Virtual Book Tour Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality, by Jennifer Nestor: Book Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Written by Jennifer Nestor

Illustrated by Victoria Mikki

Ages 4-9 | 40 Pages

Publisher: BookBaby | ISBN-13: 979-8350953602

Publisher’s Book Summary: This heartfelt adventure follows a young girl named Jane as she tries to navigate the challenge of feeling different in her own skin while experiencing bullying at school. Though she is soft-spoken and quirky on the outside, she struggles on the inside—desperately wanting to belong. Escaping from an uncomfortable moment on the school bus, Jane has a vivid daydream where she enters the Jungle of Individuality: a place filled with animals who all have unique characteristics, just like herself. As she embarks on an incredible journey of self-discovery with some new friends, she quickly realizes her individuality is something she should embrace while also learning self-compassion and being brave when things get tough.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Jane has a lot of things going for her. She has a loving and supportive mother, a dog, a cat, and lots of curiosity. But she is also shy. Her mother encourages her to embrace her individuality and reminds her, “you’re strong and what makes you different makes you beautiful.” When Jane dozes off during the bus ride to school she dreams that she has entered the Jungle of Individuality. She meets unusual animal friends there and begins to wonder if “her unique quirks really weren’t so bad after all.” After taking a swim in the “Waterfall of Strength” Jane wakes and heads into school feeling more confident. While Jane’s quirks are not explicitly mentioned, her animal friends all proudly talk about their unique features. Tim the Tiger has a mohawk, Avery the Ape has spots, and Claire the Cheetah wears a headband, but they all enjoy their individuality. As they tell Jane, “Sometimes, people distracted by their own problems can act grumpy toward us, but always remember this is not about you; it’s about them.” Remembering that advice as she goes through the day at school helps Jane feel more confident and at ease with herself. This is the sort of story that makes a good starting point for a discussion about individual differences and appreciating the variety of gifts, personalities, and other attributes that exist within a family, class, or community.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Nestor’s passion for writing grew out of her love for penning poems, song lyrics, and short stories as a little girl. Now a marketing and communications professional, Jennifer draws on these experiences as an adult and considers writing one of the best parts of her career. She’s always enjoyed the creativity and emotion of storytelling and is truly thrilled to share new stories that encourage bravery in young readers. Her mission as an author is to create imaginative books that make a positive impact and promote diverse characters who acquire strength, courage, and a sense of individuality through their adventures.

Learn more about Jennifer and her work at www.jennestorauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/jennestorauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/jennestorauthor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@jenwriteschildrensbooks

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, July 15, 2024 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Momma Spot Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Thursday, July 18, 2024 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Friday, July 19, 2024 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Monday, July 22, 2024 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 One More Exclamation Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Cover Lover Book Review Author Interview with Jennifer Nestor

Thursday, July 25, 2024 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight about Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Friday, July 26, 2024 The Fairview Review Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Monday, July 29, 2024 @Pagesforpaige Instagram Post about Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 Mommy Ramblings Activity for Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 @StargirlsMagicalTale Instagram Post about Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Thursday, August 1, 2024 @GetOutsideAndRead Instagram Post about Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Friday, August 2, 2024 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Monday, August 5, 2024 A Blue Box Full of Books Book Review of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

This post is sponsored by Jennifer Nestor. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

Summer Reading 2024 The Queen of Poisons (The Marlow Murder Club #3)

Our friendly neighborhood amateur sleuths are at it again. Suzie Harris is watching a planning meeting when Mayor Geoffrey Lushington suddenly drops dead. Of course the first thing Suzie does is call the rest of the Marlow Murder Club, her pals Judith Potts and Becks Starling. It seems like the mayor was an affable person with no reason for anyone to want him out of the way. Suzie even describes him as a "jolly gnome with and impish sense of humor. Everyone in the town liked him." But evidently not everyone, since somebody put aconite in his coffee.

The three women are an unlikely group of friends, as well as unlikely detectives. Suzie is always coming up with schemes to make money. Judith sets crossword puzzles. Becks is the vicar's wife. They are different ages, from different backgrounds, and very different personalities. But that is what makes them so useful as civilian advisers. They know people through the various activities they are involved with around town. Judith is a source of obscure facts from her involvement with creating crossword clues. Becks knows parishioners and community members associated with parish programs. And Suzie knows people from her dog-walking business, her radio show, and even her time as part of a home makeover reality TV series. So it makes sense that Tanika Malik, the detective inspector, would want their input. They were helpful in previous investigations and she knows they will be snooping around anyway.

