Review: Fractured

Summary: Welcome, neighbor!

Julie Prentice and her family move across the country to the idyllic Mount Adams district of Cincinnati, hoping to evade the stalker who’s been terrorizing them ever since the publication of her bestselling novel, The Murder Game. Since Julie doesn’t know anyone in her new town, when she meets her neighbor John Dunbar, their instant connection brings measured hope for a new beginning. But she never imagines that a simple, benign conversation with him could set her life spinning so far off course.

We know where you live…

After a series of misunderstandings, Julie and her family become the target of increasingly unsettling harassment. Has Julie’s stalker found her, or are her neighbors out to get her, too? As tension in the neighborhood rises, new friends turn into enemies, and the results are deadly. -- Lake Union

I was pleasantly surprised by the novel FRACTURED by Catherine McKenzie. I had read one of her books a few years ago, but it was more women's fiction or chick lit, if you will. FRACTURED is more of a  psychological thriller, and I really enjoyed the mystery as well as the twists!

FRACTURED tells the story of Julie Prentice, a mother of two and best-selling author. She and her family have moved from Washington to a quaint neighborhood outside of Cincinnati because their life has been terrorized by a stalker since the success of her debut novel, THE MURDER GAME.

Julie tries to settle into her new neighborhood but she finds it difficult... that is until she meets John Dunbar while running one day. The two hit it off immediately and there's definitely some chemistry between them. Julie quickly learns that the some of her neighbors aren't exactly thrilled with her actions. The author of the community newsletter even begins making rules as a result of Julie's behavior. She's beginning to wonder if moving to Cincinnati was right for her and her family.

Julie has no real intention of having an affair with John; however, she is hoping that by making a friend, her life will be happier. But she quickly realizes that her relationship with John brings some unexpected problems. The reader isn't exactly sure what went wrong, but there are clues throughout the story that give insights into a major tragedy of sorts that involves both Julie and John's families. As the truth is gradually revealed, the tension in the story builds and there are a few twists along the way that make the conclusion very satisfying.

I really liked FRACTURED. I'm always up for an entertaining psychological thriller, and FRACTURED definitely fit the bill. I found the characters to be interesting and well developed, and I appreciated how the suspense in the story continued to build. And just when I thought I knew what happened, there was a twist or two that threw me for a loop. All in all, a very good mystery.

One thing that definitely impressed me about the novel was the author's creativity in inventing this story. The main character, Julie, wrote a novel titled A MURDER GAME that was loosely based on something that took place when she was in law school. It became an instant best-seller for the character, and it ended up being closely tied to some of the incidents in this novel.

In fact, THE MURDER GAME novel in FRACTURED was actually based on an earlier (yet unpublished) novel that Ms. McKenzie wrote about a group of friends from law school and a game they played about how to create the perfect murder. Ten years later, one of the friends is accused of a murder that has more than a few things in common with one from their game. And ironically, another one of the friends is responsible for prosecuting the case.

The entire time I was reading FRACTURED, I wanted to read Julie's book THE MURDER GAME... and now I can!  Ms. McKenzie recently released THE MURDER GAME by Julie Prentice as an e-book! I have already purchased it! Isn't it cool how there's a book within a book?

In addition to her creativity, I also really appreciated how well Ms. McKenzie made me think. Of course, there is the question of what really happened in the novel which is interesting enough on its own. However, I was even more impressed with how she made me question the people surrounding Julie, namely her neighbors. There was also food for thought on marriage, friendship, envy and more! I couldn't find a discussion guide, but I do think FRACTURED would make an interesting book to discuss with friends.

I also enjoyed how she chose to write this story. I really liked the clues that something major happened and how the truth was eventually revealed. However, I also liked that she used both Julie and John's voices to tell the story. It was definitely interesting to get both of their viewpoints, and I liked how she wove their stories together.

Overall, FRACTURED was a well-written psychological thriller that will leave you thinking long after you finish it. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries and novels about the human psyche.

Thanks to Goldberg McDuffie Communications 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: Animal & Hockey 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 two awesome books that are great gift ideas!

