Spring Reading 2021 Einstein: The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time

 

Who doesn't like a good mouse adventure? Mickey Mouse. Tom and Jerry. Reepicheep. Ralph S. Mouse. Despereaux. (Okay, I could go on, but I won't.)  Author/illustrator Torben Kuhlmann taps into that love of small heroes in his series of adventures featuring mice and famous names from history. Lindbergh had a mouse constructing and flying an airplane. Armstrong had a mouse on the moon. Edison showed two mice exploring the depths of the sea in search of a lost treasure. But as if that were not enough, now a mouse will take on time travel!

Of course, the mouse in question is motivated by the desire to attend a cheese festival, but that is perfectly understandable. Young readers will love the scenes of the mouse resetting the time on wristwatches, alarm clocks, and even DVD players in an effort to go back to the day of the big event. When he does find a way to travel (in a manner Jules Verne would approve), things go a bit haywire and the mouse protagonist takes up residence in the attic of the patent office where young Albert Einstein works. Can these two original thinkers help each other out? Will our hero ever make it to the cheese festival and his own century?

As in all Kuhlmann's books, the artwork and attention to detail are extraordinary. The story idea is original (although I couldn't help imagining the mouse as a rodent version of Marty McFly). Back matter helps readers with information about Albert Einstein, relativity, thought experiments, time travel, and the curvature of space. For readers and library collections who already have the earlier books, this new title must be added to the set. For those who haven't enjoyed these mouse adventures yet, perhaps you have seen Kuhlmann's artwork in Flight for Freedom? If you enjoyed his work on that true story, give this furry tale a try. 

Due for publication on September 7 just in time (LOL) for the start of a new school year.

Spring Reading 2021 My Remarkable Journey: A Memoir

Since Margot Lee Shetterly's book and the resulting movie, interest in Katharine Johnson and the other NASA human computers has resulted in many other books for all ages. This memoir written by Katharine Johnson and her daughters is enlightening while still entirely readable and enjoyable. Mrs. Johnson manages to weave her personal experiences into a story that captures the reader's interest in the way that a dynamic and captivating speaker can do. She balances the incidents from her own life with explanations of what was going on in the wider social setting, pointing out when the two intersected and when she was aware of events but was not an active participant. 

Reminiscences of her parents and their determination to provide a better life and education for Katharine and her siblings show how she came by her drive and work ethic. The descriptions of pay disparities and the limited choices for careers that were available only serve to emphasize how stifling the social and work environment were and how truly outstanding an individual's contributions had to be in order to rise above all the drawbacks. But Mrs. Johnson does not dwell excessively on these points; instead, she mentions the negatives in a matter of fact way and continues with her narrative - her approach to writing imitates her approach to the situations she describes.  

This is an uplifting book due to the positive outlook of the author and the recognition that has come her way in recent years, but it is also a story that will cause some discomfort as readers encounter again and again the roadblocks set in the way of Katharine Johnson and other women like her. It would be a good book club pick for those looking at intersectional feminism, historical examples of racism and sexism, or simply fans of memoir and autobiography.

Due for release on May 25th.

Spring Reading 2021 Paper & Blood (Ink & Sigil #2)

 

In Paper & Blood readers will once again meet up with sigil agent Al MacBharrais and his hobgoblin Buck. The pair's first outing, Ink & Sigil, introduced readers to the sigil agents, a group of talented folks who help bring order to visitors from other realms when they wish to come to the everyday world here on Earth. With the use of magical sigils created with special inks, the agents can outfox security cameras, heal wounds, and write binding contracts with the Fae and other beings. But each agent is responsible for a large territory and when one goes missing, it is a very big deal.

That is where this story begins - with the mysterious disappearance of a sigil agent on the other side of the world from Al's office in Glasgow. He packs up his supplies and heads off with Buck to investigate after receiving a distress call from the missing agent's apprentice. Imagine a middle-aged suburbanite suddenly traipsing through the wilderness in the middle of the Dandenong Ranges in Australia. Now throw in Atticus (yes, the Iron Druid himself), along with his dogs Oberon and Starbuck, and a few allies they pick up along the way.