As usual the women speak to everyone who was present at the planning meeting, visiting homes and offices to track down persons of interest. It seems like they should have an easy time of figuring out the culprit since Suzie witnessed the death, but it isn't that simple. They try to find possible motives - bad finances, questionable business deals, love affairs, etc. And they still have their everyday lives to attend to along with their search for clues. Suzie is interested in starting up a pod hotel to make extra cash. Becks is dealing with her mother-in-law, who came to stay with them and doesn't seem to plan on leaving. And Judith has heard from an old school chum who wants to take her on a date, something she hasn't done since her husband died. How is anyone supposed to solve a murder with all these distractions?

This latest case, like the rest of the series, shows how much can go on behind the scenes in a village or small town. What shows on the surface may be far different from what someone is actually like, especially for public figures like council members who are trying to maintain a good reputation. Could the planning committee member who knows all about toxic garden plants have been the murderer? Was it something to do with the publishing industry and all the authors Geoffrey worked with? Is there a blackmailer at work and things got out of hand? The more they talk to people, the more unanswered questions they seem to have and cryptic phone calls from a blocked number aren't helping matters.

Don't worry, things end in a blaze of glory. (No, I can't explain, it would be a spoiler.) And our three main characters stay true to themselves. "None of the three friends were ever likely to change, and that's just how they liked it. They wouldn't have it any other way." For those who haven't heard, the books are now being made into a TV series which will be coming to MASTERPIECE on PBS on October 27, 2024. So read ahead and be prepared to enjoy all the sleuthing fun.

I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Summer Reading 2024 That Night in the Library

 

When I was a high school senior many of my friends and I were in Honors English. Because of the assignments in those classes, we sometimes went to the university library to do research. One of the English teachers at our school warned us, "Don't go into the stacks alone." When we pressed her for the reason behind her warning she eventually told us that she was worried that college students might get fresh with us. So we always went in pairs or groups, to prevent the sexual harassment she seemed to think might happen if we were alone.

That teacher had never read this book, obviously, and neither had we. If it had been published back in the day (no, I am not naming a specific year), then we would have had much more specific reasons to be afraid. Jurczyk has created a self-contained world down in the stacks, after hours, with the exits locked. The people gathered there to perform an ancient ritual each have their own reasons to participate. Ostensibly they all want to see if this ritual can actually "free those who take part in it from the fear of death." This last night before graduation and their next step into a wider world seems the perfect time to cut loose their fears.

Instead, one death follows another. Different causes for the deaths have the survivors of each fatality accusing one another, forming alliances that shift with each new event, and coming up with theories about who is behind the deaths and what their motivations are. For soon-to-be college graduates, none of them seem very good at communicating. Readers can see what the characters are reacting to and what their conclusions are, but they don't make their reasoning clear to each other and always hold things back, making their answers seem suspicious and self-serving. Eventually the readers and characters all wonder if anyone will be left alive when the library opens in the morning.

If you enjoy stories that take place in supposedly civilized settings (after all, what can be more sedate and safe than a library), but where the action turns that possible safe haven into an increasingly hysterical and frenzied fight for survival - then pick up a copy right away. But read it with the lights on.

I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Summer Reading 2024 Fondant Fumble (Cupcake Bakery Mystery 16)

 

When Mel learns that two pro football players want to purchase a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise, she isn't sure she heard correctly. But Tyler and Keogh are taking the time during the offseason to learn all about baking and decorating delicious cupcakes. It seems that Tate, the bakery's business manager, is helping the guys start a franchise as part of planning ahead for their eventual retirement from sports. What could be better - a beloved line of cupcakes teamed up with popular football stars?

It turns out that some people don't agree. The team manager and Keogh's agent both want the guys to drop the idea and concentrate on football. The coach is pushing hard for Keogh to forget pastry and concentrate on the upcoming season. They may not be the only ones, since there is also vandalism at the bakery location the partners are trying to open. And then the team manager turns up dead in the kitchen. Did he quarrel with one of the guys? Is someone trying to frame them? As usual, Mel is in the thick of the action.