Summary: Animal Planet presents the ickiest, stickiest, blobbiest, and oddest animals in the world! Did you know that an archerfish can spit water up to 16 feet? Or that the giant weta is the world's largest and heaviest insect? Animal Planet's fascinating exploration of animal oddities introduces young animal lovers to some of the most astonishing, gorgeous, and obscure animals in the world-including some brand new discoveries! Packed with more than 200 vibrant photographs and fun facts about animals with unusual behaviors, strange appearances, and remarkable stats, this deluxe gift book is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who loves totally gross and amazing animals. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of books in the Animal Bites series benefits the principal partners of R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.), Animal Planet's initiative dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our communities and in the wild. -- Animal Planet

ANIMAL PLANET STRANGE, UNUSUAL, GROSS & COOL ANIMALS by Charles Ghigna is an awesome book. I can't even begin to imagine how crazy kids are going to go for this fun (yet educational) book. STRANGE UNUSUAL GROSS & COOL ANIMALS is an oversized book aimed at ages 8 -12, and it's perfect for kids who are interested in animals... or even kids who are interested in gross things!

I think the introduction of the book says it best:

"The world is full of incredible creatures, each one a wonderful oddity.

Some are weird. Some are scary. And some are just disgusting!"

STRANGE, UNUSUAL, GROSS & COOL ANIMALS is divided into the following chapters: Strange Animals, Unusual Animals, Gross Animals, and Cool Animals -- no surprise there, right? But within each section, there are pages devoted to specific animals like a glass frog, a bobbit worm, a proboscis monkey, and tons more! There are also different types of pages in this book that are marked with tabs. There are gallery spreads which explore a theme and featured creatures which give insight into multiple animals that have adapted tot heir environments in similar ways. In addition, there are creature collection spreads which allow readers to compare and contrast different groups of animals and macroview pages which show the minute details of very small animals.

This book is truly amazing! The color photographs are exquisite (if that's the right word for some of these unusual animals), and I know kids are going to devour this book. I can see many readers skimming through the book to see the incredible photos and then going back later and reading the details and fun facts. Because some of the animals are rather startling, it is a lot to take in... but I mean that in a good way!

STRANGE UNUSUAL GROSS & COOL ANIMALS is unlike any animal book I've ever reviewed; however, it's a very fun (and interesting) book and a great gift idea! 

Summary: The puck drops, skates flash, and sticks fly-a hockey game is underway! With a fun mix of Sports Illustrated action photography, simple text, a full glossary of terms, and cool graphics, My First Book of Hockey introduces readers to the basics. Kids (and maybe a few adults, too!) will learn how power plays work, how the three-period game flows, what a hat trick is, what's up with the referee's crease, and more. An illustrated "rookie" character appears on every page, guiding the reader moment by moment, and helping to make My First Book of Hockey an ideal shared reading experience between parents and their young rookies before, during, and after the game. -- Sports Illustrated

Another fun book on my radar is SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS: MY FIRST BOOK OF HOCKEY. This picture book is part of the Rookie Book series and really does a terrific job of introducing kids to the game of hockey. And truth be told, it's probably a great starting point for adults new to the game too!

I have reviewed a few of these Rookie Books in the past and I think they are fantastic! These books make learning fun -- what parent doesn't love that? MY FIRST BOOK OF HOCKEY includes some amazing photos (of course it does, the publisher is Sports Illustrated), but it also has some fun drawings and even cartoon bubbles. I love how the book gives a broad oversight into the game of hockey but also provides a few laughs in the process.

All of the basic hockey terms are defined like the various positions as well as the lingo specific for the game. There are also pages devoted to teaching the rules of the game. Honestly, I think an adult could read MY FIRST BOOK OF HOCKEY and have enough of an understanding of the game to hold their own with a group of fans!

One of my absolute favorite things about these Rookie Books is the little guy that shows up on various pages. He is a cartoon mixed in with the actual hockey photographs, and he always says the funniest little things! For example on the page describing the term icing, he says, "So this isn't about cupcakes?" See what I mean -- too cute!

