Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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 Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Could you imagine owning the former home of one of the greatest innovators and intellectuals in history? A man responsible for unleashing alternating current, pioneering wireless communication, and envisioning technologies that would shape the future long before the world was ready to accept them? In Tesla’s Cottage, Barbara Daddino does more than imagine it—she lives it. This remarkable book is not just a historical account, but an intimate journey through memory, mystery, and the enduring legacy of Nikola Tesla. With the former inventor’s Shoreham residence as both backdrop and central figure, Daddino artfully blends memoir, investigative journalism, and reverent biography to restore Tesla’s humanity—his hopes, solitude, heartbreaks, and brilliance. What results is a deeply personal editorial triumph: a rediscovery of Tesla not just as a genius, but as a man, and the quiet sanctuary he once called home. Tesla's Cottage is part-history, part-investigative journalism, and part-biography. Barbara Daddino is not only the author of this book and lead researcher for it, but she is also the legitimate owner of Telsa's old cottage in Shoreham, Long Island—a modest home that once served as the private retreat of Nikola Tesla during one of the most pivotal periods of his life. This book is the result of years of tireless research, on-site discoveries, and heartfelt dedication. By weaving together archival documents, personal reflections, and architectural insights, she not only makes a compelling case for the cottage’s historical significance but also reintroduces readers to the quieter, more human side of Tesla—the man behind the myth. Similar to Einstein's Desk by Domenic Melillo & Dr. Robert Melillo, this book dares to explore the workspace of a legendary genius. It's sobering to think that people who changed the world were still human like you and me. They had quirks and eccentricities like you and me. They had weaknesses and vulnerabilities like you and me. They weren't perfect. Yet history still remembers and idealizes them. These are the men who made history—changed history. We learned so much from this book! And we were reminded why the name Tesla still holds a nigh-mythical power to this day. But did you know that this icon of science and technology may have been deliberately targeted by his landlord with BEDBUGS to get rid of him? That’s just one of the many jaw-dropping, intimate, and oddly humanizing revelations uncovered in this book. Did you also know that Tesla’s labs burned down twice (in 1895 and 2023 fires at Wardenclyffe)? And did you know that many of his thoughts, ideas, and inventions may have been lost in one of these fires or never written down/documented prior to his death? So much is left to the imagination and to speculation, and we have but bits and pieces of what he may have been working on. But this book does a great job at wetting our appetite about what those things may have been based on existing info and research. One of the interesting surprises about this book is how it covers Tesla's associates and contemporaries—people he rubbed shoulders with, lived next to, or feuded with. Many may be familiar with his feud with Thomas Edison, who is essentially the villain or antagonist in most books about Tesla. The relationship between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison was marked by admiration turned rivalry—Tesla once worked for Edison, only to break away after clashing over unpaid wages and differing visions of electrical power. Their feud, famously embodied in the "War of Currents," pitted Edison’s direct current (DC) against Tesla’s alternating current (AC), a battle that defined the future of electricity and left a lasting rift between two of history’s greatest inventors. Edison widely took credit and fame as the "father of electricity" despite enormous contributions by Tesla. How fitting is it that Tesla's alternating current (AC) is the way of the world now? The very system he championed—mocked, dismissed, and nearly buried by his rivals—is now the invisible pulse of modern life, powering everything from homes to hospitals to high-speed trains. It's a quiet triumph that echoes his legacy: revolutionary, essential, and too often uncredited. Daddino emphasizes that this AC breakthrough made possible the electrification of cities, enabling streetcars, subways, night lighting, elevators, and other hallmarks of urban infrastructure. Your refrigerator, for example, is powered by AC. Daddino writes, “To put it another way, Tesla’s system made the modern world possible” Another similar thing can be said about Tesla's views on wireless technology—which he viewed as the future in an era still dominated by cords and wires. It is safe to say that your cellphones, smartphones, and laptops are partly due to Tesla's imagination, innovation, and ingenuity coming to fruition. At the very least, they reflect ideas that he championed long before they were possible or plausible, namely wireless technology. Daddino’s work gently reminds us that Tesla was not just ahead of his time—he was outside of it, seeing a world that had yet to exist and tirelessly working to bring it into being. From wireless power to remote control, from Earth resonance to global communication networks, many of the technologies that define our lives today were once dismissed as fantasies—until Tesla imagined them first. You know who he reminded us of? Leonardo da Vinci. Both were not just inventors—they were visionaries. Da Vinci dreamed of flying machines and helicopters long before the technology existed to make them real. Tesla imagined wireless energy, global communication, and even Earth resonance transmission before modern infrastructure could catch up. Their ideas often extended far beyond the understanding of their own time. Many understand Da Vinci's contributions to the world, but not nearly as many know of Tesla's, and it's a shame. Thankfully, this book (and a particular car brand) help to change that. Going back to the interesting people that Tesla knew and interacted with beside Edison... This included J.P. Morgan, the powerful financier who initially funded Tesla’s Wardenclyffe project—only to later withdraw his support, contributing to one of the most devastating setbacks in Tesla’s career. There was also Katharine Johnson, the wife of editor Robert Underwood Johnson, who was not only a close friend but a woman of intellect and social grace, often cited as Tesla’s emotional confidante. Tesla also knew and admired Elsie Janis, an actress and suffragette, whose independence and charisma reflected the kind of strong, visionary women Tesla quietly respected. He rubbed shoulders with literary icons like Mark Twain, who delighted in Tesla’s experiments and considered him a kindred spirit. These relationships, many of them touched on in Tesla’s Cottage, reveal a different side of Tesla—not just the inventor, but the man who connected deeply with artists, reformers, and idealists who, like him, were reshaping the world in their own right. But perhaps the most interesting and touching relationship he had was with his investor and business partner, George Westinghouse, a man who was willing to fund his projects when no one else would. However, it goes both ways. Tesla bailed Westinghouse out of a very tough situation, tearing up the original royalty contract to help Westinghouse avoid bankruptcy. Tesla told Westinghouse, "You have been my friend. You believed in me when others did not. You have been brave enough to go ahead... You will not suffer because of me." This effectively cost Tesla millions in royalties, but it saved his friend and truest believer from financial ruin. This really goes to show how unselfish Tesla was. He wasn't in it for money, he was in it to make the world a better place. Yes, we get insights into his many patent battles, but that was more regarding rightful credit and ownership rather than a desire for fame or fortune. Oh, and this book covers the other cool and strange tech that Tesla either thought of or invented including the Wardenclyffe Tower (intended to be the centerpiece of a global wireless communication and power transmission system) and the infamous "death ray" which was intended to stop/discourage war, not enhance it. Are you ready to learn more than you ever have before about Tesla? Check it out on Amazon!