If you enjoy the world of the Iron Druid or have already jumped into the Ink & Sigil series, then this new installment should be on your TBR list. For those who have not tried the books from either series yet, go ahead and pick up Paper & Blood for a murder mystery with kidnappings, mythical beasts, magical and druidic powers, beings from alternate realms, and plenty of humor to leaven the death and destruction. (You can't have a hobgoblin around without humorous happenings.)

Due for release on August 10 - which gives everyone plenty of time to read (re-read) the Iron Druid Chronicles and Ink & Sigil #1.

Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies Virtual Book Tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies, autographed by Sandrian Nelson-Moon

• A copy of Itty Bitty Betty & The Cookies: Activity And Coloring Book

• A $25 Amazon gift card

• A set of Limited Edition Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies bookmarks, a keychain, and stickers

Two (2) winners receive:

• A paperback copy of Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies, autographed by Sandrian Nelson-Moon

• A set of Limited Edition Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies bookmarks, a keychain, and stickers

The giveaway begins April 12, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends May 12, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies

Written by Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Illustrated by Bex Sutton

Ages 3-8 | 34 Pages

Publisher: Sandrian Nelson-Moon | ISBN-13: 978-1736512319

Publisher’s Synopsis: Join Itty Bitty Betty in this thrilling story as she tries to sneak a tasty treat without Mommy knowing!

Itty Bitty Betty was small as can be,

About as tall as her mom’s knee.

After a fun day out by the sea,

Itty Bitty wanted cookies for tea!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fRiXUd

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781736512319

MY REVIEW

Readers will see right away that Betty may be "itty bitty," but she has a big personality. She glows on the page with her warm brown skin, thick wavy hair, and sparkly gold outfits. Betty's emotions show in her expressive face with smiles, frowns of concentration, and even a rueful grimace when her efforts don't work out.

After a day at the beach, Betty and Mommy come home. There are cookies in the house and Betty has big ambitions about those cookies. Like many young children, she doesn't wait and ask a parent - she just sets about making her own plans (with a little moral support from her kitty). Her kitty is also very expressive; it looks on with fond exasperation as Betty ransacks the kitchen, watches wide-eyed as Betty clambers up a ladder to reach that high shelf, then has its fur standing on end as the ladder comes crashing down.

The rhyming text paints a word picture of a vivacious little girl and her loving mother. They obviously enjoy spending time together and have fun at the beach. (Matching smiles and sparkling eyes reflect their pleasure in the outing and the company.) Even when Mommy fusses because Betty is climbing up to try and get those out-of-reach cookies, the reader and Betty both know that "Mommy shouted because she cared." Perfect for families that have their own itty bitty daredevils or are looking for picture books that feature POC characters in everyday situations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandrian Nelson-Moon is a survivor and a humble example of perseverance and faith. She believes a child’s imagination and education are their fuel to true development. Sandrian is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, Queens County Committee Member by day, Future Attorney, and Novelist by night. She has earned education distinctions and is an avid community volunteer. She earned a Cumae Laude Bachelors degree from Berkeley, a Summa Cumae Laude Masters degree in Business Administration, Masters Certificates in Nonprofit Management and Advanced Project Management from Walden University and holds a Six Sigma White belt certification. Sandrian is the President of 2 school PTA organizations, and as a Parent Political Advocate, she advocates strongly for children, victims of sexual and personal trauma, and has won numerous awards for community service. 

A Jamaican native, she is a lover of seafood, family time, travel, and beaches. Currently residing in a borough she loves, you’ll find her most likely multitasking.

