by Christine L’heureux

This children’s title is really a cautionary tale for the adults in their lives. Caillou and Henry play together at school. When they leave the building Henry’s father is on the phone and ignores his son. In contrast, Caillou’s dad interacts with him.

At home, Caillou’s dad limits screen time and, when Caillou has time with a tablet, his dad plays a game WITH him, not letting the screen become a babysitter. After a specific amount of screen time, Dad reads a book with Cailllou.

Parents may read this book with their toddler to teach them limits and to remind them that there are other activities to enjoy. It also looks to parents to engage with their kids.

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

Thriving

Follow Your Dreams One Step at a Time

by Carey Jones, Illustrated by Bodil Jane

This vibrantly illustrated book would make a wonderful gift for a new grad or someone who is embarking on a new phase in their lives or someone who wants some succinct inspiration. The words are not necessarily new but that does not mean that they are less true or helpful because of that. The text is enhanced by the absolutely gorgeous illustrations and borders throughout this title. A great pick for the right person…or maybe yourself.

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

Jodi Picoult has a magical talent for writing novels that address social issues and concerns while, at the same time, offering readers an involving story with plot, character and a bit of education.

This time the background (and foreground) issue is the Covid epidemic. For some readers, it might still feel too close and they might want to skip reading this title. I would argue against that. In addition to re-experiencing some of the trauma, I was also reminded of how far life has come (at least for those who have been vaccinated). This, of corse, does not mitigate the deep losses that so many experienced in the real world.

The protagonist of this novel is Diana. When the story opens, she is working for Sotheby’s and is in a relationship with a surgical resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Diana is working with a client who seems to be based upon Yoko Ono. Due to Diana’s work, readers are treated to some interesting art and music history. I enjoyably learned a lot about Toulouse Lautrec.

Diana and Finn are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Finn cannot/chooses not to go because of the emerging pandemic and his need to be at work. He encourages Diana to go on the trip and she does. Finn’s emails to Diana offer all of the horror of Covid, especially the early impotence that medical professionals felt in the wake of this tsunami of an epidemic.

Diana makes it to the Galapagos but is stranded there because travel is cut off. She manages to get settled, leading her to meet with a troubled adolescent, her father and her grandmother. They open Diana up to a new world. It is most likely no coincidence that our main character is living where theories of evolution were formed as she may be adapting and changing too.

The Galapagos are beautifully described and form a contrast to life in New York. Which place is right for Diana? Which relationship? What plot twists will Ms. Picoult bring to this, her latest novel? Read the book to find out. I highly recommend it.

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

“This Side of Murder?”

Anna Lee Huber’s novel, is an historical mystery that is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. A group of characters is stranded on an island, (think “And Then There Were None”), as the action unfolds. Widow Verity attends an engagement party weekend, while trying to find out whether her husband, Sidney, was a traitor during WWI. Not the most believable plot but Verity is a plucky character and one that I rooted for.  Book provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.  Thanks NetGalley!

So good to spend time with her: Eleanor by David Michaelis. Now in paperback

https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2020/07/01/so-good-to-spend-time-with-her-eleanor-by-david-michaelis/
— Read on joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2020/07/01/so-good-to-spend-time-with-her-eleanor-by-david-michaelis/

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Under the Sun, Moon, and Stars

by Laura Kosann

This illustrated story reads like a fairy tale. It is about a little girl who learns that she can dream big dreams. Along the way, various critters offer the little girl their wisdom and yet at the end of the story it comes back to the importance of believing in one’s self. This is surely an empowering message.

I very much liked that message. I wish that I had enjoyed the illustrations more, but possibly that is just a matter of personal taste.

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