Review: Winnie-the-Pooh: Gloom & Doom for Pessimists - A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard

Piglet explained to Tigger that he mustn’t mind what Eeyore said because he was always gloomy; and Eeyore explained to Piglet that, on the contrary, he was feeling particularly cheerful this morning.

Eeyore is one of Winnie-the-Pooh’s most deep-thinking friends and his thoughts usually turn to the gloomy side of things. If you have a similarly cynical friend or relation, or indeed if you, yourself, view life as a glass half empty, then this collection of pessimistic contemplations is just for you. It is part of a brand-new range of Winnie-the-Pooh gift books for adults - a beautifully presented range of four books to collect and enjoy!

Now We Are Grown Up Winnie-the-Pooh gift book series:
Winnie-the-Pooh: Little Somethings & Smackerels for Food Lovers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Deep Thoughts & Ponderings for the Wise
Winnie-the-Pooh: Doubt & Disquiet for Worriers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Gloom & Doom for Pessimists

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
There's something very special about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends which is why these characters are still so popular nearly 100 years after the first story about them was published. I grew up reading the books, also having them read to me long before I was able to read them myself, so I'll always have a soft spot for them all and they always put a smile on my face. Thats why I was so excited to discover Egmont have created the Now We Are Grown Up collection of Winnie-the-Pooh quote books aimed at adults. These are gorgeous little hardbacks that are perfect for dipping in and out of and each one includes fabulous quotes from the stories by A.A. Milne along with E.H. Shepard's gorgeous original illustrations.

Each book collects quotes related to a different mood or feeling and as I'm sure you can guess Winnie-the-Pooh: Gloom & Doom for Pessimists gives Eeyore his turn in the spotlight but that doesn't stop our gloomy friend from always looking at the negatives. There are so many fabulous quotes but I've included a couple of my favourites just to give you an idea what you can expect:

Source: Received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback:

Review: Winnie-the-Pooh: Doubt & Disquiet for Worriers - A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard

‘What?’ said Piglet, with a jump. And then, to show that he hadn’t been frightened, he jumped up and down once or twice in an exercising sort of way.

It’s hardly surprising that Piglet, a Very Small Animal, should find the Hundred Acre Wood a rather alarming place. Full of nervously twitching ears and an extreme lack of pluck, this is the perfect gift for those of an anxious disposition. It is part of a brand-new range of Winnie-the-Pooh gift books for adults - a beautifully presented range of four books to collect and enjoy!

Now We Are Grown Up Winnie-the-Pooh gift book series:
Winnie-the-Pooh: Little Somethings & Smackerels for Food Lovers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Deep Thoughts & Ponderings for the Wise
Winnie-the-Pooh: Doubt & Disquiet for Worriers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Gloom & Doom for Pessimists

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
There's something very special about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends which is why these characters are still so popular nearly 100 years after the first story about them was published. I grew up reading the books, also having them read to me long before I was able to read them myself, so I'll always have a soft spot for them all and they always put a smile on my face. Thats why I was so excited to discover Egmont have created the Now We Are Grown Up collection of Winnie-the-Pooh quote books aimed at adults. These are gorgeous little hardbacks that are perfect for dipping in and out of and each one includes fabulous quotes from the stories by A.A. Milne along with E.H. Shepard's gorgeous original illustrations.

Each book collects quotes related to a different mood or feeling and as I'm sure you can guess Winnie-the-Pooh: Doubt & Disquiet for Worriers gives Piglet a chance to show us that even the most timid can be brave and usually things aren't quite as bad as you thought they would be. There are so many fabulous quotes but I've included a couple of my favourites just to give you an idea what you can expect:

Source: Received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback:

Review: Winnie-the-Pooh: Deep Thoughts & Ponderings for the Wise - A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard

'Pooh hasn't much Brain, but he never comes to any harm. He does silly things and they turn out right. There's Owl. Owl hasn't exactly got Brain, but he Knows Things.'

