The Illustrated compendium of amazing animal facts

What a great book!  I requested this book primarily because my young sons love animals and animal facts. But it turns out I enjoyed it just the same. It was really fun learning so many things I never knew about animals. Like did you know most butterflies never eat as an adult because they have no mouth and survive off the food energy of being a caterpillar? Or that sharks lose their appetite before birth so they don't feel tempted to eat their young? Or what about mosquitos not only biting you, but peeing on you as well?!  I don't want to give anymore away, but rest assured you'll find lots of interesting facts In here. And I rather liked the black and white sketches and whimsical type font. It was simple but creative.  My only complaint, that the book wasn't three times as long !
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The rooftop growing guide

This book is really great for those who have no space for a real garden, hence the name of the book of course.. I think the information can be useful In all  types of gardening settings, not just the ones specified in the book.  This was especially helpful for me as I possess the opposite of a green thumb, but would really one day like to create a small and useful garden. In the book the types of containers are explained, climates, soils, and what to grow. Also included are lots of helpful diagrams, the ins and outs of building codes and pest control. And even bees and bunnies. Stuffed full of info I don't think anyone will be disappointed with this book.  I do however wish some of the photos were a little more inspiring, but overall great book. 
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Paris Street Style

Really great coloring book!  It has a little bit of everything, especially for someone who loves Fashion, Paris and color!  (Like my wife). There is a great variety of this to color in, from Parisian buildings to Paris fashion to pages dedicated just to prints and patterns. It's a good size for toting around and even has an elastic strap to keep it shut. Overall a great find!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Little felted dogs

I have never done any kind of needle felting, so I was hoping this book would be a good introduction for a beginner, and was not disappointed in my expectations . From the very beginning the author gives very detailed instructions on how to get started and what tools are needed. Each tool and instruction is explained well and the overall process is made easy to understand. Each "chapter" contains a material list, diagrams and instructions to complete a specific dog. All of the dogs look so lifelike, and the photos are playful and fun.  Overall great book and I highly recommend it.
I received  this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Pop painting

I got this book in hopes of taking away some new techniques for painting and also to inspire other areas in my creative life.  As I read through it, I realized, I really didn't know anything about pop surrealism painting.  And to be honest, I found a lot of them images to be disturbing. That being said, the paintings are all very well done. The attention to detail is great. And while it's not a style I will find myself painting, the creativity is definitely to be admired. The artist does a great job with facial features and invoking a particular mood. There are lots of instructions, and a lot of pictorial guides. And the book is also full of her colorful artwork. As mentioned, the paintings that are a little to dark for my taste, I'll just leave be, but I do feel I  take from quite a few tips and techniques, and see things in a new light.  This would be a great book for those already painting this particular style, or those trying to broaden their horizons.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tile makes the room

As someone in the middle of purchasing a house and ready to renovate, I was looking forward to receiving this book.  I was disappointed.  While there were a few pages of unique tile, and tile I'd put in my own home, most of it was really bland, colorless and similar. The photography wasn't inspiring and in general, I found it boring. I liked some of the information, just learning about different types of tiles and their origins and process of  production. As I said , there were some pages I really enjoyed the tiles, patterns in which they were laid and spaces they were used in. Overall though not one I'd really recommend.