming gave birth to Delaware’s broiler chicken industry—a development that would transform the entire American food landscape. In 1923, Cecile ordered 50 chicks for her small farm in Ocean View, but due to a shipping error, 500 chicks arrived instead. Rather than returning them, Cecile decided to raise the surplus chickens for meat, discovering a lucrative market for broilers. This simple twist of fate sparked an industry that grew rapidly, positioning Delmarva as the epicenter of broiler chicken production in the United States. Cecile’s story isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about innovation, adaptability, and economic transformation. What started as a shipping mistake led to a thriving industry that reshaped consumer habits across the nation, making chicken a staple of the American diet. Her success story perfectly encapsulates the broader themes of the book: how Delaware’s small-town resilience and entrepreneurial spirit led to nationwide impacts, proving once again that big things truly come from small states. As people who eat chicken regularly (like a lot of Americans do), this bit of trivia really hit us in the feels! Other highlights include ILC Dover's space suit and its role in the Apollo moon landing, the Wilmington Trust and Delaware’s corporate dominance leading to two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies being registerd there, Fort Miles and Delaware’s WWII defense efforts against the Germans and their U-Boats, the Polio epidemic in Wilmington, the story behind the Fenwick Island Lighthouse (built in 1858), the feud between Rumrunners and the Coast Guard during Prohibition and the Roaring 20s, and SO MUCH MORE! There's even some trivia about former United States president Joe Biden—a Delaware native who began his political career representing the state. The book touches on his long-standing ties to Delaware, highlighting how his legislative work and commitment to public service reflect the values of resilience and determination that define the First State. This book is a rich reminder that we are surrounded by history. Another great addition to this book are the fascinating captioned photographs, all of which tell a rich story of their own. These visual treasures complement the narrative by offering glimpses into Delaware’s vibrant past, from historic landmarks like the Fenwick Island Lighthouse standing tall against coastal skies to candid moments capturing everyday life during pivotal eras. Photos of T. Coleman du Pont’s highway construction, ILC Dover’s space suit prototypes, and community gatherings at the Delaware State Fair provide a visual journey through technological milestones, cultural traditions, and personal stories of resilience. Each image is carefully selected and thoughtfully captioned, enhancing the reader’s understanding of how Delaware’s landscapes, industries, and people have evolved over time. Together, these photographs bring history to life, making Delaware’s story not only something to read but something to truly see and experience. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
Caleb's Adventures with Granddad is a phenomenally touching and heartwarming children's book by multi-time OCA-winner Christian Kueng! This may very well be Christian Kueng's best children's book, perhaps even edging out the also-outstanding Can We Get a Rhinoceros? So, what makes this book so great? Well, first of all, it clearly comes from a place of great passion and love. This is probably Kueng's most personal book. In fact, Kueng and his grandson, the titular Caleb, serve as the main characters of this book. You can really tell how intimate and heartfelt this book is. So much is made of a mother's love for her children (or a father's). Few recognize and explore the immense love a grandparent has for their grandchildren. For those who've had the blessing of growing up knowing their grandparents, you may remember that they tended to be the fun ones--the ones who didn't take everything too seriously, ignoring or overruling the stringent and strict rules of parents to allow the children a unique and special experience! To visit grandma and/or grandpa was an enormous escape for some—an exciting prospect to look forward to every week (or once in a while). Dare we say... visiting and hanging out with your grandparents can be quite an exciting adventure! This book masterfully captures that essence and that spirit. Caleb's Adventures with Granddad follows Granddad and his grandson, Caleb. In the beginning of the story, Granddad and Caleb share an extremely close, passionate, and fun-filled relationship! It's really hard not to be emotionally invested and on-board from the start, and it only gets more riveting—pulling even more heartstrings. When Caleb was younger, Granddad and Caleb went to the zoo, played Frisbee together, built sandcastles at the beach, and—perhaps most touching of all—would play out all sorts of exciting, imaginative adventures together! For example, they dressed up in armor and pretended to defend a castle from a big, fire-breathing dragon. They pretended to go deep sea fishing using a puddle or pond in the back yard. They pretended to go on tour as rock stars, though granddad humorously mistook this for using literal rocks (instead of drums and electric guitars, as Caleb interpreted it). They even pretended to adventure through the jungles of South America. However, as normally happens, children and grandchildren