You Need A Manifesto is my favourite of the d.School Guides that I have read so far. If you are interested in directing your creativity, narrowing dowYou Need A Manifesto is my favourite of the d.School Guides that I have read so far. If you are interested in directing your creativity, narrowing down your vision or just putting into writing your thoughts about your future, I highly recommend You Need A Manifesto.
This book guides readers through what a manifesto is, why it is important and useful and how to go about creating one. With practical activities to help you write a manifesto, it steps you through identifying the values and ethics that should underpin your manifesto, finding inspiration from others, and reflecting on your ideas.
Each of the Stanford d.School Guides is beautifully designed. It should come as no surprise, given they are the d.School, but I can still express appreciation for the clever layouts, text call-outs, fold out pages, beautiful colours and matching cover. The small size isn’t great for the school library shelf, but when I’ve got all ten sitting next to each other, they are eye catching. Visually appealing, easy to read, inspiring and action-orientated. A great book for students, creatives, leaders, entrepreneurs.
LEGO, such versatile stuff. And a book featuring LEGO \makes such a beautiful coffee table book, glossy photos into another world. There are lots of bLEGO, such versatile stuff. And a book featuring LEGO \makes such a beautiful coffee table book, glossy photos into another world. There are lots of beautiful books that feature LEGO creations. Beautiful LEGO is one of my favs and now LEGO in Focus is right there with it.
LEGO in Focus features LEGO photography that places these small blocks in the real world. Very, very clever. From boats in the sea to Minifigures exploring the world, a LEGO train in a frosty winter scene and deep sea divers exploring the world beneath the waves.
Each photo is gloriously featured across a full page or page and half. With a small title and description of the photo, the design is minimalist and lets the photography speak for itself. I would have loved to see more behind-the-scenes photos - there are a couple scattered throughout the pages - to show how these incredible photos are taken, but I guess that just adds to the mystery of it.
A great book to spark creativity. I’m looking forward to using this to encourage students in their photography pursuits and exploring the world through a different lens.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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I am a massive fan of LEGO, the LEGO story and how play in integral to both. We all know that LEGO can be used in many different ways and as creativelI am a massive fan of LEGO, the LEGO story and how play in integral to both. We all know that LEGO can be used in many different ways and as creatively as your imagination allows, but did you know that LEGO can help make a prosthetic arm or rebuild a reef?
LEGO Heroes shares twelve stories of ingenious and innovative use of LEGO to solve problems and bring positive change to people’s lives.
With large, colour photographs and full colour quote pages, this book is visually pleasing, and modern. The stories are all tied to ideas that improve the world around us and is the perfect starting point for introducing students to innovation, design thinking and problem solving. I’m looking forward to using the book and stories to inspire my students to take their ideas to a new level and start thinking about how they can use LEGO to solve the problems they see around them.
Each chapter is devoted to a different story, including LEGO prosthetics, LEGO wheelchair ramps, LEGO art, Braille Bricks, a turtle LEGO wheelchair and making LEGO more accessible.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own....more
Many people probably think that innovation and creativity is exclusively a human thing. They’d be wrong. Animals are highly innovative. Think Like A GMany people probably think that innovation and creativity is exclusively a human thing. They’d be wrong. Animals are highly innovative. Think Like A Goat invites readers to discover just how creative the animals around us are.
Beautifully illustrated, Think Like a Goat is an example of the fabulous non-fiction being released on the market these days. Marketed for readers aged 8 to 12, I’ll be including this book in my high school library. The writing is accessible and the information is interesting and detailed enough to engage older readers.
The book is divided into five chapters. First introducing animal intelligence, the first chapter explores evolution and how animals who have innovated have ensured their survival. Chapter two covers animal communication, how complex this can be and how they learn to communicate. Chapter three is about community and how animal work together to learn, achieve things and make life better for each other. Chapter four explores how animals solve problems. The animals who are best at solving problems might surprise you. Finally, chapter five explores complex animal emotions, often far more developed than humans realise. Think Like A Goat concludes with a glossary, source list great for further reading and index.
