The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered (Jack Kurland)

#TheCatWhoCouldntBeBothered #NetGalley

This is a children’s picture book about a cat who wants to do nothing. He turns down all invitations, even one to become a cat-stronaut. Finally, one animal tries to dig a little deeper. What is found out?

This is a book that is, I think, about empathy. One message is that it can be better not to be alone. I am curious to learn more about readers’ reaction to the final page.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

Lenny Henry (Maria Isabel Sanchez Vergara)

#LennyHenry #NetGalley

This is another good entry in the long running series that can always find a new little person with big dreams to profile. This time the spotlight turns to Lenny Henry. Humor has been a part of his life since childhood as is well demonstrated here. In addition to the ways in which humor helped Lenny both personally and professionally, the comedian founded Comic Relief, thereby helping many others.

This book is illustrated in a fun style. As always, there are additional facts at the back of the book.

Anyone collecting this series, will want to add Lenny Henry to their pile.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 February 2024

For young pony lovers: Posey’s Problem (Kathy Simmers)

#PoseysProblem #NetGalley

This is a very sweet book and one that I highly recommend for young riders who love their ponies. It would make a perfect gift for them.

Posey is a pony. She loves her rider and is dismayed when her little girl outgrows her. This story, told from Posey’s point of view, watches as Posey teaches new kids but misses her old ones. Young children will I think be sensitive to how Posey feels. They will also love the ending of the story.

The illustrations in this book are really special. Study the details. The illustrator knows horses and her gentle illustrations perfectly enhance the text.

Again, this would make a terrific gift for a horsey child. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bound to Happen Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 December 2023

What is: The Curse of Penryth Hall (Jess Armstrong)

This book has generated a fair amount of buzz. It won a first mystery contest sponsored by the publisher along with the Mystery Writers of America. It is also an Amazon Editor’s Pick and a title that I have seen on some best books of the year lists. Kirkus Reviews states that this book is “An intriguing and altogether enchanting mystery.”

So…is it for you? It will be if you like gothic novels and old, rundown family homes/fortresses. You will like this one if you like a Cornwall setting and the 1920s time period. This book will intrigu thosewho want to spend time with an unconventional heroine who was a rebel and inherited a fortune upon the death of her parents. If you like a troubled marriage and mysterious (possibly even supernatural) deaths, turn the pages. And there is more.

The Curse of Penryth Hall is a fun and intriguing read. I enjoyed the getting to know Ruby and those around her. A lot goes on. Not all may be fully tied up but this is still a pretty good first novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 December 2023

There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)

Any reader who enjoyed Hallett’s The Appeal will undoubtedly be thrilled by the return of the Fairway Players. This time they are working on a Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk (and oh, that stalk!) Once again, there is trouble ahead in this uniquely told tale.

Two young attorneys, known to readers of the first book, are given a series of documents and asked to figure out what evil deed(s) may have transpired. Readers can try to solve the case as they read the documents along with Femi and Charlotte.

I loved the snarkiness of aspects of this novella. Anyone who has ever gotten an overly braggy Christmas letter from a friend or family member will grimace in recognition at the one that starts the story. The responses to it are pretty funny.

Those who enjoy Christmas mysteries and who are looking for a quick read will, I think, enjoy this book. I did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book was published in October 2023

From the Publisher

The Christmas Appeal

The Glory of Designs by Women (It’s About Time) – The New York Times

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute reimagines the record of fashion, celebrating designers known but also those long, and wrongly, forgotten.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/12/07/arts/design/women-designers-met-museum.html

THINK about this if you read The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester. Reviewed on my blog