I Could Pee on This and Other Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano

Published by Chronicle Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Cats live by their own set of rules and just when you think you may have slightly grasped what makes your kitty tick, everything will change. That ought to be one of the universal laws. Anyone who has shared a home with a feline for even the briefest of times will agree. 

We share our home with multiple cats and I never tire of witnessing their little personality quirks.  Here are a couple of examples from our own household:

Sugar is a 3 year old kitty who is challenged somewhat. She is deaf and always has been. She also has a very aloof personality and will rarely allow herself to be petted. That changes once we leave the house.  She instantly dashes to the window and parades up and down the window sill inside. She brushes herself against the glass and even stands on two legs, stretching against the window, teasing and begging to be petted. 

Sabrina is a 5 year old kitty who does a great impression of the dog from 'Spanglish' (Check it out - Great movie!) Sabrina started to bring us one of her favourite toys and I'm not quite sure what inspired us to throw it, but we did, only to watch as she brought it back for us to do that again, and again, and again…..

In I Could Pee on This and Other Poems by Cats we are treated to a number of cute, sometimes funny, almost always entertaining little poems. Each of these poems give us a glimpse into the mind of a cat and what they are really thinking when they bring you dead mice, curl up on the clean and folded laundry, or even reach up and pat you in the face repeatedly. More than a few of these poems resonated with me and I often found myself giggling maniacally but still found it difficult to raise it any higher than a 3/5 star rating (meaning I like it).

One of my favourites is:  

The World Outside My House 

In the world outside my house
The mice jump in your mouth
And birds serve themselves in butter
Rather than fly south 

In the world outside my house
The sun is a laser light
Each cloud a snuggly blanket
And the doors are not shut tight 

In the world outside my house
All the trees they dangle string
The flowers brush from head to tail
And the neutered cat is king 

In the world outside my house
I can never go
But as an indoor cat I know these things
Because the dog does tell me so.

It’s a cute book and I’d recommend it as a gift for any cat-lover.

Author's website: http://mediumlarge.wordpress.com/

Deck Z: The Titanic by Chris Pauls and Matt Solomon

Published by Chronicle Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

The story is familiar. The period of history is April 1912 and the passenger liner Titanic had set off for America, via the Atlantic Ocean. With the Titanic being much larger than any ship previously, she was considered to be unsinkable, but the events of April 14th and 15th proved otherwise.  Various sources of information would lead us to believe that the ship approached a massive iceberg and while efforts were made to try and avoid the mass of ice, it was too little, too late. If only the crew could have heeded the reports that were received earlier, things might have been much different.

Unfortunately, the crew, and many of the passengers on the ship at that time, had other priorities. The first of which was trying to stop, or at least slow down, the strange epidemic that was raging through the ship. Passengers and crew alike are displaying a multitude of symptoms, including: weeping sores, guttural groans, and an appetite for flesh.

Deck Z: The Titanic brings to light for the first time, what  really, likely, may have happened on the Titanic. (Okay, so it probably didn't happen this way but what the heck, it's far more entertaining!)

I have to admit to a little bias here. I'm a zombie junkie. When I saw this title, I knew I had to check it out, and I hoped that it wouldn't disappoint.

What I love about this book is that it starts off like a brilliant espionage tale. Weiss, a German scientist, has uncovered a plague, and the military plan to use it as their next biological weapon.  Weiss does the only thing he can; he takes the only existing vial and runs. His plan? To gain a ticket for the maiden voyage of the Titanic and head to America and safety from those who would cause harm.

I was hooked from the beginning, due to not only the fascinating plot, but the great writing style. Some of the characters I found familiar due to previously viewed information regarding the Titanic and her fate. Others were brand new, including one young lady known as 'Lou', who fast became a firm favourite of mine.  I found it difficult to put this book down for any real length of time since it has such a wonderful blend of history, technical info, mystery, and of course, imagination. 

While reading it, I was guided through such a vast range of intense emotions. It's one of those books that if I think of one word to define it, the word would be 'exhilerating'. It will be interesting to see if the book still maintains that quality during subsequent readings. I'll be sure to update when I read it again.