Think Like A Goat is perfect for my growing collection of books about innovation and creativity and I look forward to adding it to my school library collection.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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Okay, full disclosure. I totally read the top title “Creating A School Library With Impact” and missed the subtitle. “A Beginner’s Guide”. And it is. Okay, full disclosure. I totally read the top title “Creating A School Library With Impact” and missed the subtitle. “A Beginner’s Guide”. And it is. This book covers many of the basics one might need to know when entering the world of a school library.
This book has been contributed to by a range of authors, so each chapter deserves to be reviewed and considered individually.
However, I guess I was looking for something a little bit more. Something that would take a library service from basic to Impactful. Something big. I didn’t find it. I might suggest renaming this book “Creating A School Library”. It covers the basics of a standard school library service and errs towards the traditional school library model. This would have been fine, but when I read sections that highlighted traditional methods and discounted more innovative approaches without even offering a reason, I was disappointed. Other chapters highlighted the rules to enforce in the library without considering student needs and interests or what a modern school library can look like. So, while I hate to write it, this is not a book I’d hand to a new librarian or an experienced one. ...more
Wild Things is a book all teachers, librarians and parents should read. Sally Rippin writes with candour and honesty as she draws upon her knowledge aWild Things is a book all teachers, librarians and parents should read. Sally Rippin writes with candour and honesty as she draws upon her knowledge as a writer, her research into reading and literacy, and her experience learning to understand her son’s dyslexia and ADHD and his challenges in the school system that failed to support his learning needs.
This book is a memoir, a reflection on Sally’s experiences and journey to understanding her son’s learning needs and how to advocate for him within a schooling system that struggles to adequately support students. Rippin does not stray beyond her expertise, so if you are looking for a guide to differentiation or strategies to employ in the classroom for your students, look elsewhere. But the power for teachers and librarians is this rare insight into a parent’s perspective of learning needs. It is also not a guide for parents on dyslexia, supporting learning to read or the mechanics of reading. It is, however, powerful and emotive and an important perspective in the growing literature on learning needs.
I have purchased a number of copies for my school library teacher reference and parent collection....more
I am always on the lookout for books that I can apply to my school library and improving services for our users. Creating Superfans is all about brandI am always on the lookout for books that I can apply to my school library and improving services for our users. Creating Superfans is all about brand awareness and ensuring your service brings people back again and again.
Creating Superfans has a fun design and layout. The brightly covered cover is reflected inside, with bright graphics and large fonts highlighting key points, song titles and quotes from well known
Brittany Hodak draws upon her experience working with a wide range of clients to outline her “Super Model” and how to improve customer service and brand awareness. Her points all centre around ensuring your customers experience the best, exceeding their expectations every time. It’s a big ask, but Brittany assures readers it’s the best way to make advocates of your customers, build your brand and keep bringing people back for more.
She uses stories and funny anecdotes to make her points and it fits the fun vibe of this whole book. Approachable and easy to read, add this branding book to your must-read pile.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
Since watching a documentary about The Lego House, I’ve been intrigued with its design and purpose. So, when I saw this book, I knew I just had to reaSince watching a documentary about The Lego House, I’ve been intrigued with its design and purpose. So, when I saw this book, I knew I just had to read it.
Who doesn’t love Lego or have some memory of a Lego set or a time spent building? When the Lego group set out to build a space to celebrate and remember Lego, they knew the building had to be special. This book, The Secrets of Lego House, explores the history of the Lego House and how it came to be.
What I really love about this book is how it dives into the ideas and purpose behind each area and exhibit. This is no mere guide book. Yes, there are plenty of photos. Yes, the book is divided into sections and features each section of the Lego House. But, by delving into the design and purpose, this book also becomes a a story of play, creativity, design and how these were brought together. For me, that meant there were lots of takeaway ideas that I can apply to my own setting. It’s also book I can’t wait to share with my school’s design teacher and students.
The design of The Secrets of Lego House is absolutely stunning. From the book jacket, stark white brick design that hides beneath, bright brick endpapers and perfect balance between white space and full colour photos, it is gorgeous.
Easy to read, this book is part story, part reflection and will take pride of place in my creativity section in my school library (if I don’t have it borrowed out all the time. Perhaps I need my own copy)....more
The Young Entrepreneur delivers exactly what it promises - an entirely practical guide to starting your own business. This is the perfect overview of The Young Entrepreneur delivers exactly what it promises - an entirely practical guide to starting your own business. This is the perfect overview of entrepreneurial thinking and approaches, with examples drawn from the authors’ own experiences.
