The other day we drove up the coast to one of the little towns near us, Cambria to go on a walk with our corgis, Oliver and Oscar. We took the opportuThe other day we drove up the coast to one of the little towns near us, Cambria to go on a walk with our corgis, Oliver and Oscar. We took the opportunity after our walk, to visit the local library in town. While I was perusing the shelves, I was thrilled to find some free children’s books available for my Little Free Library Shed. This was one of them.
In it, the author offers 10 short courtroom mysteries for kids to solve, as if they are actually on a jury case. Which in many respects, gives them their own opportunity to learn what it feels like to have this experience.
Each story provides a case, visual exhibit evidence and then the verdict is written out upside down at the end of each story.
While being provided the information on the case, readers are also asked to deliberate the merits of the case before considering their verdict to the case. Will readers consider the same verdict as the one offered at the end of each case?
The cases are simple, yet fun and offer a unique challenge for kids. Although, to be honest, my husband and I had a fun time playing along reading the various cases, together!
When I ordered this book from my local library, I didn’t know what kind of book I was going to be reading. I just knew it was a Baldacci book, and thaWhen I ordered this book from my local library, I didn’t know what kind of book I was going to be reading. I just knew it was a Baldacci book, and that is all that mattered to me. And, I can’t believe I didn’t put this in my ‘currently reading’ pile. Oh well. Believe it or not, I have been reading it. It is a book to be reckoned with, in all its 477 pages. But before I get in to discussion of it, back to Baldacci.
I love all his characters. And, who knew if it was going to be someone from the past, or someone new. I just knew I had already developed my relationships with, Atlee Pine, Aloysius Archer, Amos Decker, Alex Jamison, Travis Devine, Will Robie, John Puller, Sean King, Michelle Maxwell and Oliver Stone.
I never expected to be taken into a historical fiction courtroom drama with two new characters to add to my personal “love” list. But here I was. Ready and willing.
And, to be honest, my heart was on fire from page one. And, that even included the ‘Author’s Note.’
“I wish we lived in a world that was just and equal for all, and that lawyers could concentrate on being simply lawyers and not spokespersons for a cause. …and we can all rise high or fall low, but we should all be judged by the same standard. That is the only way we can move forward as a country, as a people.”
This is a stand-alone featuring two new characters in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia, a hotbed county, and area of the state, filled with hate and prejudice. We meet Jack Lee a white lawyer who is given a case to defend a black couple, Jerome and Pearl Washington that have been accused of killing a rich white couple.
And, when we are talking the south, it doesn’t look like they are going to get a very fair chance at trial with a Judge that has Ku Klux Klan leanings, George Wallace poised to run for President and an all-white jury.
To help Jack on the case is Desiree DuBose a Black lawyer from Chicago who is fierce about justice and equality.
What will this team discover? Will they be able to overcome these odds?
As I turned pages and read, I couldn’t help but feel the 60’s past and today’s present merging too closely together. I wanted to cry out in frustration and sadness that something was wrong – that there was a time machine that had made a mistake – that thought that 2024 was 1968 all over again and to please let me blink myself awake to a better more thoughtful, just present. That I must be dreaming.
And then, I got out of my head and reminded myself I was within the pages of a really excellent story with solid character development. It was describing the 1960’s south realistically. The courtroom drama was spectacular and dramatic and real-feeling.
There will be much to digest within these pages. Be patient. It will be worth the journey.
This story is fresh and intense, and thrilling, and showcases the human corruptness. I can only hope that this is just the beginning of Dubose and Lee as future characters and fighters of justice in an upcoming Baldacci series.
Also, I recommend that everyone read the ‘Author’s Note’ at the beginning. It is heart-felt and timely. What he shares at the end of it, which makes even more sense once it is read and digested, I think is worth including…
“I wanted each to learn from the other, and …to eventually find mutual respect and empathy for one another. In the end, what can we strive for that is more vital, for all of us?”...more
A visit to my public library yesterday took me to the children’s section to look at books to read and review. And, I couldn’t help but be attracted toA visit to my public library yesterday took me to the children’s section to look at books to read and review. And, I couldn’t help but be attracted to this book cover. You have to admit that a lot of us have been fascinated by octopi lately, right? It seems I am seeing a lot of books about them, so, without reading what the book was about, I decided to check it out and look forward to reading it.
