Persistence pays off

The following book was kindly sent to me by the author, B.C.R. Fegan, who requested a review. This book is out now and you can get a physical or ebook copy by visiting the publisher's website, TaleBlade Press, or by checking out Amazon. :-)

The Grumpface by B.C.R. Fegan with illustrations by Daniela Frongia is told entirely in rhyme. It's the story of Dan who is a clumsy dreamer inventor who is simply trying to win over the affections of the girl he's loved from afar. The Grumpface is a creature determined to thwart anyone he comes into contact with no matter how earnest or good-hearted. It's not a huge leap to learn that the main character and Dan have a run-in and shenanigans ensue. If you're looking for a sweet book about a character that never gives up no matter how insurmountable the odds then you should look no further. Added bonus is that this book is told in rhyming verse which hearkens back to the fairytales of old (and which little people especially enjoy). This is one that I think they'll be requesting over and over to read. 7/10

Source: TaleBlade Press

**If you're interested in buying this book or any books really, you can click here or here. The first will re-direct you to AbeBooks and the second will re-direct you to The Book Depository. These are great websites for purchasing books (AbeBooks carries inexpensive used and out-of-print books and The Book Depository ships free everywhere in the world). Full disclosure: I will receive a commission on all sales made by following either of these links. I wouldn't recommend a site that I didn't use and you are under no obligation to purchase anything. :-) **

Lifting the veil

I can't remember how I came to find out about today's book but I am certainly glad that I did. The book is Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved with illustrations by Charlotte Pardi. (It's translated from Dutch to English by Robert Moulthrop.) The premise is a simple one: Teaching children how to handle the grief of a loved one who passes away. (Coincidentally, it might help adults as well.) The illustrations themselves are quite unique and beautiful but when linked with the words are perfect and stunning. The story follows 4 siblings who wait with Death who is there to take their grandmother. It's a poignant depiction of the tension that one feels when sitting at the bedside of someone near and dear to your heart. It's a lifting of the veil so that if a child were to experience death they would see that without it there can be no fervor or joy in life. It's a two-sided coin. It's an extremely touching story and I think it is a really lovely way to introduce a difficult topic to children (you can't shield them from it forever and you really shouldn't try). 10/10 and highly recommend to all ages.

Source: The New York Times

Source: Brain Pickings

**If you're interested in buying this book or any books really, you can click here or here. The first will re-direct you to AbeBooks and the second will re-direct you to The Book Depository. These are great websites for purchasing books (AbeBooks carries inexpensive used and out-of-print books and The Book Depository ships free everywhere in the world). Full disclosure: I will receive a commission on all sales made by following either of these links. I wouldn't recommend a site that I didn't use and you are under no obligation to purchase anything. :-) **

Love, love, love

Not too long ago I watched a beautiful little animated short film entitled The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. There is no dialogue and yet it (excuse the phrase) spoke to me on a very personal level. Imagine my delight when I discovered that it was created by the same man that created that other magical movie Meet the Robinsons! Yes, William Joyce has stolen my heart once again with a tale that is both heartbreaking and hopeful all at once. Of course, I knew that it was more than likely based off one of his books and I was right. Much like Meet the Robinsons which I reviewed not too long ago, Joyce wrote a beautifully illustrated picture book called The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore which is about exactly what the title implies. This is the story of a man who loves books and indeed is trying to write one of his own when a crazy storm comes along and upends not only his whole life but the buildings of his entire town. In a brilliant move of cinematography, after the storm everything is in black and white to depict the bleakness of his situation. But then he sees something which completely changes his outlook...I don't want to spoil this bit. This is about the power of the written word and the transformative power that books hold over the imagination. It is a love letter to literature. It's charming and extraordinarily moving. I admit to crying over the film AND the book. I urge you to take a few minutes and enjoy them both because they really are worth your time.10/10

I love love love his art style. Source: sccl.org

**If you're interested in buying this book or any books really, you can click here or here. The first will re-direct you to AbeBooks and the second will re-direct you to The Book Depository. These are great websites for purchasing books (AbeBooks carries inexpensive used and out-of-print books and The Book Depository ships free everywhere in the world). Full disclosure: I will receive a commission on all sales made by following either of these links. I wouldn't recommend a site that I didn't use and you are under no obligation to purchase anything. :-) **

What is 'chick lit' anyway?

My bestie knows me well.  Where the Heart Is was a wonderful read.  Heartwarming, quirky, dramatic, and romantic.  This book is pretty much the equivalent of a "chick flick".  If you've seen the film and enjoyed it, you'll absolutely love the novel.  In fact, knowing what's going to happen (or in my case vaguely remembering) won't spoil a thing because the writing is done in such a way that you feel compelled to keep turning the pages.  If you're looking for a book with a lot of heart (pun completely intended), this book is ideal for you.

I've discovered over the last couple of years that I'm a sucker for a book that really delivers on the "epic romance" trope.  I'm hoping this next book won't disappoint in that arena.  Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion is about a zombie that falls in love. A zombie!  In love!  This book can either be amazingly awesome or it could be absolutely atrocious.  I'm going to take the bullet for the team and find out.

Until next time, keep reading!!