While this book serves up delicious cupcake ideas, plenty of suspense and tension, and the usual movie quote identification game that Mel and her friends Angie and Tate have carried on since middle school, there are also other ingredients to spice up the recipe. It seems that Keogh is at high risk for CTE if he takes another hit causing a concussion, so planning ahead for what he will do after his career on the field is a priority. The discussion of  brain injury caused by contact sports crops up a few times. And his mother taught Keogh to cook, so we get to see a supportive mother-son relationship when Mama June comes to visit. And there is the teamwork aspect, between Mel and her friends/staff, between Keogh and Tyler, and with the football team itself.

Another tasty addition to the series and fun to read - although you may wind up craving cupcakes. A small price to pay (and literary cupcakes don't have calories).

Summer Reading 2024 The Stranger in the Library (A Lighthouse Library Mystery Book 11)

If you are planning to head to the Outer Banks this summer, you may want to steer clear of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Okay, so the library is fictional. But if it were an actual place you might think twice about visiting. Every time there is a special event head librarian Lucy winds up discovering a body or being involved in a murder investigation. If once is accident, twice is coincidence, and three times is enemy action...what is eleven times? A delightfully fun cozy mystery series, that's what.

Lucy and her staff at the library have put together a wonderful display about art history to complement a traveling show of impressionist art that is coming to nearby Nags Head, North Carolina. A librarian from the National Archives in Washington who is visiting in the area comes to see the display and comments, "Educational, informative, as it should be. But most of all you've obviously had a great deal of fun with it." 

Too bad everyone isn't as appreciative. The next morning a painting is missing. Then a body is found outside the opening night reception of the traveling art show. Lucy keeps overhearing or seeing disagreements between the show's organizers. An overly charming art dealer sweeps Louise Jane off her feet. Is he doing it to divert suspicion or to get inside information on the investigation? Will there be another body soon if the case isn't solved? 

As always this book can be read as a stand-alone. For those of us who have been reading the series all along, it is another chance to catch up on our favorite characters. Lucy and her husband Connor, the mayor. Charles the library cat. Police detective Sam Watson. Louise Jane and her endless supply of stories about her family and the history of the area - and now apparently her connection to the art world. 

I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes. The book hit stores on June 4th, so grab a copy before you finish your vacation packing.

Summer Reading 2024 The Murder of Mr. Ma

 

Lao She leads a quiet life in his boarding house in London until he chances to become involved with the legendary Judge Dee Ren Jie. Suddenly, instead of peaceful academics and daydreams of one day telling his landlady's daughter about his admiration of her, Lao is investigating a murder. Then another, and another are committed - it seems there may not be any members left of the friends from the Chinese Labour Corps who Dee knew from World War I. 

Poor Lao is often bewildered by Dee's actions and the conclusions he draws in a similar manner to Watson trying to understand what Holmes is up to. In the course of their investigation they visit opium dens and dealers in Asian antiquities, stage a jailbreak, spend time with Bertrand Russell, and find themselves in martial arts confrontations that would seem right at home in a Jackie Chan movie.

The setting of 1924 London is brought to life with the sights, sounds, and odors. The yellow daffodils in Hyde Park, the shouts of protesters, the heavy scent of the opium den, and the description of the dinner Dee prepares in Russell's home (ginger-steamed carp, jasmine rice, stuffed tofu), engage the senses in each scene. The attitudes of the English toward the Chinese are present in nearly every encounter. The landlady's daughter who is determined to convert Lao to Christianity, even though he "had been baptized in Peking." Ze Ren's widow was snubbed for marrying him because she was an Englishwoman and it was not considered proper. Judge Dee mentions how he had to intervene to get fair treatment for the men in the Labour Corps. You get the  idea.

Before reading this book I had heard of Judge Dee as a fictional character, but I did not realize the character is based on the historical figure Di Renjie, a county magistrate and statesman of the Tang court. And I also learned there is a separate subgenre of Chinese crime fiction involving government magistrates who solve criminal cases - Gong'an or crime-case fiction. So this story manages to blend elements of traditional Chinese crime fiction with a semi-fictional historical character in 1920s London, giving Dee and Lao the additional challenge of being foreigners/outsiders as they struggle to find the murderer.

