Jul 31, 2020

Book News: Caribu Partners with DC for Kid-Friendly Comics! & Flash Facts!


Caribu Partners with DC to Add 75+ Kid-Friendly Comics


Starring Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, DC Super Hero Girls, Looney Tunes, and More Fan-Favorite Characters


Leading educational video-calling app offers unlimited interactive content options for kids ages 8-12 for free all summer

By Official Press Release
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020




MIAMI, Fla. - Today, activity-based video-calling app Caribu announced a partnership with DC, one of the largest publishers of comics and graphic novels in the world and home to Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and more of the world’s most iconic Super Heroes and Super-Villains. With the addition of 77  kid-friendly DC titles now available on the platform, Caribu is expanding the app’s content to a broader audience and aging up for children ages 8-12. Through interactive reading and video-calling, Caribu is helping kids to stay connected, educated and engaged from a distance with free content for new users all summer.
Caribu users can now access a variety of DC kids titles from popular comics series like DC Super Hero Girls, Teen Titans Go!, Scooby-Doo, and Looney Tunes. The app also features free previews of DC’s acclaimed middle grade graphic novels, including sneak peeks at Shannon and Dean Hale’s Diana: Princess of the Amazons illustrated by Victoria Ying, Meg Cabot’s Black Canary: Ignite illustrated by Cara McGee, Ridley Pearson’s Super Sons trilogy illustrated by Ile Gonzalez, and additional works by Minh Lê, Kirk Scroggs, and many more.

DC, a creative unit of WarnerMedia, is part of the AT&T family of content creators. This collaboration builds on AT&T’s longstanding support of Caribu, beginning when the company participated in AT&T’s 2018 Aspire Accelerator cohort. Most recently, AT&T provided a $560,000 contribution to Caribu through the company’s $10 million Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund, underwriting the app for free during the onset of COVID-19 and helping keep kids and families connected during uncertain times.
To engage the younger crowd in the comic book conversation this summer, Caribu has deemed July 20-26th Superhero week in their Virtual Summer Reading program, Caribu will highlight a selection of titles from the DC universe for users to read with daily prompts and activities they can use to engage in a more immersive way with the content.
"We pride ourselves in offering a variety of content for a wide range of ages and interests on Caribu,” said Maxeme Tuchman, CEO and CO-Founder at Caribu. “Partnering with DC allows us to meet the needs of older kids who want to have virtual playdates with family and friends so they too can stay entertained and engaged this summer.” 
This news comes on the heels of Caribu’s recent announcement around #CampCaribu! 100 Days of Summer Reading Camp, a dynamic summer reading program that you can do together with family and friends in an interactive video-call. All Caribu books and activities are interactive during calls, allowing both parties to turn the page, draw together in real-time, and point to words so kids can follow along. Visit caribu.com to download the app and enjoy FREE access to “educational screen time” activities this summer, or check out their Facebook Page to learn more. To learn more about DC and the World’s Greatest Super Heroes, visit dccomics.com


About‌ ‌Caribu‌:

Caribu‌ ‌helps‌ ‌parents‌ ‌and‌ ‌grandparents‌ ‌to‌ ‌read,‌ ‌draw,‌ cook a recipe, enjoy an art activity, ‌and play‌ ‌games‌ ‌with‌ ‌their (grand)children,‌ ‌in‌ ‌an‌ ‌interactive‌ ‌video-call,‌ ‌from‌ ‌anywhere‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌world.‌ ‌The‌ ‌result‌ ‌is‌ ‌an‌ ‌engaging‌ child-friendly shared‌ ‌screen‌ ‌experience‌ ‌that‌ ‌is‌ elegantly ‌designed,‌ ‌carefully‌ ‌curated,‌ ‌and‌ ‌secure.‌ Caribu contains an‌ ‌in-app‌ ‌library‌ ‌filled‌ ‌with‌ ‌1500+‌ ‌titles‌ ‌from‌ ‌leading‌ ‌children’s‌ ‌publishers,‌ ‌in‌ ‌eight‌ ‌languages,‌ ‌and‌ ‌coloring‌ ‌activities‌ ‌that‌ ‌can‌ ‌be‌ ‌drawn‌ ‌on‌ ‌simultaneously.‌ ‌The‌ ‌company‌ has users ‌in‌ ‌200+‌ ‌countries,‌ ‌has‌ ‌won‌ ‌numerous‌ ‌international‌ ‌and‌ ‌national‌ ‌awards‌ ‌such‌ ‌as‌ ‌being‌ ‌named‌ ‌one‌ ‌of‌ ‌TIME‌ ‌Magazine’s‌ ‌Best‌ ‌Inventions‌,‌ ‌and‌ ‌is‌ ‌backed‌ ‌by‌ ‌celebrity‌ ‌investors‌ ‌and‌ ‌great‌ ‌partners‌ ‌such‌ ‌as‌ ‌AT&T,‌ ‌Revolution’s‌ ‌Rise‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Rest‌ ‌Seed‌ ‌Fund,‌ ‌and‌ ‌Toyota.‌ ‌Through‌ ‌a‌ ‌partnership‌ ‌with‌ ‌Blue‌ ‌Star‌ ‌Families,‌ ‌Caribu‌ donates free subscriptions to ‌all‌ ‌currently‌ ‌serving‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌military.‌ ‌For‌ ‌more‌ ‌information,‌ ‌visit:‌ ‌‌www.caribu.c‌om‌



