Please Look After This Bear: How Paddington Became British, by Aishwarya Subramanian, Melanie Ramdarshan Bold

 

Publication July 17, 2026

Like most, I was charmed by the videos that appeared of Queen Elizabeth having tea with Paddington Bear. While I've never been a big reader of the Paddington books, I knew exactly who he was and what he was meant to represent. As a result,  I spent July 4th, the  much chyped American birthday celebration, immersed in this book about that very British icon Paddington Bear. It wasn't quite what I expected, which I guess was a focus/recap of the books but it turned out to be much more. It was an intriguing look at how an immigrant, a refugee bear from Peru, became such a part of the British culture. 

It's an intriguing look at not just the character of Paddington  but a peek behind the scenes of the man who created him, the times, and the forces that helped shape one of the best known British icons of children's literature anywhere. Maybe more important, it helps explain why Paddington matters. He was, of course, an immigrant, so there is much talk about immigration, refugees, and their acceptance and treatment. Heck, even his famous marmalade gets a section as an import, showing the depth of research. The discussion of the Good Immigrant and the role they were expected to fall into, is discussed at length, showing where Paddington tended to fall into that category. Politeness and manners, especially kindness, also take the spotlight. The British are usually portrayed as endlessly polite and well-mannered, so Paddington had s steep slope to travel to meet all the requirements to not only be accepted but beloved. I honestly think I would have grasped this topic better given the frequent nods to the various books and shows had I had a better background in all things Paddington but they still made sense to me, so don't let a sparse knowledge of his "life" stop you from picking up this one. 

Bottom line, a very well written and timely book that, gasp, made me think not just about a fictional bear but the world in general. I did take some notes as I went along but will opt to simply say you'll learn a great deal. Seriously, one section sorta builds on another and we learn not just about fictional characters and their creator's background that helped shape his work, but bits of history and social patterns, too. For a little bear inspired by a lonely looking teddy bear bought as a stocking stuffer, this Peruvian bear has certainly lead an amazing life, lending support to the idea that children's books aren't just for children. They matter. 

Finally, as I had the audio version, I'll note that the narrator quite impressed me. I sometimes feel non-fictional works would be a tough narration but  Clare Staniforth does it well, breathing life into the story and occasionally seeming to enjoy the wit of the author's observations and references, especially to marmalade. Even to my American ear, her narration was easy to understand even when I experimented at increasing the pace. The chapters flowed smoothly and what seem to be chapter titles were read at the start of each chapter, giving you the focus of material to come. Much thanks to #HighbridgeAudio for allowing me this early listen. There's a great deal to ponder here in what I once expected to be a simple, fun read. Kudos to all who produced this work and especially to the authors and narrator. I am definitely going to have to put my hands on some Paddington books soon. Getting to know him has been a delight. 

The Austrian Bride, by Helen Parusel

Publication Jan. 15, 2024

Part history lesson, part romance, part a cautionary tale.

Although beautifully written, this was a hard read at times. Not because of the words but of the horror they conjured up. The horror of seeing people beaten in the street. Bullies, including a romantic partner, randomly taunting and abusing innocent Jewish citizens in the streets, even using them to rest their muddy boots on. Seeing Jewish families being terrorized in their homes and businesses. Then, being forced out of those homes and businesses, even being arrested and taken away. Where? It's vague to them. The characters don't know the full horror of it yet but, you, the reader do. Linz, Austria, went from being hopeful to being frightened and distrusting of friends and neighbors as atrocity followed atrocity. 

Again, we readers know the reality behind the bewildering events they are enduring and want to yell, "Run! Get out while you still can!" We know the reality of that warning, even in the earliest days, being futile, of course. Ella, the story's focus, doesn't. She starts out just turning 21, a rather naive and innocent young girl caught up in the romance of being picked by handsome Max as his girlfriend. Yes, there's a bit of pride in that, too. All too soon, however, she confronts reality. She's unnerved by Nazi officers overseeing the annexation vote early on, for instance. Then Max wants her to attend a Bride School for potential Nazi wives. It's more boot camp than bridal, with an emphasis of having lots of children and being subservient to your husband. Just to complicate things, Ella realizes she has feelings for an old friend, an old friend who just happens to be Jewish. How can she help him and others while remaining safe herself? That is the focus of the story, really, the resistance, in this case from inside.

