All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson by Carole Boston Weatherford

June 23, 2023 By Leave a Comment


All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson by Carole Boston Weatherford
Publisher: Random House Kids
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Recent Historical, Childrens (6+ yrs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford tells her story of perseverance, dignity, and honor in this uplifting picture book biography filled with colorful and dynamic illustrations from Ashley Evans.

Whatever she did, wherever she was, Ketanji Brown Jackson rose to the top.

From the time their daughter was born, Ketanji Brown’s parents taught her that if she worked hard and believed in herself, she could do anything. As a child, Ketanji focused on her studies and excelled, eventually graduating from Harvard Law School.

Years later, in 2016, when she was a federal judge, a seat opened on the United States Supreme Court. In a letter to then-President Barack Obama, Leila Jackson made a case for her mother—Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Although the timing didn’t work out then, it did in 2022, when President Joe Biden nominated her. At her confirmation, Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black female Supreme Court justice in the United States.

Lyrical text by renowned author Carole Boston Weatherford and evocative illustrations by Ashley Evans combine to make this an inspirational and timely read.

What a great person and what a wonderful biography for kids.

I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and this book was wonderful for letting me learn about her. There is a lot of information about Brown Jackson, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s told in a bit of a sing-song manner that’s good for early readers to pick up on. There’s a nice cadence to it. The illustrations add to the story and show how Brown Jackson was able to rise to the highest court in the United States. I liked learning about her and how she managed to overcome the obstacles in her life.

If you’re looking for a book that’s informative and uplifting, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Glowy’s Great Escape by A.K. Smith

June 23, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Glowy’s Great Escape by A.K. Smith
Publisher: Books With Soul
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Grab your goggles, hitch a ride on a dolphin, and join the enchanting world of Glowy the Fish and her delightful friends in this unforgettable series that is sure to leave a glow in your heart! Even a small fish named Glowy can help you find your inner glow!

The Sparkling Adventures of Glowy The Fish. Kids book.

Embark on the magical journey with Glowy, a shy but curious, luminescent fish, as this captivating narrative unfolds over ten adventure tales. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but as the adventure continues, the brightest treasure the series offers doesn’t lie buried in the sand; it’s found in the glowing hearts of Glowy and her friends!

– Fun Facts about the Sea of Cortez – learn cool facts about the sea, fish and many other marine life at the back of each book.
– A kaleidoscope of colorful under-the-sea illustrations are on every page!
– Recommended age – 3-7 years
– Length of story – 36 pages
Bonus with each purchase receive a free downloadable activity book, “Under the Waves of The Sea of Cortez” – a coloring, connect the dots and fun facts book.

At the back of each inspiring sea story, discover a treasure chest of educational fun facts about the sea! Little ocean lovers can expand their knowledge, while parents can join in on the journey.

Getting lost is easier than it looks!

The descriptions of Glowy’s home and family life made me want to read more. She was part of such a friendly little corner of the ocean that I didn’t want to leave it. I was glad to see a note at the end that mentioned this is the first instalment of a series as there sure seemed to be lots of room left for further adventures for her. It will be fun to hopefully check in on her again in the future whenever the sequel or sequels are released.

I would have liked to see more attention paid to the plot development as it reminded me of a lot of other fish adventures written for this age group, from picture books to feature-length films. It would have been helpful to have some sort of twist to Glowy’s adventures to make them stand out from the crowd as I was really hoping to have a good reason to give it a higher rating. The core storyline was pretty solid, I simply needed a flourish or a plot twist somewhere to push it to a higher level.

With that being said, I adored the kindness woven into this picture book. Glowy had a few sad moments, but there was always someone nearby who was willing to help her when she wasn’t sure what to do next on her adventure. That’s the sort of warm storytelling that makes me feel comfortable reading this to little ones of all ages.

Glowy’s Great Escape was a cute read.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Dandylion Summer by Frann Preston-Gannon

June 22, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Dandylion Summer by Frann Preston-Gannon
Publisher: Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Childrens (6+ yrs), Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Frann Preston-Gannon’s Dandylion Summer is a sweet, character-driven picture book.

When two sisters make a wish upon a dandelion, the seeds scatter and bring them Dandylion, a friend to play with all summer long. Together, they go on lots of adventures.

As the seasons change, Dandylion must say goodbye―but fall is on the way, with new friends to meet and wonders to explore!

Two sisters, one summer and a big ‘ole lion.

This is a whimsical story that’s just right for this time of year–early summer. This book flows well and the characters are fun. The little girls and Dandylion are great. I liked how the lion is part of summer and shows the fun of the season. I love how the girls explore with the lion and don’t keep him to themselves but share him. Just like summer, he should be shared. I loved that this is a good story for young readers or someone wanting to be read to.

If you’re looking for a good summer book that’s entertaining and sweet, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

If Not for the Cat – Haiku by Jack Prelutsky and paintings by Ted Rand

June 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


If Not for the Cat – Haiku by Jack Prelutsky and paintings by Ted Rand
Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins
Genre: Childrens (6+ yrs), Contemporary, Poetry, Animals
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Seventeen haiku composed by master poet Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by renowned artist Ted Rand ask you to think about seventeen favorite residents of the animal kingdom in a new way.