There's a quote that frequently shows up on social networks. It states:

That moment when you finish a book, look around, and realize that everyone is just carrying on with their lives as though you didn't just experience emotional trauma at the hands of a paperback.

For me, it's not a huge leap to imagine that the person, who stated this, had read Deck Z.  It's easily one of my favourite books for 2013 so far. While the cover states it's a first novel for Chris Pauls and Matt Solomon, I hope it won't be the last.

F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers by Richard Benson

Published by Chronicle Books

Distributed by Raincoast Books

Most - if not all - of us have been there. Seated at a desk in some intimidating room, complete silence, facing a question that we realize we have zero chance of getting right. When faced with that situation, the students featured in 'F in Exams' get creative and decide to have fun.

When I attended school, I recall facing my exams and our teachers often gave us the same advice. Never, ever leave a question unanswered even if it means guessing. Somehow I don't think the examples in this book are what they had in mind but they certainly entertained me. Who knew that living closer to power lines means you get your electricity faster, or that a regular triangle is a triangle with three sides. Perhaps you are one of those physics students who knows that a transformer is a robot who can change into a sports car in 3 seconds, or a history/geography student who is certain that a migration is a headache.

When I sat down and read this, I was laughing out loud and repeating many of the examples to my husband who was also entertained by the content. Mostly funny, sometimes hilarious but always creative, this book will bring happiness to every reader. It's also probably the only book that will make you feel incredibly smarter in under an hour!

Ten Little Zombies: A Love Story by Andy Rash

Published by Chronicle Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

An original and fun take on the old children's rhyme 'Ten Little Indians'. The book begins with Ten Little Zombies, zombies that dwindle rapidly in numbers as each of them comes to a tragic end by way of campfires, fence spears, shotguns and so much more. Can there be any survivors?

This is such a fun and quirky little book. While it may appear to be almost child-like in appearance, due to the graphic violence, blood etc I would definitely avoid buying it for little people but it makes a fantastic unique gift for a loved one, and it's an ideal gift for anyone who, like myself, adores all things zombie. It takes mere minutes to read through this book but the rhyme, and the smiles it brings, will last much longer. Take a peek at a video created by the author, for a glimpse into this wonderful little book and also visit his website which is listed below.

Author's website: http://www.rashworks.com/

Bloodletting: A Memoir of Secrets, Self-Harm & Survival by Victoria Leatham

Published by New Harbinger Publications
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Bloodletting/ -, letting/ n.
1. Phlebotomy, the act or process of letting blood or bleeding, as by opening a vein or artery.
2. Outmoded medical practice used as a cure for illnesses ranging from fevers to hysteria.

Bloodletting is an intimate glimpse into the world of Victoria Leatham as she struggles to deal with a myriad of issues including Self-harm and Depression. Victoria writes openly about her constant battle while dealing with mental illness, and how it is to live with those issues in a world where, especially where self-harm is involved, there is little understanding from those around us. In this book, the author really lays it out on the line as she shares her fears, insecurities and most shameful moments as she searches for something resembling a cure.

As someone who has - and still does - battle with self-harm issues, I was really looking forward to reading this personal account. What I found was a simultaneously heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of a strong woman, in search of something, anything, that could help her to find a sense of peace. Victoria speaks very frankly about her inability to discuss her issues with all but a precious few and also shares what it's like to live with an illness that is still, even in these times, considered a highly taboo subject. Something I hope to change by reviewing such books on my blog whenever they become available.

There are various self-help books when it comes to depression and such, but for me personally, there is just something about reading a personal account from someone who is going through this. It screams out to us that we are not alone in this battle and in doing so, makes it just that little bit more bearable to deal with. Much of this book resonated with me and while certain parts of the book were a little uncomfortable for me, I simply loved this book. It's a book that brings hope to many who practice self-harm and battle depression. Or at least, that is what it brought to me.

I would seriously recommend this book, not just to those who live with self-harm or depression, but to everyone. There is a great deal of stigma that accompanies these diseases or afflictions and that is never going to change unless people read accounts such as these and perhaps gain a little understanding.

