These are a few of my favourite things #19

 

Lifestyle/Other:

Forest Walk

I had a natural break from taking photographs to pursue other hobbies but recently my family introduced me to a woodland I hadn’t explored before. At just the right moment, there were some lovely light effects coming through the trees, and nearby were lots of wild plants growing. I chose to go quite close up with my camera, and these photos were my favourite.

Books:

Best Friends Bakery Cupcakes & Contests by Linda Chapman

We follow Hannah, aged ten, and her love for baking as she takes part in a TV baking contest. I mostly do healthy baking, so when this book delved into how to make bread, I was really excited. 

There’s a strong sense of family, friendship and enjoying your passions. Part of the conclusion surprised me but left me thinking about my own similarities to Hannah. This is the third in the series, but I had no problems reading it as a standalone.

How to Reset by Vicki Vrint

When looking in my local The Works store, I always gravitate towards the self-help section. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by this author, so knew I wanted to give ‘How to Reset’ a read.

Some of her ideas are very interesting, and I found myself using little sticky tabs several times. The words on the front of the book summarize things perfectly: ‘Simple tips to help you rediscover yourself and live life to the full.’

How to Be Awesome by Sophie Golding

I picked this one up as it looked like a fun read. I gravitated towards the typography, bright colours, and charming quality. I’ve read other books by Sophie Golding, so I had a good idea that this would be the same sort of thing.

The tone of voice was upbeat, while supportive, offering simple tips to tweak your routine. I felt it would make a good gift for someone going through a change in lifestyle. It might best suit people in their late teens or early twenties.

Splash! By Flora McDonnell

Splash is a bilingual picture book written in English and French. We learn about how animals keep cool in hot climates, and I felt it was a good way for children to familiarize themselves with another language. The story and illustrations had a beautiful sentiment to them; it was such a pleasant experience turning each page.

A Polar Bear by Mac Barnett

I love when authors and illustrators use simplicity with picture books, and this one showed a lot of skill in how it was executed. We follow an average day for a polar bear, with a play on words, and the use of collage to illustrate the snow and setting.

Dogs in Disguise by Peter Bently

If you have an affection for dogs, I think you would enjoy this one as much as me. As you turn each page, it’s nice to take your time looking through the artwork. The humour, rhyming, and memorable illustrations make this a wonderful picture book.

How to Grow a Unicorn by Rachel Morrisroe

This isn’t just a book about unicorns, but also about a little girl’s relationship with her grandma and their connection through gardening. Along with the magical elements, it was a really great allrounder.

13 Modern Artists Children Should Know by Brad Finger

This book does what it says on the tin, introducing children to the top artists that are worth knowing about. It was well laid out, easy to read, and a great choice for children who have an interest in art.

Films:

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

‘This updated adaptation of the classic fairy tale tells the story of Danielle (Drew Barrymore), a vibrant young woman who is forced into servitude after the passing of her father.’

There’s just something about this film that I enjoy coming back to every so often. The original story of Cinderella has always interested me, particularly as a child, and I felt the retelling was done well.

How has your month been?

Have you found any recommendations? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #29

Paper Girls, Vol. 6 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4/5

If you are new to this series, we follow a group of time-traveling paper girls in a wonderfully, weird dystopian world. The illustrations and colour choices are beautifully done throughout. I recommend it to anyone who thinks they would like to get into graphic novels, as this is where I primarily started. Volume six was wrapped up really nicely. I can’t believe I’ve finally finished the Paper Girls series!

Sunshine and Spaniels (Primrose Terrace Series #2) by Cressida McLaughlin - 4/5

I started and completed the Primrose Terrace series this year and would recommend it to those looking for a quick kindle series. We follow Cat and her move to Primrose Terrace where she sets up a dog walking business. She quickly becomes friends with her neighbours, and romance starts to blossom. Part two was my least favourite, but overall, it’s a beautiful, heart-warming series. Anyone who likes dogs will love this!

