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Terrarium Craft: Create 50 Magical, Miniature Worlds

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Terrarium Craft: Create 50 Magical, Miniature Worlds by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant
Photography by Kate Baldwin
Format: Book and Ebook
Who’s it for: Teens and Adults

A terrarium might just look like a jar of dirt and a few plants, and fundamentally…it is. But with a few extras and a bit of creativity, a terrarium can be a miniature world you can create yourself.

Terrarium Craft provides inspiration to help you create your own terrarium. The book explores four themes  (forest, beach, desert, and fantasy) and each entry comes with step-by-step instructions explaining how to assemble and care for your terrarium accompanied by beautiful photography. 

What I liked most about the book is that that the authors’ creations are from found and recycled materials. This book shows how to create beautiful scenes from within a variety of glass objects you may have around the house or something you will be able to pick up at a thrift store. The authors provide good instructions for choosing containers and explains planting materials to help you create the healthiest environment for your new plants.

Available in the Catalog and on Hoopla Digital for instant download!

The Twilight Zone Radio Dramas

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Twilight Zone Radio Dramas
Hoopla Audion
For Teens and Adults

Over the past month or so, I’ve been hooked on The Twilight Zone “Radio Dramas” a radio series featuring adaptations of actual episodes of the classic TV series The Twilight Zone.  The stories are often expanded and updated to reflect twenty-first century technology and society, but the scripts remain fairly close to the original television broadcast. All 29 volumes are available for instant download with Hoopla Digital.  These are indeed top-notch productions featuring voice performances from some notable celebrities. Its like listening to some old-time radio theater complete with the thrill and all the spooky feels.  If you’re into audio dramas, these might be worth a listen.

Find yourself in The Twilight Zone on Hoopla Digital.

The Sleeper and the Spindle

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The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Chris Riddell
Format: Book
Who its for: Teens

A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell – weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.

The Sleeper and the Spindle is a up-to-date outlook on female heroism smooshed into the plot of a classic princess double-feature, though you won’t find a white knight or Prince Charming in this fairy tale.  Gaiman tells the story of warrior queen who travels to a faraway land armed with a sword and three dwarfs, on a mission to rid the people of a curse and save the princess locked in a tower.   This retelling is just as dark, magical, and twisted as this reader wanted it to be.  Riddell’s stunning black, white, and gold illustrations alone are worth a gander.

My only complaint – it’s too short.  Find it in the catalog. 

 

The Shallows

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The Shallows
Format: DVD
Who its for: Adults and Teens

Summer’s almost here! So while you’re planning your big, beach vacay, let’s talk about sharks!

In the movie The Shallows, despite the danger of surfing alone, Nancy decides to hit the waves. When a great white shark suddenly attacks, Nancy is forced to swim to a giant rock for safety. Left injured and stranded 200 yards from shore, Nancy must fight for her life as the deadly predator circles her in its feeding ground.

The Shallows sets the bar for what a shark attack thriller can be. Marketed as horror film, the movie is largely grounded in survival drama but also fantastical in its action and suspense. One of the things I appreciated most about this movie is that it gave the shark a purpose, a reason for its aggression that is almost believable.  I preferred this to the more common idea that sharks are mindless, bloodthirsty monsters (that roar?  I’m looking at you, Jaws).  Not to mention, the cinematography used in this movie is just…pretty. While you’re sweating on the edge of your seat, holding tight to your limbs, be sure to enjoy the vibrant colors and slow motion effects that make the film both terrifying and aesthetically pleasing.  Other than the CGI shark, Blake Lively’s performance is easily the best in the movie (of course she is pretty much the only person in the movie so that isn’t saying much).  If you’re feeling brave, dip your toes in and check out The Shallows. Find it in the catalog.

 

Look Big: And Other Tips for Surviving Animal Encounters of All Kinds

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Look Big: And Other Tips for Surviving Animal Encounters of All Kinds
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Teens and Adults

This easily-skimmable, illustrated wildlife survival guide, both humorous and helpful, explains what to do (or not do) in a showdown with 50 of the most feared and frustrating of North America’s creatures and critters.  As humans encroach on nature’s stomping ground, these run-ins are becoming increasingly common.  From bunnies to bull sharks, cockroaches to cows, this guide is handy for urban, suburban, and outdoor adventurers alike.  The readers can feel empowered to contain a major critter crisis or diffuse a dangerous disaster as each page contains expert tips, fascinating facts, and harrowing true tales of real-life encounters.  What I’ve learned: never turn your back on a goose, assume every moose is a serial killer, and if the mountain lion attacks, “give ’em hell.” Find it in the catalog.

Dumplin’

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Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Format: Book, Audio Book
Whose it for: Adults and Teens

Willowdean Dixon introduces self as “cashier, Dolly Parton enthusiast, and resident fat girl.”  She doesn’t consider her weight and stature to be a nuisance as some might think. “I mean, if it were 1642, my wide birthing hips would be worth many cows or something.” But in Clover City, Texas, football stars and beauty pageant queens reign supreme. Despite this, Will (nicknamed ‘Dumplin’ by her former beauty queen mom) has never struggled to love herself and her body… until she meets Bo Larson aka “Peach Butt” whose attention and affection give Will a whole new sense of self-doubt.  This insecurity is amplified when her best friend, Ellen, makes new “twiggy” friends, who make no secret of what they think of Will, her weight, and her friendship with Ellen.  In order to regain her confidence, Will does the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet beauty pageant.  Motivated by Will’s bravery, some other unlikely candidates join the cause and gain help from a few unconventional sources.

This book focuses mainly on the theme of body image, but touches on relationships, family life, and grief.  Dumplin’, though adorable and hilarious, teaches about body positivity and self-love, not only for the ample-bodied, but for anyone who views themselves as an obstacle rather than an asset. Find it in the catalog.