I won't detail the plot further as I don't want to dilute the impact of Ella's story. You'll like and sympathize with her, a person who manages to find good in even her more strident fellow "brides" while risking it all to help those being persecuted. You'll definitely like her mother, too, and older readers will sympathize not only with her situation but her female changes, let's call them, too. She has a horrible secret, too, one that haunts her throughout the story. There are other fascinating characters, one who will feel real to you and, hey, you should look up Albert Goring, Hermann Goring's brother.

Bottom line, you'll immediately realize how relevant this story is to events happening today. The air of potential danger that hovers in the air is likely to give you chills at times. You'll being with the euphoria of Ella and her fellow Austrians as Hitler visits Linz and follow her heart-wrenching story through to the end. She learns a great deal about others and, more importantly, herself. What is important to her. You'll fret over her safety throughout, wanting to comfort her as she meets disappointment after disappointment. You'll also wonder if such a thing as Bride Schools existed. Yes. So did the Kindertransport, complete with reassurances to the children that Ella knew by then were unlikely to be true. 

In other words, a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read. While I cringed at the brutality, the hate, the sheer arrogance, and violence, I felt hope as Ella grew as a person and did what she could to make a difference. Thank you more than you know #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for making this available to me early. It needs to be widely read. We must never forget, especially when we see the same patterns emerging again.

Lore of the Stars: Folklore and Wisdom from the Skies Above, by Claire Cock-Starkey , Hannah Bess Ross (Illustrator), Alex Hithersay (Editor)

 

Publication October 3, 2023

Fascinating. Fun. Thought Provoking.

I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the "Lore of the Stars". While some of the myths and lore was familiar to me, I was delighted to find much to learn. Richly illustrated, its colorful renderings of the stories had me browsing through the book initially just to enjoy the pictures. Yeah, I'm a kid that way. I'm fuzzy on how to classify this one as it combines factual information with the whimsy and mythology of associated tales and stories. I know that I, for one, since I live in Alaska where the Aurora frequently appears in our darker winter months, will be mentally visualizing the magical horse-drawn carriages soaring above me according to the Estonian myth of the aurora, taking spirit guests to a magnificent wedding in the sky. Not bad entertainment, I'd say, and I've been lucky enough to stand on my own deck and enjoy the dancing lights as their colors dance above me. 

But, anyway, I particularly liked that the tales were drawn from all over, showing both the differences and similarities of cultures. Animal symbolism was common in all, I noted. As noted, the whimsical illustrations added much to the magic derived from the realities of shared experiences of cultures around the world. While officially targeting older children, I would think any age level will thoroughly enjoy this one. In fact, if you're like this no-longer-a-child, you'll find yourself going back to it repeatedly to flip through (I definitely suggest you get a print copy as it was a tad difficult to navigate all my meandering via digital) following your own whims. 

It is, however, nicely organized and offers both a glossary and index at the end. As an adult, I rather wished for a more complete index but, well, for a children's book, it's ample. My favorite bit of lore changed repeatedly, so it's difficult to offer up a favorite, although being a dog person, I enjoyed the familiar story of Orion and his faithful spirit dog companions, Canis Major and Canis Minor, although the Cherokee tale of how the Milky Way came to be was not just fun but a new one to me. 

Bottom line, if you've any interest in the mythology and lore of the sky above us, this one is for you. If you're a teacher, it should definitely be on your shelf. Heck, I'd think even a savvy science teacher could easily use it as a teaching tool to engage students' attention and imaginations. While my adult mind craved more full myths, there is so much to digest that this one will hold your attention and, as noted earlier, it's a book you'll want to revisit again and again. Thanks #NetGalley and ##QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this wonderful rendering of international lore/mythology attached to our heaves through the ages.

