Nature & the Natural World – Cannonball Read 17

Talking about a murmuration

One Dark Bird by Liz Garton Scanlon

February 14, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Ever pick up a book and think, that it looks like an “X kind-of” book? I did with One Dark Bird by Liz Garton Scanlon. It looked like it would either be a book of one long poem or each page would have a mini-poem on it. It was neither. And both. This is mostly due to Fran Preston-Gannon’s cover illustration. This book just looks like a poetry book. There are bold, deep, rich colors. They are situated in such a way that they flow […]

Trot right over and find this foxy number!

Little Fox in the Snow by Jonathan London

January 14, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Little Fox in the Snow is a beautiful, realistic story of what a fox does (hunts mice, rabbits, explores and more). This is a refreshing twist to modern stories. Jonathan London tells you this is what a fox is. They are an animal that preys on the mouse and rabbit. However, it is done tastefully. You know the fox will eat the mouse and rabbit (London tells you this) but it is not “blood guts and gore.” The fact that the fox has an enemy […]

Accomplishing the circle of life as you go up the mountain path

October 25, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Up the Mountain Path by Marianne Dubuc is a picture book that deals with death in a very “side manner” by not actually saying the character dies. That makes it accessible to all ages and can be used for not just “the death of X” (pet, grandparent, friend, etc.) but for loss and the “circle of life” comes out instead. The badger teaches the cat and then the cat teaches the rabbit. The “grandparent/grandchild” relationship in in play. I wish I could do half points […]

It’s storming outside, but inside we are snug and reading!

September 12, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Sam Usher knows how to create great illustrations. They tell the story without his text to compliment them. I usually am not a fan of wordless picture books, but Usher would be a great candidate for that genre. With that said his book Storm is a text and illustration treat. The grandfather and grandson are back for another adventure in Storm. This time they want to fly a kite as it is so windy and ready for a good storm. Of course, they have to […]

You might not agree with my view of hunting but hopefully will agree this is a good book

September 4, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

First, I will be right up front: I grew up in a family of hunters. My mother could outshoot my father when they meet/where first married. I grew up around guns. I was taught to respect them. If I had wanted to, I am sure my father would have taught me to shoot. I have seen animals displayed in ways many people would not approve of or could possible handle. Second, I am a proud meat eater. Have been all my life. And finally, I […]

And she can hear, louder than the quaking leaves, which side will lose by winning

August 26, 2018 by Leedock 1 Comment

CBR10 BINGO: So Shiny! I have been sitting on this review for a while. It is always more difficult for me to write reviews for books that really move me. This is a meaty book full of WORDS and IDEAS and large number of characters with story lines that need to be followed. I would classify this in what I think of as “epic”. It is deeply character driven and I was instantly invested in the characters. If an author can get me to do […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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