Monday, February 3, 2025

*Platypire Read-A-Thon* February '25


January is over, which means it's time for February's Platypire Read-A-Thon list. Now that I've added four new book clubs in a single month, let's see what that's done to my reading plans. 

Reviewed
Read
Currently Reading
To Be Read

Reviewed

Read

Currently Reading

The Big Sugar by Mary Logue (August '24) 1%
The Princess Bride by William Goldman (August '24) pg 7
Lizzie by Edward Rand (August '24) 18%
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (August '24) pg 208
Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (August '24) 22%
Hitler's Aristocrats by Susan Ronald (August '24) 37%
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (August '24) pg 66
Scarlet City by Rebekah Haas (August '24) pg 21
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (August '24) 17%
Credence by Penelope Douglas (August '24) 1%
You Like it Darker by Stephen King (August '24) 5%
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (August '24) Pg. 171
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (August '24) 6%
Dune by Frank Herbert (September '24) Pg. 15
When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman (September '24) 9%
The Magus by John Fowles (October '24) Pg. 162
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (October '24) 14%
Five Brothers by Penelope Douglas (October '24) Pg. 12
The Party by Natasha Preston (December '24) 20%
'Tis the Damn Season by Fiona Gibson (December '24) 41%
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (January '25) 21%
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (January '25) Pg. 80
Amish Vampires in Space by Kerry Nietz (January '25) 12%
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (January '25) 20%

To Be Read

Songlight by Moira Buffini (September '24)
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche (September '24)
Crow Moon by Suzy Aspley (September '24)
The False Pawn by A.E. Asavi (September '24)
Camp Lanier by Sylvester Barzey (September '24)
Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong (September '24)
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig (September '24)
Sunderworld, Vol. 1 by Ranson Riggs (September '24)
Lonely Places by Kate Anderson (October '24)
The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner (October '24)
Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan (October '24)
Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee (October '24)
Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood (October '24)
This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells (October '24)
My Husband the Murderer by Charlotte Barnes (November '24)
Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander (November '24)
A Tale Told by Traitors by Renee Dugan (November' 24)
A Story Spun in Scarlet by Renee Dugan (November '24)
Whirly World by Brandon Jones (November '24)
Try Not to Die in a Dark Fairytale by Mark Tullius and Evan Baughfman (November '24)
House of Marionne by J. Elle (November '24)
The Mirror by Nora Roberts (November '24)
This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher (November '24)
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (December '24)
Xmas Break by J.E. Rowney (December '24)
Tis' the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan (December '24)
A Christmas Wish on Arran by Ellie Henderson (December '24)
Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney (December '24)
Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge by Kjersti Herland Johnsen (December '24)
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson (December '24)
Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June (December '24)
Christmas is All Around by Martha Waters (December '24)
This is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley (December '24)
The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills (December '24)
Snow is Falling by Sarah Bennett (December '24)
Quicksilver by Callie Hart (January '25)
Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao (January '25)
Gate to Kagoshima by Poppy Kuroki (January '25)
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao (January '25)
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson (January '25)
Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J. Chow (January '25)
The Rival by Emma Lord (January '25)
The Empress by Kristin Cast (January '25)
No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally (January '25)
The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard (January '25)
Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley (January '25)
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen (February '25)
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty (February '25)
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (February '25)
Circe by Madeline Miller (February '25)
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith (February '25)
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (February '25)
The Night Ends With Fire by K.X. Song (February '25)
The Antlered King by Marianne Gordon (February '25)
The Locke Institute: Books 1&2 by A.R. Witham (February '25)
The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor (February '25)
The Viscount St. Albans by Natania Barron (February '25)
The Two Hungers of Prince Fierre by Darcy Ash (February '25)
The Accident of Stars by Foz Meadows (February '25)
A Happy Beginning by B.A. Richards (February '25)
All Better Now by Neal Schusterman (February '25)
Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson (February '25)
Identikill by K.R. Alexander (February '25)
Coup de Grace by Paul Centeno (February '25)

I do expect to have some surprise reads in here, because this doesn't include very many audiobooks, and I do listen to those while commuting and while doing chores around the house, but I tend to pick them by mood, or sometimes just by what is available right now at the library (although I have loads of audiobooks on Audible yet to listen to). Once again, I'm hoping to post on average two reviews per day (one chapter book and one children's book) for February as that will not only help me eliminate my review backlog, but also improve my Netgalley feedback percentage. I would also like to pare down my "currently reading" shelf by finishing up some of these books that have been in purgatory for a while. Beyond that, I'd just really like to stick to this list for my reading. How many of these books do you think I'll get read in February? - Katie 