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 Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)
Once Upon a Twisted Time is yet another captivating, thought-provoking anthology spearheaded by Marx Pyle with contributions by Victoria Scott, Anne Lynch, and a tremendously talented collection of writers! This anthology breathes new life into classic fairy tales, folklore, and fables. Some examples of these classic stories include “The Masque of the Red Death” (a short story by Edgar Allen Poe from 1842), Frankenstein (the 1818 Gothic novel by Mary Shelley) as well as the 1931 Frankenstein film, Dracula (the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker) and its many film adaptations; Grimm tales like “Hansel and Gretel,” the Japanese tale of Momotarō the “Peach Boy,” changeling myths from Irish & Scottish Faerie (fairy/fay) lore, and supernatural creatures like werewolves and vampires from Eastern European (esp. Baltic and Slavic) folklore. The short-stories in this anthology attempt to weave these classic stories into modern, thought-provoking narratives that retain their timeless appeal. Each story offers a unique perspective, blending dark fantasy, speculative fiction, and heartfelt drama to create a tapestry of reimagined myths. The collection explores profound themes like identity, resilience, and the duality of good and evil, all while immersing readers in vividly crafted worlds. With its diverse tones and genres, the anthology delivers moments of chilling horror, whimsical adventure, and poignant introspection, ensuring there’s something for every reader. So, if you love myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore, this book might be right up your alley! Let's discuss a few of these wonderful stories; but first we want to emphasize that just because we don't mention or discuss all of the stories in detail doesn't mean they weren't good, there were just some stories that stood out to us more than others. With that said, perhaps the most charming of these stories was “The Otter and the Dog” by Francis Fernandez. Besides featuring cute, funny anthropomorphic animals living in a Zootopia-ish world, the story is also charming with the familiar classic stories it references and/or provides a twist to. The story follows Wenceslas (a terrier/dog) and Aloysius (an otter), agents assigned to investigate a break-in at the home of the three bears. They are tasked with finding the mysterious "creature with a golden mane" that ransacked the house, ate the porridge, and caused chaos. And, yes, this is a humorous reference to “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Indeed, as the story unfolds, the creature is revealed to be a human girl with golden locks, and her actions are explained with a sympathetic twist—she was lost in the woods and seeking shelter. But “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” isn't the only classic story that plays out in this book. “Little Red Riding Hood” is also woven into this story along with the Big Bad Wolf, the story's main antagonist. There are also passing references to “Little Bunny Foo Foo,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “The Three Little Pigs,” “The Gingerbread Man” (called “the runaway baked good”), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and more! Fernandez really understood the assignment—taking the theme and running with it! Something a bit more subtle about this book is how is satirizes law enforcement and the justice system, particularly in how the culprit can be so obvious with loads of evidence against them, yet arresting and putting them away can be so slow and tedious. We also getting humorously lines in this book like, “...the wolf was being hauled away for the attempted eating of a human and stealing of people’s clothing.” This goes along with how the book satirizes law enforcement and the justice system, pointing out how major and minor charges often get conflated or listed side-by-side. Often, you'll see a major crime (like murder) be listed alongside something seemingly inconsequential by comparison (like trespassing, reckless driving, or unlawful possession) in the same trial. Another notable aspect of this story is how it plays on the idea of all such stories needing to have a moral or a message. By the end of it, a lot of the characters come up with their own moral of the story, often conflicting or not agreeing with each other. This story also echoes a reoccurring theme that reverberates throughout stories in this book: setting aside differences and working together. Just like the dog and otter in this story have to set aside their differences to solve a crime, many other characters in the anthology—whether they are supernatural beings, animals, or humans—must overcome personal biases or historical conflicts to achieve a common goal. In "Howling Falsehoods" by Mariana Saric, Tara, a werewolf detective, works with her human partner Clark to investigate a series of murders framed as werewolf attacks. Tara must navigate the prejudice humans hold against werewolves while earning Clark’s trust. Despite initial friction, their cooperation reveals the true culprit, a human exploiting werewolf stereotypes for personal gain. In "Bats & Bolts" by Madison McKeever, Vic Frankenstein (son of Victor Frankenstein) seeks refuge in Dracula’s bar after fleeing his father’s oppressive expectations. Vic and Dracula initially see each other as outcasts with nothing in common, but their shared rejection by society bonds them. They team up to fend off human attackers who pose a threat to both of them. In "The Power of the Wild" by Melissa Olthof & Marisa Wolf, Aoife, a free-spirited Fae, and Misty, a loyal but unconventional Pooka, band together to challenge a rigid authority, the Loremaster. Aoife is a dreamer who challenges the Loremaster's control, while Misty is a grounded and reliable companion. Their different personalities complement each other, and they succeed by combining Aoife's boldness with Misty’s strength and pragmatism. Misty’s role is not just as a physical ally (carrying Aoife and providing transportation) but as an emotional anchor, showing how trust and loyalty transcend their individual quirks. In contrast, the Loremaster represents the divide between freedom and oppression. Aoife, despite being a middle-class Fae with little influence, uses her ingenuity and persistence to rally support and resist his unjust rule. “The Changing Tree” by Katharine Dow is a little more subtle in this regard, but it still explores the theme of setting aside differences, particularly between generations—the young and the old. When the Kingdom of Ozkonak leaves an official to oversee the village, the villagers unite to deal with this shared threat. They recognize the importance of their collective action, putting aside any personal conflicts or differing opinions to devise a clever plan using the Changing Tree’s magic. The elders of Amorium (in particular) are central to the village’s strategies, acting as leaders and decision-makers. Despite generational gaps or potential disagreements, the younger villagers trust the elders’ wisdom and follow their unconventional plans involving the Changing Tree. “The Changing Tree” is also one of the better examples of world-building in this book. Not only is the society and culture of the people elaborated upon, but so are the foods available to them. For example, we get a lot of mention of “rainberries,” a part of the flora of Amorium. Another story that really stood out to us in this book was "The Only Home I’m Welcome To" by Michael La Ronn. This story follows Savannah, a human raised in the magical Winter Court of the Fae after being rescued as a sickly infant. She decides to return to the human world at the age of 21 to find her biological mother. She struggles to navigate this unfamiliar world, experiencing severe anxiety and isolation amidst the bustling city. Along the way, she encounters Ernesto, a kind elderly man who offers her assistance and companionship. However, her journey is complicated by the mysterious and menacing Courier, a Fae tasked with overseeing her transition, who uses glamour magic and manipulations to ensure she remains aligned with the Faerie's interests. Perhaps the most beautiful and lovely aspect of this book is the relationship between Savannah and Ernesto, a compassionate human man who sees how lost, confused (and homeless) Savannah is. Ernesto steps in to help, becoming our nominee for “Best Supporting Character” in this book. Ernesto becomes a beacon of kindness for Savannah during her overwhelming journey in the human world. When Savannah is having a panic attack in the chaotic city, Ernesto approaches her, offering both practical assistance and emotional support (as well as food). In some humorous scenes, Savannah is completely out of sorts and confused about basic things humans take for granted like food menus and traffic lights. This is really one of those fish-out-of-water stories, and we loved that. One more story that really stood out to us was "By the Shortest Way" by Victoria L. Scott. This story is a historical fantasy set in 1584, blending despair, supernatural elements, and themes of redemption. It begins with a man’s failed suicide attempt and transitions into a journey of mysterious rituals and the pursuit of salvation. The story follows Tom Crispe, a former aide to Dr. John Dee, a historical figure known for his experiments with alchemy and communication with angels. His work with Dee has exposed him to profound spiritual and supernatural experiences, including scrying (using mirrors to divine messages from higher beings). After a failed relationship with a woman named Cecily and being rejected for his lack of wealth, Tom attempts suicide by drowning in the Thames. He is rescued against his will by two characters, Nazareth Tyndall and Margery Polsted. That's all well and good, but this story really stood out to us because it became known as “The Hot/Sexy Angel Story.” The story features Aphlafben, a hot angel of light invoked through complex Enochian rituals involving sacred oils, invocations, and a scrying mirror. She is a nominee for “Hottest Character.” She's described as being a celestial being of divine beauty and otherworldly perfection. In addition, unlike some of the angels in other stories we've read recently, Alphlafben is actually useful and helpful, being a source of divine intervention for Tom. One last thing we'll say about this book is that it's full of incredibly reputable, talented, and successful people inside and outside of the literary world. Victoria L. Scott is a Latin and social studies teacher with an M.F.A. from Seton Hill University. Anne C. Lynch is an English teacher and writer of historical fiction, Anne holds degrees from The University of Texas-Austin and Seton Hill University. Marisa Wolf is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Madison McKeever has an M.F.A. from Seton Hill University (that's starting to sound familiar!). Melissa Olthoff is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Michael La Ronn is one of the leading voices of the Alliance of Independent Authors. What an amazing bunch! Check out this book on Amazon!  