So, what defines a home? What does it look like? For many animals it may look differently than what humans consider their homes.
This book helps children see in beautiful visual pictures and words, (which with its wavy font may be difficult to read for younger children), the many various animals and their homes. How they are created. How they live. What happens through their own evolution as a species. From on land, to the trees, through plants, to the sea. Even lakes and caves and under trees, and through the ice, and burrows, and more.
It is informative, colorful and will allow children a vast insight into the world of life’s creatures great and small.
And yes, children will even learn about what an octopus calls a home. But because the title seemed to emphasize that this “book” was about an octopus, it was disappointing that the octopus barely graced the pages of this book (it received barely one page), and it was nearly at the end of the story. So, in some ways the story was a bit deceptive and could have been better served with a different title for the story.
3.5 stars rounded up
Reading Level: Ages 4 – 8 years – Grade: Preschool+...more
This is the story of a very sad gorilla. And, for anyone turning pages, the first thing you will be mesmerized by is the stunning visual artistic illuThis is the story of a very sad gorilla. And, for anyone turning pages, the first thing you will be mesmerized by is the stunning visual artistic illustrations.
This particular gorilla could also communicate via sign language. Which made his ability to “talk” with humans fascinating for kids to see. And what he needed most was…a friend.
So, the humans at the zoo, gave him a friend, a kitty named “Beauty” that they asked him not to eat.
And, this is their story – the gorilla and the kitty.
Children will learn the importance of friendship and communication in this heart-loving story.
This is an interesting lesson book on several levels that is nicely illustrated.
Level one: There is a crab that bakes cake. And, because the crab bakThis is an interesting lesson book on several levels that is nicely illustrated.
Level one: There is a crab that bakes cake. And, because the crab bakes it creates unity in the sea, which readers will learn about.
Level two: Sea creatures find a way to come together. Because as we know, or would want to teach children, sea life exist in the sea for their own purpose. And, this book shows that purpose.
Level three: Humans have a tendency to dump junk in the ocean. And, the sea creatures don’t like it. So, they do something about it. This will be another learning lesson for the readers.
So, let’s say there are 3 cats that are seemingly “afraid” of a dog.
Does that mean that maybe, just maybe there might be a dog in this book?
Shall theSo, let’s say there are 3 cats that are seemingly “afraid” of a dog.
Does that mean that maybe, just maybe there might be a dog in this book?
Shall the reader take a look in the hiding places?
And, let’s say that these 3 cats will do anything to hide from this sweet, cuddly, soft dog. And, while they are doing this, the reader will have the opportunity to check all the different hiding places of the cats.
But then readers and the cats learn that there is absolutely no reason to be afraid of this sweetheart of a dog.
What then?
How can the cats make things comfortable for the sweet, cuddly, soft dog?
This will become the fun learning experience for the young reader, in this cleverly illustrated, 3-D modeled book.
Reading level: Ages 3 – 7 years – Pre-school+...more
What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down? What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down and everyone else hasWhat happens when we build something and someone knocks it down? What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down and everyone else has an opinion about it that we don’t want to hear?
What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down and we are left alone and feel all sorts of emotions about it and someone comes along and just listens to everything that we feel about it?
Can we feel listened too, finally?
Well, maybe this is that story.
And, this is what makes this the perfect story for parents and/or teachers to talk with kids about.
A beautifully illustrated book that has been donated by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for kids everywhere.
Reading Level: Age 3 – 5+ - Pre-school – K+...more
Sometimes we are just born certain ways, and we are comfortable, just the way we are – perfectly flat. But then what happens when we accidently tumbleSometimes we are just born certain ways, and we are comfortable, just the way we are – perfectly flat. But then what happens when we accidently tumble into the dryer and come out fat and puffy?
Can we be comfortable with our new look? Where everyone thought he was cute and cuddly?
What was the best way to be?
Well, maybe it was whatever felt best to Flat Cat. What do you think?
Loving ourselves as we are is a great discussion to have with kids, and this book is a good conversation starter.
And that is truly the definition of me, too. It really doesn’t matter what age we are, hair definitely does have a way“My hair is free…my hair is me.”