Winnie-the-Pooh may be a Bear of Very Little Brain, but he sometimes has surprisingly astute and helpful observations on life. Full of thingish thoughts and clever plans, this is the perfect gift for deep thinkers and the philosophically inclined. It is part of a brand-new range of Winnie-the-Pooh gift books for adults - a beautifully presented range of four books to collect and enjoy!

Now We Are Grown Up Winnie-the-Pooh gift book series:
Winnie-the-Pooh: Little Somethings & Smackerels for Food Lovers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Deep Thoughts & Ponderings for the Wise
Winnie-the-Pooh: Doubt & Disquiet for Worriers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Gloom & Doom for Pessimists

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
There's something very special about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends which is why these characters are still so popular nearly 100 years after the first story about them was published. I grew up reading the books, also having them read to me long before I was able to read them myself, so I'll always have a soft spot for them all and they always put a smile on my face. Thats why I was so excited to discover Egmont have created the Now We Are Grown Up collection of Winnie-the-Pooh quote books aimed at adults. These are gorgeous little hardbacks that are perfect for dipping in and out of and each one includes fabulous quotes from the stories by A.A. Milne along with E.H. Shepard's gorgeous original illustrations.

Each book collects quotes related to a different mood or feeling and as I'm sure you can guess Winnie-the-Pooh: Deep Thoughts & Ponderings for the Wise shares some of our favourite Bear of Very Little Brain's wisest musings, along with insightful comments from many of his friends. There are so many fabulous quotes but I've included a couple of my favourites just to give you an idea what you can expect:

Source: Received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback:

Review: Winnie-the-Pooh: Little Somethings & Smackerels for Food Lovers - A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard

‘What do you like doing best in the world, Pooh?’

‘What I like best in the whole world is Me and Piglet going to see You, and You saying, ‘What about a little something?' and Me saying, 'Well, I shouldn’t mind a little something, should you, Piglet.'

Winnie-the-Pooh has never been shy about his love of good food especially when his friends offer him a little smackerel of something or other. If you know, or even are, a real food lover, then this is the perfect little gift for you.

Filled with A.A.Milne's most delicious quotes and E.H.Shepard's tempting drawings, you'll soon find yourself drooling over a honey pot or two. It is part of a brand-new range of Winnie-the-Pooh gift books for adults - a beautifully presented range of four books to collect and enjoy!

Now We Are Grown Up Winnie-the-Pooh gift book series:
Winnie-the-Pooh: Little Somethings & Smackerels for Food Lovers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Deep Thoughts & Ponderings for the Wise
Winnie-the-Pooh: Doubt & Disquiet for Worriers
Winnie-the-Pooh: Gloom & Doom for Pessimists

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
There's something very special about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends which is why these characters are still so popular nearly 100 years after the first story about them was published. I grew up reading the books, also having them read to me long before I was able to read them myself, so I'll always have a soft spot for them all and they always put a smile on my face. Thats why I was so excited to discover Egmont have created the Now We Are Grown Up collection of Winnie-the-Pooh quote books aimed at adults. These are gorgeous little hardbacks that are perfect for dipping in and out of and each one includes fabulous quotes from the stories by A.A. Milne along with E.H. Shepard's gorgeous original illustrations.

Each book collects quotes related to a different mood or feeling and as I'm sure you can guess Winnie-the-Pooh: Little Somethings & Smackerels for Food Lovers is all about Pooh's love of all things edible but, of course, honey in particular. There are so many fabulous quotes but I've included a couple of my favourites just to give you an idea what you can expect:

Source: Received from Egmont in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback:

Review: Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating - Roger Hargreaves

The Mr. Men have been tickling children for generations with their funny and charming antics. The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series now gives adults the chance to laugh along as the Mr Men and Little Miss try to cope with the very grown-up world around them. Featuring Roger Hargreaves classic artwork alongside hilariously funny new text.

Little Miss Shy likes being single and loves nothing more than staying in with a good book. But her mother feels quite differently and she reluctantly decides to give online dating a try. Will one of the Mr Men be her Mr Right?

The perfect book for anyone who has ever been part of the dating pool, reluctantly or not.

