A sequel will be published this year!

Dear Mrs. Bird is an engaging and warm first novel. Readers who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society are almost certain to rate this book highly. Mrs. Bird is an out of touch editor at a woman’s magazine during WW II who is responsible for the agony column. Sadly, she deems most letters “unsuitable” for answering. Enter Emmy; young, naive, and trying to cope with bombs and disasters in London. She begins to answer letters as Mrs. Bird and you need to read the book to learn what happens. This novel at first seemed like it would be light but it has substance. Themes of love, friendship and how to relate to others all have their place. I highly recommend Dear Mrs. Bird! I would like to write her a fan letter. Thanks for this read NetGalley.

Little Men is free.

by Linda Davick

So many children dream of being in a club with their friends, making titles that feature kids who are part of one very popular. This title is sure to be enjoyed by its’ intended readers.

This beginning chapter book is filled with humor and sly illustrations. It starts with tongue in cheek descriptions of the members of the Gumball Club. The members mostly all live in Periwinkle Towers; they hope to build a tunnel to connect their building with the home of the member who does not live there. From the opening of the story, readers get a sense of these friends and their world.

In this entry in the series kids will eagerly wait to find out if buried treasure will be discovered. They will also watch as the friends have some issues. Will they work things out?

This is a quirky, cute title. Young readers may well enjoy this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This title is published by the wonderful Poisoned Pen Press. PPP is affiliated with the superb Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Arizona. Both are worth exploring. I note that the store publishes a fantastic monthly newsletter.

As can be seen by the cover, this book is in the cozy genre. It is the second in the author’s series and can be read as a standalone. There are many elements to like within; there are a bookstore, food and likeable characters. And…of course, murder and an amateur detective. Fans of the genre should definitely consider this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Hymns from Homer to Proclus

by Barry B. Powell

This title is very well thought out. It begins with sections on aspects of poetry including meter and performance. There are also guides to the spelling of ancient names and places. Some illustrations and maps are also to be found within these pages.

Readers may already know that a hymn is a song and one that is generally addressed to, and about a god. There are many included here.

This title is organized by god enabling readers to see what different poets said about each one that is found here. I learned that these oral poets often included stock phrases, some I already knew and think are beautiful, as for example, the “wine dark sea.”

This title is published by an academic press. It is a volume that calls for the reader’s attention. I look forward to spending considerable time with it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by AnneliesDraws

Pub date: June 1, 2021

This is such a sweet book! The animal illustrations are cheerful and gently appealing. The text itself celebrates friendship in a way that both children and adults could benefit from remembering. Read this one with a child you know. Both you and they will embrace its important, loving message.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by AnneliesDraws

Pub Date 01 Jun 2021  

What does it mean to be brave? Young listeners will learn that being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid. It means trying despite this and accepting that mistakes are an important part of life. Children find that it is more than okay to learn from what goes wrong. This is how we grow. The lesson is brought home through the adorable animal characters who try things out in these pages.

The message of this sweetly illustrated book is a good one for adults as well! So…enjoy this title with a young person in your life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Farewell My Herring

by L C Tyler

Farewell My Herring is the ninth entry in L.C. Tyler’s series but the first of the novels that I have read. It is a quick and easy read, perfect for a reader who wants some light distraction.

The plot is classic with people marooned by a snowstorm and a murder taking place. The main characters are a writer and Elsie who is scouting for new talent. With the storm and no phone, the stakes are high. Ethelred and Elsie have their work cut out for them!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title with its appealing cover. All opinions are my own.