Month: March 2020

The author of this book recalls that she was a child who always questioned. Often the author found her answers (or more questions) through her reading. With this book, she is encouraging young readers to think deeply and not be afraid to question.

This book provides an introduction to philosophy and life’s big questions, as for example, what happens when we die, what is human nature and so much more. This title is divided into five chapters, Identity, Life, Truth, Culture, and Creativity. Within each are questions to explore and the thoughts of philosophers and thinkers on the topic. For example, there are quotes on human nature from Plato, Salman Rushdie, Noam Chomskey and others. In a section on is god real, there are quotes from Maya Angelou and Karl Marx.

Early in the book, the author suggests ways to respectfully listen and disagree with others. She also notes that everyone can change their mind about something.

This book is colorfully and brightly illustrated. It is a great resource.

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

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction; to name just a few there she has written the Virgin River, Grace Valley and Thunder Point series.  Her many fans will pretty much always read what she writes.

This title is a standalone.  It tells the story of Justine (in her fifties) and Addie (in her thirties), sisters who, due to their age difference, were not especially close.  Addie, for reasons that the book makes clear, left her degree program to care for her parents while married mother Justine went from success to success with the support of her house parent husband.

However, as we all know, novels often have an arc.  Characters have experiences, struggle, grow, learn and, if they are lucky, find themselves in a better place.  As Justine’s marriage implodes and Addie tries to figure out what to do with her life, what will happen?  At the end of the novel, will the sisters be closer and happier?  (Readers will hope so).

In following the Justine and Addie’s stories, Ms. Carr explores social issues including women who return to the workforce insecure after years away and men who face partner abuse.  The author clearly wants her readers to know that there is help for those who suffer. She also wants toshare what makes for a good relationship in her estimation.

This book is an easy read that fans of the author will welcome.  The small town setting is very appealing.

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

#SunriseonHalfMoonBay #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 14, 2020

Digitalpw.com. Publisher’s Weekl y is making all content available. I love how the book world is trying to help us.

Booklistonline.com is offering free access until further notice. It is an excellent resource.

This is an absolutely adorable book for young children.  It gently, sweetly and humorously illustrates ways to be kind.  The illustrations are delightful, to the muted side but in a good way.  Highly recommended!

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

#LittleBookofKindness #NetGalley

So, many of you on this site may have young children at home and many of them may be bored.  If you want to offer a nice diversion to your 4 to 8 year old, consider this title.  Dover publishes a number of inexpensive activity books, of which this is one.  The puzzles are simple but fun and your child will be good to go with just a pencil and some crayons.

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

From the publisher:

I love this book! The illustrations are so vibrant and appealing. The story of Astrid is that of a girl who was thrilled to learn to read and enter fictional worlds. She loved being a child and was not eager to grow up. But, grow up she did and as a bit of a rebel.

Readers will learn that Astrid’s most famous character, Pippi Longstocking, got her name from the author’s daughter, Karin. Astrid eventually wrote these stories down and…the rest is history.This is another excellent entry in a series that offers children the opportunity to learn about little people who grew up to be people who did big things.

As always, there is a timeline biography at the end of the book with photos of the author.Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

Grow Kind is another title published in conjunction with the American Psychological Association. These books address issues and subjects that will lead to positive growth for children.

In this title, that is colorfully and very cheerfully illustrated, a young girl learns about being kind to others. This is shown is several ways; there is allowing her older sister to sleep late, picking the bounty from a garden and sharing it with neighbors and classmates. The protagonist also gives food to someone who is standing by the road and is hungry.

As always, the story is followed by sections for adults that further enhance the lesson of the story and that help those who interact with children to understand their needs. I found this title to be another good entry in a good series.

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

Mostly keeping the choices light as I think that we may all be looking for escape reading.

Just looking at the lovely cover for this title is so soothing in our current troubled time. I felt as if I wanted to escape to this village immediately.
Clover Cottage is the home that vet Rory’s parents have offered to him and his partner Allie. To Allie, this house signifies a chance to settle, to think about having a family and to stay put. However, Rory still has things that he wants to do, especially working in Africa. Allie does not want to hold him back. What will Allie learn about herself while Rory is gone? Will the two find their way back to one another?
If you are looking for a gentle and heartwarming escapist read, pick this one up. It is part of a series but I read it as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.