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Do you remember the story about how to bell a cat? Well, this is a retelling with a cute twist. What happens when the family brings home a cat? Can the three little mice live peacefully or do they have to find another home?
The illustrations are for toddlers and teeny kids. The characters have a plush cartoonish design and feel to them. The colors are soft and pleasant on the eyes. The text is meant for parents to read aloud (I suppose). I wish the font is bigger and easier to read. It is small, at least in my eARC.
The story even has a moral about not judging others or jumping to conclusions. Though, it’s for the elders to explain this to the kiddos.
To sum up, A Better Way to Bell a Cat is a cute book for little ones who like animals.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#clavispublishing #NetGalley
The illustrations are for toddlers and teeny kids. The characters have a plush cartoonish design and feel to them. The colors are soft and pleasant on the eyes. The text is meant for parents to read aloud (I suppose). I wish the font is bigger and easier to read. It is small, at least in my eARC.
The story even has a moral about not judging others or jumping to conclusions. Though, it’s for the elders to explain this to the kiddos.
To sum up, A Better Way to Bell a Cat is a cute book for little ones who like animals.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#clavispublishing #NetGalley
3.8 Stars
The book is a part of the series developed around concepts like sharing, bullying, understanding disabilities, and so on. This book deals with sharing and the right way to share something with others. It has a cute green hippo, a nerdy elephant, and a confused little monkey. The hippo and the elephant teach the monkey the right way to share.
The concept is heartwarming and necessary for kids to learn at a young age. The book has questions at the end meant for group activities at schools. The illustrations are cheerful and vibrant. Kids can easily identify the animals due to their resemblance to cartoon characters.
My only grouse is the narration that felt jumpy and disjointed. Maybe it’ll work better when teachers/ elders explain each page to the kids after reading the content.
To sum up, The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Share is a good book for kids aged 4 and up to learn about sharing and friendships.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSoical and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheAdventuresofBentleyHippo #NetGalley
The book is a part of the series developed around concepts like sharing, bullying, understanding disabilities, and so on. This book deals with sharing and the right way to share something with others. It has a cute green hippo, a nerdy elephant, and a confused little monkey. The hippo and the elephant teach the monkey the right way to share.
The concept is heartwarming and necessary for kids to learn at a young age. The book has questions at the end meant for group activities at schools. The illustrations are cheerful and vibrant. Kids can easily identify the animals due to their resemblance to cartoon characters.
My only grouse is the narration that felt jumpy and disjointed. Maybe it’ll work better when teachers/ elders explain each page to the kids after reading the content.
To sum up, The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Share is a good book for kids aged 4 and up to learn about sharing and friendships.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSoical and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheAdventuresofBentleyHippo #NetGalley
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Elaborate but engaging
There has been a death at the Fleat House in St Stephen, a private boarding school in Norfolk. The Chief gets Detective Inspector Jazmine (Jazz) to work on the case. Jazz takes up reluctantly. After all, she has just moved to Norfolk and pretty much left her job with the Yard.
The case should have been easy but isn’t as things start to happen around them. More suspects join the list as Jazz and her Sergeant Miles try to fill the gaps. Life gets complicated when personal issues force Jazz to divide her attention between her life and the case. It doesn’t help that she has to deal with some pricks from her near past.
With so much happening, can Jazz uncover the truth and find the killer before it’s too late?
The story comes in third person POV.
The author wrote the book in 2006. It was published posthumously in May 2022.
My Observations:
I’ve read only one book by the author but understood that she liked elaborate plots. This one is no different. Multiple tracks run in parallel, though some are not connected to the main plot.
The pacing is slow to medium, with no progress in some places. Things happen on and off, which is probably because the book wasn’t thoroughly edited (as mentioned in the foreword).
Jazz is a great character, and it saddens me to think she may not have more books. I love the multiple shades in her arc.
The story is set in 2005/ 2006 and uses modern technology but has a historical feel to it. It suits the laidback Norfolk setting and keeps things authentic.
This isn’t exactly a cozy mystery or fully police procedural. It’s a blend of two, which I find very interesting.
I guessed most of the twists (including the murder), but I like books where my guesses are correct, so that’s a bonus. It means the plot is logical (or as much as it can be). ;)
To sum up, The Murders at Fleat House is an engaging mystery with an elaborate plot and a capable main lead. I enjoyed this one.
Thank you, NetGalley and AuthorBuzz, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Elaborate but engaging
There has been a death at the Fleat House in St Stephen, a private boarding school in Norfolk. The Chief gets Detective Inspector Jazmine (Jazz) to work on the case. Jazz takes up reluctantly. After all, she has just moved to Norfolk and pretty much left her job with the Yard.
