Kid Konnection: Fall Books from Dawn Publications

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a couple of picture books that were released in the fall from Dawn Publications -- I'm a little late to the game.

Summary: Honey is a sweet gift from nature—ALL of nature, actually. Honey is linked in a very real way to dandelions, earthworms, mushrooms, the old oak tree and even the blue jays squawking in its branches. Take another look at honey. If you love nature’s honey, you are sure to love nature too. How sweet it is! The author fell in love with bees as an amateur beekeeper, and then learned to appreciate flowering plants—even ones she once considered weeds – as an important nectar source. And then she realized how the plants were connected to insects and soil. A simple but accurate diagram in the back matter explains how bees make honey and also pollinate plants, as well as the role of beneficial insects and decomposers. Also presented are activities and a recipe for children. -- Dawn Publications

I'm a big fan of Dawn Publications picture books! IF YOU LOVE HONEY: NATURE'S CONNECTIONS by Martha Sullivan and illustrated by Cathy Morrison epitomizes what I love about their books -- they are educational and fun. In IF YOU LOVE HONEY, readers learn how honey is connected to all sorts of things in nature.

IF YOU LOVE HONEY begins, "If you love honey, Then you must love honey bees." It then explains how honey bees help make honey. The next page of the book says, "If you love honey bees, It's no wonder you love dandelions." There is a description of how honey bees use the nectar from dandelions to make their honey. The book continues like this, showing the ways that nature is interconnected, until it comes full circle back to honey!

I think IF YOU LOVE HONEY is adorable. The illustrations are beautiful and I love that each and every page of this book teaches children about the relationship of bees with the environment. In addition, there are pages at the back of the book which go into even more detail about the science of the story and some fun activity suggestions.

As is the case with all books by Dawn Publications, IF YOU LOVE HONEY is perfect for the classroom. There is even a link to additional activities that educators can use while teaching from this book.

Highly recommended!

Summary: Below your feet, Mighty Mole is on the move. Like a swimmer in dirt, she strokes through the soil. Her tunnels are everywhere! She finds food, eludes a predator, has a family, and helps to make Super Soil. Moles live almost everywhere yet are rarely seen. Similarly, soil is a largely invisible ecosystem and yet is vital to the health of the world. Following the story, two “Explore More for Kids” pages offer a matching challenge and a review of some of the remarkable traits that make moles “mighty.” Two additional pages of “Explore More for Teachers and Parents” offers activities in visual and language arts, science, technology, and math. -- Dawn Publications

MIGHTY MOLE AND SUPER SOIL by Mary Quattlebaum and illustrated by Chad Wallace is another great book for budding animal lovers. In MIGHTY MOLE AND SUPER SOIL, kids will learn about the elusive mole. In addition, the will discover the underground world of soil and its importance as an ecosystem.

I enjoyed the story in MIGHTY MOLE AND SUPER SOIL, and I thought the illustrations were terrific. The moles almost look cute (I can't believe I'm saying that) and the other animals in the story are gorgeous and sometimes a little intimidating! I admit to knowing pretty much nothing about these animals, so I was definitely interested in their fascinating lives and I learned quite a bit!

One of my favorite things about MIGHTY MOLE AND SUPER SOIL are the last few pages of the book where the author provides additional information about soil and the underground community. In addition, the tidbits about moles' super powers are extremely interesting. I like that the super power section is almost a game where readers are challenged to go back to the story and get the answers. Make sure you check out the activities page for more information about moles and soil!

Definitely recommended for teachers, librarians, and families who are interesting in animals and nature!

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Hot Dudes Coloring Book & Giveaway

Summary: In the tradition of Color Me Swoon, an adult coloring book featuring handsome heartthrobs and sexy bad boys.

Handsome heartthrobs and sexy bad boys have stepped out of your fantasies and slipped into the Hot Dudes Coloring Book. Enjoy bringing the men of your dreams to life—in living color! -- Berkley

There is no doubt that coloring books for adults are popular right now, but HOT DUDES COLORING BOOK by D.C. Taylor takes adult coloring to an entirely new level! This coloring book features a wide variety of sexy guys, and I'm pretty sure that there will be one (or more!) that you will find appealing... or at least hilarious!