The Busy Girl's Guide to Digital Photography by Lorna Yabsley - 4/5

This book is a great starting point to learn more about photography and gain confidence to develop your skills. Important information such as exposure, the big three and other technicalities are included in the first chapter. In the next chapter we move on to portraits, covering different types of people as well as composition. 

Different events are discussed later for example sports, weddings, etc and there’s lots more valuable information as you go through the rest of the book. Topics are explained in an accessible way, and everything is broken down clearly. I found it to be a fun, and interesting read.

Productive Life: Tips for Setting Goals and Being Productive by Scott Thourson - 5/5

This is a concise, profound look at how to be more productive in a work and home environment. It covers types of goals, why goal setting is important, golden rules of goal setting and much more. This was an informative, inspiring read about the psychology of goal setting and how to set goals successfully.

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō - 5/5

This author previously brought out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying in 2014 and it became a big sensation. I was a little late to the party reading it but it became one of my all-time favourites. I love learning about tidying, and when I saw Kondo had brought out a fictional manga book, I knew I wanted to read it.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the story of Chiaki, a young woman in Tokyo with a messy apartment and needing a new direction in life; interesting. This graphic novel is fantastic in its own right, with its own share of valuable lessons to be taken from it. 

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell - 4/5

In this graphic novel we follow Deja and Josiah who work together at their local pumpkin patch, and are seasonal best friends. Finally, seniors, this will be there last season, so they want to make the most of it. The illustrations are wonderful, and the story is well-paced with lots of autumnal vibes. I liked all the autumn snack references throughout for example toffee apples, s’mores, kettle corn, apple cider slushees, and more. 

Live Green: 52 Steps for a More Sustainable Life by Jen Chillingsworth - 5/5

This is a dinky little coffee table book, with a generous amount of knowledge about how to live a greener lifestyle. Everything is covered from home and garden, eating green, slow fashion, natural beauty, a simple Christmas and so on. The book is beautifully presented, and I learnt a great deal from the authors extensive tips. It was a charming, and insightful read overall.

Have you added any of these to your reading list?

Do you have any autumn reading recommendations for me? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #28

 

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Alison Ritchie - 4/5

This picture book caught my eye because it featured Christmas and dogs. It’s a remake of the twelve days of Christmas poem, with a twist. I can see this book appealing to all ages, and enjoyed being read aloud. The illustrations are adorable, and I found it very festive.

The Library by Sarah Stewart - 3/5

In this children’s picture book, we follow Elizabeth Brown who entered the world short-sighted, shy and ready to fit into the role of a stereotypical book worm. While the book gives a cosy, warm-hearted impression of bibliophiles; I found the story quite dated and cliché. The illustrations were lovely, and I can see most book lovers taking something from the story.

Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen - 5/5

Hygge was a big deal a few years back now. I’ve read a few related non-fiction books and I found it refreshing to read some fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and having known a bit about hygge previously, the author really pulled off that warm, cosy feeling. It was lovely, escapist, filled with friendship and fresh starts.

The basic premise is set around Bo, who wanting to forget her worries for a while takes a trip to Denmark. She finds herself sharing a holiday cottage with a group of people and due to the bad weather, they get to know each other through the joy of hygge.

Claude The Magnificent by Chris Capstick - 4/5

Firstly, this is a beautifully presented book and the illustrations are lovely. Claude the Magnificent is an artiste in search of success in Paris. When his hat creations grow bigger, so does his ego and an important lesson is discovered. The moral of the story seemed quite mature for a picture book but I would imagine children warming to Claude the cat.

Coleen's Real Style by Coleen Rooney - 4/5

Without making assumptions about the author’s controversy in the public eye at the time, I think this is lovely book about fashion, beauty and having the confidence to feel good.

Coleen has an eye for what looks good, and I enjoyed her outlook on styling. Most of her ideas are classic and timeless so this book still feels worthy of a read now. There were a few references to fashion at the time though, and sometimes stock images were used, which was a little disappointing.

Overall, if you want something fun, and girly to read about fashion, and much more, I would recommend you give this one a try.

