Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

The illustrations in this book are truly remarkable. There is a mix of black, white and greys with color added to some pages for emphasis. These illustrations are sweet and appealing.

The Piano Recital is about Momo who is nervous about her first recital. In the magical way that occurs in children’s literature, she is visited by a small mouse and invited to the mice’s show. While there, Momo forgets to be nervous and goes on to a good recital.

This is a very sweet book that young children will enjoy. It may also help those who are feeling nervous before their own performances.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

This excellent biography of Rosa Parks is geared toward 8 to 12 year olds. The tone of the book is factual and respectful of children’s ability to understand and think about difficult issues like segregation. So Other People Would Be Also Free acknowledges the country’s history of slavery and discrimination and opens the topic up for discussion via Rose’s story.

Readers learn about Rosa’s early life and family. They read about what she saw as those who were African American were treated differently from those who were white. Her activism is detailed and included early associations with the NAACP. She cared about issues long before she sat on that bus.

Rosa’s marriage to Parks and his work for the Scottsboro Boys also is recognized as are Rosa’s schooling and jobs. Of course there is much focus on the boycott. The book ends with a chapter on Rosa Parks’s life and legacy.

There are photos in the book that reflect Rosa’s time period and also some quotes from Rosa. There are also sections called “Think About It” to help encourage discussion and critical reading. For example one Talk About It states:

“The Reconstruction era mst have been an extraordinary time for newly freed Black Americans. What might have been some of their most pressing issues?”

This book could easily be part of a social studies unit at school. Whether in class or at home, it deserves a wide readership.

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

#SoOtherPeopleWouldBeAlsoFree #NetGalley

This is the third book that I have read in this series on STEM pioneers. Each entry provides a person’s biography, has fun facts and talks about the subject’s contribution to STEM. Shigeru Miyamoto is known for his work in games, having come up with favorites such as SuperMario.

There is a section at the back of the book that gives several suggestions for “Career Connections.” Some good resources are listed there as well as in the “For More Information” section at the back of the book. The photos also contribute to the reader’s understanding of the person profiled.

This is a great series for interesting children in STEM and for showing the wide range of fields included in this broad designation.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book combines fact and whimsy to amusing effect. The story is about human boy Leo who will be having a tonsillectomy. He goes to the hospital with his parents only to find that it is run by animals. Some of the staff treat Leo like an animal, asking things like if he was the runt of the litter and when he had his last rabies shot. He is given a cone collar after surgery until he assures the staff that he will not eat from the floor or chew on his leg. Mixed in with the vet facts is information on what happens when a child’s tonsils are removed. Young children and parents may well enjoy this entertainingly illustrated effort to demystify and find fun in a situation that children do not tend to see as funny.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this read. All opinions are my own.

Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times merit also captured the author’s attention.

Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.

Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.

I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This book will be published in January 2020.

Praise for Lady Clementine:

“Benedict is a true master at weaving the threads of the past into a compelling story for today. Here is the fictionalized account of the person who was the unequivocal wind beneath Winston Churchill’s wings — a woman whose impact on the world-shaper that was WW2 has been begging to be told. A remarkable story of remarkable woman.”—Susan Meissner,  bestselling author of The Last Year of the War

“The atmospheric prose of Marie Benedict draws me in every single time. Lady Clementine’s powerful and spirited story is both compelling and immersive. Benedict fully inhabits the measured and intelligent voice of Clementine Churchill. Entranced throughout, I discovered the secrets behind a familiar story I thought I knew. Deftly moving from the early nineteen hundreds through World War II, Benedict skillfully paints a vivid picture of the times and life of Clementine, the remarkable woman who was the steady force beside Winston Churchill.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis 

More on Clementine Churchill

I admired both Sonia Purnell and Clementine Churchill even before I was (fortunately) approved by NetGalley for this book on Clementine Churchill . I learned so much from the biography written by Ms. Purnell. This book reiterates many important elements of this fascinating woman’s biography, from her troubled childhood throughout two World Wars and her life beyond. What makes this book different and special, at least to me, are the photographs. They are fascinating both in terms of Clementine and Winston’s lives and as illustrations of the lives of people who lived throughout the 1900s. The text and photos are perfect complements to one another and add to the depth of experience for the reader.

I am savoring this book as I read it. I highly recommend it and give it five stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this magnificent book.

I have read but not reviewed this.  It is excellent.

Some variety here…The Crown should be fun to look at while we await the new season.  Driving Miss Norma got good reviews.  It is a story about a road trip that someone takes when terminally ill but is meant to be not too depressing.  I am curious about Resistance Women which is based on WWII events.  It is in my TBR pile.  Then, I have included the anthology because it seemed interesting.  Enjoy.

Pair this with my review of The Dutch House in my archive.

https://nyti.ms/209NVcc

Sorry. Link not going to article but to nyt site.

First, the illustrations in this book are so appealing and adorable!  They absolutely enhance the text.  This book is for young children.  It begins by demystifying what a vet does.  This will be helpful for children who need to take their pet to see the vet.  The book then gives two examples of the vet at work.  One case is about a dog and the other a pony.  Both animals recover well of course.

I found this book to be very cute and a nice introduction to the field of veterinary medicine.  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

I always recommend Leon and Sayers but think these other bargains look good too.

Where I live, there has been a lot of rain recently, so this book was a fun reminder of what rain can mean to a child. Camille is bored; her parents are ignoring her and so she decides to amuse herself. When she gets outside and it is raining, Camille discovers the joy in this weather. While on her adventure, she meets some insects and follows them to see something special. When Camille returns home, she encourages her parents to go for a walk with her.

The above is the simple synopsis of the story. In addition, there are lovely illustrations that abound with a love of nature. Save this one for a rainy day read with a child you know.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in return for an honest review.