The Scent of Roses by Adithi Rao – A Review

The Scent of Roses by Adithi Rao – A Review

TITLE: The Scent of Roses

AUTHOR: Adithi Rao (illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi)

PAGE EXTENT: 80

PUBLISHER: Duckbill Books (Penguin India)

GENRE: Chapter Book

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐💫

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When Abu disappears one night, Bram Bram Chok comes to live inside Sajad’s heart, making him hop in anger and stomp to its tunes. Does Sajad want him to stay? Can anything make him go away?

Bram Bram Chok is a wolf-like creature that gets into people and makes them do horrible, horrible things. What happens when the bad monster enters Sajad? And most importantly, why did Abu leave?

For a chapter book, this one definitely knocked it out of the park in terms of discussing difficult topics! Parental abandonment is hardly dealt with in children’s books but not only did this one handle the topic with care, it incorporated a whiff of fantasy to make it more palatable for young minds.

Sometimes, monsters are not around us; they happen to be inside of us, without our knowledge. We might be enabling them and letting them fester. But how do we get rid of them?

Peppered with illustrations by Krishna Bala Shenoi, this one will definitely give you some food for thought. Ponder away!

Do you read chapter books? If yes, which ones are your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore – A Review (more like an excited rant!!!)

The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore – A Review (more like an excited rant!!!)

TITLE: The Library of Borrowed Hearts

AUTHOR: Lucy Gilmore

PAGE EXTENT: 368

PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Casablanca (Penguin India)

GENRE: Literary Fiction

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Two young lovers. Sixty long years. One bookish mystery worth solving.

Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling: to take care of her three younger siblings, to find herself, to make ends meet. She’s just about at the end of her rope when she stumbles across a rare edition of a book from the 1960s at the local flea market. Deciding it’s a sign of her luck turning, she takes it home with her―only to be shocked when her cranky hermit of a neighbor swoops in and offers to buy it for an exorbitant price. Intrigued, Chloe takes a closer look at the book only to find notes scribbled in the margins between two young lovers back when the book was new…one of whom is almost definitely Jasper Holmes, the curmudgeon next door.

When she begins following the clues left behind, she discovers this isn’t the only old book in town filled with romantic marginalia. This kickstarts a literary scavenger hunt that Chloe is determined to see through to the end. What happened to the two tragic lovers who corresponded in the margins of so many different library books? And what does it have to do with the old, sad man next door―who only now has begun to open his home and heart to Chloe and her siblings?

In a romantic tale that spans the decades, Chloe discovers that there’s much more to her grouchy old neighbor than meets the eye. And in allowing herself to accept the unexpected friendship he offers, she learns that some love stories begin in the unlikeliest of places.

Picture this: a couple in the 1960s fall in love writing notes to each other in library books and almost 60 years later, a young librarian discovers them and takes it upon herself to get to know more about this couple by compulsively going through all the books with their correspondence. So, when she gets hold of a copy of Tropic of Cancer(if you haven’t heard of this one, it’s only a Google search away haha. Reader discretion advised teeheehee) and her grumpy curmudgeon of a neighbour wants to buy it off of her for a lump some amount, she begins to wonder why. What follows is a super wholesome, tearjerking, heartwarming, I-so-badly-want-to-give-them-all-a-hug tale that will leave you with a sense of relief and contentment. This is one of those books best experienced than read about and I would urge you to pick it up right away!

Now that I’ve given you a rundown of the plot, where do I begin? There are so many things I love about this book that this would end up being an essay instead of a review, hehe!

Firstly, who doesn’t love a fierce, independent woman of 24 who works shifts at the library while also taking care of her three younger siblings? As someone who had to grow up too soon, Chloe’s struggles have been portrayed with realistic nuance and there are times when you just want to jump into the book just to give her a helping hand. The author doesn’t shy away from packing those punches and shows how harsh life can be. Chloe is a very likeable protagonist who works super hard to keep her siblings fed and cared for after their mother walks out on them and if anyone says one ill thing about my favourite girl, I will riot! 😤

And Chloe’s siblings! Trixie with her girl-bossing attitude, Theo with his million explosive experiments(and personality, if you will) and my ultimate favourite boy Noodle with his huge, huge heart will live rent-free in my head, and in my heart! Their antics will make you giggle and smile and you will wish for siblings like them too!

