The Sassy Bookworm

Book Review: Wind Whirls by Mélina Mangal, Stella Lim (illustrator) 😊📚

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I picked up Wind Whirls mostly on a whim — that cover is practically irresistible — and I’m glad I did. Mélina Mangal’s little board book, with charming illustrations by Stella Lim, is a warm, sensory stroll through an urban winter that manages to be both playful and gently meaningful. 🌬️🧣

At its heart, Wind Whirls follows two cousins, Kamali and Josiah, as they and an adult trek through a neighborhood on a blustery day to visit their grandparents. The text leans into sound and movement: the wind is whoosh, rustle, bang, flap-flap-flap; scarves and coats respond to gusts; feet and faces feel the push and pull of the air. Those simple sensory moments are tied to a quieter lesson about leaning on each other — literally and figuratively — so that together the kids can keep going no matter what the weather throws at them. 👦🏽👧🏽💨🤝

What I appreciated most is how the book invites little readers to notice the natural world even in a city setting. The story doesn’t pretend nature is only found in forests or fields; instead it shows kids how wind can be an adventure right outside their door and how sensory experiences can spark curiosity. There are also discussion prompts and simple activities included, which make Wind Whirls practical for caregivers or teachers who want to extend the conversation about sound, sensation, and cooperation. 🌆🍃🤔

Stella Lim’s illustrations are a real highlight — soft, expressive, and full of motion. They pair beautifully with Mangal’s text, giving the book a cozy, lively feel that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. The diverse urban backdrop is a welcome touch, showing different people engaging with the elements and with each other. 🎨✨

Overall, I’m giving Wind Whirls four stars. It’s a sweet, well-illustrated board book that parents, caregivers, and educators can use as a springboard for conversation and play — and that delightful cover is just the cherry on top. 🍒📖

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I’m giving Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb four stars. I picked it up mostly out of curiosity — I knew very little about Persian myths beyond the big names in Western classrooms — and I came away both entertained and eager to learn more. 📚✨

Tahmaseb has gathered twenty vivid tales that spotlight a whole different roster of legendary figures than the ones we usually hear about. Instead of Theseus or Thor, you meet characters like Anahita, the war-and-water goddess; Jamshid, a storied king; and Rostam, a near-mythic hero. These stories run the gamut: gods and goddesses, mortal champions, terrifying demons, and fantastical beasts clash and rescue and scheme, often for themes that feel timeless — love, beauty, chaos, honor, and plain old survival. Highlights include fiery encounters between Atar, a god of flame, and the three-headed dragon Azhi Dahaka, and scenes of Anahita wading into battle to protect people from monstrous divs. The book does a nice job of presenting sagas that originally circulated as oral tradition and were foundational to early Persian belief systems, making them accessible to today’s readers. 🔥🛡️🐉

Visually, the book is a joy. The cover immediately grabbed me — striking and evocative — and the interior illustrations by Reza Dalvand add texture and drama to the tales without overwhelming them. The art complements the text, helping to transport you into each episode. 🎨📖

Tone and audience are well chosen. This feels squarely aimed at middle grade readers, but honestly adults who enjoy mythology will find it engaging, too. The prose is straightforward and action-forward, making it a brisk read: lots of momentum, few lulls. That makes it a terrific introduction to Persian mythology for youngsters, classrooms, or homeschool collections. If a library is trying to diversify its myth shelves beyond the usual Greco-Roman and Norse fare, this would be a strong addition. 🧒🏫📚

What kept me from giving it five stars? A couple of small things. Some tales could have benefitted from a touch more context — brief notes on historical or cultural background would help readers (especially adults) place the myths without breaking the flow. A glossary or pronunciation guide for names might also be useful for younger readers encountering these words for the first time. Lastly, while the adaptations are energetic, some readers looking for deep, scholarly retellings may find these versions a bit simplified. ⚖️🤔

All in all, Persian Mythology is a lively, beautifully illustrated entry point into a rich literary tradition. It’s fun, instructive, and full of memorable moments. If you’re curious about stories beyond the usual mythological canon or want a vivid collection to hand to a young reader, this book is worth picking up. 🌟📚

