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

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

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.