Summer Reading 2025 Murder on the Marlow Belle (Marlow Murder Club, #4)

 

One would think that after Detective Inspector Tanika Malik was cautioned by her superiors about the involvement of civilians in her investigations, then the members of the Marlow Murder Club would lie low for a bit to keep Tanika out of trouble. Not so much. The wife of Oliver Beresford, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, turns up at Judith's house asking for her help. The MADS committee went out on the Marlow Belle for a cruise along the river and now Oliver is missing. So Judith, Becks, and Suzie begin looking into the lives of the MADS members and those of the other people on the boat.

As usual, existing relationships crop up during the investigation. Suzie knows the owner of the Marlow Belle and suspects he is hiding something. Judith actually joins the cast of "The Importance of Being Earnest" to get closer to the society members and pick up on group dynamics and possible secrets. Becks is having a bit of drama at home - her daughter's boyfriend has convinced her to drop out of school and go on a trip with a charitable organization instead. 

While leads are followed and witnesses are questioned, Tanika is trying to avoid any more complaints from Detective Sergeant Perry about the women helping with murder cases. It seems that Perry is "going through a tough patch" and that he "took his inspector's exams earlier this year and failed." Suzie seems to have nailed the motivation for his complaints when she tells Tanika, "So he's taking it out on you, because you passed yours." It doesn't help that everywhere the police visit, the women are there. They even find a piece of evidence along the riverbank while out in Judith's punt and conscientiously bring it to the police station.

There seem to be a limited number of suspects in Beresford's death - the committee members on the boat, it's captain, and the guest of honor. If there was no one else hiding aboard the Marlow Belle, it must be one of them. The problem is that everyone involved seems to have a motive - an unhappy wife, a boat owner who has been bullied into the charter, a frenemy with an ongoing feud - and even other members of the MADS had their own quarrels or dissatisfaction with the deceased. Perhaps DS Perry should relax and be grateful for help from the Marlow Murder Club after all.

Summer Reading 2025 My Grandma and Grandpa Rock

 
Even if you didn't grow up watching her videos on MTV in the 1980s, you are probably still familiar with the songs of Pat Benatar. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" or "Heartbreaker" make it into radio rotation quite frequently in my town. And who doesn't recall the duet in "Pitch Perfect 2" with Fat Amy and Bumper singing "We Belong"? So we know Benatar as a rocker, but now we also see her as a picture book author.

This fun rhyming text is accompanied by bright illustrations showing a variety of grandparents and grandchildren enjoying each others' company. Some are dancing together under a disco ball. Others are dancing the hula to grandpa's ukulele. A grandma may rock out with air guitar by day and then cheer on a grandchild in a school musical by night. Grandpas may tap out a rhythm on pots and pans in the kitchen or patiently give piano lessons. Readers are asked if there is something their grandparents enjoy doing that is special to them and "special to you?"

The fun and energetic images show a variety of family groupings from diverse backgrounds. Some are baking cookies or roasting marshmallows on a campfire. Others are jamming in the garage or setting off in a VW bus with their instruments. As they all gather for a final concert, the text points out various ways to say grandma and grandpa such as Bubbe, Zayde, Opa, Halmoni, and Granddude. Grandparents may be young or old and have jobs that range from chef to yoga instructor. But "their most important job is ...LOVING YOU!" The message that all grandparents are special in their own way comes through loud and clear.   

Virtual Book Tour 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition)

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition): Book Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition)

Written by Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by Samara Hardy

Ages: 4-12+ | 144 Pages

Publisher: Walter Foster Jr. (2025) | ISBN: 978-0760397763

Publisher’s Book Summary: Discover new books, document your favorites, learn fun facts about books and authors, and develop a lifelong reading habit.

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) is the ultimate reading guide for kids ages 4 to 12+, packed with 101 kid-friendly book recommendations and interactive features to inspire young readers. This revised edition includes diverse voices and graphic novels and reflects current educational trends, making it a modern and inclusive reading guide for young readers today. From classics like Where the Wild Things Are, Beezus and Ramona, and The Phantom Tollbooth to newer favorites such as Big, New Kid, and Brown Girl Dreaming, this inspiring guide covers every stage of a young reader’s journey.

Designed as an engaging journal, this book allows you to document your reading journey by noting which books you’ve read, why you love them, and how you rate each one.

Each book entry includes:

• Brief description and quote: Provides insight into the book’s story, theme, and style.

• Engaging illustrations: Feature characters or key elements from each book.