Slow: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Hectic World by Jo Peters - 4/5

This was a wonderful book, filled with interesting quotes, pictures and tips to help you live a slower lifestyle. It covers well-being, relationships, food, nature, etc. I could see it appealing to anybody interested in the topic. It might be a good one to read before bed as I found it relaxing and easy to finish.

A New York Christmas by Anne Perry - 5/5

Anne Perry, is a prolific, Victorian crime writer I didn’t previously know a lot about. This was my first read by her which I picked up from the library. I was interested to read about what it was like living in New York in the Victorian era and dip my toes into a light crime genre.

I like anything set around Christmas, and although it didn’t feel overly festive, the atmospheric account of New York in winter was beautifully written. The crime aspect was just right for my taste, as I don’t like anything too heavy, but it kept me engaged and on my toes. One of my favourites from the month!

Are you currently reading anything?

Do any of these books sound appealing to you? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #27

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living by Linnea Dunne - 3/5

Lagom is a term which describes: “not too little, not too much, just right”. The book promises to reduce your environmental impact, help you become a more conscious consumer and much more, but overall, I felt this read didn’t quite meet my expectations. While the illustrations were pretty; occasionally snippets were interesting; there was too much facts and figures which I found a little dull. The book is beautifully presented however; maybe I’ll try a different author on the same topic.

Katie Morag and the Dancing Class by Mairi Hedderwick - 3/5

This was a sweet story about a young girl called Katie, who grudgingly attends a ballet class but would much rather be outside wearing her wellington boots. Very family oriented which I loved, and centered in the west coast of Scotland; we get a feel of what it’s like to live there. I see myself continuing with the series.

Winter Wishes and Other Stories by Emma Thomson - 4/5

A simple Christmas time read which I can see appealing to girly girls. We follow a group of fairy friends in three festive and fun short stories. The fairies develop their problem-solving skills and find new friendships along the way. I’ve read a few books by this author and this one was one of my favourites.

Five Go to Smuggler's Top by Enid Blyton - 4/5

Enid Blyton has become one of my favorite authors. I remember reading a few of her titles as a child despite not being the most avid of readers but in the past couple of years I’ve been more interested in them. Originally written in the 50’s I found this era a delight to learn about. The story of the famous five staying at an old house during their school holiday had a darker undertone in places, and at points I found gripping to read. I would recommend this book as well as the other books I have read so far in the series.

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis - 5/5

The first in the Chronicles of Narnia series was nothing short of outstanding. We follow two children; Digory and Polly, who discover a secret passage to the house next door which leads to a fascinating adventure. This book was beautifully written and I can see why it’s a classic. I’m highly anticipating reading the remainder of the series.

Conscious Creativity: Look, Connect, Create by Philippa Stanton - 5/5

This book is absolutely, beautifully presented, and would make the perfect gift for anyone interested in the arts. I thoroughly enjoyed the authors perspective on creativity, as she had lots of original ideas. I often have issues with interactive worksheets in books but these were well done. Included are generous amounts of colourful and inviting photography. I dare you not to be inspired. 

100 Ways to Take Better Landscape Photographs by Guy Edwardes - 5/5

I wanted to improve my photography skills; maybe learn a few tips and tricks so I loaned this particular book from the library. There was a generous amount of information included and I learned a lot. The format of the book worked well, for example: the one hundred mini chapters, each with a different skill to be mastered. I’m hoping to apply the knowledge I have learnt into my upcoming landscape study.

Do you have any recommendations for me?

What are you currently reading? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #26

The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne – 4/5

The cover caught my eye when I was picking this book up in the library, and I imagined it might be along the lines of The Princess Diaries. After skimming the premise, the story of a normal girl who meets a prince and falls in love sounded like it might be a fun read. There were moments in the book that felt like a five star read and some like a three. Although for me, the princess prepping and make-over session dragged a little, and aspects of Amy’s character annoyed me; there were lots of really promising aspects to the book.

