Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Start of the cooking theme and a Jem Milton connection

Voyage de Gourmet by Paul Tobinm

Hunger Heart V01 by Jem Milton

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Recently I picked up two books about food and a social theme. I thought that it would be fun to do a review of “food books,” only to realize that they have a same author/illustrator as well, so it made sense that these graphic novels would have similar themes. And as Jem Milton’s style really says “I am a Jem of a book,” the illustrations connected as well. I will start with Voyage de Gourmet by Paul Tobinm, Jem Milton and Micah Myers. First, not […]

Rather hip witches

Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars by April Suddendorf

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cbr16bingo Celestial  When I hear the word celestial I don’t think of Space or Stars, I think more spiritual, lofty, and Sun. The spiritual does lead to some religious aspects, but also more magical things. Like earth, and mother, and witches. The female theme comes together in a book for young readers/listeners. And while I think of myself as a feminist, I think we can “overdo” that sentiment. This  time, we are not getting it pushed too “hard” but it is not lacking. It does […]

Moms and Dads are rad

Some Moms by Fifi Abu

Some Dads by Fifi Abu

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I had a few minutes before bed the other night and had a need for a quick read, so I picked up two goofy, lovable picture books by Fifi Abu. Find an image of Abu, as they look everything like a Fifi, but nothing like what I expected (which is fantastic, as the author is half the fun of a book for me). And  if you found that image on the book, well, read the book(s)!  As well as the author burb. Spoiler: as a […]

The Abuela, the Grandson and the Parrot

Squawk of Spanish by Gabriella Alderman

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I have read several books about “not speaking language X” and the troubles it causes with family and/or friends. This time, in Squawk of Spanish, we have a young boy, Max, who cannot speak Spanish well (he has trouble with his rolling Rs), but that’s okay, his grandmother’s parrot does! So when the two (abuela and grandson) bake together, between the three of them, they have their routine down and get the job done. But when the parrot has decided to not to come home […]

The balance of your magic

Shakti by SJ Sindu

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Shakti is a terribly cute, modern story (several GLBTQ characters and diverse people) but does not dwell on the diversity, but the story of how Shakti herself starts coming of age. This is probably my favorite part as Shakti is representing differences while making it relatable to everyone who reads. Even to the adult-kid-at-heart who is writing this review. SJ Sindu’s book was not an “OMG BEST BOOK EVER!” book, but I liked it and glad I read it now and not when it first […]

Spicy pancake celebrations

Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin Zalben

Attack of the Scones (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk

Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wen

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Who doesn’t love food? I mean most people at least like it or have at least one thing they like. And if you know me, I like books as well as food. So when I can combine the two likes it is always fun.  I will start with Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin Zalben with illustrations by Thai Phuong. Due late August 2024 (read via an online reader copy), this picture book shows how we can have a lot of celebrations in our lives, and […]



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