by Adam Ciccio

#ClavisPublishing #NetGalley

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021

Young Andy worries… a lot! That he is bothered by this is clear. The author of this picture book shows him looking for help from some non-human friends. For example, a dog says to bark. (Is this helpful for a human child?) Finally, Andy makes it home and looks to his mother for what he needs. In a didactic way, she explains that anxiety is just a feeling. So, Andy takes this in and begins to feel much better (this feels kind of simplistic to me although the message of trying to work with one’s feelings is true.) By the end of the book, Anxious Andy is Andy.

I almost never give a low rating to a book but this one did not appeal to me as either a reader or a mental health professional. I disliked the use of labels like anxious or shy. I also found the quick turnaround that Andy undergoes quite unbelievable. Kids usually progress, regress, go in spurts but rarely are so quickly cured.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. I regret that I cannot recommend it more highly.

by Alan Cross, Emme Cross, Nicole Mortillaro

by Alan Cross, Emme Cross, Nicole Mortillaro

#ScienceofSongThe #NetGalley

pub date: 07 September

This accessible title for kids is a fine survey on many aspects of music’s production from its beginnings over 40,000 years ago to today. Ways in which music has evolved includes everything from the materials used to make instruments, to how we listen. For example, in the past, one had to be physically present to hear music. This evolved over time to radio, records and life now where any musical piece can be located through one’s computer or other device like an ipad. This evolution is the subject of much of this short title.

Understand more about why you like certain music. Find out the name and story of the “Man” who “changed music forever.” There are short playslists included as well as a timeline and glossary.

This book provides an intriguing, easy way for children to understand more about music’s evolution over time.

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

by Sanae Ishida

#SumoCounting #NetGalley

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021

The little Sumo wrestlers in this cute picture book are very (!) busy. Get to know them and something about Japanese words and culture as you and a child count to ten, fifty and one hundred. There is an illustrated vocabulary section at the end of the book. This will help adults to explain the pictures to children.

Sumo Counting is an appealing book. Toddlers should enjoy it.

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

Getting to Know the World’s Most Misunderstood Bird

by Rosemary Mosco

#APocketGuidetoPigeonWatching #NetGalley.

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

Over the past year I have spent time at my local botanical garden. While there, I have observed robins, bluejays, woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks and more. On my walks of city streets, I have seen many pigeons but never really thought of them as being as interesting as the botanical garden birds that I viewed When I saw this title, therefore, I was intrigued. Was there more to the homely pigeon than I knew? You can be sure that there is!

Ms. Mosco’s enthusiasm for the pigeon comes across so clearly in this entertaining look at the species. She shares history, facts about behavior, appreciation for the physical appearance and colors of the species and so much more. With lively illustrations, many boxes of extra facts and love for the subject, Ms. Mosco captivates readers. Did you know that there is a pigeons in movies data base or that Tesla was in love with the pigeon that came to his hotel window? These are just two of the anecdotes that are found in the early pages of the book.

Engaged readers, watch out! The author may just make a pigeon watcher out of you by the time that you finish the book.

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

A Place Like Home

Short Stories

by Rosamunde Pilcher

#APlaceLikeHome #NetGalley

Readers, have you read this author’s most beloved book, The Shell Seekers? If not, I recommend it for its’ characters, settings and stories. It tells the story of an artist’s daughter both in the present and during WWII. I confess to having read this book more than once. I also liked Winter Solstice and September. September has some characters from The Shell Seekers in it.

As a reader of Pilcher’s novels, I was delighted to receive an ARC of this collection of short stories. There are fifteen stories in all and they are introduced by another favorite author of mine, Lucinda Riley. A few of the stories included are Anniversary; Jonathan; A Touch of Magic, and of, course, A Place Like Home.

Rosamunde Pilcher (sadly, no longer alive) was an author who knew what kinds of stories her readers wanted and she delivered them. These are quiet, good reads just perfect for when a reader has a bit of time and is looking for a “nice” read. I recommend the collection.

Those who already are familiar with RP will be glad to have this gift of stories. New readers may be encouraged to read her longer novels.

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

50+ Treats for a Festive Season

by Sarah Kieffer

#BakingfortheHolidays #NetGalley

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021

I know that this is early for the holidays but you might want to look at this book sooner rather than later. That way, there will be plenty of time to decide which recipes you want to try.

This collection is divided into sections on Morning Breads and Pastries; Holiday Desserts; Gift Giving; Beyond Christmas’ and Extras. There are other enticing sections of which my favorite is “Music to Bake to.”

Some of the recipes are those for Pear-Almond Danish Bread; Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake; Modern Fruit Cakes; Coconut-Cardomom Cupcakes’ and Marshmallows. As the cover promises, there are fifty in all.

The book begins with a section titled “How to Use this Book” and is followed by a section on techniques. Bakers will find these to be helpful. There are also many enticing photographs. In addition to showing the baked goods, there are illustrations that demonstrate some aspects of the recipe.

Some of these recipes are undoubtedly too difficult for me but those with a bit of baking experience (or patience) should do fine.

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

A Bedtime Alphabet Lullaby

by Erin Guendelsberger

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021

This book is sweetly illustrated with an animal parent and child for each letter. So, for example, there is a baby and parent owl for “O.” The short text uses “Once upon a time” as the phrase that includes the letter. The text of two letter pairs rhymes. For example, “I is for Imagine. We Love to Pretend” and “J is for Jammies as the day comes to an end.” (Of course this needs to be checked against the final text.)

The book is one that could definitely be added to a young child’s bedtime story collection.

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