The Great White Bard: How to Love Shakespeare While Talking About Race, by Farah Karim-Cooper

 

Publication August 15, 2023

Both fascinating and frustrating.

Fascinating because there is a wealth of information included, all quite detailed. Frustrating because I realized early on that I'm no longer familiar enough with Shakespeare's written works to fully take it all in. Hence, the problem was with me, not the book. It's simply been too long since I've done a deep dive into all things Shakespeare. As a result, I had to stop and spend some time quickly refreshing my memory as I read. As a result, I hesitated over the book rating. to be honest, for me personally it was probably a 3 star as it was slow going and at times I was simply, well, lost. For those more familiar with his works in detail, or a real interest in the focus, race as reflected in his works, however, this would easily be a 4/5 star. I've gone with the 4 star simply for simplification. I would suggest you refresh your memory on his works prior to reading, however.

In any case, although it was obvious to me early on that this book wasn't really for me, I'm still glad I persevered and finished. While it didn't focus on William Shakespeare's life and what personally drove him, it does offer a fascinating, very in-depth look at his times. In the process, it traces how impressions of Shakespeare's characters and written word reflected racial and, yes, even sexual attitudes of the day. In addition, it follows up its determinations with the probably how and why for these attitudes at the time. While focused on race, yes, it also approaches the role of the notable female characters in his plays. It also provides a sense of what being in the pit before the stage reserved for those with less wealth must have been like. In fact, it highlights where the audience itself became a character of sorts as the play moved into or through the standing throngs. As one who'd have surely been there, that was intriguing to me.

Bottom line, while I'm not going to detail the author's conclusions and findings -- I mean, the book is some 300+ pages long and each page is full of information -- I'll say that the author does an admirable job of supporting her thesis. Rather ironically, just as I finished reading, Shakespeare's works once again became a target for those who would restrict access to them. That issue is still undecided as I type. Let's just say, you may or may not agree with her but there is a great deal of food for thought provided, all thoroughly researched and documented. My thanks to #NetGalley and #PenguinGroupViking - #Viking for allowing me this intriguing look at the work of a man who is my 11th great uncle or something like that via his sister's lineage. I may not have taken it all in but it has made me curious enough to plan to do some refreshing of my memory, that's for sure.

Ukraine's Rich & Complex History of Empires, Nationalism, War & Political Strife, by History Brought Alive

 

There's a good book in here but you just have to find it. Please note before reading further, in all fairness, I was reading an advance reading copy, ARC, so what I was reading may not be the final version. As it was, at times the writing seemed disjointed, almost as if it'd been written by separate authors and then put together in the whole. It'd be talking about something in the early 1900's, then jump to the more recent history, then in the blink of an eye be back to the, say, 1800s. In other words, while lots of info was given, it was difficult to keep it orderly in your mind due to the skipping around and frequent repetition. I honestly scrolled back the first couple times I encountered virtually the same info, thinking I'd zoned out and somehow gone backward. Nope. 

That said, the overview of Ukraine's history was there. I did like the overall organization of the book. It was broken down into general eras, ranging from Ukraine's early beginnings through the (as of this writing) still current invasion. Situated at a crossroads of sort between frequently warring and ambitious neighbors, it has perhaps seen more than its share of conflict. 

One of the things I found interesting was how many different cultures came together in the Ukraine territory, from early Scandinavians and the Mongols of Genghis Khan, who seem to have brought the onion shaped domes often painted in bright colors and patterns that are still seen today. Christianity spread and had a wide influence on the culture and architecture in particular. For instance, St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev was built in the 11th Century and is still used today as home of the UNESCO Heritage Site. It was interesting to see where the various bits of the culture, art, and architecture I now recognize as distinctly Ukrainian probably originated. 

Despite quite a bit of repetition (which may have been edited out by now), the authors present a somewhat dry but thorough summary of Ukraine's history, it's pivotal moments in that history, and many of the players in the story. That history is also broken down into a political history timeline, which extends through the current attack, giving the basics of how Volodymry Zelensky came to be where he is today, winning election with 73% of the vote. Key figures in Ukraine's past are also highlighted at the end where you'll also find a list of references for further reading. 

