by Gail Meyer Rolka

This book recently came to my attention on NetGalley even though it was published a number of years ago. That does not take away from it being an interesting and wide-ranging title and resource. This would make a great gift for a child who is interested in biography and history.

The range of the entries is impressive, beginning with Hatshepsut and ending with Rigoberta Menchu. Many of these women were known to me but a number were not. Each entry is short and interesting. Children who are intrigued may want to look for longer biographies of some of those featured. Of course, this title can be dipped into in any order although it is organized by chronology. There are trivia questions and project ideas at the end.

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

Pub Date 01 Apr 1994

Discover Techniques for Creating Realistic Florals and Plants in Pencil and Watercolor

by Kyehyun Park

Whenever I am in a class and I start to doodle, it is flowers that I draw. I know though that I could do better. That knowledge made me want to take a look at this title.

This book begins with chapters on needed materials, sketching and watercolors. There are then different things to draw including simple flowers, flower clusters, and, fruits and potted plants.

Step by step instructions for each project are included. It felt to me as if some of these might be challenging to a complete beginner but, with patience, hopefully much can be achieved.

It’s no surprise that this book on drawing flowers has lovely illustrations. I also liked the author’s message that one should enjoy the process rather than the result.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Quarry for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 14 Jun 2022

Looking for a gift for a book lover? I was Just given this. From The Wordy Traveller. Really nice and fun.

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This is a new entry in the popular, long running series of books about well-known folks who, like the book’s intended audience, were once children. This time the story is about Alexander Von Humboldt.

Usually I am familiar with the subjects in this series but I did not know who Von Humboldt was. I am so glad that I do now. He was an early environmentalist and is a person that kids who care about climate will enjoy getting to know. The book notes that it is because of him that we understand so much more about the interconnections of our natural world.

This title has wonderful illustrations. They enhance the text. I especially enjoyed seeing all of the animals that were named for this naturalist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 07 Jun 2022

My Best Ever Recipes for the Classics

by Paul Hollywood

To his fans, Paul Hollywood needs no introduction. He has made his name as one of the judges on the British baking show where contestants vie for a glass plate prize and a handshake. For those who would like to see what recipes Mr. Hollywood himself uses and recommends this book will be a delightful treat and, one that is full of treats to make. These are offered in sections including Cake, Breads and Flatbreads, Pastry and Pies, Cookies and Scones, Pizzas and Doughnuts, and, finally, Desserts.

The recipes have clear directions and it does not look like one must already be a talented baker to attempt them. There are also many illustrations throughout, some of which will undoubtedly make readers salivate.

One thing that I very much enjoyed in this book were the sections in which Hollywood talks about what baking means to him, the memories that we bring to the cakes we eat, and more. On the TV shows, Hollywood can seem abrasive at times but he is not in the writing within these pages.

I was fortunate to receive an e-galley of this title. I think that I will buy the hard copy when it is available in July.

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

Pub Date 19 Jul 2022

I very much enjoyed Chris Pavone’s first book, The Ex-Pats. His subsequent books have been worth reading but the first is still my favorite.

In this newest book, Ariel Price wakes up in Lisbon one morning and finds that her life is about to/has irrevocably change(d). Where her husband should be, he is not What has happened to him and why? Where is he? Who is he with? Is it up to Ariel to figure all of this out?

Ariel tries to find answers moving up from hotel security to the American Embassy and more. She realizes that she does not even know why she and her spouse were in Lisbon so finding answers is not easy.

Readers of thrillers may well enjoy this title. They will wait to see how the plot turns come out and how Ariel survives them.

Some reviewers have adored this book. Others have described it as tedious in spots. I am in the middle. Read it and see what your own opinion is.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Strauss and Giroux for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

A New Friend

by Lucy Menzies

This short, nicely illustrated children’s book will be welcomed by families that have a child starting at a new school. It is told from two simultaneous viewpoints; there is Mae who wants to welcome the new student and Joe, the new boy, who is feeling insecure. How will they come to meet and become friends ? Read this lovely multicultural story to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 Jun 2022 |