Pets – Cannonball Read 17

What army base is off limits on Passover? (Fort Leavenworth) but seriously, this is a serious (but fun) story

The Passover Pet Surprise by Ana Maria Shua

September 2, 2025 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

When I am not sure how to start a review I look up punisher descriptions and/or other peoples reviews. Part of the publisher’s description has this mentioning how it is about freedom for the Jewish people-and their pets, and that is a good way to start my review for The Passover Pet Surprise by Ana Maria Shua. The characters in the story are visiting family for the holiday. The children are either having their first one or are old hats. But when they decide that freedom […]

Halloween stories are not just for one day

Murray's Howl-o-ween: A Halloween Picture Book by E. G. Keller

May 14, 2025 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Unlike Murray in Murray’s Howl-o-ween: A Halloween Picture Book by E. G. Keller I love the country (though “after cow” isn’t my fave scent). Murray is a dog that likes the sounds and smells of home. He’s less than impressed with the odd smells, the weird decorations and the company (a cat). But eventually, he will learn about the wonders of something called Halloween and the treats are much sweeter than the tricks of earlier. Due in July 2025, it will be out in time […]

I probably rewrote this review a billion times before I thought I was done, then realized I needed more, so just read this book okay?

You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir by Harry Bliss

February 20, 2025 by BlackRaven 2 Comments

I learned early on in my journey of reading Harry Bliss that there are two styles when it comes to his artwork. One is kid friendly and the other adult friendly. However, via an online reader copy of You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir, I learned there is a third type to Bliss: the really adult Bliss. This memoir takes slices of life and puts them on the page of a journal. These journal entries, illustrations and more come out in the book. He […]

Harley’s Boys…er… Hyenas

Harley Quinn's Bud and Lou: Trouble Times Two by Ben Hed

December 9, 2024 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The title, Harley Quinn’s Bud and Lou: Trouble Times Two by Ben Hed is exactly what you expect from a hero/villain comic/graphic novel, and that makes this a fun read. It is comforting, and yes, it is cheesy and goofy and has way bad puns, but I want more of Bud and Lou! They are perhaps the coolest hyenas since The Lion Kings Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed. Hed is the author and illustrator of several comics, but the only one I know I have read […]

Just a couple of moms and their talking cats

Urban Tails by Ilana Zeffren

December 4, 2024 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

I first found Urban Tails by Ilana Zeffren as an online reader copy, though the book has been available since May 2022. I was having trouble reading it online due to the illustrations. The text bled into the images. The colors were dull and this made things feel unfinished overall. The story wasn’t engaging me. But there was something about it that made me want to read it. I knew there was something there. Perhaps it was because it was about Israel. Or because there […]

I like picture books

The Duck With No Luck by Gemma Merino

Stray Dog for Christmas: How Suzy Was Adopted by Jack Jokinen

September 9, 2024 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

How many times will I tell you I really like picture books? Oh at least once more, or I should say at least this review. Not only are they quick for the adult reader, but they allow you to spend time with your favorite little reader, or make a reader with the right book, or find your classroom having a quiet time. And these two books fit the ticket. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the story, The Duck With No Luck by Gemma […]

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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