Review: Dogs in Origami: 30 Breeds from Terriers to Hounds

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Origami and dogs are just some of my favorites. And if you combine them in one book, expect me to grab the chance to get it because I know that it will undeniably exude fun and cuteness. This book didn't fail my expectations because I was really delighted once I browsed the pages.

The instructions in this book are easy to follow; there's the section for the symbols and basic folds, which are absolutely necessary especially for those who are still beginners in origami. Other than the instructions, there are trivia also of the dog breeds that is quite informative. If you are a dog lover and into origami as well, never fail to check out this amazing book because you will enjoy doing the origami of dogs just like I did.

Astra Lost in Space, Vol. 1 by Kenta Shinohara

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't expect that I will like the story of this graphic novel because I found the first several pages a little bit childish for my taste. However, the story became enjoyable to read once Kanata Hoshijima was introduced. I can't wait for the second volume because I already want to know who the culprit is among them.

Megabat by Anna Humphrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Daniel and his new found friend Megabat is absolutely adorable! I know that this is a middle-grade book, but I really don't care because I enjoyed reading the story for it is undeniably cute and engrossing.

Once in a while, adults like me should read stories like this because it is lighthearted that will make them smile and laugh while reading. Megabat is highly recommended for all ages; it will be appreciated and loved by anyone especially those who are a kid at heart.

King's Road: The Long Way Home by Peter Hogan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The plot of the story may not be that original, but what's important is how the storytelling and that the illustrations are both good. I really had a good time reading this graphic novel despite that the plot is quite common.

Peter Hogan's way of telling the story will definitely engrossed readers on what will happen next. Not to mention that there's a dog included in the story that's why I liked it. As much as I don't want to be a spoiler, but I just need to warn those who are dog lovers and that wants to read this, that the dog will have a tragic end so better prepare yourselves.

The Magician's Secret by Zachary Hyman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Magician's Secret is another children's book that teaches kids about the power of imagination and believing; even though others are not favorable or encouraging, one should be confident that he can do and achieve anything. A great book that is highly recommended to young kids and perhaps — even adult readers that were currently feeling discouraged or despair in their life could obtain hope once they read this.

If a Horse Had Words by Kelly Cooper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If a Horse Had Words is another great children's book that I've received an ARC from the publisher. The story is about the horse named Red Badger that was born and raised on a ranch by the boy and its father. She spent a lot of time with the boy and when a certain incident happened, she was separated from him.

Over the years, she never forgets him and in the end, they had a happy ending because they were able to meet again. This story kind of reminds me of the classic storybook Black Beauty because of the similarity on the plot; this book could serve as a preparation for young kids for advance books, such as Anne Sewell's, when they got older.

From the Heart of Africa: A Book of Wisdom by Eric Walters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From The Heart of Africa contains several African proverbs with corresponding meaning and illustration. There are at least two of these aphorisms that resembles the quotes of some well-known people in the history: Confucius and Ralph Waldo Emerson.


Possibly because of tourists or migration from another continent to Africa, some of these adages were passed on to the African people. There are several sayings that are remarkable for me, especially the, "You must judge a man by the work of his hands." I just hope that the book contains a lot more because there are only 15 proverbs.

Traveling the Blue Road: Poems of the Sea by Lee Bennett Hopkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are five poems that were provided by the publisher for the reading copy of this anthology, which was compiled and edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins. The illustrations drawn by Bob Hansman and Jovan Hansman are captivating and strikingly represents the poems' message.

The titles of the poems included in the file are Voyage by Paul B. Janeczko; Hunger Ship: 1847 by Georgia Heard; Mediterranean Blue by Naomi Shihab Nye; Men of Waves and Sea by G. Neri; and Seas Seas by Lee Bennett Hopkins.

The poems in the sample copy tackle various issues from different centuries; such as Columbus' Voyage for the fifteenth century, and the Irish potato famine during the nineteenth century. There are poems that addressed present-day matters like the Mediterranean refugee crisis in 2014, and the migration of some Sama Bajau from the Philippines to Malaysia in 2015.

These poems are not only fascinating, but it is informative and an eye-opener on what happened in the past as well as the current happenings. I consider the most remarkable poems in the sample copy are the Mediterranean Blue and Men of Waves and Sea, especially the latter.