• “Did you know?” facts: Fun tidbits about the book or author to spark curiosity.

• “What to read next?”: Recommendations to help you find more books you’ll love.

• Interactive rating and note space: A place for you to rate and write about your experience with each book.

Organized by book format (picture books, early readers, chapter books, and more) and cross-indexed by subjects like fairy tales, fantasy, sports, and nonfiction, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up promotes family reading time and encourages lifelong reading habits.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

I have perused several "what to read next” or “best of recommendations” books in my years as a teacher and librarian. Bianca Schulze’s newly revised 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up is like Baby Bear’s bed - just right. Without trying to offer an exhaustive list of every children’s book ever written, it covers a wide variety of genres and formats. Titles included range all the way from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) to The Ballerina of Auschwitz (2024).

Each entry lists the title, author, and illustrator. But a suggested age range, the publisher, publication date, and page count are also included. A brief synopsis (without spoilers), an illustration of a main character, and a quote from the book give enough information to help a reader decide if they might want to pick up a copy. There are also suggestions for what to read next. Like The Stinky Cheese Man? Then try Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. Bits of trivia about the book or author add even more interest such as “Matt de la Pena was the first Hispanic author to win the Newbery Award.”

For those who enjoy tracking their reading (or just marking off things on lists in general), there is a place to check when the book has been read, rate it from 1 to 5 stars, record a favorite character, and even make other notes. By the time you have worked your way through, you will have a remarkable reading journal to look back on. A great reference book for parents and teachers, or the perfect gift for a young bibliophile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Bianca Schulze has captivated young readers worldwide with her beloved picture books, including the international bestseller Don’t Wake the Dragon. As the founder and editor-in-chief of The Children’s Book Review, she has established herself as a trusted voice in children’s literature, championing literacy and quality storytelling for over a decade. As host of the popular The Growing Readers Podcast, Bianca connects authors, educators, and families, sharing her passion for books that inspire young minds. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she now creates, writes, and raises her three children with her husband near Boulder, Colorado.

For more information, check out biancaschulze.com.

https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter/

https://bsky.app/profile/tcbrbookreview.bsky.social

TOUR SCHEDULE Tuesday, September 9, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Wednesday, September 10, 2025 @avainbookland Instagram Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Thursday, September 11, 2025 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Friday, September 12, 2025 The Starlit Path Book Review and Reel of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Monday, September 15, 2025 @loriwaylittlelibrary Meet the Author with Bianca Schulze Tuesday, September 16, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Thursday, September 18, 2025 The Fairview Review Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Friday, September 19, 2025 Me Two Books Author Interview with Bianca Schulze Monday, September 22, 2025 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Get Outside and Read Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Thursday, September 25, 2025 Tinks_books_and_fosters Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Friday, September 26, 2025 bookish_meaghan Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Monday, September 29, 2025 Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Bianca Schulze Tuesday, September 30, 2025 @thechildrensbookreview Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Thursday, October 2, 2025 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Friday, October 3, 2025 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Monday, October 6, 2025 Writer with Wanderlust Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) Tuesday, October 7, 2025 A Blue Box Full of Books Book Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition)

This post is sponsored by The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Virtual Book Tour Luella's Library

Luella's Library: Book Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Luella’s Library

Written by Tara Lala

Illustrated by Francesca Pesci

Ages: 8-10 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891384798

Publisher’s Book Summary: Luella loves to read books, but her best friend, Lino, doesn’t.

What Lino soon discovers is that the books in Luella’s library are magical! When one of her books transports them to an enchanted land, they have to face unexpected obstacles and help new friends.

Will Luella and Lino complete their journeys along the way? Will they be able to help their new friend find his way back home? Or will Lino choose his phone over the adventures Luella’s library has in store?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Many of us who are readers have run into a similar situation to what Luella is dealing with - she loves books, but no one else at school does. Who doesn’t have friends who prefer their screens to snuggling up with something good to read? Luella finally invites her friend Lino over and shows him all the books in the library of her home. Although Lino wants to play a game on his phone, Luella tells him, “I am going to show you all the places a book can take you.” She opens a book and has Lino jump with her through the portal that appears.

When Luella said “all the places” she wasn’t exaggerating by much. They meet a leprechaun and set off to help him find his pot of gold, chasing it through one story after another. They visit a medieval town, a grand ballroom, a garden of gigantic blooms, a cozy cottage, and meet fairies, mermaids, unicorns, and ride on a pegasus. By the time they return to Luella’s house they have even rescued the leprechaun from a cave full of bats and successfully recovered his pot of gold. It is no wonder that Lino exclaims, “That was awesome!” and asks to borrow a book. 