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Sunday, February 2, 2025

*Platypire Read-A-Thon* January 2025 Results


January is over, so it's time to update y'all on how my reading and reviewing went at the beginning of the year. While I read 20 books in January, more than half of them were audiobooks, which I personally prefer to keep to just a third of my reading, but the last two weeks of work for me involved largely mindless email outreach, so I was able to listen to audiobooks while working, which really bumped up my books read numbers there at the end of the month. Being so audiobook heavy does mean that I deviated from my list more than I'd prefer to as well. So let's see where things stand now. 

Reviewed
Read
Currently Reading
To Be Read

Reviewed

Wretched by Emily McIntire
The Maiden and the Unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune
Scarred by Emily McIntire
Wally Takes a Weather Walk by Bree Sunshine Smith
Is a Worry Worrying You by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz
Daydreamer by Susie Tate
Twins With Love X2 by Mr. B's Books
Home for Christmas by D.P. Conway
There's a Yeti in My Tummy by Meredith Rusu
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
Colorful Tales by Don Hansen
The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan
Rainbows, Unicorns & Triangles illustrated by Jem Milton
Killer House Party by Lily Anderson
Hooked by Emily McIntire
The Day I Had Bulldozer by Ashley Wall
Relentless by Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Ralphy's Rules for Feelings by Talar Herculian Coursey and Riley Herculean Coursey
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Different Thinkers: ADHD by Katia Fredriksen PhD and Yael Rothman PhD
Nutcracked by Susan Adrian
Where's Rex by Michael Garland
The Adventures of Birpus and Bulbus by Michael Albanese and Wynn Everett-Albanese
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Firefax by Amelia Vergara
I'll Be Home For Mischief by Jacqueline Frost

Read

Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm a Supervillain by Richard Roberts (November '24)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune (November '24)
Crossing in Time by D.L. Orton (January '25)
Vandemere by Kimberley D. Tait (January '25)
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead (January '25)
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (January '25)
Pestilence by Laura Thalassa (January '25)
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (November '24)
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (January '25)
Amish Christmas Mystery by Samantha Price
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison
From the Moon I Watched Her by Emily English Medley
The Midnight Club by Christopher Pike
Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Currently Reading

The Big Sugar by Mary Logue (August '24) 1%
The Princess Bride by William Goldman (August '24) pg 7
Lizzie by Edward Rand (August '24) 18%
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (August '24) pg 208
Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (August '24) 22%
Hitler's Aristocrats by Susan Ronald (August '24) 37%
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (August '24) pg 66
Scarlet City by Rebekah Haas (August '24) pg 21
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (August '24) 17%
Credence by Penelope Douglas (August '24) 1%
You Like it Darker by Stephen King (August '24) 5%
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (August '24) Pg. 171
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (August '24) 6%
Dune by Frank Herbert (September '24) Pg. 15
When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman (September '24) 9%
The Magus by John Fowles (October '24) Pg. 162
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (October '24) 14%
Five Brothers by Penelope Douglas (October '24) Pg. 12
The Party by Natasha Preston (December '24) 20%
'Tis the Damn Season by Fiona Gibson (December '24) 41%
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (January '25) 21%
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (January '25) Pg. 80
Amish Vampires in Space by Kerry Nietz (January '25) 12%
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (January '25) 20%