Paperback Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Audiobook Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10) As far as children's & middle-grade books are concerned, The Great Animal Escape may be Linda Harkey and Jeff Yesh's magnum opus—their masterpiece! We now have the privilege of reviewing the audiobook version of this adorable and fun story as narrated by Stewart Davis, another talented young prodigy! This book and audiobook are remarkable in a lot of ways. First of all, this book exemplifies Linda Harkey's unique (and peculiar) storytelling & character-crafting style the best. It's random, unpredictable, chaotic, whimsical, lighthearted, and fun! It's like a battle royal with different characters and random troubles flying here, there, and everywhere! We've read a lot of the books in Linda Harkey's catalog of children's books: Desert Friends, Chatty the Hen Pheasant, and The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow. We've gathered that you can't take them overly seriously. At the same time, buried deep beneath the silliness, goofiness, randomness, and humor, we've noticed that Harkey loves to weave beautiful little themes, lessons, and topics. One theme or topic that plays again and again in Harkey's books is the idea of acceptance and understanding. Often playing alongside that is the idea of setting aside our differences and looking at the things we have in common (that unite us): things like a need and desire for companionship, friendship, social bonds, connections, and even something as simple as a love for food—even when we don't always agree on the kinds of foods we like. For example, Rodney and Quincy disagree on whether or not tarantulas and lizards are edible in Desert Friends. However, they can still be friends and enjoy their time together. Well, The Great Animal Escape tactfully and effectively demonstrates this idea of unlikely camaraderie and friendship in a fun and entertaining way! The book features a sprawling cast of diverse characters—the most diverse cast of characters in Harkey's books by far! This includes the Lova-Bull (a strong red Hereford bull), Mud Pie (a black Angus cow), Gracie (a burro), Bernie (a raven chick), and Blue Moon (an old bilingual raven). However, these adorable, interesting, and charismatic characters aren't just defined by the species or kind of animal they are. They—like real-life human beings—are unique and special in their own ways! Lova-Bull and Mud Pie are romantically involved and protective of each other. In fact, they are kind of the instigators of the whole escape and adventure as they decide to run away together to avoid becoming hamburger meat. You can really tell and feel the love and care they have for each other. Lova-Bull is protective of Mud Pie. Meanwhile, Mud Pie finds comfort and reassurance in Lova-Bull. You can tell that there's love, trust, and care there. With that said, they're both goofballs who are maybe a little less intellectually gifted than a standard human. Lova-Bull, while brave and courageous is also impulsive and prone to doing reckless things like charging barbed wire and even a big blue truck! Don't worry, it's not graphic or violent, but it does exemplify both his good and not-so-good traits. Also, it could be argued that their entire reason for running away may have been a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of a benign cooking school. Bernie seems to be the eyes and ears of the book, acting a bit like a narrator. Bernie is too small to directly and physically impact most events. He's also young, inexperienced, and still learning up from down. In other words, he's observing and gathering information from the wild events of this book as best as he can. He's making sense of this information as best as he can. But the reader is probably smart to things that he and the other animals aren't. For example, a savvy reader will recognize that the "blue monster" is actually just a truck. Bernie does have a gift besides being curious. He also has a good sense of smell, eventually being able to lead the other animals to water. Gracie is arguably the coolest character in the book. She's the hardcore, no-nonsense girl boss who all the other animals turn to when they need a big problem solved. She's not afraid to go toe-to-toe with a big hungry mountain lion! Speaking of big hungry mountain lions, we get a fun little antagonist in this book named Huntress, a mountain lion who stalks and hunts the other animals from around page 29 onward. But Huntress combines traits of both Nassau (the hunting dog) and Chatty (the hen pheasant that Nassau catches) from Chatty the Hen Pheasant. Like Nassau, Huntress is a hunter and a predator. However, simultaneously, like Chatty, she's also a mother—the mother of two adorable cubs who actually stop and have a fun little chat with Bernie. Their chat is made all the more hilarious and comedic by the fact that both Gracie and Bernie's mother ("Ma") are engaged in mortal combat with Huntress while the kids are just talking. From this chat between Bernie and the cubs, we learn a bit about Huntress. She's a loving mother who has struggled to find food for her and her kids. This is her opportunity to provide for them. So, she's not evil or bad, she's just doing what she needs to do as a mother and a living being. She needs to eat just like everyone does. This book develops a surprising amount of empathy for the characters as well as fleshing out their independent motivations. You get the sense that some of the characters don't really need to be there (it's not necessary for their survival), but they're there either because they think it's the right thing to do (to protect their friends), are curious, and/or because they enjoy the company of the other animals. One thing we probably didn't fully appreciate the first time we read this is how substantial and long this book is. It's an 80-something-page middle-grade chapter book (appropriate for maybe ages 8-12). So, it covers a lot of ground. It's incredibly random. Characters go from fleeing life-and-death situations to talking about how they need to eat 20 lbs. of grass a day, to celebrating a lightning storm, to fighting off a mountain lion and a truck. There isn't a linear story. Characters come and go (like Blue Moon and even Bernie, a major character who just picks up and leaves about 4/5ths of the way through). Problems come and go. It can be both fun and tedious since you're never quite sure if the events or characters you're reading about actually matter in the grand scheme of things. Are we ever gonna see Huntress again and resolve her arc? What's with Blue Moon? Is he just a messenger who instigates stuff by carrying news from elsewhere? Moving on... The audiobook is delightfully narrated by a young prodigy named Stewart Davis. Stewart clearly had a big task ahead of him—probably Harkey's longest children's book—and he took on this monumental task bravely, courageously, and commendably! He clearly has talent, possesses an above-average reading ability, and is certainly going places in the future! We did notice a notable tremor in his voice, particularly in the opening chapters. It sounded a bit like he was nervous. With time and practice, this will naturally go away. Even adults get nervous when reading something aloud and having cameras and microphones pointed at us. Could you imagine a kid being confronted with recording an 80+ page audiobook? He passed with flying colors! Stewart did some incredible, impressive things in this book. Most notably, he voices both Lova-Bull and Mud Pie with spot on Southern accents! Lova-Bull possesses a the cowboy-esque Southern drawl while Mud Pie sounds like a Southern belle! Another nice little Easter egg at the conclusion is when Stewart sings a variation of "Old McDonald Had a Farm" as an example for a book-related activity! It's sweet and unexpected. He went above and beyond! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 93+/100 (9.3+ out of 10)
"The Magical Garden" is a charming, whimsical, and magical little musical number that kicks off the amazing Cate and the Garden Bandits musical (based on Cate and the Garden Bandits by Betsy Coffeen)! "The Magical Garden" is crafted & written by Zachary Simpson, a multi-time Outstanding Creator Awards winner! A superbly multi-talented individual—the "Benjamin Franklin of the Story Monsters brand"—Simpson has demonstrated proficiency as an author, scriptwriter, and producer of extraordinary music like this! Is there nothing he can't do?! Apparently, he was also an actor, singer, and dancer working for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld! He has a degree in Music Composition and composed music for film, TV, and video games! Simpson is truly one of the most talented individuals to come through our contests! And this talent is put to good use in "The Magical Garden." This song effectively serves as the introduction to the setting, plot, characters, and stakes of the musical. It effectively builds up the idea that the "Magical Garden" is a truly wonderful, incredible, and invaluable place. There's nowhere else in the world exactly like it. Furthermore, it's more than just a garden, it's an ecosystem, a habitat, a workplace, a neighborhood, a community, and—most of all—a home. It's something worth saving and protecting. So, when mysterious foreign "bandit bugs" come and seem to threaten that harmony later, the stakes are made extra clear to the audience. It also introduces us to Cate, the main character, a spunky butterfly who seems to be a natural-born leader, and her many fellow bugs in the garden including Davy the Dung Beetle, Pete the Potato Bug, and Walter the Earthworm—each one bringing their own unique charm and purpose to the ecosystem. These aren’t just cute bug characters for the sake of having a bug ensemble; they represent the real roles that such creatures play in the natural world. Davy improves the soil, Pete tends the flowers, and Walter helps the roots breathe—all subtle nods to ecological science wrapped in a bright, fun, musical package. "The Magical Garden" also highlights the reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationship that the bugs have with the garden. Specifically: "All of us here tend to the garden and shower it with plenty of water and love, and in return, the garden provides us with a nice place to rest our eyes and daydream." Through the upbeat lyrics and infectious melody of "The Magical Garden," the audience is invited into a world of joy, unity, and stewardship. It’s the kind of song that sticks in your head—not just because it’s catchy (which it absolutely is), but because it means something. The message is simple yet powerful: when everyone contributes, and when kindness and teamwork lead the way, even a small garden can become a magical paradise. It’s no wonder this number feels like a mini-celebration—it encapsulates the heart of Cate and the Garden Bandits and sets the bar high for the emotional journey to come. By the time the bandit bugs arrive, we care—because Simpson made us fall in love with this garden in under three minutes flat. This song is beautifully performed by the super-uber-talented Erin Rementer, who also performed "Who Are These Bugs?" and presumably many of the other songs in the musical. She voices the main character, after all. Uniquely, Rementer provides a very high-pitched, squeaky voice fitting of a tiny, cute, charismatic little critter like Cate. Rementer's voice (as Cate) is truly adorable! It's the kind of voice you'd expect in a Barbie or My Little Pony commercial, which is ironic considering Rementer has lended her voice to commercials like that. Her bio lists her as performing for Disney, Delta, Cisco, Hasbro