And that is truly the definition of me, too. It really doesn’t matter what age we are, hair definitely does have a way of giving us our own personality. And a way of accepting ourselves, just as we are.
My hair is frizzy and curly. Once it has been washed, styled and air-dried it cannot be brushed again. It is that stubborn. All I can do is toss it over my head, put my fingers through it, and hope it can look semi-decent when I come back up for air. Oh, and it is long. That is the hippie girl still in me. I love my hair still being long. Who says that because I am old that I have to have short hair? I love it just as it is!
So, when I was recently searching for library books online, I couldn’t help but notice this one. Look at this cover? Look at this title? This girl’s hair is bigger than she is! I love it!
In this story, this girl has big hair. And, people want to know why. And, when they ask, her reply is simply…
“Why isn’t yours?”
How can you not love her boldness and love for how she feels about how she looks!
In this beautifully illustrated book, she goes on to describe her hair and how she loves it. Or even what her hair needs.
“My hair needs room to grow with grace.”
The beauty of this book is that it shows the diversity and acceptance of loving oneself just as they are. And, how others can, too.
“Write down what I think I know. The knowing will come. Just keep listening…”
Some books flow beautifully with prose that just captures readers. This is “Write down what I think I know. The knowing will come. Just keep listening…”
Some books flow beautifully with prose that just captures readers. This is one of those books. While reading this, I felt as if the pages just floated by.
At the same time, I also felt badly, that the title of this book seemed limiting. Because in some ways, will girls or even boys who aren’t brown know, without understanding that anybody, at any age, or any color could pick up this book and truly enjoy it, too? Perhaps, even find something to appreciate from her words?
The other joy about this book, is once you pick it up, it is easy to read in one sitting. Of course, that isn’t necessary to do, either. You could actually sit and savor each poem like a good meal, if you choose. Because each poem provides an opportunity to explore and experience and recognize that even if it is a little bit of the author’s memoir, it is still something we may all enjoy considering or understanding, too about someone’s life. These poems are short and sweet and full of stories and beliefs. Things we can probably relate to, as well.
“…I believe in Black people and White people coming together. I believe in nonviolence and “Power to the People.” …I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment called Now.”
These are beautiful, heart-felt, soul-full poems that will enrich anybody’s library. We can even choose to learn from her and hope for better. For ourselves and each other....more
What happens when Felix finally gets to meet his Grandma from Vietnam and they don’t speak the same laGenerations. Words. Differences. Opportunities.
What happens when Felix finally gets to meet his Grandma from Vietnam and they don’t speak the same language?
Felix decides to show his Grandma his world, and she decides to show him hers – without words. But one day when they are out and about together, he loses her, and realizes because she is lost, this is an opportunity to teach her English – using picture cards.
This book is about the beauty of learning – not just what adults can teach children, but what children can teach adults.
To feel “Rakiya” is to experience the people of Bulgaria. And, in each story the author wants us to do exactly (Rakiya also known as “fruit spirits.”)
To feel “Rakiya” is to experience the people of Bulgaria. And, in each story the author wants us to do exactly that. Readers will meet various characters throughout in grasping an understanding of the tastes and experiences of what it is like to live within Bulgaria – the underbelly, the richness, the poor, the sad, the grief, the hope, the desires, and so forth.
Each character feels rich and believable and easily comes alive on the page and provides a piece of themselves for readers to appreciate through the author’s writing.
The only story out of character, as the author explains in his acknowledgements, is “Forgiveness” which is rich in history and almost as long as a novelette. To tell more would give away spoilers. It is best for readers to experience the expressiveness of its story to understand the point of why the author felt the importance of including it within these pages.
In giving us a taste of Bulgaria, the author is informative, interesting, and well-organized. He provides honest insight and transports readers easily to the country.
I recommend reading this book to fully appreciate what I am sharing here.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
This is the story about Errol and his Teddy named Thomas who wears a bow tie. They do everything together.
But one day, Errol notices that Thomas is nThis is the story about Errol and his Teddy named Thomas who wears a bow tie. They do everything together.
But one day, Errol notices that Thomas is not feeling particularly playful. So, he asks him what is wrong. And, Thomas says that he is not feeling like a Thomas he is feeling like a Tilly. And, he is afraid that because he wants to be a Tilly, that maybe Errol won’t want to be his friend anymore.
