Amazing people who have shaped our world

This title is part of a series by this publisher that tells the stories of well-known public figures, and who could be more qualified to have her story told than this book’s subject? Here is a thorough and informed biography that tells the story of Elizabeth’s public and private lives. It is geared toward young chapter book readers. Her life story is well told and engaging. I enjoyed the many photographs and illustrations that accompanied the text.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DK children’s for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 20 Oct 2020

Pub Date 20 Oct 2020

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf

Arcturus has published a series of Sherlock Holmes stories that have been revised and illustrated. Their target audience is beginning chapter book readers. Each tale remains an exciting (if simplified) read. This time kids will join Holmes and Watson as they determine why a series of Napoleon figurines are being smashed. Of course, they are equal to the case. Will smart young reader/sleuths make some deductions?

This title provides a good introduction to the Conan Doyle canon. Young readers may just feel encouraged to tackle the originals as well.

Many thanks to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 01 Jul 2022

We’ve picked out 10 authors like Louise Penny that will satisfy readers of her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels.
— Read on earlybirdbooks.com/10-authors-like-louise-penny

FELLOWSHIP POINT is the masterful story of a lifelong friendship between two very different women with shared histories and buried secrets, tested in the twilight of their lives, set across the arc of the 20th century.
— Read on www.readinggroupguides.com/reviews/fellowship-point

Did you know that this series has been published since 1988? The first editor was John Ashberry. So, this year’s volume is part of a long and respected tradition. Here are many poems to read, think about and enjoy. They are gathered from a variety of sources. An especially nice feature is that there are biographical information and comments by the poets on their poems.

Begin with the interesting forward and then dip in wherever you like. For me, this is a title to savor. I welcome the opportunity to read the works of the many poets with whom I am unfamiliar, interspersed with those I know.

Poetry fans or those who want to expand their horizons will enjoy this book. It will provide hours of thoughtful reading.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 13 Sep 2022

How to Teach Your Cat a Trick

in Five Easy Steps

by Nicola Winstanley

This picture book is for young children but any adult who has a pet may laugh as they share this title. Watch as a child tries to teach their cat, cleverly named Einstein, a trick…the dog participates but the cat not so much. This is a very cute book as a bit of mayhem ensues.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022

The mainstream publishing industry is intimidating. How does a writer break in? Follow Jessamine Chan’s “The School for Good Mothers” through the roller coaster of its creation.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/08/25/books/how-to-get-published.html