Graphic Novel Review: Shuna’s Journey

Shuna's Journey by Hayao Miyazaki

Shuna’s Journey
by Hayao Miyazaki, Alex Dudok de Wit (Translator)

4 out of 5 stars

Shuna is the young prince of a poor valley land with few crops and starving citizens. An old man travels into the valley and tells Shuna about a land with bountiful wheat. Shuna leaves on a journey to bring back seeds from this land. He rides through many dangers and encounters a land full of slave traders. He rescues two sisters from the slavers, and they travel together to the edge of the land of the gods where Shuna is hoping he will find the wheat.

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Picture Book Review: The Artist

The Artist by Alison Binks

The Artist
by Alison Binks

5 out of 5 stars

A young boy goes out in his rowboat to paint the sea while everything is still and quiet in the early morning light. He is always thinking about painting and sketching. Even when he rides bikes with his friends, when he goes to his piano lesson, when he walks the dog along the beach, or when he goes sailing. He is always thinking how he would paint the waves, the sand dunes, or the dog. Each day is a new opportunity to paint the world.

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Book Review: Steal Like an Artist

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
by Austin Kleon (Goodreads Author)
5 out of 5 stars

“There is nothing new under the sun.”
The truth is that originality does not exist. Everything has been done before, and when we see something that is “new”, it’s actually just a remix of whatever came before.

This book explores how to use what came before to inspire and guide your creativity. The author gives advice on how to steal ideas from the masters of the past, and make it your own thing.

I was really inspired by this book! It doesn’t just apply to art, but also to music, writing, or any creative endeavor. I loved the advice about how to hone your ideas, and keep yourself motivated. And it’s not just about the spiritual, mental, and emotional inspiration. There are entire chapters with practical advice about how to actually get the work done and create something worthwhile.

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Picture Book Review: How to Spot an Artist

How to Spot an Artist by Danielle Krysa

How to Spot an Artist
by Danielle Krysa
4 out of 5 stars

This book encourages children (and adults) to keep creating, keep making things, and be on the lookout for other artists. You have to watch out for art bullies, whether it’s someone else or your own inner critic who wants to squash your creativity and freedom. Don’t let any criticism stop you from being an artist!

I loved the silly art style in this book. The blob creatures are made from yarn, paint, dots, squares, rainbows, string, glitter, and something that looks like shiny gold foil. They all have stick arms and little dot eyes and big smiles. So cute!

There are so many positive messages in this book! It’s a fresh look at the “Believe in Yourself!” message, and it got me really inspired.

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Comic Review: Book Love

Book Love by Debbie Tung
Book Love 
by Debbie Tung

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A witty comic about what it means to be a reader and book lover. With whimsical scenarios and a relatable main character, this comic explores the every day lives of those unique people obsessed with reading.

The artwork is clean and simple, but appealing and very expressive. I love that some of the pages are funny comics about being a reader, and some of them are a little more serious about how magical it is to get lost in a book.

From those frustrating things like stickers on a book cover that drive readers crazy, all the way to the delight of connecting with other readers over a shared love of books, this comic encompasses all the aspects of a reading life and what makes readers so special.

I loved every page! I would love to see more comics from this author/artist!

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.