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

For those who like British fiction, The Cazalet Chronicles is an excellent bargain.  Other good reads here as well.  Enjoy.

The Grimm Brothers wrote some of our best loved fairy tales. Here 211 (can you believe so many ?) are placed together in one lavishly illustrated volume. Revisit stories that you may already know including Hansel and Gretel; Cinderella and/or Little Snow White and then go on to read fairy tales and legends that may be new discoveries for you.

This book looks like it would make a wonderful gift, either to one’s self or a child in your life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheCompleteGrimmsFairyTales #NetGalley

This charmingly illustrated book for children is written by a ballerina which lends it authenticity. With multicultural students, the ballet teacher introduces them to dance.
This book is packed with information. The five positions, arm movements, twirls and more are all described and tried by the children. They even learn about the author’s favorite ballet, Sleeping Beauty.
This book for young students will give them lots to practice. Hopefully, it will encourage a fun love of dance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#WelcometoBalletSchool #NetGalley

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.

Pub date:  August 18, 2020

I loved this book with its sweet (pun somewhat intended) message that is ok to make mistakes and that mistakes are, indeed, just a part of life.  This is a perfect title for any child you know who may need to talk about their fears.  The illustrations are so warm and appealing while the simple story line shows how Lucy went from just fine to intimidated and back again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely read in exchange for an honest review

pub date:  September 15, 2020

#OopsIDroppedtheLemonTart #NetGalley

I found the Jenny Colgan title to offer a lovely escape.  I’ve reviewed it on the blog.  Hope you see something that interests you here.

Vanishing Falls was a unique read for me. It is set in Tasmania, a location new to me in mystery fiction. Evocative of place, the title refers to a most particular waterfall and the town of that shares its name. As regards setting, there is also an unusual house called the Calendar House. Readers will soon learn what this means.
There are richer and poorer living in Vanishing Falls, Among the rich is Celia who disappears. What happened to her? One of the key characters and through whose eyes some of the story is viewed is Joelle. She is a fully developed character with her own perspective. Joelle has her own complicated past as readers will learn and she is integral to the plot.
What happened? Why? Read this slower moving novel to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel tells the story of Jackie Robinson from the time of his birth as his parents fifth child on through his many achievements and challenges. This title tells Mr. Robinson’s story well.

The author notes that Jackie’s early years were marred by the racial tensions in his town and the absence of his father. Still, one place where he was comfortable and excelled was a ball field.
The book goes on to follow Jackie as a teen when both he and his older brother, an Olympic athlete, excelled at sports. Jackie played football, basketball, baseball and track. However, his life and education were disrupted by WWII and the continued racism that he faced.
The author acknowledges the many achievements of Jackie Robinson as he played baseball in the Negro Leagues and eventually played as the first African American on a previously all white major league team. Jackie played to jeers from many in the crowd but persevered. He was truly a gifted athlete and man.
This moment in time seems like a perfect one to remember and honor Mr. Robinson. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#JackieRobinson #NetGalley

What a cute ABC for little learners. To give a sense, A is for Aware; D is for Dream; I is for inspired; P is for Patience, and so it goes til Z is for Zen. This one is for parents who do their mindfulness to share with their babies. In addition to the peaceful words, there are sweet illustrations.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#BabyLovesCalm #NetGalley

This is a read aloud for a young audience.  Luke and Lottie go outdoors to enjoy some fall fun.  Most exciting for them is finding a hedgehog whom they help to get ready to hibernate.

The illustrations are very cut and go well with the simple text.  This book is a nice introduction to the season.

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