A challenge: The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids

A Mind-Bending Book to Test Your Logic

#TheUltimateRiddleGameforKids #NetGalley

Following an introduction are chapters entitled Tricky Quick Hitters, Math Monsters and Sneaky Stories and, of course, one called Answers. Although this is called a game, solvers can work on the challenges in a solitaire fashion should they prefer.

Try not to get frustrated. Lateral thinking, an ability to think “outside the box” will be helpful in solving these puzzles.

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

Pub date: 22 November 2022

Would you like to stay at: Hotel Splendide

by Ludwig Bemelmans

#HotelSplendide #NetGalley

He is best known for his delightful tails about Madeline. Anyone who recalls those stories with fondness may enjoy spending time with the author in this amusing title. Included here are fifteen chapters about life at a fictional hotel that is based upon the New York Ritz. Relax, travel back in time to the 1920s and enjoy this memoir of a bygone time.

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

Pub date: 22 November 2022

Such a well known mother: Marmee

A Novel

by Sarah Miller

#Marmee #NetGalley

Anyone who has read Little Women, whether once or many times, knows exactly who Marmee is. She is the mother of the famous March girls. Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy love her very much and rely upon her, especially while their father is awat as a Civil War chaplain. They also aspire to be like her.

Those who recall the novel with fondness and who would like a slight change of perspective, will enjoy this story that is told from Marmee/Margaret/Peg’s point of view. The story line includes well known events from Alcott’s novel while adding a deeper insight into the woman who was Marmee. I enjoyed spending time with her and seeing her as a more human and less idealized figure. Just one of my favorite quotes from the novel is: “Criticizing others is so often a circuitous way of praising ourselves. ”

This book will be enjoyed by fans of Little Women and historical fiction fans in general. Its use of diary entries brings the reader close to Marmee’s thoughts. Be sure to read the author’s note as well for her perspective.

Many thanks to William Morrow/Mariner and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 October 2022

Can you walk it: The Stoic Path

The Golden Sayings

by Epictetus

This title is one that asks the reader to pay attention and to consider the words on the page. They were written by a Greek philosopher of the Stoic school. There is much wisdom here for the thoughtful reader. Go in order or simply browse. See if anything speaks to you about how to live your life.

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

Pub date: 09 August 2022

A WWII set story: The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey

#TheBeantownGirls #NetGalley

For those who may not know, Beantown is a nickname for Boston, Massachusetts. The three protagonists of this novel, leave the area during WWII and head to Europe where they will work as, what were known as , Red Cross Clubmobile Girls.

Fiona is motivated by the upending of her life when her fiance is reported missing. She takes two friends along. Viviana looks forward to adventure while Dottie is less outgoing but has a talent for music. All three will be challenged by their experiences and will grow over the course of the novel. Follow them as they do in this long historical novel.

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

Pub Date 05 Feb 2019

Other opinions:

“Healey relied on diaries, letters, and other records left by real-life Clubmobile Service girls to create this straightforward tale serving a slice of WWII history.” —Booklist

“While the characters are fictional, Healey meticulously researched these women and based much of the book on historical events and information gathered from primary sources, thus giving the reader the fullest sense of what these women accomplished.” —Historical Novel Society

Yes, you: All of Us

by Gökçe İrten

#AllofUs #NetGalley

This book celebrates how we, kids in this instance, are all alike in so many ways. The author acknowledges universal actions and feelings that connect people as humans. Interesting illustrations accompany the text. Along with the painted artwork, there are moments when photos come into play. Sometimes these are rather playful as, for example, when Einstein’s head is put on a drawn figure.

This book offers a nice way to encourage tolerance and acceptance without actually naming those terms. It is a “show” and not “tell” text which makes it feel more authentic.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Princeton Architectural Press. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 October 2022