She was committed: Ruth First Never Backed Down (Danielle Joseph)

#RuthFirstNeverBackedDown #NetGalley.

This picture book will acquaint young students/children with Ruth First, a girl who grew up to fight apartheid in South Africa. Her story is simply and well told here and includes the difficulties she faced. Ruth was imprisoned, exiled from her country and lost her life after having been targeted by the government.

While Ruth is not as well known as someone like Nelson Mandela, this white, Jewish girl/woman fought for the cause that she believed in. It is time that her story was told and her passion and bravery recognized.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

This book is full of adventure: Ultimate Greek Mythology (L. J. Tracosas)

#UltimateGreekMythology #NetGalley

This title is a welcome addition to compilations of Greek myths for children. They are invited in to the stories and addressed as curious readers. Kids are quickly informed that myths originated in part to try to explain something (for example bad weather). They are assured that these exciting tales are stories and not real (there are no multi headed monsters for example). They are then encouraged to jump in.

This title is well organized. Part One is about “Essential Greek Mythology” and includes many characters, creatures and worlds. The other chapters have titles like Beginnings, Relationships (Echo and Narcissus for example), Bravery (one story is about Theseus and the Minotaur), Pride and Envy (King Midas is among the tales), and Glory and Loss (The Trojan Horse for one). In addition, there are both a glossary and reference section at the end of the book.

Throughout there are colorful illustrations and stories told in a modern way. Each tale includes boxes; one might ask “did you know?” while another may have some questions. These serve to further engage the reader.

This title provides a good introduction to the Greek myths. Interested readers may then graduate to other collections as they get a bid older and more sophisticated in what they understand.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist/Z Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 November 2023

Now out: A World of Winter Stories

Four stars: ****

This book drew me right in. I think that adults and children also will want to look inside these pages after seeing the appealing cover. Inside are stories from around the world. There are fifty in all.

The tales are organized by topic; to name a few, there are Birds and Beasts; Tricks and Troubles, ; Ice and Snow; and even some stories about Christmas. Each short entry is beautifully illustrated and is identified by the country where the story originated.

This book is one that would make for perfect bedtime story reading. These old fashioned stories can be enjoyed by both adult and child.

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

Get to know: Jurgen Klopp (Maria IsabelSanchez Vegara)

#JürgenKlopp #NetGalley

Often I know the little person who is portrayed in these titles but I was not familiar with Jurgen Klopp. I was pleased to learn more about this football loving German boy who grew up to be a fantastic coach and manager in his sport. He also sounded like a positive and encouraging person. His story is nicely told and illustrated here.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023