Month: October 2019

https://nyti.ms/2WpW7H

So last night I did NOT have a good night’s sleep. I don’t know if this book will make me sleep better tonight but I can say that it is very cute. This is a book for all ages. There are sheep everywhere to be counted and all kinds of puzzles including mazes, word searches, spot the difference, find the two that are alike and more. Throughout the book is delightfully illustrated with cartoon sheep like the ones that you see on the cover..

In addition to the puzzles, there are many quotes about sleep. There are also hints that are tried and true, such as shutting off screens, drinking warm milk, etc.

This book will not necessarily solve your sleep problems, but you might enjoy looking through it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hon

Sarah Blake recently wrote The Guest Book, a title that I previously reviewed.  I recommend both that novel and this one, Sara Blake’s first book.  I enjoyed it at the time that it came out.

From Publishers Weekly

This excellent biography of Rosa Parks is geared toward 8 to 12 year olds. The tone of the book is factual and respectful of children’s ability to understand and think about difficult issues like segregation. So Other People Would Be Also Free acknowledges the country’s history of slavery and discrimination and opens the topic up for discussion via Rose’s story.

Readers learn about Rosa’s early life and family. They read about what she saw as those who were African American were treated differently from those who were white. Her activism is detailed and included early associations with the NAACP. She cared about issues long before she sat on that bus.

Rosa’s marriage to Parks and his work for the Scottsboro Boys also is recognized as are Rosa’s schooling and jobs. Of course there is much focus on the boycott. The book ends with a chapter on Rosa Parks’s life and legacy.

There are photos in the book that reflect Rosa’s time period and also some quotes from Rosa. There are also sections called “Think About It” to help encourage discussion and critical reading. For example one Talk About It states:

“The Reconstruction era mst have been an extraordinary time for newly freed Black Americans. What might have been some of their most pressing issues?”

This book could easily be part of a social studies unit at school. Whether in class or at home, it deserves a wide readership.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

A Story from Rosa’s Childhood: Separate and Unequal Schools

Rosa grew up in a loving home with a family that valued education. Since her mother was a teacher, she would teach Rosa at home when the school was closed or when Rosa was sick, which was often. But when Rosa did go to class, she noticed right away that there were two very different schools: the one available for black children, and the one for white children.

The black children went to a one-room schoolhouse where there was one teacher for about 60 students. The lone teacher taught grades one through six. The black community built and maintained the school.

The white children went to a new brick school that was paid for by taxpayers. Black people and white people both paid taxes equally, yet the money wasn’t distributed equally. The white school had separate classrooms for each grade and was open nine months out of the year. Rosa walked to the school for black children, which was farther away. White children rode in a school bus.

Children often want pets; they dream about them, beg their parents for them and then sometimes don’t know what to do with the pet that they now have.  In Unicorn Training, the story is about Tilly and her Unicorn.  It could as easily, but less whimsically, be about a child and their dog.  With simple text and delightful illustrations, readers/listeners will watch as Tilly tries to train her pet and also watch as her pet (not surprisingly) charms the family.

The book concludes with discussion questions and activities.  It is geared toward pre-schoolers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

The author of this cookbook has a compelling story about how she came to veganism.  She shares that she grew up in Florida in a home where meals generally came out of packets of some sort.  She had little in the way of fresh ingredients come her way.  Now, a mom of two, Moreno has embraced seasonal, plant based food, the subject of this beautifully photographed cookbook.

The book is organized by season with the author enjoying the colors and flavors of locally produced ingredients.  Fall recipes include Crispy Pumpkin Spiced Chickpeas, Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, and a Sweet Miso Tahini Macro Bowl…and then, let’s not forget the Pumpkin Stuffed Mac and Cheese.  There are similarly appealing recipes for the other three seasons.

The directions are clear and precise.  This book will especially be welcomed by vegans but everyone can find something healthy and appealing to eat within these pages.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheColorfulFamilyTable #NetGalley

The Ruth Rendell is part of the Inspector Wexford series.  I’ve enjoyed everyone that I read.  The Airth is part of an historical mystery series; will be enjoyed by those who like Charles Todd, I think.

This book tells the stories of 50 outstanding Americans who can be excellent role models for children.  Some of those featured were well known to me including Louisa May Alcott, Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Doctor Seuss.  Others were new to me including S. Stillman Berry, a marine zoologist, or Claudette Colvin, a teen who did not give up a seat on the bus at an earlier date than Rosa Parks.  For each entry, even for those known to me, there were interesting facets of a life and facts that I did not already know.  Very helpful were the ways in which the author anticipated what a reader might want to know.  For example, in talking about Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, a composer, pianist and art patron, the term chamber music is explained.  To further add to the readers’ experience, the author has a Tips For You section after each entry.  For example the entry on cartoonist Charles Adams suggest looking up his books of cartoons or drawing people you know and turning them into cartoon characters.

I recommend this book highly.  Both children and adults will learn a lot and be impressed by some outstanding Americans.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#AmericanTrailblazers #NetGalley

This Side of Murder and Treacherous is the Night. The back story of this series is World War I. Readers learn more about Sidney’s experiences during that time and empathize with his difficulty in coping. Readers will also enjoy spending more time with this couple as they get to know one another better.

In this entry, Verity has two cases to solve. In one, a friend has been accused of murdering her husband. In the other, a friend from Verity’s WWI spy work, asks for her help in investigating the murder of her sister. The novel includes many settings including mansions and locations in France and England.

Readers know that the cases will be solved but how? Are they related? Do they relate to the war? Find out as you read this latest adventure .

Also, I want to comment on the cover. I think that it is really gorgeous.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have not as yet read this book but plan to.  I have read many novels by Susan Wiggs that I have enjoyed including the Lakeshore Chronicles, a multi book series, Just Breathe, Family Tree, Map of the Heart and The Ocean Between Us.  She writes excellent women’s fiction.

From the Back Cover

Editorial Reviews:

“The latest from best seller Wiggs (The Apple Orchard) is a great mix of contemporary women’s fiction, an old-fashioned friends-to-lovers story, and a big dose of #metoo reading in one fantastic package. The dialog flows smoothly, the past and present time lines effortlessly tell the tale, and the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest is the perfect setting. The characters are unforgettable, especially Caroline and her two adorable charges. They, along with the author’s focus on domestic abuse, are the standouts.”  (Library Journal (starred review))

“Wiggs’s characters are believable not only because of their complexity, but because of their ability to deal with their faults. This story about discovering strength from friends and within is a winner.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Wiggs writes with thoughtfulness, gentleness, and realism as she tells the stories of women affected by domestic violence. The gentle romance between two friends reconnecting never distracts from these survivor stories. A topical and excellent book for every library.” (Booklist)