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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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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The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine, Vol. 5

by Irinbi Illustrated by Grrr Translated by Kakao Entertainment 5 stars Ailette continues her intense training to prepare for the upcoming time loops, tackling the last few floors of the Skyscraper of Suffering. But she’s in for a few surprises. New companions, new battles, and new challenges await her. Can she survive her current run-in…

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The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine, Vol. 4

by Irinbi Illustrated by Grrr Translated by Kakao Entertainment 5 stars Another fantastic volume that furthers Ailette and Tesilid’s story. Prinz is off to the Knight Academy and Bianca heads to the capital to investigate its political forces, but Ailette has plenty to keep her occupied. This volume is more battle-heavy as Ailette trains with…

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Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers

by Kim Chi and Stephan Lee Illustrated by Utomaru 5 stars This was absolutely adorable. One of the best books I’ve read all year. I was pulled in by the beautiful and energetic cover and the story inside did not disappoint. The only place seventh grader Jae Han Kim feels he belongs is the Firkus…

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Millie of the Manor by Karina Evans

Illustrated by Andrea Bell 5 stars A sweet and engaging story about friendship, social anxiety, and pushing yourself to take risks. Amy loves mysteries. But when she’s invited to a murder mystery-themed birthday party, she’s conflicted. While she wants to solve the mystery, she worries her social anxiety will draw unwanted attention. Will she be…

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It’s Taco Knight! by Megan Maynor

Illustrated by Estrela Lourenço 5 stars An energetic and humorous tale that shows the value of variety. In a kingdom served by the Knights of Dinner, no knight is everybody’s favorite but every knight is somebody’s favorite. That is, until Taco Knight decides every night should be Taco Knight. But can you have too much…

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Oddity Woods (Oddity Woods #1) by Kat Davault

5 stars Spooky, mysterious, and entertaining. After her father’s disappearance, young detective Marietta ventures out on her own to find him. Along the way, she’ll discover new mysteries, encounter strange beings, and discover just how dangerous leaving her house can be. Such a cool set up. Phantom trains, wicked deals, a haunted inn, and a…

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