ashley spires

Books by the gal who would rather write books for kids than make a fancy pants website

The New Kid Has Fleas by Ame Dyckman

Tiny Barbarian by Ame Dyckman

September 3, 2021 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

While I will not say Ame Dyckman is one of my favorite authors (mostly as I have not read everything and will leave designation for when I have), I will say she is up there. And I will say she is one of my favorite people I have never actually met. I have had interactions with her on Twitter, read several books and found her funny. Granted, you might not say, “Oh that’s an Ame book” while reading/after reading, but her humorous tone is similar […]

Burt doesn’t bite (unless, you know, you ask nicely)

Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite! by Ashley Spires

August 20, 2021 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite! is a cute “first read” about beetles and insects. Ashley Spires created a simple, but also includes information, fiction story. The fiction/story aspect allows it to not be an “all-encompassing fact filled book” that bogs you down. It just tells you a story as they introduce the different creatures in the book. The story is about the talents the characters have, that we all have, that might not seem great at first, but there is a place for them at […]

Good heavens! There are two groovy turtles in the house….. or wait…. is there?

Turtle and Tortoise are NOT Friends, by Mike Reiss

July 29, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

While did not like Turtle and Tortoise are NOT Friends, as much as my co-worker did (she called it “freaking hilarious”), there is plenty to love and laugh along with. Mike Reiss tells the familiar story of two beings that seem like they could be the best of friends, except for the fact they are so radically different (think Star Trek and the epoiside where one was Black one side and White the other; the other was White on one side and Black on the […]

Author/Illustrators are kind of cheating, taking all that talent up, don’t you think?

January 30, 2016 by NTE 1 Comment

NetGalley introduced me to the work of Ashley Spires this week, and, if you haven’t read any of her picture books, you’re going to be thanking them as much as I am. Spires is both author and illustrator of The Most Magnificent Thing and Over-Scheduled Andrew, as well as many other books. The illustrations are simple – mostly penciled backgrounds, with the colorful characters and all the action in the foreground – but also really expressive. The young inventor in The Most Magnificent Thing, for […]

BlackRaven on I cried six times while reading this memoir slash podcast slash pop culture book.Thanks for the review! I had wanted to read this, but it sounds like it might not be "my thing". Though I've enjoyed the show...
BlackRaven on Not sure if this was a hit or miss, so guess it’s appropriate for my third cannonballThanks! I'd love to do 12 again this year.... but we'll see.
Malin on Not sure if this was a hit or miss, so guess it’s appropriate for my third cannonballCongratulations on your triple Cannonball! You are a reviewing machine.
Michael on Like being on a pleasant scenic drive and then plummeting off a cliff to a fiery deathI too was shocked by the "alt-history" Rafi Gambit. It seemed gratuitous and needless. But then I wondered who is really writing the story. Maybe...
Malin on Bruh.Wonderful review. I was pretty sure I never wanted to read this book, and your review has only strengthened my resolve to stay away from...

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