2 Stars 

The book is a collection of tales from Hindu epics retold in contemporary language for middle-graders. It starts with the creation of the universe and ends with the Mahabharat battle. Given the versatility of our epics and the countless versions available, there will always be contradictions and discrepancies in the events presented. 

Furthermore, this book is a super simplified version, which means we have cookie-cutter retellings in many cases. The book also has lots of action and drama, some of it bordering on absurd. Despite the author’s notes at the end of each story (which are quite interesting), the content, as such, feels removed and distanced from its culture. There’s too much ‘prophet’ and stuff in there that sounds really weird. A few forced attempts at parallels too. 

Krishna’s stories are rather well-written (with a lot of creative liberty), which makes me think that the author has a special love for him. Not surprising. Hard not to fall for Krishna’s charisma. 

I like the inclusion of Kannagi’s story, something native to the author’s native state. This is a very good touch. The book also has B&W illustrations. Some are real good, and a few are okayish. 

However, given the extent of misinterpretations that already exist, I’m not sure if this book would exactly help in clearing any of them. 

A few aspects I noticed: 

The writing is easy to read and follow. I can see this being an easy book for kids and adults. Except that the content is not something I’d recommend to anyone who has no idea about Hindu epics. This would fare much better when the reader knows at least one or two older versions. And most importantly, someone who knows that retellings are categorized as Fiction. 

To summarize, Love, Pride, Virtue, and Fate is an interesting collection of Hindu epic retellings but something to take with an entire barrel of salt. 

My thanks to the author, Bharat Krishnan, for a complimentary copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

***
 
P.S: Though the book doesn't cover the topic of Holika-Dhahran, I'll add that Holika is king Hiranyakashipu's sister. She is not a Bahujan or dalit who was burnt alive by the gods. Both Holika and Hiranyakashipu were brahmins born to Rishi Kashyapa and Diti, his wife.
 
Holika has a boon that fire doesn't burn her and decides to help her brother kill her nephew (Prahalad) for worshipping Vishnu. Because of her ill intentions, her protection shawl (the one that saved her from fire) slips off her shoulders when she fits in the firepit with Prahalad (who was 5-6 years old) on her lap and she ends up burning to death. It’s what people call a classic case of karma. 

In fact, Ravana and Balichakravarthi were also born to brahmin sages. Asuras are not dalits. Please spare us modern-day activism. 

 3 Stars 

Savvy (Savannah) Wilde is a powerful witch working with the CRONE organization. Griffin is a top agent at the HUNTER organization that obviously works against CRONE. Since their identities are supposed to be secret, Savvy and Hunter end up in love. 

Their wedding day ends up as a disaster when the truth comes out. But things have just gotten worse. Savvy and Griffin soon have a bounty on their heads, and maybe working together is the only way to stay alive. 

The story comes from the MCs' limited third-person POVs. The narration moves back and forth between the present and the past. 

If you haven’t guessed already, this is a witchy retelling of the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith. 

It’s a light read, and I mean really light; the kind of book you read with the grey cells turned off and go with the flow. 

The writing is easy to read and has a decent pace. It is also easy to speed-read the book. 

There are enough laughs and some roll-your-eyes kind of jokes that may or may not be funny. This depends on what the reader enjoys. 

The premise is rather good as it tries a different take on the centuries-old war between witches and hunters. Having different animals and birds as familiars is a cool touch. 

Well, I know rom-coms are supposed to be lighthearted and fun, but this one is a little too easy. 

Insta-lust turned love isn’t explored. The world-building is sketchy. The climax is simple. The ending feels effortless (not in a good way). 

The conflict is presented but never worked out in detail. The bits and pieces of the past (not MCs' past but the fights and deaths) mentioned aren’t talked about. Generational trauma, baggage, and hatred are solved with such ease, I wish for the same in real life. 

World-building is a crucial part of fantasy work. It is necessary even in rom-com. This one sets the base but doesn’t explore it. 

The characters are uni-dimensional. Some of the supporting characters show hints of being more but are underutilized. Even the main characters are more about their physical appearances. Calling the guy nerdy a dozen times isn’t going to be enough if we can’t see how he qualifies to be one (and no, a professor with fake glasses doesn’t automatically become a nerd). 