The romantic spark between Amy and Leo as they first get to know each other was beautifully done. The romance was very wholesome and clean throughout so this book could appeal to younger readers. I was interested in how Amy was pursuing a career in garden design; all the flower descriptions throughout were a great touch. The side characters, each with their own story, felt believable and added something to my reading experience. The writing style on the whole, was easy to get lost in, and a pleasure to devour. If you are looking for a light, guilty-pleasure read; this might be the book for you.

Candy and the Broken Biscuits by Lauren Laverne – 5/5

Firstly, how colourful and fun is this cover? With a battered guitar and some help from her fairy godbrother, Candy, chases her dream of becoming a famous musician staring at music festivals. Alongside this she and her friends try to track down her biological father.

This is actually a really cool read. I enjoyed the immersive writing style and the addition of the supernatural in the form of Candy’s fairy godbrother. I’ve not seen a lot of people talk about this book but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

It's Not Me, It's You by Stephanie Kate Strohm – 5/5

I took a chance with this read, after seeing in on sale in The Works for £1.00. I’m a bit picky about what YA books I like but I found this to be a refreshing take on high school life. After Avery gets dumped right before her prom, she decides to interview all the guys she’s ever dated, her friends, family and even teachers to see if she can find herself. The whole book is written in dialogue, which I wasn’t sure about at first, but it worked well. I liked the host of different characters and the ending was really sweet. I recommend it if you are looking for a pick me up.

The Mona Lisa Mystery by Pat Hutchins – 4/5

There’s something so cosy about old-fashioned books and being attracted to the vintage cover, I snapped this up in a charity shop on holiday. Aimed at children, it’s a fairly simple, mystery set in Paris. There are illustrations included which were quite stand-out for me. I enjoyed this read very much overall.

Five Go Adventuring Again by Enid Blyton – 4/5

I’ve been on a reading kick lately with Enid Blyton books. Blyton is a prolific writer but The Famous Five series is one of her most well-known and I began with Five Go Adventuring Again, which I picked up from the library. We follow the usual gang as they stay with family at Kirrin cottage over the Christmas holidays. There’s a thief, a secret way, and lots of adventure.

I really enjoyed this book and the cosy, old fashioned writing style. The mystery was easy to follow, and I didn’t mind easily guessing what was going to happen. I always feel transported to a different place and time with Blyton’s books. I’m looking forward to carrying on with The Famous Five series.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky  – 4/5

I’ve had this book on my bookshelf for a good while and thought it was time for a reread. Seen as a classic, coming-of-age story and now motion picture, we follow teenage protagonist Charlie as he is finding his way in high school and beyond. He joins a friendship group where his unique perspective on life is accepted. I found this book deep, and unnerving at times but loved it overall.

Evening Mantras: For a peaceful now and an inspiring tomorrow by CICO Books – 4/5

Evening Mantras is aimed to be read just before going to sleep; it has a lovely, relaxing vibe to it with beautiful photography and quotes. The presentation of the book is really special, and it would make a perfect gift for a friend or loved one. If you appreciate uplifting quotes like me then I would recommend you give this one a read.

Are you currently reading anything?

Which of these books sounds most interesting to you? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #25

The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking - 5/5

Meik Wiking had a huge success with The Little Book of Hygge, and after reading it myself I thought I would try his other book. In similar vein to Hygge, Lykke is a Danish word meaning happiness and the book talks us through insights backed by the author’s work at the happiness research institute. This book was both fascinating and inspirational, just flipping through it now makes me excited to reread it.

The Crown (The Selection #5) by Kiera Cass - 3/5

Let’s begin by saying I love The Selection series. For those of you that don’t know, this is a dystopian fairy tale, where America enters a reality TV contest to win Prince Maxon’s heart. The first three books are wonderful reads, but the last two I didn’t seem to rate quite as high. I recommend you give the series a try if you think the premise of the series sounds interesting as I very much enjoyed it overall.