I think MY FIRST BOOK OF HOCKEY is the perfect way to introduce hockey to kids! Highly recommended!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media 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!


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Review: Welcome to Wonderland - Home Sweet Motel

Summary: From Chris Grabenstein, the bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and co-author with James Patterson of I Funny, House of Robots, and Treasure Hunters, comes a hilarious illustrated series about all the wacky things that happen when you live in a motel!

Eleven-year-old P. T. Wilkie may be the greatest storyteller alive. But he knows one thing for a fact: the Wonderland Motel is the best place a kid could ever live! All-you-can-eat poolside ice cream! A snack machine in the living room! A frog slide! A giant rampaging alligator! (Okay, that last one may or may not be made up.) There’s only one thing the Wonderland doesn’t have, though—customers. And if the Wonderland doesn’t get them soon, P.T. and his friend Gloria may have to say goodbye to their beloved motel forever.

They need to think BIG. They need to think BOLD. They need an OUTRAGEOUS plan. Luckily for them, Gloria is a business GENIUS, and OUTRAGEOUS is practically P.T.’s middle name. With Gloria’s smarts and P.T.’s world-famous stories and schemes, there’s got to be a way to save the Wonderland!

BONUS: Includes fun extras like P. T. Wilkie’s outrageous (and sometimes useful) things you learn living in a motel. Installment 1: How to say “Help! The toilet is clogged!” in over twenty languages! -- Random House

Over the past few years, there are few middle grade authors that I appreciate as much as Chris Grabenstein. His books are both smart and funny, and ones that I guarantee parents and kids alike will love! His latest is WELCOME TO WONDERLAND #1: HOME SWEET MOTEL, and it's the first in the new Welcome to Wonderland series. I loved HOME SWEET MOTEL and can't wait to see what's next!

HOME SWEET MOTEL tells the story of P.T. Wilkie, an eleven year old boy who is a terrific storyteller and just happens to live in a run down hotel in Florida. His grandfather's hotel used to have some fame, but now that darn mouse and his amusement park get all of the tourists. P.T. still thinks that living in a hotel is pretty darn cool. He has a big pool, all you can eat ice cream, snack and soda machines, and he gets to live with his eccentric grandfather, the man behind the Wonderland Motel.

However, his mom is feeling the financial pressures of having a hotel that doesn't have customers; and P.T. wants to help save his home. Thankfully, P.T. makes a fast friend when Gloria checks into the hotel with her father. P.T. definitely takes after his grandfather in coming up with creative ways to save the motel, while Gloria is more pragmatic -- she can monetize almost any zany idea that P.T. comes up with. The two find some success with their promotions including poolside karaoke with a singing frog and a unique scavenger hunt.

Things become even more complicated for P.T. and Gloria when two jewel thieves check into the motel. These two men have been recently released from prison and they are back at the Wonderland looking for jewels that they left here many years ago. Cha Ching! P.T. and Gloria decide that if they can find the jewels before the two thieves, then they can save the motel!

I adored HOME SWEET MOTEL! It is an exciting story filled with lots of action and tension; however, it's also a funny story about friendship and creativity. I absolutely loved P.T. and Gloria (and even P.T.'s unique and oblivious grandfather), and I think Mr. Grabenstein is definitely onto something with this setting and these characters.

I am a big fan of mysteries, and I appreciated that there was definitely a big mystery element in this novel. I almost thought the premise of these two kids trying to save the motel provided enough adventures for the novel; however, the addition of the two jewel thieves brought the story to the next level. I loved these two kids putting themselves at risk with these cagey characters for a greater good!

Another fun aspect of this book is the inclusion of black and white cartoon sketches. They are so cute and totally capture the essence of the corny decor of the hotel. They also included word bubbles which added to the humor in the story. I especially loved the chapter dividers -- flamingos!