Young readers may wonder if Luella goes on to invite all her classmates over and introduce them to books in the same way. This would be a great read-aloud to illustrate the idea that each book is an adventure and a chance to visit faraway places we could never reach in real life. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Lala lives in Los Angeles, California. She has enjoyed writing since she was five years old, and is now attending the University of Southern California. She wrote Luella’s Library when she was twenty, and hopes that her readers will be inspired to put down their phones and pick up an exciting new book to read. You can check out her other books: Twincesses, Tails from Down Under, An Alani Adventure, and Minty the Mischievous Elf. Follow her on Instagram at @taralalaofficial for more!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Luella’s Library

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 The Starlit Path Book Review of Luella’s Library

Thursday, September 11, 2025 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Tara Lala

Friday, September 12, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Luella’s Library

Monday, September 15, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about Luella’s Library

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Luella’s Library

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Luella’s Library

Thursday, September 18, 2025 The Fairview Review Book Review of Luella’s Library

Friday, September 19, 2025 Un Viaje en Libro Book Activity for Luella’s Library

Monday, September 22, 2025 One More Exclamation Book Review of Luella’s Library

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Froggy Read Teach Book Review of Luella’s Library

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 @bored_military_wife Book Review of Luella’s Library

Thursday, September 25, 2025 avainbookland Book Review of Luella’s Library

Friday, September 26, 2025 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Luella’s Library

Monday, September 29, 2025 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Luella’s Library

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Luella’s Library

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Me Two Books Author Interview with Tara Lala

Thursday, October 2, 2025 A Blue Box Full of Books Book Review of Luella’s Library

Monday, October 6, 2025 @nissa_the.bookworm Book Review of Luella’s Library

This post is sponsored by Expound Publicity. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Virtual Book Tour Live Big with Catch-M

Live Big with Catch-M: Book Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Celebrate the wonder of you and the gift of CATCH-M, too. Readers will see how CATCH-M helps them live big and grow love’s spark in their hearts, like a seed becoming a magnificent tree. Kat’s Live Big series implores readers to be the extraordinary star of their own story! And begin each day with a smile and say, “I am extraordinary!” “I love me.” “I can. I believe.”

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

CATCH-M is a star-shaped love spark floating in the emptiness of space. At first thoughts of loneliness and being scared and small hurt CATCH-M, but then its heart whispered, “Believe you are extraordinary!” With some deep breaths, holding onto its heart, and visualizing a “wonderful world,” it is able to grasp that belief and even decide “to do good by sharing love’s wondrous power everywhere.”

The illustrations show this journey with a color palette to match the action. The early pages are dark and empty except for that small love spark. Shadowy blues are used to form the hurtful thoughts into words - scared, alone, small - with grouchy faces and toothy, evil smirks. As inner peace and self-confidence grow, the background gradually lightens until CATCH-M is surrounded by a rainbow of colors as it explodes outward spreading other love sparks. Suddenly the empty space is filled with colorful planets.

This is a helpful story for those looking for a way to introduce positive affirmations and encourage their child to take a breath and reassure themselves that they are extraordinary even when dark thoughts pop up.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kat Kronenberg is a born-and-raised Texan with a Big Dream: that Two-Leggers—people—all around the world Love Big, catch CATCH-M too, and watch their wildest dreams come true as we all live the motto, “WE can! WE are ONE!” Kat lives in Austin with her husband and is the proud parent of two amazing boys, two beautiful adopted nieces, four fantastic grandchildren, and three four-legged friends.

For more information, check out katkronenberg.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 The Starlit Path Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Thursday, August 28, 2025 @FroggyReadTeach Instagram Post about Live Big with Catch-M

Friday, August 29, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Monday, September 1, 2025 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Live Big with Catch-M

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Live Big with Catch-M

Thursday, September 4, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Friday, September 5, 2025 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Kat Kronenberg

Monday, September 8, 2025 The Fairview Review Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 @bored_military_wife Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Thursday, September 11, 2025 @nissa_the.bookworm Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Friday, September 12, 2025 @stargirls.magical.tale Author Interview with Kat Kronenberg

Monday, September 15, 2025 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Live Big with Catch-M

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Me Two Books Author Interview with Kat Kronenberg

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Un Viaje en Libro Author Interview with Kat Kronenberg

This post is sponsored by Kat Kronenberg. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.