Fabulous book. I am so in awe that the author was able to put down her experience within these pages despite how difficult that must have been.

Don't Try This at Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs. Edited by Kimberly Witherspoon and Andrew Friedman

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Various chefs from around the world share their personal tales from the kitchen. An eel invasion, cooking with laundry, accidental creations, a dinner party with a difference, an unexpected snowstorm, a blind cook, an owl, and a shock in the kitchen are just a small sample of the subjects contained within the pages of this book. Whether you are looking for the more outrageous experiences, the heartwarming and inspirational, or the just plain funny, you are going to find it all in this entertaining and eye-opening collection.

I found this book to be a quick and addictive read. I also found it to be greatly entertaining and surprising since I could never have imagined many of the situations that the featured chefs encountered. During visits to restaurants I have always assumed that things ran as smoothly in the kitchen as they were made to appear. Things always seemed so easy, so perfect and it's a wonderful testament to chefs the world over that they can overcome the countless challenges and ensure that their customers have a pleasant and relaxed dining experience even as chaos runs rampant behind the kitchen doors.

Many of the cooking shows on TV give the impression that preparing a meal is easy, and even when those meals are multiplied to restaurant style numbers they hardly seem to break a sweat. I found it refreshing when shows like Hell's Kitchen & Kitchen Nightmares (okay so I am a Gordon Ramsey fan!) appeared on the scene and revealed some of the challenges and hard work involved in the restaurant industry. This book takes it still further as the featured chefs set aside their pride and bare it all.

Wings: A Fairy Tale by E.D. Baker

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Tamisin feels like she is different and doesn't fit in. Don't all teens feel that way? It's not just that she sees weird things that her friends seem oblivious to. Nor is it her pointy ears and freckles that sparkle, though admittedly many people consider her to be a freak because of them. No, what really has Tamisin concerned is the sudden appearance of wings! High school is hard enough without having to deal with such issues.

While her parents don't seem to have a lot of answers - and certainly not answers she really wants to hear, she does find friendship and understanding with the strange new boy, Jak.

Wings was a light and speedy read. Thanks to the wonderfully crafted storyline my attention was captured from the beginning. I found many of the characters to be interesting and creative even if not always likeable. What I liked mostly about Wings is the magical quality of the story. The book is a fun read and I find myself pretty sure of the fact that the author had almost as much fun writing it. Talking unicorns and serpentine women with lisps are just a couple of the creatures found within the pages of this story. It was entertaining, amusing, a whimsical fantasy ride that left me wishing it never had to end. I could easily have read more.

The cover of the book states that the author was inspired by a Midsummer Night's Dream which I have never read but am now highly curious about. I could easily see this as a stepping stone for introducing a tween or teen to shakespeare's works.

Author's website: http://talesofedbaker.com/

Mother Goose Manners by Harriet Ziefert. Illustrations by Pascale Constantin.

Published by Blue Apple Books
Distributed in the US by Chronicle Books
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Nursery rhymes and childhood go hand-in-hand. Even as adults we often remember them enough to repeat to our own offspring or those of family and friends. In Mother Goose Manners these rhymes are brought to life by the vibrant and original illustrations of Pascale Constantin. Each image is printed on a fold out page that - when lifted - reveals a whole new image accompanied by the words of Harriet Ziefert that encourage the young reader to develop their manners. Never has learning to be polite been so fun.

This hardcover book contains 12 nursery rhymes within 32 pages and is recommended for ages 4-8.

I found this read to be cute and entertaining and really wished that such a title had been available as my own children were growing up. I like the idea of introducing manners to a child by using such a fun method, especially when it encourages children to read.

Harriet Ziefert encourages children to not just consider each rhyme carefully but also how manners could have improved the situation. Who knows how many creative and considerate ideas your young reader can suggest!

This is definitely one of my favourite picks for a child's bookcase.