The Young Entrepreneur is broken down into three parts. The first explores what an entrepreneur is and how they think. This sets the reader up for the rest of the book. It also outlines some pitfalls to be aware of and avoid. Part two is all about getting started with your business. From coming up with the business idea and avoiding failure, to testing, launching, marketing, fundraising and scaling. Part two really is a step-by-step guide to each part of being an entrepreneur. Part three is called Ecosystem and it explores the community and culture of entrepreneurs. It’s about getting your business culture right and how to bring this culture to your audience through authentic marketing and being part of the wider community of entrepreneurs.
The Young Entrepreneur comes across as genuine and practical. It’s also realistic and upfront about the challenges entrepreneurs face. It’s hopeful about the future of business but also addresses the responsibilities entrepreneurs have.
I interpreted the title incorrectly and assumed this book would be about school students, which is why I jumped at the chance to read and review this book. I am currently running our school’s entrepreneurship class for middle school students while our entrepreneurship teacher is on sabbatical. Clearly it says university and college in the summary, so the mistake is my fault. And while this book wasn’t what I was expecting, it is still a complete look at entrepreneurial skills and approaches.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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I first started reading this book back in 2022 and I’ve been meaning to review it, but I just keep picking it back up to read sections again, sharing I first started reading this book back in 2022 and I’ve been meaning to review it, but I just keep picking it back up to read sections again, sharing it with colleagues and adding it to our Entrepreneurship collection.
It’s a small book and the information contained within perfectly condensed to make it easy to read, easy to dive into when needed and easy to have on hand as a guide.
The basics of management are covered, but I don’t think just new managers should read this. It’s a good reminder for any manager.
Topics covered include coaching and mentoring, trust, communication, team building, delegation, remote leadership and reducing turnover.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Diversity, inclusion, belonging. All such key and important words for leaders and managers and all workers to be across in today’s workplace. And righDiversity, inclusion, belonging. All such key and important words for leaders and managers and all workers to be across in today’s workplace. And rightfully so. These have so often been ignored or not prioritised in workplaces and it is time, well past time, for change. In Cultures of Belonging, Alida Miranda-Wollf draws upon her own lived-experience in work settings and her experience as a leader within the DEIB sector to explore the key themes around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and provides practical skills and techniques to build a culture around these.
As a new manager and a leader within my school, library team and within the wider school library community, diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity are so important to me (especially given my position of power as a white cisgender female who has obtained high levels of schooling and education) and how what I do reflects on these principles within my work, team and school library. While the book is general in nature to any workplace or business setting, it was easy to apply to my own workplace setting and team.
In part one, the author explores what belonging is and why it is important. She also explains how culture is developed and changed within an organisation, why this is key when exploring belonging and how to build an inclusive culture. In part two, Miranda-Wolff starts by exploring change and how to prepare and then start creating change. After that, each chapter follows part of the employment and work cycle, from recruitment to retention and promotion, as well as how to protect your employees and team against the very opposite of inclusion, belonging and equity. In each of these chapters, the author draws upon her lived-experiences to give examples and provides practical techniques to put into practice.
I highly recommend this book as essential reading for any leader or manager or really any worker at all, because belonging, inclusion, equity and diversity are for everyone and everyone’s business.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
I liked that this book is called the non-obvious guide to branding and marketing and that is actually what is delivers. So many books and articles I’vI liked that this book is called the non-obvious guide to branding and marketing and that is actually what is delivers. So many books and articles I’ve read on branding and marketing cover the same ground. Helpful and effective, but very similar. This book looks at things from a different angle and included things I hadn’t read about in other branding books. For example, this book not only tells you why you should create customer personas and how to write them, but how to better meet your customers’ needs and use this information to guide your outreach and get customers to actually start marketing and advocating for you. Similarly, instead of just demonstrating what a tagline is or why you need one, it breaks down the steps on how to create one in a way that actually seems achievable, even for me.
The two parts and 18 chapters cover a wide range of topics, from marketing strategy and understanding your customer, to helping to spread word of mouth, creating a marketing plan, using social media and websites and using data to measure impact.