The case should have been easy but isn’t as things start to happen around them. More suspects join the list as Jazz and her Sergeant Miles try to fill the gaps. Life gets complicated when personal issues force Jazz to divide her attention between her life and the case. It doesn’t help that she has to deal with some pricks from her near past.
With so much happening, can Jazz uncover the truth and find the killer before it’s too late?
The story comes in third person POV.
The author wrote the book in 2006. It was published posthumously in May 2022.
My Observations:
I’ve read only one book by the author but understood that she liked elaborate plots. This one is no different. Multiple tracks run in parallel, though some are not connected to the main plot.
The pacing is slow to medium, with no progress in some places. Things happen on and off, which is probably because the book wasn’t thoroughly edited (as mentioned in the foreword).
Jazz is a great character, and it saddens me to think she may not have more books. I love the multiple shades in her arc.
The story is set in 2005/ 2006 and uses modern technology but has a historical feel to it. It suits the laidback Norfolk setting and keeps things authentic.
This isn’t exactly a cozy mystery or fully police procedural. It’s a blend of two, which I find very interesting.
I guessed most of the twists (including the murder), but I like books where my guesses are correct, so that’s a bonus. It means the plot is logical (or as much as it can be). ;)
To sum up, The Murders at Fleat House is an engaging mystery with an elaborate plot and a capable main lead. I enjoyed this one.
Thank you, NetGalley and AuthorBuzz, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
Poonachi is a story of a black female goat. An old couple receives a barely alive, teeny day-old kid from a stranger. They name her Poonachi and care for her. The story follows the life of Poonachi, her human owners, and others in the small village in Tamil Nadu.
The story has a linear format and seems simple enough at the first glance. We see the layers it gathers over the course, that too, without becoming dramatic, loud, or overbearing. It isn't a story about a goat but about the life of the poor and the choices they are sometimes forced to make.
The book is also about human emotions- the good, bad, and everything in between. It is about the unspoken animal emotions we forget to consider when it doesn't suit our purposes. The Poonachi, the old man, and the old woman are the main characters, and through them, we see/ know all we need to know.
The translation is restrained and compact but lacks the native flavor. A few sentences are awkward and sound odd. Don't let that put you off, though. This is a book worth reading.
The story has a linear format and seems simple enough at the first glance. We see the layers it gathers over the course, that too, without becoming dramatic, loud, or overbearing. It isn't a story about a goat but about the life of the poor and the choices they are sometimes forced to make.
The book is also about human emotions- the good, bad, and everything in between. It is about the unspoken animal emotions we forget to consider when it doesn't suit our purposes. The Poonachi, the old man, and the old woman are the main characters, and through them, we see/ know all we need to know.
The translation is restrained and compact but lacks the native flavor. A few sentences are awkward and sound odd. Don't let that put you off, though. This is a book worth reading.
4 Stars
Yasmin is a cute little girl who loves birds and the show Detective Hoo. When her Naani's (grandmother) items go missing, Yasmin decides to become a detective and solve the case.
This little chapter book is a part of the series and can be read as a standalone. Yasmin comes from a Pakistani-American family, like the author. She is cute, clever, and super sweet (just look at her on the cover!). The story is written in simple words for kids to read on their own (with help from elders, if necessary).
This book is perfect for inquisitive little ones. It has questions and activities at the end to help elders make things more fun for the kids. Oh, there’s a glossary with meanings for Urdu words and some information about Pakistan. The illustrations are lovely. The color scheme and expression come out really well.
To sum up, Yasmin the Detective is an entertaining and informative read for little kiddos.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Capstone, and Picture Window Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#YasmintheDetective #NetGalley
Yasmin is a cute little girl who loves birds and the show Detective Hoo. When her Naani's (grandmother) items go missing, Yasmin decides to become a detective and solve the case.
This little chapter book is a part of the series and can be read as a standalone. Yasmin comes from a Pakistani-American family, like the author. She is cute, clever, and super sweet (just look at her on the cover!). The story is written in simple words for kids to read on their own (with help from elders, if necessary).
This book is perfect for inquisitive little ones. It has questions and activities at the end to help elders make things more fun for the kids. Oh, there’s a glossary with meanings for Urdu words and some information about Pakistan. The illustrations are lovely. The color scheme and expression come out really well.
To sum up, Yasmin the Detective is an entertaining and informative read for little kiddos.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Capstone, and Picture Window Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#YasmintheDetective #NetGalley
Thea is at home because of her broken arm and is worried about missing school and friends. Her dad sets up a series of fun activities to ensure Thea feels happy and doesn’t miss her friends. He even plans a way for her to meet her friends.
