Recently published: My Book of Gymnastics by DK

Do you know a girl aged seven to nine who is fascinated by gymnastics? If you do, this book will be perfect for them. Beautifully illustrated with many photos and diagrams, this title is comprehensive. There are sections on different types of gymnastics, the various pieces of equipment, the role of teamwork, star gymnasts, a quiz and more. For those who dream of, or just watch, the Olympics, this one is for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#MyBookofGymnastics #NetGalley

Are you sleepy? Little Big Nate: No Nap! by Lincoln Peirce

This is a cute title that has rhyming text and brightly colored, engaging illustrations. Young children learn that Nate does not like to nap…will he fall asleep or won’t he? Little ones will enjoy seeing what Nate would like to do instead and discovering if he does indeed have that nap.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

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#LittleBigNateNoNap #NetGalley

A good introduction to a classic: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen Children’s Stories) Jane Austen Children’s Stories by Jane Austen (original author), Gemma Barder (adapted by)

Sweet Cherry is a publishing company that issues many classics for elementary school aged children. The books are well written and include the most important elements and a flavor of the original. The stories are also illustrated which I think helps young readers to engage.
This time, it is Pride and Prejudice. The story is well told, the characters and humor are there and the pages turn. I thnk that the book helps early readers appreciate Jane Austen. Hopefully, in time, readers of this book will move on to the story in its entirety as written by the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

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#PrideandPrejudice #NetGalley

 

Enjoy some poetry: Whale Day And Other Poems by Billy Collins

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I knew who Billy Collins was before receiving this most welcome e galley. As many are aware, he was an American poet laureate. As this year I am trying to read more poetry, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to savor the works in this collection.
What strikes me about the poet and his poems is how accessible and relatable they are and he is. There were so many times when reading this volume that I found myself nodding my head and wanting to share lines with others. Many of the poems relate day to day universal experiences. Throughout, the poet’s sensibility, sensitivity and humor are present.

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

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#WhaleDay #NetGalley

Time for treats: Bone! Feed the Hungry Pets by Carly Madden, Laurie Stansfield

This is a very cute title for very young children.  The pets are hungry and in need of treats.  A child can pick a treat for each of them.  Will it be a dog treat for a dog or…would the child like to give the dog a parrot treat?  Anything is possible. 

I read an e galley of this vibrantly illustrated title.  The actual book will be much more fun with its dangling treats and pop ups.

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

Missed the play? The Lehman Trilogy A Novel by Stefano Massini

The story of the Lehman Brothers is a fascinating one.  When I first heard of the play, I thought that it was about the collapse of the firm during the financial crisis.  I learned though that this is the story of the family as they left Bavaria, came to the U.S. and achieved much success, at least for a time.

Interestingly, at a time when most immigrants came to New York, the first of the brothers went South.  He was involved in textiles and living through the Civil War.  The story follows him, his brothers and their families.

This novel uses a free verse style.  Some may not like this although I did.  It made me go slowly and savor the text.

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

By the way, the play was excellent if you ever have the opportunity to see it.  It was VERY long but the time flew by.

Pub Date

#TheLehmanTrilogy #NetGalley

Now out: 50 Successful Harvard Medical School Essays by St. Martin’s Press

I am not interested in attending medical school but nonetheless was most intrigued by these essays. Each tells a story of a person’s life and the ethos behind their hopes and dreams.

Prospective medical students may find this book to be quite helpful as it includes not only the essays but also information about test scores, the college attended by the applicant and more. My only caveat is that applicants should consider the importance of retaining their own voice. It could be easy to want to frame one’s experiences in a format described in the book. I would suggest writing your own essay before taking a look at these.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review.