Also available in The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series:
Mr Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean, Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood and Mr Happy and the Office Party.

Mr. Men and for Grown Ups Series:
Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood
Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating
Mr. Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean
Mr. Happy and the Office Party

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
If you were a fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books as a child then you're sure to love the nostalgic feeling these revamped adult versions will give you. The books are in the same format we know and love and they have used a selection of Roger Hargreaves' original illustrations that fit the new storylines pretty perfectly.

Little Miss Shy is quite happy being single but she's getting sick of her mother nagging her to find Mr Right and start popping out grandkids so she decides it might be time to try online dating. Lots of rather awkward dates ensue until she realises that the perfect man for her might have been standing right in front of her all along.

This was easily my favourite of the Mr. Men for Grown Ups series and it had me laughing out loud the whole way through, probably because Little Miss Shy matches me exactly and I've had lots of frustratingly similar conversations with my own mother about this same topic. This definitely tickled my funny bone and I've already ordered a couple of extra copies to give to friends this Christmas.

Source: Received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Mr. Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean - Roger Hargreaves

The Mr. Men have been tickling children for generations with their funny and charming antics. The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series now gives adults the chance to laugh along as the Mr Men and Little Miss try to cope with the very grown-up world around them. Featuring Roger Hargreaves classic artwork alongside hilariously funny new text.

Mr Greedy loves to eat, but when everyone around him seems to be juicing and exercising, he decides it’s time to make some changes. Will Mr Greedy get lean with the help of his friends?

The perfect book for anyone who's ever tried to kick start their life with a diet which promises a new improved you.

Also available in The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series:
Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating, Mr Happy and the Office Party and Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood.

Mr. Men and for Grown Ups Series:
Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood
Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating
Mr. Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean
Mr. Happy and the Office Party

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
If you were a fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books as a child then you're sure to love the nostalgic feeling these revamped adult versions will give you. The books are in the same format we know and love and they have used a selection of Roger Hargreaves' original illustrations that fit the new storylines pretty perfectly.

If you've ever taken part in any kind of faddy diet you'll see yourself in Mr. Greedy's story, he's determined to lose some weight so that Mrs. Greedy will find him attractive again but it's so hard to find a diet that is both easy to stick to and gives good results.

This was a really funny story that would be a perfect stocking filler for the constant dieter in your life and I really liked the sweet ending.

Source: Received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood - Roger Hargreaves

The Mr. Men have been tickling children for generations with their funny and charming antics. The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series now gives adults the chance to laugh along as the Mr Men and Little Miss try to cope with the very grown-up world around them. Featuring Roger Hargreaves classic artwork alongside hilariously funny new text.

Little Miss Busy hadn't always been so busy. She used to enjoy lazy weekends and leisurely lie-ins. But then she had kids. Now her life is a constant juggle of demands and pressure to be the perfect mum. How does Little Miss Busy do it?

The perfect book for anyone who has ever faced the trials and tribulations of the wonderful and exasperating world of parenthood.

Also available The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series:
Mr Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean, Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating and Mr Happy and the Office Party.

Mr. Men and for Grown Ups Series:
Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood
Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating
Mr. Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean
Mr. Happy and the Office Party

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
If you were a fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books as a child then you're sure to love the nostalgic feeling these revamped adult versions will give you. The books are in the same format we know and love and they have used a selection of Roger Hargreaves' original illustrations that fit the new storylines pretty perfectly.

Little Miss Busy used to have a much more leisurely life before her kids came along, now it's all running after the kids and trying to keep up with the much more organised mothers like Little Miss Perfect and Little Miss Tidy. Her life is one long to-do-list that she never seems to reach the bottom of.

This is the perfect gift for any busy mums you know, I'm sure they'll recognise themselves in the story and end up chuckling at the way things turn out for Little Miss Busy.

Source: Received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Mr. Happy and the Office Party - Roger Hargreaves

The Mr. Men have been tickling children for generations with their funny and charming antics. The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series now gives adults the chance to laugh along as the Mr Men and Little Miss try to cope with the very grown-up world around them. Featuring Roger Hargreaves classic artwork alongside hilariously funny new text.