Toys, Mattress Firm, NumberBlocks, The Learning Company, Storypod, Universal Studios, Summit Checking, and more! It's quite a compelling performance! It's especially interesting to compare her tone in this song versus "Who Are These Bugs?" "The Magical Garden" is a much more cheerful, positive, and uplifting tune, and Rementer (appropriately), sings this song in a much more cheerful, positive, and uplifting way. In contrast, "Who Are These Bugs?" is a far more brooding with a tinge of mystery, frustration, confusion, and even a bit of anger (in response to the bug invaders taking flower petals). In "The Magical Garden" you can tell how much the garden means to Cate and the other bugs based on the lyrics and Rementer's performance. You can also tell how at home she feels as well as how happy the garden makes her. Perhaps something that we didn't fully appreciate until now is how both "Who Are These Bugs?" and "The Magical Garden" highlight Cate as a leader and as someone who feels a responsibility for the garden. In "Who Are These Bugs?" she even says that the other bugs "all count on [her] to grow" the plants in the garden. Though "The Magical Garden" is more subtle in this regard, it is telling that it's Cate who takes charge and encourages the other bugs to introduce themselves ("Hey! Why don’t you three go and introduce yourselves?"). It is friendly and polite while also subtly demonstrating Cate's assertiveness as a leader in her community. Speaking of these introductions, it's so nice, refreshing, and special to hear each of the bugs voice acted! Davy the Dung Beetle, Pete the Potato Bug, and Walter the Earthworm each has their own unique voice! We're not 100% sure who voiced who, but we're guessing that Kalen Kelly provided some (if not all) of these additional voices. Again, to reiterate, each one sounds a bit different and even has their own cadence and tonation, mostly fitting the melody in that section of the song. Even more special is when all of these voices come together and harmonize in the end! How cool! This song features several instruments, but primarily the acoustic guitar. Jimmy Sweeden does a superb job on the guitar, setting the tempo for everything and everyone else in the song. Commendable work, everyone! What an adorable song! Check it out on Spotify!  Score: 92+/100 (9.2+ out of 10)
Cocktails & Concatenations is yet another curious, intriguing, thought-provoking, and humorous short story collection by Joel Shoemaker! Uniquely, this book is a genre-bending fusion of heartfelt storytelling and mixology, where each short story is paired with a carefully chosen cocktail that reflects its emotional tone, thematic flavor, or ironic twist. Shoemaker masterfully blends humor, queer identity, grief, and resilience into narratives that feel both deeply personal and universally human—then caps each one off with a drink recipe that adds depth, whimsy, or bittersweet closure. So, there are a few things that really excited and stood out to us about this book. First of all, it's a triumphant return to the humorous, comedic, satirical tone of the stories in Shoemaker's first book (in our contests), Bacon Grief--which we've often called the "funniest book of the year" and "one of the funniest books we've ever read." We wouldn't just call it a tone, it's a voice. At his best, Joel Shoemaker allows his unique voice to shine through in his writing. Now, while Bacon Grief mostly featured lighthearted and cheeky humor, Cocktails & Concatenations is distinctly and decidedly darker with that hint of sarcasm that we love from Shoemaker. There's even a particularly gruesome, violent, and twisted story involving Santa Claus that's something you'd expect out of a Jamilette Cintron horror collection rather than one from Shoemaker. Yes, there were a few dark, sad, and depressing stories in the previous book, Teeth and Crumpets, but not quite this dark. Another story, which we reviewed previously, titled Hugs & Kisses is particularly brooding and—while not particularly dark—has an aura of melancholy. The two characters—one suffering from a possible identity disorder due to an obsession with Jacqueline Kennedy and the other wrestling with their gender identity as a trans person and budding drag queen—add a layer of seriousness and psychology that's often missing from Shoemaker's lighter and brighter stories. We have to be honest: despite loving some of Shoemaker's previous books, we weren't expecting to love Cocktails & Concatenations THIS much. We were disarmed and slightly scared away/chased off by the pages upon pages of cocktail recipes—as unique as they are. We've never seen that before. Have you read a short story collection with instructions on how to cook different chicken dishes between the stories? It put us off initially as it seemed gimmicky and a bit out of place in a collection of fiction. However, the stories themselves are interesting and intriguing. Furthermore, the cocktail recipe gimmick really grew on us. We started to gain an understanding and appreciation not only for Shoemaker's passion/hobby for cocktail concoctions even though he admits (ironically): "I'm not really that into cocktails. I don't even know if I'm doing this right." He says that before the pandemic, he barely knew what a gin & tonic was. However, like many of us going through that awful period in our history, we softened the blow and kept ourselves busy by picking up some odd hobbies. Shoemaker just happened to acquire mixology. And, really quickly, what a unique, awesome, and interesting person he is. According to this book, he was a librarian for a decade and a magician for three decades! And every time we've heard from him or interacted, he's been all smiles and nothing but positive. Just a sweet person all around, and it shows in his writing. You can tell that he writes fiction to entertain and enlighten. In other words, he seems to want to bring light and positivity to a dreary world prowled by bigotry and ignorance. One specific focus for him is LGBTQ+ rights and issues. He tries to shine a light on things that the majority of heterosexual and cis people likely don't understand or haven't personally experienced. That's especially apparent in Hugs and Kisses which humanizes a trans character for people who may not otherwise recognize or understand. We also saw it in Silas On Sundays, the author's children's book, which sought to bring understanding about the experiences of trans kids. One idea that Shoemaker's stories continually showcases is how LGBTQ+ people are a lot like heterosexual and cis people—they have a lot of the same hopes, dreams, passions, and experiences. They just happen to differ in one way or another. That doesn't make them abominations or monsters, it just makes them human. We're all different. We all have things that set us apart. Also, interestingly enough, Shoemaker's books also demonstrate that God's arms are open to everyone including LGBTQ+. Some see LGBTQ+ and Christianity as completely incompatible, but Jesus spent time with and died for every human being from every walk of life. In fact, he mostly shunned self-righteous, judgmental, and bigoted people rather than people who may have been considered "deviant" or different like Mary Magdalene (a prostitute) and Matthew (a tax collector). He chose Saul, a ruthless prosecutor, as his chief messanger of the gospel. He gave the figurative keys to the church to Peter, who denied him three times. So, it's interesting to read stories like Jesus, Bitmojis, & Me in which it seems really clear that the narrator is both a Christian and an LGBTQ+ person looking for another LGBTQ+ Christian, only to continually be matched with atheists and agnostics. In fact, this story provides one of our favorite moments in the book when the narrator vents with profound frustration at the fact that the dating algorithm keeps outright ignoring his checked preference for a Christian match. If you've ever wrestled with an algorithm, AI, or software that ignores your preferences and "chooses" or "decides" things for you, you might resonate with this. So, rather than breaking down and spoiling every single story, let's discuss some of our favorite passages from them, especially the ones that exemplify Shoemaker's incredible snark, sarcasm, and sense of humor! In the otherwise tense story involving Michael & John, we get the humorous line: "A suitable woman from a suitable family, and John would have suitable children and a suitable career and he would make suitable money and support his suitable lifestyle." This rhythmic repetition reinforces the suffocating conformity John is subjected to, contrasting sharply with the authentic love and connection he had with Michael. The language mimics the cadence of societal scripts—what is deemed "suitable"—while underlining how hollow and devastating that script becomes when it denies real love and identity. It's also pretty fun. You can really sense the snark and sarcasm of this. It's also poetic. Technically, it's anaphora, the repetition of a word, sound, or phrase. We get it again in the story Lemons and Limes: "He loved cosmopolitans because he loved the gentleman who ordered cosmopolitans, who proposed with a ring inside of an ice cube inside of a cosmopolitan, who perfected his own recipe for cosmopolitans to save money when the economy turned sour and they both lost their jobs, who learned to batch cosmopolitans and who had a flask engraved for the tenth wedding anniversary, the aluminum anniversary - a cheap trick, perhaps, but now he drank from nothing else. He loved the gentleman who drank a cosmopolitan too many." Notice that both "He loved" and "cosmopolitan" are repeated. Another fun (and funny) example of this is from the story titled Davison: "...especially with businessmen and businesswomen and businesspeople ensures that it always maintains the requisite trickle of patrons, especially after work on weekdays. Davison loved that bus station. He loved that bar. Davison was not a businesshuman." This also gives us a funny neologism by inventing the word "businesshuman." Hey, at least it's a pronoun applicable to all people who practice business. Similarly, in the "Chicken Diaper" story we get terms, phrases, and designations like: "Bob the Chicken" "Bob the Human" "Chicken Church" and "Chicken Diaper." By the way, this particular story does a really good job at satirizing and poking fun at Amazon reviews (or customer reviews in general) as it features an exaggerated review of a chicken diaper, something which logically shouldn't exist anyway. There are some other humorous, comedic aspects of this book like the repetition of the character name "Kevin Aaron Black" like he's predictably an assassin. Also, phrases like: "Marvin was also a military veteran. Also discharged, but not as honorably." "It was like stabbing a marshmallow, maybe a bowl of Jello even. It was easy as pie." "...the grandson ordered a scotch and soda as well, not that it mattered because the hostel had neither scotch nor soda..." "...he was short. He even said something like ‘we could probably share clothes.'" There's a whimsy and warmth to Shoemaker's conversational style. It's strange because Shoemaker's voice and writing perpetually resonate with and entertain us, but the stories and characters themselves, ironically, didn't quite stick with us. Like, we had to ask ourselves who is who and what is what. These stories fly by and development (in plot and characters) often feels rushed. There are apparently 14 unique stories in here, yet we could hardly recall the names of characters (because they were mostly forgettable) and mostly remembered passages and quotes we liked. Oh, yeah, and there's that horrifying Santa Claus story, so we remembered that. Oh, and we remembered the chicken diaper story because... chicken diapers. See, we're starting to think and write like Shoemaker! Also worth mentioning is that the illustrations are apparently done by Shoemaker's husband, Andrew McCurdy. And in Shoemaker's signature style, it is explained: "He completed this project out of marital obligation. He was paid in beverages and sometimes “messed up” photographs in an effort to receive more beverages." Well... ok then! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