For more information, visit https://nelsonmoonkids.com/, Instagram, and Facebook.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 12, 2021 The Children’s Book Review A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Lisa’s Reading An article by the author Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 The Fairview Review A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Thursday, April 15, 2021 Library Lady’s Kid Lit An interview with Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Friday, April 16, 2021 Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom A Beyond the Book Activity for Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Monday, April 19, 2021 Comfy Chair Books A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Life Is What It’s Called An interview with Sandrian Nelson-Moon

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Thursday, April 22, 2021 Over Coffee Conversations A Beyond the Book Activity for Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Friday, April 23, 2021 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Monday, April 26, 2021 Confessions of a Book Addict A book giveaway of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of Itty Bitty Betty and the Cookies

The Fairview Review is participating in the virtual book tour in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Sandrian Nelson-Moon.

Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers Virtual Book Tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a set of the Greystone Secrets series, including Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A paperback copy of Greystone Secrets 1: The Strangers

• A paperback copy of Greystone Secrets 2: The Deceivers

• A hardcover copy of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

The giveaway begins April 6, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends April 22, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Written by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Ages 8-12 | 416 Pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books | ISBN-13 : 978-0062838438

Publisher’s Synopsis: As book three of the Greystone Secrets series opens, the Greystone kids have their mother back from the evil alternate world, and so does their friend Natalie. But no one believes the danger is past.

Then mysterious coins begin falling from unexpected places. They are inscribed with codes that look just like what the Greystones’ father was working on before he died. And with the right touch, those symbols transform into words: PLEASE LISTEN. And FIND US, SEE US, HELP US. . . .

The coins are messengers, telling the Greystones and their allies that their friends in the alternate world are under attack—and that the cruel, mind-controlling forces are now invading the better world, too.

After another spinning, sliding journey across worlds, the Greystone kids must solve mysteries that have haunted them since the beginning: what happened when the Gustanos were kidnapped, what created the alternate world, and how a group of mismatched kids can triumph once and for all against an evil force that seems to have total control.

MY REVIEW

Readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, action, brave siblings, travel between alternate worlds, or a combination of those elements will love this final chapter of the series. Each of the Gresytone children has their own strength, which reminds me a bit of the Baudelaires in A Series of Unfortunate Events. Rather than an evil Count Olaf, these youngsters are facing off against the rulers of an alternate world that want to take control of both worlds and suppress any free thought or independence.

The Greystones come across allies during their trials, although it can be hard to know whom to trust. With everyone in the other world conditioned to obey their leaders without question and people in their own world ignorant of the dangers, they can’t just go to the authorities and file a report. And things aren’t as simple as assuming that everyone from the other world is bad or everyone from the world they live in is good - life is never that clearly divided.

Growing up and learning to trust yourself and make wise choices about where else to place your trust is always tough. But these characters have each other and a worthwhile goal to work toward. Isn’t that as much as anyone can hope for?

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/2PrjXmV

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780062838438

OFFICIAL LINKS

www.haddixbooks.com

@theshelfstuff

@haddixbooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm in Ohio. As a kid, she knew two girls who had the exact same first, middle, and last names and shared the same birthday—only one year apart—and she always thought that was bizarre.

As an adult, Haddix worked as a newspaper reporter and copy editor in Indiana before her first book, Running Out of Time, was published. She has since written more than forty books for kids and teens, including the Greystone Secrets series, the Shadow Children series, the Missing series, the Children of Exile series, and lots of stand-alones. Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, where they raised their two kids.

You can learn more about her at www.haddixbooks.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 6, 2021 The Children’s Book Review A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Lisa’s Reading An interview with Margaret Peterson Haddix

Thursday, April 8, 2021 Over Coffee Conversations Beyond the Book Activity For Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Friday, April 9, 2021 Life Is What It’s Called An interview with Margaret Peterson Haddix

Sunday, April 11, 2021 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Monday, April 12, 2021 ShootingStarsMag An interview with Margaret Peterson Haddix

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Library Lady’s Kid Lit A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 The Fairview Review A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Thursday, April 15, 2021 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers A book giveaway of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Friday, April 16, 2021 J.R.s Book Reviews A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Monday, April 19, 2021 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Tales of a Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom Beyond the Book Activity For Greystone Secrets 3: The Messengers

The Fairview Review is participating in the awareness tour in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and HarperCollins Publishers.