Now out: Meet Me at the Cupcae Cafe (Colgan)

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe: A Novel in Recipes

Thanks to Sourcebooks for re-issuing this delightful title by Jenny Colgan.  It was the first of her books that I read and I have been reading her stories ever since.  The author has a knack for developing relatable characters and warmhearted story lines.

In this one Issy Randall takes a risk and starts her own business.  The Cupcake Cafe is an appealing place in a lovely town.  You will feel that you can taste Issy’s food as you read the novel.  This is also a love story and a story about friendship.

For readers who want to read a book for sheer enjoyment this one is highly recommended.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to revisit Issy and co.

Note that there is another novel about Issy:

Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe: A Novel

What reviewers are saying about Meet Me At The Cupcake Café:
“A hilarious, fast-paced fantasy about starting over, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. Absolutely adorable.”—Booklist
“A funny novel about friendship, food and love… “—Kirkus
“A delightful story… warm, funny and well-written.”—Fresh Fiction
“Absolutely adorable… charming… an endearing, delightful read”—Silver’s Reviews

From Booklist

Isabel Issy Randall learned everything she knows about baking and business from Grandpa Joe: use high-quality ingredients, mix by hand, and if people look hungry, give them a cake. So when she loses her job and her boss/boyfriend in one embarrassing swoop, she takes her severance pay and opens a bakery in her out-of-the-way London neighborhood. No one believes she will make it, except Grandpa Joe and her flatmate, voluptuous nurse Helena. And the handsome, disheveled bank manager, Austin, who has a good feeling about Issy, even if she gives away a lot of merchandise for free. But when her ex comes back, is he looking for more than just cupcakes? (Yes.) A wonderfully diverse cast of supporting characters keeps Issy from indulging in self-pity and provides plenty of drama. The recipes, sent to Issy from Grandpa Joe, include cute reminders from a man who knows his granddaughter well. A hilarious, fast-paced fantasy about starting over, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. Absolutely adorable. –Susan Maguir

How do you like to do things? Ella May Does it Her Way! (Jackson) #EllaMayDoesItHerWay #NetGalley

One day Ella May’s mum encourages her to taste a new food, telling her that it is good to try new things. Ella takes this idea and runs with it, deciding to do things differently. For example, she walks backwards. Others catch on and walk backwards too, so Ella May decides to…read the book if you want to find out.

This is a short sweet story that young listeners will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Up in her bedroom, Ella tried reading a book backwards. Which changed things quite a bit.But once Ella had set her mind on something…she liked to see it through.

To dance: Little People, Big Dreams Rudof Nureyev (Sanchez Vegara)

This book is the latest in a wonderful series for young children.  In each nicely illustrated entry, is a story about a famous person while, at the end of each, there is a more detailed time line and photos.  Each book shows the child that there is a world awaiting them that is full of possibility and that dreams matter. This book on Nureyev is no exception!

Readers will learn about how Rudolf fell in love with dance from the first time that he saw a ballet.  Due to poverty and lack of resources, he was seventeen when he was accepted to ballet school.  Young readers will find out about the ways in which Rudolf wanted to do things differently, his defection from Russia and the amazing, high leaping dancer that he was.  Mention is also made of how there should not be particular dreams for girls or boys but dreams for everyone.

This book is a welcome addition to the series.  Celebrate dance as you learn about Nureyev.  Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this read in exchange for an honest review.

For children and their adults: There’s a Monkey in My Backpack! (Winn) #TheresAmonkeyInMyBackpack #NetGalley

This is a short picture book about Anna and her monkey. Anna is a third grader whose monkey is with her all the time. The monkey represents the dyslexia that makes school life challenging at times. Anna explains how her monkey distracts her, changes the directions of letters and more. She expresses her concern that she will not make it through third grade. However, Anna also shows some ways in which her monkey is a good companion and she does make it to her finish line.

This book was written for adults to read with children who have dyslexia. It is a way to open a conversation and talk about a topic that can be difficult. There are some suggestions for discussion at the end of the book.

This book fills a niche for children who have dyslexia and also for students who may need to empathize with a friend or fellow student’s situation. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for my honest review.

Recently published: Be Kind (Shulman)

Be Kind: You Can Make the World a Happier Place! 125 Kind Things to Say & DoThis is a lovely book that is full of ideas for how children can do kind things for others. It will appeal to elementary school age children and may help to counteract some of the meanness that occurs regularly in their world. The illustrations are bright, colorful, cheerful and appealing. The suggestions are simply stated. A child could dip into this volume without reading it in order. There are many good ideas to be found. A few examples:

Paint kindness rocks and leave them where they will be found.

Set up a bird feeder. There are directions for how to make one from a pine cone.

Foster a pet.

Set the dinner table without being asked.

Bring two jars of homemade bubbles to the playground. Instructions are included.

Make a welcome card that you and your friends sign (for a new kid in town.)

If these ideas appeal to you and/or you think that they may appeal to a child you know, consider purchasing this book. It would also be a good resource for a school library.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in return for an honest review.

How to find your way: The Map Challenge (Alloway) #TheMapChallenge #NetGalley

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.

Let’s Go on a Field Trip: Caillou The Dinosaur Museum (Paradis and Allrd) #CaillouTheDinosaurMuseum #NetGalley

This Caillou title will be welcomed by preschoolers.  In it, Caillou and his stuffed dinosaur, Rex, visit the natural history museum with their family.  With bright primary color illustrations and a simple text, the book answers some basic questions about dinosaurs that kids may have.  Caillou learns about dinosaur bones, types of dinosaurs and more.

Over the course of this short book, both Caillou and  Rex get lost at different times.  Caillou remembers what his family told him to do and is found again without upset.  The same happens a bit later for Rex.  The message about what to do if separated is a bonus lesson that parents can offer to their children.

This is a fine title in a series with a character that young children enjoy.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley.  All opinions are my own.