On these glorious and colorful pages you will meet a mouse, a skunk, a beaver, a hummingbird, ants, bald eagles, jellyfish, and many others. Who is who? The answer is right in front of you. But how can you tell? Think and wonder and look and puzzle it out!

A creature whispers:

If not for the cat,
And the scarcity of cheese,
I could be content.

Who is this creature?
What does it like to eat?
Can you solve the riddle?

How would life be if there wasn’t a cat?

This book doesn’t delve deeply on that subject, but what it does is show haiku about animals and makes the reader think. If not for the cat chasing him and the lack of cheese, the mouse would be happy. This book encourages discussion and has some beautiful paintings within.

I picked up this book thinking it might be a humorous book, but it was thought-provoking instead and I liked it. I liked how each haiku discusses the animal pictured and does it in a way that opens up discussion. What does the reader think?

The paintings are fantastic, and this book is good for younger readers or those being read to. It’s great for asking questions and wondering.

If you’re looking for something different, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Poetry, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Llama or Alpaca? by Jamie Rice

June 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Llama or Alpaca? (Bullfrog Books: Spot the Differences) by Jamie Rice
Publisher: Bullfrog Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Animals, Childrens (6+ yrs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In Llama or Alpaca?, beginning readers will learn to spot the differences between these mammals. Carefully leveled text relays what the mammals look like and how they behave. Each page then asks readers to name which one is shown in the photo. Answers appear upside down on the bottom of each page, making reading for learning interactive and fun. A See and Compare spread shows and labels each insect side by side, while a Quick Facts feature lists even more information about their similarities and differences. Children can learn more about llamas and alpacas online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Llama or Alpaca? also features reading tips for teachers and parents, photo labels, a picture glossary, a table of contents, and an index. Llama or Alpaca? is part of Jump!’s Spot the Differences series.

Llama? Alpaca? With this book, you’ll know the difference.

I’ll admit it. I had no idea that there was a difference between llamas and alpacas. Why? Because I’d never read about them. I’ve done that now and I feel a lot stronger about telling them apart. This book not only explains the differences but shows them on the pages. It’s written in an easy manner that will be good for emerging readers or those being read to. There’s even a fun test at the back to reinforce what’s been learned.

If you’re even a little interested in llamas and alpacas, then this is the book to check out.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Haycorn Smith and the Castle Ghost by John Kachuba

June 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Haycorn Smith and the Castle Ghost by John Kachuba
Publisher: Paper Angel Press
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Paranormal, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

A boy is in danger when he stumbles upon a crime committed by two prominent men of his town, but finds an unusual ally in the form of a castle ghost.

Twelve-year-old Haycorn may know all about ghosts of Ohio, but even he is stunned when he and his friend Budge encounter a ghost in a castle.

The boys witness a clandestine meeting there between two men involving a kick-back scheme, putting their lives, and that of Haycorn’s mother, in jeopardy.

But the ghost may have other plans for all of them.

Haunted places make the best hangout spots.

Twelve is a murky and delightful age. Haycorn and his friends were just old enough to start developing crushes, but they were also still young enough to be thrilled by imaginative play outdoors. I liked the way these characters seamlessly moved between their interests and thought the author captured this age nicely.

It would have been helpful to have more action scenes in this tale. There was plenty of attention paid to character development, but not as much to all of the adventures a kid could have on the site of an abandoned castle in the forest. Sometimes it was hard for me to stay focused on reading because of how many scenes were spent on conversations and descriptions instead of nudging the plot forward. If not for that, I would have happily chosen a higher rating.

This was a nice mixture of different sorts of storylines. It was interesting to see how the paranormal subplot interacted with the mystery one, for example, and that was one of several times that I was pleasantly surprised by how the author wove everything together. Middle grade novels in general tend to be playful about how they mix different genres together, and this one was a good example of how to do just that. Based on what I thought of my first taste of Mr. Kachuba‘s work, I will be keeping an eye out for what he comes up with next.

Haycorn Smith and the Castle Ghost was a fun summer read.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Curious About Mermaids by Gina Kammer

June 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Curious About Mermaids by Gina Kammer
Publisher: Amicus
Genre: Childrens (10+ yrs), Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Are merfolk friends or foes or what? Spark early readers’ natural curiosity about fantasy and fairy-tale creatures with this inquiry-based approach to mermaids. Legendary mermaids aren’t always the sweet, pretty fish women we see in popular culture. In folklore, mermaids were known to sink ships and drag sailors under water. But they aren’t all bad. Some would save sailors from watery deaths. Perfect for self-selection, this question-and-answer book covers legendary mermaids’ appearance, behavior, and where they live. Simple infographics draw in browsers and visual learners. A Stay Curious! feature encourages kids to keep asking questions while doubling as a mini media literacy lesson on research skills. Includes glossary and index.

There’s so much to learn about mermaids.