The book is hilarious, but it isn't all fun and games! There are a few serious issues introduced which I suspect might be delved into in future books. P.T.'s father is MIA and my heart went out to him. His mother is also extremely stressed while trying to be a parent and run a failing motel. These issues weren't huge downers at all, but they did make the characters a bit more human.

Overall, I adored HOME SWEET MOTEL and I can't wait for the next installment in the series -- BEACH PARTY SURF MONKEY!

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

Review: Hidden Figures

Summary: Before John Glenn orbited the earth, or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of dedicated female mathematicians known as “human computers” used pencils, slide rules and adding machines to calculate the numbers that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space.

Among these problem-solvers were a group of exceptionally talented African American women, some of the brightest minds of their generation. Originally relegated to teaching math in the South’s segregated public schools, they were called into service during the labor shortages of World War II, when America’s aeronautics industry was in dire need of anyone who had the right stuff. Suddenly, these overlooked math whizzes had a shot at jobs worthy of their skills, and they answered Uncle Sam’s call, moving to Hampton, Virginia and the fascinating, high-energy world of the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory.

Even as Virginia’s Jim Crow laws required them to be segregated from their white counterparts, the women of Langley’s all-black “West Computing” group helped America achieve one of the things it desired most: a decisive victory over the Soviet Union in the Cold War, and complete domination of the heavens.

Starting in World War II and moving through to the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race, Hidden Figures follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades they faced challenges, forged alliances and used their intellect to change their own lives, and their country’s future. -- William Morrow

HIDDEN FIGURES: THE AMERICAN DREAM AND THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE BLACK WOMEN MATHEMATICIANS WHO HELPED WIN THE SPACE RACE by Margot Lee Shetterly is truly a remarkable story. I don't often read non-fiction, however, when I heard the premise of this book, I knew it was one I had to read.

HIDDEN FIGURES tells the story of an amazing group of women who were mathematicians for the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory (the early days of what is now known as NASA). What makes this story even more intriguing is that these women, who were known as "human computers" were African American!

During the labor shortages of World War II, the aeronautics industry needed individuals who could do some serious calculations -- calculations that would send rockets and eventually astronauts into space. They needed people with major math skills so they looked to black women who were teaching in the public (and segregated) schools. Keep in mind that this is before computers and these women were computing with slide rules and adding machines! It's unbelievable to me!

I found HIDDEN FIGURES to be an absolutely incredible book. Not only were these women doing very important work in the 1940s when women weren't exactly considered equal in the workforce -- they were basically hired because the men were fighting in the war, but they were African American women! They weren't even allowed to use the same bathrooms or sit at the same tables in the cafeteria. Mind boggling, right?

The author does a terrific job of telling the personal stories of some of these women, and I have to admit that I probably enjoyed these parts of the book a little bit more than the details about the aeronautical industry. Although, I will admit a very interesting aspect of this book was learning how the space program evolved from its relatively humble beginnings. However, there were times when I found all of the details about the Space Race to be a little dry -- I'm just not all that interested in the subject matter.

But these women! Wow -- they were incredible... and pioneers for all women. Their contributions to the space industry are huge, but as a woman, I also respect just how much they paved their way for working mothers. These women had to balance the work/family thing before there was even a term for it. In many cases, they were the primary breadwinners for their family as well as the glue that kept their families together. I promise you that HIDDEN FIGURES is truly an inspiring story!

I also want to give credit to Ms. Shatterly for telling these women's stories. I can't believe that I had never heard of these "human computers," and I suspect I'm not alone. It's obviously a story that is near and dear to the author's heart. And it's apparent that Ms. Shatterly did an ton of research to bring this story to the pages of this book.

HIDDEN FIGURES is soon to be a major motion picture starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner. Now, that's a cast! After reading this book, I am more excited than ever to see this movie. I have a feeling that the movie version of this story will includes the parts of the book that I enjoyed the most -- the lives of the women and their successes as well as their struggles. I doubt I'll go on Christmas Day when it's released, but as soon as the kids are back in school, I'm sure my friend and I will see this on a $5 Tuesday!

