My Little CrockPot of News and Thoughts

REVIEWS, REVIEWS, REVIEWS: Sidekicks by Dan Danko and Tom Mason Dan Danko and Tom Mason, the successful writing team responsible for a multitude of books and television scripts, have been busy in the lab, conjuring up a new series of tasty literary vitals. Sidekicks is a series written for kids from a kids whimsical point of view. Guy Martin is a fast kid. A 92.7 mph child, to be exact. He's also a sidekick, a member of the elite "right hand men" (and gals) to the Superheros that defend the safety of the human race everyday. Not only does he have full time work load as sidekick to Pumpkin Pete (a king of all cucurbits superheros), but also has to maintain all the responsibilities that come with being a kid. Though the target audience is older kids (9-12), the series if a fun read for people of all ages. Danko and Mason have a knack for forging and sculpting the written word into believable, whole hearted characters, with all the quirks and ticks that make each and every one of us unique. Summer is fast approaching. It's the perfect time to pick up a book and start reading. I recommend you pick up this one. ... A couple of other things I picked up: The Complete Peanuts: 1950- 1952 by Charles M. Schulz My prayers have been answered. Several months ago Fantagraphics Books announced that they would republished each and every Peanuts strip that ran throughout the history of the series. This huge undertaking, covering fifty years worth of charming art, is to be broken down into 25 books... two books over the coarse of twelve and a half years. I'm a huge Peanuts fan. The charm of these characters for me in indescribable. They are perfect, in each and every way. The first book of the series is more than I could have ever have dreamed. It's fun to see the gang the way they started out and how they evolved into the icons we know today. If you love Peanuts... or art... or anything simple and pure, pick up a copy of this book. You'll love it. I also recommend Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz. See they way the Master worked and thought. ... Dracula by Bram Stoker I didn't buy this book because it's a classic. The reason I bought this book was because of the illustrator. Edward Gorey is a jewel. His heavy inked, almost woodcarved style conveys an appealingly dark and gothic world full of wonder. If you have never experienced his art, you're missing out. Gorey's illustrations in the book, though few, are full of atmosphere and charm. He draws you in with his craft, revealing and solidifying the way we've always imagined Dracula lived. Even if you don't like the novel itself, this edition, from Barnes & Noble Books, is well worth the money... just for the illustrations.