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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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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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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Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lopez

Illustrated by Abraham Matias 4 stars A stunning story of a woman’s journey through the nine levels of Mictlān with the guidance of her Xoloitzcuintle, Popo. Wonderfully written. Nana’s journey includes her own version of the nine levels of Mictlān, including a river, a path of obsidian, snow, and strong winds. Her trials are gentler…

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Disney Manga: Pixar’s Toy Story by Tetsuhiro Koshita

4 stars Includes Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in one epic manga format. A fun adaptation of the first two films. I love that for the most part it sticks to the dialogue of the films. I was a little disappointed that some of my favorite lines didn’t make the cut, but there are…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 5 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars The dangers at the library take a turn in this volume. Instructor Komaki gets caught up in some serious allegations and the Task Force must figure out how to help him all while concealing Iku’s true role at the library from her visiting parents….

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Cat + Crazy Volume 1 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 4 stars Same fun cat humor as Cat + Gamer with a whole new story and a completely different feel. Yamada Koharu is a normal high school girl, but after witnessing her classmate, Kensuke Fuji’s, cat obsession, she can’t help but get swept up in his pursuits to protect cats, learn…

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