I think Penguin is absolutely brilliant with the release of HOT DUDES COLORING BOOK this week because it's an ideal gift for Valentine's Day. I'm pretty sure that most men won't be buying their valentines this coloring book, but I think it would make a great present for your girlfriends. If nothing else, it's guaranteed for a few laughs!

I will tell you that if you like to color a lot of ornate drawings than this might not be the coloring book for you. Except for a heavily tattooed back (see front cover), there just aren't a lot of small areas to color. Seriously, there are over 50 men to color in this book, and most have men with very muscular bodies. So if you like to color skin -- or big chests, arms, backs, etc., then you should definitely take a look at this book.

I mentioned earlier that this coloring book is very funny. It definitely takes a tongue-in-cheek look at lots of beef cakes with the sexy poses and corny text. However, I will give the author credit that there is a man (or two or three) in this book for everyone. For example, there is a motorcycle guy, a business man, a swimmer, a lifeguard, and a musician to name just a few. I'm pretty certain you will find at least one man of your dreams between the pages of this coloring book!

HOT DUDES COLORING BOOK is really a lot of fun... even if you aren't into coloring. It's a hilarious coloring book full of "hot dudes," and I dare you not to smile when you flip through it!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this coloring book.

I have a copy of HOT DUDES COLORING BOOK to share with one very lucky Booking Mama reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before February 10th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: The Expatriates & Giveaway

Summary: Janice Y. K. Lee’s New York Times bestselling debut, The Piano Teacher, was called “immensely satisfying” by People, “intensely readable” by O, The Oprah Magazine, and “a rare and exquisite story” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Now, in her long-awaited new novel, Lee explores with devastating poignancy the emotions, identities, and relationships of three very different American women living in the same small expat community in Hong Kong.

Mercy, a young Korean American and recent Columbia graduate, is adrift, undone by a terrible incident in her recent past. Hilary, a wealthy housewife, is haunted by her struggle to have a child, something she believes could save her foundering marriage. Meanwhile, Margaret, once a happily married mother of three, questions her maternal identity in the wake of a shattering loss. As each woman struggles with her own demons, their lives collide in ways that have irreversible consequences for them all. Atmospheric, moving, and utterly compelling, The Expatriates confirms Lee as an exceptional talent and one of our keenest observers of women’s inner lives. -- Viking

I sure hope I have THE PIANO TEACHER by Janice Y.K. Lee around here somewhere because I was extremely impressed with her latest novel THE EXPATRIATES. This story about three women who live in the same expat community in Hong Kong was marvelous. The writing was beautiful and the characters were rich and complex. It was truly a special read!

THE EXPATRIATES tells the story of Mercy, a 20-something Korean American who recently graduated from Columbia and moved to Hong Kong to for a change. She is wracked with guilt by an incident that occurred not too long ago, and it's affected her ability to live her life. Margaret, a wife and mother of three children, is also plagued by a horrific loss; and so far, she's unable to get past it. And finally, there's Hilary, a wealthy homemaker who is desperate to have a baby and, hopefully, save her marriage.

Each of these three women has their own set of baggage which is causing a tremendous amount of discontent in their lives; and for much of the novel, their stories are their own. However, when their lives do cross (or maybe I should say collide?), there are interesting effects on all of them.

Where do I even begin? I adored THE EXPATRIATES! First of all, I loved these three characters that Ms. Lee created. I should probably clarify that statement by saying that I don't know if I really "loved" any of them, but I did appreciate how well developed they were. All of these women were extremely complex and also so very real to me. Ms. Lee definitely has a special ability to tell stories about women and get into this reader's heart.

Another wonderful thing about this novel was how well the author brought the expat community in Hong Kong to life. These women were very drastically different, yet they all lived in the same few miles of the city. Their day-to-day lives didn't bring them together; however, the community was such a small one that it was almost as if everyone there was connected in some way. Ms. Lee did a great with the details of Hong Kong and especially what it would be like for an American to live and operate in this unique community.

And finally, I just adored Ms. Lee's writing. Her prose and descriptions were gorgeous; however, it was the messages that she conveyed through these three characters that really stood out to me. The description of these three women, with all of their pain, makes the book sound horribly depressing. And I will admit that these women's plights were difficult to read at times. However, the novel did a terrific job of showing the strength and resilience of women as well as the challenges of being a mother and making a life in a new place.