This might sound a bit unrealistic: what are the odds that you chance upon a book from the 1960s in the library basement in the discard pile which happens to have conversations between lovers from the 60s and what are the odds that one of them happens to be your neighbour? BUT, hear me out: that’s the whole point of books right? We read about things that don’t happen in real life but wish they did!

The dual timeline did wonders to this book! The romance between Catherine and Jasper was so pure and untouched and extremely, extremely realistic. Full of emotion and sacrifice, it is undoubtedly one of the best romance subplots I have read! The present storyline features Chloe and her quest to find out more about Jasper and Catherine and trust me, there are some plot twists in there that will have your jaw on the floor!

Dysfunctional family rep in books is something that requires finesse in execution and the author handled it perfectly. Lucy has knocked it off the park! The struggles, the trauma, the aftermath. Seamlessly done. Kudos!

Books about books have a separate section on my TBR because they’re always high priority! Books form the foundation for this story and are also its major highlight. The first thing I do when I visit a new city is hit up bookstores and libraries and the fact that this book revolves around a library made me pick it up instantly!

A big takeaway from this book is the fact that we are so quick to judge someone on face value and first impressions that we sometimes forget to try and get to know them. And who doesn’t have layers? I am a sucker for fleshed-out characters and Jasper is a well-written one! As you progress through the story, you will find yourself warming up to him as Chloe and the mini hooligans do. Who knew that rude, old man who happens to be your neighbour would one day become one of your favourite people on the planet?

And who doesn’t love a dash of good romance in an already wholesome book? The blossoming of romance between Chloe and Zach had me smiling and blushing! Zach and his major golden retriever energy obviously made him enter my book boyfriends list! Hehe! Not only does he add comic relief to the book, he gives Chloe a much-needed shoulder to lean on and if I could ever be grateful to a fictional character, it would be him!

This review would be incomplete without giving a huge shoutout to Pepper and Lonnie Pakootas! Both of them were the epitome of besties in their respective times and as someone who cherishes and greatly values woman friendships in life, I was definitely rooting for them! Pepper is the best friend we all need in our lives!

If you’ve read my review(essay rather) right up until here, I hope I’ve convinced you enough to pick up what is definitely one of my favourite books of 2024! This is a book I cannot recommend enough! Bless yourself and your heart by picking this one up! In the meanwhile, I shall try getting my hands on a copy of Tropic of Cancer, wink wink!

What was your latest 5-star read? Let me know in the comments below!

Goddess Crown by Shade Lapite – A Review

Goddess Crown by Shade Lapite – A Review

TITLE: Goddess Crown

AUTHOR: Shade Lapite

PAGE EXTENT: 304

PUBLISHER: Walker Books (Penguin India)

GENRE: YA Fantasy

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The royal court of Galla is as dangerous as it is glamorous… Kalothia will need every ounce of courage and wit, if she is to avenge those she loves … and stay alive.

Kalothia has grown up in the shadows of her kingdom, hidden away in the East after her parents were outed as enemies of the king. When assassins attack her home on her sixteenth birthday, she must flee to the king’s court – a beautiful but lethal nest of poison, plots and danger, overseen by an entrenched patriarchy. Can Kalothia navigate this most worldly of places to find her own role? What if she must choose between her country and her heart? 

A fast-paced, romantic and feminist YA fantasy full of danger and courtly intrigue.

Do you ever go into a book with a ton of expectations and the book somehow manages to exceed them all? This was one of those books for me!

We follow Kalothia, a royal who has been in hiding in the forest after the Queen was murdered by the King and her parents, as supporters of the Queen, went into exile. She has no clue who or where her parents are and is living a peaceful life in the forest until a bunch of assassins from the neighbouring country attack and kill everyone close to her heart. What follows is a fast-paced fantasy brimming with action, immersive world-building, gasp-worthy plot twists, court politics and drama, and so much more! And yes, a smidge of romance that is bound to make you feel all warm and cozy!

