VAMPIRE LOVERS
A BOOK OF UNDEAD PIN-UPS
Author: Gavin Baddeley
Source: Library

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Plexus Publishing; Original edition (April 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0859654508
• ISBN-13: 978-0859654500

SUMMARY:

A new generation was awakened to the romantic lure of the vampire genre with Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Twilight’s soulful vampire, Edward Cullen. This book is for all those whose thirst remains unsated. A heady history of the silver screen’s undead dreamboats, this intoxicating study examines each of the mesmerizing performers who have taken on the role of leading vampire. From Buffy’s brooding flames David Boreanaz and James Marsters to Stephen Moyer, the pulse-quickening star of True Blood, every intriguing incarnation of Stoker’s monster is found here. Beginning with radical characters like Kate Beckinsale’s gun-wielding, PVC-clad action hero in Underworld and ending with delectably dark visions of legends Christopher Lee and Bela Lugosi, the book demonstrates precisely why the fascination with this genre — much like Cullen’s timeless love — will never die. Illustrated with more than 100 irresistible film stills, Vampire Lovers is essential reading for any well-informed fan. 

MY THOUGHTS:

While I was cruising around the Halloween section of my local library, I came across this book and thought it would be a quick and fun read for the weekend.  It features pictures and details of screen legends focusing on the allure of vampires.

From Edward Cullen and Eric Northman all the way back to Bela Lugosi and Gloria Holden, this book features screen legends to current heart throbs.  The author goes into details of what each characters role has brought to the frenzy of Vampire thrill and love.  With wonderful color photos from the show the actor portrays, the author also includes summaries of each story and what romantic appeal each one draws on the most.

I really enjoyed this book and the authors thoughts on each one.  While I knew a majority of the films and TV shows that were included, I also found some new ones to explore in the process.  If you are fan of the Vampire phenomenon, then this is one book worth checking out!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

Dragonart Evolution
How to Draw Everything Dragon
Author: J “NeonDragon” Peffer
Source: Meryl L. Moss Media
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Impact; 1 edition (August 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440302529
• ISBN-13: 978-1440302527

SUMMARY:

A dragon artist’s guide to better drawing
Magnificent and powerful creatures, these dragons be, with bone-crushing jaws and razor-sharp teeth, it’s difficult to tell whether you’re dealing with a hotheaded nature or a wise and benevolent beast. Therein lies the trouble with drawing them from life. Make your dragon portraits more authentic (while avoiding loss of life and limbs) with the help of this guide. A follow-up to the fiercely popular DragonArt, this book features ALL NEW dragons and EVEN MORE detailed dragon anatomy instruction.
· 60+ step-by-step demonstrations cover a variety of dragons, including medieval, fairy and sea-dwelling varieties
· In-depth advice for drawing every part of the beast—eyes, ears, horns, wings, scale patterns, limbs and more
· Extra tips and tricks provided by your dragon guide, Dolosus
It’s everything you need to draw a variety of dragons—from enormous, ancient beasts with broken scales and fractured horns, to sleek, sinuous creatures with leathery skin and fancy frills. So steel your heart, prepare your trusty inking pen, and venture forth, brave artist … unleash the ferocious, extraordinary, original beasts that dwell within your fiery imaginings!

MY THOUGHTS:

I held off on reviewing this book right away because I wanted a chance to sit down and practice some of the techniques that the book has to offer so I could get a better understanding of the book for review.  As I ventured through the lessons, I found them to be fun and quite easy to follow.

I am by no means an artist.  I can barely draw a stick figure!  Yet with practice and study of this book, I found myself actually drawing dragons! And yes, they did resemble dragons as well!  Now granted, they did not turn out exactly like the book shows, but at least when I looked at my finished product you could tell I was attempting to draw a dragon and not a deformed horse.

I also enjoyed how the author used vibrant colors for the finished images that was being taught in the book.  The attention to detail and shadowing was great.  I have a daughter who loves to draw and I know that she would love a book like this!  If you have a child or teen who is into serious drawing, then this is a book I would recommend in teaching the art of fantasy drawing!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

DUST DEVIL
Author: Anne Isaacs
Illustrated by: Paul O. Zelinsky
Source: Publihser
* I received this book free of 
charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (September 14, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375867228
• ISBN-13: 978-0375867224

SUMMARY:

Here is the thrilling, thigh-slapping companion to Swamp Angel, the beloved Caldecott Honor–winning picture book.

Children will be captivated by the beauty and exaggerated humor of Paul Zelinsky’s American primitive–style paintings and the wit and energy of Anne Isaacs’s unparalleled storytelling. Here is an original folktale starring an extraordinary gal who is as feisty as she is funny and as courageous as she is kind.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I received this book, my daughter and I shared it at bedtime for her routine read of the evening.  While the story was fun and whimsical, it was a bit long for younger children.  She lost interest in it quickly because there was so much reading involved per page.  On that note, I would definitely save this book for older children around age 8 and have them read it themselves.

The story was great, but the illustrations could have been so much better.  While they may have been suited for the storyline, the illustrations were bland and not as pretty as girls would normally enjoy.  Again, the illustrations tend to fall in the older child range and even focused more towards a feel that boys would like better.

If you were wanting to find a book that is well suited for a boy and who falls in the age range of 6-8, then this would be best for that.  Overall not a bad book, but not one I would recommend for younger girls.

MY RATING: