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

I will start with the last sentence of the book first: “Mom does one job for her career, the others out of love.”

This is an amusing and sweet book for children and their parents. It shows a mom who goes to her day job and then comes home to more work. At home the mom is everything from a journalist to a DJ to an archaeologist as she interacts with her children and completes tasks around the house. For example, she is a DJ when she dances to music with her children.

The illustrations in this book are unique. The author has crafted felted figures. He then photographs them in the settings that he has chosen.

This is an enjoyable story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

#TheQuietCrocodileGoesToTheBeach #NetGalley

This book is most appealing as a hidden pictures adventure.  There are numerous objects to find in each two page spread.  Young children will also enjoy finding all of Fossil’s friends in the pictures.  The text is minimal.  Will Fossil go in the water?  Children will find out by the end of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a day at the beach.  All thoughts are my own.

I really liked this book and think that young beach explorers (and their adults) will too! It is filled with information, photographs, illustrations, stickers, suggested activities and more. There are many suggestions about things to look for and observe; everything from seabirds to plants to tides to sounds to shells and rocks and loads more. There are suggestions for games, building sandcastles and many other activities. At the back of the book is a facsimile of a diary entry in which a child can note the day’s adventures. The book is appealing and interactive. I recommend it highly!

#TheSchoolOfNumbers #NetGalley

Do you know a child who loves Math? Do you know one who doesn’t but you would like to change that? Both kinds of kids may very well enjoy this book that makes Math fun.

The book opens with a “Letter of Acceptance to the Starship Infinity Astro Academy” and invites your Cadet to “Prepare to Join Us as We Explore the Cosmos and Discover Some Mathematical Marvels.” Guided by the team, children will learn about topics including prime numbers, square roots, decimals, geometric shapes, graphs and charts, probability and much more. There are 40 lessons in all.

Throughout the text there are appealing, bright illustrations. Children move through three terms at the academy, after which they graduate.

This book will make math intriguing and encourage learning. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for taking me on this journey. All opinions are my own.

This book for young readers includes facts about 25 holidays.  Some of the celebrations are secular or national (Thanksgiving, July 4th, Bastille Day, Groundhog Day, Anzac Day), while others are religious (Easter,  Rosh Hashana, Christmas, Hannukah, Eid al Fitr).  In addition to the holidays and celebrations just mentioned this book features fourteen additional days to remember.  Throughout the illustrations are whimsical, bright and engaging.

This book will be a good addition to the school library shelves.  It is broadly based with holidays from all over the world including China, Japan, India, Africa and more.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.  I enjoyed celebrating with you.

Here are two books in this author’s Annie Darling series.  These are cozies set on an island that is part of South Carolina.  There are lots of references to mysteries throughout the novels as Annie has what sounds like the perfect mystery book shop!

#KawaiiOrigami #NetGalley

This is a book filled with paper folding/origami projects that look adorable.  Some of my favorites are the bento box. the cat & dog hearts, the tea bag and the dustpan & scoop.  The beginning of the book provides detailed instructions on the basic origami folds.  Each project is presented in step sequence with diagrams and illustrations.  If you enjoy origami, definitely take a look at this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-galley of a book filled with fun projects.  All opinions are my own.

This book is for toddler to preschool age children.  With illustrations that are colorful and reminiscent of Eric Carle and a simple text, young children can learn about how ladybugs help nature and nurture their young.  A cute book for introducing young ones to nature.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Tale from Nature.  The opinions are my own.

#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.