A mystery set in a Catholic Girls’ School: The Secrets of Bones A Mystery by Kylie Logan

This is the second book in a new series by this author. It can be enjoyed by those who did not read the first book, The Scent of Murder, although readers may want to read both entries.
I liked both the characters and the setting of this book. Jazz, the protagonist, works in a Catholic school run by Sister Eileen. Eileen and Jazz are portrayed as quite human as are many of the other characters including Jazz’s (former) police officer boyfriend, teachers at the school and the teen aged students. The Catholic school where the body of a former teacher is found seemed very authentic as did the voices of the students.
The mystery centers around the murder of a teacher who believed that she could speak with angels. What happened to her? To whom was she a threat? As is true with cozy mysteries in general, readers know that the case will be solved and will enjoy following to learn how this is done.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the time that I spent reading this title.

Feel calm and good: Meditation for Kids 40 Activities to Manage Emotions, Ease Anxiety, and Stay Focused by Tejal V. Patel

So we have had many days now of being inside and tempers and moods may vary.  Are your children struggling?  If they are (and even if they are not), this illustrated book is filled with good mindful activities.  As the subtitle notes, the activities could help children to “manage emotions, ease anxiety and stay focused,”  things that all of us could use really. Chapters include Rise and Shine, Focus Your Mind, Open Your Heart, Explore Your Imagination, and Relax and Let Go.  There are then things to try.  The book also includes a helpful introduction for adults.

Each activity is explained clearly and suggestions are given for when an activity may be helpful and why it works.  My impression is that doing some of these activities with children, especially now, could be very helpful.  Adults could try them too.

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

#MeditationforKids #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Teach your child meditations they’ll love doing, like these:

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Happy Dragon Breaths

BREATHING BREAK: To Boost Your Mood

Sometimes you feel like a grumpy dragon but don’t know why. All you have to do to be a happy dragon is blow out all your fire into the sky. Getting rid of your fiery grumpiness will make you feel happy any time of day.

Healing Hummingbird

MINDFUL MOMENT: Humming to Heal

Hummingbirds are always happy because they hum all day. Let’s give it a try.

Stop-Sign Breath

BREATHING BREAK: To Stop Racing Thoughts

Does your mind ever feel like a noisy, busy city? Like your thoughts are in a big traffic jam and too many cars are racing through your head? When the beeping horns make it hard to focus, be the crossing guard and STOP traffic.

Now out: The Dog Finding Your Forever by David Alderton

#TheDog #NetGalley

The photos in this book are so appealing that even if you don’t plan to have a pet, you may enjoy flipping through the pages. Included are suggestions for the dog to choose based on what a person needs. There are dogs for beginners, family friendly dogs, low and high maintenance dogs, hypoallergenic dogs and more. The book also includes two charts that, if completed, will assist in making good choices based on the owner’s lifestyle and different factors for each dog breed.

Each breed entry includes some history, an additional entry (history, changing roles, etc.) and a list of canine characteristics. There is also a helpful at a glance box.

For those who want to make an informed decision on the pup that might be best either in daydream or real life, this title is a fine resource.

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

The Story of Alexander Hamilton: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers) by Christine Platt MA

The Story of Alexander Hamilton: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers) by [Christine Platt MA]This title is part of a series of biographies for elementary school aged students.  It is a book with short chapters and many illustrations.  In addition, there are many sections to enhance a reader’s experience including “Jump in the Think Tank” with questions to consider, myth and fact sections, maps, timelines, a vocabulary list and a quiz.  All of these will reinforce learning.

Alexander Hamilton may well be known to kids because of Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical.  This awareness may entice them to want to learn more about this highly accomplished man.  Readers will discover that Hamilton faced tragedies, was an immigrant to the U.S., was antislavery and played pivotal roles during the Revolutionary War and after.  He also died as the result of practices during the times in which he lived.

