In a Nutshell: A cute little children’s book about ‘love at first sight’ between a dachshund pup and a little girl. Lovely story, great word usage, whIn a Nutshell: A cute little children’s book about ‘love at first sight’ between a dachshund pup and a little girl. Lovely story, great word usage, whimsical illustrations. Much recommended.
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Plot Preview:
“Puppy 3” (who shall later be called ‘Siggy’) isn't sure about what he is meant to do, but he likes to think about a lot of things such as his breakfast or the robins outside his window or his mummy who isn't with him during the day. When he sees a little girl come to his place, his world changes immediately. The story is written in Siggy’s third-person perspective.
Children’s story books often have dogs, but dachshunds are not among the commonly found breeds. So when I saw this book with its quirky cover art and featuring a sausage dog, I knew I would give it a go.
This book is a prequel to introduce us to the adorable little dachshund puppy named Siggy and his little owner, a girl named Phyllis. This book was actually published AFTER the first book of the series, but I wanted to begin here. The story is complete in every way, as children’s illustrated series books often are.
Though this book is just for us to know how the two cuties met, the story still gives us a great glimpse of their personalities. Siggy’s thoughtful ponderings and Phyllis’s enthusiastic response towards the pup are so beautiful to read!
I think the book lends itself to many discussion points about dogs and their emotions, particularly about living with humans. Children might have questions about how it feels for such young pups to leave their mother and siblings, so better be ready with a convincing explanation.
The book is a bit text-intensive, so it might not be for independent young readers. But I appreciate how the font size is comfortable for little eyes and the page never feels cluttered even if it has a lot of text. The typeface is excellent, and the plain black text is at times interspersed with coloured text whenever emotions need to be stressed. The whole approach is fabulous.
The illustrations are amazing. The graphical style is so whimsical that each page feels like a work of art. I loved the sketches and the warm colour tone.
Overall, I enjoyed this cute little tale, and look forward to reading more of Siggy’s stories. If you have ever looked a dog in the eye and felt an instant connection, you will love the bond between Siggy and Phyllis.
Recommended to all doggy-loving little ones. The book ought to be great for ages 4-8 years.
4.25 stars.
This book is available free to download on the author’s site once you register for his newsletter.
In a Nutshell: A heartwarming picture book about a little space lover and his ‘mission’. Loved the story, writing, characters, and ending. The illustrIn a Nutshell: A heartwarming picture book about a little space lover and his ‘mission’. Loved the story, writing, characters, and ending. The illustrations are great as well. The information on meteors was a bonus. Much recommended.
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Plot Preview:
Young Milo loves space and dreams of playing take-off with his “Second-in-Command”, his Mom. Unfortunately, Mom has plenty of tasks and even though Milo helps her, her list of chores never seems to diminish. When the weather forecast predicts a meteor storm in the middle of the night, Milo is desperate to witness it. But will his Second-in-Command have the time to help him accomplish this mission? The story is written in Milo’s third-person perspective.
All children love to look at the moon and the stars, but several actually dream of flying through space. Young Milo is one such sweet kid. I loved how he considered himself the Captain of his spaceship. Usually in such stories, we see the child being accompanied by their pet dog or cat on ‘space missions’. So it is adorable to see Milo considering his Mom as the ‘Second-in-Command’. This situation is true for so many single kids with no pets: their parents are their playmates.
Of course, Mom’s busy schedule ensures that Milo sets an important example for little readers. He doesn’t wait for his Mom to ask for help. Whenever he sees her busy, he helps out in whatever way he can. More importantly, he does so without fussing or complaining about too much work or of wanting to play. Even when he wants to see the meteor storm, he doesn’t throw a tantrum or demand a commitment from his mother. I loved his sweet attitude.
These two characters have a lot to teach us. Even adult readers will understand the importance of ensuring that little ones chip in for smaller chores, the necessity of prioritising and organising their day, and the value of creating happy memories. The text repeats the word ‘together’ in the scenes where Milo is helping Mom, indirectly highlighting the closeness of sharing tasks. The book thus incorporates many relevant life lessons into its storyline.
The learning doesn’t just stop at morals. The back content offers some interesting information on meteors, and even provides a link that updates readers about local meteor showers. The plot includes a reference to the Leonid Meteor Shower, which is active every November. So if you want to watch it, this is the month!
The story is written in lyrical prose, with easy-to-understand words. There is a good use of alliteration, repetition, onomatopoeia, and even some rhyming words. The description of the meteor shower is very poetic.
The inside illustrations are also very nice. Created digitally, the sketches portray Milo’s inter-stellar dreams as well as his earthly tasks beautifully. His passion for space is especially visible in the artistic rendering of his room. The cover is also cute, but honestly, it doesn’t do justice to the story and the inner illustrations. A couple of the illustrations contain a tiny dialogue, but these aren’t written in speech bubbles. Some readers might miss out on these.
The author’s note at the end is also sweet, sharing her own memory of watching a meteor shower in her childhood. No wonder she wrote the scene so beautifully!
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet book. Milo’s missions, the homely one as well as the moonlight one, offers plenty of joy and insight to young readers. He is a great role model, and his mother too sets high parenting standards.
Definitely recommended. This would be a great option for all parent-child readaloud sessions, whether the child is a space enthusiast or not. (And parents: those early years go by in a flash, so enjoy the bonding moments and tiny helping hands as much as you can.) The official target age group is 4-8 years.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Picnic Heist Publishing for providing a complimentary copy of “Milo's Moonlight Mission” via the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program at my request. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
In a Nutshell: A lovely picture book teaching a much-needed lesson in today’s world. Great story, quirky illustrations, excellent life lessons. A stanIn a Nutshell: A lovely picture book teaching a much-needed lesson in today’s world. Great story, quirky illustrations, excellent life lessons. A standalone new entrant to the ‘My Crazy Stories’ universe. Recommended.
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Plot Preview:
When Jimmy’s parents are going out for the evening, they leave him in the hands of a new babysitter named Ms. Cherry. Jimmy behaves wonderfully until his parents leave, and then unleashes his hidden side. With him flexing his speed and fearlessness and temper, Ms. Cherry has a tough time keeping up. But then, something happens and Jimmy is forced to question his attitude. The story is written in Jimmy’s first-person perspective.
