May 2022 Reading Wrap Up & Challenge Progress

Goodbye May!

Hello, readers! 

It's been a rather productive month for me. I feel like I've finally started to shake off the fog I've been in for the past few months and have been able to both read and review a little more regularly.
I have 14 new reviews up here on the blog this month, several scheduled reviews, and have read plenty of extra books over the holiday weekend for future posts! I listened to several audiobooks, on my own and with my little book bug, and worked my way through a little bit of my backlist pile so I can dig into my summer reads.

As for my reads, 
I finished 12 books in all, not including the chapter books I read to or listened to with my daughter, which was around 15 in all.
You can see what we read below and see my challenge progress below that! 


Books I Read in May:

Audiobooks Listened To:

Started But Haven't Finished:

Read to my kiddo:

...Plus a bunch more! Too many to keep up with! 

CHALLENGE PROGRESS

ABC CHALLENGE

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

17 / 26

JAN: +7

C, E, G, H, L, N, V

FEB: +5

A, B, M, P, R

MAR: +2
F, W

APR: +1
T

MAY: +2
O, S

Out of the Rain
Sleepwalk

BookRiot's READ HARDER Challenge

JAN: 1/24
FEB: 4/24
MAR: 4/24
APR: 4/24

MAY:

Book Written by a Disabled Author:
Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking

The52BookClub Reading Challenge

11 / 52

JAN: +5
FEB: +3
MAR: +1
APR: +2

MAY: 

A nonfiction bestseller: 
Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking

Chapters have titles: 
Sleepwalk by Dan Chaon


PopSugar Reading Challenge

Jan: 4 / 40
Feb: 7 / 40
Mar: +1 = 8/40
Apr: +0 = 8 / 40

May: 

A book about 'found family':
Sleepwalk by Dan Chaon

A different book by an author you read in 2021:
Out of the Rain by VC Andrews


NEW TO ME AUTHORS

MAY:
Peter Heller 
Alexandria Rogers
L.A. Meyer
Sylvia Douye
Stephen Hawking
Serena Blasco
Dan Chaon
Emiko Jean



And that's about it for stats!

Happy reading! 

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Beneath the Trees: A Fine Summer by DAV (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Beneath the Trees:
A Fine Summer
by Dav
Published by Magnetic Press
on May 31, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books,
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 8

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
It's summer and the laughter of children echoes under the trees. But for some of the older animals, the frivolous abandon of childhood is far behind them. Old Mr. Owl and Mr. Toad get the crazy idea to relive some of their youth if that's even possible anymore. 

The stories in this four-book series take place in the same forest over the course of four seasons. Each one can be read independently, exploring the complexity and richness of relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. 


Our Thoughts:

The sounds of summer carry through the trees in this anthropomorphic forest community. Kids play and splash all day and two local old-timers, Mr. Owl and Mr. Toad, aren't too pleased with the noise. At least, not until they find a way to enjoy themselves again. 

This picture book is one in a seasonal quartet featuring a woodland community with different characters in each installment that is illustrated in a 'Disney-inspired style' that we have come to love! The woodland characters are super cute (even the grouchy ones) and the attention to detail in the backgrounds has me hoping for more from this author/illustrator.

Some of the previous installments were wordless sequential art from what I remember but 'A Fine Summer' has both dialogue and lots of onomatopoeia on nearly every page. The books in this seasonal quartet do not need to be read in order but all are lots of fun with good humor and subtle life lessons for both young and adult readers! 

More in the 'Beneath the Trees' quartet:

The Autumn of Mister Grumph
Winter Chills

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A Day For Rememberin': The First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson & Floyd Cooper (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

A Day For Rememberin':
The First Memorial Day
by Leah Henderson
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Published by Harry N. Abrams
on May 11, 2021
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Picture Books
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 6 - 9 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper.  

Inspired by true events told through the eyes of a young boy, this is a deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hate, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. 


My Thoughts:

Experience a fictional account of what may have been the very first Memorial Day, through the eyes of a young Black boy who no longer has to worry daily about his parents being sold and sent away and can go to school freely, all thanks to the Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War. His family prepares and off they go to join in on the procession headed to the Washington Race Course where one of the worst Confederate prisons was turned into a peaceful resting place for the Union prisoners who died there. 

