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April 2022 Reading Wrap-Up

 

image showing the covers of the books I read in April 2022


It has been a while since I have done any type of monthly wrap-up, but for whatever reason, I was in the mood to do it for April. I have been slowly having this need to read something really dark begin to creep up on me so I thought it would probably be a good idea to get in some picture books before diving into the darkness to help balance things out. Now I want to read more picture books....AND read something dark. So if things get too dark, I have a way to brighten them back up immediately. 


This is what I read in April of 2022:


Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls & illustrated by David Litchfield

  • ★★★★★ 5/5 - Absolutely beautiful book. It has been added to my physical book wishlist. 

What If... by Samantha Berger & illustrated by Mike Curato

  • ★★☆☆☆ 2.5/5 - Boring and basic. I wasn't a fan of the illustrations either.

My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano & illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
  • ★★★★★ 5/5 - Super cute and sweet. Another book I have added to my physical book wishlist.

A Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule & illustrated by Sara Palacios
  • ★★★★☆ 4/5 - This gave me cute warm and fuzzy feelings. 

Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood & illustrated by Meg Hunt
  • ★★★★☆ 4/5 - A cool, modern Cinderella re-telling. 

Life by Cynthia Rylant & illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
  • ★★★★★ 5/5 - Stunningly beautiful illustrations paired with a story that feels more directed towards struggling adults than kids. 

Library Mouse 3-5 (A World To Explore, A Museum Adventure, & Home Sweet Home) by Daniel Kirk
  • ★★★★☆ 4/5 - Listen, I'm a sucker for books with mice as characters. 

Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao
  • ★★★★★ 5/5 - I loved this book. I wrote a full review of this you can read here.


After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back up Again by Dan Santat 
  • ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 - Honestly did not expect this one to hit me as hard as it did. 

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch & narrated by Tai Sammons 
  • ★★★★☆ 4/5 - First audiobook I have listened to in a long time. This book is deceptive. I thought it was going to be dark....but had no idea how dark of a turn it would truly take. 

Be the Boss of Your Stuff: The Kids’ Guide to Decluttering and Creating Your Own Space by Allie Casazza
  • ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 - This was a Goodreads Giveaway win. I like the gentler approach to dealing with clutter and making your space less stressful.

Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
  • ★★★★★ 5/5 - Picked this up while at my local library after seeing it EVERYWHERE. It lived up to the hype.

Reilly's Luck by Louis L'Amour
  • ★★★★☆ 4/5 - Not a genre I have ever sought out nor an author I have read anything by...but I have repeatedly been recommended L'Amour's books over the years. Since I am trying to expand what genres I am reading, I thought it would be the perfect time to finally give westerns and Louis L'Amour a chance. I don't regret it.

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
  • ★★★★☆ 4/5 - Another book/author I have seen hyped up (usually in the horror community). Not the greatest thriller I have read, but still solid. I'm currently reading another book by Tremblay...look forward to my thoughts on it next month (if I don't do a full review).


So, there we are. I read fourteen books during the month of April. I also watched one movie only to find out when logging it on IMDB and letterboxd that I had already seen it years ago. Needless to say....it was rather forgettable.

Sunday, May 1, 2022

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Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao - Book Review

book cover of Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao


I would like to say a quick thank you to Random House Children's Publishers and Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend for me to read and review!


Winnie Zeng is about to start middle school. This is something she takes very seriously. Regardless of preparing for almost every scenario she can think of, after making mooncakes using her grandmother’s cookbook, she is faced with something she wasn’t able to prepare for. Now, she is forced to choose between saving the world and keeping up with the overwhelming pressure of growing up in an Asian household.


I loved this book and have placed it on my physical book wishlist. The cover is beautiful and was the main reason I decided I wanted to request an ARC. It just screamed, "Hey Sarah! This is a book you are going to devour! Come get it! "


Thankfully, the contents are just as wonderful as the cover. All bookworms know that the best reading experience is the kind when you start reading a book and it just starts flowing as if you are watching a movie. The world disappears, and time no longer exists. Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend did that for me. The characters are all interesting, and the dynamics between them are realistic. I also really love Winnie’s personality. I need the rest of the series immediately!!!


Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao is expected to be published on April 26th, 2022.


Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5


Is it worth reading?


Absolutely. A great read regardless of age. This is especially perfect for fans of Turning Red and those interested in Chinese culture.


Book Information:  Goodreads


Author Information: Official Site, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Youtube

Sunday, April 10, 2022

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100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden into a Healthy Bird Habitat by Laura Erikson - Book Review

 

book cover for 100 plants to feed the birds by laura erikson


*I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. 

Expected publication: December 20th, 2022 by Storey Publishing, LLC


This is an in-depth and easy-to-understand book that helps you build the perfect long-term backyard habitat for wild birds. At first, just looking through the book, the amount of information given can be a bit overwhelming. As someone who just started using bird feeders a year ago, I had no idea how much there was to know about creating the best possible environment for my winged friends.

However, the information is presented in a way that is both friendly to beginners and still interesting to those who have more experience. It has so many useful tips (invasive plants, different perspectives..etc) and includes details for each season as well. I love how organized the book is too. It is set up to be more than just a book you read once and then move on. It is the perfect book to have on hand to use as a constant reference when changing things up in your outdoor space.


Rating: ★★★★☆ 4/5


Is it worth reading?

👍 Great for those just starting to take an interest in birds and those working on gardens.


Book Information: Goodreads

Author Information: Goodreads 

Saturday, March 26, 2022

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Hi there! My name is Sarah. I write reviews of books and movies. I also occasionaly provide free tarot readings (make sure to check the tarot info page if you are interested).

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Wondermajica is the home of a book dragon who likes sharing her opinions on things. I post reviews, lists, and the occasional recipe.
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