Now out: The Map Challenge (Alloway)

This illustrated short story is written with kids who have dyslexia in mind. The publisher notes that the font is one that is more easily read by kids who have dyslexia.

It is summer and time for camp. Sammy and his fellow campers are given the task of finding their group’s red flag. Sammy, who has dyslexia, is assigned to read the map. This causes him understandable anxiety but he tries to trudge through. Of course, there are issues, the group gets lost and then, Sammy’s highly tuned, visual memory helps to save the day!

This book may well appeal to children who face similar challenges. It also gently reminds other children to not tease and recognize everyone’s skills. There is a helpful section for adults at the end of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for my honest review.

Appreciate our world: Bird’s Eye View-The Natural World (Farndon and Boston)#BirdsEyeViewTheNaturalWorld #NetGalley

Have you ever heard or sung the Raffi song about the great beautiful planet in the sky that is our home?  I thought about that song while immersing myself in this beautifully illustrated book that is suggested for children aged 7 to 10.  I think that adults will enjoy it too!

The conceit is that we are in a hot air balloon traveling around the globe.  We are high enough up for a panorama but close enough to see the details of each landscape.  We start the journey in the Florida Everglades and end in France.  Along the way, we spend time in other places including the Amazon, Uluru Rock in Australia, the Himalayas, the African Serengeti, Scandinavia and more.  In each place that is visited, readers learn about the flora, fauna and unique aspects of each locale.  The book ends with a reminder to take care of the environment and to value nature.

The detail in the illustrations is remarkable.  The text itself also is filled with interesting facts.  This book is a great introduction to the geography of our world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the experience.  All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

Flying the world

Hold on tight! We’re about to go on an adventure, up into the sky to see the natural world spread out below. As we go on our journey, we’ll get a brilliant bird’s eye view of its amazing landscapes, and the animals and plants that live in them. Starting in the Florida Everglades, follow our journey across the map below. Ready?

Over woods and grass

In the winter, the vast centre of Asia is icy cold, but as we fly over in the summer, it’s pleasantly warm.

Arctic flight

The long, cold winter of northern Scandinavia is almost over.

Down to Earth

Watch out for the bump – we’re coming into land! We’ve just flown all the way round the world.

Now Out: You Be You! (Branfman)

This is a reassuring, optimistic, factual and supportive book that talks about gender identity. Terms are clearly defined, children are encouraged to be who they are and all topics are clearly explained. This book will be especially welcome to families whose children may not identify with the old girl/boy dichotomy of times past. It will be a good resource for school library shelves.

Watch what Jane can do: Jane (Sanchez Vegara) #JaneGoodall #NetGalley

Jane Goodall recently met with Prince Harry in England to discuss issues of conservation.  She is someone quite inspirational.  Now, the youngest children can learn about her and her accomplishments in this board book.  Young listeners will find out how much Jane loved animals, observed, named and studied them and fought for their habitats.  This book will encourage young listeners to think about the natural world and its importance to all of us.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.  It is part of a wonderful series.

Sit down, read and relax. Queen Bee (Frank) #QueenBee #NetGalley

Dorothea Benton Frank loves the Carolina Lowcountry. The setting is as much a part of her novels as any of the characters. She encourages readers, wherever they live, to fetch a glass of sweet tea, put their feet up and enjoy a summer read.

This novel is about Holly, her sister Leslie, their mother QB (Queen Bee) and all those with whom they interact. The people in their lives include two adorable boys who live next door and their widowed father, Archie; Leslie’s husband Charles who likes to dress in women’s clothes, the new love of QB’s life and… as you read, you will also find out who is Holly’s true love.

Holly is a beekeeper. As a result there are loads of fascinating facts about honeybees in the novel. They add to the quality of the story. Readers will enjoy watching Holly find her strengths and her voice even as she chats to her bees.

This novel is a most pleasant read and I recommend it.

A couple of my favorite quotes:

If I haven’t learned anything else this whole year, I learned that love comes in every color, shape and size.

That’s what it is to live in the Lowcountry. The colors are a little brighter. The air is a little sweeter.

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

Other Reviews

“If I could only read one writer from now until the end of my life, it would be Dorothea Benton Frank. Her whip-smart, deliciously wicked novels provide an emotional rollercoaster ride that’s as thrilling the twentieth time as the first.” (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of Summer of ‘69 and The Perfect Couple)

“Bestseller Frank (By Invitation Only) shows off her formidable storytelling chops and her gift for creating memorable characters…Full of Low Country flavor and brilliantly imagined characters, this laugh-out-loud-hilarious novel with a wistful edge will satisfy anyone who wants to see flawed people getting second chances.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Franks’ fanciful and frothy slice of Lowcountry life is a feel-good, read-in-one-sitting escape. Benton has been delighting readers with tales of her native Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, for 20 years, and her newest will rally fans and all seeking diverting women’s fiction.” (Booklist)