Recommended for Arachnologists (Kid Versions)

Uncover a Tarantula by David George Gordon

Honestly, I think I learn more from kids' books than I do from adult books. Kids books are simple and straight to the point. I was cleaning up one day and found this. Curious, I flipped through it and read about tarantulas. I learned all sorts of cool things that I never knew. Did you know that while humans have iron in their blood for oxygen purposes, tarantulas have copper? That's why their blood is a different color. Cool! I had no idea that was even possible. Even better, kids will love the design of the book because each page uncovers a different layer of the tarantula body - from circulatory system to nervous system to important tarantula organs. These books are cool and I would have loved to have one or more as a kid. I say more because you can get other books that show the insides of animals such as frogs, sharks, and even a t-rex!

Notes from the playlist: "Chemical Plant Zone (Dance Remix)" by JemenJ

Recently Finished

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Having finished the second book, I skipped forward and continued on with the third one. For some reason I was under the impression that this might be the final one, but I soon realized I was wrong. Frankly I hope Jones speeds things up a little because I'm getting tired of people telling Charley she needs to find out what she's capable of and not explaining anything to her (that sorts of thing annoys the bejeezus out of me). It was a fun ride, you feel bad for Reyes most of the time until you realize what he's done (bad boy), and I look forward to seeing what goes on between Heaven and Hell in the next book. However, that's a little while away yet, but I have plenty of other books to read, so I have no problem waiting.

Notes from the playlist: "Casual Sex" by My Darkest Days

Recommended for Young Artists

Draw 50 Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames

When I was a kid I liked to draw, and I wanted to learn how to draw better. I discovered the Draw 50 series and they were the best thing ever. For any kid looking to learn how to draw or improve their drawing skills, these are an excellent choice. I loved this one as well as the book for sea creatures. My finished drawings looked just like they were supposed to in the book. So good, in fact, that I remember another classmate accusing me of tracing them. Flattering and insulting at the same time. I always recommend these books to parents looking for good drawing books for their children. My only issue is that we never keep enough of them in stock!


Notes from the playlist: "Voce Existe Em Mim (You Exist In Me)" by Josh Groban

Currently Reading

Second Grave to the Left by Darynda Jones

One of my managers recommended First Grave on the Right to me, and when I read the summary, I decided I was game. Finally the second book came out, and after months and months of being on the library's waiting list, I finally got it. This time Charley is trying to solve more than one case - both of which involve missing persons. Except while one is human, the other is not. Both might kill her. It's another fun ride, and one of the best parts about these books is Charley's voice. The author gives her plenty of snark and the room to do it, which is what makes Charley my kind of heroine. I look forward to seeing how this ends and then moving on to the third book right after.


Notes from the playlist: "Memories" from Xenoblade