About DC:

DC is one of the largest publishers of comics and graphic novels in the world and home to some of the most iconic and recognizable characters ever created.  As a creative unit of WarnerMedia, DC is charged with strategically integrating its stories and characters across film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, interactive games, and the DC Universe digital subscription service. For more information visit dccomics.com and dcuniverse.com.



DC TAPS BIG BANG THEORY STAR MAYIM BIALIK TO CURATE

FLASH FACTS

New Middle Grade Graphic Novel Anthology Features Short Stories by All-Star Writers and Artists That Demonstrate S.T.E.M. Principles Through DC Super Heroes


Book Hits Stores February 2, 2021

Have you ever wondered what’s at the bottom of the sea? Why polar ice melts? Or which tools forensic scientists use to solve a crime?

Well, DC has great news! All these answers and more will be revealed in Flash Facts, a lighthearted middle grade graphic novel anthology set to debut February 2, 2021. Geared toward readers ages 8-12, this collection of short stories is curated by award-winning actress and author Mayim Bialik and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards, providing a helpful bridge between the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) lessons taught inside the classroom and how these principles affect our everyday lives.

Under Bialik’s oversight, the short stories demonstrating various S.T.E.M. principles will star Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and more DC Super Heroes and will be written and drawn by some of the most popular writers and artists in middle grade and comics publishing, including New York Times bestselling author Michael Northrop (TombQuest, Dear Justice League), Dustin Hansen (Microsaurs, My Video Game Ate My Homework), Cecil Castellucci (Batgirl), Kirk Scroggs (Snoop Troop, The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid), Corinna Bechko, Sholly Fisch, Amanda Deibert, Vita Ayala, Amy Chu, and more to be announced.


Curated by: Mayim Bialik
Contributors: New York Times bestselling author Michael Northrop (TombQuest, Dear Justice League), Dustin Hansen (Microsaurs, My Video Game Ate My Homework), Cecil Castellucci (Batgirl), Kirk Scroggs (Snoop Troop, The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid), Corinna Bechko, Sholly Fisch, Amanda Deibert, Vita Ayala, Amy Chu, and more to be announced
Cover by Derek Charm
Preview Interior art revealed today by Dustin Hansen
On sale everywhere books are sold February 2, 2021
MSRP: $9.99


Have you ever wondered what’s at the bottom of the sea? Why polar ice melts? Or which tools forensic scientists use to solve a crime?

Well, look no further! Everyone’s favorite Scarlet Speedster is here to answer all your burning questions! Barry Allen, with the help of some of his close friends, will take readers on an exciting journey that examines everything from the vast expanse of our galaxy to the smallest living organism known to exist.   

Curated by award-winning actress and author Mayim Bialik, PhD, and featuring stories created by an all-star cast of writers and illustrators, this anthology aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and provides a helpful bridge between the lessons taught inside the classroom and our everyday lives. 

Jul 30, 2020

Early Reader Review: Beauty and the Beast by Jessica Gunderson

Source: From Netgalley and Picture Window Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast by Jessica Gunderson, illustrated by Thais Damião 
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Publication Date:  August 1, 2020



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 
Revisit the tale of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty's father gets lost in the woods and stumbles onto a castle. He reaches for a rose to bring to his daughter--but there's a price. Will Beauty win her freedom, or be trapped in the Beast's castle forever?
Review: 
I really enjoy fairy tale retellings and adaptations, so when I see them available for review I generally jump at the chance to read them and love them. This one was less of a hit for me than normal. 