I don’t mind steam in books. In fact, I do like reading well-written steamy scenes. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of character development. A good rom-com should do justice to both elements. 

The villains are boring. Yeah, yeah, rom-com and all. But come on, at least give me villains I can despise. Give them some attitude, if nothing else. 

To summarize, Mr. & Mrs. Witch is a decent entertainer that could have been a great book with a little more of everything (except steam). But it ends up as a time pass book. Read, review, and forget. 

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 4 Stars

The book is a collection of twelve short stories with mysteries and adventures that occur during springtime or in the gardens. Since it is a Christie collection, I’m not too bothered about the theme. I only want to read and reread her works. 

The book brings together the cases solved by Miss Marple, Poirot, Mr. Quin, Tommy & Tuppence, and a few regular stories with no special detectives. I list them all below (without ratings). Some of them aren’t that good (which is fine too). 

However, I’m glad to see that the stories seem to be mostly from earlier publications and are without modern-day rewrites to suit certain sensibilities. Some of the terms can make people uncomfortable, but it is important to realize that the words had different meanings back then, and people used terms that are now deemed offensive. Not their fault if the authors can’t time travel. 

Since I don’t believe in editing older writings in the name of whatever, I applaud the publisher’s decision to use the original (or older) text in the book. If you can’t discuss different periods when reading books, you aren’t likely to discuss the dark web, which is more harmful, IMO. 

Anyway, back to the decidedly sinister spring. ;) 

Captain Hastings, Poirot, and Inspector Japp visit Market Basing village for a small holiday. However, the case of the not-a-suicide of Walter Protheroe interrupts their plans. It’s up to Poirot to determine if it is suicide or murder and the reason behind the death. A short and simple case solved by Poirot without his usual dramatics. Easy to guess if you pay attention to the subtle clues. 

When an explorer returns home to London and finds his fiancée missing, he goes to a detective agency by Tommy & Tuppence. Now, it’s up to the couple to find out what happened to the missing lady. It’s a quirky case with a twist at the end. As with most T&T stories, this one offers a few chuckles and smirks. 

It’s Mrs. Bantry’s turn to tell a story for others to guess the crime/ criminal. Miss Marple is right there, listening to how a group of people fell ill after eating foxglove leaves (being mistaken for sage). Was it accidental or intentional? When you have little Miss Marple, you know the case will be solved in her style by comparing human nature and oddities and deducing the reasons. 

Hercule Poirot gets a vague and mysterious letter from an old lady asking for help. He responds only to find out that she has passed away. Intrigued, he sets out to find the truth. Like many other cases, Poirot gets to the root of the matter using his love for order and logic. This one has Miss Lemon in an active role, something I enjoy much. 

This is the story of a famous soprano singer with a bit of mystery thrown in. It is one of the weaker stories in the collection with a straightforward plot. The hints are easy enough to guess. It doesn’t have any of the famous detectives, so pretty much something you can read and forget. 

As the title goes, Miss Marple shares how her lawyer brought his client to her for advice about the case of his murdered wife. Miss Marple listens to their story, asks a couple of questions, and presents the solution. This is a neat little story in the dear ol’ bird’s voice. ;) 

How does Mr. Parker Pyne help a young woman on a train journey from England to Istanbul? Mr. Pyne is no doubt successful after a small hiccup. However, being a man who solves the issues of the heart, he goes the extra mile to tie up the loose ends. Some readers may find his opinions stereotypical and offensive. So remember that the books weren’t written for contemporary readers.  

Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings visit Grand Metropolitan for a weekend trip. They meet Mr. and Mrs. Opalsen after dinner, and soon, there’s news of the theft and an appeal from Mrs. Opalsen to find her pearls. How does Poirot solve the case? It’s a fun story with loads of dramatic characters. A satisfactory solution, which isn’t that apparent until towards the end. 

Raymond shares his experience about a mini adventure in Cornwall, which is, of course, solved easily by Miss Marple. How is the criminal? Where is the gold? What had happened? Raymond, being a writer, adds some dramatic flair to the story, and Miss Marple sweetly bursts his bubble. 

