REVIEW Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa (Pilar Ramirez #1) by Julian Randall

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa (Pilar Ramirez #1) by Julian Randall

Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: March 1, 2022
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co 

I love reading about the mythologies and stories of other cultures from around the world, so the opportunity to learn a bit more about the Dominican Republic in Julian Randall’s Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa was an opportunity too great to pass up. Amanda Alcantara’s narration in the audiobook brings the story to life with the main character Pilar determined to solve the mystery surrounding her family member’s disappearance during the reign of dictator Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic.

As a fan of fantasy and mythology, worldbuilding is very important to me and Julian Randall did a good job with that. I enjoyed the Alice in Wonderland-type journey of Pilar falling into the parallel universe, and getting to see the different creatures straight out of folk stories. Zafa is a unique place, full of demons, witches, shapeshifters, and even a magical prison. The main villain, El Cuco, is essentially the boogeyman and it was interesting to see the differences between this version and other interpretations of the character (also known as ‘El Coco’ or ‘El Cucuy’). 

While the author brings some of the most prominent Dominican folktales to life, he also provides a social commentary on the state of affairs in the Dominican Republic in a way that is very easily understandable and appropriate for younger readers. I really appreciated the way the author handled those more serious topics, and as an adult, I was inspired to do some additional research about the Trujillo era (spoiler alert: it’s a very bloody time in history, and young readers should most definitely not look for the exact details). Pilar’s heritage comes into play with the sporadic use of Spanish words throughout the book; for the most part, I think everything was explained well but there were definitely some instances where there wasn’t enough context to determine what was being said or why it was being said. For example, the overuse of ‘pues’ to start sentences seemed a bit weird; almost like the author was trying to force more of a preteen slang vibe, and I could have done without it. 

Overall, this was an entertaining and fast-paced book. The ideal audience would be somewhere in the children to middle-grade age level. I enjoyed it as an adult, but I’m not sure every adult reader would be able to take something away from the read. If you’re the type of reader (or know a young reader) who enjoys books like J.C. Cervantes’ The Storm Runner, Kwame Mbalia’s Tristan Strong, or who just wants an introduction to Dominican culture and myths, I think this would be a great choice. 

REVIEW A Breath of Mischief by MarcyKate Connolly

A Breath of Mischief by MarcyKate Connolly
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library) + eARC (NetGalley)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers 

The cover of MarcyKate Connolly’s book A Breath of Mischief is what initially drew me to the story, and it really encompasses the feel of the book. A low stakes children's fantasy, it’s a sweet yet entertaining book that delivers exactly what’s promised in the synopsis. 

Aria is a windling, adopted by the Wind and living in their castle with her young gryphiling (a.k.a. gryphon) companion Gwyn. She loves soaring through the clouds and interacting with all the other castle inhabitants. But one day when Wind goes missing (and her powers with it), Aria and Gwyn go looking for them and discover them in a cage. Striking a deal with their captor, Aria and Gwyn agree to complete three quests in exchange for Wind’s freedom - but will their word hold true, and will all of Aria and Gwyn’s efforts be for nought? 

The worldbuilding of this story is really cool. I really enjoyed the idea of non-gendered sentient elements (Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth) and the ‘otherlings’ who they have adopted. These children all have companions, and they work to help their parental figures maintain the natural balance. For example, Terran, the adopted child of the Earth, regularly leaves dead branches and wood close to human civilizations so they won’t be tempted to come into the forest and cut down healthy living trees. I did notice how Aria’s journey emphasizes the negative effects of manipulating natural resources in the name of money and power. That was one of the biggest themes of the book, and the one that I think has the most potential to affect potential readers. 

Some reviews mark this book as middle-grade, but I would actually mark the intended audience as young elementary school aged children. The length, for one, is much shorter than the average middle-grade novel. Nothing ever felt urgent over the course of the book; I wanted to feel the impetus and the determination when Aria and Gwyn were completing their challenges. I didn’t, sadly; any danger and happenings in the book left me feeling disconnected as a reader as opposed to invested in the story. I also wanted to see some actual difficulty in the challenges that they are facing, but Aria completed each task in front of her with surprising ease despite refusing help (even when it would have been sensible to ask for it). 

Overall, A Breath of Mischief was a quick and easy fantasy read. Narrator Melissa Czyz added to the light-hearted whimsical tone of the book with her performance in the audiobook narration. Despite some of the faults I noticed, I would still recommend it to young elementary aged readers. I’m unsure if this is intended to be standalone or part of a series (I would lean towards standalone), but I think the ending allows for options either way.  

Thank you to the author, the publisher Sourcebook Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy of A Breath of Mischief. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way. 

About the Book

Brimming with danger and magic, this new fantasy adventure from acclaimed author MarcyKate Connolly will leave readers breathless as Aria discovers the strength of her courage―and the power of friendship.