Both beautiful and heartbreaking, this important picture book shares a little-known side to the history of Memorial Day, starting with the very first Decoration Day. On this day grateful families and individuals honored those lives lost in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flags and flowers.

Includes archival photos in the back of the book, as well as extra information on the roots of Decoration Day, a timeline of events, and more. 

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Enola Holmes: Graphic Novels (Book One) adapted by Serena Blasco (Middle Grade Graphic Novels Review)

 We received a digital review copy of this graphic novel from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Enola Holmes: the Graphic Novels
Book One
(The Case of the Missing Marquess,
The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, 
and The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets)
adapted by Serena Blasco
Published by Andrew McMeel Publishing
on May 24, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery
Length: 192 pages 
Ages: 9 - 12 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
A graphic novel adaptation of the hit books that inspired the Netflix film! Sherlock Holmes' brilliant, strong-willed younger sister takes center stage in this delightfully drawn graphic novel based on Nancy Springer's bestselling mystery series. 

14-year-old Enola Holmes wakes on her birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared from the family's country manor, leaving only a collection of flowers and a coded message book. With Sherlock and Mycroft determined to ship her off to boarding school, Enola escapes, displaying a cleverness that even impresses the elder Holmes. But nothing prepares her for what lies ahead...

Our Thoughts:

Book One of the Enola Holmes graphic novels includes the first three books in the series, 'The Case of the Missing Marquess', 'The Case of the Left-Handed Lady', and 'The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets'. 

In 'The Case of the Missing Marquess', Enola Holmes wakes on her fourteenth birthday to find her mother, the marquess, missing. Armed with a coded message book and the language of flowers, Enola evades her older brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock, to go off to London in search of her mother alone. She finds new mysteries to solve along the way. 

In the included sequels, 'The Case of the Left-Handed Lady' and 'The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets', Enola continues to find and solve mysteries around London as she evades her brothers and searches for her missing mother, creating aliases and disguises along the way.

This first volume of graphic novels has fantastic watercolor illustrations that are both bright and colorful and have a very fun style that fits the time period and slight humor of the story perfectly.

Each story within ends in a few pages that look as if Enola has doodled, decoded, and deduced her ongoing mysteries as we read through the story. These were all very fun additions to peruse and added to the experience of reading them! 

This is perfect for young mystery readers or lovers of historical fiction! 

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Little Homesteader: A Summer Treasury by Angela Ferraro-Fanning (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Little Homesteader:
A Summer Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom
by Angela Ferraro-Fanning
Illustrations by Anneliesdraws
Published by Ivy Kids
on May 22, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Nature
Length: 35 pages
Ages: 6 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

Families looking for nature-based fun away from phones and screens will adore this wholesome children's collection of cooking, crafting, and gardening projects, locally printed on 100% recycled paper. 

The latest from the Little Homesteader series, with these books readers can get creative, practice self-sufficiency skills, handcraft items for themselves or as gifts for loved ones, learn about nature and celebrate the best of each season. 


Our Thoughts:

This children's treasury of recipes, crafts, and wisdom is the perfect way to keep your family busy and happy this summer! 

This fun little book includes super cute illustrations that will appeal to little listeners and parents attempting to keep their children busy during the hot, summer months! 

Included are lots of fun activities, recipes, and more to keep you busy and crafting throughout the season. Learn how to grow tomatoes from seed and then make a tomato salad or sun-dried tomatoes from the harvest. Learn about honeybees and butterflies and what flowers to plant in your garden to attract them. Even better, learn the life cycle of a butterfly and how to observe it yourself! 
With several more recipes and activities, this fun and instructive book will keep you busy all summer long! 

This treasury is perfect for homeschoolers, wildschoolers, or just families trying to find something to do during summer breaks!