The book is written in collaboration with a child therapist to ‘explore the CASEL standards of social-emotional development and the concepts of loneliness and isolation in young children’.
The topic has been handled well without sharing too much information. The illustrations are cute and lively, with a color scheme to cheer up little ones. Thea’s friends are all unique and different- a cool way to present inclusivity.
There’s a note at the end about the importance of socialization and how parents can ensure children don’t feel lonely or depressed. Naturally, all activities mentioned in the book are not feasible, but it is an example of parents can help kids feel better and understand their emotions.
To sum up, A Not So Lonely Day is an engaging helpful book for kids and adults.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Baker & Taylor, and Paw Prints Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#ANotSoLonelyDay #NetGalley
The book is written in collaboration with a child therapist to ‘explore the CASEL standards of social-emotional development and the concepts of loneliness and isolation in young children’.
The topic has been handled well without sharing too much information. The illustrations are cute and lively, with a color scheme to cheer up little ones. Thea’s friends are all unique and different- a cool way to present inclusivity.
There’s a note at the end about the importance of socialization and how parents can ensure children don’t feel lonely or depressed. Naturally, all activities mentioned in the book are not feasible, but it is an example of parents can help kids feel better and understand their emotions.
To sum up, A Not So Lonely Day is an engaging helpful book for kids and adults.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Baker & Taylor, and Paw Prints Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#ANotSoLonelyDay #NetGalley
4.5 Stars
Powered by Plants is a fantastic attempt to educate kids (& adults) about the numerous ways in which nature has been supporting us. Various inventions and marvels have their roots in nature. Scientists, physicists, engineers, etc., were inspired by the intricate workings of various plants and tried to replicate the same in their inventions. This continues even today.
The book is a small example of how we need nature and not the other way round. She can protect herself, thank you very much. We only need to follow her instructions instead of trying to control her. Nature is our savior; we aren’t hers.
The book talks of bamboo, vines, coconut, pomelo fruit (pampara panasa in Telugu), sugarcane, Willow (used to make aspirin), eucalyptus (insect repellant, antiseptic), mangroves, flax (cloth, glue), pineapple (leaf leather), cactus, tumbleweed, lily, lotus, seaweed, and many more plants.
I’ll have to add that some of the mentioned uses are indigenous and practiced for centuries. For example, we use just about every part of coconut (and its leaves). The rope made from coconut coir is a part of most households (at least in my region). In fact, the reeds from dried coconut leaves are slit and bunched to make broomsticks. My late granny would do it every summer when the coconut leaves crashed onto the earth due to thunderstorms.
The book is detailed and has beautiful illustrations. Every page is bright, colorful, and cheerful. The expressions on some plants are hilarious. Imagine a plant smirking at you. ;)
The text is tiny and seems crammed on the page. I had to zoom in a bit to read the text in the electronic copy. It might look better in the physical version. The illustrations will surely be a treat.
To sum up, Powered by Plants is a must-read for little ones and adults. After all, we need to respect and accept nature as supreme before we ‘protect’ her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#PoweredbyPlants #NetGalley
Powered by Plants is a fantastic attempt to educate kids (& adults) about the numerous ways in which nature has been supporting us. Various inventions and marvels have their roots in nature. Scientists, physicists, engineers, etc., were inspired by the intricate workings of various plants and tried to replicate the same in their inventions. This continues even today.
The book is a small example of how we need nature and not the other way round. She can protect herself, thank you very much. We only need to follow her instructions instead of trying to control her. Nature is our savior; we aren’t hers.
The book talks of bamboo, vines, coconut, pomelo fruit (pampara panasa in Telugu), sugarcane, Willow (used to make aspirin), eucalyptus (insect repellant, antiseptic), mangroves, flax (cloth, glue), pineapple (leaf leather), cactus, tumbleweed, lily, lotus, seaweed, and many more plants.
I’ll have to add that some of the mentioned uses are indigenous and practiced for centuries. For example, we use just about every part of coconut (and its leaves). The rope made from coconut coir is a part of most households (at least in my region). In fact, the reeds from dried coconut leaves are slit and bunched to make broomsticks. My late granny would do it every summer when the coconut leaves crashed onto the earth due to thunderstorms.
The book is detailed and has beautiful illustrations. Every page is bright, colorful, and cheerful. The expressions on some plants are hilarious. Imagine a plant smirking at you. ;)
The text is tiny and seems crammed on the page. I had to zoom in a bit to read the text in the electronic copy. It might look better in the physical version. The illustrations will surely be a treat.
