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

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

I absolutely loved The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.  Her most recent book, The Book of Dreams was wonderful as well, even as it made me cry.  I read and reviewed Rodham which I enjoyed.  I also liked Hawaii when I read it many years ago; I hope that it has held up.  Enjoy!

The multi-cultural cover of this book showcases what is to be found inside.  Each letter of the inclusive alphabet has a drawing, a word and a definition.  For example B is for Bindi, C is for Christian, H is for Hispanic, I is for immigrant…until Z is for Zulu.  This book for the youngest children gives them a chance to see the diversity in our world.

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

#DisforDiversity #NetGalley

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It is clear that the author of this title loves horses and wants to share what he knows about them with young people. This illustrated book includes photos and diagrams that detail each of the horse’s systems from the dermal to the nervous to the digestive and more.. There are many facts and bits of history included as well.
This book will be loved by kids who want to know about a horse’s insides as that is what is featured. For those readers, this book will be a hit.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  September 15, 2020

#InsideOutHorse #NetGalley

Do you know a spy in the making? Maybe a child between the ages of 7 and 10 who is looking for a fun read? If so, I recommend this title that tells the stories of twenty real life spies. They lived at different times and in different countries but all had intriguing lives and experiences. Two of the many entries in this title are on Alan Turing and Hedy Lamarr. I enjoyed getting a child’s eye view of their contributions and accomplishments.

I recommend this title. It will engage young readers.

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

#TheSecretLifeofSpies #NetGalley

Few developmental milestones preoccupy parents as much as potty training.  Especially for first time parents, it may feel as if their child will never master this skill, even as other little ones in their circle do.  (They will!)

Here to help are the authors of this empowering title.  It address this normal phase in a toddler’s life. The story is for children and parents to share. The book then ends with some guidance for adults.

In the story JoJo does not like wet diapers but is not ready to stop wearing them. Kai likes to sit on the potty but is not quite ready to use it without his diaper on.  Jack tries without luck and Ava has an accident in her underwear.  All are responded to warmly by the adults around them who encourage their efforts.  Parents can just read the story or they might engage with their toddler to see which child they feel like.

The multi-cultural illustrations are charmingly reminiscent of those of Helen Oxenbury.  They greatly add to the book’s appeal.

The note to parents and caregivers is very helpful.  It includes a section on the factors that lead to a child being ready for toilet training.   There are also suggestions for ways to help a child through this developmental phase.

This title is part of a series called Terrific Toddlers.  Each addresses an every day issue that parents/caregivers and children face.

Many thanks to the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review of this book which will be published in November 2020.

 

How do you start your day?  Do you wake up ready to pop out of bed and get going?  Do you wake up a bit grumpy or more slowly?  Do you delight in the early morning hours or just want to put the covers back over your head while you know you can’t?

Whoever you are and however you are in the a.m., you might like this collection of 365 morning reflections.  The book’s layout is appealing with pages that are pastel colored and there are some lovely photos as well.   Some of the thoughts and sentiments expressed may sound familiar, even as they will give you something to contemplate while you get ready to begin the day.

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

pub date:  September 8, 2020

#SunriseGratitude #NetGalley

Mystery, literary fiction, James Baldwin…are any of these for you?