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The Guide by Peter Heller (Adult Mystery Thriller Book Review)

The Guide
by Peter Heller
Published by Knopf
on August 24, 2021
Genre: Adult, 
Length: 272 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
The best-selling author of The River returns with a heart-racing thriller about a young man who, escaping his own grief, is hired by an elite fishing lodge in Colorado, where amid the natural beauty of sun-drenched streams and forests he uncovers a plot of shocking menace. 


My Thoughts:

Jack thinks he's found the perfect guide job at the prestigious Kingfisher Lodge, with it's beautiful stretches of river nestled in the Colorado mountains; especially with his first client being the beautiful and talented signer, Alison K, who also happens to be a natural fisherwoman. But when they're shot at on a neighboring lodges' property line, Jack starts to notice the little things that don't quite add up about the lodge, it's employees, and it's patrons.  

 Though the main character is clearly suffering from the recent death of a friend and family member, The Guide starts us off with this seemingly perfect, peaceful little slice of Colorado and all seems right with the world despite that this is set during the height of the covid pandemic.

This ended up being the perfect, peaceful read for me. I really enjoyed the setting and the outdoorsy nature of the story itself and it reminded me of being in the mountains, which is exactly what I needed and was looking for. 
On the other hand, this is the first fiction novel I've read set during covid times and I thought it might deter me from enjoying the story but it ended up being a well-woven part of the overall story and I enjoyed it nevertheless. 

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys outdoorsy stories (specifically about fishing) or anyone looking for a covid-based mystery or thriller.

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Sorceline by Sylvia Douyé & Paola Antista (MG Fantasy Graphic Novel Review)

 I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Sorceline
by Sylvia Douye
Illustrated by Paola Antista
Published by Andrew McMeel Publishing
on May 17, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Length: 144 pages
Ages: 9 - 12 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
Welcome to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them. In Book 1 of this riveting new middle-grade graphic novel series, a gifted young cryptozoologist-in-training must learn to tame powerful beasts--including her own inner demons. 

For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar's prestigious school of cryptozoology, she's eager to teest her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar's apprentices.

But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. 

When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected...


My Thoughts:

Welcome to the Island of Vorn, where everything is super fantastically spooky, just the way Sorceline likes it. She studies cryptozoology under a zoologist named Archibald Balzer, a grouchy old man who acts as professor to her and a few other budding cryptozoologists. 
When her classmates start to turn disappear, Sorceline joins in on the mystery and ultimately realizes that she might just have something to do with what's happening, or so she thinks.

This MG graphic novel is perfect for fantasy lovers! 
It's filled with cryptids, or creatures that people claim to have existed but can't be proven, such as fairies, pixies, unicorns, vampires, etc. Unfortunately, a serious mystery is affecting these cryptids and Sorceline and her classmates must figure out what it is before it's too late for them all! 

I loved everything about this from the illustration style to the characters to the plot. It's a bit of a dark fantasy for young readers and has a lot of mystery and magic.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! You can get a good idea from the creatures on the cover but that is really just a small sampling of the brilliance in this book.

This is the first installment in a series that was originally published in French! I can't wait for the sequels!

Many thanks to the publisher for the chance to read this! 

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Be Thankful For Trees by Harriet Ziefert (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 

Be Thankful For Trees:
A Tribute to the Many & Surprising Ways Trees Relate to Our Lives
Words by Harriet Ziefert
Illustrations by Brian Fitzgerald
Published by Red Comet Press
on March 29, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books
Length: 80 pages
 Ages: 4 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
What gives you a seat, a floor for your feet?
A place you can sit with your family to eat?
The pum-pum of a drum, a guitar's twangy strum...
Tree wood makes music zing, ping, and hum.

Using lilting, rhyming couplets, this book explores the many items that are made from trees. But it doesn't stop there! Kids will also learn about the many uses of live trees--and the environmental danger to trees posed by forest fires, floods, and deforestation. Kids are encouraged to be kind, not only to one another, but to the environment as well. 

This book is printed on responsibly sourced, 100% recycled PSC paper. 


Our Thoughts:

Happy Love A Tree Day!

Be Thankful For Trees is a beautifully illustrated tribute to the many ways trees relate to our lives, from the furniture we sit or sleep on to the musical instruments we play to the books we read and more. Would life even be possible without trees?