Mr Happy is usually a very happy fellow. But the morning after the office party, he doesn't feel so happy. In fact, he loses his smile. It couldn’t be that bad, could it?

The perfect book for anyone who has ever been to a work party and lived to tell the tale.

Also available in The Mr Men for Grown-Ups series:
Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating, Mr Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean and Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood.

Mr. Men and for Grown Ups Series:
Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood
Little Miss Shy Goes Online Dating
Mr. Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean
Mr. Happy and the Office Party

Visit the Egmont website for more information

Review:
If you were a fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books as a child then you're sure to love the nostalgic feeling these revamped adult versions will give you. The books are in the same format we know and love and they have used a selection of Roger Hargreaves' original illustrations that fit the new storylines pretty perfectly.

This book starts with a very hungover Mr. Happy and then goes back in time to show the events of the office Christmas party that made him feel ill in the first place. I have to admit that this was my least favourite of the four grown up books released so far but it was still amusing and there were a lot of nods to little things that workers are sure to recognise from their own office parties. These books are perfect little stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts and I hope we'll see more books published in the range.

Source: Received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Trump's Christmas Carol - Lucien Young writing as Watt T Dickens

‘I have the best ghosts, everyone says so’

President Ebenezer Trump, a rich old fool whose heart is as small as his hands and whose words are as false as his hair, sits shut up alone in the White House on Christmas Eve. But he is confronted that night by the ghost of Richard Nixon, who warns him that he will be visited by three spirits, all intent on changing his imprudent and miserly ways.

He meets the jovial Ghost of Christmas Past, Bill Clinton, full of fun tales and memories; the spirit who everyone wishes was still the Ghost of Christmas Present, Barack Obama; and the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows him how abolishing Obamacare will finish off Tiny Tim.

But will Trump heed their advice, and become a good person?

Visit the Trump's Christmas Carol page on Goodreads for more information.

Review:
I loved Lucien Young's Alice in Brexitland parody so of course I jumped at the chance of reviewing his second book, Trump's Christmas Carol. As you can tell from the title this is Young's take on Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol staring president Ebenezer Trump. Told in the same style as the original story (so very different to the previous book) we get to see the mean and miserly Trump confronted by the ghost of Christmas past Bill Clinton, the ghost we wish was Christmas present Barack Obama and a mysterious ghost of Christmas future.

As you'd expect with any story about Trump there is plenty of material to use that just begs to be laughed at - tiny hands, the Russian connection, that video, the constant tweets, the insecurity and ignorance plus so much more. There are appearances from people like Hilary, Farage and Melania to add to the fun. I don't think the humour quite hit the highs of Alice in Brexitland but I definitely laughed out loud several times while reading. I think I'd probably have found it even funnier if I wasn't still so horrified about the state of the world right now and if the future shown by the ghost of Christmas yet to come didn't feel quite so awfully believable.

The book has line drawn illustrations that were just as funny (and accurate) as the text and made a lovely addition to the story.

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Alice in Brexitland - Lucien Young writing as Leavis Carroll

Lying on a riverbank on a lazy summer’s afternoon – 23rd June 2016, to be precise – Alice spots a flustered-looking white rabbit called Dave calling for a referendum. Following him down a rabbit-hole, she emerges into a strange new land, where up is down, black is white, experts are fools and fools are experts...

She meets such characters as the Corbynpillar, who sits on a toadstool smoking his hookah and being no help to anyone; Humpty Trumpty, perched on a wall he wants the Mexicans to pay for; the Cheshire Twat, who likes to disappear leaving only his grin, a pint, and the smell of scotch eggs remaining; and the terrifying Queen of Heartlessness, who’ll take off your head if you dare question her plan for Brexit. Will Alice ever be able to find anyone who speaks sense?

Visit the Alice in Brexitland page on Goodreads for more information.