Each chapter uses examples and clear instructions on how to take action. Included are also a range of links to a repository of further reading, templates, videos and downloads.
I think my favourite moment was reading the customer persona they had created for the book, being able to identify myself within that persona and feeling that this book had been written with me in mind, and that’s exactly how it feels reading the book.
I’ll be putting this book to regular use as I continue to work on my professional branding journeys and recommend it as a practical and helpful resource for those just starting to learn about branding and marketing and for those who want a resource that covers more and dives deeper than other books you might find.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
15 stories of bold and imaginative female entrepreneurs. Along with a few snippets of female entrepreneurs from throughout history, this book presents15 stories of bold and imaginative female entrepreneurs. Along with a few snippets of female entrepreneurs from throughout history, this book presents the stories of 15 modern women and the ideas they made into reality.
Each and every woman included in this story is inspiring. It was amazing to experience their journeys from the initial idea to making it a reality. Each chapter explores the background story, the entrepreneur’s first jobs, the idea, how the idea was grown and where the business or entrepreneur is today. Each chapter also includes links to the business and entrepreneur’s websites and social media accounts.
While the book is text heavy, with no pictures (at least, not in my advanced copy) it’s written in an easy-to-access style, so while the target audience is ages 12 and up, I’d happily give it to a confident younger reader.
The book features female entrepreneurs in 5 categories: food, health and beauty, science and technology, education, and clothing and fashion.
I was a little disappointed that the book didn’t branch into fields of maths, engineering, art, social media, environment protection, design, construction or so many others outside the 5 included. There are so many amazing female entrepreneurs, I thought this list was a little restrictive and they could have at least spread the selection across more sectors. However, the exclusions do not make those who did make it into the book any less amazing and inspiring. There truly are some incredible females featured in the book. The chosen list is also exclusively American, which is fair enough given the US publishers but I’ll need to keep looking for titles that include a wider spread from countries outside the US. There is, however, a good spread of racial diversity within the selection.
If you’ve ever wondered about the women behind household names and businesses, then Idea Makers takes you behind the scenes in how these female entrepreneurs brought their ideas to life.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library ...more
Adventures in Architecture for Kids is a brightly coloured and attention-grabbing non fiction book with heaps of hands-on activity ideas.
The book is dAdventures in Architecture for Kids is a brightly coloured and attention-grabbing non fiction book with heaps of hands-on activity ideas.
The book is divided into five sections: General Construction, Architecture and History, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Architechture, and a Brief Introduction to City Planning. Each section then has between three and eight projects to make that step you through an aspect of architecture. Examples of projects include building a 3D model of a house using pasta, designing a treehouse model and building with indigenous construction methods. Each project has multiple pages of photographs demonstrating the materials needed, step-by-step construction and the finished product. While each project can be followed exactly, once that has been created, readers can use the same techniques to create their own designs.
I love how easy to follow this book is and how attractive it is to readers. From the bright cover to the pages full of photographs and colourful information boxes.
All of these projects are hands on construction projects, so no tech needed. There is also a massive push for sustainable design and being environmentally conscious, not only in the designs but the materials used. From cardboard to pasta to recycled things from around the house, readers are also encouraged to pull their designs apart to reuse the materials.
There really isn’t an age limit to this book, as it would be equally accessible for younger readers who could just follow the photos to older readers who could take the design processes laid out in the book and see what they can create.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
Each day we send and receives tens, if not hundreds, of emails. It’s how we conduct business, if not pleasure as well. But while this is part of our eEach day we send and receives tens, if not hundreds, of emails. It’s how we conduct business, if not pleasure as well. But while this is part of our everyday, it’s not a taught skill and something that can go wrong pretty quickly.
As someone who’s been told that my emails sometimes hit the wrong tone (whoops!), this title caught my eye. I’ve also been sending emails to staff and students recently to try and increase use of the school library and our services but for the many recipients, I’ve not been getting many responses. I was hoping this book could give me some pointers.