Broken down into seven main messages, the rhyming couplets in this picture book remind us of the food, shelter, comfort,  recreation, and more that we obtain thanks to trees and what life would be like without them. 
Can you think of all the ways trees improve our lives? 

This seems like a longer read for its age group with eighty pages but the text is very minimal with only a few words per page for most of the book and no more than a sentence or two on a few others.

Be Thankful For Trees would make a great read-aloud for outdoor storytime or 'wildschooling'. 

Similar reads: 

Bathing in the Forest by Nivola Uya

Forest Magic: A Guidebook For Little Woodland Explorers by Sarah Grindler

The Secret Life of Trees by Moira Butterfield

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Took: A Ghost Story (Graphic Novel adaptation) by Mary Downing Hahn & more (Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review)

 

Took: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel
Story by Mary Downing Hahn
Adapted by Hank Jones, Jen Vaughn, & Scott Peterson
Published by Etch / Clarion
on March 1, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, 
Length: 160 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years 

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
Daniel doesn't believe the woods behind his new home are haunted by an evil witch and her terrifying beast. But then his little sister disappears...and it's up to him to find her. 

This chilling graphic novel version of Mary Downing Hahn's popular page-turner will thrill readers who love spooky stories.


My Thoughts:

Hard times fall on Daniel's family of four and they move from Connecticut to an old, derelict farmhouse in West Virginia where the townsfolk say a seven-year-old girl named Selene disappeared--or was 'took'--fifty years before. When Daniel's little sister, Erica, disappears too, he must do and believe what he didn't think possible to win her back. 

 This middle grade graphic novel is well-suited for those that love spooky stories with dark, atmospheric visuals. There are witchy elements, a creepy, talking doll, and a monster named Bloody Bones for starters! The story soon develops into a high-stakes rush to win back Daniel's little sister and rid the town of it's most sinister citizen.

I haven't read the original story but Mary Downing Hahn was one of my favorite authors as a kid and I'm currently on a graphic novel kick so I borrowed it and dug right in. My only issue with it is that I don't feel like the cover really fits the story so don't let that creepy doll turn you away! 

This graphic novel adaptation is perfect for young horror or paranormal fans that want a quick, fun read!

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We Belong by Laura Purdie Salas & Carlos Velez Aquilera (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We Belong
Words by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera
Published by Carolrhoda Books
on March 1, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture books, Poetry
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 7 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
We all belong! 

You and I, we're alike,
but we're different too.
That's not good.
That's not bad.
It's just what is true.

Explore and celebrate who you are and who others are too! Rhyming verse by Laura Purdie Salas invites others to notice the diversity of our world and affirm that we all belong, just as we are. Bright illustrations by Carlos Velez Aquilera feature a diverse group of children, playing and learning in an urban setting. 


My Thoughts:

We Belong is a beautiful poem that celebrates our differences AND similarities and reminds us that it's ok to be just as we are, whatever and wherever that may be. We all belong.

This inclusive picture book is perfect for young readers and includes lots of onomatopoeia and fantastic rhymes that help the reader realize their own importance in the world. 

With amazing illustrations featuring an incredibly diverse cast of background characters, including different races, religions, and physical abilities, We Belong will help readers from all walks of life feel like they matter! 

We read this for Mental Health Awareness Week! 


More from this author:

Water Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas

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Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life by Cheryl Blackford (Children's Nonfiction Book Review)

 We received a digital copy of this children's nonfiction from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Fossil Hunter:
How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life
by Cheryl Blackford
Published by Clarion Books
on January 25, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 10+ years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
A fascinating, highly visual biography of Mary Anning, the Victorian fossil hunter who changed scientific thinking about prehistoric life and would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists of all time. Perfect for children learning about women scientists like Ada Lovelace, Jane Goodall, and Katherine Johnson. 

With engaging text, photographs, and stunning paleoart, Fossil Hunter introduces this self-taught scientist, now recognized as one of the greatest fossilists the world has ever known. 