This retelling of Beauty and the Beast was a very simplified version of the story we all know. it seemed too quickly paced and it did not leave any time for character development or even the love between Beauty and the Beast to really form... which is the point of the original story. I don't think I have ever read the original, but this tale included Beauty having two sisters, kind of like the Cinderella sisters, they were rude, self-centered, and snooty and they made Beauty seem like the loving soul she is. This addition was both interesting but also a bit strange. The focus was on Beauty's family a lot more than I think should have been in this shortened and simplified version.

Things that I liked about this book were the illustration. They were bold and eye catching which is great for younger and reluctant readers. There was also a tutorial in the beginning of the book instructing on how to read comics and graphic novels for beginners - LOVED this aspect. 

While not the best retelling for me, I believe that this graphic novel will be great for younger readers, reluctant readers, and maybe even those learning English as a second language. 

Jul 29, 2020

Early Reader Review: The Invisible Bear by Cecile Metzger

Source: From Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Invisible BearThe Invisible Bear by Cecile Metzger
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  August 4, 2020



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:







Goodreads Synopsis: 
The bear, transparent to others, has a sad and repetitive life. One day, dragonflies of all colors come to disrupt his daily life ...
They announce by twirling the arrival of a neighbor, Mrs. Odette. A bubbly lady who cultivates colorful plants, listens to music, likes to chat ... Between them will be born a beautiful friendship.
The poetic universe of Cécile Metzger is filled with sweetness and kindness. 

Review: 
My rating for this book is mostly due to the gorgeous illustrations through the book and the story is cute, however it is a little confusing. This children's book is about a bear who lives alone in a grey house and is living a pretty repetitive boring life and feels invisible. The one day a colorful, vibrant, and almost energetic lady moves in next door and changes his world forever. He realizes that he is not invisible once she leaves. 

My adult brain reading this feels like it is all a visual representation about coming out of depression and into the colorful world and learning that there is so much around you to be appreciative of, but I am not sure that younger readers will experience this book in the same way with their limited knowledge about such topics and themes. 

The artwork throughout the book is absolutely amazing though and I really loved it. It is soft and yet bright and airy and really brought a smile to my face as I read this ebook. 

Jul 28, 2020

Early Reader Review: The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade

Source: From Netgalley and Capstone in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Very Last LeafThe Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade, Illustrated by Jennifer Davidson
Publisher:  Capstone Editions
Publication Date:  August 1., 2020 



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 
Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day...feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc. These themes combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison's delightful characters and rich autumnal colors make The Very Last Leaf a perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of autumn, or any period of transition in life.
Review: 
This was a cute children's book about leaves falling and overcoming fears. 

Lance Cottonwood is a leaf on a Cottonwood tree and he is about to get to his final exam of leaf class - the Fall. Lance is hesitant to make the leap like his fellow classmates because so many things could go wrong. After he talks it through with his teacher he is ready to take the chance and fall. 

This is a beautifully illustrated book about Autumn and the leaves falling, but it is also about having fears and worries and how to overcome them with the help of friends and teachers. Lance is able to overcome his fear of falling and it makes for a great lesson when reading the book to younger readers/listeners.

I really enjoyed the Autumn colors and the concept was very cute, it was pretty simple and a quick read which parents will appreciate at bed time. I also liked the lesson. The book also includes a report card for Lance how he did in all his leaf classes before falling, it is a cute addition.  

Jul 21, 2020

Recent Reads: Fatemarked by David Estes


Fatemarked (The Fatemarked Epic, #1)Fatemarked by David Estes
Series: The Fatemarked Epic #1
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Publication Date:  March 1, 2017



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook/Audible Audiobook
Source: Free for Prime Members. Read for Book Club.


Rating:









Goodreads Synopsis: 
They are the fatemarked. Misunderstood. Worshipped. Hated. Murdered at birth. Their time to step into the light has come. 
An ancient prophecy foretold their coming, the chosen few who will bring peace to a land embroiled in a century of mistrust and war. When kings start dying, that hope and belief swiftly turns to fear. Roan Loren is one of the fatemarked, but has hidden his mark of power his entire life, fearing the damage it might cause to those around him. 

