The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park by Michiko Aoyama

Translated by Takami Nieda 4 stars A wonderfully cozy read. Rumor has it that the hippo ride at Hinode Park has magical powers. Rub a body part on Kabahiko the healing hippo and it will heal the same part on you. Follow various neighbors as they seek Kabahiko’s healing powers, only to discover what they…

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Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom, Vol. 1 by Mo9Rang

Original Story by Iru Translated by Kakao Entertainment 5 stars Humor and cuteness collide in this adorable retelling of Snow White. After dying, children’s fashion designer, Baekhap Lee wakes up as Her Majesty Abigail Freidkin, wife of Sabrian, King of Nerghen, and stepmother to Princess Blanche. Unfortunately, Abigail has a reputation of bullying the staff and…

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Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now

by Jaron Lanier 4 stars Persuasive and informative, this book gives readers a lot to think about. Even for people who don’t think they’ll ever delete their accounts, I think this is a helpful book for becoming more aware and informed of what it happening within the current social media system. Lanier examines how social…

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This Book is Not Garbage by Isabel Thomas

Illustrated by Alex Paterson 4 stars A great place to begin your eco journey. Told with a wonderful blend of humor and information. With tips to reduce your plastic use, save wildlife, and keep items out of the landfill, this book is a helpful guide for living a more environmentally friendly life for young readers….

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 3 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by David Odell 3 stars Just when Penelope thinks she’s getting the hang of hard more, more obstacles appear in her path. In this volume her relationships with her brothers become rocky and she has another encounter with the dangerous and unpredictable Callisto. An interesting volume with some intriguing…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 2 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by David Odell 3 stars Penelope continues her journey to survive as the villain in Daughter of the Duke’s Super Love Project. In this volume she ventures out to find Eckles in an attempt to secure him as a love interest and learns more about the mysterious Winter. An…

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A Kind Life: Eat Plants, Buy Less, Slow Down, and Save the Planet

by Carina Wohlleben 2 stars An okay read. Originally published in German, I feel like the translated title is a bit misleading. The book focuses on arguments for veganism and connecting more with nature. There isn’t a whole lot in the Buy Less and Slow Down departments. It also comes from a very privileged perspective…

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Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole

Illustrated by Karen George 5 stars Absolutely adorable! The narration perfectly captures a child’s perspective as she introduces her mother’s wheelchair, aka Mama Car, and the various expeditions they go on together. The artwork is so sweet. Lovely representations of wheelchair use and limb differences. This book was so cute. Feel-good and cozy with wonderful…

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Good Spirits (Ghosted #1) by B. K. Borison

3 stars A spicy paranormal romance that puts a modern spin on A Christmas Carol. Harriet loves all things Christmas, but when a Ghost of Christmas Past comes to haunt her, they’re both a little confused about the assignment. As they visit her holiday past, they uncover something deeper than either of them expected. Interesting…

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101 Seeds for Library Joy by Rebecca Hass

4 stars A nice little guide with tips on how to get the most out of library work and find joy and balance in your life. The book suggests activities for increasing joy for patrons, coworkers, and yourself. Each page provides a short tip or exercise for finding and creating joy in library work. Many…

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