I found it interesting that Harper Collins is publishing a Young Reader's Edition just in time for Christmas. I would love for my son to read about these brilliant women... and my daughter too for that matter. There is a teacher's guide available that is outstanding. There are discussion questions by chapter (at least three per chapter) as well as some writing prompts. I would love to see this book discussed in middle and high schools because it is such a fascinating time in our country's history.

Actually, I think reading HIDDEN FIGURES would benefit all Americans, and I think it would make a terrific book club selection. Some of the themes you might want to explore include racism, segregation, the role of women during the war, family, sacrifice, the balance between work and family, the space race, the civil rights movement, and confidence.

Overall, HIDDEN FIGURES is an incredibly interesting and important book. I highly recommend it!

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

Review: A Lowcountry Christmas

Summary: A wounded warrior and his younger brother discover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless story of family bonds.

As far as ten-year-old Miller McClellan is concerned, it’s the worst Christmas ever. His father’s shrimp boat is docked, his mother is working two jobs, and with finances strained, Miller is told they can’t afford the dog he desperately wants. “Your brother’s return from war is our family’s gift,” his parents tell him. But when Taylor returns with PTSD, family strains darken the holidays.

Then Taylor’s service dog arrives—a large black Labrador/Great Dane named Thor. His brother even got the dog! When Miller goes out on Christmas Eve with his father’s axe, determined to get his family the tree they can't afford, he takes the dog for company—but accidentally winds up lost in the wild forest. The splintered family must come together to rediscover their strengths, family bond, and the true meaning of Christmas. -- Gallery

Don't hate me for reviewing a Christmas book already, but I did wait until November... and the book did come out last week! All joking aside, I was very excited to read A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Mary Alice Monroe. I recently met Ms. Monroe at SIBA and I thought she was just delightful. Plus, my good friend Kathy (aka Bermudaonion) has been raving about her novels for years!

A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS tells the story of the McClellan family. Ten year-old Miller knows times are hard for his family. His father can no longer afford to take out his shrimp boat and he's trying to pick up some odd jobs foxing houses, and his mother Jenny is working extra hours cleaning houses to pick up some much needed cash. Miller is desperate for his family to get him a dog, but he's been told that they can't afford the dog never mind the costs of food. His mother feels her son's pain but keeps reminding him that his brother Taylor is coming back from the war -- that's the family's Christmas gift.

And Miller is very excited that his older brother is finally coming home; however, the Taylor that comes back isn't the same guy as the one who left for Afghanistan. Taylor was involved in an IED accident that killed many of his men, and he's supposed to be happy that he's alive. However, Taylor is suffering from PTSD, and his many internal scars are taking a toll on his well-being... and his family's.

As sad as this story sounds, there is hope in the form of a service dog. Taylor received an amazing dog named Thor to help him with his PTSD. Even though Miller understands that his brother needs to service dog to help him cope with his PTSD, he is still only ten years old... and extremely jealous. It doesn't help matters that Miller's father is feeling inadequate because he can't afford to give his family the Christmas they deserve. Miller has just resigned himself to a horrible holiday season.

Until Miller realizes that might be able to make things right if he takes matters into his own hands. He heads out on the morning of Christmas Eve with Thor to cut down a Christmas tree. The weather is unseasonably cold and Miller gets turned around and eventually lost in the woods. Both Mr. McClellan and Taylor must find the strength to put aside their issues and come together to find Miller before it's too late!

I adored A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS. I admit I was a little worried that I wasn't yet in the holiday mood; however, I quickly realized that wasn't the case. I loved the entire McClellan family and their story definitely put in perspective what's important in life. I think I just had a huge smile on my face when I finished this novel.

There were quite a few things that impressed me about this book. First and foremost was the writing. I really appreciated Ms. Monroe's prose, and I loved how she decided to tell this story using three different narrators -- Miller, Taylor and their mom Jenny. I thought she did a great job in capturing their different voices; and as a reader, I enjoyed seeing each of their viewpoints about what was happening to the family.