Of course, I'm going to tell you that THE EXPATRIATES would make a great book club selection... especially for groups made up entirely of women. The characters are so complex that you could discuss them and their relationships for some time. There is a reading guide available with fifteen questions that will also help stimulate your discussion. Some of the topics you might want to explore include life as an expat, friendship, marriage, motherhood, guilt, loss, forgiveness, and second chances.

I adored THE EXPATRIATES and highly recommend it to fans of women's fiction!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of THE EXPATRIATES to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before February 16th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Guest Review: Pacific Burn

Summary: “Pacific Burn is a page-turning, globe-spanning tale of murder, suspense, and intrigue that grabs and holds your attention from beginning to end. Barry Lancet is truly a gifted author, and his character of Jim Brodie is unlike any private investigator you’ve ever encountered in literature.” —Nelson DeMille, New York Times bestselling author of Radiant Angel

In the third book in “what will likely be a long and successful series” (San Francisco Magazine), Japanese antiques dealer and PI Jim Brodie goes up against the CIA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security—and a killer operating on both sides of the Pacific.

In recognition for his role in solving the Japantown murders in San Francisco, antiques dealer and sometime-PI Jim Brodie has just been brought on as the liaison for the mayor’s new Pacific Rim Friendship Program. Brodie in turn recruits his friend, the renowned Japanese artist Ken Nobuki, and after a promising meeting with city officials and a picture-perfect photo op, Brodie and Nobuki leave City Hall for a waiting limo.

But as soon as they exit the building, a sniper attacks them from the roof of the Asian Art Museum. Quick thinking allows Brodie to escape, but Nobuki ends up hospitalized and in a coma. Brodie soon realizes that, with the suspicious and untimely death of Nobuki’s oldest son a week earlier in Napa Valley, someone may be targeting his friend’s family—and killing them off one by one.

Suspects are nearly too numerous to name—and could be in the United States or anywhere along the Pacific Rim. The quest for answers takes Brodie from his beloved San Francisco to Washington, DC, in a confrontation with the DHS, the CIA, and the FBI; then on to Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond, in search of what his Japanese sources tell him is a legendary killer in both senses of the word—said to be more rumor than real, but deadlier than anything else they’ve ever encountered if the whispers are true. -- Simon & Schuster

My dad seems to enjoy the Jim Brodie series by Barry Lancet because he keeps coming back for more. PACIFIC BURN, which is out next week February 9th, is the third book in this series; and it seems like it was another winner. Here are Booking Pap Pap's thoughts:

PACIFIC BURN is author Barry Lancet’s third novel featuring antique dealer/investigator Jim Brodie as the main character. In this latest story Brodie still sells Japanese fine antiques, still runs the Tokyo based investigation agency he inherited from his father and still has to deal with his young daughter as a single parent.

The story begins in San Francisco with the murder of the son of a famous Japanese artist, Ken Nobuki. Only days later, after a meeting with Brodie and the mayor of San Francisco concerning an art exchange program, there is an assassination attempt on Nobuki which leaves him in a coma. Meanwhile Brodie heads off to Washington D.C. where Nobuki’s daughter, Naomi, an anti-nuclear power crusader, is under investigation by the CIA, DHS and the FBI for possible nuclear threats. It appears that the entire Nobuki family is in danger so after calming the nuclear issues, Brodie heads off to Japan to make sure the rest of the Nobuki family is under protection by his agency. There is long list of suspects which include those in Japan and America opposed to the art exchange and those opposed to Naomi’s anti-nuclear stand.

Through his channels in Japan, Brodie discovers he also has been targeted for death. Brodie’s investigation delivers a high level of action including additional murders, a kidnapping, a scenic chase through a legendary volcanic part of Japan and a near death confrontation for him and his police officer girlfriend. Author Barry Lancet does a great job of exposing the reader to the Japanese culture and to the antique art world Brodie works in. He also shares through the relationship with Brodie and his daughter the difficulties of being a single parent when one’s work involves significant travel and danger. Lancet brings into the novel an interesting group of characters from business, the art world and the Japanese underworld and blends them into an exciting story with plenty of twists and turns and an ending that will definitely surprise the reader.

