Manners, please: Twisted Fairy Tales: Little Rude Riding Hood by Jo Franklin

This book is a take on Little Red Riding Hood as can be seen from the cover.  It keeps some elements of the story while turning the story upside down.  For one funny example, the wolf has been to anger management.  Little Rude clearly has not.  Young readers may well enjoy Little Rude’s behaviors as they may often feel similarly but not have permission to act out.  How does Little Rude come to appreciate manners?  Read this funny tale with a child you know to find out.

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

Enjoy a good start to your day: The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook Easy, Balanced Recipes for Busy Mornings by Shayna Telesmanic

Some people look forward to waking up every morning just for the sheer joy of eating breakfast.  Others feel that breakfast is a waste of calories and try to hold out until lunchtime.  Still other people are puzzled about how to eat a healthy breakfast that won’t take too long to prepare.  Any or all of these folks might enjoy a look at this cookbook that is only about that first meal of the day…though who is to stop you from having breakfast for dinner?

The book is divided into chapters on smoothies and drinks, yogurt and fruit, granola oats and grains, eggs, protein packed breakfasts, sandwiches and toast, pancakes, waffles, and French toast and, lastly,  muffins breads and bars.  A few of my favorite recipes included those for Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Bacon which is a One Pan Hash;  Easy Egg Muffins which can be made ahead and Savory Smoked Salmon Sweet Potato Bagel which substitutes sweet potato for that unhealthy bagel.   There are also traditional recipes for things like perfect omelets and oatmeal.

I am not sure that all of these recipes are healthy.  For example, some have bacon, but so many look like they provide an interesting start to the day.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

#TheHealthyBreakfastCookbook #NetGalley

Work It, Girl: Michelle Obama Become a leader like by Caroline Moss

This title is part of a series on accomplished women that is geared for those who are between the ages 9-12.  Other titles in the series have been about J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey and Mae Jemison.  In this one, young readers will be inspired by Michelle Obama.

The story begins when Michelle is eight and wakes up on her birthday.  Readers spend time with Michelle and her close family.  They learn about how important school was to Michelle and about her dream to follow her brother to Princeton, only for a guidance counselor to tell her that she might not be “Princeton material.” The authors talk about how this made Michelle feel and acknowledges that one cannot always listen to or believe those around them.  And, yes, Michelle made it to Princeton where she had mentors and thought big for herself.

From here the book goes on to describe Michelle’s early jobs, meeting Barack and, of course, the presidency.  Attention is paid to how Michelle found her way to programs that had meaning to her while First Lady and how she inspired others thought initiatives on areas like healthy eating.

The book ends noting Michelle’s accomplishments after the White House like her successful biography.

Throughout the book there are quotes from Ms. Obama that show her personality, dreams and strength.  The illustrations throughout are original and appealing.

At the end of the book there are tips on how to become a leader like Michelle  and a section on questions for readers to answer.  There is alps a bibliography.

This book is an excellent addition to an excellent series.  I hope that it will inspire girls to achieve all that they can and to believe in themselves.

Many thanks tho NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest reveiw.

Be brave and have fun: Adventure Girls! Crafts and Activities for Curious, Creative, Courageous Girls by Nicole Duggan

This book is a wonderful resource for girls.  It includes what the author describes as “crafts and activities for curious, creative, courageous girls;”  just what we hope for those young women in our lives.

The authors do an excellent job of meeting their goal.  There are chapters on everything from tying knots to stargazing; from bird watching to neighborhood games like capture the flag; to having a photographer’s eye and a backyard hideaway.  For example, the first section on Finding Your Way includes information on how to read maps and has projects like making a compass and making one’s own map. It demonstrates the skills that girls can build while enjoying their leisure time.  As an extra bonus there are short biographies of some famous women.  All in all, a wonderful compilation to inspire kids to have fun and take some risks.  I would have loved this book when I was a kid.  It is a great resource for families, scout troops, clubs and schools.

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

From the publisher:

SAMPLE: Use secret codes to exchange notes with friends or to keep your journal entries and adventure plans hidden!

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crafts for girls, crafts for girls, crafts for girls, crafts for girls, crafts for girls

crafts for girls, crafts for girls, crafts for girls, crafts for girls, crafts for girls

EVERY OTHER LETTER

This code requires that you only read every other letter to form a message. Use the first letter, skip a letter, use a letter, skip a letter, etc. For example, “AHDRVUEPNKTHULRAEOGPIMRCLWS” says “Adventure Girls”!

HALF REVERSED

With the Half Reversed Alphabet, each letter stands for the letter opposite of it on the chart (above). For example, A stands for N and N stands for A. J stands for W and W stands for J. To write the word “CAT”, you would write “PNG”.

PIGPEN

The Pigpen code has been around for hundreds of years. With the Pigpen code, you replace each letter with the symbol from the chart.

For example, the letter D looks like this: ⊐ and the letter F would look like this: ⊏

#AdventureGirls #NetGalley

Now out: Baby A Soppy Story by Philippa Rice

I love this book! If you are pregnant or know someone who is, this would make a great gift, for yourself of them. This is a comic/graphic novel that shows a heterosexual couple falling in love, establishing a life together, experiencing a pregnancy and becoming parents with all of the ups and downs that this entails. The illustrations are sooo adorable and emotive. This is a sweet yet honest look at an important stage in life. Highly recommended! I give it five stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and AndrewsMcMeel publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Now out in paperback: The Secret Guests A Novel by Benjamin Black

Many readers will know that literary fiction author, John Banville, uses the pen name Benjamin Black. As Mr Black he has written a well regarded series of mysteries that take place in 1950s Ireland.

This historical/suspense novel also takes place in Ireland. It is a dark time for Britain as bombs regularly fall in London. Based on what the author thinks happened, this novel posits that fourteen year old Elizabeth and ten year old Margaret were sent to Ireland to keep them safe.

This slow burn of a novel imagines how this was done, what it was like for the princesses and who the people were who ensured their safety. They are challenged.

Margaret, renamed Mary, to keep her identity hidden, is a particularly vividly drawn character. She is inquisitive and a bit of an imp. Elizabeth/Ellen as the older, more staid sister is also brought to life.

There is a plot against the princesses. Who knew they were there? Who is responsible? We all know that Margaret and Elizabeth survived so the reader knows the ending. Nonetheless, the unraveling is suspenseful.

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