Review:
Alice in Brexitland is a hilarious parody that tells the events surrounding the referendum in the form of Alice in Wonderland. Poor young Alice makes the horrible mistake of following David Camerabbit down the rabbit hole and quickly finds herself in a world that doesn't make sense anymore. The tale follows Alice's journey through Brexitland as she is introduced to characters like the Corbyn-pillar, the Cheshire Twat and Trumpty Dumpty. The characters are all instantly recognisable as both the fictional version from the original story as well as the real life politician they represent and they've been very cleverly written to show their biggest personality traits.

The book also includes wonderful illustrations that again follow the format of the originals but have been edited to fit the new characters created for this parody.

I coud have included quotes from practically every page but I've seen a lot of my favourites in other reviews already and I don't want to spoil the best jokes for anyone so I'm going to limit it to just this one:

How doth the politician lie
To burnish his career
And with his bogus slogans try
To bend the voter's ear!

He'll promise in each interview
That perfect joy awaits
And all the while he's screwing you
To help his wealthy mates

I know I'm not the only one who feels a bit like they fell down the rabbit hole in this last year so I laughed out loud the whole way through reading Lucien Young's take on events. This really does highlight some of the most shocking events from British and American politics over the last year and it probably hits a little close to the bone for some of us "remoaners" but if we can't laugh about the state of the world right now I'd probably have to cry and this was the perfect laughter inducer.

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: The Mills & Boon Modern Girl's Guide to Turning into Your Mother - Ada Adverse

Have you ever…?

A) Opened your mouth and heard your mother come out?

B) Wondered whether a bunch of flowers and breakfast in bed once a year really makes up for the 37 hours your mum spent in St Agnes’ Maternity Ward?

C) Voiced a heartfelt opinion on the weather?

If so, the Mills & Boon Modern Girl’s Guide to Turning Into Your Mother is for you: a guide to the joys of motherhood – with a feminist twist.

The Mills & Boon Modern Girls Guide Series:
Turning into Your Mother
Working 9 to 5
Happy Hour
Helping Yourself
Happy Endings

Visit the Mills & Boon website for more information

Review:
Firstly let me just wish all the mums out there a very happy Mother's Day! This book isn't so much a guide showing you how to turn into your mother (or how to avoid it!) but more likely a book that shows you that it's too late - it's already happened! This book is along similar lines to Penguin's Ladybird books for grownups collection where you have a vintage picture on one side of the page and an amusing caption to accompany it on the opposite. That makes it a very quick book to read cover to cover or you can dip in and out of it as the mood strikes you.

I'm not a mother myself so I think some of the anecdotes missed the mark a little because of that but there were definitely things I was still able to relate to and I'm sure my Mum will find it even funnier. This is the kind of book that makes a great Mother's Day gift (I know my Mum will be receiving a copy today!) to any mums or grandmothers in your life and I'm looking forward to checking out more from the series.

Of course I have to end this review with a picture so here's one of my favourite pages:

Source: Received from Mills & Boon Insiders in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Catology - Adrian Searle & Oliver Ninnis

Just what is your cat thinking? As it gazes up at you, are those eyes filled with love and admiration or spite and scorn? From the author of the award-winning 101 Uses of a Dead Kindle and If Dogs Could Swear comes a hilarious insight into the twisted, venal, self-serving psychology of our cutest four-legged sociopaths.

Visit the book's page on Goodreads for more information

Review:
As both a cat lover and someone with a whole shelf of these kind of humorous books that you can just dip in and out of when you have a few minutes to spare I absolutely jumped at the chance to review Catology. Unfortunately the book is actually a lot shorter than I expected and it didn't quite contain as much detail as I had hoped for.

I read a digital edition so I can't confirm the print layout but on my Kindle you see one image per page with a short one or two sentence caption underneath. Some of these cartoons are brilliant but only a couple actually made me laugh out loud and it wasn't enough that I could imagine myself flicking through the book a second time. There are only around 80 pictures included so it's a very quick read and I'd read from cover to cover within about 10 minutes but I just thought the book was lacking in depth compared to other similar books out there.

I've included a couple of my favourite images to give you an idea what to expect, these particular ones read very true to my experiences with my own cats and all got a chuckle out of me.