A great evil is coming. He can't hide anymore. 
In the spirit of fantasy epics like Throne of Glass and The Lord of the Rings, enter a world of magic and dragons, kings and queens, and victory and defeat, during a time when honor and valor still meant something.  
Review: 
I read this book with my book club, we have been picking books as a group where everyone nominates 2 and then we all vote. This book is the first in an epic fantasy series that is available on Amazon. The first book, when we downloaded it was a Freebie. The overall story is about a world where some are born with Fatemarks, which give them special abilities, however in some areas they are revered whereas in others they are put to death.

The book is written in alternating point of views, we travel with and see the world from the eyes of Roan - a Fatemarked traveler, Annise  - a princess, Rhea - another princes of another territory, Grease - a thief, and Bane - another Fatemarked and a king killer. The story itself is about the death of kings, Bane's Fatemark compels him to kill and there is a prophecy about the death of 8 kings which is now coming to fruition. 

If you are looking for a series that feels like Game of Thrones and almost every other epic fantasy, this is a good fit for you. I will disclaimer by stating that I do not intend to read more of the series, not for lack of interest but more for lack of time and I have other things I would prefer to read first. The story was very interesting and it kept us asking questions and really getting into discussions about who was who and how the overall theme would work out in the end, even though there was no real conclusion at the end of book one. 

There were characters that I loved and some I wanted to strange, and some that I originally hated but come to resonate with, it was a good cast of diverse characters and backgrounds and even one that was bisexual. 

The ebook and physical book include a map, the ebook also includes more stories at the end focusing on some of the other characters and their backgrounds as well as a list of all the different Fatemarks, which I never looked at because I didn't want to spoil any surprises.

So if you like epic fantasy, prophecies, multi-character POVs, and a lengthy series, this would be a great book to grab.

Jul 20, 2020

Building the Book Pile #330 - really this is a life update


Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 


Hiiiiiii! I have missed you!!! The sporadic posts have been pre-scheduled things so I feel like we haven't talked in FOREVER!

Here is why: We have been packing, filling out paperwork to sell our VT home, loading up and MOVING OUT....where are we now? Yesterday we arrived in Florida! We are staying at a family members house for now and looking at where we want to end up down here in SW Florida. It was exhausting and took what seemed like forever and went too quickly all at the same time. Moving sucks, but new adventures await!!

(and I am going to get an office/ library out of this somehow...)

Otherwise, I am still working (remotely) and having classes online to finish my Master's, so time is scarce for reading for pleasure. I will try to jump back in very soon now that the other moving related things are on hold for a bit until we find our dream house. 

What are you reading this week? How are you feeling?

If you enjoy the blog and want to share some love and caffeine, you can buy me a coffee via Ko-fi
 



Current Giveaways

None for now...sorry!

Coming up on the Blog

No idea! It will be a surprise for us all!!! 




Books Received Recently...
Invisible Differences: A Story of Asperger's, Adulting, and Living a Life in Full Color  Fangs  The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper  


Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez from Oni Press and Netgalley for review.

Fangs by Sara Andersen from Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for review.

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper
by Hallie Rubenhold bought for bookclub :)

Have you missed anything lately?



Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will stop by and say hello!
Happy Reading!

Jul 7, 2020

Early Reader Review: The Mosquito by Elise Gravel

Source: From Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.



The Mosquito
The Mosquito by Elise Gravel
Series: Disgusting Critters
Publisher:  Tundra Books
Publication Date:  July 14, 2020



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 
Hilarious illustrated nonfiction about mosquitos perfect for beginning readers. Conversational text and silly illustrations will have you up all night reading about the most annoying bug on Earth!
Fast mosquito facts:- Distinctive trait: Leaving annoying itchy bites- Diet: Your blood (and nectar and plant juice)- Special talent: Making a terrible whining sound in your ear
The Mosquito covers habitat (mosquitos live everywhere except Antarctica and Iceland!), species (over 3,500!), history (the oldest recorded mosquito was 79 million years ago!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, The Mosquito contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time. 

Review: 
I have read a few books from this series and I really love them... even if I am still not a fan of many of the subjects. These books are SO informational about the disgusting critters we encounter. 

This installment focused on the annoying, itchy mosquito. Do I feel like I love them now, NO! but I learned a lot from reading this children's book.

This series is educational in a charming and quirky way and I really like that. Young readers will learn so much from the books information but also get a good laugh at some of the illustrations of the mosquito and her habits.

Love this series and HIGHLY recommend it for parents and kids that love to learn about critters and creatures, especially icky ones.

More Reviews of this Series

The Toad / The Spider / The Bat / Head Lice

The Toad  The Spider  The Bat  Head Lice