This book could easily have a place in classrooms or could be enjoyed at home.  Even adults may learn some things about Hamilton that they did not already know.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

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Alexander believed he was born to lead

Though Alexander grew up on a small island in difficult conditions, he knew he would do great things. He loved writing and learning as much as he could. In 1773, Alexander arrived in New York City to go to King’s College, where he became known as a gifted speaker and writer. His writings and public speeches about the American revolt against England made many people want to help America gain independence.

He became an advisor to George Washington

Senior officers in the American army saw that people listened to Alexander. Because of this, several officers wanted him to be their personal assistant. One very important person was also watching Alexander: General George Washington, who asked Alexander to advise him. It was such a great opportunity that Alexander agreed to it. Together, they helped win the American Revolution.

Alexander earned his role as a Founding Father

Alexander was chosen to be part of the new government of the now independent nation. New York City was the first capital of the United States. There, George Washington became the nation’s first president on April 30, 1789. Alexander was asked to be secretary of the treasury, whose job it was to set up America’s money systems. The rest was history!

America wouldn’t be the same today without Alexander

From the work he did during the Revolutionary War to setting up the nation’s first bank and currency, Alexander helped make America the strong country it is today. He dedicated his life to leading and fighting for what he believed in.

A fun chapter book: Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Five by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo has written many wonderful children’s books including Because of Winn Dixie. She is a children’s author whom I admire so I was very happy to receive this title as an e galley.
This title is part of a series of chapter books about Deckawoo Drive although it is the first one that I have read. The tone is fun and entertaining. Stella, the verbal and precocious protagonist, is a second grader which gives a sense of the age a child might be to enjoy this book.
Young readers learn that Stella is thrilled with her second grade teacher, the beautifully named Tamar Calliope Liliana. All would be perfect in Stella’s opinion were it not for Horace Brown. What will happen in their relationship? Can they be friends?
Young readers will turn the pages to see what happens as the students in Miss Liliana’s class write poems with metaphors and as Stella and Horace are sent to the principal. What will happen to them? How will the day end?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This is a delightful book for either reading aloud or for children who are beginning to enjoy chapter books.

 

#StellaEndicottAndTheAnythingIsPossiblePoem #NetGalley

Now out: Vroom, Zoom! Here Comes The Fire Truck A Book with Sounds by Surya Sajnani

This is a lovely book for the youngest children. Illustrated in black, white, red, yellow and a bit of pink, it is very appealing to look at. The anthropomorphized vehicles are adorable. The text is simple and the physical book will have buttons to press for sound. An ideal book for little ones.

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

#VroomZoomHereComesTheFireTruck #NetGalley

Are you hungry? The Easy Puerto Rican Cookbook 100 Classic Recipes Made Simple

Callisto publishing has been issuing many wonderful cookbooks that are filled with recipes that seem very doable.  In my opinion nothing could be better for the current moment.  Since we are all eating at home more, it is nice to add a bit of variety.  This time,  the 100 recipes are for foods from Puerto Rico.  As can be seen from the cover, the dishes look delicious.  Just a few of the things that can be made are Puerto Rican style crab cakes, meat stuffed sweet plantains, tres leches cake (my favorite) and garlic rice with shrimp. Two things that I especially liked in this book are the section for recipes that take 30 minutes or less and the section of recipes that use five ingredients or less.

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

From the publisher:

Some of the many flavorful dishes inside:

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puerto rican cookbooks, puerto rican food, puerto rican books, puerto rican cooking

Pollo Frito (Fried Chicken)

Puerto Ricans use chicken in a lot of our recipes, so we’ll start with something that is pretty familiar but with a Puerto Rican twist. Simple fried chicken, packed with the flavor of our little island. Served with Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas), you have a plate of Puerto Rican soul food.

Churrasco (Skirt Steak)

Churrasco is just as easily served as a main course at a high-end restaurant as it is put on a toasted roll and served at a food truck. It is a versatile meat that is a great representation of Puerto Rican cuisine. It uses a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have.

Bizcochos de Ron (Rum Cake)

Rum cake is a popular dessert no matter where you go. In Puerto Rico it’s usually enjoyed as a holiday treat. The Puerto Rican version, Bizcochos de Ron, not only has rum in the batter but it’s also typically soaked in rum glaze as well.