Aria is raised by the Wind. She grew up in a castle, floating among the clouds with creatures of the air. She spends her days racing and soaring through the sky with her best friend, Gwyn, a young gryphling. At night, she falls asleep to the music of the Wind.

One morning, Aria is woken by a frantic Gwyn. The chimes are silent, there is not a breath of breeze, and their castle has settled on the ground. The Wind has vanished.

Aria and Gwyn go on a desperate search only to discover the Wind is being held captive by a sinister alchemist named Worton. To free the Wind, Aria and Gwyn must complete a series of trials to find and retrieve three magical talismans for Worton.

Nothing will keep Aria from rescuing the element who raised her―not a riddle, not a quest, not a race against time. Except Worton can't be trusted, and it's not just the Wind that needs saving...

About the Author

MarcyKate Connolly is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author who lives in New England with her family and short-nosed dogs. She graduated from Hampshire College (a magical place where they don’t give you grades) where she wrote an opera sequel to Hamlet as the equivalent of a senior thesis. It was also there that she first fell in love with plotting and has been dreaming up new ways to make life difficult for her characters ever since. 

Interview with Amanda McDowell, author of 'Forever, It's We'

Hi friends! I am so excited to welcome Amanda McDowell to my blog today! Her debut children's book, Forever, It's We, is available now! Check out my post and get to know the author a bit. 

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Amanda!

About the Book

IT'S MOM AND ME.

ALL DAY, IT'S WE.

TOGETHER WE PLAY,

TOGETHER WE LAUGH.

Forever, It's We explores the relationship between a son and mother. Encouraging self expression, healthy emotional development, and imagination play through daily activities like dancing, cooking, and much more.

Get your copy of the book via these links!

https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Its-We-Amanda-McDowell/dp/1664282017

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63602381-forever-it-s-we

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-its-we-amanda-mcdowell/1142640603?ean=9781664282018

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781664282018

Q&A with the Author

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

Steve Irwin. Yes, I know that's weird. He was my idol as a child and made me dream of working as a marine biologist. I was devastated when he passed. After that I wanted to be a photojournalist for National Geographic.

 

What do you hope readers will take away from your book? 

I hope they feel the love I poured into this. It's about my son and I. These are the activities we did every day for months and months. Perhaps they will reflect and remember a childhood memory of their own.

What was your favorite part of the book to write? 

Actually, my favorite part was illustrating the dinosaur games illustration. My son and I both actually have dino onesies, so it made my heart full. 

What came first for you when writing the book - the storyline or the characters?

The characters. Since the book is about my son and I - I knew who the book was about and really, what I was going to write before the pen hit the page.

What is your favorite under-appreciated book you think everyone should know about? 

'The Highly Sensitive Person' by Elaine Aron. 

What tips do you have for any aspiring authors out there?

Keep writing. You'll like the stories more than anyone else ever will. Also, there's a ton of directions you can go for publishing. I hope to be traditionally published one day - however, I am happy with my decision on self publishing, 'Forever, It's We'.

If readers love your book, what other books do you recommend they check out? 

My inspiration for the theme/color scheme/illustration style came from 'The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be' and 'The Wonderful Things You Will Be'. They're children's books as well, and all three books (including mine) would look great together on a shelf.

 

Aside from writing, what is one thing you do for fun?

Photography - I love going on hikes and taking photos of nature. Coffee shops - I love going to local niche coffee shops or bookstores.

Can you tell readers something about what you're working on next?

I'm working on another children's picture book, and a self help book for women, mothers, and other HSP's.

About the Author

Amanda McDowell was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She is an HSP, a single mother to a little boy, and a coffee connoisseur. Relocating mid pandemic, they now call Nashville, Tennessee home. Having been homeschooled K-12 herself, she is a huge supporter of alternative schooling choices and Montessori learning styles. Channeling these styles of growth and mindset into her writing and her son's childhood.

linktr.ee/authoramandamcdowell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/foreveritswe

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authoramandamcdowell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/amandamcdowell

Amazon Author Center: amazon.com/author/amandamcdowell

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authoramandamcdowell

ARC REVIEW: Monster Delights by Sylvain Dos Santos

Monster Delights by Sylvain Dos Santos

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Release Date: July 15, 2020

Format: eARC

Publisher: Europe Comics

Monster Delights: The Heart of Winter is such a cute children’s book! I absolutely loved it, and I was so hungry while I was reading it (I’m looking forward to trying the recipes included in the book). The artwork by David Raphet is super cute as well. Good food should always evoke fond memories, not just taste good. I don’t think Hella (the aunt) realized that cooking isn’t just having a tasty recipe, but putting love and thought into your creation.

I would definitely recommend this to any of my young family members. Anyone who reads this will reignite their love of pastries and most likely come away from reading with a craving for sweets. My congratulations to the writers’ Dos Santos and Hachmi, the artist Raphet, and the colorist Blavier.