Breathe Deep, Little Sheep

A Calm-Down Book for Kids

by Jessica Lee

This title has absolutely adorable and appealing illustrations of both young and adult animals. These should bring a smile to the face of both the child and adult who are looking at this book together. Further, seeing animals and not children may make it easier for children to engage with a book about anxiety.

This is a book to read with a child who is experiencing a bit of anxiety or to read with a child way before those feelings arise. There are gentle suggestions of things to try when a child is overwhelmed. The message that something can be done should be reassuring to a child. Practice right along with the child that you know and let them know that we all need to calm ourselves at times.

This is a book that has a number of suggestions. They do not have to all be done at once. Perhaps a child can pick something to try based on the pages that most appeal to them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. It is an excellent resource.

The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd

by Zoë Wheddon

First of all, the cover of this book is so appealing. It made me want to open the book and spend time reading it. Then, of course, it is intriguing to think about getting to know a friend of Jane’s. Isn’t that just who all of her readers would like to be?

In this title, Jane’s friendship with Martha Lloyd is explored. Those looking to become better acquainted with Jane, her world, her interests, and the people to whom she felt close, will enjoy taking a look at this title. Chapters include Fun and Frolics; Home Sweet Home; Our Chawton Home; Anything You Can Do, and more.

The author clearly cares deeply abut her subject. She tells readers that she, herself, grew up at Chawton House and she is a relative of the Austen family. She has done her research and it shows.

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

The Kitt Hartley Mysteries Book 5

by Helen Cox

Pub Date 15 Apr 2021  

This is the fifth entry in a series about Kitt Hartley. She was formerly a university librarian but now is an amateur sleuth. I look forward to reading other entries in this series.

In this outing, there is a serial killer in Yorkshire. Oddly, the victims are all warned eleven days before their deaths. Things really heat up when a friend of Kitt’s is targeted. Kitt and her friend Grace are on the case.

I thought it was interesting to have a serial killer in a series that I had thought was a cozy. Still, readers may well enjoy this title and the earlier titles as well.

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

Enjoy your time at this cafe: Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe (Colgan)

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 6, 2019

Thanks to Sourcebooks for re-issuing this delightful title by Jenny Colgan.  It was the first of her books that I read and I have been reading her stories ever since.  The author has a knack for developing relatable characters and warmhearted story lines.

In this one Issy Randall takes a risk and starts her own business.  The Cupcake Cafe is an appealing place in a lovely town.  You will feel that you can taste Issy’s food as you read the novel.  This is also a love story and a story about friendship.

For readers who want to read a book for sheer enjoyment this one is highly recommended.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to revisit Issy and co.

The Story of Climate Change

A first book about how we can help save our planet

by Catherine Barr; Steve Williams

This book begins billions of years ago when the earth was very hot. Children then learn how over time temperatures cooled and oceans were formed. From there, readers see the many changes that have taken place on the planet in a process that occurred over many, many years. They learn that some of these changes have had consequences that can hurt the climate, as for example with methane build up. The ways in which people, plants, animals and more have been impacted are matter of factly laid out. That could feel scary. However, the author ends the book with a reminder of the things that we can all do to improve the quality of our environment and world thus empowering kids.

The illustrations in this title are involving and colorful. There are some amusing captions embedded in them. They will keep the interest of the kids to whom this book is directed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. I think that this book does a very good job in discussing a topic that kids should know about.