The Story Monsters Greenie Box™ program is a heartfelt, hands-on movement to bring the magic of books into the lives of children who need them most. With a mission rooted in literacy, accessibility, and community upliftment, these vividly painted boxes serve as portable libraries that deliver joy, inspiration, and opportunity to Title 1 schools, children’s hospitals, public libraries, and transitional spaces like veterans’ centers and halfway houses. The Story Monsters Greenie Box™ exemplifies not only the values of Story Monsters, it also resonates with our own. It's the kind of world we want to live in: a world filled with knowledge, enlightenment, creativity, imagination, and--well--books! Story Monsters continues to demonstrate that it doesn't just care about selling books, it genuinely cares about improving communities and enhancing the lives of children! What a remarkable community outreach program! Each Greenie Box™—measuring a sturdy 23" x 13" x 23"—is not just a container of stories, but a beacon of hope. Designed with a clear Story Monsters door and a shelf for easy browsing, these eye-catching boxes offer a tangible, cheerful presence in any space. The box itself is colorful, cute, and inviting—just like Story Monsters itself! Bright blue, bright green, and bright purple, it welcomes you with open arms with the same cheerful zest and spirit of the Story Monsters Theme Song! This color scheme and vibrancy may not mean a lot to some people, but we see it like a bright beacon. The little libraries in most neighborhoods tend to look like brick-red, burgundy phone booths. By comparison, Story Monsters Greenie Box™ looks cool and exciting--like this is the place to gather after school and find your next read! A single sponsorship includes the sponsor’s name proudly featured on the box itself, 25 books with custom inserts encouraging young readers to engage with the material, and even a half-page ad in Story Monsters Ink® magazine (which, by the way, is an OCA award-winning magazine)! At first we were uncertain if this meant that 25 of an author's different books would be included in the box or if they're 25 copies of the exact same book. Our reasoning was that 25 books is a lot of books to have published. We only know probably three children's authors and illustrators who've come close to that amount. So, logically, this must mean 25 copies of the same book, right? Right? The fact of the matter is that the way that children consume literature now has changed dramatically. You don't have to look further than the internet, streaming services, and digital marketplaces like Amazon and Kobo. Some will argue that physical media is dead or dying. But have you been to a book signing lately? Paperbacks and hardcovers still sell. There's just something about holding a physical book your hands. It's kind of like pens and pencils. Yes, we can write and type on phones, tablets, and laptops, but we should still know how to write with a pen or a pencil. We should still have physical books to have available and accessible, especially to children. This is the idea behind those little libraries that have popped up outside of schools, parks, and community centers. What truly sets this program apart is its interactivity. Children are invited to reflect on what they love about the books and pose questions to the authors—making literacy an open dialogue instead of a one-way experience. Sponsors, in turn, get to be more than donors—they become champions of curiosity. Isn't that interesting? One of the toughest things about being an author (besides selling, of course), is getting genuine engagement and people interacting with your work. Sometimes, as an author, it seems like you're talking to a wall. That's why reviews, like the editorial reviews we publish, mean so much to authors. Authors crave and hunger for acknowledgement, interaction, and engagement. In other words, they will wonder: What did you genuinely think about my story? Did you like my characters? Are they memorable? What about my plot? The moral of the story? The message? Did it resonate with you at all? Do you have any questions? At this isn't just important for the author, it's important to children. The best way for children to learn is to be engaged with the learning material. In other words, they should be able to ask questions and apply it to themselves, their relationships, and their lives. You'll often see or hear a child hinge or fixate on the idea of an animal being a "mommy" or "daddy' animal. Or on a animal being a "baby" animal. This is how they tend to see the world because it relates to their home life. You'll see them anchor thoughts and ideas on their own personal experiences, recognizing and relating characters to friends, family members, and even individuals like bullies based on their own encounters and experiences. It goes back to the Socratic method: asking questions to gain a better understanding and, perhaps, a mastery of the concepts and knowledge. Also, curiosity is a powerful thing. When you spark a child's curiosity, creativity, and imagination, you're planting the seeds that lead to innovation. This leads to—among other things—technologies that improve our world and make life better and easier for everyone. This is how little Einsteins, Teslas, and Thomas Edisons are born and nurtured. Children's literature plays a big role in that. In fact, when we were growing up, Hooked on Phonics was all the rage. Encourage children to read as early as possible. It's a critical period for their learning! Just think about how much easier it is to learn a second language at that age. The logic and concept are the same. Books are NOT OBSOLETE. Anyway, returning to the particulars of the Greenie Box™ itself.. . Whether you’re looking to sponsor a full Greenie Box™, donate individual books, or become a Book Box Builder at the $49 entry level, there’s theoretically a tier for every budget and every heart. You can contribute beteen $5 to $495 as a donation. Now, if you actually want to establish a Greenie Box™ in front of your place, building, or institution, the upfront cost is sizable albeit manageable. The suggested price is listed as $650, but it's discounted to $495. It seems like they're "filled" with books with that price (it's implied). We're guessing they are. Bonus features like Story Monsters® keychains as reading rewards further promote engagement in Title 1 classrooms. And with every dollar going directly toward more books, more boxes, and more outreach, the program sustains itself on a cycle of giving. That actually goes back to what we saying about encouraging children to read. One way is to provide incentives. In others words: rewards.It's awesome that the folks over at Story Monsters actually thought about that and came up with the idea of keychains as rewards. In a world where screen time is up and attention spans are down, the Story Monsters Greenie Box™ brings a refreshing, tactile, and human approach to education and empathy. As the incredible folks at Story Monsters would likely put it, this is more than just a box—it’s a doorway to dreams, one book at a time. If you're interested in getting involve in the program, you can check it out HERE!  Score: 90+/100 (9.0+ out of 10)
Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga is a curious and fun little children's book by Denise Bozza, a children's yoga teacher and owner of Bozza Yoga Little, a premier children's yoga studio in Allendale, New Jersey! Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga follows the titular character, Buzzy Bozza, a lively boy who, along with his friends, wears playful animal costumes in their imaginative world of Flutterville. Buzzy dresses as a dragonfly and is often referred to as a literal "dragonfly" in the book, perhaps emphasizing childlike wonder and imagination. Always in a rush, Buzzy zips from place to place without ever slowing down—until one day, he spots his friends practicing yoga and meditation in a peaceful lavender field. Curious, he joins them and learns about Pranayama, a deep breathing exercise. Through this gentle practice, Buzzy discovers the power of stillness, realizing he can now enjoy activities he once found impossible, like fishing and reading quietly in a hammock. Blending whimsical costumes, bright illustrations, and simple mindfulness techniques, the story offers young readers a joyful and encouraging introduction to yoga. The concept of this book is compelling. We love yoga. We practice it every week (multiple times a week). One of us teaches it (and has for years)! The main issue we had with this book is that it doesn't seem to make much logical sense. If you're a grounded person who is just opening this book and reading it for the first time, you might ask or wonder: Why is this boy dressed like a dragonfly? Why are all the kids in the town dressed like animals? Is this a village or community full of Furries? Why is this boy flying? Does he have fairy dust? Magic? Superpowers? Why is he referred to as a literal "dragonfly" when he is clearly a human boy dressed in a Party City/Zurchers dragonfly costume who happens to be able to fly? None of this seems to be explained in the book. And we were a bit bummed by that, to be honest. Remember: we (the teachers and parents) have to explain these things to our students and kids. Yes, imagination is a thing, but it puts the teacher or parent in a tough, uncomfortable spot when they have to somehow try to explain this stuff in a way that makes sense to a child. Like, what are we supposed to tell a kid when they ask "Mommy, why is this boy dressed like a dragonfly?" or "Miss Aubrey, why are all the kids in the town dressed like animals?" We can maybe say: "They're using their imagination" or "it's Halloween time." The first answer seems plausible. The second is a bit... ehh... There's no other indication that it's Halloween in the book. No decorations, no discussions, no witches flying in the air. So what? Maybe it's Dress Up Day in school? Some schools do that (it's like "Pajama Day"). But the kids appear to dress up as animals every day. So maybe they're actual animals (somehow)? But if that were true, why does Buzzy's friend have a bat logo on his t-shirt. Do bats wear t-shirts with logos? Also, why is Buzzy, a "dragonfly," not wearing his dragonfly costume during the Pranayama breathing exercises? How is he flying without his wings? How is he still a dragonfly without his dragonfly costume? What is going on here? Can someone please, maybe, open the book by explaining that this is a yoga school where children are encouraged to use their imagination, play pretend, and dress up? Cause that isn't obvious or apparent to a casual