Tag: Illustrated Books

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain: What ‘Out of Your Mind’ Reveals About the Human Brain

‘Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain’ will be released in January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The search to understand how the brain works has been a long-standing scientific endeavor, exploring the complexities of cognition, emotions, memory, and consciousness. Neuroscience and psychology have made significant strides, yet much remains unknown about the brain’s intricate processes. Books such as “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks delve into neurological disorders, offering insight into brain function. In “How to Change Your Mind,” Michael Pollan explores neuroplasticity and the impact of psychedelics. Meanwhile, Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” illuminates decision-making and cognitive biases, offering a deeper understanding of human thought processes.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the brain but found the subject too complicated, there’s a new book coming out next month that aims to make it more accessible to all readers.

“Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain” by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin goes on sale January 28th, 2025. It’s an introductory journey into your own mind—if your inner voice had a Ph. D. in brain science, cracked jokes, and drew cartoons. (Penguin Random House, 2024)

Why do you love? Why do you lie? What makes you happy? Every single thought you have comes from one place: your brain. But what makes it tick? How much of it have we decoded, and how much of it remains an impenetrable mystery?

Join best-selling author and online cartoonist Jorge Cham and neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin on a deep dive into the fascinating world of the human brain, in which they will explore questions such as: What is consciousness? Where is you in the brain? And do we have free will? All while illuminating everything we know (and DON’T know) about one of the most complex objects in the known universe.

Think of it as conversation-ammunition for your next cocktail party, or a quick fascinating read while you’re in the bathroom (don’t worry, the chapters aren’t that long). Centered around questions we all ask ourselves at some point but don’t usually have answers to, “Out of Your Mind” is an illustrated book about the brain that isn’t too brainy. Playful, accessible, and deeply insightful, it’s the one brain book that’s truly accessible and suitable for all brains.

Some of the questions that are addressed include:

  • Where is the mind?
  • Why do we love?
  • Why do we hate?
  • Will an AI take my job?
  • What are the limits of memory?
  • What is addiction?
  • What is consciousness?
  • What makes us happy?
  • Do we have free will?
  • What happens when we die?
  • What makes us human?

JORGE CHAM is the Daytime Emmy-nominated and best-selling cartoonist creator of the popular online comic strip “Piled Higher and Deeper” (known as PHD Comics – phdcomics.com). He is the co-creator, Executive Producer and Creative Director of “Elinor Wonders Why,” one of the highest-rated animated shows on PBS Kids, and the co-author of two popular science books: the best-selling and award-winning “We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe and Frequently Asked Questions about the Universe,”as well as the children’s book “Oliver’s Great Big Universe.” Jorge is also the co-host and co-creator of “Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe” a popular podcast and radio show. He obtained his Ph.D. in robotics from Stanford University and was an Instructor and Research Associate at Caltech from 2003-2005. He is originally from Panama.

DWAYNE GODWIN is a neuroscientist, an educator, and an academic leader who is a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience and served as graduate dean at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His research centers on the cellular basis of abnormal brain rhythms, including active projects on calcium channel function, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. His goal is to use emerging insights about the brain to develop treatments and potential cures for neurological diseases. His science outreach includes Mind in Pictures, cocreated with Jorge Cham for Scientific American Mind, as well as blogs for the Society for Neuroscience and the Museum of the Moving Image.

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Laugh, Learn, and Love: ‘Sis Boom Baa!’ Brings Joy to Young Readers

Dragons, dinosaurs, and daring adventures await in the delightful new children’s book ‘Sis Boom Baa!’ Photo: Amazon

Children’s books captivate young readers through vibrant illustrations, engaging stories, and relatable characters. They spark imagination, curiosity, and emotional growth, often teaching valuable life lessons in an entertaining way. The use of simple language and rhythmic patterns makes them accessible to early readers, while interactive elements like rhyme, repetition, and humor keep children engaged. By exploring diverse themes such as friendship, kindness, and adventure, they create a sense of empathy and creativity. Their appeal lies in the magical combination of fun and learning that resonates with young minds.

Ready to explore a world where laughter meets adventure? Presenting ‘Sis Boom Baa!,’ a whimsical children’s fantasy adventure designed for ages 6-12 and beautifully illustrated by the talented Bill DeOre. This enchanting tale is bound to captivate young minds and tickle funny bones while imparting timeless values. (WooGirl Public Relations, 2024)

Cappy McGarr is an Emmy-nominated co-founder of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He’s one of few people to be appointed to the Kennedy Center by two different presidents. His writing has been published in the New York Times, Politico, and USA Today. His memoir, “The Man Who Made Mark Twain Famous,” is available at retailers everywhere.

Chandler Dean is a Brooklyn-based comedian and speechwriter whose satire has been featured in The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Reductress, and Hard Drive. He is a director at the speechwriting firm West Wing Writers, where he co-leads the firm’s humor practice. He has previously worked for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

‘Sis Boom Baa!’ – This is the tale of a kingdom once saved by Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave…

Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave live a happy, peaceful life in a beautiful castle. But what happens when they’re betrayed by an old friend and banished from the kingdom? To get back home, they’ll learn how to improvise, accept help from others, embrace bravery, and believe in themselves.

