“A canine soldier survives war, only to go on an odyssey that may take more than it gives. The Art of Racing in the Rain meets Angel Down. A beguiling, poetic affair that's bathed in crimson, and barks hope into the dark,” said Dominic Howarth of Book + Bottle in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“Death comes calling in Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt — a modern take on the role personified as a 30 something Londoner who falls for the humanity around him, causing hiccups for his calling. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll turn the last page with a clearer outlook on life as only death can give you. For anyone fierce enough to look at death in all its forms and relish the humanity in us all,” said Coco Zephir of An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Massachusetts.
“An absolute delight! The funny banter between Skeleton and Cat is equally matched by the adorable illustrations. This is a wonderful tale of friendship but just a so-so manual for sandwich eating. Loved it,” said Nancy Baenen of Arcadia Books in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
“Ann Patchett is a master storyteller. She has given us the gift of another beautiful novel with layers of stories within stories. This is a tale about how the past never stays in the past and how we need to tell our stories to heal and change the narrative,” said Amy Graham of The Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury, Vermont.
“A delightful and whimsical journey! From the rhyming play on all the dino words, to the vibrant colors in the illustrations, it is enjoyable in every way. If only all our time doing chores was as fun as it is in The Dino Door,” said Joanna Robertson of The Treehouse Reading and Arts Center in New York Mills, NY.
“With a profound respect for the intellect of children and their openness to the world, both real and imagined, Mac Barnett has written a love letter to not only children’s literature, but to childhood as well,” said Diane Capriola of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia.
“Yesteryear is a thoughtful look behind the curtain at carefully curated social media influencers. Like Natalie’s staff, I didn’t care for her ‘perfect life’ but I couldn’t quit reading this story. Hard to believe this is a debut,” said Angela Sides of Monkey and Dog Books in Fort Worth, Texas.
“B. K. Borison totally nails it again! Jackson and Delilah are so different on the outside, but deep down, they both want to be needed and hope to care for someone else. Enjoyable and super entertaining,” said Michelle Whittaker of Fonts Books in McLean, Virginia.
“I read The Lions’ Run with my heart in my throat the entire time. It’s a story of bravery, of courage, of hope — that the smallest act can make a difference. What a gorgeous historical novel. This is Sara Pennypacker at her best,” said Cathy Berner of Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, TX.
“A thoughtful reflection on whether we are due absolution for our misdeeds in life, delivered in Saunders’ classic voice, with humor, twists, and a deeper look at the impact of corporate greed on our world,” said Christine Bell of Roundabout Books in Bend, Oregon.