Fantasy has always been one of my go-to genres and this one inspired by West Africa with stellar world-building definitely takes the cake! The author manages to build the world with just the right amount of political intrigue without making it info-dumpy and you can’t help but wish to visit Galla too! I would have loved to see a map in the book and I would be super glad to see one in the sequel.

If you are worried about the book being dreary and taking time to set the stage, fret not! The plot is so fast-paced you won’t realise time fly as you fly through the pages! With just the right amount of anticipation to keep you hooked, and some well-placed plot twists to make your jaw drop, this book is bound to become a favourite! And shoutout to Ye-Ye too!

As someone who greatly values women friendships in life, the blossoming of friendship between Kalothia and Bukki had me smiling from ear to ear. We all need that one cheerleader of a friend who stands by us through thick and thin and Bukki is the poster girl for a perfect friend and companion! I can’t wait to see more of her in the upcoming books!

If you are someone who loves their fantasy with a hint of romance, you’re in the right place! The romance between Kalothia and Nahir was warm and comforting and felt like an oasis in a desert full of scorpions and didn’t feel forced one bit! It was the perfect respite in the vulture-infested court!

Who doesn’t love a book that screams SMASH THE PATRIARCHY??? Galla is a deeply patriarchal and misogynistic society, much like our own, where women are perceived to be the weaker sex. Kalothia plans to uproot the system and usher in a new era where women are treated as equals. This book sets the perfect stage for this subplot and I can’t wait to see it explored in the future books!

I mean, who doesn’t love some drama? This book is replete with courtroom drama and palace politics and if you happen to enjoy those, you’re in for a ride!

We need more books like these full of characters of color written by authors of color! Not only does this book draw inspiration from African culture and mythology, it also shows how rich and beautiful it is! I can’t wait to read more books by Shade Lapite!

What are some of your favourite YA fantasy novels? Let me know in the comments!

The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Faith Schaffer – A Review

The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Faith Schaffer – A Review

TITLE: The Worst Ronin

AUTHOR: Maggie Tokuda-Hall (art by Faith Schaffer)

PAGE EXTENT: 336

PUBLISHER: HarperAlley

GENRE: YA Graphic Novel

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️💫

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When an unlikely pair of female samurai join forces, what begins as your run-of-the-mill quest for glory and revenge evolves into something much more complicated. Turns out fighting actual demons doesn’t mean you’re not running from your own internal ones. Nimona meets Attack on Titan in this edgy, unexpectedly hilarious, genre-defying young adult graphic novel.

Being a samurai isn’t easy. Sixteen-year-old Chihiro Ito knows that more than anyone. Her father is renowned among the samurai, but the only thing Chihiro is known for is spending way too much time on her phone obsessing over Tatsuo Nakano, Chihiro’s idol and the first woman to be accepted into Kesi Academy, a prestigious samurai school.

So, when Chihiro’s father is conscripted for service and the opportunity arises to work with Tatsuo in his stead, Chihiro jumps at the chance to prove that she’s worthy of a spot at Kesi Academy and the samurai title. Their mission: kill the yamauba demon terrorizing a village. With a legendary samurai like Tatsuo by her side, Chihiro is convinced victory is inevitable. But Tatsuo isn’t at all like the hero Chihiro imagined. Foulmouthed, quick tempered, and a terrible drunk, Tatsuo completely turned her back on the samurai way and is now a ronin working for hire as a means of escaping the grief that haunts her. Forced to work together, the two are thrust on a treacherous journey filled with epic battles and twisted conspiracies as they must put aside their differences to save the village and face the demons of the past.

Strong female warriors! A very chatty protagonist who is glued to her phone all day! A quest to vanquish a demon! What’s not to love?

When Chihiro’s father, a samurai is summoned to slay a demon terrorising a village, Chihiro takes his place. She takes the help of Tatsuo, a fierce, woman samurai fallen from grace and who is now a drunk with a penchant for cursing. Will this unlikely duo succeed in their quest in battling the demon? Or are they still hung up on demons from their past? Read this fast-paced and adventurous graphic novel to find out!