The Soul of the Croupier  

And finally, we have a story with the mysterious Mr. Quin and dear old Mr. Satterthwaite. Mr. Satterthwaite is on a holiday in Monte Carlo, thinking about the changing society. He notices Countess Czarnova has taken up a new pet, a young American, already impressed by her charm. But Mr. Satterthwaite sees something isn’t right and wonders how to set it right when Mr. Quin enters to help him. The story is more of a study of characters than a mystery. I love stories with Mr. Quin, and this is no exception.  

George Rowland is on the streets after his uncle kicks him out one morning. He decides on a whim to travel to a remote place called Rowland castle. The train journey proves to be more eventful than George could have ever guessed. After all, it’s not every day that a beautiful young girl runs into a stranger's first-class cabin. This is a humorous cozy mystery with a touch of romance. A lighthearted story with some laughs, drama, and a few social observations woven into the plot. 

The last story in the collection has Miss Marple helping her nephew Raymond solve yet another case. Miss Greenshaw of Greenshaw Folly is an eccentric character but someone in grave danger. Though the danger isn’t Miss Marple leads the police to criminals. An interesting story with a good deal of dramatics. 

To summarize, Sinister Spring is a delightful collection of different types of mysteries written by the Queen of Crime over the years. Pick it up if you want something light and entertaining. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 3.7 Stars

Dr. Hannah Bryers is an anthropology professor and a forensic expert at Mad River University. She is most comfortable with dead and rotten bodies than living people. Socializing terrifies her. 

Winter Jones is Hannah’s student and TA. However, she is out to seek revenge and destroy Hannah one step at a time. She seems to be successful too, and Hannah still has no clue who is targeting her. Of course, Hannah won’t give up without a fight. 

Who will win this war? Why is Winter intent on destroying Hannah? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of the main characters, Hannah and Winter. 

This one has dark academia vibes sans paranormal elements though it doesn’t explore the elements. The setting feels heavy (even if it isn’t). This works well to sustain momentum and mood. 

The main characters have alternating POVs (mostly), which means that the reader knows what’s going on, while the characters don’t yet have a clue. I enjoy this style of narration as it focuses on when and how the characters figure out things and what happens afterward. 

The book sets the tone from the very first page. Characters are established right away, and they continue to be who they are. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on what the reader prefers. 

The beginning is a little slow. The first chapter by Hannah has a lot of technical jargon. Though I like to learn new things, I almost zoned out because of the dry narration and too much technicality. Luckily, Winter’s POV set things back on track. 

The second half is fast-paced as things happen one after another. I could finish the book in two days (less than 3 hours), which is always a plus. Another reason I rounded up to 4 stars. 

The characters aren’t entirely likable, of course. But I couldn’t feel anything for them either. Winter is definitely more interesting, so sadly, her past and the things that affect her aren’t presented in detail. This is a kind of book that limits things to the surface level. 

The climax and end are predictable but enjoyable. The steady pace keeps the reader going despite the lack of depth. This isn’t a book to read if you want something dark or twisted. It’s a Lite version of a dark psychological thriller. What you see is what you get; pretty much. 

To summarize, The Protégé is a decent thriller if you want something light and fast-paced. The forensic and anthropologic details are cool to read (even if some terms are hard to understand). There are a few queasy descriptions of dead and rotten bodies, so be prepared. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheProtege 

 3.8 Stars

Orphaned Biddy grows up on Hy-Basil Island with Rowan and Hutch as guardians. Magic is a part of her life, though she doesn’t have it. As Biddy grows older, she has too many questions about things that were never explained to her. And then, one day, Rowan is hurt, and Biddy comes to know a little about his enemies and stuff from outside of Hy-Basil. 

However, there isn’t time for her to learn. Biddy is thrust right into the middle of a power clash. It seems that she holds the key to save magic and restore it from being lost forever. Of course, it comes with grave consequences, and Biddy has to decide what she would do. 

Can Biddy save magic as well as her and her guardians’ lives, or will she have to sacrifice one for another? 

The story comes in Biddy’s limited-third person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The writing is descriptive and paints a vivid picture of the settings, be it the wild island or the castle dungeons. It is easy to visualize the story and the characters. 