To sum up, Powered by Plants is a must-read for little ones and adults. After all, we need to respect and accept nature as supreme before we ‘protect’ her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#PoweredbyPlants #NetGalley
4.5 Stars
Jeremy wants to be the big bad wolf in his class play, The Three Little Pigs. But he stutters at times, and that makes it hard to pronounce ‘puff’. But how can the big bad wolf not say puff? He practices until the big day. Does he do it at the end?
The book is written in partnership with a tenured pediatric speech-language pathologist to help elders and caregivers understand how to deal with stuttering in children. The last couple of pages in the book have precious information and resources for elders. Everyone stutters occasionally! Ask an introvert, and we’ll tell you how true this statement is.
The story is written in simple sentences and in big font. I love books that have a readable font size. It’s no fun squinting at the screen when reading kiddo books.
The illustrations are so adorable! Every page is vibrant and seamlessly inclusive. The pictures say it all without a word to highlight anything other than the main topic. The kids almost sparkle on the pages. Their smiles are infectious. I was smiling wide from the first page to the last.
To sum up, Jeremy's Big Role is a beautiful book with important advice for elders and a wonderful story for the kids. The lack of bullies in the book can be used to teach kids how much better school can be when they are friendly with other kids. And the illustrations, oh, yes, one of the best.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Baker & Taylor, and Paw Prints Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#JeremysBigRole #NetGalley
And Rosh, thanks a bunch for the recco. :)
Jeremy wants to be the big bad wolf in his class play, The Three Little Pigs. But he stutters at times, and that makes it hard to pronounce ‘puff’. But how can the big bad wolf not say puff? He practices until the big day. Does he do it at the end?
The book is written in partnership with a tenured pediatric speech-language pathologist to help elders and caregivers understand how to deal with stuttering in children. The last couple of pages in the book have precious information and resources for elders. Everyone stutters occasionally! Ask an introvert, and we’ll tell you how true this statement is.
The story is written in simple sentences and in big font. I love books that have a readable font size. It’s no fun squinting at the screen when reading kiddo books.
The illustrations are so adorable! Every page is vibrant and seamlessly inclusive. The pictures say it all without a word to highlight anything other than the main topic. The kids almost sparkle on the pages. Their smiles are infectious. I was smiling wide from the first page to the last.
To sum up, Jeremy's Big Role is a beautiful book with important advice for elders and a wonderful story for the kids. The lack of bullies in the book can be used to teach kids how much better school can be when they are friendly with other kids. And the illustrations, oh, yes, one of the best.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Baker & Taylor, and Paw Prints Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#JeremysBigRole #NetGalley
And Rosh, thanks a bunch for the recco. :)
The Key to the Last House Before the Sea: A totally unforgettable page-turner full of family secrets
Publication Date: 19th Aug 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: A sweet continuation to the series
Nessa Paulson is down on her luck big time. She has nowhere to go, and the temporary stay at Rosie’s Driftwood is not an ideal solution. Grieving the loss of her grandmother, Nessa has to deal with the lack of a job, home, and just about everything. How on earth can she take care of her five-year-old girl, Lily? An unexpected discovery seems like the only solution, no matter how farfetched or difficult.
Gabriel Gantwich is in Heaven’s Cover on serious business. He has to complete the formalities for his father’s company to clear the land and start building apartments/ houses on Surreal Cove. It shouldn’t even be a problem, but it turns out to be one when Nessa is standing in his way. Her only chance at having a home collides with Gabriel’s business.
It doesn’t help that Valerie, Nessa’s ex-MIL is a boon and bane of her life. What does one say to a woman who refuses to acknowledge the truth?
What happens to Surreal Cove and the cottage? Can Nessa hope for a better future? Can Gabriel understand his weariness with life and decide what he wants the most?
The story comes from the limited-third person POV of Nessa, Gabriel, and Valerie.
My Observations:
I’ve been following the series from book one and love the setting. Though this book doesn’t many recurring characters, it is still a part of Heaven’s Cove. In fact, I see the stories getting better as the series progresses.
The characters are well-etched. Nessa, Gabriel, and Valerie have vital roles. Each of them has a steady character arc. I love the idea of giving Valerie her own POV. It makes the story much more impactful.
Family dynamics and relationships are the major themes of the book. Nessa and Gabriel (in fact, even Valerie) are dealing with family issues in different ways. How they react and respond to the developments affects them and others.
I miss the friendly and nosy characters from Heaven’s Cove. The previous characters do make an appearance, but somehow, it doesn’t feel enough.