We are living in a material world, and we are raising a material generation because of our short-term thinking. Giving so many things to children – at times, even if they don’t need anything new – trains children to take their possessions for granted. Instead of being grateful for what they have, they constantly want more. The blame for this is entirely on the shoulders of the caregivers, no doubt. But here’s a storybook that will hopefully help kids themselves realise their privilege.
Jimmy’s character is representative of many children today. He has no value for what he owns, does what he wants without respect for those around him, and throws tantrums when things don’t go his way. Plus, he shows one side of his personality in front of his parents, and behind their back, the paragon of virtue turns into the pinnacle of obstinacy.
Ms. Cherry was an angel; I would have lost my cool with Jimmy within the first five minutes. While I would have preferred her to be more stern, I still admire how she instilled good values in Jimmy without demeaning him. Moreover, her admonishment isn't restricted to generalised aphorisms but includes practical advice. More kids could do with such babysitters (and parents).
As the story comes in Jimmy’s first-person POV, it has quite easy-to-understand vocabulary, There is a good use of capitalisation, repetition, hyperbole, and exclamations. Some lines are written in slang, but they suit Jimmy’s verbal style. While there is a lot of text on some pages, it is neatly spaced out and never feels cluttered.
The illustrations are somewhat quirky. As the character sketches aren’t in the typical style we see in children’s books, the graphics have a sort of freshness. Ms. Cherry’s eyes appear somewhat devoid of emotion at times, but this is counterbalanced by Jimmy’s vivid expressions. You can actually see the mischievous glint in his eyes. While the illustrations are digitally sketched by the author, many of the pages include inserts of actual photos. The page with the popcorn disaster, for instance, uses images of actual popcorn kernels to indicate the mess. This takes some time to get used to, but the technique adds an unusual depth and realism to the otherwise cartoonish look. I especially loved the “Let’s Fly” page, with the graphics transitioning from Jimmy to someone special to Cherry – so beautifully done!
Overall, this is a great story to inculcate an attitude of gratitude in little ones (and hopefully, in their parents too. It delivers well on entertainment as well as morals, thus making it an excellent option for children.
This book is a part of the ‘My Crazy Stories’ series, which seems to be a set of standalone books each focussing on one important moral lesson. Given my experience with this book, I’d definitely love to explore more books from this series.
Much recommended. This picture book would be a great option for little ones aged 3-8 years.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to My Crazy Stories and IBPA for providing the DRC of “Mighty Thankful” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
In a Nutshell: An illustrated anthology containing true-life narratives related to the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison. Horrifying and infuriating. DefIn a Nutshell: An illustrated anthology containing true-life narratives related to the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison. Horrifying and infuriating. Definitely recommended, but make sure you are in a good headspace when you read this.
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The below review comes from an angry place; I apologise if it sounds aggressive. I don’t mean to hurt anyone’s sentiments, but I found it impossible to control my emotions while penning this.
I wrote and rewrote my review for this book thrice before finally giving up on all hopes of diplomatic politeness. Each time, no matter how much I tried to stay on point, I was going off topic into a rant about US politics (both present and past), its spiteful attitude towards people of non-white origin, and its total apathy to any issues faced by non-white people. Reading this book reminded me of all the reasons many countries have historically looked upon the US as the world’s bully.
In 2007, a Pakistani dramatic film was making waves across nations. ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ (released as ‘In the Name of God’ in international markets) narrated the story of two young Muslim brothers whose lives changed radically after the 9/11 attacks in the USA. Certain scenes in the movie were so shocking that my husband and I wondered if things were really that bad in the USA or if a certain cinematic license had been taken. Reading this book shows me that the movie was actually a toned-down version of the truth. The facts are even more horrendous. And unlike the movie, real life doesn’t always come with a happy or hopeful ending.
As the tagline indicates, this graphic anthology contains “true accounts from the world’s most infamous prison”. It begins with an introduction to Guantanamo Bay ”Detention Center”, explaining how it came into being and why it isn't called a prison and why its captives aren’t called “prisoners”. (The reason is so unbelievably devious!) The introduction is among the most powerful and bravest I have ever read in nonfiction. It offers several shocking stats related to the prison, not a single one of which is positive.
The main content comes in twelve chapters. The first and the last chapters document the author’s quest to capture some insider perspectives into the place. The middle ten chapters each contain a graphical depiction of original interviews taken by the author with various people who have experienced Guantanamo, whether as an inmate or a legal counsel or a military employee.
I won't go into major details as I want you to learn the story of these people from them directly. But here are some reveals that really caused me to blow my fuse:
1. The Guantanamo Base is in Cuba. If you are wondering why Cuba allows such atrocities on their soil, you need to read up on how the USA effectively stole this land from Cuba by a ridiculous one-sided, coerced and indefinite lease and is refusing to return the land.
2. Remember the interrogations you see in Hollywood movies? Yeah, those don’t happen in real life. Do I need to tell you that the Guantanamo interrogation techniques are a hundred times worse?
3. Post the 9/11 attacks, thousands of dollars were paid to Afghani and Pakistani locals in exchange for information about suspects. No one ever verified if the information they provided was legitimate or accurate. Common sense tells us how this system can be misused.
4. The inmates at Guantanamo are denied even habeas corpus, which is the basic right of all prisoners. Oh right, they are not “prisoners”! ...more
In a Nutshell: A collection of 365 trivia from assorted subject areas. As mindboggling and amazing as the title suggests. Some of the inclusions soundIn a Nutshell: A collection of 365 trivia from assorted subject areas. As mindboggling and amazing as the title suggests. Some of the inclusions sounds too wild to be true, but they are. Much recommended!
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The title clearly indicates what this book is, but it also constrains the actual scope of the book.
365: that’s the official count of entries in the book. But there’s a surprise at the end.
Amazing: Well, the content is amazing, but it is too prosaic a word for such a fabulous collection.
True Things: accurate enough. Every entry is true, even if it seems wildly wild!
To read in bed: Again, valid. But such a limiter! The book can be read anywhere and anytime!