grow more independent and distant. They start to develop their own interests and start to do things separately from their parents and grandparents. Sadly, this is what happens with Caleb in the middle of the book. And this is where this book hits another emotional gear. We were already ready to give this book a 9.5+ score, but the following two-thirds of the book pushed it over the edge into a 9.6. These sections are incredibly relatable. It's relatable in that it's easy to feel for Granddad with Caleb having less time to spend with him. When you build a strong bond with someone and love someone very much, it's hard to see them grow more distant. Empty nest syndrome is a real thing. However, Caleb's situation is also relatable. When he was little, he didn't have as many responsibilities and had more time to spend with his Granddad. However, when you grow up, you have more extracurricular activities (like sports), college, jobs and a career, girlfriends (and, perhaps, a wife), and other interests, hobbies, and passions. Granddad has a rough time emotionally adapting to less time with Caleb, as many of us would. In the middle of gardening, he suffers a big fall that results in a broken ankle that sends him to the hospital. Caleb, now more grown up, comes to visit and reassure Granddad in the hospital. He looks through a photograph book/scrap book of their old adventures and comes upon a list of things they wanted to do together (but hadn't done yet) including visiting the pyramids and seeing the Great Wall of China. Caleb comes through for his Granddad in a HUGE and infinitely satisfying way by surprising him with tickets to go traveling and adventuring together, checking off more things on their to-do list! This includes going to Egypt, China, and even to an African safari! This book is wonderfully and ambitiously illustrated by Nana Melkadze, who also illustrated Can We Get a Rhinoceros? Nearly 50 pages of colorful and detailed illustrations elevate this book to a truly outstanding level! We appreciated details like all of the animals in the zoo (like the gorillas, lions, and elephants) having small children, directly relating to the relationship between Granddad and Caleb. It's also interesting to note how the two are able to see grown-up and baby safari animals in their natural habitat in the African safari. It shows an evolution in the lives of the animals similar to how Granddad and Caleb's lives have also evolved. The animals are more free (than they were in the zoo) just like Granddad and Caleb are on their adventure—like when Granddad and Caleb look up at the sky full of stars, alluding to the infinite possibilities. What a beautiful book! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 93/100 (9.3 out of 10)
When Darksome Falls is a poignant and introspective fantasy tale that explores the fragility of humanity through the eyes of Melia, a former vampire struggling to navigate her newfound mortality. Haunted by the loss of her soulmate, Vince, and the strength she once possessed, Melia embarks on a deeply emotional journey to find purpose in a world rife with trauma, love, and redemption. The narrative blends dark fantasy with raw human emotion, delving into themes of grief, identity, and healing. M.C. Ryder crafts a richly layered story where past and present collide, friendships are tested, and the fight for self-discovery becomes a battle against the shadows of the soul. It’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of resilience and hope. When Darksome Falls might be M.C. Ryder's most eloquently and competently written novel in The Dark series (though Infinity Tales and A Darker Demise may be in contention for those titles). When Darksome Falls really demonstrates her growth and improvement as an author. The first book, Darkest Side of the Moon, was a really rough ride with a lot of bumpy, clunky writing, though it did feature arguably the best protagonist (oddly enough). You could argue that no protagonist in the series has quite reached the heights that Nadine/Nadia did. Arguably, no villain in the series reached the heights that Vladimir did either, though Maximilian was pretty formidable and menacing (to be fair). What has improved immensely is the shear quality of Ryder's writing. There are far fewer errors (in fact, we didn't notice any). Also, there are some truly beautiful and poignant passages. For example: - “She pushes me into the shower. The water freezing as I shiver. I cover over my burn from the pounding beads of water.” - “Even though the sun still rises, it’s hard to pull away from the darkness that is always there, pulling me under. True love isn’t just about holding someone’s hand; it’s knowing their soul will forever be stitched into yours, even when they’re gone.” This line captures Melia's profound grief and the enduring nature of love even in loss. - “I wasn’t brave enough to speak up for myself as a human, but as a vampire, I was unstoppable. Now, stripped of that power, I’m learning that true courage doesn’t come from strength—it comes from surviving what breaks you.” This reflects the core of Melia's journey, moving from external power to internal resilience. - “Taking accountability for the past doesn’t erase the scars, but it allows you to carry them differently. It turns regret into growth and pain into wisdom.” A profound reflection on the healing process, embodied by Camille’s character arc. - “Even when the sky is heavy with