I find graphic novels particularly palatable when I’m in a reading slump and this one definitely helped me get out of one! Faith Schaffer’s art and Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s quirky writing style, peppered with hilariously placed cursing, make for a great reading experience!

Narrated in two timelines with a distinct color palette for each, we discover that the demons of the present are not the only ones that deserve to be vanquished, but the ones from the past as well. And most importantly, the internal ones. As Tatsuo navigates through the forest with one extremely talkative teenage samurai for company, she begins to realise that she has a lot of unresolved trauma yet to be addressed and her journey to self-discovery is commendable.

Also, somehow these samurais have WiFi and smart phones and social media and livestreams?!? It doesn’t make sense at all but it adds a fun touch to the storyline and I weirdly found it entertaining and hilarious! Be prepared to encounter some major betrayals and bloodshed too!

If you’re in the mood for an action-packed fantasy graphic novel, you have a recommendation right here! And Tatsuo’s horse? That is one SASSY horse. Say hi to my spirit animal! 😂🐴

Are you a fan of graphic novels? If yes, which one’s your favourite?

Here are Five Reasons why Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo Will be Your New Favorite Graphic Novel!

Here are Five Reasons why Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo Will be Your New Favorite Graphic Novel!

  1. BRIMMING WITH QUEER JOY! Who doesn’t love a book full of queer characters? Indu, a trans boy from the moon, comes to New Earth with his adoptive mom and as he starts meeting new people and discovering the ways of life, he starts to realise he fits in more than he think he did, thanks to a host of queer people from different parts of the spectrum!
  2. GLORIOUS INDONESIAN REP! Who says queerness is a new concept? Did you know there are different identities for gender non-conforming people in Indonesian culture? This is testament to the fact that queer people have always existed and will continue to exist! This book had me diving deep into articles and I discovered a lot many things about queerness and queer culture in South East Asia. Food for thought, indeed.
  3. THE MEANING OF FAMILY AND HOME. As Indu adapts to the new culture and environment on New Earth, he begins to understand one important thing: home is not where you’re from, it’s where you feel you’re the best version of yourself and you’re most comfortable. Family is who you choose to surround yourself with and the people who make you feel like you matter and love you, despite your flaws and shortcomings. This is a very important message to be instilled in the minds of young readers, queer or not, and the authors have ticked all the boxes! And that feeling of having your first crush? Perfectly captured!
  4. ART THAT YOU WILL ADMIRE FOREVER! If you’re a huge fan of graphic novels like I am, you will realise that art plays a significantly huge role in getting the message across and impacts how the reader perceives the story. Jes and Cin’s art style is unique and exquisitely colourful and will you have you going WOAHHH! I can’t wait to read more graphic novels written by them!
  5. A RAY OF HOPE TO EVERY QUEER KID OUT THERE! With the lawmakers making anti-LGBTQ laws out there, books like these will show queer kids that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel and you WILL shine in all your queer joy and glory! You will find the right crowd, you will find love at the right time and most importantly, you will be successful, no matter what you set out to do! ✨🌈

Huge thanks to HarperAlley for sending me a copy for review! 💖

For fans of The Witch Boy and Squished, Lunar Boy is a must-have heartwarming coming-of-age graphic novel about a young boy from the moon who discovers a home in the most unlikely places, from debut twin creators Jes and Cin Wibowo. 

Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship—their home—to live on Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he’s weird, he has a crush on his pen pal who might not like him back, and his stepfamily doesn’t seem to know what to do with him. Worst of all, Indu can’t even talk to his mom about how he’s feeling because she’s so busy.

In a moment of loneliness, Indu calls out to the moon, begging them to take him back. And against all odds, the moon hears him and agrees to bring him home on the first day of the New Year. But as the promised day draws nearer, Indu finds friendship in unlikely places and discovers that home is more than where you come from. And when the moon calls again, Indu must decide: Is he willing to give up what he’s just found?

