Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

Now out: The Map Challenge (Alloway)

This illustrated short story is written with kids who have dyslexia in mind. The publisher notes that the font is one that is more easily read by kids who have dyslexia.

It is summer and time for camp. Sammy and his fellow campers are given the task of finding their group’s red flag. Sammy, who has dyslexia, is assigned to read the map. This causes him understandable anxiety but he tries to trudge through. Of course, there are issues, the group gets lost and then, Sammy’s highly tuned, visual memory helps to save the day!

This book may well appeal to children who face similar challenges. It also gently reminds other children to not tease and recognize everyone’s skills. There is a helpful section for adults at the end of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for my honest review.

Appreciate our world: Bird’s Eye View-The Natural World (Farndon and Boston)#BirdsEyeViewTheNaturalWorld #NetGalley

Have you ever heard or sung the Raffi song about the great beautiful planet in the sky that is our home?  I thought about that song while immersing myself in this beautifully illustrated book that is suggested for children aged 7 to 10.  I think that adults will enjoy it too!

The conceit is that we are in a hot air balloon traveling around the globe.  We are high enough up for a panorama but close enough to see the details of each landscape.  We start the journey in the Florida Everglades and end in France.  Along the way, we spend time in other places including the Amazon, Uluru Rock in Australia, the Himalayas, the African Serengeti, Scandinavia and more.  In each place that is visited, readers learn about the flora, fauna and unique aspects of each locale.  The book ends with a reminder to take care of the environment and to value nature.

The detail in the illustrations is remarkable.  The text itself also is filled with interesting facts.  This book is a great introduction to the geography of our world.

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

From the publisher:

Flying the world

Hold on tight! We’re about to go on an adventure, up into the sky to see the natural world spread out below. As we go on our journey, we’ll get a brilliant bird’s eye view of its amazing landscapes, and the animals and plants that live in them. Starting in the Florida Everglades, follow our journey across the map below. Ready?

Over woods and grass

In the winter, the vast centre of Asia is icy cold, but as we fly over in the summer, it’s pleasantly warm.

Arctic flight

The long, cold winter of northern Scandinavia is almost over.

Down to Earth

Watch out for the bump – we’re coming into land! We’ve just flown all the way round the world.

Now Out: You Be You! (Branfman)

This is a reassuring, optimistic, factual and supportive book that talks about gender identity. Terms are clearly defined, children are encouraged to be who they are and all topics are clearly explained. This book will be especially welcome to families whose children may not identify with the old girl/boy dichotomy of times past. It will be a good resource for school library shelves.

Watch what Jane can do: Jane (Sanchez Vegara) #JaneGoodall #NetGalley

Jane Goodall recently met with Prince Harry in England to discuss issues of conservation.  She is someone quite inspirational.  Now, the youngest children can learn about her and her accomplishments in this board book.  Young listeners will find out how much Jane loved animals, observed, named and studied them and fought for their habitats.  This book will encourage young listeners to think about the natural world and its importance to all of us.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.  It is part of a wonderful series.