Book Review - National Geographic Complete Birds of North America

My Review

National Geographic's Complete Birds of North America is a beautiful, oversized book about birds.  The cover promises "More than 1000 species - the most detailed information in a single volume," and I certainly found this to be true.

I wanted to read this book because I have a lifelong love of birds -- my small business is even called Birdhouse Books! Every day when I am out walking on my own or with my dog, I look for birds and love to identify them. This big book of birds held a natural fascination for me.

This is truly an exceptional book for a bird lover. The book is divided into types of birds - for instance - Pigeons and Doves, Loons, Swallows, Larks, Mockingbirds and Thrashers, etc. Then if you look up a bird there is much more specific information, including illustrations of the bird, a map where the bird is found in North America, and: Identification (adult male, adult female, and juvenile), Status and Distribution, Breeding, and Population.  The common name of the bird is given along with the proper name - for instance Rock Pigeon, Columba livia.

I thought this book would be a field guide but am delighted to find it is the most fabulous encyclopedia of birds.  I have truly enjoyed looking up favorite birds, reading about them, and am sure I will consult with this book again and again as I see new birds on walks that I want to learn about.

National Geographic's Complete Birds of North America is a beautifully made book - big, oversized, with gorgeous illustrations. It would be an exceptional gift book for a bird lover.

Book Synopsis

More an encyclopedia than a field guide, National Geographic’s Complete Birds is a browsable treasure trove of facts. This comprehensive volume profiles every bird observable in the continental United States and Canada, featuring species accounts with details that include calls and songs, breeding behaviors, molting patterns, and the vast extent of their polar and neotropical migrations. The precision maps, illuminating photographs, and more than 4,000 exquisite pieces of annotated art make this the biggest and best bird book ever.

This third edition, thoroughly updated, includes:

Information on more than 1,000 species and subspecies
Overviews of every family
Organization reflecting current taxonomy
850 range maps, more than half updated since the last edition
Sidebars on identification challenges such as distinguishing between Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers in fall or separating the various species of white egrets

These 752 pages add up to a lifetime of learning for all devoted birders, from those just beginning birders to those who have been building their life lists for decades.

 

Book Review and Giveaway - Death on the Shelf: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook

My Review

Death on the Shelf is the 5th book in the Haunted Library mystery series. Carrie Singleton, librarian and amateur sleuth, witnesses a murder at her best friend's wedding when the bride's cousin falls into a chocolate fountain. Carrie becomes involved in solving the mystery ... and also finding her ghostly librarian friend Evelyn's long lost brother.

I wanted to read this book because I have enjoyed every single book in the Haunted Library series. This is one of my favorite cozy series and it is one I have enthusiastically recommended to friends. The series has all the ingredients of a perfect cozy: a charming small town setting, a library, some romance, and a lovable pet (in this case, Smoky Joe, Carrie's cat).

This was a fun read. There were a wealth of solid suspects and I enjoyed solving the case right along with Carrie. The wedding was a strong setting for a murder because there were so many people there, including many plausible suspects.

I especially enjoyed Carrie and Dylan's romance in this book, as they moved closer.  Dylan, who also is an investigator (of high end items that are lost or stolen) is a great book boyfriend, supporting Carrie but also helping to keep her safe.  

Since part of the wedding involves Carrie's best friend, Angela, she is in the book a lot, and so is Carrie's charming reformed thief dad, Jim.  And Smoky Joe the cat is his lovable self as well!

I recommend Death on the Shelf - and the entire Haunted Library series - very highly.  It is such a fun, fast moving read, and unique thanks to Carrie's ghostly friend Evelyn. 

Book Synopsis

Librarian Carrie Singleton sleuths a murder at her best friend’s wedding in Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook’s fifth Haunted Library mystery.  

Clover Ridge librarian Carrie Singleton is thrilled to attend her best friend Angela’s wedding, but Angela’s family can be a bit…much. Angela’s wealthy cousin Donna hosts an extravagant bridal shower at her resplendent home, but the celebrations turn to gossip as the guests notice Donna’s surgeon husband, Aiden, spending a bit too much time with Donna’s cousin Roxy. At the wedding reception, the sweet occasion turns darkly bitter when Aiden topples into the chocolate fountain–dead. 

The suspect list is as long as the guest list, and as difficult to sort out as the seating chart. A few of the top contenders on Carrie’s suspect list are the flirtatious Roxy, emotionally unstable since her recent divorce; Angela’s grouchy brother, who feels Aiden betrayed him; and Roxy’s scorned ex-husband. Even Donna may have had reason to want her husband dead. And Aiden’s gossipy office manager has plenty to say about them all.  

Then another member of Angela’s family is murdered, making Carrie more determined than ever to find the killer. Can library ghost Evelyn and library cat Smoky Joe help Carrie solve the murders before she becomes the next of Angela’s wedding guests to head to the grave?

Author Bio

Library series. DEATH OVERDUE, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series and the Twin Lakes series.

Her juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice. And Don’t Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids.

Author Links

Website: http://www.marilynlevinson.com
Amazon page: http://amzn.to/K6Md1O
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.levinson.10?ref=ts&fref=ts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/161602.Marilyn_Levinson
Twitter: @MarilynLevinson; @AllisonBrookML
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marilev/

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – IndieBound

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Book Review - Night, Night Angel: A Sleepy Christmas Celebration by Amy Parker

My Review

Night, Night Angel is a board book for young children. It tells the story of Little Fox, who discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

This is such a charmingly designed picture book for young children, with illustrations by Virginia Allyn. The cover is glittery and sparkly, with sleeping woodland animal friends. 