Illustrator's website: http://www.pascaleconstantin.com/

Guess Who? by A.J. Wood. Illustrated by Mike Jolley & Emma Dodd

Published by Silver Dolphin Books an imprint of Advantage Publishers Group.
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Guess Who is another title in the Amazing Baby changing picture book series.

As with the other title I reviewed, the cover is bright and attention grabbing with a mixture of stimulating designs which encourage discussion between parent and child. A solid book, though, as stated in the other review, the edges lack the same protective coating as the rest of the book which could make the book a little less durable in the mouths of toddlers.

On each page in this book, there is a white silhouette of an animal or object. The accompanying question gives a little clue of what should be there, such as 'who's flying around the flowers?" for a butterfly silhouette. The page has built-in sliders again which cause an insert to pop out of the edge of the page. On that insert is the coloured image of the animal or object in question along with the answer in words. As in the other title, the back of the inserts contain various black and white patterns that can also be a great learning tool.

Great book. The Amazing Baby series is something I definitely recommend.

You can see all the available titles here

One Little Bunny by A.J. Wood. Illustrated by Mike Jolley & Emma Dodd

Published by Silver Dolphin Books an imprint of Advantage Publishers Group.
Distributed by Raincoast Books

One Little Bunny is a book in the Amazing Baby changing picture book series.

At first glance this book is sure to pique the attention of any baby or toddler. The cover alone has so many different colours and patterns that it offers a learning experience before the book is even opened. The book is solid and seems to be durable though I would have liked to have seen the edges treated with the same coating as the pages and cover. I think it would have been a better idea since the age range of this book (6-18 months) just love to put everything in their mouths.

Each page in this book offers a simple and eye-catching picture which accompanies a counting question. The toddler can place a finger into the slider that is built into the page and it causes a solid insert to pop from the top of the page. The insert contains the answer in a shiny and reflective format. On the reverse of each of these pop-ups are various black and white designs such as spirals, stripes and polka dots. While great to look at, they also encourage learning about patterns too. Towards the end of the book, your child is introduced to a basic math problem which I thought was great. One thing I didn't notice at first, is that each page also contains a number of circles beside the slider so that children can count either the illustrations, or just the circles, though it also leaves the option open for more basic addition too.

For such a small book, it has endless learning possibilities. It's definitely one of my favourite board books to recommend.

You can see all the available titles here

As the World Burns by Derrick Jensen. Illustrated by Stephanie McMillan

Published by Seven Stories Press
Distributed by Raincoast Books

As the World Burns covers the subjects of global warming, over consumption, animal testing, and other environmental issues that we hear about in our everyday lives. 'We meet two young girls who are concerned with preventing the end of the world, but unsure of how to do so. All the information shared in the many 'quick-fix' guides doesn’t seem to be enough. Meanwhile, the US government has worked out a deal with aliens from outer space and has granted them permits to eat the entire country in exchange for gold - gold that the aliens consider worthless. While the corporations are up in arms over the loss of resources/profits, a solitary one-eyed bunny breaks into a research laboratory in an attempt to rescue the animals within. Chaos runs rampant as many lives come together in an attempt to save the planet.

I love environmental books and graphic novels so I was pretty certain I was going to be on to a winner with this title. I didn't like it as much as I had hoped. I believe it contains strong - and important - messages that our world is in trouble and many of the 'band-aid' solutions are not making as much of a difference as we would like. I believe it is informative in some aspects and I definitely like the 'back-to-nature' theme that occurs at times. That said, I didn't like the violence, I didn't care much for the politics, or the feelings of anger it rouses in the reader but it gets the message across and I do always say that it's a well written book that can provoke emotion in a reader.

I liked the illustration a great deal. Graphic Novels always seem to have such unique styles of artwork and this is no exception though I do wish it had been released here in colour as it is going to be in France. One thing I didn't like about it was that the corporations, president etc were all designed to look like villains, sharp monstrous pointy teeth and all. While I am in agreement that companies have a great deal to answer to, and that priorities need to be changed, I don't think it's fair to present them in such a negative way. Most especially when the environmentalists are usually depicted as cute little girls and tortured animals. I am a firm believer in balance and this book struck me as very one-sided in many aspects and honestly comes off as a personal rant designed strictly to enrage the reader.