PACIFIC BURN is a great read for those who like a fast paced, quick read thriller.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book and to Booking Pap Pap for his review.

Review: The Ex

Summary: In this breakout standalone novel of suspense in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on a Train, a woman agrees to help an old boyfriend who has been framed for murder—but begins to suspect that she is the one being manipulated.

Twenty years ago she ruined his life. Now she has the chance to save it.

Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene ever since the shooting of his wife Molly by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that when he spots a woman in last night’s party dress, barefoot, enjoying a champagne picnic alone, reading his favorite novel. Everything about her reminds him of what he used to have with Molly. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a message on a popular website after he mentions the encounter. Days later, that same beautiful stranger responds and invites Jack to meet her in person at the waterfront. That’s when Jack’s world falls apart.

Olivia Randall is one of New York City’s best criminal defense lawyers. When she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide—and that one of the victims was connected to his wife’s murder—there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is who would go to such great lengths to frame him—and why?

For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets, to absolve herself of guilt from a tragic decision, a secret she has held for twenty years. But as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him? -- Harper

I am a relatively new fan to Alafair Burke's novels. I've only read one of her books, well now two; and I really enjoyed both of them. Her stories are intriguing, as are the characters, and I have a pretty strong appreciation for her writing style. Her latest book, THE EX, is her eleventh novel; and based on how much I enjoyed it, I think I have about nine books that I need to add to my TBR list.

THE EX tells the story of Olivia Randall, a successful criminal defense lawyer, that is probably better skilled at being a tough lawyer than a relationship partner. When she is contacted by the teenage daughter of her ex fiance, Jack Harris, after he is arrested for a triple homicide, she feels obligated to come to his aid... especially after she destroyed him twenty years ago.

Jack Harris is out for his morning run when he spots a beautiful woman in a formal gown sitting under a tree, drinking champagne from the bottle and reading his favorite novel. After the loss of his wife to a shooter in Penn Station three years ago, Jack hasn't dated anyone; and he wonders if this woman, someone he can't get out of his mind, is what he needs to get back into the game. His best friend posts a message on a website asking this mysterious woman to step forward, and within days, she and Harris have set up a time to meet.

On the morning they agreed to meet, Jack takes his picnic basket and finds that the woman is no where to be found. Instead, he hears gunshots and leaves his basket behind. A few hours later, he learns that three people were killed -- one being the father of the boy responsible for killing Jack's beloved wife Molly. All of the evidence leads the police to Jack!

Olivia is certain that Jack could never murder anyone... no matter the circumstances; and she sets out to defend him even though, at every turn, she discovers more and more incriminating evidence. Does Olivia really know Jack twenty years after their breakup? Did she ever really know Jack? Is she so sure to believe him because of the guilt she still carries from their past?

I really enjoyed THE EX. In many ways, it was exactly what I needed these past few days. THE EX was a fast-paced mystery with lots of twists as well as some wonderfully complex characters. It definitely kept me guessing until the very end, although I do think many readers will be able to see where the story is going!

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the character of Olivia. The entire story was told in her voice, and I grew to love her even though she is a little rough around the edges. Olivia was an incredibly complex character, and I found some of her defense methods to be entertaining to say the least. At first, I wasn't too sure that I was going to like her; however, I quickly saw through her tough exterior and grew to really appreciate her style. I sure hope that Olivia makes an appearance or two in future novels.

As far as mysteries go, this was a doozy! Like Olivia, I was certain of Jack's innocence at the beginning of the novel. In fact, my heart went out to him because it was so difficult to accept that one person could go through so much. However, as the evidence kept coming in, and Jack looked more and more like he was good for the crime, I didn't know what to believe. I loved that I went back and forth and back again, never quite knowing what was truthful! The twists and turns throughout the novel were terrific, and the ending was satisfying in a strange way.

Of course, the main part of this novel was the mystery surrounding Jack's innocence or guilt; however, the story of Olivia and Jack's past was also a bit of a mystery. It was obvious that Olivia felt a tremendous amount of guilt (probably so much guilt that she was unable to have a normal relationship in her adult life) for what she did to Jack, and the author chose to reveal their story gradually. The actions from their past most certainly added complexity to their characters and actually brought the novel to the next level for me.

