Meet the creatures who inspired our everyday technology
by Christiane Dorion
#InventedbyAnimals #NetGalley
This book will undoubtedly fascinate young future scientists. In it, they will learn about the many ways in which animals, sea creatures and insects have invented things that have inspired and influenced human technology. For instance, the second entry is about a butterfly that has taught humans about adding color to textiles. Next readers learn about a shark’s skin and its influence on everything from bathing suits to, potentially, the material on the outside of airplanes. Each colorful two page spread includes numerous facts and lively illustrations. There are more than thirty entries in all.
This is an interesting title that kids can explore in any order. Who knows what ideas they will have after reading this book?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the fourth entry in what I find to be a rather quirky series. There is a lot happening in this one with exorcism, a dead nun and an extraordinarily attractive priest. Then, of course, there is Poldi, actually not Italian but Bavarian. Readers of the series know that she is very busy in Sicily though.
Fans of Poldi will welcome this book with its humor and action. It is not for everyone though in my opinion. Those wanting a very traditional mystery may be disappointed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.
The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.
This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.
Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.
Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Robyn Carr wrote her first Virgin River novel back in 2007. Many books followed before Ms. Carr moved to other series including Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossings. Perhaps the author was inspired to return to Virgin Riven because of the TV series that is now on Netflix. Whatever the motivation, long term readers of the Virgin River novels will undoubtedly be happy to return. They know that they can count on good people, a nice community and a love story.
This novel is about Kaylee and Landry. Kaylee is an author of suspense novels who is experiencing writer’s block following the death of her mother. Through family friends, she chooses to travel to Virgin River in the hope that she will finish her novel. No spoiler to say that she does and even that she moves into a new genre, that she falls in love and that some unexpected things happen to her. That is the Virgin River formula.
Kaylee’s romantic foil is Landry, an artist and dog trainer. He helps Kaylee to overcome her fear of dogs and to move forward even as she recognizes that she will always miss her mom.
The relationship that Kaylee had with her mom is lovingly described and maybe even idealized a bit. I suspect that many readers will wish for the same closeness, acceptance and encouragement that Kaylee’s mom gave her.
There are other characters in Kaylee’s orbit but readers will perhaps most enjoy that the names of all the characters from the earlier novels are called out here. While many make an appearance, it is Jack and Mel who are most featured.
As an extra treat, the story is seasonal. Readers will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas in this most perfect of towns. I especially enjoyed the description of the tree lighting.
This is a sweet novel. I don’t know if Robyn Carr will write about Virgin River again. Regardless, this novel is a gift to her fans.
An additional bonus in the novel is a section describing the making of the TV series and Ms. Carr’s visit to the set. There is also a long excerpt from one of her other novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This board book can easily become part of a bedtime/middle of the night ritual. The illustrations are sweet; I especially liked how the moon moved across the sky. This title helps its little listeners to feel safe, comfortable, sleepy and loved. What could be better?
This entry in the delightful Little People, Big Dreams series tells the story of shy, young Andy Warhola who grew up to be the renowned pop artist, Andy Warhol. How did this transformation take place? Can every day objects have their place in the world of “ART?” Young readers will find out as they learn more about this book’s subject. Hopefully, it will inspire them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Readers who enjoy art, architecture, gardens, twisting streets, Italian food and red wine will want to read this mystery. It is part of a series although the novels can be read out of order. This was the first book that I have read by Mr. Wagner and I look forward to reading all of the others.
Rick Montoya works as a multi-lingual translator while his significant other, Betta, is employed by an art crime squad in the Italian cultural ministry. The two are in the Urbino area where a wealthy Spanish collector has donated a Piero Della Francesca drawing to a small, local museum. Unfortunately he is murdered and the drawing is missing. Solving the case is the focus of this story with intervals for food and drink.
There are many suspects. These include directors of other museums, a collector who was unable to secure the drawing himself, the victim’s second wife and his daughter, his assistant and more. Readers will get to know each of them as they try to solve the case.
Those who enjoy mysteries by Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri will want to read this. There is even a character who continuously pays homage to the latter’s series detective, Inspector Montalbano.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
![The Middle of the Night Book by [Stef Tousignant, GoGo Luna]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ay2sTWX4L._SX260_.jpg)
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 