Whether you love this book or hate it, one thing is for certain. It will definitely provide much food for thought and while I may not agree with the somewhat violent message, it's always a great thing to see someone else speaking out about the state of this planet.

You can learn more about the author at: http://www.derrickjensen.org/ and the illustrator at: http://mcmillan.livejournal.com/

Red Colored Elegy by Seiichi Hayashi

Published by Drawn & Quarterly Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Red Colored Elegy tells the story of Ichiro and Sachiko, two people who live together (on and off) as they struggle to make ends meet, and dream of better days. For Ichiro those better days include becoming successful with his comics. For Sachiko, she simply longs for the day when the man she loves will propose marriage.

I love graphic novels. I love to explore the pages and different drawing styles of each author. At first I was a little thrown off by the faces that are sometimes missing, and the characters can have a 'super bendy' look that would cause any yoga expert to be green with envy. It's very easy to put that aside though as the reader gets drawn into the story by the turbulent and often dysfunctional lifestyle of this young couple.

I couldn't help but keep my hopes up that they would eventually manage to communicate to each other what they truly desire in life, even while I found myself greatly saddened by the constant struggle between the two characters. Seiichi Hayashi expresses so much in his artwork and though I could have read this book a lot more quickly than I did, I found myself lingering over each image and admiring the way the author can cause the emotional side of this story to leap out from each one.

For a preview, visit: http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/imagesPreview/a477d4683b76d3.pdf

This is definitely one of my favourites and I look forward to reading it again.

Ms. Hempel Chronicles by Sarah Shun-Lien Bynum

Published by Harcourt Inc.
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Ms. Hempel is a seventh grade teacher who, while passionate about teaching and nurturing her students, sometimes wishes she could seek out a different path in life. It seems that every time she holds this debate in her mind, she can't quite grasp a way to achieve this without being seen as dishonourable. In these chronicles the reader gets to witness memorable moments of life through the eyes of this charming, yet seemingly fragile character. Often these moments are reflected through her relationships with other teachers and of course, her students.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The first word that springs to mind is 'intimate'. It's written in such a style that the reader can't help but feel a close bond with Beatrice Hempel as she moves through her life. She is charming, unsure of herself, and often finds herself visiting old memories and longing for a change she doesn't feel brave enough to reach for.

Through the various 'glimpses' into her life, Í couldn't help but feel sorry for this character. When we first meet her, she is in her early to mid twenties and we are still with her as she reaches the thirties but it often seems that the only thing to change is her age. I got the distinct impression that she tends to just stand still and let life happen around her, taking very little control over her own destiny. I was relieved when offered an image of her in earlier years when she had blue hair and dressed in torn t-shirts and leopard print mini skirts, as it showed that she wasn't always this quiet, almost timid woman.

Along with her quietness though, she sometimes displays a child-like naivety that is simply endearing. The naivety lessens as the years unfold though she still seems to retain an ‘innocence’. I would have loved to have seen more of this character and followed her through the next couple of years to see how she would further develop. It's rare to read a book and feel like you have so much invested in the content but with this title, it's exactly how I felt - almost like a doting parent, cautiously watching as Beatrice struggles to discover who she is and what she really wants in life.

This was a wonderful work of fiction.

Website: http://www.mshempelchronicles.com/Welcome.html

The Gospel of the Second Coming: The Long-Awaited Sequel! by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy

Published by Hay House Inc.
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Pretty much everyone knows the main players in this book. We follow Jesus during his second coming as he introduces Mary and Peter to Gnosticism. Mary is eager to learn but then again, could that have something to do with the fact that she has a teensy crush on the big JC. Peter is more sceptical and struggles to keep his old ideas of religion safe. If it were possible, I think Peter would be calling the men in white jackets to take Jesus away. I mean, what else can you do with a guy who claims not to exist! Especially when his dear old dad - AKA God - butts in and claims to be on the 'non-existent' team too.

