So many good choices here. I really like Dervla McTiernan’s books (The Scholar is here). Also highly recommend The Little Prince (though it is ostensibly a kid’s book) and Brideshead Revisited. I read part of The Canterbury Tales in college. They are a cultural icon.

www.nytimes.com/2020/12/04/books/review/crime-fiction-ten-best-2020.html

by Zoë Tucker

The publisher notes that this book is part of a series of books on friendships. It is an interesting lens through which to view the Beatles. In this brightly illustrated book, readers see John and Paul meet. Following on this is the gradual evolution of the group as George and Ringo are added. The four are shown as working hard and having a bit of stage fright but, of course, the music they played changed the world.

Adults who like the Beatles will enjoy this book along with the children in their lives. It is a reminder that even the most famous among us were once young and finding their way.

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

Pub date: January 5, 2020

The Moon and Sixpence, a fictionalized story about Gauguin is free. The Christmas stories is a true bargain at over 600 pages so I am including it for a second time.

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/December_2020_e_MOM_Print.pdf

A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals

by Claire Grace

This title is bright, colorful and packed with celebrations. It is organized by seasons. To give a few examples, spring occasions include St. Patrick’s Day, Hanami, Easter and Earth Day among others, while summer has entries on International Children’s Day, Barunga and Palio di Siena, for example. Autumn holidays include Diwali, Thanksgiving and The Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival among others and a few of the winter times include Bodhi Day, Chinese New Year and The Festival of the Dancing Masks.

Young readers can find out more about holidays they know while also broadening their knowledge of world culture and holidays. All in all, this is a very nice and inclusive title and a good one for home or school libraries.

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

pub date: January 5, 2021

With a Mirror!

by Jamia Wilson

This is a book that will teach the littlest listeners and lookers that they can aspire to do anything and everything. A child can grow up to “spread joy like Stevie Wonder” or to “reach for the stars” like Mae Jemison and so much more. A number of highly accomplished Blacks from many fields are here in this title including the Obamas, the Williams sisters and others. The illustrations are bright, colorful and represent their subjects well.

I recommend this title for all kids. It is a book that shows how full of amazing achievements people are.

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

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021