I have been posting on Wondermajica since 2016. That is seven years of almost consistent posting. You would think by now that I figured out how to do everything and keep a good schedule. I haven't. I tend to go full blast only to burn out and then repeat the cycle. I never narrowed my blog down to a niche. I post what I want depending on my mood. The quality of my posts tends to vary depending on my self-esteem and energy levels. Seven years and I have never looked at it as more than a hobby that gave me an outlet to share my opinions (something I struggle with). 

Sometimes, seeing others who are more committed to their blogs can leave me feeling envious and down on myself. I find it hard to share my blog posts on social media because I feel like a fraud. However, I still receive requests from authors to review their books, so maybe I'm doing something right after all...

My analytics show that I am doing okay page-view-wise. Yet I can't get over feeling a bit down over not having much interaction with readers or followers. Silly huh?

When it comes to starting a blog, many people think it's all about finding a profitable niche or using social media to make some cash. But Wondermajica takes a different approach, choosing to prioritize simply existing and sharing ideas and opinions with the world.

I'm not entirely sure why I'm writing this, but I just wanted to share my thoughts. Sometimes blogging can be really frustrating.

I do this to help authors promote their books. I do it so I can practice sharing my thoughts. I do it to have a creative outlet. I need to quit forgetting that.

*I received an E-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*

Lost and Found is a charming tale about a group of lost toys. Dino Boy, Moody (a unicorn mood ring), Hamburger Hippo, and Tina the Ballerina are stuck in a summer camp's Lost and Found building. Dino refuses to stay and along with his new friends set out on a mission to find a home. Lost and Found is a beautifully illustrated and sweet story that doesn't get old with rereads. With its heartwarming storyline and captivating illustrations, Lost and Found is a must-read for young readers.

Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Should you read it?

This is a wonderful choice for a bedtime story or for children who feel lost. 

Book & Author Information: Goodreads

Published: December 24, 2022

Natalie Shampanier: Goodreads

David Pavon: Goodreads

*I received an E-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*

From the viewpoint of middle child Sam, a struggling farming family deals with numerous traumatic events. As the family experiences more and more unfortunate circumstances, a tragic accident threatens to tear them apart. From the award-winning author, Sandra L. Rostirolla, comes a painfully realistic view of how our inner monsters can take over. 

As we follow along, Sam goes from acknowledging others' "monsters" to learning more and more about them and how to confront his own. Additionally, the ongoing mystery of what caused some of the bad energy in his home is slowly being revealed. This all leads to a truly heartbreaking discovery that shows just how desperate our monsters can really make us. 

It was very challenging for me to read this book. I would strongly advise reading the trigger and content warnings before trying this one if you struggle with mental health issues. In my own life, I battle depression. I found this book so hard to read because of just how real it portrayed that struggle. I can definitely say that it is probably the best depiction of depression in a book that I have read so far. The author's ability to capture the complexity of the emotions and thoughts that come with depression is truly remarkable. It was both comforting and challenging to read a book that so accurately reflected my own experiences with mental health. I could see myself in multiple family members at different points in my own life. It made me feel seen, which is not something I experience often.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5

Should you read it?

Making Friends With Monsters is a powerful book that realistically depicts mental illness. I think everyone should read it --HOWEVER-- please be mindful and take care of yourself. If you think this book may trigger you, skip it or save it for later. 

Book & Author Information: Goodreads

Published: Published April 4, 2023

Sandra L. Rostirolla: Goodreads, Instagram, Official

*I received an E-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*

This is one of those children's books that, while being excellent for its target audience, is also so repetitive that, if you're an adult, your brain is about to have a bad time. Having said that, I believe that reading a book about feelings is always a good idea. Especially since this book is reassuring the reader (and possible reading assistants) that feelings are normal and okay. There's nothing wrong with feeling sad or mad. We will go through a wide range of emotions throughout our lives, so it is best to learn early on that the best course of action is to simply feel them. Too many generations have been taught to suppress their emotions.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5

Should you read it?

This is a wonderful resource to use for young children and toddlers when beginning to explore different emotions.

Book & Author Information: Goodreads

Published: December 17, 2022

Albert Choi: Goodreads 

Anna Choi: Goodreads

Bettina Brasko: Goodreads

*I received an e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*

After discovering a treasure map, Catlumbus embarks on a quest that results in friendship.

I really enjoyed this book. The idea of a sailing cat is cute, and I adore the illustrations. The ending felt a little rushed, and then, of course, there's the elephant in the room. Taking inspiration from Christopher Columbus for the name of the lead cat in this day and age was a mistake. If you are going to use something from the past as inspiration, you really need to do research first.  The name Columbus is now associated with colonization, slavery, and genocide. It's important to be mindful of the historical context when naming characters or things.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5

Book & Author Information: Goodreads, Storygraph

Published: February 7, 2023

Franny Plaia: Goodreads

Katya Galkina: Goodreads