Once I realized this would be more of a YA book, I adjusted my expectations and enjoyed it a lot more. The book has some dark elements and scenes, but it should work easily for older teens. Since Biddy is 16 or 17, readers of the same age group might relate to her. Adult readers note that Biddy can be annoying and dramatic sometimes. 

The beginning is a little slow, as expected. Once the basic premise is established, the story picks up pace. The scenes in the poorhouses of Whitechapel somehow didn’t fully blend in. I understand Biddy’s conflicting emotions and vulnerabilities and how the place ties up with the rest of the plot, but it somehow feels less effective than it should have been. 

The other main characters are well-etched. I like how Rowan is caring and affectionate when it comes to Biddy but can resort to violence to handle his opponents. He has his faults, some of which are the reason for this trouble in their heads. Though he is one of those characters the readers may or may not like. 

Hutch is Rowan’s familiar rabbit, and it is fun having a rabbit instead of a cat. This could be the author’s partiality (she has pet rabbits), but I like this change. A soft and furry rabbit with strong opinions makes for an entertaining read. (Please don’t tell me rabbits aren’t new to magic books. I want to continue living under my little rock.) 

Morgana is another interesting character. Is she good or evil? Does she want to help Rowan or Vaughan? Vaughan is pretty much the charming bad guy with evil in his heart and more than enough manipulative powers to get what he wants. 

The second half is much more engaging than the first, mainly because we see Biddy grow and make her own decisions. These come with consequences but set the stage for her to become independent instead of being the sheltered bookish kid she was when the story begins. 

The writing is a little long-winded at times. You can speed-read at such places. There are a couple of long conversations, too, so gets a bit tiring. The ‘magic’ part is well-established, and I like the concept behind it. 

The ending is apt for the book. It ties up the ends while also leaving enough opportunities for a sequel. I wouldn’t mind one if it is set in Hy-Basil and explores the magical island in greater detail. 

To summarize, The Magician’s Daughter is an entertaining read with good world-building and a strong second half. I think it would be more appropriate to tag it as YA (darkish) fantasy. The content is clean. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Orbit, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#TheMagiciansDaughter #NetGalley 

 4.5 Stars

It’s hard to review a book like this one. Devi for Millennials is exactly what the title says. It is a book about Devi for contemporary readers with little or no knowledge about Hindu scriptures. It deals with the history of Devi worship in Puranas and Devi Gita. It also has slokas from tantra worship. 

The book simplifies the content without diluting its essence. The author clearly states that the translations of the Samskritam slokas are his own interpretations. Though the language is simple, it has a soft melody that makes the translations sound beautiful in some places. There are clear tables that describe how Devi was formed (which parts belonged to which devas) and the Shakti Peethas. 

The author also provides interesting insights into language and its limitations. For example, Durgaa is feminine, but Durga is masculine. Imagine how difficult it would have to correctly translate the slokas into other languages without confusing the gender dynamics. 

Small stories from the Puranas are also shared to provide the backstory or context for different avatars of Devi. The book is divided into neat sections, with some information and explanation, followed by the translations of a selected few stanzas from the suktams and stotrams. (There is also a short explanation of the difference between the two). 

The book deals with Sati Kanda from Shiva Purana and lists the 108 Shakti Peethas mentioned in various texts. The author also highlights the variations in the texts and how some of them tend to contradict each other. However, the bottom line remains the same- the places mentioned have a strong history of Devi worship. 

An entire chapter explains Navaratri, the pooja, and the nava durgaas worshipped during this period. He describes the avatar of each durgaa while emphasizing the importance of iconography. The topic is not explored in detail but provides enough material to get a basic idea. 

The next chapter deals with the thousand names of Devi mentioned in Lalitaa Sharasranama and ends with three versions of how Sankaracharya composed Soundaryalahari. The final section is dedicated to Devi Gita. Here, the author reminds us that he has merely translated the slokas and not interpreted them. 

There is a recurring mention of nature’s elements (fire, water, air, earth, and spirit) and their role in Devi worship. There are also references to triple elements (we can find parallels with other pagan cultures that worship triple goddesses in different forms). In fact, the yantra designs are similar to the symbolism in ancient pagan cultures (the triangle being the most prominent and common symbol). However, don’t expect a detailed analysis of symbols in this book. This work is the first step to understanding Devi and becoming comfortable with her iconography. 

