by Abbey Williams

Overall I very much liked this alphabet book. The illustrations are whimsical, engaging and lovely. Many forms of family are acknowledged so that all children will both feel welcome and can learn about family types that are not their own. I also thought that the questions throughout were excellent as they invite discussion between the child and adult who are sharing the book.

However, as a social worker, I have some comments on the way the A in this book talks about adoption. On the first page, children are described as “given” to their adoptive parents. I think that there could have been a better word choice here. In addition, the book states that adoptive parents are “special” because they chose to become the child’s parents. This is language that may make children feel that they have to be “worthy” of having been brought into the family which is not fair to them. The following page states that the child was “made” for the adoptive parents. This simply is not true and is perhaps not intentionally, but nonetheless, dismissive of the birth family. Also, I note that often adoptive parents become parents after facing challenges in becoming biological parents. This book’s language does not account for this desire to be parents which is not only about “doing good” for a child. Apologies for these comments if they are bothersome but I feel that they are important. All of this will undoubtedly pass over the head of the young child for whom this book is written but it might have been better to have language that is more reflective of this way of becoming a family.

In all other respects, I very much liked this title. In a simple way, it shows, at times, rather than telling. For example, I loved that the wedding W showed same-sex marriage without the need to elaborate on it but simply as a wedding. The book is designed to be non-judgmental and inclusive in such a good way.

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

This title will be published on 22 Feb 2022.

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/February_2022_e_MOM_Read.pdf

All the July 2022 Prepub Alerts in one place, plus a downloadable spreadsheet of all titles from every post.
— Read on www.libraryjournal.com/story/july-2022-prepub-alert-the-complete-list

Building a Brighter Future for Nature, People & Planet (The Children’s Terra Carta)

by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales; Christopher Lloyd

This book is introduced by Prince Charles who invites children to think about and care for our world. In the last chapter of this title, he writes about the Terra Carta project and invites children to participate in it.

This book has the most charming and delightful illustrations! They have been contributed to this title by a variety of artists. The accompanying text complements them.

There are four short sections in this book; they are Nature, People, Planet and Terra Carta. Through them, what we get from nature and what we need to do for nature are laid out in simple terms.

This children’s book is a call to action for our planet. It should be read by children and families who, hopefully, will recognize that there is work to be done.

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

From the Publisher

Buzz Books 2022: Spring/Summer

by Publishers Lunch

I absolutely adore buzz books. What an easy and enjoyable way to learn about titles that will be coming out over the coming months. Just some of the more well-known authors included are Geraldine Brooks, Karen Jay Fowler, Jane Green, Chris Pavone, Emma Straub and Marianne Wiggins.

There is also a section for debut novels. A few intriguing sounding titles: A Tiny Upward Shove, Keya Das’s Second Act, These Impossible Things and, Calling for a Blanket Dance. Or, how about Nora Goes Off Script or Jameela Green Ruins Everything.

Non-fiction fans can also find much to read here as will those who like young adult fiction. An example of each would be Blood Orange Night (non-fiction) and How to be the Best Third Wheel (young adult).

As if that were not enough, there are book lists, lots of them. Yay! Some authors that I noted were Jennifer Egan, Julia Glass,Emily St John Mandel, Anne Tyler, Dan Chaon, Monica Ali, Marie Myung-Ok Lee, and Otessa Mosfegh.

I could go on but, really, readers should just take a look.

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. Brilliant! All opinions are my own.

Celebrating Gender Freedom for Kids

by Joana Estrela; Jay Hulme

The publisher notes that this title offers a simple and inclusive introduction to the freedom in gender expression. And, yes, that is just what this cheerfully illustrated book offers. It opens up for discussion a topic that makes some adults anxious. The book is welcoming to all and will be helpful to many children and families.

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

This title will be published on 01 Mar 2022.

WWII Heroines

by Candice Sue Patterson

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is a WWII story that features intrigue, espionage, German infiltration in the U.S., and romance. In a good way, I learned a lot about the SPARs, the women’s coast guard service, that began during the war. One of the characters in the novel is named and based on the woman who trained the recruits.

The book’s protagonist lives in Maine and has been working on her father’s fishing boat. When she learns about the SPAR’s recruitment activities, Shirley wants to do something for her country. Her home base turns out to be strategic because it is close to the Canadian border and the Roosevelt home at Campobello. Unfortunately, Shirley’s assignment comes at some personal cost, at least for a time.

Readers know that everything will mostly work out even as they become involved in the story. As they read, readers will root for Shirley. They will also enjoy the depictions of the era’s clothing,homes and more.

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is published by a Christian book publisher. There are general references to God and prayer in this title. Perhaps for this reason, the romance is mostly g rated. The novel in no way proselytizes

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

A number of romances here; publishers must be thinking about Valentine’s Day.

A Novel

by Sonali Dev is an e book bargains for 2.8.22

Everything that you need to know about this book comes from its very apt title. The title tells readers all they need to know; Persuasion is a direct homage to Jane Austen’s tale of a love lost and its impact over time, leading to protagonists meeting again. Recipe tells you that the book has something to do with cooking. And there you are, a delightful read and one that I enjoyed.

More specifically, chef Ashna runs a restaurant in which she honors her late father by cooking his specialties. The restaurant is failing though and Ashna lets herself become a chef/contestant on a cooking show, kind of like Dancing with the Stars, in which a professional cook is teamed with a celebrity. And what a celebrity…not really a spoiler, he is a past love of Ashna’s. Will sparks fly? Will they have a second chance?

In addition to these main characters, readers learn a good deal about Ashna’s immediate and extended families. All is not completely lightness in this romance title. For me, this added depth to the story.

I liked this novel which let me escape into an interesting world.

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