Starred review from September 12, 2022
A twinkling Christmas tree with all the trimmings is the purrfect playground for the kitties given to the narrator of Flores’s funny, furry carol variation. “On the third day of Christmas,/ my true love gave me cats:/ THREE dressed up,/ Two batting bows,/ And a kitten/ under the tree.” And things only get hairier from there. Exhibiting behaviors well known to
cat lovers, the exceptionally expressive proliferating felines alternate between curling up for a nap and expending feisty bursts of energy, ripping wrapping paper, chasing ribbon, and yep, climbing that irresistible tree. Liao expertly conveys a knowing affection for the kitty characters in winning, fluidly rendered scenes that pinball from frenzied, chaotic action to serene cuddliness. Brief profiles of all 13 felines—replete with names, dislikes, and favorite Christmas activities—conclude. All ages.
June 13, 2022
“Connection, exploration, and lightheartedness are the most essential ingredients whatever or wherever you roll,” opines former rap producer Rubin in this spirited guide to finding one’s high. Complemented by punchy graphics from Prince, the book provides hands-on tutorials for 20 different joint-rolling styles—complete with hilarious asides from Rubin—from the classic joint (“Everybody starts somewhere,” he muses. “Mozart didn’t always play the piano”) or its “poetic” counterpart, the rose petal joint, to more elaborate creations like the “Triple Braid.” Along the way, Rubin offers tips on smoking etiquette (“Wetter kisses aren’t always better kisses”), teaches beginners how to discern if they’re too high, and takes readers on a trip around the world, unwrapping his research on the culture of cannabis in various countries, including Egypt (fun fact: elder Egyptians, Rubin shares, add hash to their hookahs “for a little extra kick”). To help skeptics open their minds, he cites the benefits of Mary Jane—from offering creative boosts to helping couples “overcome a variety of relatable relationship challenges.” Experienced tokers, meanwhile, will revel in his interviews with celebrity cannabis connoisseurs, including Wiz Khalifa and Tommy Chong, who admits it was Cheech who rolled the joints when they were together. Green and seasoned smokers alike will inhale this edgy endeavor.