Think Twice (Don't Even Think About It #2) by Sarah Mlynowski - 5/5

Think Twice is the follow up to Don’t Even Think About It. In the series we follow a class of students who find they all have telepathy, and in Think Twice they come to terms with what might happen to them if they lose this new power. I enjoyed the second book even more than the first. Its premise is pretty unique, with additional themes of everyday high school life. The series is enjoyable, escapist, and easy to read so I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.

A Summer Scandal by Kat French - 5/5

This was a library book that appeared in my requests, maybe by accident but I’m glad it did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The plot appealed to me for its uniqueness, and the idea of an adult-themed arcade was done well. The story and characters developed slowly at first, and I loved the romantic tension that built up between the lead couple. While the book was very well rounded in lots of ways; the evocative love scenes were what made the reading experience for me. The ending surprised me, kept me on my toes and things were wrapped up nicely. I look forward to reading more from this author for sure.

Franklin's Flying Bookshop by Jen Campbell - 5/5

I know of Jen Campbell through her Bookish YouTube channel, and in her videos she comes across very eloquent and passionate about literature. I’d been wanting to read this children’s book for a while, mainly out of curiosity but also the illustrations seemed beautiful. My expectations were not let down, the art work was woven into a well written and enchanting story that’s perfect to capture any child’s imagination. I can see it being popular with all ages, I know I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Be More Unicorn: How to Find Your Inner Sparkle by Joanna Gray - 5/5

This is a lovely, lovely little book. Guided by the thought of being like a unicorn, we are told through different chapters how to be more magical, playful, fierce and more. I love the idea of using the unicorn as inspiration for a self-help book. The content was actually really helpful, and uplifting.

Be My Valentine by Debbie Macomber - 5/5

Both story’s featured in this book were really cosy, and lovely to read. This was cheesy, romantic escapism at its best and I could see this book being many people’s guilty pleasure. It is well written, and the characters interactions pull on the heart strings. I might be picking up a few more Debbie Macomber titles from the library, I fully recommend.

Have you read any of these books?

Which one of these sounds most interesting to you? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #24

Angelica the Angel Fairy by Daisy Meadows - 3/5 

I asked my lovely librarian for some easy reads to get myself out of a reading slump, and this was one of the ones she picked. She made some really thoughtful choices throughout. Angelica the Angel Fairy is part of a series, and this instalment includes three connecting stories.

I enjoyed following the special adventures of two best friends and a few magical characters. I particularly loved the last story, which gave me a few laughs. The stories weren’t overly memorable however, and I thought some of the illustrations could have been improved. The cover is really sweet, and I liked the shiny pink.

Moods of the North York Moors by Ian Carstairs - 5/5 

I’m doing quite well with the moods series, as this is the third book I’ve read this year. I’ve been on holiday many times to the North York Moors, so I have a bit of a connection to that area. I found this edition to be the most fascinating, and well written. Many of the photographs had a documentary feel which I appreciated. It was a fairly short but memorable book for me, which I would recommend to anyone wanting to know more about this part of North Yorkshire.

Little Adventurers: Leafy the Pet Leaf by Philip Ardagh - 2/5 

We follow a group of young children called the little adventurers who meet in their back shed, to learn new things. On this occasion they each bring in their pet, but Sprat who has no animal to share, chooses to bring in Leafy the leaf. I liked that the book felt very visual, and interactive but the layout wasn’t clear and overall the story didn’t really float my boat.

Happy Days: Official Illustrated Autobiography by Olly Murs - 5/5 

I’ve loved X-Factor over the years it’s been on TV, but as I wasn’t so keen on the refresh last year I tend to watch old clips on YouTube now. This sparked an interest to read some of the previous contestant’s books, and so far I’ve read Olly Murs, Matt Cardle and James Arthur’s autobiography.

It was interesting to hear about Olly’s life before the X-Factor, as well as behind the scenes experiences after the show. I don’t think this is an official X-Factor book, which I appreciated because some of the X-Factor gossip was more honest. There were loads of photos too, great for Olly fans!