If you enjoy mysteries and historical fiction, this should be a captivating story to immerse yourself in. I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Virtual Book Tour Play Outside with Me

 

Play Outside with Me: Book Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Play Outside with Me 

Written by Kat Chen

Illustrated by Lorraine Nam

Ages 1-3 | 24 Pages

Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop | ISBN-13: 978-0593659731

Publisher’s Book Summary: This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. In this second book, the outdoor playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Kat Chen and Lorraine Nam have created another engaging and interactive board book for very young readers. Play Outside with Me features Sam and Sam’s friend Squirrel. Sam speaks directly to readers and invites them to join in the play. Everyday games such as blowing bubbles, tag, and playing on the swing set are shown in bright colors. Sam likes to draw with sidewalk chalk; Squirrel likes it best when Sam draws ladybugs. Later, Sam sees a real ladybug and Squirrel (who is a stuffie) spots a real squirrel in a tree. Besides the images and text to help promote a conversation with young children, this book also offers a model of how to make a new friend. Sam performs introductions, “Hi, my name is Sam! This is my friend, Squirrel. What’s your name?” Then Sam asks the reader how they like to play each game - popping bubbles, drawing with chalk, etc. Sam always gives compliments - “That’s a great name!” or “Wow! That sounds nice.” when the reader tells what they like to draw. Sam shares the bubbles and takes turns in the tag game. And at the end of the visit, Sam thanks the reader for playing and asks if they can play again soon. For young readers just learning to play with others this book offers great examples of how to play nicely. And for those who enjoy reading books together with an adult or older child, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the story - answering Sam’s questions, pointing out details that they notice, and laughing at Squirrel as the bubbles pop on his nose. A fun experience for kiddos and caregivers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kat Chen is the author of several bestselling contemporary and historical romance books. She also serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns.

After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play.

Learn more about Kat and her work at kat-chen.com.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Kat-Chen/61555122372925/

https://www.instagram.com/katchenbooks/

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in Philadelphia and spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time at her parents’ jewelry store. She now spends her days combining those two loves to create her illustrations.

She is the illustrator of the picture book biography on Neil deGrasse Tyson, Look Up With Me, and the upcoming Wei Skates On, by Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen.

Learn more about Lorraine and her work at www.lorrainename.com.

https://www.instagram.com/lorrainenam

https://twitter.com/LorraineNam

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Play Outside with Me

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 @pagesforpaige Instagram Post about Play Outside with Me

Thursday, June 13, 2024 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about Play Outside with Me

Friday, June 14, 2024 It’s Free At Last Book Review of Play Outside with Me

Monday, June 17, 2024 The Fairview Review Book Review of Play Outside with Me

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight for Play Outside with Me

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Play Outside with Me

Thursday, June 20, 2024 Country Mamas with Kids Book Review of Play Outside with Me

Friday, June 21, 2024 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Play Outside with Me

Monday, June 24, 2024 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about Play Outside with Me

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 Cover Lover Book Review Author Interview with Kat Chen

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 One More Exclamation Book Review of Play Outside with Me

Thursday, June 27, 2024 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about Play Outside with Me

Monday, July 1, 2024 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Guest Post about Play Outside with Me

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

Kat Chen and Lorraine Pham have created another engaging and interactive board book for very young readers. Play Outside with Me features Sam and Sam’s friend Squirrel. Sam speaks directly to readers and invites them to join in the play. Everyday games such as blowing bubbles, tag, and playing on the swing set are shown in bright colors. Sam likes to draw with sidewalk chalk; Squirrel likes it best when Sam draws ladybugs. Later, Sam sees a real ladybug and Squirrel (who is a stuffie) spots a real squirrel in a tree.

Besides the images and text to help promote a conversation with young children, this book also offers a model of how to make a new friend. Sam performs introductions, “Hi, my name is Sam! This is my friend, Squirrel. What’s your name?” Then Sam asks the reader how they like to play each game - popping bubbles, drawing with chalk, etc. Sam always gives compliments - “That’s a great name!” or “Wow! That sounds nice.” when the reader tells what they like to draw. Sam shares the bubbles and takes turns in the tag game. And at the end of the visit, Sam thanks the reader for playing and asks if they can play again soon.

For young readers just learning to play with others this book offers great examples of how to play nicely. And for those who enjoy reading books together with an adult or older child, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the story - answering Sam’s questions, pointing out details that they notice, and laughing at Squirrel as the bubbles pop on his nose. A fun experience for kiddos and caregivers.