Join Princess Lil Cap and Sir Hud the Brave as they navigate a thrilling journey to return home after being betrayed and banished from their kingdom. They encounter dragons, dinosaurs, and trolls that challenge their courage and impart life-changing lessons.

Enjoy a tale that hilariously pokes fun at classic fantasy tropes while offering deep conversations between parents and children. It embraces crucial virtues such as bravery, empathy, confidence, humility, and forgiveness throughout this rollicking adventure.

Parental Advisory: This book features awesome creatures like dragons and dinosaurs. You should only read this book to your child if they enjoy awesome things.

Grade Level: 4 – 6

Fairy Sightings and Whimsical Wisdom: ‘How to Spot a Fairy’ by Sarah Glenn Marsh

‘How to Spot a Fairy’ by Sarah Glenn Marsh. Photo: Amazon

Children’s books about fairies and magical beings spark the imagination, whisking young readers into enchanting worlds filled with wonder. These stories often feature whimsical characters like fairies, elves, and unicorns, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and bravery. Through vibrant illustrations and imaginative plots, children explore themes of adventure and discovery, often encountering challenges that require clever thinking and courage. These stories invite readers to believe in the extraordinary, nurture creativity and foster a love for reading, making them cherished staples on any child’s bookshelf. Author Sarah Glenn Marsh has a new children’s book coming out next month that’s all about fairies, sprites, and other such beings.

Sarah Glenn Marsh is the bestselling author of several young adult novels and many picture books. Her Irish heritage has inspired a love of folklore and fantastical storytelling from a young age. She lives with her husband, daughter, four dogs, several fish, and two birds in Richmond, Virginia, and she enjoys spending time with all her pets when she isn’t out roaming the woods in search of a little magic. Her new book “How to Spot a Fairy: A Field Guide to Sprites, Sylphs, Spriggans, and More” is an enchanting, illustrated field guide to finding fairies (and their families) in the wild. It is aimed for children ages 8-12 who enjoy stories about fairies, magical beings, and mythology/folklore. Release date is October 22, 2024. Illustrator: Lilla Bölecz (Running Press Kids, 2024)

Lilla Bölecz is an artist and folklore lover who specializes in graphic art, book illustration, dollmaking, and pattern design. Her work is mostly inspired by mysticism, legends, spiritual experiences, mythology, and literature. Lilla uses both digital and traditional media, including ink, gouache, clay, and acrylics. She is always looking for meaningful connections, and to bring to life the unconventional and unique.

“How to Spot a Fairy” – This compendium explores the history and mythology of fairies and offers information on how/where to find these magical beings. From boggarts and pixies to weeping women, water nymphs, moon maids, and more, this book organizes fairies by habitat and offers tips on how to seek out the mystical beings in our midst. Complete with interactive elements like quizzes (“Which Type of Fairy Are You?”), crafts (“Build Your Own Fairy Garden” and “Make Your Own Fairy Potion”), and recipes (“Brew Your Own Fairy Tea”), there’s endless fun to be had while on the search for fairy folk.

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New book release: ‘The Perfect Fit’ by Gena Palumbo

‘The Perfect Fit’ is the new children’s book by Gena Palumbo. Photo: Amazon

Children’s books are so versatile. They can be entertaining, educational, and perfect for story time to bond at the end of the day. Introducing children to reading at an early age is an excellent way to get them started on a good habit that will last a lifetime. Today’s new book release is a children’s book by Gena Palumbo titled “The Perfect Fit.” It is a beautifully illustrated tale about finding one’s place in the world. With the holiday shopping well under way, why not pick up a copy for the child or children on your shopping list? It is available on Amazon.

Gena Palumbo is a writer from New England and new to motherhood, which inspired her to start writing children’s books. (Gena Palumbo, 2023)

“The Perfect Fit” is a charming children’s book that tells readers that “there is a place out there for everyone.” It is a perfect tool for parents to discuss themes of exploration, belonging, and self-discovery with their children. Reading age: baby to 7 years.

Embark on an enchanting adventure with Roo, a charming and curious character whose quest to find her place in the world is both inspiring and touching. As Roo navigates through vibrant landscapes, she discovers the true essence of belonging and the joy that comes with it. Join Roo on her remarkable journey and discover the perfect fit for yourself.

Rave reviews for “The Perfect Fit:”

**Vivid and Captivating Illustrations** – “Each turn of the page in “The Perfect Fit” reveals stunning, colorful artwork that breathes life into Roo’s world. These illustrations are not just visually appealing, but also effectively convey Roo’s emotions and the story’s deeper messages. It’s engaging use of font delights reader’s attention from the first page!”

**A Tool for Emotional Growth** – “This book is an excellent resource for parents an educators to introduce important themes and helps build emotional intelligence in children, guiding them to understand and appreciate the beauty in self-discovery.”

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