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

This brightly illustrated book contains three stories about Scaredy Monster for young readers. Poor Scaredy; he does not scare others but rather is scared of things himself. For example, in the first story Scaredy is very worried about losing a tooth; he is so worried that he tries to keep it in with peanut butter, marshmallows and more. Luckily Scaredy’s mother helps him through and he finds that losing a tooth is not so bad.
In Part Two Scaredy Monster gets his first two wheeler and after a scary experience does not want to ride any more. Once again, Mom helps him to face his fears as he learns to ride his bike
In Part Three, Scaredy Monster goes on his first sleepover. It is fun until it is not. Yet again, Scaredy learns to cope with the support of the adults around him.
This is a great book for kids. It takes their fears seriously while showing that they can cope. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

This book is geared towards three-to-six year olds and the adult who reads them a bedtime story. The author notes that, in the age of screens, it is more difficult for children to relax and get ready to go to sleep. One possible solution is to look at this book with a child once they are ready for bed.
Using stories and imagery from the constellations and mythology, a number of short tales are told. Alongside these are stretches, breathing exercises and other mindfulness activities to help a child become ready for sleep.
The author wisely suggests reading in any order and trying out activities even if you are not certain that your little one will engage. To me, it seems worth the effort.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this for this beautifully illustrated title in exchange for an honest review.

Sticking with light in the bargains.  Ireviewed the Jill Mansell book (see archive).  I recommend the Inspector Wexford mysteries.  The Diane Chamberlain has been popular.  I recently reviewed a different title by her that I enjoyed.  Happy reading.

I have been reading and enjoying mysteries since I was a young child with my first Nancy Drew books.  I still look to mysteries as favorite reads.  It’s not always the “whodunnit” but often the characters, settings and joys of following a series that draw me in.

Whenever I read a mystery, I take a look at the page about the author.  Sometimes I wish I knew more though about what makes a favorite writer tick.  If you feel that way too, this is a fun book to dip into in any order that you like.

This title from the Mystery Writers of America posed a question to authors; they were asked to write about a mystery in their own life, however they defined that. As a result here are writings by Sulari Gentill, Ausma Zahanat Khan, Rhys Bowen, Jacqueline Winspear, Tasha Alexander, and Anne Perry, just to name my own favorites.  (Reviews for these authors are on my blog).

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

You can’t really go wrong with Agatha Christie if you need an escape.  I have liked the Scandinavian mysteries by Viveca Sten.  Several reviews are in my archive.  The Daziel and Pacoe series by Reginald Hill is a good one.  And then, just a few other books that I saw.  Hope there is something that will give you a much needed break.

Horse lovers will enjoy this book with its lavish illustrations. As the author notes, horses have served as working animals since ancient times. They have also afforded much pleasure through disciplines including show jumping, dressage and cross country. From large horses to ponies there are many breeds, each suited to its job and rider.

After a section on many aspects of horsemanship, including preparing for shows, the book goes on to show gorgeous photos of breeds, along with information about each horses’ features, uses, origin and distribution and more. The book ends with photos of horses in action.
This is a lovely book for a horse lover, whether new to riding and interested in the breeds of horses. or a more knowledgeable reader who would enjoy spending more time with horses.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

This title is yet another wonderful entry in one of my favorite series for kids. Each book features someone who had a dream and worked to make it come true. In this entry, young readers learn about the childhood and accomplishments a well-known tennis champion.
Young Evonne grew up in Australia at a time when there was prejudice against the indigenous population. She was raised in a family of eight children where money was scarce but…one day she found a ball and her lifelong passion for tennis.
The author tells readers that Evonne was not allowed to play on the court in her community. She stood outside to listen and learn until one day someone gave her a key so that she could practice on the court at night.
From this beginning Evonne was “discovered” by a coach and moved to Sydney. She became a successful player who remembered her family’s advice to enjoy the game. Evonne won many championships and was the first mom to win a major tournament at Wimbledon.
The illustrations in this book are so cheerful and the story of Evonne is inspiring. I recommend adding this title to your home or school library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

from the publisher:

When she retired, Evonne kept inspiring the next generation of Australian tennis players, helping young Indigenous children make it onto the court. And this is how little Evonne became the most graceful player the world has ever met. A living legend who breaks barriers every time she hits the ball.

So, you are home with your toddler and are wondering what to do next.  Consider this adorably illustrated book that might keep your little one occupied.  The toddlers of the title are very busy exploring their community.  There are play dates, trips to the supermarket, a beach day, a bus ride, a farmer’s market and more.  For each illustration there are a number of objects to find in the picture.  Search and find puzzles are fun for children and also build skills.  This one is such a cute book of its type.

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

#SearchFindToddlersAroundTown #NetGalley

From the publisher:

www.digitalpw.com/digitalpw/20200323/MobilePagedReplica.action

Meet Me in Monaco feels like the perfect title for right now.  It is a gentle, romantic story that will allow its readers to escape daily life.  Much of the book is set in France with its beautiful towns and countryside.  And then, of course, readers also spend time in Monaco itself.

The background for the story is Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier but Sophie and Jim are also prominent characters for whom readers want the best.  Sophie is a parfumier with a beloved family business that is facing financial ruin.  The man she is to marry does not always seem right for her.  Jim is a photographer assigned at times to follow Ms. Kelly.  Jim is divorced and the woman in his life is daughter, Emily.

Sophie meets Jim when he chases Grace into Sophie’s store.  From this beginning, readers will spend time with the three and with the others who surround them, all the while hoping for fairy tale endings.

The book follows a typical narrative structure with the addition of nterspersed news articles.  These are fun to read and help readers to feel that they are witnesses to the action.

This novel was written by two authors who worked very well together.  It was impossible for me to detect who was writing when.

I highly recommend this novel for those who need a bit of feel good time.

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