Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I recommend the Brene Brown and Donna Leon titles.  Some other good choices here too.

Reading this title reminded me of what it felt like to be a kid.  Back then, I seemed to be interested in learning about everything as my tastes had not yet narrowed down.  For kids who would like to explore sea life this is a fun  book.  It is organized by different types of water environments as for example, open ocean, the deep sea, a coral reef, etc.  There are lots of interesting facts on each two page spread.  For example, when I read about a kelp forest, I learned that sea otters can store food in their armpits.  Who knew?  These and other facts intrigued me as I went through this book.

Each two page spread provides information on that ecosystem and what is found within it.  There are then things to find in the illustration in true search and find style.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this title in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book for young elementary school aged children.

This is the second book in a new series by this author. It can be enjoyed by those who did not read the first book, The Scent of Murder, although readers may want to read both entries.
I liked both the characters and the setting of this book. Jazz, the protagonist, works in a Catholic school run by Sister Eileen. Eileen and Jazz are portrayed as quite human as are many of the other characters including Jazz’s (former) police officer boyfriend, teachers at the school and the teen aged students. The Catholic school where the body of a former teacher is found seemed very authentic as did the voices of the students.
The mystery centers around the murder of a teacher who believed that she could speak with angels. What happened to her? To whom was she a threat? As is true with cozy mysteries in general, readers know that the case will be solved and will enjoy following to learn how this is done.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the time that I spent reading this title.

So we have had many days now of being inside and tempers and moods may vary.  Are your children struggling?  If they are (and even if they are not), this illustrated book is filled with good mindful activities.  As the subtitle notes, the activities could help children to “manage emotions, ease anxiety and stay focused,”  things that all of us could use really. Chapters include Rise and Shine, Focus Your Mind, Open Your Heart, Explore Your Imagination, and Relax and Let Go.  There are then things to try.  The book also includes a helpful introduction for adults.

Each activity is explained clearly and suggestions are given for when an activity may be helpful and why it works.  My impression is that doing some of these activities with children, especially now, could be very helpful.  Adults could try them too.

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

#MeditationforKids #NetGalley

From the publisher:

#TheDog #NetGalley

The photos in this book are so appealing that even if you don’t plan to have a pet, you may enjoy flipping through the pages. Included are suggestions for the dog to choose based on what a person needs. There are dogs for beginners, family friendly dogs, low and high maintenance dogs, hypoallergenic dogs and more. The book also includes two charts that, if completed, will assist in making good choices based on the owner’s lifestyle and different factors for each dog breed.

Each breed entry includes some history, an additional entry (history, changing roles, etc.) and a list of canine characteristics. There is also a helpful at a glance box.

For those who want to make an informed decision on the pup that might be best either in daydream or real life, this title is a fine resource.

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

I have written a review of The Kennedy Debutante which is in my archive. I highly recommend the books by Tana French; today The Secret Place is an e book bargain.  There are many Ian Fleming titles for ninety nine cents today.  Enjoy.

This title is part of a series of biographies for elementary school aged students.  It is a book with short chapters and many illustrations.  In addition, there are many sections to enhance a reader’s experience including “Jump in the Think Tank” with questions to consider, myth and fact sections, maps, timelines, a vocabulary list and a quiz.  All of these will reinforce learning.

Alexander Hamilton may well be known to kids because of Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical.  This awareness may entice them to want to learn more about this highly accomplished man.  Readers will discover that Hamilton faced tragedies, was an immigrant to the U.S., was antislavery and played pivotal roles during the Revolutionary War and after.  He also died as the result of practices during the times in which he lived.

This book could easily have a place in classrooms or could be enjoyed at home.  Even adults may learn some things about Hamilton that they did not already know.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

Thi

Kate DiCamillo has written many wonderful children’s books including Because of Winn Dixie. She is a children’s author whom I admire so I was very happy to receive this title as an e galley.
This title is part of a series of chapter books about Deckawoo Drive although it is the first one that I have read. The tone is fun and entertaining. Stella, the verbal and precocious protagonist, is a second grader which gives a sense of the age a child might be to enjoy this book.
Young readers learn that Stella is thrilled with her second grade teacher, the beautifully named Tamar Calliope Liliana. All would be perfect in Stella’s opinion were it not for Horace Brown. What will happen in their relationship? Can they be friends?
Young readers will turn the pages to see what happens as the students in Miss Liliana’s class write poems with metaphors and as Stella and Horace are sent to the principal. What will happen to them? How will the day end?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This is a delightful book for either reading aloud or for children who are beginning to enjoy chapter books.

#StellaEndicottAndTheAnythingIsPossiblePoem #NetGalley

This is a lovely book for the youngest children. Illustrated in black, white, red, yellow and a bit of pink, it is very appealing to look at. The anthropomorphized vehicles are adorable. The text is simple and the physical book will have buttons to press for sound. An ideal book for little ones.

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

#VroomZoomHereComesTheFireTruck #NetGalley

Callisto publishing has been issuing many wonderful cookbooks that are filled with recipes that seem very doable.  In my opinion nothing could be better for the current moment.  Since we are all eating at home more, it is nice to add a bit of variety.  This time,  the 100 recipes are for foods from Puerto Rico.  As can be seen from the cover, the dishes look delicious.  Just a few of the things that can be made are Puerto Rican style crab cakes, meat stuffed sweet plantains, tres leches cake (my favorite) and garlic rice with shrimp. Two things that I especially liked in this book are the section for recipes that take 30 minutes or less and the section of recipes that use five ingredients or less.

Many thanks to Callisto and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher: