Month: March 2020

Two women’s fiction titles that could provide good escape, fairy tales for a little (or big) one and free, plus one tougher title.

Many titles by C S Lewis. There are the Narnia books and others as well.

We are now living in times of tremendous uncertainty.  Many of us and our young reading buddies wonder what will remain the same and in what ways our lives will change indelibly once we are on the other side.  While the subject of this fine novel is not Covid 19, but divorce and life afterwards for protagonist Bea, some elements may well resonate.

When her parents divorce, Bea is given a notebook.  In it she will write about the things that will not change.  Middle grade readers will learn along with Bea that some things remain the same while others evolve.  They will spend time in this rich story and hopefully come to see that change, even when not asked for, can help to make us who we are.

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

#TheListOfThingsThatWillNotChange #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 7, 2020

Okay, so one day we and our kids will again be hanging out at stables and enjoying all that riding has to offer.  Until then, enjoy time with this book and prepare for that time.

This title is encyclopedic in nature.  Chapters include Horse Life, The Perfect Horse-For You!, Ready to Ride, Safety Skills, Eating Like a Horse, Stable Life, Grooming Guide, Healthy and Happy, Sports, Shows and FUN! with additional sections on routines, a glossary, resources and references.  Definitely a title that a young rider (ages 8 to 12 on average) will enjoy.

Readers will learn about the horse’s life cycle, how horses communicate, the different breeds and coat colors, tips for riding and so, so much more.  Find out about riding gear for both the horse and rider.  Know a horse’s gaits from walk to gallop.  Know how to groom your equine buddy.  I could go on and review everything in the book but will leave some for readers to discover and enjoy.

The author knows her stuff.  She has been in love with horses since the age of three.  Now, she has more than 45 years of experience in the world of horses.

The text is clear and is accompanied by appealing illustrations.  I very highly recommend this title for budding equestriennes.  They will learn so much, will enjoy going through the book and will soon be asking their favorite adults to get them a horse!

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

From the publisher:

#HorseLife #NetGalley

This title is a spiritual (Christian) book that offers women something to think about every day of the year. Taking stories from life, each entry is meant to be encouraging and connects to something with deeper meaning. This book will be welcomed by the many readers who like to start their day in a good mental/emotional space.

Many thanks to NetGalley for this title, with an entry for every day of the year, in exchange for an honest review.

#GodSeesHer #NetGalley

This sweet and funny story is about Benny and Sam, a hot day and swimming.  Benny is the pup who wants to swim while responsible Sam feels that Benny needs to take lessons before jumping into the pond. What will happen?  Young listeners will enjoy finding out and, as a bonus, will see that swimming can be fun!

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

#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley

The Birthday Book is a bilingual title that is based on a Mexican song.  The virtual copy that I read cannot fully show how much fun this book could be; it can be read accordion style and has flaps to list.  Still, I could see the bright and cheerful illustrations and could enjoy the simple text.

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

#TheBirthdayBookLasMañanitas #NetGalley

I was thinking mysteries and escape today so found these.  There are many inexpensive Agatha Christie books to be had.  I am also showing some of Kate Charles books.  I very much enjoyed both of her series; they are very British, although the author is American.  Living Beautifully looks like a good title for calming readers down.  Enjoy!

The author of this title is truly a master baker. A biographical note that I saw indicated that she has made cakes for Queen Elizabeth and a number of celebrities.

The book contains recipes for cupcakes including Raising the Baa, Lemon Meringue Cupcakes, Gin and Tonic Cupcakes, Chocolate Chip Cupcakes and more. There are also recipes for loaf cakes, tray-bakes and meringues; included are Raspberry and White Chocolate Meringue Towers, Classic Chocolate Eclairs a Warming Ginger Loaf Cake and a Salted Caramel and Popcorn Layer Cake, among others. The book also include Layer Cakes; Lemon and Elder-flower Layer Cake or Strawberry Shortcake Floral Stacks anyone? Ow about Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. The Book ends with a number of Celebration Cakes including Hand-decorated Ester Biscuits, Halloween Mini Rolls, a Chocolate Biscuit Wreath cake and many more.

The photographs made me so hungry. They are gorgeous. The book has basic recipes and then ways to enhance them to make a showstopper. Either way, if you like to bake, take a look at this one.

One note: unfortunately for U.S. bakers the oven temps and measurements are British style and will need to be converted.

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

Organized by the seasons, starting with spring,  young readers will explore the activities that takes place on a farm over the course of the year.  For example, in the spring, there are  “At the Orchard” and “Harvesting Early Spring Crops” sections, while summer has “Corn Planting and Harvesting.” along with “Heading to the Country Fair.”  Among the fall sections are “Harvesting Pumpkins and Squash” and “Putting the Farm to Sleep” and for winter there are “Winter Maintenance” and “At the Farmer’s Market.”  (Note there are many additional sections as well.)

The book opens with an introduction to the many types of farms that exist, everything from dairy to poultry to sheep and then to orchards and crops. Readers will see and learn about everything from chickens to bees. There are vehicles and tools and so much more.  There is even a recipe for bread.

I truly loved the idyllic illustrations that are found throughout the book.  They made me wish desperately to be on that farm.  I found this book to be delightful and engaging.

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

#TheFarmThatFeedsUs #NetGalley

Pub date: May 19, 2020