Eli's Reviews

Always delightfully silly, Ruzzier’s early reader combines lovable characters with fun and interesting words. It’s just the book for kids who are learning to read and pronounce larger words through repetition, plus who can resist a story about saying “No!”. Recommended for kids at the beginning of their reading journey that want an exciting and ridiculous, but not too challenging read. —Eli

Illustrated with a precious palette of pastels, this picture book portrays our lives as patchwork quilts woven from our experiences, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. Though they make up who we are, these patchworks inevitably change shape and color with time, yet they remain beautiful. Coupled with incredible illustrations, this story conveys a beautiful message that makes a great book for the whole family. —Eli
 

With his signature tinted windows, Becker’s newest board book One Sky invites readers to hold the pages up to a sunny day and see how light plays with the colors. Atmospheric and ethereal, this read-aloud celebrates the sky in a fun and interactive way. I love books that you can engage with in multiple ways! Like Becker’s You Are Light and My Favorite Color, this one is especially great for infants because of its tactile nature. —Eli

Creepy meets cute in this queer YA graphic novel about a young gardener who can see ghosts. Young love is complicated enough, but when Blue finds himself falling for Hamal who resides in the world of the living, things get complicated! I found myself rooting (please excuse the pun!) for these two characters navigating the intricacies of relationships amid the magic and mysticism of the afterlife.  —Eli

Sergio Ruzzier’s return to the colorful world of Fish with a new character, Wave, is just as fun and imaginative as its predecessor, Fish and Sun. This early graphic novel is perfect for beginning readers, with its use of repetition and phonetics. Combined with warm and playful watercolors, this makes for a great read for those new or returning to the series.  —Eli

In the years between 2010 and 2020, the Brooklyn drag scene shot to the forefront of queer entertainment, capturing attention with its slew of charismatic, unique, and talented performers who pushed boundaries and redefined the art of drag. This review of that decade will appeal to the queer popculture curious and the superfans of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Boulet Brothers’ Dragula for its combination of historical context with personal insight into the lives of various legendary artists. —Eli 

Raul the Third makes his board book debut with this adorable bedtime story. I always look forward to what this author/illustrator comes out with, and this little book did not disappoint! Colorful, vibrant images combine with fun and easy bilingual English/Spanish storytelling as we follow along with Coco Rocho joining his friends for wonderful restful naps! And for the opposite of naptime, be sure to read My Party, Mi Fiesta for more fun with Coco Rocho! —Eli

Barb is a rough and tough young Berzerker who can’t wait to kick some monster butt! But when her pals get in trouble, she finds the unlikeliest of friends to help her on her epic quest to save them. For fans of sword & sorcery fantasy and cartoons like Adventure Time, this graphic novel will keep you laughing as you encounter monsters, wizards, and fighters alongside the charmingly silly and utterly lovable Barb the Last Berzerker!—Eli

Two cities in different countries are linked by a busy bridge, but when traffic stops moving, Little Lobo and the gang—who are attending the festival in their neighboring city—start a bumpin’ party right on the bridge! Raúl the Third’s artwork always dazzles me with its intricate details and, when coupled with subtle metaphors, makes this a fun and exciting read. This book is a colorful celebration of community that will appeal to English/Spanish bilingual readers and language learners alike.—Eli

Torn between following their passion for painting by working for the Razanei government and upholding their duty to their sister and the rebellion, Gyen Jebi becomes embroiled in the political and magical power of their art. As an artist myself, I found Gyen Jebi's passion and angst all too relatable! This fantastical steampunk world is wholly original with a slew of great characters. - Eli