clouds, I know the stars are still there. Hope, like starlight, isn’t always visible, but it never truly disappears.” This metaphor beautifully illustrates the theme of hope persisting in the darkest times. - “Being human isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being messy, flawed, and still choosing to find beauty in the chaos.” A poignant reminder of the value in imperfection and growth. - “You can’t rewrite the chapters of the past, but you can learn to write a better ending.” A hopeful message for Melia and others seeking redemption and healing. You may have noticed we mentioned Camille, a major character from the previous books, particularly Darkest Side of the Moon, All I See Are Dark Clouds, and The Darkened Enchantment. Well, she's back as a supporting character along with her werewolf husband, Beckett! Of all the characters in the series, Camille arguably underwent the largest arc, and it sorta sets a precedence for the redemption arcs that Amelia (“Melia”) Weber and Levi go through in this book. The author makes a bold and ambitious effort to tie this book and its characters into previous books in the series. Melia herself was the protagonist of A Dance Between Light and Darkness, distinguished by her profound sense of vulnerability, insecurity, and physical frailty/weakness—an enormous contrast to the uber-woman Nadine/Nadia, her half-sister. Well, Melia brings a lot of that same vulnerability, insecurity, and physical frailty/weakness to this book, exacerbated by the fact that she is now without her vampiric superpowers. As a mortal human, she is susceptible to physical harm, death, neglect, and abuse, some of which comes into play in the novel. Levi, Melia's best boy and brooding deuteragonist of the novel, also wrestles with his own negative feelings, particularly guilt and self-loathing, owed to his dark vampiric past. Levi's dark past happens to intersect with Camille and her daughter, Lily—a victim of one of his attacks, now living with the emotional and psychological trauma of it. Now, the first half of this book (to be brutally honest) kinda drags and seems plodding. There's a lot of talk about Melia's past (and Levi's), trying to bring new readers of the series up to speed on what's going on, the relationships between the characters, and how Melia (in particular) feels. It's incredibly reflective and introspective. And, yes, the writing in that section is more eloquent, but it doesn't seem to go much of anywhere. If you've already read the previous books, you know most of what Melia is describing and about many of the characters she's talking about. There's something very overly-expositional about the first half. Thankfully, this book really picks up in its second half, particularly in that it features a much more visceral and gritty storyline involving Danny (Danielson Cain) and his family, a group of hyperreligious, cult-like, misogynistic, animal-abusing nut jobs who live in a farm compound. Think: Branch Davidians, Jonestown, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (they alive, d*mmit!) Anyway, Danny and his father, Hank, serve as the primary antagonists/villains of the book alongside Gideon. Though Hank shares a lot of responsibility for facilitating the cruelty and abuse on the estate, it's mostly through Danny—a sleazy, slimey, POS character—in which we feel the affects of the evil most directly. Though much of Danny's abuse (TRIGGER WARNING, by the way) is directed toward Melia, it's also directed to the horse on the estate, Kirby, with whom Melia forms a strong bond. Like Melia, Kirby is trapped, exploited, neglected, and abused. At times, Danny (and Hank) brutalize Kirby and starve him, which may be too much for some readers to stomach, compounding on the domestic/spousal abuse. Danny views Melia and the other women and animals on the estate like property. Melia's only objective, in Danny's eyes, is to please him, serve him, and give him a son (heir). In fact, getting a son from her seems to be the only thing stopping Danny from irreparably maiming or even killing her. He is a wicked, despicable, and disgraceful individual, which makes him a very compelling villain. It's also interesting to contrast the way that Danny functions (as a character) and behaves (as a person) to the way that Vladimir functioned and behaved toward Immilla in A Darker Demise--what initial seemed like genuine love turned into a contractual, contentious, and abusive relationship. Though it's uncomfortable to read about, it's often necessary to have a villain who the reader wants to hate and root against. Danny certainly fits the bill. He's a bit like Eric Sorenson from The Pact by Lisa Darcy. Anyway, the second half of this book builds to a tremendous climax involving Melia, Camille, Beckett, Levi, and even a few surprises from the past! Apparently, Danny—while being busy being a repulsive a-hole—was also busy being a mad scientist alongside Gideon. So make of that what you will, but the two almost act like Albert Wesker and William Birkin at the end of this, which seems kinda out of place, but at least it gets us to a cool action scene. When you really step back from it though, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but... at least we got that cool action scene! Ultimately, this is a character-driven and character-focused book that proves to be one of Ryder's best works. Check it out on Amazon! |
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