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

“Everyone” always says that London cabbies are among the best. They are expected to know more, it seems to me, than taxi drivers in many other cities, including my own. Having this perspective, and having been in London cabs, I was intrigued by this title which turned out to be a fun one.
The book has been written and compiled by a London driver so it has authenticity. Learn about what needs to mastered in The Knowledge and know that it is not easy.
(Fans note that mystery writer Martha Grimes wrote a novel with the title, The Knowledge. It alludes to the drivers of London.)
On my last trip to London, I stayed in Kings Cross. Despite that insider experience, I could not answer most of the questions on the area. It is clear that I will not become a driver anytime soon. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed this diverting read which, in addition to the questions, includes maps, commentary and more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheLondonCabbiesQuizBook #NetGalley

     The titles by Donna Leon and Julia Spencer Fleming are highly recommended, although it can be good to read JSF in order because of the developing relationships between the characters.  The Printed Letter Bookshop will be enjoyed by bibliophiles.  It is reviewed on my site.  Happy reading.

Just looking at the cover of the latest entry in this excellent series makes me smile. Young Ernest invites young readers into his world in this well illustrated book.
Children learn early on that Ernest’s family had lived in the same village for over 150 years! How far away did his interest in exploration take him? How did he do it? Well, the author notes that Shackleton had four important qualities that would serve him well; optimism, patience, idealism and courage. He also knew that it was important for people to work as a team. Off Shackleton went one day with men, dogs and more including a cat named Mrs. Chippy to go on an amazing voyage. Readers learn that there was adversity and a need for courage in the journey. How did it end? Readers will enjoy finding out!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This book is an inspiring entry for youngsters who dream of adventure.

pub date: September 1, 2020

#ErnestShackleton #NetGalley

Rescue Me is a free short story by Cathy Bramley. It is a sweet tale about a woman, a girl and a dog. Who rescues whom? You will find out as you read this enjoyable short story about Fearne, Ethel and Scamp. This is a lovely story that is a quick read. As a bonus, readers will be introduced to the author’s next novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#RescueMe #NetGalley

Although adults hope to protect children from difficult situations and feelings, this is not always possible.  There are times when life events cause even young children to feel tremendous grief and sadness.  This book provides a welcome resource for those times.

Reading this book with a child will normalize their feelings and assure them that it is important to talk about them.  The author provides many examples of situations that may cause sadness and also shows the many different ways in which a child may be affected.  This allows the book to be helpful for many different situations.  In addition, there are suggestions of things that a child can do  to cope.  For example, talking with a trusted adult or expressing emotions through art or music.

This illustrated and short book is a wonderful resource.  It is highly recommended.

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

#WhyDoIFeelSoSad #NetGalley

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In this illustrated entry in a fine series for beginning chapter book readers, children will get to know Wilbur and Orville Wright. How did these brothers do the seemingly impossible and build an airplane that flew (in 1903)? The author suggests that they were aided by a family that encouraged exploration, good problem solving skills and wide ranging imaginations. Although born into a world without cars, light bulbs or telephones, with creativity and talent they solved a problem from as far back as DaVinci’s time. It was not easy and they faced many health and other challenges as they did their work. Children will enjoy and be inspired by their work.

As is true for all books in this series there are extras including time lines, a family tree, questions to think about, a quiz and more. This book will engage its target audience who will learn a good deal.

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

#TheStoryoftheWrightBrothers #NetGalley

So many good choices here.  I highly recommend Becoming Mrs. Lewis.  My review of this title is in my archive.  A true five star read for me.

This is a very simple, cutely illustrated book for toddlers. Young children will find out that Mia and Molly are the same in many ways and that they also are different in some ways. Little ones will enjoy seeing what Molly and Mia do over the course of the day in this sweet book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  October 13, 2020

Pub date:  September 1, 2020