I love happy endings, so this is a treat to read. The history of Surreal Cove is used well, though the prologue seems wasted in the overall storyline.
Lily is a sweetheart and a typical five-year-old. I wish she had a wee bit more space in the book. Cute kids are a treat to read about.
To sum up, The Key to the Last House Before the Sea is a heartwarming story about determination, family, relationships, and doing what makes one happy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#TheKeytotheLastHouseBeforetheSeaHeavensCoveBook4 #NetGalley
4 Stars
One Liner: A sweet continuation to the series
Nessa Paulson is down on her luck big time. She has nowhere to go, and the temporary stay at Rosie’s Driftwood is not an ideal solution. Grieving the loss of her grandmother, Nessa has to deal with the lack of a job, home, and just about everything. How on earth can she take care of her five-year-old girl, Lily? An unexpected discovery seems like the only solution, no matter how farfetched or difficult.
Gabriel Gantwich is in Heaven’s Cover on serious business. He has to complete the formalities for his father’s company to clear the land and start building apartments/ houses on Surreal Cove. It shouldn’t even be a problem, but it turns out to be one when Nessa is standing in his way. Her only chance at having a home collides with Gabriel’s business.
It doesn’t help that Valerie, Nessa’s ex-MIL is a boon and bane of her life. What does one say to a woman who refuses to acknowledge the truth?
What happens to Surreal Cove and the cottage? Can Nessa hope for a better future? Can Gabriel understand his weariness with life and decide what he wants the most?
The story comes from the limited-third person POV of Nessa, Gabriel, and Valerie.
My Observations:
I’ve been following the series from book one and love the setting. Though this book doesn’t many recurring characters, it is still a part of Heaven’s Cove. In fact, I see the stories getting better as the series progresses.
The characters are well-etched. Nessa, Gabriel, and Valerie have vital roles. Each of them has a steady character arc. I love the idea of giving Valerie her own POV. It makes the story much more impactful.
Family dynamics and relationships are the major themes of the book. Nessa and Gabriel (in fact, even Valerie) are dealing with family issues in different ways. How they react and respond to the developments affects them and others.
I miss the friendly and nosy characters from Heaven’s Cove. The previous characters do make an appearance, but somehow, it doesn’t feel enough.
I love happy endings, so this is a treat to read. The history of Surreal Cove is used well, though the prologue seems wasted in the overall storyline.
Lily is a sweetheart and a typical five-year-old. I wish she had a wee bit more space in the book. Cute kids are a treat to read about.
To sum up, The Key to the Last House Before the Sea is a heartwarming story about determination, family, relationships, and doing what makes one happy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#TheKeytotheLastHouseBeforetheSeaHeavensCoveBook4 #NetGalley
4.5 Stars
Oh, don’t I love this!
Wanda wants to be brave like her big brother and friends. She wants to go on adventures and ride the Coaster of Doom. But can she get over her fear and be brave? Is there only one kind of brave? What does Wanda do?
This cute book comes with great lessons for the little ones:
• There are different kinds of brave
• Be how you are
• Stand up for yourself
• You decide your adventures
In just 32 pages, the book takes us through Wanda’s journey from being timid and scared to conquering her fears in her own way. She is braver than brave, but on her terms. The book also has a few tips at the end to help kids step out of their comfort zone and do something different.
The illustrations are charming and beautiful. Wanda’s messy ponytails and freckles are the prettiest! Those big eyes and wide smiles are super cute. Kids will love the illustrations in this one.
To sum up, Braver than Brave is just the kind of book kids need to build their self-confidence and learn to make their own ‘wise’ decisions.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Capstone, and Capstone Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#BraverthanBrave #NetGalley
Oh, don’t I love this!
Wanda wants to be brave like her big brother and friends. She wants to go on adventures and ride the Coaster of Doom. But can she get over her fear and be brave? Is there only one kind of brave? What does Wanda do?
This cute book comes with great lessons for the little ones:
• There are different kinds of brave
• Be how you are
• Stand up for yourself
• You decide your adventures
In just 32 pages, the book takes us through Wanda’s journey from being timid and scared to conquering her fears in her own way. She is braver than brave, but on her terms. The book also has a few tips at the end to help kids step out of their comfort zone and do something different.
The illustrations are charming and beautiful. Wanda’s messy ponytails and freckles are the prettiest! Those big eyes and wide smiles are super cute. Kids will love the illustrations in this one.
To sum up, Braver than Brave is just the kind of book kids need to build their self-confidence and learn to make their own ‘wise’ decisions.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Capstone, and Capstone Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#BraverthanBrave #NetGalley