Review: 'Animals of the Serengeti' by Adam Scott Kennedy and Vicki Kennedy

Animals of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area by Adam Scott Kennedy and Vicki Kennedy, 2014, Princeton University Press, $20.62, softbound, 152 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: brilliant. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


The purpose of this field guide is threefold: to help readers identify species they are not sure about, to offer plenty of interesting information on each species, and to show that there is much more in the Serengeti to look out for than just the 'Big Five.'

The authors provide information on the great migrations of the white-bearded wildebeest, who are on a continuous quest for fresh grass; they offer a map of the 'Greater Serengeti area,' which is the area this book covers; and they introduce you to the ten places in which to watch wildlife in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation area.

Each species is represented with a colour plate, size, gestation period, how to recognise the animal, habits, where to find them, what they feed on, and the name of the animal (the common name, scientific name, Swa, and Maa names). 

Further reading and useful resources are given, and there's an easy to follow index in the back.

If you like this one, try: Birds of the Serengeti, by Adam Scott Kennedy. 

Review: 'The Magical Realm of Sallie Middleton' by Celestine Sibley

The Magical Realm of Sallie Middleton by Celestine Sibley, 1980, Oxmoor House, hardbound, 105 pages. Category/Genre: art. Cover: very attractive. Where we got it: borrowed it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.  


Filled with anecdotes about Sallie Middleton's life, this book is intended to reveal some of the magic behind the natural worlds the artist creates. 

There are pictures, too, loads of them, and if you're not familiar with Sallie Middleton's artwork, you should try and find this book as soon as possible. Not only is the text engaging and enlightening, but the artwork is rich with detail and life. 

If you like this one, try: Enchanted World, by John Grant. 

Review: 'Bean by Bean' by Crescent Dragonwagon

Bean by Bean by Crescent Dragonwagon, 2011, Workman, $15.95, softbound, 370 pages. Category/Genre: cooking. Cover: catches your interest. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Dragonwagon begins with the basics of beans, which goes over selecting, preparing, cooking, and storing shell beans, dehydrated beans, canned beans, fresh beans, and dried beans, as well as de-gassifying beans.

There's a chapter on starters, which includes dips, nibbles, and spreads. There are soups, salads, and chilis; stews, curries, bakes, casseroles, and stir-fries. Oddly, there's even a chapter on desserts. 

If you like this one, try: One-Dish Vegan, by Robin Robertson. 

Review: 'One-Dish Vegan' by Robin Robertson

One-Dish Vegan by Robin Robertson, 2013, The Harvard Common Press, $16.95, softbound, 200 pages. Category/Genre: cooking. Cover: looks pretty tasty. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This book is a revision of One-Dish Vegetarian Meals, plus many all-new recipes, some of which are gluten free or soy free. 

Robertson says the cooking methods used in this book are straightforward and simplified, helping you to spend less time in the kitchen. 

Recipe categories include soups, main-dish salads, stovetop simmers and stews, chili, sautes and stir-fries, pasta plus, and oven to table. 

Most of the recipes include vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and a good source of protein, and for those that don't, Robertson suggests a simple accompaniment. 

If you like this one, try: Bean by Bean, by Crescent Dragonwagon.  

Review: 'Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies' by Deborah Halverson

Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies by Deborah Halverson, 2011, Wiley Publishing, $19.95, softbound, 358 pages. Category/Genre: writing how-to. Cover: meh, for the most part; but the spray paint is reminiscent of 21 Jump Street, so that's cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 

Another in the '. . . for Dummies' series, this book covers just about everything you want to know about its subject: how to target teen readers, creating teen-friendly characters, using a narrative voice teens will love, and of course, devising a hook for your book. 

There are chapters on editing, revising, and formatting your book, as well as how to get published. The section on getting published includes information on agents, query letters, writing a synopsis, and self-publishing. 

Halverson concludes the book with the 10 most common pitfalls in writing young adult fiction, 10 facts concerning book contracts, and 10 ways to make the most of a conference. 

If you like this one, try: Writing Great Books for Young Adults, by Regina Brooks. 

Review: 'Writing Great Books for Young Adults' by Regina Brooks

Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Landing a Publishing Deal by Regina Brooks, 2009, Sourcebooks, $14.99, softbound, 191 pages. Category/Genre: writing how-to. Cover: fine. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Brooks starts off by offering her five rules for engaging young adult readers, then moves on to topics such as story and characters. To help you come up with characters, she suggests writing a Want Ad for a particular type of person. 

She also helps writers understand and build plot, and choose a setting, timeline, and points of view. There's a chapter on dialogue, and also a bit about creating a satisfying end to your story. 

Brooks also goes over the ins and outs of getting your book published, how to contact agents, and how to format a submission. She reviews the publishing process 'at a glance,' and lists a number of children's book publishers.

All in all, a good book to have should you want to delve into the world of writing young adult books.

If you like this one, try: Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies, by Deborah Halverson. 

Review: 'Horse: The Essential Guide for Young Equestrians' by Libby Hamilton

Horse: The Essential Guide for Young Equestrians by Libby Hamilton, Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp, John Butler, Adam Stower, and Mik Martin, 2008, Candlewick Press, $15.99, hardbound, 24 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: great. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This guide for beginners is packed with artwork ranging from the realistic to the cartoonish. There's a ton of information, starting with the parts of a horse and a look at the major horse and pony breeds. 

The author goes over markings and colours, horse care, riding, horse shows, and professionals in the field. The book also has some pull-out sections for added interest. All in all, a pretty spectacular book. 