Of course, the introductory note by the author does mention that while you can read the book anywhere, the best place to open it would be your bed. He justifies this thought with some solid reasoning. I leave it to you whether to listen to him or me. ...more
In a Nutshell: A graphic comic highlighting several systemic social and feminist problems in modern society, especially but not only related to women In a Nutshell: A graphic comic highlighting several systemic social and feminist problems in modern society, especially but not only related to women and women’s rights. This collects books 1 and 2 of the author’s feminist comics series. As the tagline indicates, this is “feminist”, and in the right way, not in the male-bashing way. Some of the topic choices were unexpected, but most left a mark. The translation didn’t satisfy me a few times. A worthy read, nonetheless.
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Author Emma is a Parisian running a successful podcast as well as creating comic strips that make us question many things society takes for granted. She has published four books in her “Un autre regard” series, the first two of which are combined in this English edition.
The book works like a social manifesto, making a call for action not through unjustified aggression or finger-pointing, but through a logical justification of all problematic issues with real-life examples. It is not focussed merely on “feminism” in its (un)popular meaning but on understanding the embedded negative social strictures in the correct light and rectifying them as needed. It also highlights the power of a collective united voice and collective intelligence.
The book begins with a powerful introductory note by the author. She says these comics were an outcome of “two years of social analysis and observation in pictures”. It shows. Her topics cover several essential topics that are relevant to us at an individual, societal, political, and global level.
The titular “mental load” is explained in the very first chapter, and honestly, I was blown away by it. I have complained about this for years to my husband, but he never gets my point. This chapter made me feel heard and validated. (Not that it will make much difference at home. But at least I know I am not the only one and that we can change things for the next generation.) Because of topics like this, the book also feels infuriating; it brings to the surface all the emotions we are so accustomed to suppressing.
The main content is divided into twelve topic-wise chapters, not all of which are about womanly concerns. Hypersexualisation in movies and forced episiotomies in some chapters; police brutality and corporate grindwork in some other chapters. The topics are varied but also relatable and relevant to the common person. Three chapters come in the form of narrative stories; these are very disturbing because they represent our twisted and hate-filled society accurately.
The tagline calls this a “feminist comic”, and this might turn some people away from the book. However, the writing is such that even though Emma brings out the flawed behaviour of men, she does so without sounding accusatory. Rather, she questions why society has allowed this kind of evolution, why men have been conditioned to act and react this way. This probing approach is much more helpful than hitting men on the head with the agenda of equality.
The translation seemed mostly okay. The textual content and intent seemed to come out well. Wherever a clarification is needed, there are explanatory footnotes. But why use the vulgar word “pussy” while referring to the female pubic region? It’s such a turn-off.
The page layout of the book is quite good. This is not like a comic with scene development. The message mostly comes through text. But there is never an overload of the textual content per page. It is nicely spaced out, leaving plenty of room for illustrations that complement the textual points perfectly.
Overall, this was an insightful and eye-opening read. Most of the chapters strongly resonated with me. While some chapters were a bit disconnected from my life, I still saw the necessity to highlight those issues.
A must-read, and not just for women.
4.25 stars.
On an aside: “In France, the time spent at work is seen as more important than the work effectively accomplished.” I thought this was a problem only in India!
In a Nutshell: A cute story about a pair of penguins who make a wonderful team. Cute story, cutest illustrations. Written and illustrated by a legallyIn a Nutshell: A cute story about a pair of penguins who make a wonderful team. Cute story, cutest illustrations. Written and illustrated by a legally blind Canadian man. Enjoyed the sweet and wholesome vibes of this book with its understated message. Much recommended.
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Plot Preview:
Pringle and Finn make a great team and they love doing things together, even if they aren’t so great at them. They are the best at baking wedding cakes and love to deliver customised cakes to their various animals friends around the forest on their wedding day. But then comes a big day, and a special wedding cake is involved.
This book is written and illustrated by Paul Castle, whom some of you might be aware of. Paul, along with his husband Matthew, runs a successful YouTube and Tiktok channel, where they document their life with each other, Paul’s struggle with his blindness, and his amazing guide dog Maple. Yes, the WRITER and ILLUSTRATOR of this book is legally blind. Paul has lost over 95% of his vision to the untreatable eye disease named Retinitis Pigmentosa and uses adaptive tools to create his art. I saw a video of his art-making on YouTube and was simply blown away by his talent and determination. If for nothing else, the stunning artwork, with the adorable animals and the vibrant colours, is a strong reason to pick up the book.
The story also is quite good, though somewhat too simple. I love how Pringle and Finn make wedding cakes without discrimination. Their clients are animals entering in same-sex marriages. What I love best about this depiction is that there is no heavy-handed message-thumping, no justification or judgement. The wedding is treated just as a regular wedding, which makes the story feel accepting and loving.
My favourite scene was the final wedding scene – the true icing on this cake. It was so beautiful! There’s a lovely story behind the title of this book, which is connected to this ending. (You can find the story HERE.) I love the word play! The title of the book has been changed to ‘Pringle & Finn’ in the newer editions, which I find cute but don’t like as much.
Each page doesn’t have more than 1-2 sentences, which makes this an easy option for young readers. The vocabulary is also on the easier side, with good use of repetition.
Overall, I mostly loved this simple and heartwarming story of the cutest penguins ever. It might not have impressed me with the flourish-free text, but all the other factors were almost perfect.
My library didn’t have a copy of this, so I accessed a readaloud narrated by the author himself on his YouTube channel, with some soul-soothing violin music in the background played by his violinist husband Matthew. If you want a genuine glimpse of the story, you can definitely use this option. But if you want to support an indie, disabled author in a happy gay marriage, please do buy a copy for the little ones in your life to help them learn that what is most important in a relationship is being right for each other.
Definitely recommended. This is a great option for home and school readalouds, especially for those who love penguins. (Who doesn’t love penguins!???!) Grab this and bask in its radiant rainbow hues!
4.25 stars.
Update - 15th November 2025: It has come to my attention that the author misrepresents certain things on his social media channels about his book being 'banned' and one particular publisher being homophobic. I am sorry for Paul's personal constraints with his eyesight, but using fake reasons to get more pity sales for his books doesn't sit right by me.
In a Nutshell: A graphic memoir about a nonbinary person’s journey towards finding the right home within their body. Honest, heartfelt, and heartwarmiIn a Nutshell: A graphic memoir about a nonbinary person’s journey towards finding the right home within their body. Honest, heartfelt, and heartwarming. Loved the smooth narrative, with the conversational approach helping the content feel more personal. Not a book about definitions or politics. Much recommended to those looking for a book about the interconnection between gender and identity.
