Want-To-Read Wednesday: Picture Books!

Want-To-Read Wednesday is a feature on my blog, where every week I share five upcoming books I want to read based on the topic of the week. For more information about it, go here.

Hi, everyone! Want-To-Read Wednesday is back from a long hiatus today, and I am so happy about that! The topic for today is Picture Books. I've listed five that are on my TBR list! 

Thanks for Nothing (A Little Bruce Book) by Ryan T. Higgins

Set Your Alarm, Sloth!: More Advice for Troubled Animals from Dr. Glider by Jess Keating, illustrated by Pete Oswald

Kind as a Princess (Disney Princess) by Catherine J Manning, illustrated by Sarah Conradsen 

Norman Didn't Do It!: (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins

Big as a Giant Snail by Jess Keating, illustrated by  David DeGrand 

Do you want to read these, too? What Picture Books are on your TBR list? :)

Review: So We Meet Again

 Review: So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park

When up-and-coming investment banker Jess Kim is passed over for a promotion, laid off in a virtual meeting, and then overhears why (“she’s already being overpaid anyway for a woman” and “Asians are worker bees, not someone who can drum up new deals”) she delivers an “eff you guys” speech and storms out of the building. Not sure what’s next, she moves back home to Tennessee with her domineering Korean mom, who tries to set her up with her pastor’s son Daniel Choi, an M&A lawyer by day and a successful video game streamer by night. Turns out he’s swoony and smart, not the awkward preacher’s kid she remembers. With his help, Jess launches a Korean cooking YouTube channel focused on easy meal prep for busy professionals.

All is going well until her mom walks on the show mid-live recording and argues about cooking technique. While she hates being berated by her mother in front of the world, it actually works in their favor—they go viral!

Soon her cooking channel becomes an actual media company and brand. When a client is suddenly interested in buying Jess out, she finds herself sitting across the table from the very investment firm she quit not so long ago. But there’s just one other problem: Daniel, the guy whose been helping her and that she’s been falling for, is the firm’s new general counsel.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: This was such an enjoyable book! The romance was so fun, and and reading about Jess finding a project she was passionate about and finding her confidence was so so great. And I love when a book makes me laugh!

Characters: I loved all of them! Jess was a fantastic main character, and I loved her family and friends. Daniel was a wonderful love interest.

The Cover: It's really cute!

Overall: I loved this book! I had never read any of Suzanne Park's books before, but after reading this, I want to read all of them! This was a fantastic book, that I so enjoyed reading. I can't recommend it enough! Overall, if you're looking for a 5 star romance read, I would highly recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: What's Up, Beanie?: Acutely Relatable Comics

Review: What's Up, Beanie?: Acutely Relatable Comics by Alina Tysoe

A collection of 160 comics from the hugely popular What’s Up, Beanie?, all adorable, humorously frank, completely wholesome, and acutely relatable

Hilariously eccentric and self-aware, Alina Tysoe, the pink-haired illustrator behind the wildly popular What's Up, Beanie?, captures relatable topics like family, the awkward pains of social anxiety, sweet moments of love and a growing relationship, amusing childhood stories, and her intense love of dogs. Adorably drawn, these endearing snapshots of Alina's life are surprisingly familiar, as if they've been taken from your own life: finding solace with a lone puppy at a crowded party, the frustration of deciding what to eat for dinner, making the mistake of hitting the snooze button, accidentally stepping on a dog's foot and feeling like a MONSTER, and tons more!

Including dozens of all-new exclusive comics in addition to fan favorites, this collection is perfect for those who need a laugh at the small agonies of life.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Mini Review: This was so cute! I've followed these comics on Instagram for awhile now, and I think they are so fun! I was so happy when I saw this collection of them up on Netgalley. If you need a smile or laugh (And isn't that everyone?!), I definitely recommend reading this book!

I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher.

Review: Death in Castle Dark

Review: Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond

Actor Nora Blake finds her dream job when she is cast in a murder-mystery troupe that performs in an imposing but captivating old castle. When she stumbles upon a real murder, things take a nightmarish turn in this first book in an exciting new series.

Maybe it was too good to be true, but when Nora Blake accepted the job from Derek Corby, proprietor of Castle Dark, she could not see any downsides. She would sink her acting chops into the troupe's intricately staged murder-mystery shows, earn free room and board in the fairy tale-like castle, and make friends with her new roommates, which include some seriously adorable kittens.

But something sinister lurks behind the walls of Castle Dark. During Nora's second performance, one of her castmates plays the part of the victim a little too well. So well, in fact, that no one can revive him. He has been murdered. Not ready to give up her dream gig--or to be the next victim--Nora sets out to see which one of her fellow actors has taken the role of a murderous real-life villain.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: It was so good! It took multiple twists, and I really liked how the mystery played out. PLUS, I didn't figure out the culprit in this one until the main character did, which is so rare for me, so this book gets extra bonus points for that! I won't share anymore for fear of spoiling it for people. I also really liked the romance in it!

Characters: I really liked all the characters! Nora was a fantastic main character, and I like how she went about solving the mystery. It felt very natural, and not at all forced. And Nora and Dash's romance was fun! I liked the castle staff, but won't say anything more about them for fear of spoiling certain plot points!

The Cover: I like it!

Overall: I really loved this book! From the mystery to the characters, everything was really well written. I also loved the ending! Overall, a five star read that I highly recommend to cozy mystery fans! I eagerly anticipate more books!

I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher.

Review: The Case of the Cursed Crop

Review: The Case of the Cursed Crop by Michael Anthony Steele, illustrated by Darío Brizuela

When Batman and Mystery Inc. arrive at the same farm outside of Gotham City, they soon find themselves in for the fright of their lives! Every time an eerie fog rolls in, fearsome farm monsters come out to play. Can the Caped Crusader help Scooby and the gang crack this case of cursed cropland before the creepy creatures carry them away? Find out in this action-packed chapter book for fans of both Batman and Scooby-Doo!

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Mini Review: I used to read the Scooby Doo chapter books when I was younger, and when I saw this book on Netgalley, I thought it would be fun to read it as a throwback to all the ones I used to read.  It was really fun! Reading about the Mystery Inc. gang solving a mystery with Batman was fun, and I know I would have loved it when I was younger. I also loved the illustrations throughout! I definitely recommend it to all chapter book readers!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.