reader who opens this and sees that everyone's dressed up like it's Halloween and there's a kid flying around like he has supernatural powers. Anyway, we digress. Our reservations and constructive criticisms aside, we still saw a lot of promise and value in this book. This is a book that celebrates childlike imagination and their ability to create whimsical worlds and ideas out of nothing (or things like cardboard boxes and pillows). Have you ever built a cardboard box castle or made a pillow fort? Have you ever used your crayons or markers as action figures or dolls? Those are things that children do. Heck, some adults still stick their highlighters together and make "lightsabers" out of them. A stick can become a "sword." It's that sort of thing. We get it. And, let's face it, children (and some adults) love to dress us. Have you been in a town that takes Halloween night seriously? Where trick-or-treaters cause literal road closures for blocks or even miles? Have you been to a comic book convention full of people dressed as everything under the sun? We're not opposed to it, we just wish it was better explained. We're guessing that the "Flutterville" fantasy (a world in which everyone is an animal and can do things like fly) might actually be a meditative routine that is used by the author in their yoga practice. It's perfectly normal and typical for yoga teachers of younger students to refer to animals and animal poses because these things tend to be appealing and familiar to kids. For example, there's the: Upward & downward dog Puppy pose Cat & cow Butterfly pose Cobra Lion’s breath Let's not forget, kids don't just loving pretending, they also love playing and having fun in general. This is fun to them. When you enjoy something (and find it fun), you're more likely to continue to do it. So, in effect, this gets children interested in yoga without being overwhelming or becoming overly complicated. It introduces children to basic yoga concepts (and a handful of poses) with the expectation that they can learn a lot more later if they're encouraged. Another thing we appreciated is how Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga models emotional awareness without being heavy-handed. Buzzy's journey from chaos to calm reflects the experiences that many children have when introduced to breathing techniques or mindfulness practices for the first time. It’s not about perfection—it's about discovering that stillness and breath are powerful tools we all carry with us. That’s a message children need to hear, especially in an age of constant stimulation and shortened attention spans. We also see great cross-curricular potential here. Teachers could use this book as a springboard for lessons in health, physical education, social-emotional learning, or even storytelling and imagination. Whether it’s a classroom calm-down corner, a yoga warm-up, or a bedtime routine, Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga fits beautifully into spaces where kids are encouraged to breathe, reflect, use their imagination, and grow. It's a celebration of creativity and mindfulness working hand-in-hand—something both teachers and parents can appreciate. This is also one of Anthony Richichi's best illustrated books. Richichi is a multiple-time Outstanding Creator Awards winner and the 2023 Artist of the Year! The characters are cute, wide-eyed, and appealing. They don't look wonky, warped, or slanted in one direction. But the highlight of this book (as fast as the illustrations go) are the backgrounds! Richichi gives us colorful, vibrant backgrounds full of flowers of numerous colors (particularly purple lavenders, which signify calm & relaxation). The book also nails its color scheme. It's the colors of twilight: soft pink, soft purple, and soft blue with a touch of yellow. Richichi also loves to add an Easter egg or two in the books he illustrated. Is that the Easter bunny hiding in the lavender flowers on page 8? And—perhaps our favorite of all—Buzzy is shown reading Colorworld, an OCA award-winning book by Richichi, on page 14. This book and concept have big potential. This could probably be expanded into a series exploring more yoga concepts. Maybe this book series could become to yoga what Once Upon a Dance is to dance. Really, our only complaints are that the reality-breaking elements of the book (like being animals and being able to fly) could've been explained better for young readers and their caretakers. Also, this book seems really abrupt. It feels like it stops almost as soon as it picks up. We would've liked maybe 4-6 more pages, perhaps explaining the yoga school, its teachers, and students a little more. Maybe have a little more of an arc and a little more development for Buzzy Bozza, the main character. It just seems like he discovers yoga and suddenly everything is well. We would've loved to see some tension or drama. Like, maybe have him struggle with his balance at first and be discouraged briefly. Maybe have the teacher remind him that no one is perfect at yoga and that she trained for years to get good at it—encouraging practice and consistency. Just some ideas. This book effectively depicts yoga as a fun, cool activity that helps unlock a person's potential while encouraging them to spend time with others. In this book, yoga becomes a social activity like a team sport! If you like yoga and/or want to get your kids interested in yoga... Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
They say that people reveal their deepest, darkest thoughts when they're at life's end and have nothing more to lose. Imagine hearing the deepest, darkest musings of a murder detective who has seen and experienced the very worst that humanity has to offer! The Light of Faded Stars is a compelling, beautifully written, and immensely eloquent crime fiction/detective mystery novel by Francis Adrien Morneault! This may be among the best written and thought-provoking books of the year (so far)! This book reads as so raw, real, authentic, and genuine that we almost thought that it was a sort of memoir or pseudo-memoir. We were actually under the impression that the author was genuinely writing this on their deathbed, confessing all of this! When a work of fiction immerses readers so well that it convinces them that it's real (or might be real), that's when you know you've found a great one! The Light of Faded Stars is a rich, philosophical detective novel that blends a murder investigation with meditations on memory, mortality, despair, and beauty. It's not just a mystery story — it's an elegy to life itself, viewed through the tired, poetic eyes of an aging detective, Jack Willington. Jack long worked as a detective (rising to the rank of detective sergeant). Jack, who (if remember correctly) is about 80 and on his deathbed at the time of telling this story, pays special attention to his partner in crime-fighting, Marcel Beauchemin (a detective constable), a man who always had interesting thoughts and things to say. At the surface, the plot follows a typical murder investigation: the murder of a young woman, Evie MacMurrough, discovered in an alleyway in Saint John. But underneath, this novel is a meditation on death, the past, loss, time, and the crumbling architecture of human lives. The story mixes linear storytelling with vivid memories, philosophical tangents, and emotional reflections. The structure intentionally mirrors memory itself: winding, digressive, and profound. Where do we even begin with this novel? It's dense—a motherload of content and thoughts packed into less than 180 pages. You can read this book in one night! In fact, many of us did, and it was a pleasure (not a chore). So, do we start with the final murder case itself? The relationship between Jack & Marcel as they solve these crimes? Or Jack on his deathbed—one foot with the living and one foot with the dead? Let's start with the case itself. Although the case—arguably the main plot—occurs mostly in the background, it sets the tone for everything and helps to put things into perspective. This case isn't just another murder case and Evie isn't just another murder victim. Evie reminds the partners of people they know and love. Her death isn't treated as a mere statistic; it becomes deeply personal, stirring memories of Jack’s daughter and of Marcel’s own haunted past with Sharlene. She represents not just a young life lost, but the fragility of all dreams, the sudden finality that could strike anyone. Solving her murder becomes, for Jack and Marcel, a symbolic fight against the darkness that looms over every human life—a last act of meaning in a world fraying at the edges. One of the most beautiful little things that gets thrown in here is that Jack and Marcel begin referring to the victim as "our girl." Such a beautiful and emotional touch! No, she isn't just the victim in the case they're working on, she's an actual person who once lived, breathed, hoped, and dreamed. She had people loved her and people who miss her. This is also the last hurrah that Jack & Marcel have together as crime-fighting partners, whether they want it to be or not. Fate has its way of self-correcting and having its way regardless of how we feel or what we want. Early on, it is discovered that Evie had an abortion just before her murder, something which Marcel sees as the key to cracking the whole case. The culprit and ultimate villain of the novel, who we won't spoil here, represents a lot more than just an evil man doing evil things. He actually represents the role of culture and society in either keeping our inner-monsters at bay or nurturing goodness, compassion, and mercy. Culture and society can convince us that our evilest actions, thoughts, and desires are justified, or they can guide us on a more righteous, peaceful, happy path. What are we bringing up future generations to think and believe? Are we teaching right and wrong? Good and evil? Are we bringing up and facilitating a generation of peacemakers and caretakers or warmongers and murderers? One of our favorite (of many) great quotes in this book is: "We all carry a labyrinth within us, and at its center, a Minotaur, a monster of old, hiding in the dark, waiting to be unleashed. Civilization is just the thin walls built around that labyrinth to keep the monster at bay." In other words, evil isn't just this mysterious force out there. It's familar. It's intimate. It's inside all of us. We can choose what we do with it—whether it sees the light of day or not. Evil lurks in the human heart and mind ("a monster"/"a Minotaur"), but it's up to us whether it causes us to act with malice; for example, Cain choosing to give in to jealousy and anger in murdering his brother, Abel. The book says a lot about the universality of human feelings, emotions, and experiences including the instinct of a mother to love and want to protect their child. When Evie's mother implores the detectives to solve her daughter's murder case—something which initially seems like a typical and mundane scene—we get the line: "In some strange way, her words felt like a call that echoed from the depths of time." It's about more than solving a case. It's about family. It's about a mother who lost her daughter. The real highlights of this book (to us) were the incredible quotes and passages. Here are a few of our favorites. Many of them are self-explanatory and digestible (despite their flowery language) and most of them are from Marcel: "The detective is a being that walks