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Theo Parish, a Norwich resident, never realised why they felt odd about certain things, such as wearing girls’ clothes or having girly hairstyles. They also didn’t understand why they gravitated towards hobbies not traditionally considered feminine. It was only after many years of introspection, self-awareness, online searches, and personal interactions, that Theo figured out their true identity of being transgender and nonbinary.
In this debut comic work, Theo takes us along their journey, using the metaphor of a journey to help us understand what it is like to be transgender. They set the correct expectations right from the start: this book is not about definitions and labels, just about doing what you think is right and best for yourself.
I love that the book is written in the first person, and addressed to the reader. This makes us feel like we are getting a ringside view of Theo’s experiences. It also makes the tone of the writing highly conversational and connected instead of detached.
The map and journey analogy Theo uses in the first chapter is brilliant. It sets a clear foundation to understand why some people might not fit into the presupposed gender binary. I also love the metaphorical “homebody”, never expecting it to be so literal – quite smart!
The book is quite fast-paced. It is easy to complete the 224 pages within an hour or so. The writing never focusses on the macro aspects such as governmental policies about LGBTQ citizens, pride protests and so on. As a memoir, its focus is solely on Theo’s lived experiences. Thus readers can find much information and inspiration from Theo’s story because they keep the content very grounded and relatable. Even if you aren’t trans/nonbinary, you will be able to identify with some of the internal confusion Theo feels about their physical identity and societal expectations about gender roles.
In between the comic chapters containing Theo’s life experiences, there are several pages that contain declarations and affirmations about the trans identity and Theo’s self-realisation about the same. These are fabulous and probably my favourite part of the book. I especially loved the line: “There is no one way to be transgender, just like there is no one way to be cisgender.”
Unlike many people facing such dilemmas, Theo is blessed with an incredibly supportive family. Be it their parents or their siblings, there is neither a question nor an apprehensive look at Theo’s stages of “coming out.” They are always readily accepting. That’s one reason why Theo’s struggles stay somewhat muted in the story as a lot of their identity conflict is internal and introspective rather than expressed through external verbal arguments or bullying. I am not sure if Theo sanitised the more traumatising parts of their life experiences to keep the overall tone of the book slightly milder as it is aimed at teens as well as adults. Most of the LBGTQIA memoirs I have read are full of angst or anger, especially at the start. Not this one. The dominant tone is of love, care, and acceptance, even in moments of uncertainty. This makes the book feel unique.
I wish the content had clarified Theo’s age at various stages of their journey. There is a clear passage of time, but after the post-school years, it is tough to figure out how long Theo took before they finally understood where they stood on the gender spectrum and found inner peace with their newly recognised identity.
The illustrations are mostly good. Almost monochromatic, the graphics use sober pastel tones throughout. This muted palette helps keep the focus on the characters without distractions. I especially loved the sketching of the “homebody”. I also appreciate how, though it's a comic about the body, it stays away from nudity.
Much recommended. Theo’s story is a great way for us to understand the complexities of gender and how all of us, no matter our gender identity, struggle to feel at home in this body of ours at some time or the other. As they rightly point out, “we are ALL deserving of comfort and safety[…] in our homebody.”
In a Nutshell: A picture book about a little boy and his big, biiiig problem. Written by a teenager about his experience with his own autistic brotherIn a Nutshell: A picture book about a little boy and his big, biiiig problem. Written by a teenager about his experience with his own autistic brother, so there is a beautiful thread of hope, love, and determination supporting this story. Helpful and insightful. Definitely recommended.
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Plot Preview:
As the vacation is about to begin, little Noah is pondering over a big, biiiig problem: he wants to play with his younger brother Gabriel, but cannot. Gabriel is autistic and hence his brain functions differently. However, Noah is not one to give up. He tries a variety of fun activity options with Gabriel, but the result is never successful. Just when Noah thinks he might not be able to overcome his big, biiiig issue, he hits upon a big, biiiig solution. The story is written in Noah’s third-person perspective.
This book was originally written in French under the title ‘Le gros problème de Noah’ in 2023. This English translation will be published in October 2025. The translation is impeccable.
I don’t think I have read any fictional picture book that explains autistic behaviour to children, though I am sure such books exist. What caught my eye in this case was that the book was written by a then-fourteen-year-old boy based on his experience with his autistic younger brother. As such, every page feels heartfelt and honest.
Noah is the star of the story. I was apprehensive that the book might show his getting frustrated or angry with his brother. But his struggles are written sensitively without any fake positivity. The problems as well as the positives of living with an autistic family member comes out beautifully through his thoughts.
Noah has plenty to teach little readers, whether they are dealing with a similar “biiiig problem” or not. The solution he hits upon is universally applicable: thinking not about what you want but about what the other person wants. His determination is also inspiring. I love how his thoughts always includes Gabriel’s positive qualities instead of only focussing on his inability to play what Noah wants. The subtle message is important to remember and understand: Gabriel is much more than his autism.
The book helps readers to understand how autism manifests itself without going into the technical details. Using the KISS principle to optimal effect, the story focusses on the behavioural tendencies of autism in general. A picture book obviously comes with certain format limitations; it cannot go into much details about how autistic behaviour has a spectrum or how individual people with autism can react differently to the same techniques. But within its restrictions, the book does a commendable job.
The story is written in a very accessible format, with about 2-4 sentences per page. The sentences are lengthy at times, but the language used is easy to understand. The book makes great use of the repetitive “big, biiiig” qualifier to indicate Noah’s inner thoughts.
The book ends with an adorable photo of the young author and his brother, followed by a sincere note explaining how and why he wrote this book. Don’t miss this section.
The sketches accompanying the story are cute. The illustrations seem to be coloured in a kind of smudged water colour with bold outlines. This was a bit distracting to me at the start as the outlines seem to stand apart from the painted hues, but they grew on me as the story went ahead.
Overall, I found this a lovely picture book addressing an important and relatable conundrum in an easy-to-understand manner. It will be very helpful not just to siblings of autistic children but to anyone dealing with children/adults on the spectrum.
