A kind of Pinocchio story about the nature of lies. The illustrations are super cool - maybe a bit scary for toddlers but would be OK for kids of 5 anA kind of Pinocchio story about the nature of lies. The illustrations are super cool - maybe a bit scary for toddlers but would be OK for kids of 5 and above. A memorable lesson with a relatable situation. As a parent or an educator you definitely want to keep this book on your shelf....more
This is a cute book for kids who are about to start kindergarten and may be worried about leaving their mom behind for the first time ever. It offers This is a cute book for kids who are about to start kindergarten and may be worried about leaving their mom behind for the first time ever. It offers a good idea, playful and comforting at the same time, that could help during the first few days. Very nice illustrations too....more
I'm not a big second chance trope fan but who could resist Lake Garda? I love Leonie's books because they are pure entertainment and usually introduceI'm not a big second chance trope fan but who could resist Lake Garda? I love Leonie's books because they are pure entertainment and usually introduce an infusion of cultures, languages and people of diverse backgrounds. Her books are definitely my comfort reads....more
I couldn't wait this one to be out. After the first book, I knew that I would love the upcoming novels in the series - and I did.
We get to know more nI couldn't wait this one to be out. After the first book, I knew that I would love the upcoming novels in the series - and I did.
We get to know more not only about Akal's background but Taviti's too, and our education on the Fijian traditions is continuing. Here, in Europe, we have our memories and history of the First World War and we hardly think of what happened at other parts of the globe during those years. It's an interesting journey to see what life was like in Fiji, India or Australia.
Beyond an entertaining whodunnit story, this book is packed with culture and history....more
Let's begin with a trigger warning. This book has a strong impostor syndrome vibe. The main character is coming from an abusing family and has consequLet's begin with a trigger warning. This book has a strong impostor syndrome vibe. The main character is coming from an abusing family and has consequently a low self-esteem. It didn't really bother me but some may find this disturbing. I liked the first book of Alexandra Weston and this one has a similar setting. The glittering world of entertainment provides an exciting backdrop, however the story was somewhat lacking in events. Things of the past came up several times and though I understand their relevance, I would have preferred more action in the present. I enjoyed the book nevertheless, and consider the novels of this author one of my best comfort reads....more
Sadly, this book was impossible for me to finish. I was so bored that at 67% I gave up. I appreciate the research into the topic, and the whole egg-colSadly, this book was impossible for me to finish. I was so bored that at 67% I gave up. I appreciate the research into the topic, and the whole egg-collecting and trafficking business part was informative. But to me the separate storylines were going nowhere, and there was no real suspense. ...more
An honest and moving story. The prose does justice to the "two quiet men" in the blurb. The author manages to tell a story without saying out loud theAn honest and moving story. The prose does justice to the "two quiet men" in the blurb. The author manages to tell a story without saying out loud the most important words. Sometimes his sentences sound like a ramble of words, yet it is crystal clear what is happening. This short novel is packed with deep feelings and lots of passion....more
This was simply amazing. How is it even possible that I didn't read anything from Antonia Hodgson before? This is a long book (even in the audio versioThis was simply amazing. How is it even possible that I didn't read anything from Antonia Hodgson before? This is a long book (even in the audio version) and yet I enjoyed every minute of it. The world building with the guardians, the twist I had thought was coming and then a completely different one happened - this novel is pure entertainment. I would be ready to jump on Book 2, if it was available.
The audiobook is read by Daphne Kouma, and what she did with this novel, especially with Sol the raven, was magnificent. It was bliss to listen to her narration....more
A useful little guidebook to keep you company on a month-long mindfulness journey. This contains the basics, and is best to have it with you in physicA useful little guidebook to keep you company on a month-long mindfulness journey. This contains the basics, and is best to have it with you in physical form, so that you can open it any time you need a pinch of focus....more
This wasn't my favourite book but I still adore this series. The beginning was slower than usual and there was less sleuthing than in the previous booThis wasn't my favourite book but I still adore this series. The beginning was slower than usual and there was less sleuthing than in the previous books. The second half however compensates well enough....more
A teenage girl decides never to get married. It's not a big thing, we would say now. But it's rural Japan in the 1920s. I had to remind myself several A teenage girl decides never to get married. It's not a big thing, we would say now. But it's rural Japan in the 1920s. I had to remind myself several times of the time setting of the book, because it deals with topics that are so relevant today. Transgenerational trauma, alcoholism, domestic abuse and even ghosting. I like this Classics series from Pushkin Press, because they offer stories I would otherwise not pick up. This one was definitely worth reading....more
Here's a story set during harsh times in a bleak and desolate land, yet written in delicate and beautiful prose. It's hard to tear yourself away from Here's a story set during harsh times in a bleak and desolate land, yet written in delicate and beautiful prose. It's hard to tear yourself away from Ivar and John Ferguson; this short book is best to be savoured in one sitting. Many things are left unspoken, maybe that's why it resonates so powerfully with me. A memorable read, and it reminded me of Claire Keegan....more
This was a tiny bit boring. There, I said it. Once you wade through the first half, you are rewarded with a good story in the second. I could not even This was a tiny bit boring. There, I said it. Once you wade through the first half, you are rewarded with a good story in the second. I could not even decide who the main character was up until some 60% of the book. Events were centred around Fanny as much as around Mary, and neither of them seemed like a person capable of passionate feelings. Jane Austen fans will most probably enjoy this spin off but they should not expect the same wit and character development....more
I liked the illustrations of this picture book, but the story is quite dumb. While camping, the family discusses why it is better to be in the nature I liked the illustrations of this picture book, but the story is quite dumb. While camping, the family discusses why it is better to be in the nature than at home. Instead of enjoying the outdoors, they are continuously talking about their comfortable city life back home. Annoying....more
This book is a must read for parents, while kids will find it funny - at least my daughter did. One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is to teachThis book is a must read for parents, while kids will find it funny - at least my daughter did. One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is to teach your children how they can cope with their own feelings. What to do whenever they feel anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed. This book shows a great example for how to empower them with simple tools....more
This is a cute picture book with an unexpected punch line. The situation is real, i.e. boys boasting about their father's superhuman skills. But no onThis is a cute picture book with an unexpected punch line. The situation is real, i.e. boys boasting about their father's superhuman skills. But no one would have imagined things could escalate into THIS! The illustrations and the text are a brilliant match....more
"Is it snowing yet?" This is the question you hear a dozen times from your kid once temperature drops. Here's the book for exactly those moments. This"Is it snowing yet?" This is the question you hear a dozen times from your kid once temperature drops. Here's the book for exactly those moments. This picture book contains interlinked short stories about two sisters who love playing in the snow. The stories are easy, almost too simple for my 6-year-old, nevertheless, she enjoyed them....more
"Mum, let's read that book again where the boys' mother crashes into a tree!" I'm not sure this was the author's intention but my daughter finds it hi"Mum, let's read that book again where the boys' mother crashes into a tree!" I'm not sure this was the author's intention but my daughter finds it hilarious that kids take over control of the house while their poor mother is bedridden. Anyway, this is a cute story about responsibility and the power of community. A great tool to discuss the importance of being kind and helpful, and looking out for others....more
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