in both worlds. One foot with the living, one foot with the dead." "Detectives are always late, perpetually late. We meet the dead, and then we chase backward, trying to grasp at the living shadows they left behind. We can never truly save them; we can only piece together what they lost." "Of course, in a way, we are all gamblers. We invest everything in one thing or in multiple things, just like gamblers. A relationship, a sport, a career. But, in the end, the house always wins." It's eye-opening to think about how true this passage is. We might not be addicted to gambling. We might not do drugs. We might not be criminals. But we're all caught up in something that's taking something from us. Combat and contact-sport athletes shorten their lives. Pro bodybuilders know they're sacrificing a lot for the game via steroid use. Relationships and marriages are expensive, not just in terms of money but also time, attention, and energy. Careers often rob us of personal and leisure time (along with some degree of our freedom). "Maybe we are all detectives, trying to piece together the fragments of our lives, desperately trying to make sense of them before time runs out." It's interesting how this quote is also true in a lot of ways. Yes, Jack and Marcel are both actual detectives, but they are also people trying to figure out things in their own lives (such as Jack with his daughter, Grace, and Marcel with his repressed memories of Sharlene and in war). It also conscripts the reader into the idea that they're "detectives" trying to figure out things all the same. Furthermore, Jack is also literally dying and trying to figure out as much as possible before he expires. "The sun sets on everything, Jack. On every life, every dream, every hope. Nothing escapes it." In other words, some things (like death and taxes) are inevitable. "At the beginning of a chess game, players conform to opening theory because it statistically increases their chances of survival. It's the same with life: people conform to traditions and systems because it gives them the illusion of safety, of improving their odds against chaos." We really loved this quote because it spoke to us. Most chess players follow predictable patterns? Why? Because these formulas are time-tested. They usually lead to success or preferred outcomes. Similarly, many families want their kids to be doctors and engineers—people who make a lot of money and have (mostly) stable careers and employment opportunities. However, what about the kid who wants to start the next Amazon, Tesla, or Apple? What about the kid who wants to innovate, create, and invent the next big thing in science or technology? There was a time when every football team was trying to run from the I-formation or wishbone, now those formations are rarely used. Times change. We adapt. We evolve. Doing the same old thing isn't going to work forever. At the same time, these same things provide comfort, security, and familiarity. They've worked before, so they should work again, right? It's amazing how we can take so much away from one little, somewhat tangential passage in this book. This book also does a remarkable job at using literary techniques and figurative language, particularly personification, similes, and metaphors. Here are a few of our favorites: "Time forgives no one. Everything gets carried away by its ravenous and unscrupulous currents." "The city stretches with colorful sunlight as it struggles to awaken." (By the way, Fog City is a bit of a character in its own right) "Around my childhood village, nature reigns over the lands like a greedy queen over her fiefdom, and villagers must fight back." "Marriage is like a land bridge connecting two separate islands. At first, it’s strong and full of promise, but over time, the tides of life erode it, piece by piece, until only memories remain of how close the islands once were." "She was all that the mysterious shore promised and all that it took away. A dream glimpsed from the distance, a future swallowed by the tide. You look out at the sea and you think it holds something for you — freedom, hope, escape. But the ocean gives and the ocean takes. She was a bright, burning thing in a dark world, a brief miracle that the universe reclaimed before she could leave her mark. She was a shore we could never reach, a place we could never truly save." This book also has a lot of interesting side stories. For example, there's an interesting one about a blue whale who swallows a family. There's another about a little girl who gets locked in an upstairs room only to be forgotten, vanish, and become a ghostly enigma in the community. There's yet another story about a young store robber who went through juvenile detention and emerged to become a store manage (ironically). These all play into the themes of the book. If there's one thing about this book that may turn some readers off, it's that it seems unfocused. There are a lot of distractions from the main murder mystery plot (for example, the philosophical musings and little stories). We can imagine that a portion of the audience may find this tedious and cloying, causing the story to spin its wheels rather than moving forward. There was a part of us that was tempted to find this a bit tedious. In fact, it started to remind us a little bit of Driving For Justice by Justin Kojok, a book that had to remind us over and over and over and over and over and over again about its thesis statement(s) as if we didn't get that "everything tells a story" and that "it's not the destination, it's the journey" the first three-dozen times. Like, can we get on with the plot already? However, The Light of Faded Stars never quite reaches that level of redundancy and fluffiness. It's a great read with a lot to say! Check it out on Amazon!  Audiobook Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
Paperback Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10) We're supremely excited to revisit one of our favorite ever children's books, Marky the Magnificent Fairy--the 1st-place overall winner of our 2023 Winter Contest and our 2023 Children's Book of the Year! This time, we got to experience this remarkable little story in AUDIOBOOK format! Hooray! Marky the Magnificent Fairy is beautifully written by Cynthia Kern Obrien and colorfully illustrated by Jeff Yesh, the illustrator of other OCA award-winning works like The Great Animal Escape and Night Watchers (Story Monster's S.T.E.A.M. Chronicles Book 1)! Both author and illustrator bring their A-game to this hard-hitting, impactful, beautiful, and inspirational book! And you know who else brings their A-game? Immy Dymott, the outstanding narrator of the audiobook version of this book! Rather, Immy brings her A+ game to make this one of the best audiobooks in the entire Story Monsters Read Along collection! This is one of our favorite children's audiobooks of all time! It's right up there with Sora Searches for a Song by Once Upon a Dance and Do You Know the One? by Michelle Bentley. However, while those audiobooks benefited from a ton of extra production including sound effects and music (which probably move them into another tier altogether), this audiobook largely rests on the performance of its phenomenal narrator. Immy elevates this into the stratosphere! Hats off to you, Immy! You are going places! We'll get back to the writing, illustrations, and narration later, but let's talk a little about this book's incredible premise, characters, and story. Marky is a spirited woodland fairy with glasses, freckles, red hair—and one small wing that prevents her from flying. Though joyful and talented, she is teased by other creatures (especially the "woodland creatures" like spiders, mice, moths, and praying mantises) who focus on her differences. However, instead of shrinking away, Marky speaks up, declaring that she’s not so different after all. She reveals her many strengths—drawing, singing, dancing—and shares her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Tomo, Marky's adorable sidekick, plays a subtle but essential role in Marky the Magnificent Fairy. Though he doesn’t speak, Tomo appears by Marky's side throughout her journey, offering silent support and companionship. His bright yellow color, round eyes, and constant presence on the page help symbolize something crucial—unconditional friendship. In fact, the book includes a definition of "Tomo" on page 33, noting that it means “friend” in English and is derived from tomodachi in Japanese. This linguistic detail adds a thoughtful multicultural layer and further reinforces the idea that friendship transcends appearance, ability, or language. Tomo never mocks Marky for her small wing or different appearance. Instead, he’s always there—smiling while she tap dances, listens while she sings, and stands beside her when she declares her hopes and dreams. He is a gentle but powerful embodiment of loyalty and love, showing children that true friends accept and uplift each other, no matter what. As the story unfolds, Marky the Magnificent Fairy beautifully expands its message of inclusivity by introducing three other woodland characters—each with their own exceptional qualities and aspirations, just like Marky. First, we meet JoJo, a cheerful fairy who uses a wheelchair because he is unable to walk. His condition is described as a “visible” exceptional quality, but the story never portrays it as a limitation. Instead, JoJo’s vibrant mind and kind heart shine through his love of books. He dreams of becoming a doctor, revealing a nurturing spirit and a desire to help others, which adds depth and dignity to his character. His presence teaches children that physical challenges do not define one’s potential or value. Next is Nixie, whose “invisible” exceptional quality is that she is deaf—she cannot hear. Yet, the book makes clear that this does not make her any less joyful or capable. Nixie is shown actively playing games and smiling, fully immersed in life. Her dream is to become a dog trainer, a goal that demonstrates both empathy and determination. Her inclusion encourages readers to understand that invisible differences can be just as real, and just as important to recognize and respect. Finally, we meet Fancy, a charismatic fairy with an “exceptional quality” described as loud. She sometimes stutters or struggles to control her movements, but that doesn’t stop her from shining. In fact, Fancy dreams of being a famous singer, highlighting her fearless ambition and passion for performance. Her dream, like those of the others, shows children that challenges do not erase dreams—in fact, they can make them even more powerful. Together, these characters reinforce the central truth of the story: that being different is not something to hide or fear. Instead, it’s something to celebrate. Each fairy and elf is portrayed with dignity, joy, and determination, showing young readers that everyone has hopes, dreams, and the right to feel magnificent. Eventually, the once-critical woodland creatures apologize, realizing that everyone, regardless of their differences, has “hopes and dreams” and deserves kindness and acceptance. In other words, certain aspects of our existence are universal despite our differences. These commonalities include having hopes, dreams, aspirations, passions, and interests. This is such a feel-good, warming-feeling story! It' s infectiously positive even when exploring negative experiences like bullying and teasing, feeling different or