This is actually a really well written book. During the first chapter or two, it was the humour and outrageousness of this book that kept my interest but as the authors got more in depth, I paid less attention to the humour and was genuinely engrossed in the thoughts and ideas that are shared within the pages.

I can imagine some Christians being offended by the content but I personally think this is the kind of book that everyone should read at least once, regardless of your religious preferences. I am all for a book that promotes love, peace, tolerance and above all, self-love and self-respect. I love that this book pushes readers towards enjoying the life that you live today and turns readers away from the guilt that is all too often attached to religious beliefs.

A positive and inspirational read though admittedly, it did get dry in a few places.

Author's website; http://www.timothyfreke.com

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez

Published by Harcourt Inc.
Distributed by Raincoast Books

High School can be a nightmare and very rarely do students make it through the experience unscathed. For Daisy Giordano, high school just got a whole lot worse. Her mother and sisters have psychic abilities and though Daisy's mother is convinced that Daisy is just a slow developer, it doesn't make her 'norm' status any easier to bear.

Throw in the fact that the head cheerleader has just returned from summer break looking somewhat dead and random female teens have been showing up dead (or very close to it) and it's very clear that something nasty is happening in the town of Nightshade. Whatever it is, it seems to be revolving around the Nightshade High cheerleading team. As members of the team are falling victim to some unexplained weirdness, new talent has to be found and Daisy is taken on as a new addition. Hopefully she is in a better position to help solve this mystery before anyone else gets hurt.

'Dead is the New Black' is a highly addictive read which drew me in from the very first page. The writing style is perfectly descriptive - enough detail to paint a very clear image in the mind of the reader, yet not enough to take away from the fast pace of the story. The characters are equally as well written and it's not often easy to become attached to characters within such a quick read but I found myself dreading the end of the book. Thankfully it seems there will be a couple of sequels at least, including 'Dead is a State of Mind' which should already be available and which I hope to review soon.

This is the first book I have read by Marlene Perez but it certainly won't be the last. This book is a welcome addition to my bookshelf and it's a sure-fire winner as a gift for any girls over the age of 12.

Author's website: http://www.marleneperez.com

All We Ever Do Is Talk About Wood by Tom Horacek

Published by Drawn & Quarterly Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

All We Ever Do Is Talk About Wood contains a variety of cartoons which deal with the darker aspects of life. Death, Insanity, Marriage, and Infidelity are among the many topics covered in these simple yet brilliant drawings.

The back of the book describes the characters in these drawings as having the hydrocephalic proportions of playmobil people and I have to agree. The characters have a definite 'cute' factor and I am a big fan of any book that can add humour to the more negative aspects of life.

My favourite comics in this book are: the Agoraphobics Anonymous meeting (page two of the preview PDF which is linked to below), The mousehole, Josh, and the Broken Leg. This is a smaller book, filled with delightful single panel gags that will entertain and amuse.

Preview Link: http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/imag...

How to Behave: A Guide to Modern Manners for the Socially Challenged by Caroline Tiger

Published by Quirk Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

This book is divided into various environments that you will encounter on a day-to-day basis. It covers Transportation, At the Office, Big City Living, Leisure Time, Dating Love and Sex, and Out on the Town. Caroline Tiger captures so many situations that we can all associate with but rather than being a book on manners for the socially challenged (as the title would suggest) the reader is instead faced with a book on how to deal with rude people.

I find it less a book on etiquette, more a book on how to deal with obnoxious people by being more obnoxious than they are. It's hard to tell whether this book is written tongue in cheek but in some places I would sincerely hope it was. I believe that if one were to follow the advice laid out by the author in much of this book, the situation could (and probably would) escalate to levels that do nothing to resolve the original problem but instead would create new ones.

The main theme of the book seems to be 'an eye for an eye' which, personally, I dislike.

On a plus note, at least the author usually offers two solutions per situation. One is tactful and the other is confrontational. If you are someone who likes to be pro-active in correcting the behaviours of those around you then perhaps this title is for you. I did glean a little information from this title regarding general consideration for those around me but was it worth digging my way through the rest of it? I don't know.