Our Thoughts:

Mary Anning is one of the world's most celebrated paleontologists, known for discovering fossils--such as the ichthyosaurus and plesiosaurus--that would end up studied by scientists and displayed in museums. Despite all her discoveries, Mary Anning lived a life full of adversities and wasn't always accepted in the scientific community just because she was a woman. Nevertheless, she continued her studies, sketches, and searches for fossils and helped expand the understanding of our world for generations to come.

We have been reading picture books about Mary Anning for years thanks to my daughter's love of dinosaurs and determination to become a paleontologist. This nonfiction chapter book gave us a much more in-depth look at Mary's life and life's work.  

This book has a beautifully illustrated cover, endpapers, and chapter headers. The images within are mostly a collection of paintings and paleoart from Mary Anning herself (plus some stock photos) with italicized text in blue boxes/bubbles to explain each. 

Includes a timeline, glossary, and a list of places to see Mary Anning's fossils! 

Many thanks to the publisher for the chance to read this engrossing children's nonfiction biography on Mary Anning! 

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Walking Toward Peace: The True Story of a Brave Woman Called Peace Pilgrim by Kathleen Krull (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this picture book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Walking Toward Peace:
The True Story of a Brave Woman Called Peace Pilgrim
by Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by Annie Bowler
  Published by Flyaway Books
on March 23, 2021
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction, Biography
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
She gave up everything: her home, her possessions, even her real name. She called herself Peace Pilgrim, put on her sneakers, and started off on her quest to walk thousands of miles all around America. Step by step, mile after mile, Peace Pilgrim traveled tirelessly, inviting everyone she met to consider a world where each person and each nation chooses peace. 

   This true story about a little-known woman who sacrificed everything for her convictions inspires us to step not for what we believe in, gathering others to join us along the way. 


Our Thoughts:

There once was a woman who decided to give up all her worldly belongings, including her name, to walk the country spreading kindness and friendship. She would become known as Peace Pilgrim. She started her journey in California, walked all the way to the East Coast, and returned only to start all over again. With a beginning goal of twenty-five thousand miles, Peace Pilgrim beat that and went on to walk and spread good cheer for twenty-eight years, meeting and keeping many new friends along the way!

Walking Toward Peace is a beautifully illustrated children's biography that highlights the personal journey of the woman known as Peace Pilgrim, sharing her long treks across the United States. Spreading peace wherever she went, Peace Pilgrim made a big impact on those she met and became friends with many who would go on to follow in her footsteps.

This children's biography features a unique and inspiring woman who found a way to make a difference in the world, travel to new places, and meet tons of new people while doing it. This would be a fantastic addition to anyone looking for more books about peacemakers!

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It Starts With A Bee by QEB & Jennie Webber (Children's Picture Book Review)

 We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

It Starts With A Bee
by QED
Illustrations by Jennie Webber 
Published by QEB Publishing
on April 5, 2022
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Nature
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 6 - 9 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
With lyrical text and enchanting illustrations, It Starts With A Bee takes you on a journey through the seasons as you follow a busy bee that pollinates a wild garden. 

Teach your children about the crucial role bees play in the beautiful cycle of life in this charming tale of the workings of the natural world. 


Our Thoughts:

It Starts With A Bee is a beautifully illustrated picture book with poetic text that shares the beauty of the busy bee and the world it lives in. 

Nature lovers will adore this realistically illustrated picture book with its' busy little bees and gorgeous flowers and other lovely sceneries. It highlights a day in the life of a bee, from the hive to the garden and back, from season to season, and shares their most important qualities and the impact they have on our world and the things we eat! 

We loved how this book made us feel like we were right in the garden alongside the buzzing bees! 

Includes a fantastic page about 'the process of pollination' at the end of the book! 

Many thanks to the publisher for the chance to read this beautiful picture book! 

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It's A Wonderful World by Jess French (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this picture book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

It's A Wonderful World:
How to Protect the Planet and Change the Future
by Jess French
Published by DK Publishing
on May 3, 2022
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 72 pages
Ages: 7 - 9 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
Our world is wonderful, and it's up to us to take care of it. You may feel small, but your actions can make a big difference.

