Not so plain: A Plain Vanilla Murder (Albert)

#AplainVanillaMurder #NetGalley

I have been reading about China Bayles ever since the first novel in the series was published. I enjoy the main characters and their relationships with one another. The series has built over time as characters have become involved in marriages, work together, have children, etc. I am always happy to pick up with the folks in Pecan Springs again. Chna’s voice is folksy and welcoming; when giving back story she speaks directly to the reader.

In A Plain Vanilla Murder, there is, of course, murder and more…no spoilers here though; you will need to read the book. Along the way the reader will learn a great deal about the vanilla trade, orchids and ethical practices.

All of the pieces of the mystery come together in a satisfying way. The side stories, for example about Ruby’s daughter’s partner’s pregnancy were also welcome and reminded me that a theme in this book was motherhood, both pending, past and current.

I already look forward to the next to come in the series. Keep writing Ms. Albert.

So…spend some time in the Hill Country of Texas. You will enjoy your stay.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for this advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

 

Recently published: Mindful Bea and the Worry Tree (Silver)

This is another entry in the series published by the American Psychological Association. Thanks to them and to NetGalley for the e-galley of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

The illustrations in this book are appealing and much of the text is rhyming. Bea is expressive throughout. Bea starts out as a pretty happy kid. However as Bea starts to think about her birthday party, she begins to worry about all that could go wrong. She perseverates in her thinking and her worries grow and grow, as shown in the illustrations of the willow branches with leaves. Plenty of space is given to Bea’s concerns. Her mother tries to help and Bea also helps herself through mindful breathing, a good technique and one that is empowering.

I think that this book could be helpful to children who experience excessive anxiety. I also feel that it would be important to talk with whoever is reading this book, as they may feel more worried as they see all of the things that Bea worries about. This story serves as a reminder that children’s anxieties should be respected and addressed, not jollied away. It is another helpful entry in a helpful series.series.

For young logophiles (lovers of words): The Dictionary of Difficult Words (Solomon)

#TheDictionaryOfDifficultWords #NetGalley

This is a dictionary, but not a typical one.  It is designed for children who are intrigued by words or who could use something to help them to become more interested in words and reading.  Appealingly illustrated and wisely selected, the entries are entertaining and informative.

The author playfully suggests ways to read the book.  A few examples include back to front, front to back, by opening to a random page, etc.  The idea is that exploring words should be intriguing.  Before getting started, there are a couple of helpful sections; one describes the parts of speech and another offers hints for decoding some words (for example phile referring to loving something).

The words themselves are appealing.  Some, even if arcane, I knew while others I came across for the first time.  Often difficult to pronounce or spell, the child who learns them will feel mighty clever!

This book deserves its place in homes and schools.  It is a perfect book to browse through and enjoy.

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

Let your young reader give this one a chance: Chance’s Choice (Royce)

#AspcaPawPalsChancesChoice #NetGalley

Do you know a child who loves animals, especially dogs? If yes, this is a wonderful beginning chapter book for them. It is part of the ASPCA kids series.

In this entry, Meg has moved to a new town after many prior moves. She is not happy! Meg decides that she will not unpack and will not make friends since she will only have to leave them. She would love a dog but her parents say no. Again, she is not happy. What happens? Young readers will enjoy finding out as they spend time with Meg, her cousin, Blanca (a child from the neighborhood) and others . They will also find out how Chance, an abandoned pup, becomes a dog with a special talent. Let your young reader find out what he can do.

This story has short chapters, illustrations and paw prints. All of these engage the reader. The book ends with information about a dog who does what Chance does.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun chapter book. All opinions are my own.

Now out: Goodbye, School(Lippert)

#GoodbyeSchool #NetGalley

This is another entry in the excellent series of books published by the American Psychological Association. Goodbye, School is about Franny who is leaving her school. The reader does not know why but assumes that she is most likely moving. In any event, the reason matters less than the process.

This story is about the importance of saying goodbye, not being whisked away. Even with sadness, the ritual is important. The reader watches as Franny revisits her classroom, sees her teacher and spends time outside. She says her final goodbye when she is ready.

As always, there is a helpful section for caregivers at the end of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley in exchange for my honest review.

This book will be a welcome resource for elementary school teachers, camp counselors, scout troops: you name it, really anywhere that kids with imagination congregate.  Some music concepts are taught but, more importantly, kids are encouraged to use their resources, be creative and make music.  There are so many ways to do this; to name a few-fill water glasses with differing amounts of water and tap on them, hum, sing, make instruments from what you find in the kitchen, conduct, sing in harmony…the ideas are plentiful.

I enjoyed this look at how to help children to develop a love of music.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Now out: You are Never Alone (Kelsey)

I think that the author says it best:

” I want to look every kid in the eye and say, ‘No matter what is happening in your life, you are never alone.” This author would like for children to have some sense of hopefulness about their daily world and the planet that we all share. She expresses optimism about the ways in which nature replenishes the environment.

This book has truly lovely illustrations. They are charming and imaginative and suit the text perfectly. This book will be a welcome addition to young nature lovers bookshelves.

Please note: Some of the facts presented may be slightly off putting to children, as for example, noting the micro-organisms on our skin.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance read in exchange for my honest opinion

A Great Man: Little People, Big Dreams; Mahatma Gandhi (Vegara)

#MahatmaGandhi #NetGalley

TThis is a wonderful entry in a wonderful series.  With its lovely and appealing illustrations, along with a simple (yet profound) story line, this book gives young readers a chance to learn more about a most impressive man.  Even as an adult, I learned things about Gandhi that I had not known while reading this book.  Gandhi was a man who stood up (and sat down) for his beliefs in equality and self-government, always invoking peaceful protest.  He is a man to be admired.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another entry in a most favorite series.  All opinions are my own.