This is a very short book (barely 80 pages) aimed at young readers. Clarion and Annette are both trainees at a magical veterinarian's office. On the day they are left in charge of the place, all hell breaks loose in the form of a rabbit with hypnotic powers. Before the pair have even realized it's escaped its cage, it already has a griffin, a python and a fox under its control. With some quick thinking, luck, and an unlikely ally they are able to get things set right. It's a sweet story with very cute art but I found the length somewhat unsatisfying. I can tell it's the first of a series- I will probably wait until there are two or three more books out before I pick it up again so I can read a bigger chunk in one sitting.

An engaging, conversation book about the flora and fauna that inhabit Calforina's oak woodlands. Many of the species discussed are "keystone species", ones that support many others in the ecosystem and help the whole forest stay healthy. Marianchild has done a lot of close observation, as well as research, and interesting tidbits and personal anecdotes fill each chapter. I had no idea that humans are practically the only species allergic to poison oak, the berries of which feed tons of insects, birds and mammals. I was unaware of the complex family structures of acorn woodpeckers, oak titmouse birds, Western bluebirds and scrub-jays. The relationship of Western fence lizards and Lime-carrying ticks is more complicated that I had previously realized. If you are local to California, or planning a visit, this is a great book to learn more about the plant and animal lives going on all around us, often just out of sight.

A down-on-his-luck poet is kidnapped and wakes up on board a tall ship. It isn't the life he expected, but it just might be the life he wants. A beautifully written, elegantly drawn and perfectly presented tale.

A beautifully drawn and emotional memoir. After the birth of her son, Bui is given a new lense to reflect back on the lives of her parents, both born in Vietnam. Her father grew up in hardship and scarcity in the north, while her mother thrived in private schools in the south. This unlikely pair had built a life together, full of both challenges and moments of joy, before they were forced to flee with four children and what little they could carry.