Bottom line, while a disjointed, repetitive read, the book did provide me with ample information on Ukraine's history. For that reason, rather than slam it for the issues noted above, I'm going with a 3 star rating. Not one I'd pick up again, admittedly, even to skim through, but if you're looking for the basics of not just why this country is so important to know about and what past events brought us here, it's a beginning. Thanks to #BookSirens and #HistoryBroughtAlive for giving me a peek at an early copy.

12 Rounds with Bob Dylan: The Pugilistic Poet, by Richard B. Westlein

 Available June 7, 2023

"Dances with words." 

That phrase jumped out at me at some point. While I'm not a huge Dylan fan in the sense of following his every move, I've long admired his way with words. That said, I've got to admit it was the cover and title of this book that lured me in. Quite frankly, I had no idea what the expect. Something about Bob Dylan and boxing? Gotta admit, that was an intriguing, if somewhat bewildering thought.

Author Richard Westlein used the boxing motif as a means of boxing, sorry, couldn't resist the pun, Dylan's various periods into twelve categories, ie the twelve rounds of the title. I won't detail the categories, after all, that's what the book does, but will note they begin with a young Bobby Zimmerman and follow his evolution into today, including his part in the Traveling Wilbury's, I'll note. It's rather impressive, I'd say, especially since the by then Bob Dylan was once known in whispers as Hammond's Folly at Columbia Records, which John Hammond had signed Dylan to on the basis of promise more than actual product.  Not bad for someone who'd go on to be the voice of an era and win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Westlein has meticulously researched his subject. Not only does he intro the idea of categorizing the work of Dylan with references to the likes of 18th century scholar Johann Winckelmann, but even Picasso gets a mention. That section was a bit dry but worked for this former history major/teacher. Once the focus shifted to Dylan's life, however, things picked up as Westlein put his material into order. He includes bullet points, album details and a scorecard of sorts for each division. At the end you will find an extensive list of additional sources, both on and offline, references and even more internet reference sites, and a discography. And, oh, lots of notable names pop up.

Bottom line, while not even an avid Dylan follower, I found this an interesting read, one that didn't just make me think but taught me something. Dylan once said something to the extent of life being about creating a life, not finding one, and this goes a long way toward explaining how Bob Dylan did just that. Thanks to #JupiterPublishingCompany - #BooksSirens and #RichardWestlein for giving me this sneak peek at Bob Dylan, boxer and musician and hero of ages.

 

Last Seen in Santorini, by Vivian Conroy

 

Publication Jan. 6, 2023   Miss Ashford Investigates #2

I first crossed paths with this book when the author noticed I'd shared several cozy mystery reviews on Twitter, of all places, and suggested this one as one I might like. Despite the slow-to-me start, once I settled into the slower pace, I was hooked. I haven't read book one but other than wondering if it might have made it clearer why Atalanta Ashford didn't completely trust Raoul, there were no issues. In fact, I deducted that it was her own feelings toward the handsome race driver that she didn't trust, not Raoul himself. I also give credit to the book for distracting me while dealing with an unhappy tummy over the weekend, meaning it definitely kept my interest.

The author does a lovely job of description. It allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my arm-chair traveler experience to both Venice and Santorini. Heck, it even seen me to research Santorini, which I knew little about. The photos I found made the scene come that much more alive but, no, you don't need to research your arm-chair travel to enjoy. You'll hear, see, and smell the noises, voices, vivid blues of the sea, and aroma of the flowers. All without leaving home!

As for the murder, this is only Atalanta's second case. She seems to have become a tad over-confident after solving the first, only reluctantly only giving Raoul the deserved credit for his help, not to mention info found in her late grandfather's papers. In this case, she responds to the distress and sadness of a woman in black who begs her to investigate a daughter's death in Santorini. 