Definitely recommended. It would be a great addition not just to homes with autistic children but also in schools and counselling centres. This book is officially aimed at readers aged 5-9 years.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Chouette Publishing – Caillou for providing the DRC of “Noah's Big Problem” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Oh, and while I am on the topic, I might as well issue this PSA: Vaccines don’t cause autism, no matter what certain fools want you to believe. Stay safe, stay aware.
In a Nutshell: An illustrated collection of feline fairytales and folktales from all over the world. Great organisation and brilliant introductions toIn a Nutshell: An illustrated collection of feline fairytales and folktales from all over the world. Great organisation and brilliant introductions to each segment. A fabulous option for cat lovers, as long as they remember that fairytales and folktales haven’t necessarily aged well.
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Quite a few folktales and fairytales include animals as characters. And one of the most common creatures to be found in these is the cat. This book collects forty such stories from twenty-eight countries/cultures. Almost all regions of the world are represented. The earliest stories in this compilation, taken from traditional oral lore, are thousands of years old. The most recent one is from the nineteenth century.
The introductory note, brilliantly penned, highlights the role of cats in fairytales and folklore. It then explains the basis of organisation for this book. The forty stories have been distributed across seven categories. The first section contains stories connected to the origins of cats, and the remaining six explore one essential feline element each, such as ‘The Greedy Cat’, ‘The Malevolent Cat’, ‘The Mischievous Cat’, and so on. This method works amazingly well, because the key adjective in the section title prepares us for the kind of cats and themes to expect in the story.
The writing style is quite "raconteurial". As many of the tales are from oral traditions or classic collections, there is a strong storytelling feel to each entry. Many use repetition, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole to enhance the dramatic impact. These features make the book a good option for read-alouds as well. The stories vary in length, but most would fit suitably for a bedtime reading session.
The tales are, as expected, of their time. They are fun and magical and even moralistic, but they are also slightly misogynistic and cruel. I was disappointed to see so many daughters being handed over by their wealthy fathers as a prize to some lowly man who did one thing right, and so many lacklustre men winning favours from stunning women. The animal fables came with their own brand of cruelty, with the cat often using its position as a meso-predator to attack and kill. Then again, these aren’t flaws of the book but of the original fairytales, so I cannot really hold this as a shortcoming of the collection. But such content did affect my enjoyment, and in turn, my overall rating.
Given that many of the stories have roots in conventional storytelling, they contain timeless morals that provoke thought even today. Sample this: "Beware of fools with pretensions of greatness." Doesn’t that remind you of several world leaders these days?
What I love the most about this book is that it is chock-full of elaborate notes. Each of the seven categories contains an introduction about the specific theme of that section and how cats fit into that role in folklore. Further, every single one of the stories also has its own introduction, offering an interesting glimpse of the tale and its background. I love that these are placed right before the story, so we read each tale knowing its origin and history. The country/culture the story has been taken from is also mentioned clearly in this write-up. In a few cases, the introduction was so brilliant that I enjoyed it more than the story itself.
The book is peppered with some adorable B&W illustrations of cats doing catty stuff. ...more
In a Nutshell: A cute little picture book from a younger brother’s perspective about his “bestest” big brother. Quite a sweet story and charming illusIn a Nutshell: A cute little picture book from a younger brother’s perspective about his “bestest” big brother. Quite a sweet story and charming illustrations. Loved the message about giving space. Recommended.
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Plot Preview:
Nano loves his elder brother Felix and considers him the bestest big brother in the whole world. So much so that he loves doing EVERYTHING together with his brother. As you might guess, Felix isn't too happy about this. One day, Nano finds a new sign taped on the door of Felix’s tree house: “No nanos Allowed!” Hmmph! Nano will just build his own tree house. It can’t be too difficult, right? The story is written in Nano’s first-person perspective.
Where there are siblings, there are sibling squabbles. This picture book covers one such tiff, where an elder brother goes from being the “bestest big brother” to the “worst big brother ever!” within a few hours.
I’ve read many picture books about sibling connections between sisters. This is the first time a picture book about brothers has come my way, and it’s quite interesting to see the similarities amid the differences.
It is quite amusing to see the contrast in the behaviour of the brothers. The younger fellow is obviously chaotic and messy, while the older sibling is orderly and careful. (From my *unbiased* feedback, can you guess whether I am the elder or younger sibling? ...more
In a Nutshell: An astounding nonfiction work chronicling the endeavours of some “custodians of wonder”, people who are among the last few practitionerIn a Nutshell: An astounding nonfiction work chronicling the endeavours of some “custodians of wonder”, people who are among the last few practitioners of their craft. Covers a variety of rare skills/jobs from ten countries, including one from India. Informative, insightful, dismaying, heartwarming. A beautiful book for those who still believe in the importance of traditions and want a ray of genuine hope in this fake/filtered world.
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Globalisation and modernisation have brought many benefits to humankind, no doubt. Unfortunately, a globalised world also ends up diminishing and even destroying localism.
In this age of digitization and outsourcing, there are so many skills that are either considered obsolete or abandoned for easier, machine-made options. Even for something as basic as cooking, every subsequent generation is opting for simpler recipes and faster cooking methods. (Myself included. I can't even imagine doing the laborious and time-consuming procedures involved in Indian cooking the way my mother does.) Research has shown that any practice/language with reducing adherents dies out within a couple of generations. So many of the features and beliefs and traditions that make us essentially us are getting diluted/extinct this way. Thankfully, there are still enough people around the world doing their best to save their traditions, some of which have just a handful of practitioners left.
We often hear about who was the first to do something. This book takes the opposite approach. Author Eliot Stein, an experienced journalist and editor at BBC Travel, ventured across the world in search of people who are among the last purveyors of their skillset. In the ten chapters that comprise this book, he brings to us not only an almost-lost skill/job, but also the thought process of the person who still does it diligently.
The ten entries we see in this book cover a range of skills, from relatively common-sounding ones such as cooking and painting to the unusual bee-talking and mirror-making. However, the level of artistry we see even in the common skills is beyond par. Some of the techniques mentioned in the book take hours to create and years to refine. The commitment level seen in these people is much beyond most of the human population.
Reading the way these artisans not only commit to their work but also try to ensure the continuity of its legacy is inspiring. It is really sad that these people are among the last few left who still do what they do. Even their attempts at spreading the knowledge of their skillset haven’t borne much fruit, but they strive ahead in hope.
