Category: Uncategorized

Recently published: A World Full of Dickens Stories by Angela McAllister

Would you like to introduce a child to the magic of Charles Dickens’s stories? The novels themselves, of course, are lengthy while this collection is a beautifully illustrated introduction to a number of the books.
Included in the retellings are Oliver Twist, The Old curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, Nicholas Nickleby and Hard Times. Each story begins with a helpful illustrated list of characters.
The stories are expertly retold, having sufficient detail to not just be summaries, and may well inspire a child to read one of the full length books. That would be a good project for the current moment. All in all, a wonderful resource.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#AWorldFullofDickensStories #NetGalley

Now out: The Lehman Trilogy A Novel by Stefano Massini

#TheLehmanTrilogy #NetGalley

The story of the Lehman Brothers is a fascinating one. When I first heard of the play, I thought that it was about the collapse of the firm during the financial crisis. I learned though that this is the story of the family as they left Bavaria, came to the U.S. and achieved much success, at least for a time.
Interestingly, at a time when most immigrants came to New York, the first of the brothers went South. He was involved in textiles and living through the Civil War. The story follows him, his brothers and their families.
This novel uses a free verse style. Some may not like this although I did. It made me go slowly and savor the text.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
By the way, the play was excellent if you ever have the opportunity to see it. It was VERY long but the time flew by.

A man of peace: Mahatma Gandhi My First Mahatma Gandhi by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Albert Arrayas

This title is another entry in the inspiring series on famous men and women.  This entry on Gandhi is another winner that will find a welcome spot on young children’s bookshelves.

Gandhi is portrayed as an idealist who dreamed of a better world.  However, he also saw the world with its flaws. Gandhi’s contributions and biography are detailed in this beautifully illustrated book.  Anyone who reads this book and thinks about peaceful protest will recognize the contributions of this man who abhorred racism and the mistreatment of his fellows.

This book is highly recommended.  It is a book for our time and, hopefully, will influence our youngest as they grow.  Mahatma means “great soul.”  This man certainly had one.

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

#MahatmaGandhi #NetGalley

What a man: Jackie Robinson-Athletes Who Made a Difference by Blake Hoena

This graphic novel tells the story of Jackie Robinson from the time of his birth as his parents fifth child on through his many achievements and challenges. This title tells Mr. Robinson’s story well.

The author notes that Jackie’s early years were marred by the racial tensions in his town and the absence of his father.  Still, one place where he was comfortable and excelled was a ball field.

The book goes on to follow Jackie as a teen when both he and his older brother, an Olympic athlete, excelled at sports. Jackie  played football, basketball, baseball and track.  However, his life and education were disrupted by WWII and the continued racism that he faced.

The author acknowledges the many achievements of Jackie Robinson as he played baseball in the Negro Leagues and eventually played as the first African American on a previously all white major league team.  Jackie played to jeers from many in the crowd but persevered.  He was truly a gifted athlete and man.

This moment in time seems like a perfect one to remember and honor Mr. Robinson.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  August 4, 2020

#JackieRobinson #NetGalley

Recently published: Trick Yourself to Sleep 222 Ways to Fall and Stay Asleep from the Science of Slumber by Kim Jones

Having trouble sleeping? Maybe always? Maybe sometimes? If your answer is yes, this book is worth a look. It is full of tips for sleep, organized by different types of “tricks.” A few of the chapter headings include Mind Tricks, Food and Drink Tips, Breathing Trick and Tips of Taking the Stress Out of the Day. The suggestions are short and practical and definitely designed to be helpful. Readers will know some of them but maybe not all.

This title is worth a look. It can be read in any order and may just help you to get more zzzs.

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

#TrickYourselftoSleep #NetGalley

Now out: Mila Has Two Beds by Judith Koppens

This is a lovely picture book that matter of factly tells the story of Mila. Mila’s parents are divorced. She spends two nights with her dad, followed by two nights with her mom. Things are different at the two houses, everything from how to get there to a different toothbrush and a different way of being tucked in at bedtime. But Mila knows, and wants listeners to know, that both parents love her.
This book is a great resource that will help a young child who is experiencing a parents’ divorce or separation. It can also help children to understand the lives of some of their peers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#MilaHasTwoBeds #NetGalley

Let’s make something: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Crafting with Kids 25+ fun and easy craft projects to inspire you and the little ones in your life by Vicki Manning

Lots of parents are currently at home with their children…and their kids are bored.  This book may provide some relief.  It includes over twenty craft activities that can be done (relatively) easily.  Information on materials needed is provided.  Make stick wands, clay robots, a clothespin butterfly, a treasure box and more.  For each craft there are clear directions and illustrations.  If you think it might be time to try something new, give this book a try with a young person in your life. The author observes that doing so could lead to bonding between adults and children, improved fine motor skills and more.

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

Pub date:  June 9, 2020

#TheGrownUpsGuidetoCraftingwithKids #NetGalley

Feel better: A Guide to Happiness Using Mindfulness and Meditation by Tara Ward

Was there ever a time when people wanted more to feel better?  This book is about some ways to improve one’s life, by becoming more internally at peace, through the use of mindfulness and meditation.  I think that it is worth a look.

The author offers a number of activities to explore on the way to feeling better.  There is also a “happiness plan” for readers to complete.  This offers something concrete to look at when reflecting on happiness in one’s life.

Right in the first chapter, there is a mini meditation.  This sets the tone for what will follow and provides readers with a sense of what to expect.  In this chapter, as in all of the others, the author also gives an example from her personal experience.  If you are a person who can sit mindfully this book could be for you.  It could also be for you if you would like to add a few minutes of calm reflection to your day.

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