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso - 5/5

Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal clothing company first started out as an eBay seller. Part autobiographical part self-help manifesto, we follow her journey and the huge success she has had building a fashion empire. A quirky character, and most definitely a #GIRLBOSS, her empowering words struck a chord with me. I can see many enterprising, girl bosses taking something from this book.

Summer Adventure Stories by Enid Blyton - 5/5

There wasn’t one story I didn’t like in this collection; Blyton pulls us into her magical worlds so naturally and using just a delicate thread they weave together as a group. Enid Blyton’s work has a timeless beauty that anyone of any age can appreciate. She is one of my favourite authors.

Paper Girls, Vol. 4 by Brian K. Vaughan - 5/5

I’m getting more invested in the Paper Girls series as I go along, and the fourth episode might be my favourite so far. The storyline, and illustrations are superb as always. I can’t see where the plot is going, but I’m excited to find out!

Have you been reading anything in lockdown?

What kind of books have you been gravitating towards? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #23

The Girl With the Lost Smile by Miranda Hart - 5/5

I’m an avid fan of Miranda, both the comedian and TV show so I was curious to see if I would enjoy her first children’s book. Some of her other books have been a bit hit and miss for me but the premise of this book sounded like just my sort of thing.

The girl with the lost smile, is a moving story about a girl called Chloe Long who has lost her smile. She is a courageous, positive spirited and imaginative girl. As we step into her world, we discover why she has lost her smile, and with the help of her imagination, she finds hope.

I suppose you could say this book was classed as magical realism, as we learn about Chloe’s magic land and I thought this aspect was beautifully written. Chloe’s journey through the book, was quite emotional from time to time, and found a special place in my heart. One of my favourite reads of 2020 so far!

The Invincibles: The Hamster Rescue by Caryl Hart - 5/5

In this children’s book we meet Nell and Freddie, who are the best of friends. The story cleverly portrays what school children can be like at that age as Nell is invited to two birthday parties on the same day. While Nell is keen to go to Freddie’s birthday, she makes the mistake of turning up at her much more popular classmate’s party. She soon realises she would much rather be spending time with Freddie and his family.

I absolutely loved this book, the storyline felt very current, and the humour was witty. Each of the side characters added something to the story, in particular Nell’s older brother and his band. The book on the whole was fun, and could appeal to many. The yellow and grey two tone illustrations were done well, but the storyline was outstanding.

Colour Me Younger by Veronique Henderson - 4/5

In this book, we learn how to look younger in your 40’s and above through the power of colour. Follow short quizzes to find what colours in clothes and make-up work best for your complexion. I found the advice, to be very well researched, and insightful in many ways. The photography of everyday women, looking there best through clothes and make-up in the right colours was quite inspirational.

I don’t meet the target audience, I’m a little too young, but appreciated what the book has achieved. There’s another book by the same author called Colour Me Beautiful which I think would be more suited to me that I hope to get to.

Hello, Horse by Vivian French - 5/5

I could tell this was going to be a wonderful read as soon I flicked through. The illustrations, using watercolour and pencil are just so beautiful. The story follows a little boy, as he meets Shannon the horse for the first time; he feels nervous around this big animal, but soon realises Shannon is a gentle giant and they become firm friends. I found the story touching, and I think many children after reading will want to go horse riding for the first time too.

Moods of Hadrian's Wall by Tony Hopkins - 4/5

I picked this book up on impulse at my local library, and was so glad I did. Hadrian’s Wall is a Roman defensive wall across northern England, and we follow its history along with atmospheric photographs at different times of the year. It’s more of a coffee table book really, with an image on each page with a small snippet of information.

I did read it cover to cover, and found it a very enjoyable read. There’s a whole series of these books, in which different places in Britain are photographed in different ways according to the weather and mood. I can see myself continuing, and reading a few more.

Handmade Christmas by Unknown - 5/5

Okay so you may think it’s rather early to be planning my Christmas crafts, but I wanted to get a head start, as I always run out of time for things like this. I was looking for a few simple, yet effective projects, and this book provided me with some really helpful ideas.