The book is a labour of love and it shows on every page, through every interaction, every anecdote. There is so much heart and reverence in the writing that readers can feel the same intense emotions the author must have experienced while interacting with these talented yet humble people. I love how he focussed not just on the art and the artist, but also included the ethos of the country and its history/geography/politics as needed. This helps us get a well-rounded picture of the art and its present endangered status.
At the same time, the writing isn't biased towards the artist nor blind to contemporary problems. The presentation is clear about the challenges faced. There is neither a forced optimism nor a false ray of hope. Each chapter winds up with a wonderment at what was, and a wondering about what is to come.
The skills/jobs highlighted in this book come from, not surprisingly, the four continents with the oldest and richest histories in the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. I do not wish to detail what exact talents and job roles the book includes as I want you to discover them for yourself. So here’s a slightly vague feedback.
Of the ten skills/jobs in the book, only one left me somewhat underwhelmed as I couldn’t see the “wonder” in the skill depicted in that chapter; it just felt like a modified work profile of a common-enough task. The remaining were mind-blowing. My favourites among the artistic inclusions were the stories about an Incan grass-woven bridge, an Indian mirror (no bias here; it was an astounding chapter!), a rare Sardinian pasta, and original Japanese shoyu. The chapters highlighting each of these have the perfect balance of history and geography, modernity and traditionalism, despair and hope. But the chapter that touched my heart the most was the final one, tantalisingly titled "The Most Romantic Job in Europe". The “wonder” in this chapter was almost magical!
I truly, truly appreciate that the research for this book wasn’t done sitting at home. The author actually travelled to all these places, visited with the artisans, and took the efforts to understand their point of view, and even the perspective of those who might not agree with their approach. This authenticity of reporting is evident in every chapter.
How I wish the book had included photographs also! There are so many beautiful places and techniques and creations mentioned that I had to keep running to Google to visualise what I was reading. Even B&W photographs would have helped somewhat.
Overall though, my complaints are teensy. I absolutely relished learning not just about an art but also about people, creativity, and determination. This book honours the essence of humankind – our individuality that no AI can replicate.
Much recommended to all nonfiction readers interested in sociology, anthropology, history, geography, travel, culture, and biography.
Wait... let me reframe that, because some of those subjects will drive most readers away. ...more
In a Nutshell: A YA Fantasy about two apprentices of rival sorcerers who are forced to team up. Loved the characters, the storyline, and the ending. GIn a Nutshell: A YA Fantasy about two apprentices of rival sorcerers who are forced to team up. Loved the characters, the storyline, and the ending. Great inclusivity and worldbuilding. The YA elements are handled mostly well, except for the F-bombs. Definitely recommended to fans of the genre.
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Plot Preview:
Rook enters the office of Antonia Hex, the most powerful sorcerer in Spire City and owner of a business specialising in breaking curses and hexes and spells, with just one intention in mind: to ask for a job. The last thing he expects is for her to actually accept his request and appoint him as office staff. Of course, he can't reveal to her that he has a secret reason for wanting to be in her employ: he wants to gain access to her spell books for a covert device that he is building.
Sun works as an apprentice to Antonia’s rival Fable. Both Fable and Sun are as meticulous about following rules as Antonia is about rebelling against hackneyed regulations. As the two pairs keep bumping into each other while handling cases, sparks (be they of magic or temper or attraction) fly! Soon, things go out of control, and Rook and Sun are forced to take some tough decisions.
The story comes to us in the alternating first-person perspectives of the two apprentices Rook and Sun.
Many of my friends know that I am not a big fan of YA novels. I am not against the genre, but most writers do not do justice to YA storylines. This is one rare exception. It is perfect for YAs and a good option for adults as well.
In a Nutshell: A graphic novel depicting one day in the life of a French family, the day after Princess Diana’s death. Clever use of the tragedy withoIn a Nutshell: A graphic novel depicting one day in the life of a French family, the day after Princess Diana’s death. Clever use of the tragedy without milking it for melodrama. Excellent writing with many poignant moments. Slice-of-life in the best possible way. Great illustrations. Much recommended.
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Plot Preview:
One day after Princess Diana’s death. Eight-year-old Lulu loves playing with his dolls, putting on his mom’s lipstick, and enacting fairy tales with his best friend Yoyo, even dreaming of kissing Yoyo after a fairy tale rescue. Lulu’s elder sister Cam has a secret older boyfriend sneaking into her bedroom at night, unknown to anyone else except Lulu. Their mother is waiting for their father, who didn’t come home the previous night. When he finally comes, they realise that something needs to change. We see this day from the perspective of the three key characters: Lulu, Cam, and their mother.
This book was originally published in French in 2022 under the title ‘Toutes les princesses meurent après minuit.’ This English version was published in 2024.
Looking at the above preview, you might wonder how it fits in with the international tragedy being reported on TV. The hint is in the title. Initially, it does seem like Princess Diana’s death has nothing to do with what’s happening in Lulu’s family. As the story proceeds, we realise that it is not just about the actual princess who died in that tunnel at dawn, but three more metaphorical princesses who realise that life isn't as straightforward as they thought it would be. The title is figurative, and apt for the book, though you will realise this only once you complete the story.
This is a story with many layers, so I don’t want to spoil anything by delving into the plot. All I’ll say is that I am super-impressed by how the author managed to incorporate so many themes into the story without making it feel overburdened or preachy. As it takes place on a single day, a lot of the content is implicit, and it is up to us to decipher the clues. Though it is a family drama, it focusses more on internal conflicts than external mudslinging, and in several panels, the characters’ expressions are all we have to interpret their emotions.
The story also contains a few songs that have a significant role to play in the characters’ emotions. I knew only one of the songs, but luckily, the text includes the relevant lyrics. Thus, even without knowing the tune, we can see the poetic impact of the lyric and how it corresponds to the character’s state of mind at that time.
The three characters whose perspective we see are varied enough to keep the proceedings interesting. Lulu will win your heart easily as a major chunk of the narrative focusses on him, but even his sister and his mother have well-defined personalities. Each of their tracks has a love story at a different relationship stage, and as with all love stories, each involves heartbreak.
