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Capturing Character

by Edited by Anne T. Woollett, with contributions by Austėja Mackelaitė, John T. McQuillen, and others

This is simply a gorgeous book! It can be enjoyed by both art history scholars and those who enjoy looking at art. Many may know Holbein for his portraits of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, among others. There is so much more to discover in these pages, however. The beautifully reproduced paintings that are included in this volume demonstrate Holbein’s gift for capturing his subjects. They feel very real and human. The volume also has art by Erasmus. There are, in addition, a number of well-written essays.

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

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This time the little person with a big dream Charles Dickens. This entry in the well-done series introduces children to the prolific Victorian author. They learn about his father being sent to debtor’s prison and the many jobs that Charles had before becoming an author. Kids find out that readers eagerly awaited each entry in his serials. They discover that Dickens wrote one of the best known Christmas stories. All in all, a very nice look at the author and the power of words.

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

A Children’s Book to Encourage Kids and Their Parents to Move More, Sit Less and Decrease Screen Time

by Darryl Edwards

This title will hopefully engage its audience. It is a story about Nathan who likes to play video games…all the time! Then, one day, he and his dog, Lola, go on a magical journey where they meet lots of animals. Each one has something to show Nathan that has to do with movement.

Read this with a child you know. Encourage them, or better yet, both of you can move together. Balance like a crane, jump like a frog and so much more.

This title playfully engages youngsters in getting out and using their bodies. It will be good for them.

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

www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/info-2021/new-fiction-for-fall.html

Liberty’s Civil Rights Road Trip

by Michael W. Waters and illus. Nicole Tadgell

Medgar Evers, Emmett Till, Dr. Martin Luther King, four young girls at a church in Alabama, the bridge in Selma-these evoke iconic images and memories of the Civil Rights movement. They are the places visited by Liberty and a diverse group of people in this book for kids.

The story is simply and honestly told and introduces why the people included were so important and why the places mentioned need to be remembered. Additional information is included at the end of the book.

I think that this title is very age appropriated and important. Read it with a child or in a classroom and begin to have those important and necessary conversations.

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

From the Publisher

by Moritz Petz

Badger wakes up in a very, very bad mood. But…he decides to go out any way. Badger shares this mood by being a bit mean and rude to his friends. Later, when he feels better, he makes amends. That is the gist of this children’s story that has sweet illustrations.

I like that Badger sees that his mood changes over the course of the day. This is a helpful message for a grumpy kid. What I liked less was that there was no initial understanding or acknowledgment for how he felt given to Badger. The focus was more on his rudeness. However, I think kids should be applauded for being able to identify their emotions and helped to cope with them.

Maybe this is too much criticism for a kid’s book but I think that the adult who reads this with a child should spend a few extra minutes talking about moods and how to cope with them.

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

#ANewTakeonCake #NetGalley Pub Date 16 Nov 2021

Do you bake or know someone for whom cake making is a passion? If so, be sure to put this title on your or their holiday gift list. I think that it will be adored by those who enter its pages. To begin, readers will salivate as they look at the photos. Next, find recipes for Mint Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cake; Chocolate Pistachio Ice Cream Cake; Hummingbird Cake with Roasted Bananas and many, many more-175 in all.

Readers and bakers who have seen books by Ms. Byrn know that she does not think that “cake mix” is a dirty term. I found that to be quite refreshing. I also note that, before getting to the recipes, much information is shared. As an added bonus, the recipes are easy to follow.

I highly recommend this compendium. Bakers, set your oven timers!

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