The projects range from a large variety of mediums: baking, cards, decorations and gifts. I actually already make handmade cards, and found inspiration from those ideas featured. The projects range in difficulty throughout the book, but I appreciated the easy to recreate ones the most.

I was happy to see many of the projects were environmentally friendly, for example, using recyclable gift wrap, and stamping onto it for decoration. The book is beautifully presented, particularly the festive photography.

Paint Yourself Calm by Jean Haines - 5/5

I previously looked at watercolour as being a hobby for the very skilled, but after reading Haines approach of keeping it simple, enjoying colour and the process; I now really want to get into watercolour. Her philosophy is infectious, and I can see this book being a great source of calm with people of all walks of life.

The book teaches us how to be mindful through simple watercolour exercises and some self-help mantras. I’ve not come across something before in that niche that felt this accomplished. It’s a strong contender for one of my favourite non-fiction reads so far this year.

Do you feel inspired to read any of these books?

Do you have any book recommendations for me? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #22

Happy Christmas Hammy the Wonder Hamster by Poppy Harris - 3/5

Firstly, isn’t this book cover adorable with the festive hamster and graphic type? This was a sweet, engaging book about Hammy the hamster and his owner, Bethany. The idea of a Brainiac, talking hamster was executed quite well, and I particularly like the scene with Hammy venturing out to the snow in Bethany’s garden. I felt because the story was simplistic, it was worth a three star rating.

How to Walk in High Heels by Camilla Morton - 5/5

I was aware of this book for many years, and finally picked it up in a charity shop to read from cover to cover. The basic premise is a practical, yet stylish guide to life for young women, covering things like how to be an art lover, how to understand politics, etc.

The author who is known for working at vogue, and now a columnist in many publications quite rightly showed some flare with her writing. I genuinely found it entertaining and very informative on a range of topics.

Where Are Santa's Pants? by Richard Merritt - 3/5

In a style similar to Where’s Wally, the idea behind this book is to spot Santa’s pants among the detailed Christmassy illustrations on each page. My Mum bought this for a bit of fun for me at Christmas, and I can see the appeal for children to immerse themselves into all the characters and fun things going on in the pictures. It’s nice not to take things too seriously sometimes.

Earth Heroes: 20 Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World by Lily Dyu - 5/5

While aimed at a slightly younger age than myself I see this book being popular with anyone who has an interest in the current climate crisis. Although I haven’t seen many people mention it online since its release in autumn last year it is a note-worthy read that I recommend you check out.

We follow twenty inspiring stories of people saving our world, each one had a special something that made this the fantastic book it is. Some of the people are well known, while others that are less so are still making significant change. I shed a few tears on a some of the more emotional stories.

The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify by Francine Jay - 5/5

I asked for this book for Christmas last year, and read it over the New Year period. It was one of my most anticipated reads going into 2020, and luckily I wasn't disappointed. The joy of less is an important topic that I wanted to explore further, and I found the book covered lots of bases. 

It’s split into sections, first we cover philosophy which in my mind was the most fascinating, and later the author takes us through how to streamline, then room by room and finally lifestyle. The author made some very insightful observations that inspired me and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this read to others.

Paper Girls, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan - 5/5

I’m thoroughly enjoying the Paper Girls series so far, and volume three did not disappoint. It was nice to see the each of the characters personalities become more developed while the plot remained fast paced and interesting. If you are not familiar with the Paper Girls series, I recommend you give book one a go. Expect to meet a group of head-strong paper girls, within a dystopian time-travelling world.

Grandmas from Mars by Michelle Robinson - 5/5

This was a really strong, well-executed children’s picture book. There’s lots of great stories about Grandmas out there, and this was one of my favourites. We follow Fred, and Nell along with other children in the village who are usually babysitted by their dearest Grandmas. The children soon notice, after an alien invasion that their Grandmas seem a bit off and quickly realise they are imposters. Written in rhyme, and with striking illustrations, children everywhere can learn to appreciate their Grandmas.

What genre of books do you gravitate towards?

Do you read mostly fiction or non-fiction? :-) Xx