For ages 6-9. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?  

Review: 'Calico's Curious Kittens' by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Calico's Curious Kittens by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes, 2003, Charlesbridge, $1.99, softbound, 31 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: very good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble. 


Calico's seven rambunctious kittens are very curious. When it's time for them to take a nap, they hide in drawers and in bags, and get in the flour. Then they bring the curtains down, then sneak outside, where they get into still more mischief.

The text is simple and alluring, and the artwork is well done. Each of the kittens has a name, and it's fun to read about their many antics. 

Written for ages 5-8.

If you like this one, try: Counting on Calico, by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes. 

Review: 'The Civil War' Edited by Ruchir Shah

The Civil War: The American Civil War -- 1861 to 1865 Edited by Ruchir Shah, 2007, EZ Comics, $ softbound, 33 pages. Category/Genre: history. Cover: decent. Where we got it: editor. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Aiming at younger readers, this book is an attempt to get people interested in history. It goes over the main points of the Civil War (for example, the invention of the cotton gin made it easier to make cotton cloth, which increased the demand for cotton, and therefore, the demand for slaves). 

With a plethora of colourful pictures and a concise re-telling of this period of history, the book is likely to appeal to its core audience. If you or a young person you know is struggling with learning about the Civil War, you may want to try this book. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Review: 'The Art of Polymer Clay: Creative Surface Effects' by Donna Kato

The Art of Polymer Clay: Creative Surface Effects by Donna Kato, 2007, Watson-Guptill, $19.95, softbound, 175 pages. Category/Genre: how-to/crafts. Cover: elegant. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.   


This book is levelled at both the beginner and the advanced polymer clay artist. The basics are outlined, along with essential techniques, making beads, cabochon shaping, and the Skinner Blend. 

Kato also goes over how to use mica powders, how to transfer images onto polymer clay, how to create texture with texture plates and rubber stamps, how to use paints, inks, and pigment powders with polymer clay, how to get special effects using liquid polymer clays, and a bit on sculpture and mold making. 

There are projects to try, and 69 other artists' works are featured, plus there's a list of suppliers in the back. 

An interesting book.

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?

Review: 'The Cake Thief' by Sally O Lee

The Cake Thief by Sally O Lee,  2008, BookSurge, $8.99 softbound, 34 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: colourful. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble. 

Clarence is a cake thief. He steals a cake every morning -- big cakes, little cakes, tall cakes, short cakes. Any kind of cake. 

Then one day, instead of a cake, Clarence finds an invitation to a party. The only requirement is that he bring a cake. But Clarence doesn't know how to bake a cake. 

With help from his cat, Evelyn, Clarence embarks on the adventure of baking a cake for the first time, and learns about friendship. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?    

Review: 'Understanding Sharks' by Dr Erich Ritter

Understanding Sharks: The Fascinating Behavior of a Threatened Hunter by Dr Erich Ritter, Translated by Valerie Haecky, 2006, Krieger Publishing, $62.50, hardbound, 278 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: nice. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble. 


The author of this book is a recognised world-wide expert on shark behaviour, and he offers courses in German on shark encounters and the functions of sharks in the world's oceans. He has spent thousands of hours face-to-face with sharks. 

The contents of this book cover many topics, starting with encountering sharks, fear of sharks, and why we should protect sharks. There's quite a lot of information on sharks themselves: their body language, behaviour, swim patterns and speeds, their anatomy, and characteristic behaviours of certain species (great whites, bull sharks, and reef sharks). 

Also covered are interactions between sharks and humans, sharks in history, shark evolution, and the truth and fiction about sharks. There are questions from divers about sharks, and Ritter offers advice on what people should do if they encounter a shark. 

A very thorough book.

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Review: 'The Willies' by Ethan Crownberry

The Willies by Ethan Crownberry, 2007, Lulu.com, $8.06, softbound, 80 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: good. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Told in rhyme, this book is the result of the author's own experience with 'the willlies,' that feeling you get when you're scared without any real reason to be. In this book, the willies are real creatures determined to scare you. 

The story takes place on Halloween night, when a 12-year-old boy is walking home by himself. The artwork, all black-and-white, is smooth and attractive, and the rhymes are often clever, although the book is rather long. 

One nit to pick: the author uses the word 'passed' when he means 'past.' 

An unusual and interesting book. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Review: 'Mortal Arts' by Anna Lee Huber

Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber, 2013, Berkley Prime Crime, $16.00, softbound, 374 pages. Category/Genre: mystery. Cover: quite good. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


If you haven't read Huber's The Anatomist's Wife, the first book in the Lady Darby mysteries, do so, not because you have to in order to understand this book (you don't), but because it's good. 

In this installment, Lady Kiera Darby finds herself once again beside gentleman investigator Sebastian Gage as the two try to find out what happened to a missing girl. In the centre of the turmoil is Kiera's old friend William Dalmay, who has returned home after a ten-year stay in a lunatic asylum. Kiera is determined to prove William innocent of the crime, but Gage isn't so sure. 

Set against a historical backdrop (1830 Scotland), this book takes place two months after the events in The Anatomist's Wife. The mystery is engrossing, the characters engaging, and the writing adept. If you like Scotland, the Victorian era, or are just fond of mysteries, this book is for you.

If you like this one, try: The Anatomist's Wife, by Anna Lee Huber; A Grave Matter, by Anna Lee Huber. 

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Kid Lit Reviews.