What is your recent favourite graphic novel? Let’s discuss in the comments!

The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent – A Review

The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent – A Review

TITLE: The Murder After the Night Before

AUTHOR: Katy Brent

PAGE EXTENT: 336

PUBLISHER: Harlequin Books (HarperCollins India)

GENRE: Mystery/Thriller

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️💫

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Something bad happened last night. My best friend Posey is dead. The police think it was a tragic accident. I know she was murdered.

I’ve woken up with the hangover from hell, a stranger in my bed, and I’ve gone viral for the worst reasons.

There’s only one thing stopping me from dying of shame. I need to find a killer.

But after last night, I can’t remember a thing…

From the author of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It, don’t miss this wickedly witty and utterly addictive novel, perfect for fans of Bella Mackie, Dawn O’Porter and Killing Eve.

Okay. WHAT IN THE BLOODY ROLLERCOASTER WAS THIS BOOK!!?! Wait up. Imagine this. You go out for a party with your colleagues and end up getting sloppy drunk and perform some questionable acts in public in Central London with a stranger which happens to go ultra viral on Twitter(or X, if you will haha) and you wake up the next morning with a stranger in your bed with no inkling of what happened and to make matters worse, you find your roommate and best friend DEAD in the bathtub! And how is the disappearance of a random girl related to all of this? Pick this one up right away and read it from cover to cover like I did in one sitting!

I am a huge fan of flawed MCs because come on, literally nobody on this planet is perfect and the author has managed to craft the most realistically flawed protagonist in Molly! Not only is Molly facing a viral backlash on social media, she is also dealing with devils from her past, all the while investigating the murder of her best friend Posey! Give this girl a break! Molly is fierce, morally gray, feminist and a well-fleshed out character. We get to see her multiple layers over the course of the book and kudos to the author on this!

I might sound like an old man when I say this but social media is disastrous at times and this book doesn’t shy away from discussing how brutal and toxic social media can get! It also sheds light on sexism and misogyny that’s rampant today and how quick the society is to call a woman names and throwing labels on her over things men easily get away with. This book can get disturbing at times and I would recommend proceeding with caution and reading the content warnings beforehand.

And of course, there’s the murder mystery! It can get pretty convoluted at times with the threads branching out in completely different tangents but trust me, it will all make sense in the end! You can’t stop compulsively reading this book until you reach the very end to figure out who killed Posey! This book definitely has a way of sucking you in and keeping you glued to it!

Katy Brent is definitely a new, unique voice in the thriller genre and I can’t wait to read her upcoming books! I will be picking up her debut, How to Kill Men and Get Away With It soon and if you love twisty thrillers with flawed characters, you know what to pick up next!

What was your latest mystery/thriller read? Let me know in the comments below!

Arun and the Royal Rumpus by Eoin Redahan – A Review

Arun and the Royal Rumpus by Eoin Redahan – A Review

TITLE: Arun and the Royal Rumpus

AUTHOR: Eoin Redahan

PAGE EXTENT: 232

PUBLISHER: Hachette India

GENRE: Middle Grade

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Would you rather have the body of a tiger and the head of a boy, or the body of a boy and the head of a tiger?

(Arun wants to know)

When Arun, a twelve-year-old mischief maker hiding in the mountains, finds out about the plot to capture the crazy King Lalu, he vows to stop the vicious Vin and his thugs – by joining them. 

Armed only with a pea-shooter, Arun journeys through treacherous terrain, eerie forests, rushing rivers and even the sewers of Asamana with the help of the quick-tempered Krishma and scrappy Sai. 

Whether it’s outsmarting the brutes, stealing a grouchy giant’s keys, or trotting down a narrow mountain ledge on a one-eyed pony, Arun is ready to brave it all to save the king. 

Brimming with humour and adventure, this is not just one boy’s gritty tale of friendship, family and mayhem – it’s a downright royal rumpus!

True to its name, this one was definitely a rumpus from start to finish! Please be warned: you can’t stop reading once you pick this one up and you might fall off the couch laughing!

