by Kwame Onwuachi; Joshua David Stein

This adapted memoir will be a welcome addition to the shelves of high school libraries and the offices of those who offer career guidance. It tells the often gritty story of Kwame Onwuachi and his pathway to becoming a chef with all of the challenges, hard times, racism and triumphs of his evolving story. It is written in an engaging style that will draw readers in. Those who think about wanting to work as a chef will find out how challenging it can be and the sheer amount of grit and hard work that are needed. The satisfactions are also delineated.

I had some knowledge of the author from having seen him on two seasons of Top Chef. The first time he was a contestant and the second a guest judge. That familiarity made me eager to learn more about him as a TV story can never be a full picture. I found it interesting to more fully get to know the man.

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

The Dog Share is just the right kind of novel for when a reader wants to spend time in an idyllic location with an engaging group of characters. The author makes Sgadansky feel so real that I actually googled it; sadly the island is fictional and no real ferry can take the reader there. Its small town ambience, along with the distillery and the beach, are places that readers will enjoy visiting.

Ms. Gibson tells the story of Suzy who takes over the management of a whisky distillery after her partner abandons it to a messy fate. Readers will hope that things work out for Suzy both at the distillery and in life. They will also enjoy getting to know Scout, the stray whom Suzy adopts and the dog in the title. He seems like the perfect pet.

Ricky is the foil to Suzy. He is a music teacher and single dad to son Arthur who loves Scout. Something happened to Arthur’s mother but Ricky is in no hurry to reveal what. Will he and Suzy find love together?

Ricky’s dad is part of the bridge between these characters. He had worked at the distillery but quit in a huff. Can Suzy get him to come back? Will the distillery succeed?

There is enough plot to keep the reader engaged in what is a pleasant light read. I recommend this one if this is a reader’s cup of tea (or whisky).

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

The Mindful Kids Activity Book

60 Playful Projects, Games, and Exercises to Make Friends with Your Feelings

by Louison Nielman

This book will help kids to feel better through the use of mindfulness. Sixty activities are included. They are divided into three areas: How to Calm Your Anger; How to Concentrate; and How to Relax. There is an animal for each category; Bailey the Bear, Katie the Kangaroo and Ricky the Rabbit accompany children as they participate.

This book is a useful resource for all of the adults in a children’s life including, but not limited to, parents, teaches and mental health professionals, to use with a child they know. An adult and child may want to work on this book together. The activities may be done in any order that makes sense.

All of the activities in this book can be done by fairly young children. The illustrations throughout are inviting and will encourage kids to become involved. Some of the activities involve art work or mazes while others involve physical activity.

This title will help hildren to better understand themselves and they will have some fun along the way. What could be better!

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

Everything You Wanted to Know About Contemporary Art but Were Afraid to Ask

by Robert Diament and Russell Tovey

Pub Date 18 May 2021

Talk Art offers readers a wide ranging look at art. While the authors come from the arts,t their fields were acting and music. Together, the two have engaged in learning more about contemporary art. They eventually began a pod cast called Talk Art and then came this title. Tovey and Diamant begin by sharing some of their own history with the readers; this helps those picking up this book to know something of the authors’ evolution.

What follows are chapters on many topics. To name a few, there are Performance Art, Public Art, Photography, Sound Art, Ceramics and more. Further, they do not shy away from the political.

This title also includes a helpful section on ways to become involved with contemporary art whether it is seeing art, creating a collection, being an artist or reading more.

This book is lavishly illustrated. Dip in anywhere or go through this title in order. A reader will walk away with something each time.

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

Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.

In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?

Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?

Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.

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

From the publisher:

The Venice Sketchbook

A Novel

by Rhys Bowen

Rhys Bowen has written several beloved mystery series, including the stories about Molly Murphy and the “Royal Spyness” novels. Readers may be less aware of her novels that relate to WWII, of which The Venice Sketchbook is one along with others including The Victory Garden and The Tuscan Child.

This dual timeline story is an immersive read. Readers share in romance, things to be discovered, keys, sketchbooks and more. Also kudos to the author for bringing the city of Venice so vividly into being in these pages.

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

by Mary Pope Osborne

Pub Date 18 May 2021

The Magic Tree House series has been loved by many beginning readers who have eagerly followed the adventures of Jack and Annie. Ever since the tree house first appeared and whisked the two back to prehistoric times, Jack and Annie have been learning and doing. Now, in a new twist on an old theme, the books have gone graphic. First, to come, is Dinosaurs Before Dark, a title certain to be enjoyed in its new format.

So, have a child you know, sit back, spend time with Jack and Annie, explore the wonderful illustrations and…become an enthusiastic reader.

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