Well, Errol who loves Thomas very much gives the bear a hug and is happy to embrace Tilly’s new identity. And, when Errol’s friend, Ava comes over she offers to give Tilly her bow to wear.
This book offers opportunities for parents and teachers to talk with children about gender identity, being true to themselves and friendship in a thoughtful and caring way.
The question is, when is the appropriate age to understand this topic?
The artistic renderings through the illustrations are gently presented which makes it easy for young ones to relate to, but the subject matter may not be. So, this truly is an educable subject that needs to be managed sensitively.
The publisher says that Reading level is: Age 3 – 6 – Pre-school – Grade 1st...more
What happens when the teacher creates a “Happy Mother’s Day” event in the classroom and asks all the kids to invite their mother, but Stella don’t havWhat happens when the teacher creates a “Happy Mother’s Day” event in the classroom and asks all the kids to invite their mother, but Stella don’t have a Mom?
Better yet, Stella is lucky because she has a Papa and a Daddy. And, not only that she has a Nonna, an Aunt Gloria, an Uncle Bruno and a Cousin Lucy. Why not invite everybody?
Her teacher didn’t say she only could invite her Mother!
So that is exactly what Stella does.
So, what identifies a family? A mother? A father?
This truly is a wonderful conversation book for kids with parents and teachers alike that is delightfully illustrated.
Grandad is having a fun visit with his granddaughter and dog reminiscing about his travels with Gramps. He shares about when Gramps was alive, that inGrandad is having a fun visit with his granddaughter and dog reminiscing about his travels with Gramps. He shares about when Gramps was alive, that included all the travels they use to both have in their VW bus. She is mesmerized by all the stories, but also aware of both of their sadness at the loss of Gramps.
And then, Grandad shows his granddaughter that the VW bus of his is still parked in the garage.
Can it be possible that there may be one more camping trip they can experience together?
This is a colorful, scenic, sensitively told, and beautifully illustrated story that the author shares was inspired by a university dissertation which revealed a lack of representation for older LGBT characters in children’s books.
This is the story of Lewis Michaux (1895 – 1976) and his National Memorial African Bookstore (approximat“Words. That’s why people need our bookstore.”
This is the story of Lewis Michaux (1895 – 1976) and his National Memorial African Bookstore (approximately 1931 – 1975). According to the author, “as a boy, he refused to work in the fields for twenty cents a day.” What he wanted to do was something more. And, his legacy was this bookstore. The author was her great-uncle, so in many respects, this book about his bookstore is her homage to him.
First and foremost, this children’s book, which I enjoyed as an adult, is an artistic treasure. Each page feels as if we are looking at an artist’s canvas painting of life on the streets, or within the actual bookstore. Known by Lewis most as, ‘the house of common sense and home of proper propaganda.’ He also felt it would be a house that would be packed with “all the facts about all the Blacks all over the world.”
And, in this house of books some famous names through the years would be hosted and mourned, such as Mohammad Ali or Malcolm X.
But mostly, this story was a message to the many people in the neighborhood about the importance of reading. Because it was feared that Black people weren’t doing enough of it. And, he believed most importantly that “knowledge is power.” And, he was right. Once he opened his bookstore, they came. And, they read.
This book is gorgeous. It is powerful. It provides a beautiful, passionate history, colorfully displayed. It celebrates. It embraces history and reading and it showcases the importance of history.
This will be a wonderful learning story for children to read with parents and/or teachers.
“In other words, how do we choose our ending.” – Karen Robert (me)
7/28/24 – UPDATE: If you have already read this review in its entirety, skip to end“In other words, how do we choose our ending.” – Karen Robert (me)
7/28/24 – UPDATE: If you have already read this review in its entirety, skip to end to find out what I have since learned. If not, please read review first, so you will understand why reading the review first will make better sense before reading the updated information. Thank you. ...more
This is the author’s debut novel. He has already garnered or been shortlisted for several awards. He is the recipient of the 2021 Michael Gifkins PrizThis is the author’s debut novel. He has already garnered or been shortlisted for several awards. He is the recipient of the 2021 Michael Gifkins Prize, and shortlisted for the 2023 Ngaio Marsh and Ned Kelly Awards.