The animals say goodnight to snow, to a tree, to cookies, to family, as they hear the story of the first Christmas.  Little Fox snuggles into his mother's arms, happy to learn about Christmas.

I am a former preschool teacher and I love children's books. Night, Night Angel is so lovingly told, with an appealing storytelling style, charming illustrations, and a sweet, meaningful story.  I love the design of the book, the sturdy pages (perfect for even the youngest children!) and think it would be a comforting bedtime story book.  Recommended for gift giving -- or for family reading leading up Christmas.

Book Synopsis

‘Tis the season for joy! Celebrate the family fun and season’s blessings of Christmas with a young arctic fox as your family remembers that Jesus is the best gift of all. Amy Parker’s delightful rhymes and Virginia Allyn’s sweet illustrations make Night Night, Angel the perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the Christmas season.

Little fox loves all the excitement that Christmas brings to the forest: making creative presents, placing the star on the tree, and making sure she is spotlight-ready for the big Christmas play. But soon she realizes that the perfect gift has already been given through the baby who arrived on the first Christmas night!

As the fourth seasonal title in the hugely successful Night Night bedtime storybook brand, this Christmas board book

• gives families a fun way to say goodnight during the Advent season
• celebrates the special moments of family holiday activities
• gently reminds children that Baby Jesus is the reason for the season

The Christmas theme and sparkling cover make Night Night, Angel perfect for an Advent gift, stocking stuffer, or Christmas morning surprise from parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and friends. Your little angel will be ready to snuggle in for the night as together you celebrate the many blessings of Christmas!

TLC Book Review - Slothy Claus: A Christmas Story by Jodie Shepherd

My Review

Slothy Claus is a picture book about animal children waiting for a special visit from Slothy Claus. Unfortunately, sloths move slowly ... but the animal children learn about what really matters at Christmas.

I wanted to read this book because sloths are such fascinating little animals! The holiday tie-in made the book even more appealing.

The story is told in rhyme and it would be a great read aloud for bedtime or for a group of children.  The illustrations are exceptionally charming!  Slothy Claus is so cute.

Children will love seeing little animals getting ready for Christmas, just as they do.  Slothy moves slowly, though ... and doesn't arrive until July.  When he does arrive with gifts and cheer, the animal children are so happy to see him, and feel the joy of Christmas all over again.

Slothy Claus is a cute and clever picture book with a unique protagonist and unique storyline too. I think it will appeal to young children, preschool to kindergarten age.

Book Synopsis

What will children do when a sluggish Slothy Claus doesn’t make it to their home in time for Christmas morning? This charming story helps kids learn that Christmas is about more than just presents under the tree.

Slothy Claus has lots of presents for good boys and girls this year, but how is this notoriously lethargic animal supposed to travel all around the world in just one night? You guessed it! Slothy takes his sweet time, and when kids wake up to empty stockings and bare trees, it feels like Christmas is ruined! How will they ever find happiness without their chocolates and toys?

Slothy Claus is equal parts humorous and heartwarming. Children ages 4 to 8 will

• learn that the joy of Christmas doesn’t come from material things but from the love between family and friends
• enjoy the delightfully funny one-of-a-kind artwork
• love the classic rhyme that will fill your own family’s Christmas with love, laughter, and a spirit of giving

Slothy Claus concludes with a summer scene complete with flip flops and a barbecue when Slothy Claus finally flies down in his sleigh to deliver gift after gift–for a special celebration of Christmas in July. With a bright, glittery cover, this fun picture book is the perfect gift for advent or Christmas.

Book Review - A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott

My Review

A View Most Glorious is part of the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott. These historical novels all are set in national parks.  This novel is set in Tacoma, Washington and Mount Rainier in 1893. Coraline Baxter is a debutante turned suffragette who wants to climb Mount Rainier to prove that woman can do anything. Her mother objects but her good-natured stepfather wants to climb the mountain as well.  Nathan Hardee was once part of society, but now he works in the wilderness ... and he agrees to help guide Cora and her hiking party up the mountain.

I wanted to read this novel because I enjoyed the previous two books in the series so much. I love historical fiction and am interested in the national parks.  The subtle inspirational message of these books is also very appealing to me.

This was a delightful read! Cora is a sympathetic protagonist. She wants more out of life than an arranged society marriage. I admired her determination and strength of conviction. And Nathan!  I enjoyed getting to know him slowly, as a reader, as Cora got to know him on their trip. Their slow building love story was very appealing.

I recommend A View Most Glorious, and this series, for fans of historical fiction and especially for anyone who is interested in the national parks.  The novels are so well written and provide a glimpse at a historical setting that is rarely seen in fiction.

Book Synopsis

Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues an ultimatum--that Cora marry the man of her mother's choosing if she fails--Cora must do it. But she can't do it alone.

Noted mountain guide Nathan Hardee initially refuses to help Cora but has a change of heart when he sees what is at stake. He knows enough about the man Cora's mother has chosen to know that the headstrong young woman should have nothing to do with him, much less marry him.

These unlikely partners may just discover that only together is the view most glorious.

Author Bio

Regina Scott is the author of more than fifty works of warm, witty historical romance, including A Distance Too Grand--named one of the top ten romances of 2020 by Booklist--and Nothing Short of Wondrous. She was twice awarded the prestigious RT Book Reviews best book of the year in her category. A devotee of history, she has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research. She and her husband of thirty years live south of Tacoma, Washington, on the way to Mt. Rainier.