There is a reason that cats are so popular and I think it's because of their independent attitudes and the way they just completely ignore all commands and do exactly what they want when they want. People don't own cats, we're totally owned by them and this book does capture that so I think it would make a nice little stocking filler for any cat lovers in your life.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Texts From Your Ex - Unspirational

We've all drunk-texted an ex, but these painfully funny posts from the massively popular Instagram account "Texts From Your Ex" take things to extremes as they plead, rant, insult and just downright confuse their intended targets.

From those with zero shame ("Let's take a bubble bath together?!"), to the chancers ("U wanna go to Mexico with me?" "No" "What about New Mexico?") and the deluded ("I'm moving to England and I'd like you to come with me"), and some of the best put downs you wish you'd thought of ("Not today, Satan"), you will simultaneously cringe and cry with laughter at these hilarious exchanges between exes.

Visit @textsfromyourex on Instagram for more information

Review:
I have a whole shelf of these kind of humorous books, they're something that I love to dip in and out of when I'm having a bad day or just need a pick me up. Anyway, when I saw Texts From Your Ex pop up on my Amazon Vine list I requested it immediately, after all I'm sure we've all sent drunk texts that we've regretted the day after at some point in our lives, if not we're pretty much guaranteed to have received them from someone else.

I was expecting to laugh the whole way through this but I should have read a few of the reviews first because it really wasn't worth the effort of reading. There were only a few messages that made me laugh in the whole book and the rest were just incredibly depressing. Most of the messages don't even make any sense and the rest are of exes being petty and often downright mean towards each other. I find it pretty sad that we live in a world where people are actually willing to say such nasty things to people they used to care about and the only good thing I really have to say about the book was that it's a quick read so at least it didn't waste too much of my time.

If you're considering buying Texts From Your Ex then you might want to check out @textsfromyourex on Instagram as that will give you a good idea what to expect. To be honest you'd probably be better off saving your money and just spending an hour or two browsing the Instagram page, the book doesn't offer anything extra to make it worth actually paying for.

Here are a couple of the pages that I did find amusing but I'm not willing to post the more offensive ones so can't show you what the majority of the book is like.

Source: Received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Very British Problems: Making Life Awkward for Ourselves, One Rainy Day at a Time - Rob Temple

There's an epidemic sweeping the nation. 

Symptoms include:
* Acute embarrassment at the mere notion of 'making a fuss'
* Extreme awkwardness when faced with any social greeting beyond a brisk handshake
* An unhealthy preoccupation with meteorology

Doctors have also reported several cases of unnecessary apologising, an obsessive interest in queuing etiquette and raised blood pressure when discussing the correct way to make a hot drink. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from VERY BRITISH PROBLEMS.

VERY BRITISH PROBLEMS are highly contagious.
There is no known cure.

Rob Temple's tea-spillingly funny book, inspired by the incredibly @soverybritish Twitter phenomenon, reveals all the ways in which we are a nation of socially awkward but well-meaning oddballs, struggling to make it through every day without saying sorry to an inaminate object. Take comfort in the misfortunes of others. You are not alone.

Very British Problems Series:
Very British Problems: Making Life Awkward for Ourselves, One Rainy Day at a Time
Very British Problems Abroad

Visit the Very British Problems website or @soverybritish on Twitter for more information or to watch the videos

Review:
As a fan of the @soverybritish Twitter account I couldn't resist ordering a copy of Very British Problems and it's now one of my favourite ways to pass the time when I'm having a bad day. You can open this book at pretty much any page and find something that will at least make you giggle, if not completely howl with laughter so it's ideal for dipping in and out of whenever the mood strikes you.

Of course you may pick it up only intending to read a couple of pages but before you know it you'll probably have read the entire book and you'll definitely have a stitch in your side from laughing so hard!

Us Brits are an eccentric lot and this book points out many of our weird little quirky habits, it makes fun of our constant need to apologise and our obsession with queueing, it jokes about our addiction to tea and biscuits and it laughs at our preoccupation with the weather. I don't think a page went by where I wasn't furiously nodding my head at how true it all was and I spent a ridiculous amount of time reading sections to friends and family members or texting quotes to people further afield.

