Hello reading friends and happy Monday! Today I am sharing a bit of my reading life with you. I am also participating in It's Monday What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR. Here are some of this past week's highlights.
Reading Life Highlights
This past weekend my oldest daughter was home for a visit! I hadn't seen her since August. She is currently living in another state about 5 hours away. She is a pre-kindergarten teacher and is enrolled full-time in a graduate program. I talked last week about the fact that I had weeded some of my personal book collection. some of the books I donated to little free libraries around my town. I also had a large pile of books that I had set aside for Sienna to go through. I was hoping that she'd want them all. But, she lives in very small space and does not have much storage or bookshelf room.
My husband is an avid woodworker. Being that I oversee the "care and feeding" of my church's little free library, and it was in need of some care (it leaks whenever it rains and it gets moldy inside), my husband volunteered to rebuild it. He has spent time this past week rebuilding the little free library.
What have I been reading?
Picture Book Picks
Hooray for Books written and illustrated by Brian Won is a delightful celebration of books and reading! It is part of the Hooray series of picture books. Turtle is searching for his favorite book. When he can't find it in his house, he proceeds to ask his friends. Won's artwork is done in muted, primary colors adds whimsy and a festive feeling to the story. Be sure to check out the awesome end pages. I think every book lover needs a copy for their collection.
The Circles All Around Us written by Brad Montague and illustrated by Kristi Montague is a sweet story about our circles and the people in our lives. Your circle begins small, with only you but can grow as your heart grows and family and community become part of your circle. Illustrations were done in both digital and analog elements. They are charming and add to the gentle spirit of this important picture book. The Circles All Around Us is the perfect book to share when working to build a community.
A Story is to Share written by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
I love the endearing quality of Ruth Krauss' picture books, so when I saw that this picture book was coming out, I immediately pre-ordered my copy. This is a beautiful story of children's book writer, Ruth Krauss. Some of the Krauss books that are featured within this picture book are; A Carrot Seed, A Hole is to Dig, and I Write It, just to name a few. Beautiful illustrations were rendered in in ink, watercolor, and gouache, "with digital touchups." The gorgeous artwork fills double-page spreads throughout the book. If you are a picture book lover, you will want to get yourself a copy of this "tribute to a legend, as well as to storytelling and creativity of all kinds." This a book for picture book lovers for sure!
For Adults
This is the second Simone St. James' book that I have read. In The Book of Cold Cases, Shea is a true crime blogger. She has a chance encounter with Beth, a woman who was suspected of being a serial killer in the 1970's . She grants Shea an interview. The mystery begins there. Dual timelines, present day 2017 and historic 1960's and 70's adds to the story's suspenseful mood and eventual reveal. Elements of the paranormal also adds to the eerie atmosphere of the tale. Although this book had its fair share of creepy vibes, I personally did not find it to be as creepy as the one other book of St. James' that I have read, The Sun Down Motel. I was able to read The Book of Cold Cases at night. If you're looking to dip your toe in to the thriller genre, then you may want to give this book a try.
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Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!