To Be Read

Songlight by Moira Buffini (September '24)
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche (September '24)
Crow Moon by Suzy Aspley (September '24)
The False Pawn by A.E. Asavi (September '24)
Camp Lanier by Sylvester Barzey (September '24)
Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong (September '24)
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig (September '24)
Sunderworld, Vol. 1 by Ranson Riggs (September '24)
Lonely Places by Kate Anderson (October '24)
The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner (October '24)
Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan (October '24)
Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee (October '24)
Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood (October '24)
This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells (October '24)
My Husband the Murderer by Charlotte Barnes (November '24)
Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander (November '24)
A Tale Told by Traitors by Renee Dugan (November' 24)
A Story Spun in Scarlet by Renee Dugan (November '24)
Whirly World by Brandon Jones (November '24)
Try Not to Die in a Dark Fairytale by Mark Tullius and Evan Baughfman (November '24)
House of Marionne by J. Elle (November '24)
The Mirror by Nora Roberts (November '24)
This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher (November '24)
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (December '24)
Xmas Break by J.E. Rowney (December '24)
Tis' the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan (December '24)
A Christmas Wish on Arran by Ellie Henderson (December '24)
Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney (December '24)
Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge by Kjersti Herland Johnsen (December '24)
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson (December '24)
Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June (December '24)
Christmas is All Around by Martha Waters (December '24)
This is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley (December '24)
The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills (December '24)
Snow is Falling by Sarah Bennett (December '24)
Quicksilver by Callie Hart (January '25)
Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao (January '25)
Gate to Kagoshima by Poppy Kuroki (January '25)
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao (January '25)
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson (January '25)
Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J. Chow (January '25)
The Rival by Emma Lord (January '25)
The Empress by Kristin Cast (January '25)
No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally (January '25)
The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard (January '25)
Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley (January '25)

At the start of the month, I was hoping to read 15 books in January (I surpassed that) which would give me my 9 book club books (except I joined four new book clubs in January, so now I have 13 of them) and 6 others from Netgalley under the best of circumstances. I did get five new books read from Netgalley...but four of them were new audiobooks, so they didn't actually help my review backlog, but they will ultimately help my review percentage. I was also hoping to post at least two reviews per day (one chapter book and one children's book) and while I didn't quite pull that off, I did post most than one review per day, which helped me to raise my Netgalley feedback percentage by one point, but that's something. I also made a dent in my backlog reviews because I wrote 29 chapter book reviews in January (although they're not all posted yet, but I've got a solid start for February's reviews now). In fact, my only goal for the new year that I didn't at least partially accomplish in January was doing all my weekly memes and returning visits. I'll work on that. Hopefully I can maintain this momentum into February. - Katie 

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

*Review* The Cousins Are Coming by Kay Jones MA


Genre: Children's 3-8 years
Published: May 23, 2023
Pages: 32


What happens when the annual family ‘ get-together’ commences? This AWARD-WINNING Book of the Year (Story Monster Magazine and IndieReader) answers through humor, mischief, a twinge of jealousy, an abundance of mayhem, and a healthy dose of pure joy! Through lyrical rhyme and colorful, humorous illustrations readers will realize that “ The cousins are coming!” — followed by a “ dash out the door to meet the crew… with hugs and laughter and a kiss or two. “ YUCK!” From ‘ rock-paper-scissors’ to unauthorized spying on the parents, the gathering of two families presents relatable interactions between children, some coming-of-age moments, a touch of tenderness, and the building of memories.


I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was a cute rhyming story about cousins visiting, and all the chaos that a visit from family entails. The kids do all sorts of fun things, all the kinds of things you think children that are in the same age range should do when they get together, and honestly, this book sounded like way more fun for the kids than my kids experience when when visiting their cousins. 

If my kids were younger, I'd probably be inclined to read this several times, but that is partially because we just didn't live close enough to cousins to visit when my kids were younger (there was an entire ocean between us). The illustrations were very colorful and fun, perfectly showing all the hijinks the kids get up to. 

Overall I give The Cousins are Coming 3.7843 out of 5 stars. - Katie 


Amazon


Kay Jones is a forty-year educator having taught in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and currently in Dallas, Texas. If not the kids in her classroom, then her five grandchildren are inspiring her to think and learn, but most importantly to laugh. The Cousins are Coming is Kay's first picture book and it shows the love, the hilarity, and the struggles that occur when the cousins in her family join forces. Kay originally wrote this rhyme as a piece for children to perform as a reader's theater, while encouraging them to add their special touches to the performance. With roots in Little Rock, Arkansas and as an educator in the Dallas, Kay brings her wit and zest for literacy to classrooms each day, and now her own unique touch to the printed page.Peter Trimarco started his professional doodling career as an editorial cartoonist before turning to commercial art and designing packaging for the music industry. While staying in the entertainment field, he published a trade magazine for the film industry and brought his creative juices to the printed page for youngsters. Peter is the illustrator of the critically acclaimed "It's Just So" book series (Lizzy's World) which he co-wrote with his wife, Brenda Faatz.
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*Review* I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost


 Genre: Holiday Mystery
Published: November 12, 2024
Pages: 282


Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter. 