We follow Arun and Sai, two brothers who live with their uncle in the mountains and help him run a hotel. But when has life ever been simple?! When Arun overhears the vicious missionary Vin plotting to capture the boy-king Lalu, Arun takes it upon himself to thwart his plans and save the king! But why? Read the book to find out!

Eoin Redahan’s quirky writing style, paired with Mehnaaz Husain’s illustrations, definitely has you in for a treat! You can’t help but giggle, smile and sometimes burst into peals of laughter, no matter your age!

While the book is hilarious and full of adventure, the author doesn’t shy away from discussing the adversities of life: viz. hunger, impoverishment and the struggle to make ends meet. I love me a Middle Grade book that opens young readers’ eyes to important matters and this one definitely didn’t disappoint!

If you have read my reviews of MG books, you know a review is incomplete without my mentioning friendship! The friendship between Arun and Krishma was one to cherish!

So, what are you waiting for? This is one rumpus you need in your life!

What was your last Middle Grade read? Let me know in the comments below!

Here Are 5 Reasons Why The Night Hunt by Alexandra Christo Will Become Your Next Favourite YA Fantasy!

Here Are 5 Reasons Why The Night Hunt by Alexandra Christo Will Become Your Next Favourite YA Fantasy!

  1. FAST-PACED PLOT FULL OF MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES! If you’re someone who is in need of a quick fantasy read where the characters go on a quest and encounter a ton of monsters(vampires, banshees, etc.) along the way, you are definitely in the right place! We follow Atia, a monster who feeds off of fear and Silas, a Herald who sends the souls of the dead to the afterlife, as they strike an unlikely deal and venture off on what is probably the biggest adventure of their lives!
  2. DARK ROMANTASY FTW! A picture-perfect enemies-to-lovers slowburn romance that will have you feeling all the feels! Atia and Silas couldn’t have been more perfect and imperfect at the same time! You will end up rooting for them before you know it.😌
  3. ARE MONSTERS REALLY MONSTERS? I am a huge fan of books with morally gray characters and this book will have you wondering if we are sometimes too quick to judge people based on first impressions superficially without bothering to get to know them. There is a very thin line between good and bad and sometimes, it’s all a matter of perspective. Wow, can you see that this book is giving me some great food for thought?
  4. AMAZING QUEER REP! Being a queer person myself, I’m all for queer rep in books and the queer romance in this one had me feeling all warm and fuzzy! I do not want to give out spoilers here, so it’s best you check it out for yourself!
  5. STELLAR WORLD-BUILDING! I particularly love standalone fantasy books with great world-building for the simple reason that there is a lot to incorporate within a span of 300-odd pages and the author manages to construct the world and the magic system seamlessly while also focusing on a lot of other subplots! I will definitely be reading Alexandra Christo’s other books pretty soon!

Huge thanks to HarperCollins India for sending this title across for review! 💜

Enter a world of Gods and monsters . . . 

Atia is an immortal who feeds on fear and nightmare. As the last of her kind, she hides in the shadows of the world to escape the wrath of the vengeful Gods. 

Silas is a Herald, carrying messages and ferrying the dead, as punishment for a past he can’t remember.

Atia would never dream of allying with someone like him, but when she breaks a sacred law and the gods send monsters to hunt her, Silas offers an irresistible deal: he’ll help her take on the Gods and get vengeance for her family. But in return, she must help him break the curse that binds him and restore his humanity. All they need to do is kill three powerful creatures: a vampire, a banshee and one of the very Gods who has destroyed both their lives. Only together can they finally rewrite their destinies.

Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Tricia Levenseller and Alexandra Bracken, this is a thrilling fast-paced fantasy with breath-taking romance.

What are some of your favourite YA fantasy books? Let me know in the comments!

Sad Glad by Sidhartha Mallya – Book Tour Stop + Review!

Sad Glad by Sidhartha Mallya – Book Tour Stop + Review!

TITLE: Sad Glad

AUTHOR: Sidhartha Mallya (illustrated by Vibha Surya)

PAGE EXTENT: 32

PUBLISHER: Puffin Books (Penguin Random House India)

GENRE: Picture Book 

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

One morning, Sid wakes up feeling different. He can’t quite put his finger on why. The day seems gloomy, and Sid doesn’t feel like getting out of bed.