The illustrations are brilliant, both in terms of sketching and colouring. Using a watercolour style with a crayon effect for the artwork was the right decision. There is a lot of fluidity in the plot and in the characters as well, plus there are actual scenes with water. This artistic choice ensures that the plot and the graphics complement each other thoroughly.
The author’s parting note of thanks to fairytale princesses – Disney and real – was the most touching and apt ending. It gave me the feeling that at least a part of this book might have been based on actual incidents in the author’s life, but I am not too sure about this.
Overall, this is a beautiful and bittersweet story with some memorable characters and intricate storytelling. Slice-of-life is a tricky style to execute, but this book handles it quite well. I am not usually a fan of this style, but this time, colour me impressed!
Definitely recommended to graphic novel enthusiasts looking for a literary kind of graphic experience with a poignant and layered storyline.
In a Nutshell: A illustrated chapter book with two interesting characters and a fable-style narrative. A nice mix of realism and fantasy. Loved the wrIn a Nutshell: A illustrated chapter book with two interesting characters and a fable-style narrative. A nice mix of realism and fantasy. Loved the writing and the characters. Adored the thought-provoking bits of wisdom. I wish the ending had extended at least a couple of pages further, but even as is, this is a beautiful book for all, especially but not only for a joint parent-child reading session.
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Plot Preview:
A young boy is tired of the routine chores his mom forces him to do everyday. So when he wakes up one bright Saturday morning, he makes a special plan ‘before chores ruin this special day.’ He takes his best friend – Walter, his teddy bear – and decides to run away from home into the uncut grass beyond his house yard. Walter tries his best to dissuade the boy, but the boy is determined to ‘be free’. What happens next?
Most of you would certainly have heard of South African comedian and host Trevor Noah. His shows are funny, but if you have read his memoir ‘Born a Crime’, you would know that underneath that light-hearted façade, he incorporates deep thoughts and feelings. Even when he hosted ‘The Daily Show’, his views were balanced between comedic and serious, both at the same time. He now extends this duality of thought to this illustrated chapter book.
The book begins with an author’s note, offering a background into the conception of and intention for this story. The write-up is a bit too detailed for younger kids, but adults will be able to appreciate it better. He states that it is not a children’s book but for a book for parents and children to explore together, but that it can work even if you aren’t a parent or a child.
I found it striking that the book was inspired by conflicts between Noah and his mother during his childhood. It made me wonder if the story would be negative in approach, or if it might support a child’s view against parental dominance or strictness. After all, parents (at least traditional ones) feel duty-bound to ensure that their children follow certain rules, which children obviously don’t understand or appreciate. However, Noah handles the delicate topic skilfully, beginning with a “conflict”, highlighting the thought process of the protagonist with many valid reasons, offering the counter-rationale through Walter the bear, and ending on a note of hope. What I loved most of all is that the book isn't biased towards parent or child. It presents a balanced narrative, even though the boy’s mother is never an active part of the plot.
This doesn’t mean that the book is just about parent-child conflicts. With some talking animals, magical beings, and animated objects, the book adds a good dollop of fantasy to what might otherwise have been a serious topic. Each chapter contains a new adventure with unexpected characters and thought-provoking life lessons. This, combined with Walter’s sage comments, ensures that the book offers plenty to reflect upon, both for adults and for children.
The unnamed boy and his teddy Walter easily won my heart. Their connection might remind you of Calvin and Hobbes, with less naughtiness and more witty introspection. Walter is really wise, the voice of reason against the boy’s rebellious heart.
As a rule (Oh, the irony of using the word for this story!), I don’t like books that show child characters running away from home. But this book handles the situation perfectly! The boy’s impulsive decision is nicely counterbalanced by his later uncertainty and Walter’s practical advice. I just wish the ending had offered better completion. It does stop on a positive note, with realisation (and hunger) dawning, but it stops at the plan than on the subsequent action. To see their actual return home and an acceptance that rules exist for a reason would have elevated the story further.
The text seems to cater to the purpose of the book well. There are some tough words, but as this isn't meant to be a children’s book, these words could easily be explained to kids by their older reading partners. There is tremendous feeling behind the prose. Whether joy or annoyance or frustration or patience, every emotion comes across beautifully through the text as well as the illustrations. There are also plenty of quotable quotes: some funny, some wise. Sample this amazing line: “The day should start when I wake up. I should not have to wake up to start the day.” Yes, please! ...more
In a Nutshell: A historical speculative fiction that explores complex moral themes and the impact of censorship. Brilliant storyline, intriguing flaweIn a Nutshell: A historical speculative fiction that explores complex moral themes and the impact of censorship. Brilliant storyline, intriguing flawed characters, excellent use of the post-war and Soviet-era timelines. The time-space continuum adds the perfect dash of fantasy and mystery. Somewhat slow in pace and a bit farfetched at times, but overall, a dazzling debut. Don’t overthink, and you will enjoy it better.
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Plot Preview:
1938. Nuremberg, Germany. Eleven-year-old Lisavet is trapped in the mysterious library-like time space when her father, a watchmaker, pushes her in for her safety against the pogrom. When he fails to return, Lisavet grows up amid the books, which contain memories from across countries and eras, and spectres who wander the alleys of time. But soon, she sees some humans also enter the time space, where they seem to be destroying books for some nefarious motive. Now Lisavet has a purpose in the endless time: to save scraps from those ruined books into her own volume of lost memories. Not until many years later, when an American spy interacts with her in the time space, does she learn what’s happening in the world she left behind. 1965. Massachusetts, USA. Sixteen-year-old Amelia is mourning the death of her uncle Ernest. Now orphaned, she isn't sure what to do when a stranger named Moira, a colleague of her uncle’s, offers her Ernest’s watch and enlists her help in tracking down a missing volume in the time space, a concept Amelia hasn’t even heard about. She soon learns that time isn't what she thought it was, and Moira and Ernest aren’t who she thought they were. The story comes to us in the alternating third-person perspectives of various characters, chiefly Lisavet and Amelia.
PSA: This is NOT like ‘The Midnight Library’. I wish every book with a magical library were not compared to this title. It sets very different expectations, and even turns many readers away.
