Authorstrator Listy List
A round up of reads, watches and art stuff for May
It’s a late edition of my monthly feature - the Authorstrator Listy List! I usually schedule these for mid-month but its been a busy one and I haven’t had a chance to get this to you til now. On the plus side - it means I’ve had A LOT of time to collect good reads for you and hoo boy this month is a doozy!
If you’re new here at Authrostrator, the Authorstrator Listy List is a roundup of what I think are the most interesting bits and bobs I collect for all the lists I keep in my notebooks over the course of the month! My TBR, my watch list, my list of arty things I want to try out. And I’m always on the lookout for more, so if you’ve got a great recommendation for a read, a watch, or arty stuff, I invite you to share your latest finds in the comments!
Here we go!
The Reading List
Books
The River Has Roots Amal El Motahr - Enchanted forests and Faeries, I keep seeing great things about this one so I’m definitely going to check it out. And the most exciting part? Its illustrated! More adult illustrated novels please!
When the Tides Held the Moon by Vanessa Vida Kelley - Another fantasy, also illustrated! Is this HAPPENING?! Are illustrated novels gonna be a thing cus I am READY.
Fiend by Alma Katsu - I recently read The Hunger by Alma Katsu and loved it - very creepy and moody and you’re never sure where the story is going to go, so I am excited for her latest book. Its not out til September, but its on my list.
is actually on Substack and what luck! She’s posted the first chapter here!The Incandescent by Emily Tesh - Emily Tesh wrote one of my favourite reads from last year, Silver in the Woods - fairytale vibes, really beautiful and warm storytelling that’s great for curling up in a cozy chair with. If you like Naomi Novik you’ll love Emily Tesh. The Incandescent follows a magic school and there seem to be demons.
Overgrowth by Seanan McGuire (writing as Mira Grant) - Seanan McGuire is one of my fave authors writing today. Her collection of works are as varied as they are imaginative and never disappoints. (If you haven’t read her Wayward Children series, you MUST.) The premise of Overgrowth has some real John Wyndham vibes, merging Day of the Triffids with The Midwich Cuckoos in a story about what happens when Aliens return for children they left behind.
Sam and Dave Dig a Big Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen - A picture book for your reading list! This is an older one (2014) but I hadn’t come across it before and it seems to have won like…all the awards so I had to check it out. I love the simple and textured illustrations of Jon Klassen and the laugh out loud humor of Mac Barnett - their Shapes Trilogy is a huge hit in my house - so I’m excited to share this one with my kiddos!
One Upon a Mermaid’s Tail by Beatrice Blue - Because it’s Mermay, I had to buy this picture book for my shelves. Beatrice Blue is one of those illustrators that make me just want to dive into her drawings. The art is so unique and colourful and inviting. Lots of magic, a little bit sad but it turns around, this one is very very pretty to look at.
Newsletters
shares his book process from concept to finish in this great post. Also, if you haven’t checked out his AI vs Artist videos on instagram, you should. They make me lol. shared some great resources including a link to this awesome Samurai Jack Background Painting Demo from youtube that I am excited to share.This awesome post from
GOT ME. I don’t want to say too much as it will spoil the experience - and thats the thing, it’s an EXPERIENCE - SO you really should check this one out because its great.
The Watch List
Black Mirror, USS Callister: Into Infinity - Ok so this is for season 7 of black mirror, but this episode is part 2 of a previous episode from Season 4 (USS Callister). I watched them back to back and boy did I love it - space clones and mmrpg with Galaxy Quest vibes but sinister, this is a really fun story with great actors, great characters and I just really want to see a movie series of this to be honest.
And that’s it from me! What’s on your lists this month?
When I was in Québec City 2 years ago, I picked up Beatrice Blue's mermaid book in French, Il était une fois le secret des sirènes! I do love mermaids.
I don't know if you have seen Jon and Mac's substack on picture books but it is full of great insights on the medium. I love Jon's hat trilogy so much. It's kind of inspired me to write some darker picture books. https://lookingatpicturebooks.substack.com/
I’ll have to check out The River Has Roots… I LOVE IT when novels are illustrated! (It’s a bucket list goal for my stories.)