I could probably pick a quote from nearly every page to share with you but here are just a few of my favourites from the section on "Repressing One's Rage" (which starts on pg 130 of the UK paperback):

Attempting to deal with a queue jumper by staring fiercely at the back of their head.

Becoming so furious that you beg someone for their pardon.

Thanking people under your breath as punishment for them not thanking you.

Accidentally saying 'you're welcome' too loudly when someone hasn't thanked you, and smiling politely when they look straight at you.

Occasionally folding your arms and activating a tiny head shake to indicate that the Post Office queue is thoroughly out of order and you'll only put up with it for another two hours. Three, maximum.

Any Brit that tells you they've not done at least three of those is lying and personally I'd have to admit to all five!

Very British Problems is hilarious and well worth buying a copy of, I know I'll be dipping into this book for many years to come and I'm sure visitors to the house will be too. I'll definitely be purchasing a copy of Very British Problems Abroad as soon as the paperback is available so I can laugh at our desperate need to have access to a full English breakfast and how just a glimpse of the sun is enough to turn most of us into a giant lobster!

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Paperback / Kindle:

Review: How it Works: The Wife - Jason Hazeley & Joel Morris

From bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris - a nugget of wisdom in the phenomenal Ladybirds for Grown Ups series.

This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them.

The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

Ladybirds for Grown Ups Series:
How it Works: The Husband
How it Works: The Wife
How it Works: The Mum
How it Works: The Dad
The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis
The Ladybird Book of the Hangover
The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness
The Ladybird Book of the Shed
The Ladybird Book of Dating
The Ladybird Book of the Hipster

Visit the Penguin website for more information

Review:
It's my Mum & Dad's wedding anniversary today and what do you get for a couple that have been together for 34 years? Something silly of course so the Husband and Wife versions of the Ladybirds for Grown Ups How it Works series seemed like the perfect option!

Do you remember those old Ladybird books you used to read as a child? I have fond memories of fiction titles like Mick the Disobedient Puppy, The Discontented Pony and who could forget books like Tasseltip and the Boozle but there were also the educational ones that were actually supposed to teach you something. The books were all illustrated, written in very simple language and easy for children to read, something that has been continued into the adult versions that have been released much more recently. Including illustrations from the original series these books are like a step back in time but a very humourous one.

These books are snarky, play on male and female stereotypes and epitomise a dry British sense of humour. All in they're just fun, silly books that aren't meant to be taken too seriously but are designed to put a smile on your face.

My favourite quote from How it Works: The Wife -

Wives like to be right.

Sara has been waiting for her husband Tom to arrive. He is half an hour late.

Sara is delighted. She knew this would happen.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: How it Works: The Husband - Jason Hazeley & Joel Morris

From bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris - a nugget of wisdom in the phenomenal Ladybirds for Grown Ups series.

This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them.

The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

Ladybirds for Grown Ups Series:
How it Works: The Husband
How it Works: The Wife
How it Works: The Mum
How it Works: The Dad
The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis
The Ladybird Book of the Hangover
The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness
The Ladybird Book of the Shed
The Ladybird Book of Dating
The Ladybird Book of the Hipster

Visit the Penguin website for more information

Review:
It's my Mum & Dad's wedding anniversary today and what do you get for a couple that have been together for 34 years? Something silly of course so the Husband and Wife versions of the Ladybirds for Grown Ups How it Works series seemed like the perfect option!

Do you remember those old Ladybird books you used to read as a child? I have fond memories of fiction titles like Mick the Disobedient Puppy, The Discontented Pony and who could forget books like Tasseltip and the Boozle but there were also the educational ones that were actually supposed to teach you something. The books were all illustrated, written in very simple language and easy for children to read, something that has been continued into the adult versions that have been released much more recently. Including illustrations from the original series these books are like a step back in time but a very humourous one.

These books are snarky, play on male and female stereotypes and epitomise a dry British sense of humour. All in they're just fun, silly books that aren't meant to be taken too seriously but are designed to put a smile on your face.