When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.

When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?


I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, but then the audiobook was part of a 2 for 1 credit sale on Amazon, so I ended up getting and listening to the audiobook. This is my honest review. 

I listened to this as one of my 12 Books of Christmas challenge books, but then I failed to review it in time to count. Surely next year I'll do better, maybe. I knew I'd tire of Christmas romance cheese before the season was over, so this mystery was a very welcome change of pace that still included some fun Christmas magic scenes. For one thing, the plot circles around an attempt to break the world record for largest baked gingerbread cookie. While that's not necessarily typical Christmas tale fare, it's not far removed from holiday cookie decorating. 

My main issue, and maybe the reason cozy mysteries really aren't for me is that I struggle to accept the idea that a local resident is a better detective than the actual detectives. Like if you're so good at it, why not get paid to do it. Granted some of why they are successful is because people are more willing to talk to them than the cops, but still. 

That being said, I enjoyed most of the twists and turns this story took. I'm also intrigued by the sisters staying at the inn who seem to be connected to Santa. 

Overall I give I'll Be Home for Mischief 2.9648 out of 5 stars. - Katie 


Amazon


Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).
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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

*Review* Bentley's Fantabulous Idea by Miki Taylor


Genre: Children's 3-8 years
Published: August 24, 2023
Pages: 49


This enchanting picture book is not just a read—it's an experience. Your child will be transported into a kaleidoscopic world filled with awe-inspiring adventures, as they join Bentley, Betty, and the charismatic Mr. Bee in a quest that's far more than child's play.

When Betty faces a school assignment dilemma, it's not just a problem—it's an invitation to embark on a quest, guided by the boundless creativity of Bentley with the help of "The Crew," an exuberant ensemble of twenty-one unforgettable characters. Their story unfolds through a tapestry of interactive activities, riddles, and vibrant illustrations that do more than entertain; they make learning an irresistible dance of curiosity and joy.

And while you hear your child chanting the book's heartwarming mantra, "It's easy peasy, just pose and grin a little cheesy!", know this: every giggle is accompanied by a light bulb moment, every chuckle married to a breakthrough in understanding. Each page turned is a step towards embracing life's wonderful complexities.

Beneath the layers of laughter and luminous colors, "Bentley's Fantabulous Idea" is a masterclass in life skills. It showcases the untapped potential of teamwork, the art of creative problem-solving, and the resilience found in perseverance. The challenges Betty faces are not just hurdles but stepping-stones, each imparting a lesson more invaluable than the last.

The interactive segments, ingeniously woven into the narrative, don't just reinforce these life-altering concepts; they serve as cognitive playgrounds, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration. So as your child grins ecstatically, understand that they're not just amused—they're empowered, absorbing vital life skills that extend far beyond the magical realm they've explored.


I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was a fun story about a girl doing a photo project for school taking pictures of all the different animals she encounters while out on a walk. The story format was very repetitive, which would make it a great book for younger kids who benefit from repetition. It would make it a bit annoying for the adults reading it though, so be warned. 

The illustrations were colorful and fun, humanizing all the animals by dressing them in human clothes. The illustrations would make it almost worth reading a few times over. There are a lot of areas of the book that were interactive as well, which is also very good for younger kids. 

Overall I give Bentley's Fantabulous Idea 4.0743 out of 5 stars. - Katie 


Amazon


Miki Taylor's professional career includes award-winning travel agency owner, over two decades in the accounting industry, and now an award winning children's book author. Her first book, Bentley's Fantabulous Idea, was named 2023 Children's Book of the Year and has won 25 other prestigious awards.Miki's work is inspired by her furry, bestest friend and forever muse, Bentley, who has become the main character in her books, which will deliver enlightening and entertaining adventures that disguises life lessons and teachable moments as fun activities. Her books are not just for reading, they are also for coloring and searching!!