THE EX is another solid mystery from author Alistair Burke. I highly recommend it to fans of mysteries and legal thrillers.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: Chronicle Picture Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a couple of picture books that are coming soon from Chronicle Books.

Summary: It's the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She'll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn't matter that Alta's shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship. -- Chronicle

THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Frank Morrison is a wonderful story about a young girl determined to be the fastest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee... just like Wilma Rudolph was. Alta, is certain she is fast despite having shoes with holes in them; however, when Charmaine, the new girl in town (with brand new sneakers), challenges her to a race, she has to channel her inner Wilma if she wants to win!

Both girls are desperate to prove that they are the fastest kid in Clarksville, and their determination and jealousy causes them to exhibit some less than stellar behavior. Can the big parade and the real-life Wilma Rudolph bring these two together?

I thought the QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE was delightful. The story was adorable and the illustrations were the perfect complement to the story. I especially appreciated the messages in this picture book. I think all children will relate to the powerful lessons about jealousy, determination, confidence, dreams, and friendship.

Another special aspect of this book was the author's note at the end. There is a page devoted to Wilma Rudolph and her accomplishments. I love that this book is not only entertaining but educational as well!

This book will be available on February 9th, and it's perfect for February's Black History Month and March's Women's History Month! Highly recommended!

Summary: Join Aaron Reynolds and Sara Varon as they explore the ideal qualities of leaders, diplomats...and giant squid. Squid knows all about being president. It means living in a big house, doing all the talking—oh, and having a tie is crucial. He's all set! In the next election, make a more informed choice. Vote for President Squid! -- Chronicle

Just in case you can't get enough about presidents and presidential candidates, PRESIDENT SQUID by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Sara Varon might be the perfect picture book for you. In this very cute book, a giant neon pink squid shows what he thinks it takes to be president!

He outlines all of the important things that make up being a president like wearing a tie, living in a huge house, being famous, and more! He tries to convince his fellow sea creatures that he should be President Squid, the greatest president who ever lived. Unfortunately for Squid, none of the sea creatures are hailing him!

When Squid learns that there are more important qualities that make up a president, he discovers that his friends suddenly find him very presidential! But is that enough for the giant squid?

I admit that I had to chuckle when I read PRESIDENT SQUID. The book is silly and, given the political environment in our country right now, I found a few things to be very entertaining. I was happy to see that the giant squid began to realize that the president has many important responsibilities such as service and helping others; however, his awareness seemed to be short-lived.

I do think kids will enjoy Squid's antics because he is rather silly, and I think parents might just chuckle as parts of this book hit a little too close to home. PRESIDENT SQUID will be in stores on March 1st... which just happens to be Super Tuesday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Exciting Book Club News!

After almost 14 years, it can be difficult to keep a book club going. Through the years, we've seen women come and go; and frankly, there were times when I wasn't quite sure we'd be able to keep the club going. However the past few months, we've had some pretty exciting things happen.

First, we welcomed some new members and much needed fresh blood in our group. That's not a knock against anyone in my group, of course. As our numbers dwindled, we just needed a few more people to keep things interesting... and give us enough people to make our meetings worthwhile. There were a few times when there weren't even enough of us available to meet!

And even more exciting is the news that we were chosen as one of the 2016 Book Club Girl Book Club Sweepstakes Winners. Only ten clubs were selected, and I can say that my group (the Booking Mamas) is absolutely thrilled. Each month, we get to choose our book club selection based on a list that we receive from Harper Collins; and they send books for the entire group (up to twelve.)  In addition, we are supposed to receive some Book Club Girl swag; and we even get the opportunity to have Skype visits with some of the authors. This month, all of the choices looked pretty darn good:

THE GOLDEN SON by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
THE EVENING SPIDER by Emily Arsenault
THE RAMBLERS by Aidan Donnelley Rowley
WHAT REMAINS OF ME by Alison Gaylin
WHAT THE WAVES KNOW by Tamara Valentine
BE FRANK WITH ME by Julia Clairborne Johnson

Our  group took an informal vote and selected WHAT REMAINS OF ME by Alison Gaylon. Normally, we take turns hosting and the individual hostess selects the book and leads the discussion. However for the next year, we decided it might be fun to vote on what we read. We'll see how it works out!

I can't tell you how excited I am to be part of this amazing program! Thanks Book Club Girl!