To summarize, Devi for Millennials isn’t a book we display on the shelf or read and move on. It is to be treasured and referred to each time you want to know about Devi and her presence in this universe. 

I won a copy of the book in the giveaway contest organized by Indica. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#IndicReads 

 3.8 Stars 

The title of the original fairytale is mentioned with the story’s title. However, I don’t remember most of these and decided not to look them up. This allowed me to read each story as a standalone piece rather than a retelling. I feel this enhanced my reading experience for most stories. 

The plots of most stories reveal gradually and ease the reader into the settings. While all of them are not atmospheric, some sure make an impact. Even the characters are diverse, and a few of them are quite unlikeable. Yet, the package delivers satisfactory results. 

I rate the stories individually, so here it goes: 

The White Cat's Divorce: An aging billionaire sends his three sons on a wild goose chase, promising them to name an heir. This one starts with a light, sarcastic touch and grows into a heartwarming tale (with some action and drama thrown into the mix). It is creative, cute in certain places, and ends up as a satisfying read. 4.5 stars 

Prince Hat Underground: What does Gary do when his long-time partner and husband, the enigmatic Prince Hat, walks away? It’s the journey of a man into the otherworld, intent on getting his love back. Will he succeed? This story is long and detailed. I love the changing settings and Gary’s varying emotions. 4.5 stars 

The White Road: Umm… this is the story of a man from a traveling company and his recollections of how the white road has taken over regions. The narration starts with a little rambling but establishes the narrator’s voice and character arc. The plot is a little too vague to understand the setting. It seems like a mix of dystopian and historical. I’d have liked it more if there was some additional information about the inhabitants of the white road. The atmosphere was spot-on, though. 3 stars 

The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear: A professor returning home from an official trip is stranded at an airport hotel for days. She needs to go home to her wife and little kid and be there in time for an appointment. Her mental health issues make the trip much hard, and the return journey has something in store for her. I have mixed feeling about this one. It kind of deals with some issues, but the ending doesn’t offer much. I’m left wondering what the purpose of the story is. 2.5 stars 

The Game of Smash and Recovery: A brother cares for his little sister and brings her up in the absence of their parents. They live with the Handmaids and vampires. Soon it’s time for the sister to complete the game and find out the truth. I knew the original but had a hard time relating it with the retellings. However, this one is imaginative and creative, even when I felt detached and bored most of the time. This is probably the weakest story in the collection (for me). 2 stars 

The Lady and the Fox: Miranda is eleven when she sees a stranger outside the Honeywell home on a Christmas night. She is intrigued by his jacket and the embroidery of a trapped fox. Years fly by, and Christmas becomes synonymous with the stranger for Miranda. Where does this lead her? This is a heartwarming story in the typical fairytale style. While it doesn’t provide answers to certain questions, it ends on a positive note. I like Miranda’s arc the best. 4 stars 

Skinder's Veil: Andy needs to complete his dissertation but is finding it hard to focus when his friend offers him a chance to be a home-sitter in the middle of a remote place. This comes with rules, which Andy discovers only after he goes there. However, learns a lot more that helps in the most unexpected ways. This one takes time to settle but is an intriguing and complex story. It reads as if someone half-bored with life has written it. However, the reason for this style reveals itself towards the end. Another favorite story in the collection. I know the original tale, though I think, I’m more likely to remember this weird retelling. 4.5 stars 

To summarize, White Cat, Black Dog is an entertaining collection of stories, which, IMHO, should be read as standalone and not retellings. Pick it up if you like strange stories. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #WhiteCatBlackDog 

 4 Stars

Susan Mottram has a happy life with her parents and sister, Florence, until the untimely death of her father (a kind vicar) leaves them in deep debt. Desperate to keep her family afloat, she accepts the job of a teacher at Matterdale Hall. Susan soon learns that all is not well and things aren’t what they seem. Her life begins to change when she meets the mysterious Cassandra, but Susan has to first uncover the secrets around her before thinking about herself. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Susan (with a couple of chapters from Cassandra’s viewpoint). 

My Thoughts: 

Gothic novels in historical settings have their own charm. This one pretty much hits the mark and reminded me of Jane Eyre at times. Secrets, rude employers, noises at night, excess chill, locked doors, etc., are nicely woven into the plot. It is not spooky but is atmospheric enough to keep the readers engaged. 

