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

Children spend a lot of time indoors. They are in school, they have after school activities and of course, when at home, they may enjoy indoor activities, spending time in front of screens. This book will help to get children outdoors, a place that they need to be and enjoy with an activity that does not involve competitive sports.

With the help of this book, children will conceive a garden and work on bringing it to fruition. They will imagine what they want to see, build it and make things grow. What could be better!

The author of this book cares about the outdoors, children and the growth that takes place in gardens. Her investment is clear in this book. She encourages adults and children to imagine a space and see it come to life over time. She knows that time spent in a garden is time well spent.

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

From the publisher:

This book is an excellent and fun look at what it is like to enjoy and care for a cat. The facts are helpful and extensive. There is lots of advice, many suggestions and ideas for things to make for a pet including toys and places to hide. Children learn how to approach a new pet, what to feed them, how to clean their litter, what kinds of play they enjoy, what to watch out for when they seem ill and more. There are quizzes and sections on whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat, fancy and less fancy breeds and whether to serve dry or wet food. Children will learn to better understand and read their cat’s moods and behavior. Written by both the human author and her cat who makes comments as well, this book is highly recommended for young cat owners or those who are deciding if they would like to have a cat or kitten in their life.

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

This is the second biography for young readers by this author that I have read.  It is a chapter book with appealing illustrations.

The book begins with some information about Mexico and the political unrest that existed when Frida was young.  Ms. Katz then goes on to engagingly tell Frida’s life story.

The author presents an honest biography, noting the many challenges that Frida faced over her lifetime.  Some of these challenges were health related while others had to do with her relationship with Diego Rivera, another artist.  The author notes the roles of Frida’s love of animals, Casa Azul, imagination and art as coping mechanisms that served her well.

The book includes sections called “Jump in the Think Tank.”  These contain topics to think about and extend the reading experience.  There are also some myths vs facts, timelines, quotations and more.  The book concludes with a quiz that will help young readers to see if they have retained what they learned.

I highly recommend this title.  It deserves a place in school and home libraries.  The text and gorgeous illustrations complement one another beautifully.

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

#TheStoryofFridaKahlo #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Earlier today I quickly blogged a couple of series starters that are e-book bargains; I am now adding to those with books by Julia Keller and Bartholomew Gill.  I’ve reviewed several of Ms. Keller’s novels (see archive).  They are not light hearted but they are excellent.

Bartholomew Gill wrote a number of novels in a series about Peter McGarr and the Dublin Murder Squad.  This is the first.  I read the series many years ago and enjoyed it and am thinking of  doing some rereading.

If you want something to sink into that could keep you going for months, Can You Forgive Her is the start of the Palliser novels.  I read these in the past and remember starting them when I was home sick.  I got involved and enjoyed them.  The books are VERY long.

Hope all of you find some good reads to keep you going.

What a great resource for kids who are getting a dog, have a dog or just love dogs. This book is well organized with many appealing photos and illustrations. There are things to make like treats, toys and dog beds, facts on breeds, quizzes and more. Even more important though are all of the helpful sections on how a dog communicates and how to train and raise a dog so that the dog and all family members are happy.

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

From the publisher:

“Far out at sea, the water is as blue as cornflower petals and as clear as the purest glass.” So begins this version/translation of the well known fairy tale. It is nicely told here. The text is accompanied by pen and ink drawings that enhance the text. This Hans Christian Anderson tale is the basis for the Disney movie but is not the same. Read this for yourself or with a child that you know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to reread this beautifully written story. All opinions are my own.

We are all looking for diversions as we hunker down at home, whether for ourselves, with other adults or with the kids in our lives.  This book includes games to be played by one, by two or by two or more players.  There are the rules for 75 card games including everything from Go Fish to Spite and Malice to various solitaire games.

I highly recommend this book.  It will provide some fun as we while away the days at home.

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

#SuperFunFamilyCardGames #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Not too much so far today.  A romance for escape, a detective series that I don’t know but is quite a bargain and part of an old mystery series whose protagonists are a bit like Nick and Nora Charles.  The Kate White has not yet been published but can be preordered for $3.99.