Thanks to her butler's info, Raoul seen appears. She spends a great deal of time denying her interest in him to herself, despite spending real time with him that is easily observed by others. Heck, she even thinks he may be part of the problem, if not the solution to at least one of her questions. Then, another death. The Bucardi family is not all it appears on the surface and, in fact, she fears for the young son's well-being. Convinced she can solve the investigation on her own, Atalanta tends to leap from one supposition to another. She even resents Raoul pointing out that just because she believes something to be true doesn't mean it is. Her attitude was rather annoying at times but I liked her.

Supposedly arriving to be caretaker to an elderly aunt of the Bucardi family, Atalanta quickly discovers all is not as it appears. Pirate's treasure? Quick tempers that flash into violence? Why are Luca's parents so cool toward him? Why does his father react so violently when Luca is given a puppy? Was Titia the innocent young victim she appears on the surface or could her photos hold a clue? Then, another murder? How the heck does the victim's body wind up in bed when evidence indicates they died elsewhere? Is Atalanta truly safe? Will she ever learn to trust both Raoul and her heart? Who.....oh, enough teasers. You're just going to have to read the book. I know I'll be looking forward to Atalanta's next adventure.

Thanks #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter, not to mention author #VivianConroy for bringing this book to my attention. Venice sounded dreamy but Santorini, with all its history and beauty was amazing.

Against the Currant: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery, by Olivia Matthews

 Publication Jan. 24, 2022

This is a promising debut for this culinary mystery but is also about family and finding the strength within you. Lyndsay Murray is neither tough nor daring.... until it comes to defending her family. She grew up a quiet, rather fearful child, one whose lack of confidence made her a target for bullies. As a result, she'd retreated to the warmth of her family circle. Now, as an adult, a quite well-educated one at that, her dream of opening a West Indian Bakery in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, are about to come true. Her family is with her, investing much of not just their savings into Spice Isle Bakery but their time and energy into the project that will showcase their Grenadian roots and bring people together. 

So, why is Claudio Fabrizi, a baker, yes, but with very little overlap of product, so determined to shut her down? His bakery is even a few blocks away, so no direct competition. When he confronts Lyndsay/Lynds at their opening, however, he does not find her as easy as perhaps he'd expected to intimidate. While Lynds has difficulty standing up for herself as an individual, when her family and their livelihood is threatened, some of the confidence she surely gained from years of kickboxing lessons shines through. Claudio's son Enzo even stands by helplessly as Claudio blusters and threatens to shut her down, making her courage all the more impressive in front of their opening day crowd. Her mother reminds her afterward that nothing good ever comes from taunting another, however.

Unfortunately, she is proven right. While the worst thing Lynds thought had happened had been the disappearance of her beloved charm bracelet, when Claudio is found murdered, Lyndsay finds herself suspect number one. I won't detail the plot much further except to say that the thing that impressed me throughout was the strength of family and how Lyndsay stepped up to help defend herself and her family. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thanks #NetGalley and#StMartin'sPress for inviting me over to check out Lyndsay's bakery. After a day of snow here in Alaska, I think some Caribbean sunshine was just what I needed. Enjoyed meeting the family, neighbors, customers, and, well, even the police. I'll be back.

Blue Jeans, by Carolyn Purnell , Christopher Schaberg (Editor), Ian Bogost (Editor)

 Publication Jan. 12, 2023

 Quick, without looking it up. What's the difference between a $50 pair of jeans and a $500 pair? Nope, not telling. Nor am I telling you what goes into making the denim jeans we love. Let's just say, this book is an eye-opener in more ways than one.

This book goes into far more depth than I'd expected, not that I'm complaining. Author Purnell has obviously done extensive research, For instance, an early version of the fabric dates back to the 1500's when the term dungerees seems to have first emerged from a small village in India named Dongri. If you are like me, you'll be astounded to read the early dying process and what was involved, not to mentioned required. To be honest, my knowledge of blue jeans history pretty much started and stopped with the name Levi Strauss but, as it turns out, he didn't even come up with the rivet system that set the product apart from others. He just got in on the ground floor with the man who did.

And this doesn't even begin to detail why the denim trade was dubbed a "resource hungry beast" by some. Go ahead. Guess how many gallons of water were used to manufacture a single pair of jeans. What chemicals are used? Nope, not telling. You need to read this book. I'm never going to look at my jeans quite the same after reading this.

