These three are recent releases. Each is about seven dollars. I am currently reading An Unlikely Spy and will review it soon. I do like it.

Other bargains:

Uncle Vanya is free.

I am always delighted to settle in for another visit with Rowly, Edna, Clyde and Milton. Each of these characters is eccentric and interesting. We have an aristocrat, an artist, a poet and an artisan. Together they form a formidable quartet.

The Rowland Sinclair mysteries take place in the run up to WWII and in a world that feels rather ominous. Ms. Gentill always does her research and brings authenticity to both the setting and the background history of her stories. This time, I learned about Chiang Kai Shek, those who were pro or anti-Communist and the troubled relations between Japan and China. This history adds verisimilitude to the story.

The story begins as Rowly’s brother ( a more conventional sort) wants to send him and his friends to Shanghai to meet with those who may want to purchase Sinclair wool. Rowly is firmly instructed to equivocate in all of his business dealings. Can he?

The Shanghai that the protagonists visit is depicted as a city of immigrants and locals with many classes and nationalities in its society. For example, Rowly has a Chinese butler and an Indian driver.

As readers of the series know, where Rowly goes, trouble follows. In this novel, he meets a “taxi girl” named Sasha. She is reputedly from the Russian aristocracy. Alexandra now sells dances with her to those at the Cathay Hotel. This is quite a step down from her former life in her own country. Rowly dances with her…when the worst happens to Sasha and she is found dead in Rowly’s hotel room, there is a case to be solved.

This is an intricate and involving story. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I do think, though, that many readers will want to explore all of the titles after they finish this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Poems from When We Were Very Young

by A. A. Milne, Rosemary Wells

It is a perfect combination! Poems are by AA Milne and the illustrations are by Rosemary Wells of (justifiable) Max and Ruby fame. The verses are lighthearted and very much enhanced by the artwork and commentary of Miss Wells. At the back of the book is a list of vocabulary words that Ms. Wells calls old-fashioned words.

This looks like a terrific book for young children. They will enjoy the rhythm of the poems and the lively illustrations.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Narrating the World in Pattern and Color

by Sharna Jackson

This title is part of a series of children’s books. In each, an artist is featured; this time the talented woman is Faith Ringgold.

This is a wonderful book for kids who want to learn about art and politics; over the course of spending time with this title, they will see where the two intersect. The text is enhanced by the beautiful and engaging illustrations. On some pages questions are posed for kids to help them reflect on their own lives. There is additional information and also some suggested activities at the end of the book.

Faith’s story is well told, from her childhood in Harlem to her increasingly personal and successful career. Children learn about Ms. Ringgold’s travels and her belief in the rights of others and protesting for causes.

Before reading this book, I had known Ringgold as the author of the famous children’s story, Tar Beach. If you don’t know what a tar beach is, read the story with a child you know. I learned that there was so much more to Faith Ringgold that the little I had known.

I highly recommend this title and the others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Marilyn Monroe

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This entry in a favorite series tells the story of how Norma Jeane became Marilyn Monroe. Of course, adults know how complicated Monroe’s life was but this entry for children tells her story in a way that is appropriate for them.

Children learn that Norma Jeane’s mother was ill so young Norma grew up in an orphanage and with foster families. Her early love of going to the movies, her first marriage at a young age and other details of Norma Jeane’s life are matter of factly told.

Children see Norma rename herself Marilyn and become a movie star. Marilyn felt that she was realizing her big dream. Yet she did more. Marilyn was a trailblazer when she started her own production company.

This entry in the series nicely tells Marilyn’s story. The illustrations beautifully accompany the text.

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

The Wilde is free.

nyti.ms/3C30bS9

Today’s Book Review is worth getting if you can. It celebrates the Review’s rich 125 year history with reviews and more from the past century.

the world’s most stunning remote locations

by Finn Beales

This title will be welcomed by those who have wanderlust, even if they are not currently traveling. Organized by sections on Mountains, Wilderness, Coast, Ice & Snow, Lakes & Rivers, and Forests, it is filled with spectacular photographs and essays. I especially enjoyed the “Behind the Lens” sections in which the artists explain something about their craft.

As one example, I read the essay on the Cape Wrath Trail that takes Richard Gaston on a long (!) hike through northernmost Scotland. I felt his experience viscerally as, at moments, the rain poured down. The accompanying photos gave a good sense of place. This is true for all of the landscapes featured here.

For armchair adventurers who enjoy spending time in less usual places, this book could make a welcome gift. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title. All opinions are my own.

She Heard the Birds

The Story of Florence Merriam Bailey

by Andrea D’Aquino

This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of Florence Merriam Bailey. She was a child who loved nature and who was lucky enough to have parents who valued exposing her to the world around her. Florence especially loved birds. She studied them and did all that she could to ensure that they were allowed to live. Florence gave people tools for seeing and thinking about avian life that did not involve taking feathers for hats or shooting birds for sport.

This book, which also has some resources and additional information at the back, may be enjoyed by young children who are interested in the environment. Those who also love Miss Rumphius may enjoy this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opin