My professional career includes 14+ years as an award-winning travel agency owner, 25+ years in the accounting industry, and now, a best-selling, award winning fantabulous children's author. I have always dreamed of writing children's books and changing lives, but the timing was never right until now. My work is inspired by my furry, not-human bestest friend and forever muse, Bentley, who has become the main character in my books along with his bestest not-furry human friend Betty and their trusty sidekick friend Mr. Bee. My books are written in a very light, fun hearted tone to enlighten and entertain with adventures that are disguised as life lessons and teachable moments. My books are not just for reading, they are also for searching and coloring!! Honored to share that in a short amount of time, my first book, Bentley's Fantabulous Idea, has won numerous awards consisting of the Mom's Choice Gold award and many others. I am excitedly creating a special world with fun-loving, colorful characters that will appeal to all and am looking forward to the release of many more funtabulously awesome adventures of Bentley, Betty, and Mr. Bee.
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*Review* Firefax by Amelia Vergara

 

Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: October 1, 2023
Pages: 496


Legend tells of a city of gold on a phantom island. The wealth of that city could end the American Revolution. But the only person who knows the island’s location is the world’s deadliest assassin. And he’s not giving up that secret without a fight . . .

The world’s oldest family of high-profile assassins, the Firefaxes, have been killing off dignitaries—and being well-compensated to do so—for centuries. The family is thrown into turmoil by their patriarch’s death and the return of their cunning, cruel prodigal, Murdoch. With their father dead, Murdoch is the only one who knows where the Firefax wealth is, kept on a secret island. But two competing intelligence networks in the American Revolution are bent on tracking down the legendary treasure to end the war, whatever the cost. However, these spy networks may have met their match in this wily, dysfunctional family of killers.


I received the audiobook version of this through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This historical fiction is set during the time of the American revolution. The main characters are a family of assassins, but they gave off serious pirate vibes to me. Their training to be assassins starts very young, which at least makes it somewhat believable that they are elite assassins for the most part. They each have their own personal strengths as well, adding to the plausibility for me. 

You would think being well-known assassins, they'd have a lot of enemies, and you would be right. And yet the enemy they faced in this tale came from a very unexpected source. And the build up to that reveal was very well done. The clues were there in retrospect, but not so obvious that I knew who the villain really was. 

The narration was acceptable. I didn't feel like the opposite gendered voices were caricatures, and it was easy to listen to and just get lost in the story. 

Overall I give Firefax 3.1783 out of 5 stars - Katie


Amazon


A.M. Vergara is a physician associate and paramedic. When not writing, reading, or working in the hospital or on the ambulance, she can be found outside, hiking, camping, riding her mule, foraging for edible mushrooms, field-herping, or playing her banjo.
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*Review* Rumi - Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh


 Genre: Children's 4-8 years
Published: March 5, 2024
Pages: 40


Even the greatest poet was once a child. And so it was with Rumi. When he was young he was enchanted by birds and books. He later became a scholar, but it was the loss of his best friend, Shams, that inspired Rumi to his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere.

The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless.

Written by award-winning Iranian-American artist Rashin Kheiriyeh,this narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to honor his life and the 750th anniversary of his death.

Includes backmatter on Rumi as well as an author's note.


I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a story about what presumably inspired Rumi to write his famous poems. While I had heard the name Rumi before reading this book, I'm not familiar with his poetry, which is probably an accomplishment since I was a creative writing major for five semesters of college. And maybe I've read some of his poetry and just didn't realize it. I'd like to say that this book inspired me to read his poetry, but it didn't. 

The illustrations were very colorful and bright, showing life as it may have been for Rumi as a child. I didn't feel very invested in the story, and wouldn't really enjoy reading the book more than once or twice myself, but I think kids would probably like the illustrations. 

Overall I give Rumi - Poet of Joy and Love 3.0286 out of 5 stars. - Katie 


Amazon


Rashin Kheiriyeh is a multi-award-winning author-illustrator, animator, and painter who has more than ninety children’s books to her credit. Her books have been published in at least twelve countries and she was nominated for the 2023 & 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to children's literature. She is also the recipient of a Sendak Fellowship Award, a 2009 New Horizon Award (Bologna Ragazzi), and is a six-time winner of the Bologna Book Fair Illustration competition. Rashin Kheiriyeh is the character artist of the most popular animation series on national television in Iran called “Shekarestan” (“Sugarland”). She now lives in Washington, DC.

Rumi—Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi or simply as Rumi—(September 30, 1207–December 17, 1273) was a thirteenth-century Persian poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. His poetry is revered around the world. He is currently considered to be one of the most popular poets in America. His words of wisdom and spirituality are just as pertinent now as they were in his time.
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