It’s not a book I would read again.

Author's website: http://www.carolinetiger.com

Gentleman Jim by Raymond Briggs

Published by Drawn & Quarterly Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Jim has a steady job working in the public toilets, a job he is really good at. During his breaks he takes time to read the papers and see what new job opportunities are available but it seems like every job needs 'levels' these days. Life was so much easier back in the days of the old west, or even during the times of Dick Turpin. Gosh those times looked exciting. After spending 12 years thinking about switching jobs, Jim finally decides to look at an alternative life and soon finds that although he has more excitement in his life now, it's not the good kind.

I loved this book. I fell in love with the work of Raymond Briggs when I first saw The Snowman (which I still have on DVD along with Father Christmas.) I hadn't heard of Gentleman Jim and was further surprised to see that it's one of the first graphic novels ever published. The illustrations are vivid, brilliant, wonderfully detailed and often rich and vibrant. The story itself is heartwarming and inspirational while also terribly sad in places. That said, it's also greatly entertaining and caused me to laugh out loud more than a few times.

Easily one of my favourite reads this year.

Preview can be seen at: http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/imagesPreview/a477d459beb320.pdf

There's a Dead Person Following My Sister Around by Vivian Vande Velde

Published by Magic Carpet Books - an imprint of Harcourt Inc.
Distributed by Raincoast Books

Ted has a problem. It all started one night while Ted and his sixteen year old brother were watching TV. Looking up he spies his younger sister Vicky - who is in kindergarten - trying to watch TV even though she shouldn't be awake. Vicky explains that she is only there because her new friend Marella was curious about TV. Chalking the experience up to invisible friends, Vicky is sent back to bed by her brothers. Following that there seems to be more than a few strange events including one terrifying night when Ted wakes up from a really bad nightmare only to hear his sister screaming that 'the bad lady' was trying to hurt him.

Through a conversation with his cousin, and later with his grandparents, Ted is convinced the house is haunted and he learns that their almost 150 year old home used to be a part of the underground railroad. Furthermore, his grandparents tell him of a secret room in the house that is now unreachable but which once held a diary. He is thrilled to learn the diary is in the attic but soon learns that someone really doesn't want him to go up there.

Will he get the answers he needs, and will it be in time to put an end to the hauntings before something really bad happens?

I decided on a quick read tonight and this title just caught my eye. From the beginning this book grabs your attention and has no problem holding onto it. The reader is informed that unlike most ghost stories, this one doesn't begin with an old old house, or being sent to stay with an aunt who lives near a windswept moor. Nor does it involve a lighthouse or any of the other things usually found in those kind of stories. Within the first couple of pages I was already chuckling at the humour and I was already drawn in to the point where I didn't want to put the book down at all.

I liked that this book delves into some of the history of slavery and the underground railway. It was fascinating to read about and I especially liked the reactions from Ted as he learned of his family's involvement. The tale has a wonderfully balanced mix of fantasy and educational content that is sure to please both parents and children alike. It's an entertaining read with many fantastic twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat right until the very end. For ages 10 and up.

Author's site: http://www.vivianvandevelde.com

Permanence: Tattoo Portraits by Kip Fulbeck

Published by Chronicle Books
Distributed by Raincoast Books

While tattooing is becoming increasingly popular there is often still a great amount of stigma surrounding those who decide to decorate their bodies in this fashion. Kip Fulbeck takes images of a diverse group of these people and puts them into this book along with their own stories regarding their experiences with ink.

Whether you sport tattoos or not, you are sure to find this book an eye opener. Great photography and a very voyeuristic look into the personal choices behind each piece of art. A great gift for those who are into body modification and for anyone who has a curiosity as to why anyone would get inked.

Myself, I have three tattoos though it looks like two. I have a wolf with native feathers on my right arm and later had my husband's name placed alongside. Both of those are a symbol of my commitment to him. I also have a more personal tattoo on the back of my neck to remind me of my spirit and strength.

I loved this book and hope it is the start of a new trend. I would love to see more books on the subject of body modifications.