Nathan W. Pyle

In this tiny volume Nathan Pyle (of "Strange Planet" webcomics fame — also recommended!) has assembled and charmingly illustrated a collection of New York City etiquette tips for visitors and residents alike. From how to stay out of everyone's way to ... who am I kidding? The majority of these small bits of advice really boil down to how to stay out of everyone's way, complemented by tips about safety, communication and personal space.

My local library catalogs it in the 'humorous show more literature' section, though this book could just as easily — and one could almost argue that it should be — shelved with travel. Sure, it's funny, but it also contains real gems for visitors new to NYC, including social guidance and gentle admonishments that would never make it into Frommer's. show less

First sentence: One night a beach said, "I'm a bit chilly!" The moon smiled and said, "I'll tuck you in!" So the moon pushed the water up onto the sand. But off in the distance, another beach cried, "Heyyy! Where did my blanket go?" And the moon realized she might have just made a mistake.

Premise/plot: Tuck Me In! is a story written for young children to explain the tide. OR T.I.D.E. Tucking In Divided Evenly. It is a FUN, silly, creative way to explain how high tides and low tides work.

My show more thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one! It was such a fun read. Highly recommended. show less

Straight from the mind of New York Times bestselling author Nathan W. Pyle comes an adorable and profound universe in pink, blue, green, and purple. Based on the phenomenally popular Instagram of the same name, Strange Planet covers a full life cycle of the planet’s inhabitants.

This is a fun look at everyday life through the eyes of a family of aliens. I love the super-literal language the beings in this book use, from mouthstones for teeth to lifegiver for parent to two-wheeled foot show more pusher for bicycle. The humor is layered from basic to an underlying cynicism. There is also an undeniable kindness in these aliens. I have become addicted to them. show less

Offspring and Lifegiver observe a strange creature that sneaks, hides, and vibrates around their house.

I have been following Nathan W. Pyle on Instagram for ages but has yet to read a book of his. This one came back at the front desk of the library while I was working up there and I immediately read it right then and there because it’s about cats.

I laughed out loud and shared the pages with coworkers throughout the day who had cats. Also have used the phrase “flavor muscle” to describe show more a tongue on multiple occasions.

I think this book will make both children and adults who have cats smile and laugh at the strange behaviors of these four legged felines described by aliens. show less