Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

#WhatOnEarthBirds #NetGalley

This book is so inviting! The text has an appealing layout and the illustrations are bright and colorful. Children are invited to learn more about nature, specifically birds, through reading, observation and activities. Even as an adult, I learned so much.

There are chapters on everything from “What is a Bird?” to Bird Food, Bird Life and Behavior, to Enjoying Birds. There are lots of fun activities including: make a bird cake, make a winter birdbath, make a bird nest and paint an egg. Young ornithologists can learn about the evolution of birds, their habitats and sounds. This is a great resource that will encourage children to get outside and explore.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a wonderful book that will make my nature walks more inviting. The opinions expressed are my own.

From the publisher:

This is a lucky day for lovers of C S Lewis who want to add to their collections.

Also…not an e-book bargain but about C S Lewis and Joy Davidson in a novel.

An entry in the Maisie Dobbs series.  I have read every one and always enjoy them.  The series is best read in order but you could add this to a collection as, if you read one, you will most likely keep going.

From Booklist

#ArtStudioHorsesPonies #NetGalley

If you love horses and want to develop your talents and techniques for drawing them, this book will be an excellent guide. It is helpfully divided by mediums, types of horses and horse features and also includes numerous how-tos. The many tips and projects, along with the excellent photographs and illustrations, will help you as you progress. So much is demonstrated in these pages, even including how to sharpen your pencils! Enjoy your creations. They will be gorgeous.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

#TheWisdomOfSallyRedShoes #NetGalley

This is author Ruth Hogan’s second novel. I was quite moved by it and plan to read her debut, The Keeper of Lost Things. She has a talent for describing characters who are fully human, quirky and both struggling and trying their best.

The novel is about two women and those they know, love and/or have lost. Masha is a mother whose child disappeared a number of years ago and, although not found, was presumed to be dead. Masha has grieved for him and has struggled to progress in her life. The reader observes as she moves forward bit by bit, fortified by new and old relationships. Part of Masha’s story takes place at the lido, a favorite locale for me after reading Libby Page’s novel. As in that novel, swimming yields some peace.

Then there is Alice. She is a mother who is overprotective and very attached to her son. Her backstory is told with compassion and the reader comes to understand her struggles and decisions.

Sally, herself, is a elderly woman whose past history becomes known late in the novel. She is eccentric and a source of some of Masha’s healing. She reminds Masha of the importance of continuing to dance, both literally and metaphorically. Other characters include Kitty who has overcome her own tragedy.

While characters in this book have experienced loss, the story is not depressing. Ruth Hogan writes empathically and I was sorry when the novel ended. There is a twist that you might see coming but, even if you know, you can enjoy reading about it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. Ruth Hogan is an author to watch!

Advance Praise

#TheGreatBigBookOfLife #NetGalley

The Great Big Book of Life will be a welcome addition to home and library shelves. It is appealing in its layout, factual (and when appropriate humorous) in tone and has very appealing illustrations that remind me a bit of Helen Oxenbury. For extra fun while reading, look for all of the pictures and comments by the cat.

The book starts with an entry about before babies are born and moves through the life cycle until death by the end of the book. Early sections will appeal to young children who want to know what they were like as babies or perhaps have recently become older siblings and want to understand things like why babies cry, why they are supposed to be quiet when the baby is sleeping, etc. This short book moves forward from infancy through all of the stages of development including toddlerhood, the school and teen years, adulthood, older age, etc.

I found this book to be a helpful guide to questions children may have…or not even know that they had. I recommend it highly.

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

#KatieWoosNeighborhood #NetGalley

This entry in the Katie Woo’s Neighborhood series is for beginning readers.  It is a short chapter book with illustrations.  I especially liked the map of Katie Woo’s community at the beginning of the story.

Katie Woo’s aunt has become mayor.  This gives Patty a chance to see how government works and how decisions are made.  Luckily Mayor Patty is responsive to her voters’ needs.

The book ends with several special sections that dig more deeply into how city government works.  This will be helpful to young students who have not yet learned how city government works.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another good entry in this series for new readers.

#IrelandTheBest #NetGalley

This is an incredibly comprehensive and detailed guide to traveling in Ireland.   The book starts by acknowledging the country’s “famously big attractions” and also includes information on best annual events and “what the Irish gave to the modern world.” The next section on Dublin has 34 sections; many of these have to do with food and with drinks ranging from coffee to cocktails.  Of course, there is also a listing of Dublin’s main attractions, stores, walks and views.  There are similarly comprehensive sections on other cities including Belfast, Cork and thee Galway area.  In addition to many geographic area breakdowns, there are sections on historical places, outdoor places, strolls and more.  If you are thinking of traveling to Ireland (or dreaming of going), I highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  I only wish that I could hop on a plane now!

#BrilliantIdeasFromWonderfulWomen #NetGalley

This short book is about fifteen impressive inventions that were created by women.  To name just a few…the windshield wiper, the car heater, kevlar, medical diagnostic tests, the syringe, the life raft and early wifi technology.  A great book for women’s history month.   It hightlights women’s creativity and will remind children that good ideas can lead to new products that we all use.

This book has the perfect team of writer and illustrator.  The text is informative.  The illustrations are bold, humorous and very appealing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a fun and inspiring read.  Perfect for grade schoolers.

With simple vocabulary and cute illustrations, this book is designed to appeal to beginning readers. Ideally, the book is to be read by two children together with each taking a role. Early readers may enjoy showing off their skills with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.