Of course, the ever changing styles and roles of blue jeans are detailed. President Obama even gets a mention for his wearing of "dad jeans" to throw out a first pitch at a ball game. Oh, I'm leaving out so many things. Seriously, if you're like me, a long time jeans fan, not to mention interested in not just history but the history of "things", you need to read this book.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BloomsburyAcademic for expanding my knowledge on an item I've always pretty much taken for granted. I'm going to be looking into some of the other books in the Object Lessons collection, that's for sure.

 

For blog readers, posting the press release for the book below.

Blue Jeans By Carolyn Purnell 

The one-size-fits-all appearance of blue jeans hides a history of contradictions. Jeans are the perfect emblem for opposing values. They may seem like uncontroversial garments, but they can be nothing short of revolutionary. Over the course of their one hundred and fifty years, they have become a universal signifier, ready to fit any context, meaning, and body. 

Once a symbol of American culture, jeans are now a global good. Levi Strauss made blue jeans in the 1870s to withstand the hard work of mining, but today they represent the epitome of leisure. In the 1950s, celebrities like James Dean transformed the utilitarian clothing of industrial labor into a glamorous statement of youthful rebellion. A few decades later, luxury jeans walked chic fashion runways. For some, indigo of blue jeans might represent freedom, but for workers producing the dye, it has often been a color of oppression and tyranny. 

Surrounded by such contradictions, jeans are, at once, a garment that means everything and nothing. Blue Jeans considers the versatility of this iconic everyday item, revealing a world of significance beneath a superficial layer of anonymity. 

This book is the latest in the Object Lessons series. Published in association with The Atlantic, it explores the hidden lives of ordinary things and what they can teach us about ourselves and the modern world. 

Carolyn Purnell is a historian and writer. She is the author of The Sensational Past: How the Enlightenment Changed the Way We Use Our Senses.

 

Murder at a Scottish Wedding, by Traci Hall

 

Publication Jan. 24, 2023

I bet you quickly find yourself reading with a Scottish accent, ye ken? Understand? Seriously, although I found myself hesitating initially as I ran across the phonetically written Scottish phrases, without knowing it, I picked up on them quickly and it flowed nicely. All was guid. 

The plot, well, the main plot, revolves around the question of "Who poisoned the brooch that killed Felice?" A secondary plot, which I felt might make a solid, separate book itself, dealt with main character Paislee's missing uncle and his involvement with either Scotland Yard or a deadly criminal gang of thieves, or maybe both. It remained fuzzy until the end. This side-plot rather threw me at first as it seemed like in the blink of an eye we were taken from pondering who and how the heirloom brooch that ultimately caused Felice's death was poisoned to DI Zeffer appearing and questioning Paislee and her grandfather about not just Felice's death but the whereabouts of the long missing uncle. In this case, I might have benefited from reading previous books in the series although this was only a momentary issue. Dinnae fret. It is all explained as we go along.

There's a long list of suspects, including a mega-superstitious almost-mother-in-law of Paislee's best friend Lydia, who has taken a strong dislike to Lydia, and a fortune telling librarian. Was it an accident or sabotage that caused Lydia's car to wreck? Who left the threatening photos and message in Lydia's apartment? Family ties are strong, both in Lydia's real and almost family, as well as Paislee's bonds and loyalty to her own and love for her son. And, yikes. Explosions?

Cannae tell you more, sairy. You're just going to have to read the book. Although I found it a bit disconcerting to switch between two such strong story lines, they are both interesting and, nae, didn't guess whodunit though the clues were all there. Despite this, I liked the story and will most definitely be back. Treats for Wallace the Scottish terrier!

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for letting my latent Scottish ancestry flourish for a bit with this nod tae/to Scotland and the accent. Loved that the author wrote this during the planning for her own wedding.