This book does exactly what its title describes. It provides you with 33 quick and simple tips on how not to screw up your emails. From effectively using the subject line to setting the wrong tone, use of emojis and using the right signature, this book covers the basics of sending business emails. It has some good tips, but I found most of it to be pretty obvious. There were a few new points, like using Dear to start an email is not the preferred salutation and can be found to be overly formal (guess I should stop using it in my text messages then). This book doesn’t enter into the world of marketing and doesn’t give too many tips on how to get people to respond to your emails, but I think by using the strategies outlined, like getting the length of your emails right and including just one point in your email with the action right at the start.
This book is easy to read. Each of the 33 tips has their own section and the sections are short and easy to read through, with research and examples.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own....more
In SuperSight, author David Rose paints for readers an image of the not-too-distant future. What will this future look like? It’s more about how we wiIn SuperSight, author David Rose paints for readers an image of the not-too-distant future. What will this future look like? It’s more about how we will look at that future - through AI and AR enhanced vision.
SuperSight begins with an introduction where the technology behind the concept of the book is introduced. This might be future technology for some of us but David Rose explains that is very much real and happening now. Throughout the book he provides examples of the current prototypes and technology being designed by the big names we all recognise.
The rest of the book is divided into nine sections and three parts. The first is how we as humans will interact with the new SuperSight technology and Rose explores this in three sections: Identified, Understood and Styled. Part two explores the technology from an organisational level in Nourished, Engaged and Motivated. In part three, Diagnosed, Predicted and Envisioned explores AR from a societal level. Each chapter has a focus. For example, Nourished features how AR and SuperSight might impact our world of shopping, eating and food preparation, and each chapter slowly widens the lens through which Rose explores the impact of the technology - from individual to community to society more globally.
In each, he explores the emerging technology and how it will impact our lives. Some is already here - like the Amazon door cameras Ring. Others are the prototypes and designs currently being developed. Rose clearly has industry connections and vast experience and he can prove it, with examples like “when I was working with this big company” or “when I dropped this algorithm into this search engine and made my AR glasses do this cool thing". Honestly, some of it was completely over my head, other parts just scare me (I think I might try that computer deceiving makeup) and other parts are so cool it’s unbelievable. Rose makes pop culture references, references to sci fi novels, colleagues working on new tech or movies or amazing projects. My world has been expanded like I didn’t know was possible and on some level I want to explore it and on others I want to hide.
But this book isn’t just about exploring the technology behind AR and how it will impact us. Rose also comments on the positives this will have for our individual lives and our society, as well as the dangers behind the technology and what it means for our world. Forewarned is forearmed and while we won’t be warring with this technology (I think, though I guess we never know) and we’ll more likely pay to include it in our lives, it’s great to be aware of what’s coming and how to protect ourselves and those around us.
As a teacher librarian who teaches students digital literacy and safety, as well as teaching other educators how to use tech such as AR and VR in their classrooms, it’s great to be aware of where the technology is going and the issues that surround it. This book has also given me some great examples to show to the staff and students and some ideas on how to include this tech in the future.
At the time I was reading this book the app, which you access by scanning a QR code in the introduction, was not ready. However, I have no doubt that it will be interactive and help to bring this book to life. I can’t wait to try it out after publication.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
If you are launching a new business, product line or marketing strategy, then this book is for you. Marketing Strategy: Overcome Common Pitfalls and CIf you are launching a new business, product line or marketing strategy, then this book is for you. Marketing Strategy: Overcome Common Pitfalls and Create Effective Marketing is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to market your product and business.
The book first outlines the important of strategy and the downfall of many a marketing tactic that fails to consider strategy. The author then outlines 8 important aspects and steps in your marketing strategy, using strategy as an acronym. These 8 key parts of creating a marketing strategy then form the next 8 chapters. These are scenario, target, reach, awareness, tactics, execute, generate and yield.
Marketing Strategy is a practical book and each chapter walks you through the steps you need to take to create your strategy. Each chapter has activities, worked examples and blank templates for you to complete, so that by the end of the book you have a complete strategy and approach to your marketing. Throughout, there are many references to examples from business, interviews with experts and research to support the author’s points.
This book and the strategy applied within is very sales and product based. However, I was looking at it from a service perspective and a library lens, so it was a little harder to apply all the techniques and models suggested, but many of the assessment techniques for creating a vision and marketing approach for our service were helpful in defining out current place and approach for future marketing.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more