This title encourages children to take care of the planet, but it doesn't just focus on the problems--it teaches practical solutions to the issues facing our world today. Veterinarian, author, and TV host Jess French guides kids through taking care of our planet, from living a sustainable lifestyle to using their voice in politics. Unlike many books about the environment, Jess not only covers how to take care of plants and animals but also the positive contribution that humans can make to each other's lives.
Discover how to reduce your carbon footprint, understand the importance of preserving our forests, oceans, and endangered animals, and learn the best ways to stand up for what you believe in. 

Bright, cool illustrations by Aleesha Nandhra combine with photography to create vibrant, engaging spreads. Jess French's encouraging and instructive text empowers kids to look after the environment, themselves, and each other.



Our  Thoughts:

An exploration of Earth and our place in it, combined with how we can help take care of our one and only home. 

Learn all about our wonderful world in this fascinating nonfiction about Earth and everything that makes it unique, from its place in our solar system to its atmosphere and soil to its animal biodiversity, life cycles, landforms, and more but with a focus on learning how the planet renews itself as well as how we impact it and how we can help preserve it for generations to come. 

This is a fantastic resource for learning about planet Earth, with tons of great facts and photos to peruse and tons of helpful hints and tips on how to help conserve, recycle, upcycle, support your local wildlife, and more!

It's A Wonderful World would be a great addition to any home or school library and perfect for any aspiring environmentalist or conservationist. 

Many thanks to DK Publishing and Netgalley for the chance to read this fascinating children's nonfiction. It was the perfect Earth Week read! 

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The Know-Nonsense Guide to Grammar by Heidi Fiedler & Brendan Kearney (Children's Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

 We received a temporary digital copy of this fantastic children's nonfiction picture book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Grammar:
An Awesomely Fun Guide to the Way We Use Words!
Written by Heidi Fiedler
Illustrations by Brendan Kearney
Published by Walter Foster Jr
on April 1, 2017
Genre: Children's, Nonfiction
Length: 64 pages
Ages: 8 - 11 years
Grade levels: 3 - 6 

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
Get kids excited about learning!
The Know Nonsense Guide to Grammar is a hilariously illustrated, quirky, and fun guide that kids will love!

Turn each page in this book to learn a new basic grammar concept, including alliteration, similes, hyperbole, and much more, turning what can at times be dry topics into something approachable and fun. Full of quirky and hilarious illustrations, kids will love learning so much they might even laugh out loud. Flex your literary muscles, and soon you'll be a regular wordsmith!


Our Thoughts:

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Grammar is perfect for introducing young learners to the concepts and rules of language! 

This wonderfully informative book breaks down the eight parts of speech, grammar rules, and literary devices for children to learn and better understand the rules of language. Each is paired with a fun and colorful illustration as well as descriptive sentence and a paragraph that breaks down and explains the rules in easy-to-understand and memorable ways.

The eight parts of speech include nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, and conjunctions. The grammar rules include capitalization, punctuation, collective nouns, the sequence of adjectives, and how to use commas. 
This book also includes literary devices such as alliteration and analogies, idioms and irony, cliches, metaphors, and more.

We especially loved the tips for 'proper grammar-snob etiquette' at the end of the book! 

This is a great resource to come back to over and over and would make a wonderful addition to any home or school library or even an especially fantastic gift for any young writer.

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LazyDayLit's MAY 2022 TBR & Reading Goals

  Hello May! 

I've been slowly recovering from life and everything it has thrown at us lately and have been able to set aside more time for writing/reviewing recently so hopefully you will see some reviews posted here again soon! 

Here's what I might dig into this month!
Happy reading! 

For Review:

I was lucky enough to win a few books from Goodreads as well as a copy of The Boy Who Met A Whale by Nizrana Farook over on Instagram and am really looking forward to all of them!

Many thanks to William Morrow, Henry Holt & Co., and Peachtree Publishing Company for the great new reads! 


Borrowed Books:

What are you most looking forward to reading this month?

You can keep up with what I end up reading over on Bookstagram @LazyDayLit! 

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