I also really appreciated how she took on the difficult subject of PTSD. I think it's probably difficult for those of us who aren't directly affected by PTSD to understand how crippling this disorder is. I found this novel to be enlightening about PTSD while also treating it with the compassion is deserves.

Finally, I loved the role of Thor in this story. I have a friend who "babysits" service dogs in training, and I'm always amazed by what they can do. Thor was such a special service dog, though. He could sense when Taylor was starting to go off the rails and gently guide him back. As useful as he was, he also just provided a lot of love and support to someone who was hurting. Animals are definitely amazing!

A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS is the ideal holiday read. It's a sweet story about family and sacrifice, and it also has an animal angle that all of Ms. Monroe's books seem to have. I can guarantee that this book will warm your heart and entertain you. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Tandem Literary for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Crepe Factor & Giveaway

Summary: The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace…

The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.

The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.

Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon… Berkley

It's been quite awhile since I've reviewed a cozy mystery by Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran, but I thought Halloween would be the perfect time to feature one. Ms. Childs' latest is CREPE FACTOR, and it's part of her Scrapbooking Mystery series. I thought this book was a lot of fun! The characters are likable, the mystery was interesting, and the book takes place in New Orleans. What more could you ask for in a cozy?

CREPE FACTOR's beginning scene takes place at the Winter Market in the French Quarter, and it's only a matter of minutes before the murder takes place. And it's a gruesome one that involves a serving fork and a man's neck! See why I wanted to feature this book on Halloween even though it actually takes place near the holidays?

Carmela Bertrand, part-time sleuth and owner of a cute scrapbooking store in New Orleans, and her friend Ava are walking around the Winter Market when they hear a disagreement break out between two men. Just minutes later, one of the men involved staggers up to them with a serving fork coming out of his neck (think Frankenstein type walk); and Carmela finds herself once again right smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery.

The victim is Martin Lash, a local restaurant critic. His reviews aren't exactly nice or tactful, and he's definitely made his fair share of enemies... including restaurant owner and winemaker Quigg Brevard. Quigg was the man last seen arguing with Martin... and he also happens to be an ex beau of Carmela's. Martin immediately asks Carmela for help even though she is currently dating a detective with the New Orleans police force.

Carmela is reluctant to get involved... well kind of, but she can't really help herself even if that means upsetting her boyfriend. Can Carmela save her ex while also holding on to her current guy?

CREPE FACTOR was a really entertaining mystery. I loved Carmela and her wacky friend Ava, and the setting of New Orleans also added to my enjoyment. The mystery was intriguing as well; and while I didn't figure out all of the specifics, I had a pretty good idea that one of the side stories was involved. All in all, Ms. Childs' has to be one of the best at writing novels in the cozy genre!

Besides being a truly enjoyable story, CREPE FACTOR also has some fun sections in the back of the book. Because Carmela is the owner of a scrapbooking store, there are some easy-to-follow scrapbooking, stamping, and craft tips. In addition, there are some terrific recipes for cranberry muffins, barbecued ribs, dog cookies, pork roast, lemon chicken, and more!

I highly recommend CREPE FACTOR to fans of cozy mysteries! It's a smart mystery with terrific characters and a perfect setting!

Giveaway alert: Ms. Childs has agreed to send one very lucky Booking Mama reader a copy of CREPE FACTOR. To enter, just fill out the form below before November 13th 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!

Thanks to the author 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: NubeOcho 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 some adorable picture books from a new-to-me publisher, NubeOcho!

Summary: Once upon a time, the female elephants
had a different skin color than the male elephants.
It was pink. Candy pink.

In order to get that color, they had to eat only peonies and anemones.
These flowers were not very recommended as food,
but they gave their skin that candy pink color.

Little Daisy did not like to eat flowers...

The book created by Adela Turin 40 years ago to promote equality
between boys and girls arrives for the first time in the United States.
A must. -- NubeOcho

CANDY PINK by Adela Turin and illustrated by Nella Bosnia is unlike any children's book that I've read in recent memory... maybe ever. It tells the story of a tribe of elephants whose female members eat flowers so they can be pink. It's not that the flowers are even good for the elephants. It's just that they make them candy pink... and therefore beautiful.