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: COOKIES: The Classics by The Coastal Kitchen 🧑‍🍳📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I picked up COOKIES: The Classics by The Coastal Kitchen because, honestly, how could I resist a book that promises more than 200 cookie recipes and has a cloth cover that actually feels nice to hold? I’m a big cookie fan and a regular baker, so I went in hoping for inspiration—and I left with a stack of new ideas and a very pretty book to leave on my counter. 🍪📚

At its heart this is a very solid collection of favorites: chewy chocolate chip, snappy ginger cookies, crumbly shortbread, and plenty of festive shapes for holidays. The range is broad enough that whether I wanted simple weekday cookies or something a bit more ornate for company, there was a recipe to match. There are also a number of thoughtful, slightly unexpected variations that make some classic recipes feel fresh without straying too far from what you expect. Most recipes are clearly written and easy to follow, so you don’t need to be a pro to get great results. 👩‍🍳👍

The book itself is designed to be enjoyed as much as the cookies it contains. The cloth-bound cover and tidy layout make it a handsome presence on my kitchen counter (or coffee table), and the photography is appetizing enough to make me want to bake everything I flip to. The photos aren’t just decorative—they give you a good sense of texture and portioning, which I appreciated when deciding which recipe to try first. 📸🍰

Why four stars instead of five? While the book is wonderfully curated and approachable, it doesn’t feel revolutionary. If you’re deeply familiar with cookie cookbooks, you won’t find many mind-blowing discoveries here—rather, you’ll find a very well-executed anthology of the classics with a few creative twists. A touch more guidance on substitutions or dietary variations (gluten-free, dairy-free options) would have made it even more practical for everyday use. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

All in all, COOKIES: The Classics is a lovely, well-made volume that belongs in the library of anyone who likes to bake (or eat) cookies. It’s an excellent gift, attractive on a table, and reliable in the kitchen. I’ll definitely keep it handy when I want a dependable recipe and a little bit of inspiration. 🎁❤️

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: The Little Book of Winter by Brittany Viklund ❄️📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I picked up The Little Book of Winter by Brittany Viklund with the kind of eager, chilly anticipation that only a dedicated winter-lover understands, and for the most part it delivered exactly what I wanted: a small, sweet companion to help me lean into the season. ❄️📘☕️

At its heart this is a compact, feel-good guide full of 70 simple ideas for making the long, cold months feel cozy, comforting, and a little happier. Viklund’s suggestions are intentionally low-fuss and approachable — think simmer pots that fill your home with warming scents, a ready-made winter bucket list (with prompts like string-light decorating and neighborhood walks), and little luxuries to treat yourself to, from slow mornings to freshly baked bread. The emphasis is on slowing down, practicing small acts of self-care, and noticing the quiet pleasures of winter rather than fighting the weather. There are recipes, activities, and mindfulness nudges scattered throughout, all aimed at helping you find mood-boosting moments no matter how grey it gets outside. 🕯️🍞🎄

I loved the book’s aesthetic — the cover alone made me smile and put me in the right frame of mind. Inside, the illustrations are charming and reinforce that cozy vibe; they felt like friendly hand-drawn encouragements to light a candle and get comfortable. That said, I did wish there were a few photos to break things up and give more visual inspiration for the projects and recipes. The illustrations work well, but a couple of real-life images would have been a nice complement. 🎨🖼️🙂

Content-wise, the ideas are simple but effective. This isn’t a deep-dive wellness manual; it’s more of a tiny toolkit of small rituals and practical tips you can pick and choose from depending on your mood. That flexibility is one of the book’s strengths — you can treat it as a sourcebook for new seasonal habits or as a quick, uplifting read when you need a morale boost. It would make a lovely gift for anyone who thrives on winter or for someone who could use a gentle push toward more mindfulness and comfort during the darker months. 🎁✨💭

Overall I’d give The Little Book of Winter four stars. It’s cozy, encouraging, and full of easily implemented ideas that actually made me appreciate my favorite season even more. A couple more photos would have elevated the package, but even without them this is a delightful little handbook for anyone looking to make winter feel a bit warmer. 🧣🔥

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️