Luckily, Duke, Sid’s best buddy, senses that Sid needs comforting. He gently encourages Sid to accept all the different emotions he is feeling.

A helpful companion for a dull day, this assuring picture book is filled with many feelings and thoughts that offer a lot of hope!

Being a huge advocate of mental health, children’s books that highlight this extremely essential topic always have a special place in my heart, and needless to say, this book has already carved itself a cozy nook!

In this adorably illustrated picture book, we meet Sid, who wakes up one day feeling gloomy and tired. But why? Why can’t he just be happy all the time? Why does he have to feel sad? Why do these fluctuations happen? He gets answers to all of these questions and more with the help of his pet-cum-best buddy, Duke.

It takes a great deal of effort to portray mental health with nuance in a picture book and make it palatable for young readers and the author has managed to achieve just that! Kudos to Sidhartha Mallya for writing what is definitely an essential read for children! The poetry sprinkled throughout is an added perk!

This review would be incomplete without giving a shout-out to the illustrator, Vibha Surya, who has managed to capture the essence of the book perfectly and let it flow on the pages with her gorgeous illustrations!

Having struggled with anxiety and depression for more than two years, and finally getting help for the same, I have always been vocal about my struggles and made it a point to help anyone who’s also struggling, and it warms my heart to see books like these out in the world!

If you have a young reader at home you would like to introduce the concept of mental health to, then you’re in the right place! This book is the perfect fit!

Huge thanks to Penguin India for sending a copy my way!

Do you have any favourite books that talk about mental health? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Let’s Meet Taylor by Alexandra Koken and Claire Baker – A Review

Let’s Meet Taylor by Alexandra Koken and Claire Baker – A Review

TITLE: Let’s Meet Taylor: Story of a Superstar

AUTHOR: Alexandra Koken and Claire Baker (illustrated by Mariana Avila Lagunes)

PAGE EXTENT: 32

PUBLISHER: Macmillan Children’s Books

GENRE: Picture Book

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A style icon, talented singer-songwriter and true role model – we love you Taylor! But where did it all begin for the global superstar?

In this fun and inspirational picture book, follow Taylor Swift’s amazing journey from growing up on a Christmas tree farm to the multi-talented and award-winning star she is today, including her earliest performances and the supportive messages we all love and need. Discover how she never gave up on her dream, how she’s taught everyone to believe in themselves, and how she inspires everyone through her music, messages and metaphors.

Record-breaking Taylor is hugely successful singer-songwriter across many styles and instruments, always determined to do things her way and stay in control of her music. Her legendary tours have been loved by millions of fans, so much so that the ground shook as much as an earthquake at a show in Seattle!

There’s a Taylor Swift Easter eggs hiding on every page – can you find them all? Look closely and you’ll find her best-known styles and iconic hair flips, as well as song references. Count the butterflies to reveal her lucky number!

Perfect for fans of all ages, this unofficial biography filled with gentle text by Alexandra Koken and Claire Baker, and bright illustrations by Swiftie Mariana Avila Lagunes. Let’s Meet Taylor is the ideal book for anyone who wants to share in Taylor’s dream and celebrate her phenomenal success.

Are you ready to meet Taylor Swift? Then be like Taylor on stage and dive right in!

If you’re a hardcore Swiftie like I am, then you definitely need this adorable picture book in your collection!

Illustrated by Mariana Avila Lagunes, this collectible picture book narrates the story of how a young girl from Pennsylvania became one of the biggest music sensations all over the world and the hurdles she had to encounter along the way. The illustrations are so beautiful you can’t help but stare at them in awe! 🥹

This is a perfect book for young fans of Taylor’s who not only get to learn about the life of their favourite singer, but it also shows them how you can achieve anything you set out to in life, and all you need is passion and a strong sense of purpose and willpower!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a copy and read this cute little book! And if you know young Swifties, gift them a copy!

What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift? Let me know in the comments!