excluded, feeling insecure or undesirable, and having a fear of speaking up. It also tactfully explores the topic of disabilities and those who live and thrive with them. A disability does not derail or dictate your life. People with disabilities go on to do outstanding things! Just look at remarkable, magnificent Marky and her friends! The story ultimately transforms these seemingly negative things into positive lessons of kindness, self-love, and empathy. It doesn’t shy away from showing that bad feelings are real, but it also shows that healing, forgiveness, and acceptance are possible. Kudos to Cynthia Kern Obrien for the concept, characters, writing, and story! This is probably the most marketable book in the vast and diverse Story Monsters catalog, blending heartfelt storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and a universally relevant message about kindness, self-acceptance, and resilience that appeals to children, parents, educators, and librarians alike. It's also very focused despite tackling so many topics and juggling multiple characters. At it's core, it's very direct, straightforward, and digestible. Everyone has felt a bit like Marky at one time or another. We've all felt like we didn't quite fit in or that we were different somehow. That's why a lot of us became authors who use writing and storytelling to vent and express the things we often struggle to say verbally. We've also seen the plushies and puppets of Marky & Tomo, and we can see the enormous potential in their reach! The art style by Jeff Yesh, is bright, whimsical, and full of charm, perfectly complementing the book’s uplifting message. The illustrations use vibrant colors and playful designs to create a magical woodland world that feels both inviting and lively. Characters are drawn with expressive faces and exaggerated features, making their emotions easily recognizable for young readers. Subtle details, like the sparkle in Marky’s eyes or the joyful way she dances, add warmth and personality to every scene. The visual storytelling is clear and accessible, helping even very young children understand the emotional journey without relying solely on text. Speaking of the text, it helps that the font size is large and appealing. Also, key phrases and words like "She was a MAGNIFICENT little fairy" and "I have HOPES and DREAMS!” are bolded for emphasis. This really helps when you're reading aloud. Speaking of which... let's conclude by returning to the extraordinary narrating job that Immy Dymott did! We were already impressed by her performance in The Fisherman and the French Flounder audiobook. We compared listening to her to being like being read a story by Wendy Darling from Peter Pan/Neverland lore. She has this really angelic, clean, clear, and enchanting British accent and voice. Well, she was able to spread her wings and do even more in this book! And she shined in really subtle ways that we noticed. For example, there's a moment when she was talking about all the things that Marky could do despite not being able to fly. One of those things was having a passion and talent for singing. Well, not only does Immy read this, her voice actually cuts in with a separate recording of her (voicing Marky) singing, "La la la laaaaaa!" What a nice touch! Another nice touch is having her voice all of the woodland creatures separately, then playing them simultaneously when they're all apologizing to Marky. This earned this audiobook a 9.6 out of 10 (our highest score)! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 82/100 (8.2 out of 10)
Relationships begin and relationships end. Feelings evolve and feelings change. And sometimes, the people we love become strangers we no longer recognize. Is This the Bed We Lie In? directed by Joseph McGovern is an emotionally resonant short film that explores the quiet unraveling of a relationship through poetic introspection and emotional tension. Above all, this short film is thought-provoking, sparking a lot of questions and implications in a brief amount of time. Even the title prompts the question: Do we cause our relationships to fail? Is it our fault? Our partner's fault? Or is it something that just happens? The core of this story begins with Jennifer (played by Constance Reshey), deep in contemplation and stating, "Is this it?" This sets the tone for a powerful conversation between Jennifer and her husband, Robert (played by Joel Blanco), that shakes their lives and their worlds to the core. It begs the question: Is anything truly indestructible? Does anything truly last forever? Not diamonds. Not the Earth. Not marriage. In this back-and-forth exchange between the couple/former couple, both try to come to terms with the way they feel and the uncertaint future that waits in front of them. Jennifer in particular seems to wrestle with a mixture of fear, anxiety, and excitement about exploring her lesbian (or possibly bisexual) leaning. She has clearly wrestled with these feelings for some time, perhaps with uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and confusion. This is something that a lot of LGBTQ+ people go through. They often have to confront questions like: Why do I feel the way that I do? Why do I feel differently from the cis or heterosexual people around me? Will I be excepted? Will I be rejected? Will I cut myself off from the people I love? Will they cut me off from them? If they truly loved me, wouldn't they accept me unconditionally? It could be argued that there's a small hint of Jennifer's LGBTQ+ leaning as she's shown looking at a beautiful athletic female model in a magazine she's holding. But our first interpretation of this scene wasn't so much that she's attracted to the female model, but that she's just seeing how young (in comparison) the model is and how full of hope she appears to be. Perhaps she sees the model as exemplifying the idea of possibilities and opportunitities. We all look at advertisements sometimes and are drawn in by the promises—the happy, smiling people; the nice cars, the good looking partners. Perhaps that's how Jennifer feels. Perhaps it's a mix of both. Our favorite moment in this short film is when Jennifer comes up and hugs Robert from behind while he's sitting at the edge of the bed, reassuring him despite the fear and hurt they feel, and actually expressing a little bit of lasting care for him. Just because you break up with or divorce someone doesn't mean you hate them forever or never want anything to do with them. Parents who share custody of children often share a tenuous albeit mutually-caring and respectful relationship with the ex-partners they've had children with. Some people who've been divorced often remain friends and acquaintances. There's a part of this embrace that says, "A part of me will always care about you. You're not forgotten. You're not unloved. You're not uncared for. You'll be ok." Perhaps the thing about this part of the scene that stood out to us the most was how hopeful and excited Jennifer seems to feel about her future. She seems excited and hopeful about exploring her sexuality. She even smiles. This smile is—alongside the closing shot—the only hint of joy in this film. This film otherwise has a really dreary, angsty, somber feel. Another thing you might be able to extract from this short film is that Robert appears to be getting dressed for something, wearing a dress shirt and tie. Why would he be getting dressed up if he were getting divorced? We like to think that it might be because he's getting ready to start seeing people and dating again. However, somewhat contradicting this, he still wears his wedding band as if still trying to hold on to his marriage. It's very deliberate as we get close-up shots of his band when he rubs his eyes near the end. The other part of this film that's quite powerful and beautiful is the last shot: a framed photo of the happy, smiling couple sitting on their nightstand. The remote control and vase really give the audience the impression that they had a good run and that the home they're living in is truly "lived in." There's a real sense of tragedy to it. This is what they had. This is what they've lost. This is what they're leaving behind. So, the concept and emotional resonance of this film are solid. As far as being a quality, entertaining film that you'd want to show to your friends, family, neighbors, aunties, and uncles like it's Titanic, Avengers Endgame, or even the latest telanovela? Not so much. This might get a good grade for a college Psychology project, but it isn't quite something you'd expect to see in a theater or on TV. First of all, it's incredibly short (about 5 minutes) to the point of seeming sparse and rushed. No, we're not saying the production seemed rushed, we're saying that the plot and the character arcs seemed rushed. Case in point: Jennifer goes from "Is this it?" to "I'm attracted to women now, by the way, and I'm leaving you because of it" in the span of 5 minutes. Well, that was... quick. You figured all that out in the time Robert had to tie his tie, say a few lines, and sit down in front of you? It kind of doesn't seem realistic, natural, or organic in that sense. Another thing that we didn't quite like about the film was the choice of lighting. The whole set is showered in this pinkish-purplish-magenta tint. We get that it might be trying to set the mood or convey the idea of this taking place at night (it's very possible this film was shot day for night), but it actually cheapens the look of the film. In good, clear lighting this may have looked a lot better and more professional. This overly stylized, exaggerated lighting kind of looks tacky to us, unfortunately, sort of like an Instagram filter on an image that would've looked great if it was just allowed to stand in natural light. The film was shot in 4K with a Sony FS5 and Atomos Shogun, and that the director personally spent five years completing the post-production—rotoscoping over 100,000 frames for visual effects and color continuity. It sounds like a monumental effort! And he would not give up on this project, which is commitment that should be commended. Another issue we noticed was audio. There are times when it's challenging to hear Robert, in particular. He sounds like he's mumbling, muttering, or talking under his breath, which is understandable given the emotional weight of the scene and what his character must be feeling. Maybe this isn't so much an issue with Blanco's acting or even his projecting, but possibly just with the placement of the boom mic. Maybe it's just too far away from the actor? We weren't in the room or studio, so we don't know, but we can see and hear the result. On that note, some of Jennifer's lines sound dubbed over in post-production, particularly the key line "Is this it?" In fact, this line is repeated twice, and the second time sounds jarringly edited in, seemingly even using the same clip, the same pose (for Jennifer), the same angle, and the same audio. You could argue that it's put in there a second time for emphasis or for poetic reasons (like the chorus of a song or a thesis statement) but it does stand out in a glaring way. Still, Is This the Bed We Lie In? has a meaningful core. Its themes are universally relatable, its emotional beats are heartfelt, and the performances are sincere. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s a passion project in the truest sense of the word. Check it out HERE! |
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