The Story of Tutankhamun: An Intimate Life of the Boy who Became King, by Garry J. Shaw

 

Publication Jan. 2, 2023

Excellent and this is coming from someone who once pondered taking up the study of archeology. Well, until I realized how tedious and boring the parts that didn't involve finding riches beyond the imagination really was. Seriously, I've always found Tutankhamun fascinating, both from the standpoint of history and the wonder of what it really must have been like for him, as a quite young boy, to suddenly be turned into what might as well have been a god. 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Howard Carter's discovery of his long hidden tomb and more modern connected events. This book, which is an easy read, takes a fascinating look at both, not to mention offers up an extensive selections of endnotes, bibliography, index, and photos, some of which were genuinely new to me despite my long-held fascination with the find. 

In other words, even if you think you know everything there is about King Tut, as he's usually called, you're likely to find something new. I know I did. I most liked the author's weaving of a non-fictional story in what I'll dub a fictional manner, bringing the story to life. It gives it the "you are there" feel. You can almost feel the heat, noise, smells, and intense activity about Tut. While the author does not attempt to project feelings of awe, fear, or wonder on the boy king, he uses existing evidence to make some educated assumptions about what his life must have been like both before and after he became king. Even after his death, you're left feeling pangs of sympathy for his young wife as she strives to hold things together, being ultimately forced to wed a much older man who had been a trusted advisor to Tut. In other words, this is both a historical and very human story. 

One image that stayed with me involved the humble laborers who slaved away in a rush to create Tutankhamun's tomb, then the more modern laborers as they cleared and worked to move discovered treasures to safer confines. Unlike the burial workers, however, they did have a railroad of sorts, a trolley, perhaps we'd call it. Given the shortage of rails, however, workers had to built, disassemble, then repeat many times to move things from the tomb area to the museum or work spaces. Nor were they all in good condition. Did you know they had to, well, take Tut's mummified remains apart to get it out of the coffin that had been treated with an over-abundance of resin? As the author details, the funeral was a rushed job, despite the fact we'd consider it a long period in modern times to prepare a body for burial. Heck, the tomb used seems to even been borrowed, perhaps from Nefertiti. Evidence supporting this assumption/educated guess is within. Since I read something regarding Tut just recently, I believe on the belief that he had a clubbed foot, it's intriguing to know the background of the burial and how the rush and accidents may impact even modern findings. 

Seriously, give this one a read. Heck, even the infamous curse gets a nod, not to mention comedian Steve Martin's 1973 novelty song "King Tut". Yep, something for everyone. Thanks #NetGalley and #YaleUniversityPress for giving me the chance to renew my interest in all things King "Tut".

Brave Bird at Wounded Knee: A Story of Protest on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (I Am America Set 5), Rachel Bithell (author), Eric Freeberg (Illustrator)

 

Publication Jan. 1, 2023

Impressive. Patsy Antoine may be a fictional character but the events are real. As one with some Native ancestry, it's a story I knew but seeing it through the eyes of 11-year old Patsy, who is half-Lakota, made it all the more real to me. 

Author Rachel Bithell not only knows her material, but how to bring it alive to her audience, in this case ages 8-12/grades 4-6. She presents the material in a variety of ways, including letters, news clippings, and a journal Patsy begins when she visits the reservation with her father. There are illustrations interspersed throughout which, in their simplicity, add greatly to the mood, plus real photos at the end (of the digital version I read).

I liked the books straight-forward approach, one that neither elevates not derides the events of the occupation. It does, however, take the stance, via Patsy's belief, that violence isn't an answer. In the process, we learn a bit about life on the reservation in 1973 -- many still had only outhouses! -- as well as some words in Lakota. We're also gently directed to two excellent sources of information via a short research paper Patsy is urged to do for "extra credit" for her social studies class: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and "Black Elk Speaks". Both are on my own bookshelves. 

Excellent work and one that should be shared. Reminders like Patsy's Lakota father having to hide his identity while her white mother goes to the bank to apply for a home loan are a reminder that equality touches many. And, that journal? Given to her by an understanding, caring teacher. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthStarEditions - #JollyFishPress for allowing me to reexamine the story of Wounded Knee. It's a story more should know about.

