Dear Grandma

by Susanna Leonard Hill

This book is so engagingly illustrated! It is written in the form of a letter from a child to a grandmother. It shows the beauty, resilience, depth and breadth of that special relationship. The grandmother in this book is fun to play with, a listener, an encourager and so much more. She is simply a most important part of a child’s life.

This book ideally would be read with a grandmother whether in person or on Zoom. It is very sweet.

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

by Ton Mak

This title will be welcomed by introverts. With its gentle, green and white illustrations and its simple text, this book offers insight into both the inner and outer life of an introvert. Introverts will recognize themselves and feel accepted. Extroverts can read this book and better understand the introvert’s inner workings. This title could, additionally, be used in schools to help students to recognize different approaches to the world while encouraging acceptance and non-judgment.

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

Pub Date 09 Feb 202

A Novel

by T.A. Willberg

Some have compared Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder to Harry Potter and I can see why. There is a magical setting (Miss Brickett’s instead of Hogwarts), a special training (to be an investigator as compared to a wizard), orphans (Harry and Marion), ghastly relatives (Dudley and his parents and Marion’s grandmother) gadgetry, friendships, secrets, maps, mysteries, villains and more.

If all of this sounds good to you, think of giving this 1950s set mystery a read. I think that you will enjoy it.

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

A Pacific Northwest Counting Book

by Nikki McClure

This counting book is gorgeously illustrated with paper cut art. It celebrates the beautiful Salish Sea ecosystem. I met creatures that I have never before seen. There are, for example, two Banana Slugs, six Nudibranchs, 10 Sand lance and more. This book may well be enjoyed at least as much by adults as the children that they know.

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

Pub Date 09 Feb 2021

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This title is another in this educative and enjoyable series by Ms. Sanchez Vegara. This time children get to meet Stevie Wonder in this appealingly illustrated title.

Readers watch as little Stevie goes from banging on pots and pans to playing the harmonica and piano to…becoming Stevie Wonder! It is indeed a wonderful journey and an inspiring one.

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

Pub date: February 2, 2021

by Editors of Chartwell Books

This book poses a number of either or questions with the intent of encouraging discussion with others or one’s self. Many of the questions are lighthearted while others raise interesting questions as, for example, would you rather rule a superpower or a small country/ be president or a small town mayor. Others ask would you rather be a freshwater fish or a saltwater fish/have a noisy cat or a quiet dog/speak in a British accent or an Australian accent and so on. If these sorts of questions intrigue you, here you will find over 3000 of them.

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

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

Everyday Recipes to Make Healthy Eating Easy

by Editors of Chartwell Books

Are you or someone you know a vegan? If yes, this book is sure to be a hit. It is also a terrific resource for non vegans. Imagine so many recipes all accessible in one large volume. Included are ideas for breakfast, salads, soups, hearty comfort food, sweet treats and more. There is even a section called Quick and Tasty for when time is scarce.

It is impossible to list even a fractions of the recipes included in this compendium. Just a few are those for French Toast Maple Syrup Muffins ; Cauliflower Rice with Spiced Walnuts;, Coconut, Zucchini and Mushroom Soup; Three Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart; Vegetable Pastitsio and Chestnut and Mushroom Bourguignon. Each recipe has clear directions and there is a photograph to accompany each.

This is a wonderful resource. Enjoy!

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

Pub date: February 2, 2021

by Royal Horticultural Society

I absolutely adore this book and will buy it once it is released so as to have it in my home library.  The combination of verse and illustration is well executed.  Each of the poems evokes a sense of a place, a season, a feeling or more.  Starting with verses from Ecclesiastes and moving through poets in many time periods this book is an engaging resource.  Gardeners and flower lovers, those who enjoy poetry, give this one a look!

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

Pub date: February 16, 2021