Exploring Nature from Country to City (A Graphic Novel)
by Rosemary Mosco; Binglin Hu
#ExpeditionBackyard #NetGalley
Each day when I go for a walk, I observe nature. The tulips are now gone but I am enjoying the azaleas. The leaves on the trees are so many shades of green. All of this provides a welcome sense of peacefulness in this crazy world.
In this book for kids, Mole and Vole are also observing the world around them and having adventures. What will happen when they find themselves in a city, rather than the more familiar country? Encourage a child to read this title to find out in an adorable and sweet graphic novel of two friends, one of whom is bolder than the other. Several different adventures are included.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children for this title. All opinions are my own.
And, this week’s short list-recent titles at discount
Death at Greenway is a traditional, historical mystery set during WWII. It takes place at a home of Agatha Christie’s, although the renowned author is only briefly seen in these pages. Nonetheless, her home has been opened to children who have left London (without their families) in order to be kept safe during the conflict.
Protagonist Bridget was working as a trainee nurse, a position that she loved, until something went disastrously wrong. Now, early in the novel, she is making believe that she is a fully trained nurse and is in charge of ten evacuees. Along with her, other adults included the not so hard working Gigi, and Mrs. Arbuthnot, a do-gooder, who directs others, including Bridget.
As everyone settles in, of course, a murder takes place. From this point on there is a case to be solved. Bridget is part of the investigation. What is in her past? In Gigi’s? How will the victim’s killer be brought to justice.?
I initially found this book to be a bit slow moving. I think, though, that it will be enjoyed by those who love traditional mysteries. It has received such good reviews overall.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Paris Bookseller is historical fiction about Sylvia Beach, those around her and her iconic bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. This is the story of a part of Sylvia’s life; it moves from when she began living in Paris and on into the 1930s. An author’s note at the end of the novel, gives information about Sylvia’s long life and what happened to her following the events of this story.
Readers learn early on that Sylvia was in a significant relationship with Adrienne. The author portrays great historical acceptance for gay relationships at that time. Adrienne, who owned a bookstore, encouraged Sylvia to open her own shop, one that was to feature books for English speakers. The two had a strong attraction to one another and lived together during the events described in the story.
Sylvia’s store becomes very popular with a number of ex pats, including Hemingway and Henry Miller. However, the author with whom Sylvia was most closely associated was James Joyce. She was instrumental in the initial publication of Ulysses. The struggle around getting the book written and published make up much of the novel.
The characters in the story are real people who are brought to imaginative life. I was especially struck by the way in which Joyce was portrayed. True, he was an iconic author but he was also a difficult, narcissistic and needy man in these pages.
Author, Kerri Maher, does a good job of depicting a place, the people who dwelt there and the importance of books. I also enjoyed the way in which daily life, food and more came into the novel.
Those who enjoy historical fiction are likely to want to read this novel. I rate it at four stars.
THERE ARE OTHER BOOKS BY JULIA QUINN ON SALE TODAY This title is free. I read this again for a class not long ago. As is often true with classics, I had a different reaction on rereading. What is your opinion of this title?
Even though this Book Buzz has a 2021 date, I only just saw it on NetGalley. This is another in a series that includes generous excerpts. This one is just for romance titles so perfect for those who enjoy the genre. Each entry includes a description of the title, information on the author and more. Everyone is here from the most popular authors to those who are making their debuts. And, of course, this title is free. So, how could romance fans go wrong? Download it now from your e retailer.
Many thanks to NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Murder at a Scottish Social is the third entry in this easy to read, cozy series. I enjoy the setting in Scotland, the crafts and the recurring characters. Among these are Paislee (who loves all things cashmere), her grandfather, her son, her best friend and, this being a cozy, her dog.
This time around Paislee becomes involved with a group of annoying moms. Think of your worst school gate memories. When one of them is murdered and Paislee’s good friend is suspected, our amateur sleuth gets to work. The victim had the “dirt” on many others so the list of suspects is long. Paislee has her work cut out but, of course, readers know that she will solve the case.
Cozy lovers, gives this series a try. It offers a pleasant diversion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this title. All opinions are my own.
Here is another entry in a very good series of retellings of Sherlock Holmes stories for young readers. These are short chapter books that have cartoon like illustrations. They hold very true to the original stories but simplify them a bit for the younger child. This and the others may just inspire a love of Sherlock and his world that will stay with kids for years.
In this title, there has been a murder. Who was killed? Why? How will this baffling crime be solved? Follow along with Holmes and Watson to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book’s prayers are personal and heartfelt. They reflect the author’s experience with difficulties many have or will face. These include, for example, infertility, financial issues, disloyal friends and more. For each short entry, there is a bible verse, followed by a reflection and a question to ponder.
This is a book that can be read in order or dipped into anywhere. It may well offer some thought and comfort for its readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title is organized by areas; there are Central London and then North, South, East and West. Some of the places included are Shepherd Market, East Bloomsbury, Crouch End, Highgate Village, Chelsea Green, Shoreditch Village, Queen’s Park, Little Venice and many more with thirty in all.
Each destination has a simple map, introductory text and lots of photos of places to see and visit. I began by looking at Marylebone and found favorites, like Daunt Books, listed. This is a great guide for planning one’s wanderings in London. I wish that I was there!
Many thanks to Quarto-White Lion and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 