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.

Doodletopia cartoons

I got this book hoping it would help me teach the basics of drawing to my children (with my assistance).  I was a little underwhelmed by the content. It was a lot more basic than I thought, and not really detailed as far as step by step. I think it could be helpful for an artist who already knows most of the basics. It does live up to its names as doodles.  It's not much more than that. Overall I think it could be a fun book for all its intents and purposes. But not one I fell in love with as a super useful too, in my collection.

The wAterrcolor course you've always wAnted

At first it was hard to read the info in this book because I wanted to look at every painting and all the detail! So many great watercolor works in here. But once I actually got to reading, I really gleaned a lot of useful information. All of the tips and hints are broken down into easy instruction. The implements used and color choices are explained. There are lots of great color mixing guides, and progressional paintings are used to show you the effects of layering color and how to achieve it. She explains even how different grips on your brush can create different effects. I also loved seeing how to convey a mood for your painting, how to capture weather and light and how interpret rhythm.  This will really be a useful tool for me as I navigate this new medium. I'm really excited now to set up my canvas and get started!
I received this book from the publisher is exchange for an honest review.

Amish Christmas at Northstar

I admit, my wife and I's accounts got jumbled up when we ordered our last books, so since the one I ordered showed up, she read this one for me.   This is what she said...

What a perfectly cozy way to start the holidays.  Not only will you find fun heartwarming stories, you'll find them by great authors. Cindy Woodsmall is by far my favorite Amish author and here yet again she doesn't disappoint. It was really fun having 4 different stories all in one book.  Perfect curl up by the fireplace on a chilly night book!!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Owls- our most charming bird

Really great book.  The illustrations are wonderful, Whimsical enough for a child to adore them, but grown up enough for adults.  The descriptions are fun to read and he gives just the right amount of information. Enough to tell the differences easily between owls, but not in depth as an encyclopedia.
I cross referenced every drawing with the actual pictures of the particular owl. I can say, some weren't a great likeness, but all the same, after seeing the real owl you'd know to which he was referring in his illustrations.
I am curious to purchase his other bird books as this was a fun read. Indeed recommend.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Freehand Figure Drawing For Illustrators

If you are looking for an in depth instruction manual on drawing human body movement and function, you needn't look much further. This book covers almsot every part of the anatomy. It gives examples of various movements and angles. The illustrations cover muscles and bones. And are drawn in basic silloutettes as well as very detailed drawings. Every drawing is accompanied with very informative  and researched instructions and pointers. This book seems to be geared towards those drawing a lot of action illustrations, like a comic book artist. Although I'm sure any one looking to perfect form would glean from this book. I will say this book is informative, and will take a while to digest all of the information, however, I can't say it inspired me. It lacked a certain creative flair I was hoping for, as I learn better when art isn't taught in black and white. Overall, i think it's a very useful tool.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Apartment therapy-complete and happy home

What house style fits you best? Tudor? craftsman? Brownstone? Weigh your options with a list of handy pros and cons for any style of home that suits your fancy. And then start getting your home set up! Learn the best ways to live in your home and maintain it. Figure out color schemes, decor preferences, furniture arrangemens and lighting. Choose art, floors, rugs and wall coverings. View full do,or photos of put together rooms, including kids rooms, Outdoor bathrooms, sunroom offices and more. Get excited about awesome outdoor spaces. Learn want plants to grow inside. Peruse all sorts of useful information about stain removal and handy man tips. The list goes on for this comprehensive guide to making your home the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle! Really great book! I love home decor and am Often disappointed with books about it. But this book not only inspired me with the photos and ideas, it gave me more knowledge, and will now be an awesome too, for anytime I redecorate a space or help a friend. all the tips and tricks are wonderful, and the expa,nation of style is helpful. Seeing the way they put rooms together was great, so many styles represented in here. Definetly a book I'll be reading often! Great job. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting for Morning

It all happened in a matter of seconds. One minute Hannah Ryan had everything she wanted. The next minute she was that victim she always felt sorry for but never thought she'd identify with.
When she's given a choice how to respond to the accident, she chooses rage and bitterness, even at the expense of her living daughters feelings.
Can she get past this heartache and begin to trust God again?

Another great book by Kingsbury. Always a great story, always a great mix of tears and redemption. She writes about real things that happen to real people, and really knows how to suck a reader in!

The Realism Challenge

Whether you are a pro or a novice, there's something for everyone in here. From simulating shadows, to advanced surfaces, adding color, manufactured objects and much more. This book is written in a way that is easy to understand. It gives lots of tips and tricks without being overwhelming. Some of the paintings I wasn't super impressed with. But some really did look life-like. I think it's a good book to add to any artists collection. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Second Street Station

I have to say, I was anticipating a really good mystery. I was eagerly awaiting this book.  UnfortuNately this  one drew up  a little short for me. I wanted to see more suspense and intensity. There were  definitely some twists toward the end, but most of the book was spent in character development or details I didn't feel pertinent. I would have rather seen the story developed in a more detailed manner.
I think some of what made this story less than amazing for me was getting used to the authors style. Toward the middle of the book, I started to settle in and not focus so much on his writing (which seemed a little like reading for a part for a tv show at times.... kind of choppy and awkward descriptions that didn't seem relevant to the story).
I did however love the main character Mary, she is what made me finish the book.mso despite the stories slow start and some dry areas, I do think I'd read another installment.