Little Daisy didn't like to eat flowers despite the desperate pleas from her father. She also didn't appreciate that the little boy elephants were allowed to eat grass and play in the fields, and she had dress in pink accessories because she was still gray. You see, Daisy remained gray even though she ate the flowers. As a result, her mom was very sad and her dad was very mad! Her father even accused her of being a rebel!

Daisy's parents finally decided to give up the constant nagging about her gray color and Daisy thrived! She got rid of her pink accessories and started to feel free. The other girl elephants weren't quite sure what to make of Daisy, but they eventually followed in her footsteps. And guess what? Suddenly it wasn't so easy to tell the boy elephants from the girls ones.

CANDY PINK is a terrific way to introduce gender issues to you child. The book was originally written 40 years ago, and it's just now being published in the United States. It explores feelings of being different and even isolated as well as how hard it is sometimes to just be yourself. I think the many positive messages in this picture book about acceptance, tolerance, and individuality are important to share with children in today's society.

Highly recommended!

Summary: Bogo the fox lived in the branches
of a great, big tree.
One day he decided to invent amazing things
so that he could have everything he wanted.

Can a fox fly, breathe under water or see at night like an owl?
A book to help us realize that our own characteristics are unique. -- NubeOcho

BOGO: THE FOX WHO WANTED EVERYTHING by Susanna Isern and Sonja Wimmer is another great addition to NubeOcho's Fall 2016 line. This picture book tells the story of Bogo, a fox who wanted to be special. He envies the other animals and their special talents, so he decides to invent items that would give him everything he's ever wanted. For example, he wants to see like an owl on a moonless night so he creates night glasses from bat tears. Needless to say, none of his inventions actually worked!

One night after Bogo had given up on his inventions (and seemed to be suffering from some pretty severe depression), he used his "special talents" to save his forest friends. He used his acute senses of smell and sight, as well as his cunning and speed, to warn them that there was a pack of wolves nearby. All of his friends were quite impressed with Bogo, and he realized that he already had special qualities that make him unique!

BOGO: THE FOX WHO WANTED EVERYTHING is an entertaining story filled with lots of humor -- Bogo's ideas are a little crazy! However, it's also an adorable picture book filled with so many wonderful messages. The themes of jealousy, diversity, and self-doubt are all explored, but the overall messages (and maybe the most important ones) are self confidence and acceptance. I loved this book!

Summary: The elephant has a very long trunk.
With it he helps all his friends,
but the hippopotamus always mocks him
and says: “That’s not normal!’’

But what is “normal”?

What does it mean to be “normal”?
A laugh-out-loud story about differences, diversity, friendship and acceptance. -- NubeOcho But what is "normal"? -- NubeOcho

And last but not least, I received a review copy of THAT'S NOT NORMAL by Mar Pavon and Laure du Fay. Like the first two books, THAT'S NOT NORMAL has a some terrific messages while also being a fun story. I especially enjoyed the whimsical illustrations. Isn't the elephant on the cover absolutely adorable?

Elephant has a very long trunk.... and "That's Not Normal!" He uses his very long truck for a variety of things like showering and drying his baby and helping Old Monkey climb trees. Most of the animals in the jungle appreciated Elephant and his trunk; however, Hippopotamus kept reminding everything that the long trunk wasn't normal.

One day, Hippopotamus's baby ran off after a grasshopper, and lots of drama ensued. Fortunately, Elephant, with his very long trunk was able to save the day... and Hippopotamus realized that what he considered "not normal" just might be "normal."

This picture book definitely focuses on self-confidence and diversity by showing that being different is a strength, not a weakness. However, I also love how it teaches children about kindness. Hippopotamus wasn't very nice to Elephant, yet Elephant was a wonderful friend who helped out Hippopotamus when he needed it the most.

Overall, I really loved THAT'S NOT NORMAL! I highly recommend this book for libraries and classrooms.

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

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