Month: June 2020

I want to go to this school! First Prize for the Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

The Worst Witch books are a popular series for young readers.  They have also been made into a Netflix series.  So, children who know these books, and new readers, should both be delighted to add this book to their shelves.  It will give them an enjoyable and fun read.

Much like in Harry Potter, Jill Murphy creates an entire world for her characters.  It is based on British boarding schools but with its own take as Miss Cackle’s Academy.  This entry starts with Mildred flying to school on her broomstick.  Readers are immediately engaged as Mildred alters her flying height for her dog’s comfort, but what is bothering him?  And, the adventures go on from there.

I recommend this title highly.  It is fun and imaginative.  Those who are beginning to explore the joys of chapter books should delight in this one.

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

pub date:  September 22, 2020

#FirstPrizeForTheWorstWitch #NetGalley

Can you sort it out? Two Truths and a Lie A Novel by Meg Mitchell Moore

Okay.  It is summer and definitely time for beach reads.  This book seems ideal for this seasonal moment as it is a juicy, escapist read.  The story follows multiple adult characters, a “mom squad,” and some children.  The setting is a town that I enjoyed visiting virtually and wish that I could really see.  The pages turn…quickly.

This book should appeal to those who enjoy books by Liane Moriary and Barbara Delinsky.  Think about adding it to your summer TBR.

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

#TwoTruthsandaLie #NetGalley

Come visit: Little Cities: San Francisco by DK

This title is part of a series on the attractions of some well-known cities. It is a board book for young children.
San Francisco: The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and more! All can be found in this book as can other well-known places like crooked Lombard Street and the Castro. Planning a trip? Want to enlarge a little one’s world? If yes, give this book with its bold illustrations a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#LittleCitiesSanFrancisco #NetGalley

Recently published: Joy by Yasmeen Ismail

This is a very sweet book. With colorful and emotive illustrations it rhymingly follows a kitten over the course of its day. There is lots of fun and a setback. The message is that your parent will be there to pick you up. This is an engaging book with word play that young children should very much enjoy hearing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#Joy #NetGalley

Now out: Minding Miss Manners In an Era of Fake Etiquette by Judith Martin

Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin, first began writing about etiquette many years ago. This book is her return to scolding and helping us out. With her signature wit and common sense, along with an inability to suffer fools gladly, Miss Manners dispenses advice and opinions on everything from Christmas wish lists to restaurant behavior to wedding etiquette and so much more. A warm welcome back to the acerbic Miss Manners whose advice is spot on and entertaining to read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

#MindingMissManners #NetGalley

Let’s ponder: Big Thinkers and Big Ideas An Introduction to Eastern and Western Philosophy for Kids by Sharon Kaye, PhD

This primer on philosophy is geared to readers ages 8-to-12. These are years when kids soak up the world and ask lots of questions. It is quite possible that philosophy will be appealing to them at this stage, once they learn what it is about. This book provides an excellent introduction.
The text includes chapters that investigate questions including, how can I be a good person, and what is real, along with defining what philosophy is. Children will be exposed to the four branches of philosophy which include (in lay terms) reality, knowledge, ethics and critical thinking. The end of the book has a glossary and a list of resources.

The author writes in a style that will engage her audience. I like the ways in which she shows respect for her readers. and the ways in which she breaks material down.
Let a little thinker you know think about the big questions. Give them a chance to read this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

#BigThinkersandBigIdeas #NetGalley

A Legend: Following in the Footsteps of King Arthur by Andrew Beattie

When I was a high school junior, my English class read The Idylls of the King, beginning my love for stories about King Arthur.  I went on to adore T.H. White’s The Once and Future King, The Mists of Avalon by Marian Zimmer Bradley and Mary Stewart’s Merlin series.  So, seeing this book on NetGalley, I felt eager to read it.

This title is history, not fiction.  It is divided into sections on King Arthur as a legend, the places associated with him and finally a gazetteer of Arthurian sights.  There are also a bibliography and suggestions for further reading.

This title provides perspective on the legendary king and takes readers to the locales associated with him.  Though there may never have been the Arthur who was idolized, what he stood for and symbolized remains strongly with us to this day.  For readers who would like to go where Arthur reportedly went, I recommend this title.

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

#FollowingintheFootstepsofKingArthur #NetGalley