Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

The latest entry in the delightful Hooray for series is Hooray for Grandpa. This one is so charming  with illustrations that are very appealing and engaging. The story of a child and their grandfather that shows the value of feeling/being listened to. There is humor as well since Grandpa has selective hearing when it comes to Grandma. There are activities at the end of the story that encourage a child to think about his/her family. Highly recommended and fun!

Madam Writer, someone I follow here on WordPress, commented on the number of historical mystery series there are.  It may be difficult to know which authors to try in these long running series.  I wanted to note a few of my favorites for anyone who is interested…The Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear, The Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd and also his Ian Rutledge novels, Susan Elia Macneal ‘s Maggie Hope series and, of course, Anne Perry’s Thomas Pitt series and her William Monk series.  These are all authors whose books I almost automatically buy or request from the library.  Those of you who have read them, what do you think?  Anyone who tries them, please give me your feedback.

Mindful Me is a book that should be in every preteen to young adult’s library. Kids in that wide age range often do not share their deepest feelings with their parents yet many times they experience intense stress. This wonderful book teaches mindfulness in a way that is easy and sensible. The authors also encourage kids letting a “helpful adult” know what is going on when things are not going well. Full of helpful exercises and advice, this book is highly recommended…and may I add that it would be an excellent resource for adults as well! One quibble…why only girls on the cover??

 Frances Brody’s Kate Shackelton series is going strong. I first got her mystery novels directly from England although they are now published in the U.S.  Kate, a widow, has a supportive cast around her and occasionally a few hints of romance. In this latest entry, Kate goes to Giggleswick School, a real place, to view an eclipse. The trip is made at the behest of a musical star. Selina Fellini. Selina is concerned by a number of deaths within the company. The mystery is well set up, there are a variety of suspects and the reader is in an Agatha Christie like novel. If you enjoy historical, cozy mysteries, I think that you will like this book.

#DeathInTheStars #NetGalley

  Chloe, the young girl, in this lovely picture book, is oblivious to the charms of her garden when the story begins. She, the reader, and the child you will read to, all learn more about nature and the seasons in this book which encourages observation and a love for nature. There are additional facts at the back of the book that expand on some of the topics covered in the story. The illustrations and text are both appealing and the reader gets the sense of why gardens are truly magical.

#TheMagicGarden #NetGalley”

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.

This review is for the adults, despite the book being named for a princess.  Princess Mary is read number two for the 19th Century Novels on Adultery class. The tone of the book is somber.  The narrator, Pechorin, is narcissistic and seemingly unable to connect to others in a genuine or meaningful way; instead, he manipulates and justifies his actions.  Princess Mary, a young girl, is fair game to Pechorin who plays with her affections.  One point of discussion in class centered on whether Pechorin is likeable or has redeeming qualities.  If you want to know…read the story.  Spoiler alert, Lermontov shared the same fate as one of his characters.

This is an appealing read aloud that focuses, as the title states, on how to behave at school. The illustrations are amusing and add to the messages in the text. A great way to review what is expected of your child without coming across as too preachy or strict. This book offers a delightful way to talk about manners and behavior.

#TheGigglyGuideOfHowToBehaveAtSchool #NetGalley

Another charming story for young children in the Hooray For series which celebrates family. The author states early on that all dads are different before going on to describe the relationship between a father and son as they share their activities and their days. There are children’s activities at the end of the book that can further discussion. A fun read with lively illustrations.

#HoorayForDaddy #NetGalley

From NetGalley…”Members who are auto-approved by four or more publishers receive this badge.”  I am reminded of Girl Scout badges.  There is that sense of accomplishment and acknowledgment.  Thanks NetGalley!