LGBT (lesbian), disability (deafness) rep, and mixed-race are wonderfully presented. In fact, the themes are integral to the main plot. The book also deals with mental issues and society’s reactions towards people they perceive as ‘different’. To include these elements in historical fiction and balance them isn’t easy, but the book does it effortlessly. 

Most characters are defined and established early on. Though they seem to have a façade, this is also evident to the readers. In a way, it works to maintain the classic style where everyone except the heroine seems to be what’s good and what’s not. 

Susan’s character is well-etched. She is too good, too compassionate, and a little too ready to jump and support people she likes. There are times when I wanted to knock sense into her (though I know her actions are exactly how they should be for a well-loved and protected vicar’s daughter). 

Cassandra, Mary, and Isabel stand out for being who they are. In a way, Anne’s presence also aligns with her characterization. 

There were a little too many references to Susan’s height or the lack of it. I didn’t particularly like it, being short myself. 

The last part of the novel has quite a lot of action, which ends in a detailed epilogue. Of course, we have HEA, but it is still realistic enough to suit the period. 

The romance is also old-school type, so it is quite clean and sweet. There are some dramatic scenes and reactions. But these are limited to keep the story moving. 

The mystery wasn’t much to worry about (I figured it out soon enough) as it gets prominence only towards the end. However, it serves its purpose well, so no complaints. 

I read the Prequel (free for author’s newsletter subscribers) after finishing the book and found it decent. It does provide a glimpse into the vicar’s character, though the book works very well even if you don’t read it. 

To summarize, The Secret of Matterdale Hall is an entertaining historical with a good atmosphere and well-crafted characters (flawed as humans). This easily graces the list of well-written #ownvoices #indie books. 

My thanks to author Marianne Ratcliffe for providing me with an eRC upon my request. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4.5 Stars

What happens when Ricky the Rock has a writing assignment he is afraid of? His teacher wants the class to write a fun rhyming poem, and Ricky is afraid of rhyming words. His friend, Tess the Tin, wants him to try, but Ricky gives up without an attempt. But friends do what they do, and Ricky might just learn more about himself. 

This is a super cute book where rocks and one tin foil are students at a school (how cool is that!). The rocks come in different sizes and colors, with adorable round eyes. Some even have lovely lashes. The illustrations are super fun and align with the text. 

The background and setting come in neat lines, while the rocks are highlighted in 3D color. I really like this presentation. The attention to detail (like the duck’s expression or the little ladybug, which I think is Ricky’s pet or that vibrant rainbow feather in Ricky’s vine) makes the book even better. A page with ‘writers rock’ in the background made me chuckle. Yes, we do. ;) 

The rhyming verse was just as fun to read. I do like some cheekiness in authors, so Mr. Jay gets a bonus point for writing himself into the poem. The moral is easy to identify and discuss with little ones. 

To summarize, Ricky, the Rock that Just Couldn't Rhyme is an adorable book about not giving up without trying and how good friends can help you identify your strengths. 

I received an eARC from Edelweiss+ and New Paige Press and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

We never know what tomorrow has in store for us. It can be anything and make a kid happy, sad, or worried. The book deals with this theme with a gentle and assuring touch. It helps kids learn not to fear tomorrow but embrace it. 

The writing is simple, poetic, and soothing. With no more than a couple of short lines on each page, the text is woven into the layout with wonderful illustrations. I like how different emotions are mentioned together for kids to understand that we cannot always separate or categorize them into good or bad. Worrying makes it worse, and maybe all the anxiety and worry weren’t even necessary in the first place. 

The illustrations are just wow. I have always been a fan of colors, and this one fills me with so much positivity. The sweeping expanse of watercolors blending into one another and the diverse (plus inclusive) rep are a treat for the senses. Kids can understand the emotions of the text even without reading it. I could stare at these illustrations all day!  

To summarize, Whatever Comes Tomorrow is a beautiful bedtime book that can ease little ones into a happy sleep. The author and the illustrator’s notes add extra charm to the content. The author has also shared useful tips for kids to manage their anxiety. 

I received an eARC from Edelweiss+ and Barefoot Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.