www.nytimes.com/2020/11/25/books/december-books.html

Love is Love

The Journey Continues

by Fleur Pierets

Just by happenstance, I chose to read this gorgeously illustrated children’s book today. It is my anniversary and I adored spending time with this beautiful celebration of the love of two women. Their goal was to marry in every country that allowed for same sex marriage. So, children will travel the world and see the dress and customs for many wedding ceremonies.

When many children have parents of the same sex and when many also identify as gay, this book is such a welcome resource. I really loved it .

SPOILER ALERT: Just be ready when you read about the authors.

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

A Smart British Mystery with a Surprising Twist

by Louise R. Innes

I tend to enjoy mysteries set in England. Sometimes I am looking for something by Ann Cleeves or Anne Perry or Susie Steiner or Peter Lovesey. Other times, I am looking for a more cozy mystery, the sort that offers a relaxing read for a troubling time. This title suits that latter category.

This is the first in what I think will be a new series. It is set in a small British town and features an amateur detective who in her more regular life is a hair stylist. She heeds to call to solve the case of her best friend’s mother, a well known opera star, who is murdered.

This book has interesting characters, murder, an art thief and a bit of romance. Definitely just what the cozy reader craves!

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

The Nutcracker

by words&pictures

This gorgeous, brightly illustrated book tells the story of a seasonal classic. It would make an excellent gift for a young child who wants to enjoy some of the magic of Christmas.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

52 Simple Mindfulness Practices to Slow Down, Relieve Stress, and Nourish the Spirit

by Catherine Polan Orzech

Pub date: January 2, 2021

What better way to start a new year than with this title that will be published on January 2. The author has penned a book on mindfulness and focuses on taking a little bit of time for one’s self each day. I hope to start and continue following some of this author’s advice over the next year.

The book is divided into chapters by month with something to consider for each week of the year. A few of the chapter headings include New Beginnings (January), Storms and Changes (March), Loss and Birth (April), Being a Curious Learner (September) and Darkness and Light (December).

I recently spent time reading the section on November. In it the author talks about what gratitude is and how to cultivate it. For example, she has helpful insights into how to create a gratitude journal and how to keep writing in it from being a rote exercise. This is just one of the sections for November. The others include Smiling and Laughter as Medicine, The Power of Attention, and Loving the Life Within,

There are so many mindfulness books out there. Even so, I think that this one is worth a look.

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

I love this show

by Anna Claybourne

This book contains six chapters; they are Shapes, Patterns and Sequences, Mind-Boggling Tricks, Magical Mathematics, Curiouser and Curiouser and Fool Your Friends. With them, the author engages kids in Math, encouraging them to view it as more than a school subject. The illustrations add to this message; they are cartoon like and playful.

The puzzles are engaging and fun to try. Each puzzle has a section called What’s Going On that offers insights. I highly recommend this title. Making Math engaging and fun will serve kids so well.

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