For blog readers: Here's the publisher's blurb for the book, taken from GoodReads:

"

It’s 1973, and in Denver, Colorado, Patsy Antoine doesn’t usually give much thought to her relatives living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After all, her classmates don’t even know she’s part Lakota. Then she learns the tiny town of Wounded Knee has been occupied. Now Patsy’s relatives are stuck amid the conflict between American Indian Movement activists and Oglala Lakota tribe members on the one side, and federal marshals and FBI agents on the other. When Patsy visits her relatives on Pine Ridge, she learns more about her heritage and the clashing perspectives on the Wounded Knee occupation. As she connects with her roots, Patsy must grapple with the complexities of the conflict and of being biracial. It’s the storytellers that preserve a nation’s history. But what happens when some stories are silenced? The I Am America series features fictional stories based on important historical events about people whose voices have been excluded, lost, or forgotten over time.

160 pages, Paperback

History's BIGGEST Show-offs (Hardcover), by Andy Seed (author), Sam Caldwell )illustrations)

 

Publication Oct. 24, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60382795-history-s-biggest-show-offs

This book is just plain fun and should appeal across a wide-range of ages. True, younger children will need an adult/parent to read for them but that would also allow for lots of discussion and teaching moments. I particularly liked that the "Show-offs" were of not just both sexes but from a wide range of cultures and settings. While most were names I've heard, some were new to me or attached an unfamiliar name to a particular setting, such as the designer of the Taj Mahal. 

In other words, there's something for everyone, all illustrated with a personable batch of illustrations that while seeming realistic, also manage to evoke a human emotion from the depictions. Heck, even Henry VIII's cod piece gets a mention, so it definitely covers a wide variety of topics. The "Show-offs", I will note, weren't necessarily good or bad, just memorable. I won't mention all the names but they begin with Egypt's Hatsheput and range from there to Shakespeare, Hedy Lamarr, Tesla, Tarabai, Ada Lovelace, Michelangelo, and Capability Browne, a new name to me who won my prize for favorite name. He was a landscape designer, btw, and designed the gardens of Hampton Court Palace for King James III. There's a timeline as well as glossary and index at the end as well as fun quizzes such throughout.

There are more, so prepare to revisit old friends and make new ones, all with a smile. This one is a winner. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks -#HappyYak for introducing me to some people I'd never heard of, barely heard about, and thought I knew. Fun!

What Are You? (AUDIO), by Christian Trimmer, with narrator Ramon De Ocampo

Available Oct. 18, 2022     Audio, 9m 13s                                                                             Print version illustrations by Mike Curator

 Delightful. Even better, it provides a fun yet meaningful learning moment. Three dogs meet, two poodles and a puggle, a pug/beagle cross. Having been asked many times "What kind of dog is that?" about my own corgi mix, I definitely related to the question being asked of the puggle. How it answers is the key to an important discussion of what makes us different but the same.

Although I had the audio version, I had to chuckle imagining the puggle hula hooping or showing its prowness at pogo sticking. I may have to get my hands on a hard copy just for those illustrations. That aside, I really liked how these virtual dogs, so alike yet different, talked it out and discovered similarities despite their different appearances. That's good advice for all of us, child and adult as well, I think. 

Actually, that's one of the prompts/suggestions given after the dogs go off to do whatever it is dogs do. My own dog isn't telling. The suggestions provide a gateway for parents and other adults to approach discussing the same issues with their children, what makes us different doesn't mean we aren't all the same. The prompts encourage openness, listening, and remind us to both listen and talk to children, using their natural curiosity to reach out to them on questions of race and cultures. I liked that for each basic idea, btw, follow-up questions are suggested, a real help to those who might struggle as to how best to approach such discussions. The key is to emphasize our sameness.

Thanks #NetGalley and kudos to #MacmillanAudio for this short but, oh, so meaningful production. That my own dog, who tends to ignore shows featuring real dogs barking, perked up and looked at me questioningly speaks highly of the sound production value of this audio. Bottom line, a valuable offering from Macmillan Audio from their #MacmillanYoungReaders division and #RoaringBrookBooks.