Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Captain Tom Moore became quite famous in England during Covid. At a rather old age, he completed a challenge and raised a great deal of money for the NHS. Young readers will learn that he wanted to thank the NHS for help hat was given to him after a fall.

Tom is portrayed as a person on the move, from his first steps through military service to his famous Covid help walks. He is seen as a man of character, friendship and loyalty. What a role model for young children!

This adorably illustrated title is another wonderful entry in this series. I recommend it.

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

Learn How to Draw 75 Cats in All Their Glory

by Olive Yong

Kawaii is a style of art that is adorable and endearing, whatever its subject. That said, those who love cats are certain to enjoy this title. It features felines at play, being curious, eating and more. Those who spend time with this book will learn how to draw many delightful cats. Each of them, as for example, the observer or the runner is broken down into easy to follow steps for making one’s own drawing. The book even includes a couple coloring pages at the end. Plus, I enjoyed the cartoons. All in all, a great resource for cat doodlers.

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

Pub Date 09 Feb 2021  

For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep

by Tish Harrison Warren

This title offers a personal look at a prayer. It begins at a difficult moment in the writer’s life. The author, an Anglican priest, opens her book with a very moving account of a pregnancy loss that led to a potential loss of faith and a trip to the emergency room. In that moment, she and her husband, also a priest, recited a prayer of Compline, relying on a practice with a long historical timeline to sustain them. Having such words at hand provided a connection that was essential. The author moves broadly from this incident to the role of nighttime prayer over the course of this book.

This title acknowledges the ways in which we feel smaller at night, more vulnerable and more frightened. The Compline prayer can add something beautiful and comforting to life at these times. Prayer as ritual is acknowledged and the author takes a deep dive into the individual concepts of the Anglican nighttime prayer. She is an excellent companion and a thoughtful one.

Readers are invited to go on a journey with the author. Those, both Christian and not, will take something away from this thought provoking and moving read.

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

This cheerfully illustrated book clearly explains what happens when a child goes to see the optometrist. Everything is carefully detailed and presented in a non-scary and interesting way. This book offers a wonderful chance to let your child know what to expect at their appointment. Read it before going. It is quite well done.

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

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021  

by Abbey Williams

This book about all kinds of families has the most vibrant and engaging illustrations! The text celebrates all kinds of families, those formed by adoption, straight or gay couples, single parent families and those that are blended. Plus other kinds of families are included too. There are foster families and extended families for example. All are presented as equally loving and valid options.

This title also includes concepts about family. There are entries on traditions, joy, unconditional love and more.

Having worked in adoption, I am mildly critical of the entry for “A.” I would have preferred a description other than that of a child being “given” to the adoptive parents. Why not say something about the birth parents making a plan for their child’s adoption? They feel excluded here.

All in all, this book provides a good look at the many ways that adults and children come together. It will help children to broaden their concept of what a family is.

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

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021  

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Feisty, talented, outspoken Megan Rapinoe is the latest little person with a big dream in thisseries of short biographies for young children. Kids will hopefully be inspired by this amazing soccer player and activist. I know that I was!

There are interesting facts for kids here. For example, Megan is a twin and she had a brother with whom she loved to play soccer. Readers will also learn that Megan felt different from others growing up and that soccer was a refuge for her. It also provided her with a college scholarship. This book also touches on Megan’s identifying as gay and her belief in rights for all.

The illustrations in this title are sprightly and fun. They add to the accompanying text. All in all, an excellent entry in this long running series.

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

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

by Anne Youngson

Just as a narrowboat must travel at its own, somewhat measured pace, the timing of this novel is deliberate and thoughtful (in a good way). This is clearly a book to savor, not one to rush through. Readers will commit to the experience of enjoying some literary travel in an unhurried way.

The Narrowboat Summer tells the story of three women and those around them. The owner of the boat is Anastasia, an older woman who has lived on the canals. She needs a place to stay off of the water while she receives medical treatment. She comes to stay at Eve’s home.

Two women, previously unknown to one another, take on the task of ferrying Anastasia’s boat to its’ destination. One is Eve and the other is Sally, both of whom are seeking change and meaning in their lives.

As the two navigate and travel, they become closer to one another. They also meet a series of people on their literal journey and their voyages of self-discovery. These include an elderly man, a storyteller and others, all of whom have something to say and teach about life.

The stories of the characters are engaging and readers root for all of them as they seek the lives that they want (and deserve). Take the time to travel with them. You will enjoy the journey.

As a side note, I have always thought that it would be marvelous to travel along the British canal system. I still have not done that but this book did nothing to lessen my wish to do so.

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