Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

I remember Ramona Quimby and her family from both my own childhood and those of my children. Because of so many happy memories, I was thrilled to receive this book from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The author of this title gives ample attention to the difficulty of writing a book that will engage and appeal to young readers. Of course, she notes Beverly Cleary’s skill in this regard. The author also reminds readers that the illustrations of Ms. Cleary’s books were not static but evolved over the decades. For us, this may mean that some sections of the book evoke more nostalgia than others.
Joyously readers will spend time not only with Ramona but also Beezus, Henry Higgins, Ribsy and more. In addition to the many illustrations, there are excerpts from the books. If this makes you smile, you will definitely delight in this volume.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheArtofRamonaQuimby #NetGalley

I have enjoyed spending time with Hannah Swenson and those around her since Ms. Fluke wrote the first in this series. The Chocolate Chip Murder.  With its bakery setting to make you hungry, and the recurring characters and relationships, it is a good series for lovers of cozy mysteries.

This time, as the title states, the story takes place around Christmas.  Who is the John Doe who cannot remember much but knows a lot about antiques?  Why is he in Hannah’s small mid-Western town?

Along with this mystery, readers will enjoy spending time with Hannah, her sisters and the other folk who live in Lake Eden.  As a bonus, there are lots of recipes included too.

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

pub date:  September 29, 2020

#ChristmasCupcakeMurder #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Do you read lots of mysteries?  Do you think that you could be a good detective?  Do you enjoy puzzle books? If your answers are yes, you will surely enjoy this title.

The author presents 65 short cases that the reader is invited to solve.  Test your wits and wile away some time most pleasantly as you go through the cases. Some I could solve but others not.  I really enjoyed this book.

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

pub date:  September 15, 2020

Hope you see something that interests you.  I recommend The MoonSpinners and all of the other titles by this author (not very expensive) for those who enjoy a good escape.  I bought Bibliophile as I found the illustrations to be quite charming.  Enjoy!

This is another in the excellent series of biographies for beginning chapter book readers. This time the story of Helen Keller, her life and achievements is engagingly told. Helen’s story is put into the context of her time; she was born in the South not long after the Civil War to a family that had owned slaves.
Young readers will learn that Helen’s life was changed forever when she became ill at 19 months of age. She would never hear or see again. Readers will find out how Helen reacted, began to adapt and what and who changed her life, again forever.
Helen studied, learned to read, write, speak and more. She attended college and became an activist and inspiration to many. She went on to meet more than a dozen presidents, testified before Congress and was involved with the ACLU>
This book has winsome illustrations. As in all the titles in the series, there are extras including a bibliography, a family tree, questions to think about, a quiz and more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another good entry in a good series. All opinions are my own.

#TheStoryofHelenKeller #NetGalley

Remy, a tuxedo cat, befriends a Calico cat whom he names Callie.  The two enjoy playing together with Remy taking the lead.  While Remy purrs all of his communications (com-mew-nications?) , Callie never purrs.  She speaks expressively, for example nodding.

The rest of this picture book is about looking for Callie’s voice.  Will she find it?  If yes, what will lead to her purring?

This book gives kids a couple of messages.  One is that friends don’t have to have the same abilities to enjoy each other’s company.  Another is that it is okay to do things in one’s own time.

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

pub date:  October 6, 2020

#TheAdventuresofRembrandttheTuxedoCat #NetGalley

I very much enjoy doing puzzles so I was excited to see this title and looked at it right away.  The author observes that these short puzzles can be solved in just a minute or two.  Well, some took me longer than that and I wish that I remembered my Algebra better but I still am enjoying them.

This is an engaging and fun book.  Anytime the reader has a bit of time, they can try to stretch their thinking skills with this one. This title could also be a good book for a car trip where the puzzles could be read aloud and solved.  They would certainly help to pass the time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date: September 15, 2020

#60SecondBrainTeasersPencilFreePuzzles #NetGalley

Mystery, a free autobiography and one for a child in your life.  Enjoy.

This book opens with a child observing that Daddy works very hard.  In this rhyming story, the daughter tries to help.  For example, she adds some jewelry and a hat to dad’s outfit.  She makes a meal for her dad with a sweet bill that offers a hug and does not ask for payment. The two continue to enjoy their day until, finally, it is time for bed! What is sweet in this book is the warm relationship between the parent and the child who feels securely loved.

This story is from a Christian publisher so there is a bit of religion in the book.  For example there is a bedtime prayer.  The book is a companion the the publisher’s other title, How to Get a Mommy to sleep.

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

pub date:  September 1, 2020

#HowtoGetaDaddytoSleep #NetGalley

This audio book includes Alice’s Adventures in  Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and, the less well-known, A Tangled Tale.  This title can be enjoyed by both adults and children, perhaps on a long car trip when looking for something good to occupy one’s time.  The imaginative stories will appeal to kids while, as I learned in a class a few years ago, it was the first book to be told from the child’s point of view.  The narration is soothing, in a good way.  This is another in a series of classics that has been released by the publisher.  I have also listened to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Persuasion.

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

#TheWonderlandCollectionSeasonsCollection #NetGalley