A Michael Gifkins Prize is an award for an unpublished novel for writers holding New Zealand citizenship or who are permanent residents of New Zealand. He is originally from New Zealand, but currently lives in Paris, France.
A Ngaio Marsh award are literary awards presented annually in New Zealand to recognize excellence. And a Ned Kelly Award are Australia’s leading literary awards for crime writing in both the crime fiction and true crime genres.
This is a story addressing real-world issues in an interesting, but compassionate way through the portrayal of small-town life.
When children go missing, Lorraine Henry, a middle-aged record clerk in rural New Zealand, serving at a small-town police station where her Maori husband Frank once worked, before he died is concerned. But it doesn’t seem to be a priority for the police.
Still, Lorraine is troubled and hoping the police will move on it. They do, eventually. But slowly. They send Detective Justin Hayes to investigate. But when her nephew, Bradley goes missing, it becomes more personal for Lorraine.
Justin and Lorraine work together to try and find answers. It is what they discover that creates a stylish, multi-layered debut worth investigating by readers.
A thrilling atmospheric plot with well-developed characterization. That also hits on sensitive social issues worth understanding....more
So, let’s be real here. For those of you who don’t know me, I am a corgi Mom. Oliver and Oscar, our two cardigan corgis.
How could I not be attracted So, let’s be real here. For those of you who don’t know me, I am a corgi Mom. Oliver and Oscar, our two cardigan corgis.
How could I not be attracted to a book about a corgi? For those of you who do know me, you are probably already saying, of course this would be on my reading list, right?!
But to be honest, I didn’t even know about this book until a few days ago when I was putting the book, “The Bookstore Cat by Cylin Busby” on to my currently reading list here on Goodreads. And, as I did, I noticed this book as one of the books being promoted by Goodreads.
I thought, what? How did I not know about this book? So, the first thing I did was check to see if they had it at my local library. And, they did. So, here I am, reading and reviewing it. Of course.
This is the story of a young Princess Elizabeth and her first corgi pup, Susan. It also tells the story of Princess Elizabeth’s evolution in her role before becoming Queen. As well as, Susan’s adaptation to her lifestyle in the castle and as first pup, including her mischievous ways.
Readers will have the opportunity to experience Susan’s life and her adventures with Princess Elizabeth all the way through her transitioning to Queen until Susan’s death 15 years later.
The importance of Susan to the Queen is felt through these pages, and masterfully illustrated.
It also shares a beautiful historical story about living through a war, and castle life, for kids to learn and appreciate.
At the end of the book, the author provides a family tree of Queen Elizabeth and Susan.
“Every voice matters, no matter how small. It’s time to make a difference.”
While in my local library, perusing the shelves, especially the children’s “Every voice matters, no matter how small. It’s time to make a difference.”
While in my local library, perusing the shelves, especially the children’s section, I noticed this book. I thought it looked interesting, and appeared timely considering how many books have been banned lately in public schools and libraries. So, I thought I would check it out.
“We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
So many important messages for young children to learn at such a young age. But when is the right time to have these discussions? Is there ever a right time?
And, then I started to read the pages.
And, I saw the kids within the pages that were talking about assembling, and boycotting, and demonstrating, and learning about filing a lawsuit.
And, once again I wondered.
What messages are we instilling in the children? Are they the right age to be reading this message?
I agree that rights are important. We want to fight for what we believe in. And, showing the steps for how to manage a campaign in how do this is key.
And, asking questions and reading and understanding and being educated about our history is relevant and important.
But do young children need to know about striking?
The author provides in the back good information about peaceful protests and a glossary of terms.
Still, I am not sure this book is really child age appropriate. It states that that this book’s reading age level is 5-8 years and grade level pre-school – 3rd grade. But I see this as probably best read by a tween or teen who is ready to understand the responsibility of their voice and what it means when they take action using it.
If it is being read by anyone younger, they certainly will need a parent or teacher who can provide them with much direction and support.
To me, this is truly a very mature book with a very mature learning lesson that may be hard for any child 5-8 years old to understand. The visual illustrations almost feel like they shout loudly with their words and messages that could seem intimidating instead of inspiring to a young child. And, considering the intention of this book by the author, I don’t think that would be a good result.
3.5 stars rounded down because of age appropriateness confusion....more
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