I liked this book because it’s a simple book, but it’s got lots of tidbits about mermaids. The book dispels the thought that mermaids are real but shows children that they are something fascinating. I liked the little factoids in the book and how the author made the mermaid feel real, while explaining they are the stuff of myths.

This is a quick book and easy read for children, but also a good one for a read-to-me style book. The stories are compelling and will keep the reader’s attention.

If you’re looking for a book about mermaids, then this might be the one you’re wanting.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

*Truly, Madly, Deeply by Erika Kelly

June 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment


*Truly, Madly, Deeply by Erika Kelly
Publisher: Self Published
Genre:, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

What’s the worst thing that can happen to a single dad trying to avoid temptation? Crossing paths with the sexy runaway bride who’s looking to get as far away from her ex as possible.

When runaway bride Grace Giordano needs somewhere to regroup, groomsman Jaime Dupree offers her a guest house on his ranch. It’s no skin off his nose—she’s only in town a few days. Besides, between his daughter and his professional hockey team, he’s got his hands full. Surely, their paths won’t cross.

But when Grace gets the opportunity to run a food truck at the town’s annual music festival, she decides to stay all summer long. The singing baker’s a hit—at the festival and on the ranch.

Jaime might want to focus on his kid and his team, but the singing baker proves to be a mighty big distraction.

One he’s not sure he can resist.

Truly, Madly, Deeply is an emotional and heartwarming romance story about a broken man and a runaway bride who are unexpectedly brought together. I enjoyed reading Jamie and Grace’s story and thought they were perfect for each other. They are both on a journey of self-discovery and it was fun reading their story as they learn more about themselves and slowly fall in love. I really connected with them, and I wanted everything to work for these two, so they could find their HEA.

Jamie is a hockey team owner who loves everything about the game, including playing goalie. Although it looks like Jamie has everything, he is a broken man and when he meets Grace it shakes up his world.

Erika Kelly is one of my favorite authors because she knows how to write stories about tough alpha males who fall hard when they meet the right woman. In this story, Jamie fights to resist Grace but he just can’t help himself, he loves being with her. Grace isn’t intimidated by Jamie’s dour demeanor, and she isn’t afraid to give him her opinion, she is just what he needs.

Jamie and Grace deserve to be happy, and I was rooting for them throughout this story. I enjoyed reading this delightful story and I think you will too.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Hedge Lion by Robyn Wilson-Owen

June 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Hedge Lion by Robyn Wilson-Owen
Publisher: Andersen Press USA
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Discover your inner-roar with Ida, and your inner kindness with Hedge Lion!

Ida sees Hedge Lion every day on her walk around town. Hedge Lion wants everyone to think he’s a hedge. Nobody’s scared of hedges. But Ida is brave, she notices things that other people don’t, and she’s not fooled. She knows Hedge Lion is a lion, she just needs to help him find his roar. Along the way, Ida learns to be patient and kind, and Hedge Lion learns to be brave and confident.

Everyone needs a cheerleader sometimes.

Ida was such a good friend to Hedge Lion. I smiled every time she encouraged him to do something that he felt shy or uncertain about. She knew exactly how often to bring up new stuff for him to try without pushing him too much. It was lovely to see their friendship evolve and the hedge lion become a better version of himself over time.

It would have been nice to have a little more character development for Ida. Hedge Lion learned an important lesson, but she didn’t change much as a result of their blossoming friendship even though there were a few different opportunities for her to do so. If more attention had been paid to her learning how to improve herself, I would have gone for a full five star rating for this tale.

One of the things I liked most about this picture book was how much room it left for interpretation. Was Hedge Lion real or a figment of Ida’s imagination? There was evidence to support either claim, and the plot ultimately made equal amounts of sense no matter which one a reader might choose to believe. That’s the sort of writing that makes me want to return to an author over and over again.

Hedge Lion was creative.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh

June 15, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh
A Novel of the Breeds, Book 11
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The forces of survival and destruction swirl in the darkest corners of men’s minds. The nature of the beast cannot be harnessed, and survival is the purest of all instincts. Survival of the species itself goes soul deep. But can the human heart accept and adapt as easily? Can Charity bestow the love and the acceptance that has always been a part of her, to the man whose very survival depended on the hardening of his heart, of his soul? And can Aiden maintain that cruelty now, in the face of the sacrifices she made? Only time and nature will tell…

A story of the Breeds, but also the struggle between the head and the heart.

I love the Breeds and have been asked recently who my favorite is. I can’t say I have a favorite because I’ve loved all the stories so much. This one was pretty good; I have to admit. Leigh writes captivating characters, even in a few pages. This story zinged along well, and the bedroom scenes were…HAWT.

Aiden knows there’s something about Charity that he can’t forget. He wants to believe it’s because he can’t stand her, but it’s more complicated. Charity has done something for Aiden to save his life, but it’s complicated because neither wants to give any. Seeing the push-pull and the crankiness was great. Leigh writes pretty darn good bitchy women and that’s completely a compliment. Her women are strong and steady, even when in unsteady situations.

If you’re looking for a book to singe the screen and features a great pair of characters, then this is the book for you. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,
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