Don’t you just love it when debut authors aim for the stars in their imagination? So refreshing to see a debut handle a complex plot adeptly! The last time I had this satisfying experience through a debut fantasy was with Gareth Brown’s ‘The Book of Doors’, a book I kept thinking about while reading ‘The Book of Lost Hours’ not just because of the similarity in the title but also because of the presence of doors and choices and philosophy in both. Rest assured, the rest is totally distinct and novel.
I’ll keep the rest of my review vague as it will be quite easy to spoil this story.
Bookish Yays: ⌚ The relative freshness of the storyline.
⌚ The spotlight on censorship and how it affects human progress. Apt in this era of book banning and minority voice suppression.
⌚ The depiction of how memories make us what we are –intriguing! (Also demonstrated in Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’!)
⌚ The main characters – layered, complicated, utterly human. Not always likeable except for Ernest.
⌚ Some of the secondary characters. A special shout-out to dear wise Azreal.
⌚ The twisty reveals. Though I guessed the key ones beforehand, I love how they were disclosed and also how they made sense. I also relished how the reveals were made when they suited the plot and not dumped on us at the end.
⌚ The manoeuvring of the two timelines without much foreshadowing. Amazing how both were historical timelines and yet felt so distinct! Appreciate the clear time indicators in both timelines.
⌚ The use of poetry in a historical speculative work! I was impressed at how precise the verses were for the situation. And I don’t even like poetry!
⌚ Incorporating the Cold War feelings of US vs. Russia without following the hackneyed path – nice!
⌚ The love story. For some time, I thought the story would turn into a typical romance, but no… it turned into an epic love story. (Love story ≠ Romance!)
⌚ So many thought-provoking quotes! Sample this: “We always feel as though we’re standing at the precipice of our lives, all our years still stretched before us. Not realizing that at any moment, something could come along and push us over the edge. We are all immortal in our own time. Until we aren’t.” ...more
In a Nutshell: A historical literary fiction focussed on three ordinary people and the way their paths cross with each other. Excellently sketched chaIn a Nutshell: A historical literary fiction focussed on three ordinary people and the way their paths cross with each other. Excellently sketched characters, a complex and thought-provoking plot, a realistic ending. Great use of the 1970s small-town Wisconsin setting. An amazing debut! Much recommended to lit fic lovers.
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Plot Preview:
1970. Every morning, one train leaves from Minneapolis to Chicago via Milwaukee. One small stop it makes is at the tiny station of Oconomowoc in Wisconsin. Lincoln is a forty-year-old ticket agent at the Oconomowoc train station. Though it has been many years since his wife left him, he still struggles to move beyond. Vera is a teenager determined to look for someone from her past. She is gearing up for her first ever train journey, boarding at Oconomowoc and going to Chicago. Violet, a single woman in her fifties, has only one major regret from her past, and she hopes that this journey from Minneapolis can help her set right a mistake she made many years ago. We hear from these three characters’ third-person perspectives, and see what drives them ahead on this ordinary day.
The storyline is much more intricate than what I have written above, but it is best to go into this novel blind. Keeping my review somewhat vague for this very reason.
In a Nutshell: A contemporary fiction about a young man who finally learns the value of self-acceptance. Excellent characters, storyline, writing, andIn a Nutshell: A contemporary fiction about a young man who finally learns the value of self-acceptance. Excellent characters, storyline, writing, and life lessons. Drags a little in the final few chapters, but overall, a beautiful and meaningful read. Much recommended.
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When Michael was seven, he had a near-fatal accident that left him with severe physical scars and eventually led to foster care. Now nineteen, Michael has learnt to keep his scars hidden. On signing up for film class, he is taken aback on seeing that his professor Robert Dunning is also disfigured, but unlike Michael, he doesn’t hide his scars. Encouraged by Dunning, Michael plans to make a documentary about body image issues in scarred people. When he places an ad seeking potential interviewees, he learns that too many people in society are unhappy with their bodies. With their stories and also his own, Michael realises some important truths about scars, whether physical or mental. The story comes to us in Michael’s third-person POV over two broad timelines: the present and the past.
In a Nutshell: A historical saga spanning six+ decades, focussing on two characters and their life through China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and USA. ExcellenIn a Nutshell: A historical saga spanning six+ decades, focussing on two characters and their life through China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and USA. Excellent characters, research, historical atmosphere, and story development. The reverse flow of the two timelines is brilliant. A bit too lengthy and dragged at times, but overall, a worthwhile read.
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Suchi was just seven when she first met Haiwen in Shanghai. Newly shifted to the neighbourhood, Haiwen is somewhat reserved, but Suchi falls in love with his violin, and her peppy behaviour soon ensures a strong friendship between them. But as the years go by and the situation in China changes under its foreign rulers, the pair is forced to take some tough decisions, which may not bode well for their future together. The story is spread across six+ decades, and comes to us from the lead characters’ alternating perspectives. Suchi’s POV begins in 1938 and moves chronologically ahead, while Haiwen’s POV begins in 2008 and moves in reverse order.
In a Nutshell: A literary speculative-fiction novel coming from multiple characters and timelines. Innovative concept, thought-provoking exploration, In a Nutshell: A literary speculative-fiction novel coming from multiple characters and timelines. Innovative concept, thought-provoking exploration, excellent character-driven writing, slow pace. Can’t believe this is a debut! Much recommended but not to all. Don’t read the GR blurb.
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2025, London. Yuki and Sam, both in their mid-to-late thirties, are just another ordinary married couple. Happy with each other, a bit bored with their routines, desperate to have kids but not successful yet. Yuki is an enthusiastic member of the local MP’s team and is passionate about causes. Sam is a slightly frustrated work-from-home graphic designer with ambitions of becoming a musician. An American pharma company plans to introduce Yareta in the UK market. Yareta is a drug that can extend human life by at least 200 years and already successful in the USA. Yuki immediately joins the protest team. Sam thinks otherwise and considers taking the drug. Over this, their paths diverge. The story comes to us from multiple decades – past, present, and near future going up to 2039 – and third-person perspectives from several diverse characters.
PSA: The GR blurb calls this a romance. It is not! A love story, yes, to some extent; a romance, definitely no. Also, the blurb contains a major spoiler about the ending. The primary tag on Goodreads is Science Fiction, but this is more literary fiction with a dash of speculative.
Rosh ~catching up slowly~
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