My favourite quote from How it Works: The Husband -

The husband finds some things very difficult. Being wrong is one of these things.

When he is wrong, the husband will refer to the times he was right, even if they date back many years.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Kindle:

Review: Simon Drew's Inappropriate Address Book - Simon Drew

This may well be an address book but it is certainly unlike any other. Profusely illustrated throughout in full colour, it contains a delicious selection of Simon Drew's highly idiosyncratic drawings and accompanying written captions. Throughout this book there are countless distractions: this means that as you look up an address you will find yourself amazed at the drawings and quirky words and will soon discover that you have forgotten what you were doing in the first place. What could be more surprising than finding a mole wandering across Auntie Flo's address? Or maybe an earthworm writhing past a telephone number? Gifted with a quirky sense of fun and a lively imagination, Simon Drew interprets conventional words and phrases, situations and circumstances in pictures and prose. It is an address book designed to delight all those who enjoy verbal and pictorial puns.

Visit Simon Drew's website for more information or to watch the videos

Review:
I wouldn't normally write a review for an address book but I received Simon Drew's Inappropriate Address Book as a Christmas gift and fell in love with the quirky artwork and thought I'd take the chance to spotlight a fab British artist.

Simon Drew is a master at putting a unique twist on well known sayings or song lyrics and creating illustrations to match. Every page of this address book has something different to draw the eye and looking up an address takes far longer than it should do because I keep getting distracted by the illustrations.

This is more of a desk address book than something you'd carry around with you (it's about A5 size) but it has plenty of space for writing addresses along with slots for mobile phone numbers and email addresses. The book is a lovely keepsake and it's one I'm sure I'll be using for many years to come.

Here is just a small sample of some of the illustrations to give you an idea what you're getting:

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
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Hardback:

Review: Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos - Simon Tofield

Like all great cartoon creations, from Peanuts to Asterix, from Garfield to Tintin, Simon's Cat has continued to evolve by introducing new characters and developing new storylines. After the runaway success of the original book, Simon Tofield returned with the further adventures of his feline 'beyond the fence.'

Now we welcome a cuddly new addition to the family in the form of Simon's Kitten. It's an adorable new chapter which is sure to delight Simon's millions of fans.

Simon's Cat Series:
Simon's Cat in His Very Own Book
Simon's Cat: Beyond the Fence
Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos
Simon's Cat: Feed Me!
Simon's Cat vs. the World
Simon's Cat: Wake Up!
Simon's Cat: Play Time!
The Bumper Book of Simon's Cat
Simon's Cat Off to the Vet . . . and Other Cat-astrophes

Visit the Simon's Cat website for more information or to watch the videos

Review:
The Simon's Cat videos never fail to make me laugh, even when I'm having the worst day possible I can watch pretty much any of them to put a smile on my face so of course I've been religiously buying the books as they're published. Since I currently have a new kitten in the house this seemed like the perfect time to pick Kitten Chaos back up for probably the billionth time. These are the kind of books that you can leave sat on the coffee table and flick through whenever you have a couple of minutes (my friend actually has a whole shelf of books like this in her bathroom!) but this time I sat and read from cover to cover and found myself giggling away to myself the whole way through.

Simon Tofield is obviously an experienced cat owner and he captures common personality traits over and over again in his drawings and videos. I see hints of every cat I've ever met in these books but Kitten Chaos was particularly appropriate because my kitten is incredibly good at creating mayhem. So many of these images are currently part of daily life in my house and that just made them even more amusing.

I love the videos, I love these books and I'll continue to purchase them until the author stops publishing them!

Here are just a couple of my favourite drawings from the book to give you a better idea of what's included:

My older cat is not at all impressed 

to have a newcomer in the house

The kitten is slowly destroying my

house, one room at a time!

and I'm covered in scratches from being used

as a walking climbing frame LOL

Since it was the videos that started it all I couldn't resist including one of my favourites with both Simon's Cat and the kitten:



Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here

Hardback / Paperback / Kindle: