In Sunshine or in Shadow: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries, 20), by Rhys Bowen , Clare Broyles

 

Publication March 12, 2024

On the surface, the plot seems rather straightforward. Who killed the wannabe husband of Mira? There are multiple suspects and Molly Murphy Sullivan, albeit pregnant and relatively retired from her detective business, is on the spot to investigate. It's much more than that, however.

While the murder investigation is intriguing, the various facets of the plot are equally so. The expectations and roles of women in 1908 and discrimination against Jews are prominent. The relationship between Sid and Gus, aka Elena and Augusta, isn't spelled out but is clear. So, too, is their support of the women's movement and environmental issues. Then there's the history aspect of the earliest formation of what might be called a Jewish enclave in the Catskills of upper New York. The early idea of building get-away homes/cabins is addressed. 

In other words, there's much to take in while pondering whodunit.It's actually been awhile since I've revisited Molly's world but I immediately felt comfortable as I caught up on past events, including her current pregnancy. The authors' descriptions of characters and the settings were lovely, especially in contrast to Molly's usual location in NYC. I could just imagine bouncing along in a horse drawn carriage in the beautifully described areas, much of it park land. You'll also sense Molly's unease at what she's gotten herself into when she stumbles into an environmental protest in the middle-of-nowhere. For someone determined to take it easy this pregnancy, she does have a way of forgetting. Husband Daniel, of course, makes an appearance, partly to help the local police and partly because, quite frankly, he misses his wife and family. I mean, he sent them away to his mother's to avoid the spread of typhoid in the city but Molly still manages to endanger herself. 

I won't detail the plot as it's quite interconnected and I don't want to give away anything. The history aspects of the story, of course, appealed to the ol' history major in me as did the well rounded characters. Rhys Bowen and daughter Clare Broyles' collaboration works well. I won't stay away as long next time. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for this sneak peak. I enjoyed my trip to the then rustic Catskills.

Rewild the World at Bedtime: Hopeful Stories from Mother Nature, by Emily Hawkins , Ella Beech (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

A wonderful collection of stories from around the world. Each is designed to showcase ways diverse places and humans have learned to work with nature, not against. Beautifully illustrated, I imagine each story leading to discussion and appreciation. Heck, while aimed at children, this book is a great read for anyone who cares about our world and nature. Rather than made up, fantastical stories to entertain, these use reality to both entertain and inform. The illustrations are lovely, well thought out, and each story is illustrated with fascinating artwork, some of it along the edges (all with labels) as well as full scenes as the story closes. In other words, lots to see and hear and there's even a glossary and index.

I won't even try to pick a favorite story although I'm partial to wolves, so that one piqued my interest. So, too, did the info on the water buffalo project in Ukraine as I couldn't help but wonder how the war may be impacting these efforts. That's one probably unintentional way of reminding us that nature and man's efforts are always in flux and we need to pay attention. I should add that each story is short, 4-6 pages, with most in the four page range. All are positive and generally uplifting, maybe even inspiring as the world's resilience is again and again showcased. This would make a lovely gift for both child or adult, quite frankly. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this with me. The cover is beautiful.

Wild Horses: Running Free, by Linda L. Richards

 

Publication Oct. 17, 2023      Orca Wild, 11

As it turned out, I'd barely gotten into this book when a news article on efforts to remove the wild horses that run free in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park popped up on my computer screen. Much of what this book covers in the impact and conservation efforts surrounding the controversial program is echoed in the article, making this book all the more timely. I won't detail the article other than, for those interested in looking it up, to say it was out of Bismarck, N.D., by Jack Dura, of the Associated Press. One thing I did note, however, was something that I was curious about, the efforts to use sterilization as a means of control, which is also covered in the book. So, author Richards has done her homework, which is nicely reflected by the extensive index, glossary, and list of resources both on and offline, at the end. 

As for the book, while I've got to admit that sections demanded thought, it was actually a relatively quick, easy read. The photos are wonderful, food for this one-time horse-crazy girl's heart. In fact, the author's intro could have been written by me, including trying to adopt a stray horse, in both our cases a neighbor's wayward equine. The book is organized in five sections, with smaller sections within each. There's a wealth of info within, much of it maybe vaguely familiar to me now but nice to see made available in a shorter, more succinct manner than often rendered. The author's love of horses is obvious and she frequently gushes that everyone loves horses, which may be true in theory but, well, competing groups always prioritize and horses don't rank number one with everyone. As she says, however, it isn't that they don't like horses. They simply want to do different things with the land they now inhabit, whether grazing cattle herds, building homes, or drilling for oil, etc. It's obvious who's side she's on.

As a girl who read everything horse, while I might have struggled with some aspects of the info shared depending upon the age I encountered it, overall it was well laid-out and understandable. I particularly enjoyed the look at some lesser known types of horses. We're all surely familiar with the Chincoteague Pony (see, there I go assuming everyone reading this has read "Misty of Chincoteague") and perhaps the Brumby horses of Australia or Queen Elizabeth's favorite ponies in England, but some of the lesser known ones are fascinating.  Heck, you'll also discover how horses see and why (probably) zebras have stripes. So, part fun, part history, and part conservative, an interesting combination that resulted in an intriguing read...all richly illustrated with color photos, many taken by the author herself. Thanks #NetGalley and #OrcaBookPublishers for letting me dive back into my horse-crazy days. This one would be an excellent gift for any horse crazy kid or adult out there, even more so if they have a desire to help preserve the legacy of the wild horse.

Daytime and Nighttime: Explore the earth's habitats during the day and night, by Michael Bright, Nic Jones (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 26, 2023

Fascinating. Wonderfully done. Beautiful book. 

I finished last night and was thinking about it as the last light (still past midnight here in Alaska right now) slipped away. My dog had jumped up on her back-of-couch perch to survey the yard and I wondered what she might be seeing. Here in Alaska, you just never know. In the same streets that children ride bikes up and down and people walk their dogs, not to mention working in their yards, wildlife cams have been known to show up everything from bears to moose to lynx and rabbits and, well, who knows. In any case, it made me all the more intrigued by the author's look at what comes out in the daylight and dark in the same place daily around the world. 

I'm not going to share many details because that was part of the delight of going through this book. It takes us from city streets to the European woodlands to Australia to....well, too many to list. The illustrations are both colorful and beautifully done, giving us a peek at life in places most of us will never see with our eyes. I've got to admit, this is one of those books I found myself flipping through initially simply to enjoy the illustrations before going back to soak up the info shared. You'll recognize some of the wildlife shown but perhaps meet something new to you. As a fan of the ol' Monkees tv show where Mike Nesmith frequently wore a shirt urging us to "Save the Prairie Chicken", I laughed outloud to find it profiled here. Past life, meet scientific observation. 

While this is aimed at children, all age groups can and should enjoy this book. The info is at once intriguing while also being presented in an easy to read/understand manner and, of course, you'll spend a good bit of time marveling at the illustrations. I'd suggest a hard bound copy of this, however, as I found it a trifle awkward when I wanted to flip back from the same daylight and dusk/dark scenes via my Kindle copy. Doable but slowed me down. That said, many thanks to #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #words&pictures for allowing me to soak up this wonderful book. As noted, it made me think and, more importantly, taught me something new. I'm still digesting that both humans and snakes are diurnal creatures, however. 

Hooray for Fall, by Kazuo Iwamura

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

I loved the softly muted color palette as the story went along. The sunset picture was particularly beautiful and effective with its use of fall colors. The story seemed a bit sparse but this cute book could definitely be used to help show younger children what to look for as signs of changing seasons. Putting the cute little squirrel trio in red sweaters helps focus on the colors and how red becomes a dominant color as autumn begins, too.

Siblings Micky, Mack, and Molly are quick to note changes, always bringing it back to their new red sweaters lovingly made by their mama. By noting their observations, children can learn what to look for, whether the change in leaf or berry colors of simply the behavior of other animals. As an Alaskan where we have lots of bears, I particularly liked the short but effective injection of the fact that bears do need to eat, eat, eat in preparation for sleeping over winter. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooksInc for giving me some sweet moments of smiles as I tagged along with these adorable little squirrels as summer began to turn into fall.

When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter, by Aimée M. Bissonette , Erin Hourigan (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 5. 2023

There's nothing as consistent as change. Living in Alaska, I could definitely relate to this book. One day you're enjoying the summer sunshine. The next you feel a change in the air. Nothing obvious, but you can sense it. The author and illustrator both get it. Toss in some absolutely lovely illustrations and this book is a winner.

I honestly had to go check the bios on the author/illustrator to see if I'd somehow missed that they lived in Alaska or maybe Canada. Close. Bissonette lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, no stranger to cold and changing seasons, while Hourigan lives in Portland. Yep, they not only get it, they live it. 

It shows. The text and illustrations are spot on. The attention to detail, too, should be noted. I absolutely loved the illustration for the mention of Canadian Geese flying overhead. Normally you'll see a shot of tiny silhouettes in the sky. Not here. Hourigan shows the geese, true, but as reflections on a lake where an adult and child, both wearing life-jackets, I might note, as one of the unfailing signs of change on the way. People are shown wearing cooler weather gear, jackets and boots, and working together to prepare for what is to come. 

You'll spy a beaver swimming with a branch for its lodge or dam, salmon swimming upstream to spawn while bears wait patiently on the shore to feast, and even things like a giant gray whale swimming south to warmer waters. These and many other sights. Heck, even the mud flats get a mention, something we are quite familiar with here in Alaska. Again, great attention and thought has been given to detail, such as the dog being on a leash and different ages working as one, for instance. And, it's all washed in gorgeous fall colors, with yellows and oranges and a somehow cooler looking air. Lovely.

In other words, I loved it. There's so much to see and enjoy in this book that I recommend it highly. It's not only a great look at how seasons change in colder climates but how both animals and people prepare and work to get ready. Kudos to the author and illustrator. And, thanks to #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks - #LittleBigfoot for letting me wallow in my favorite season a bit early.

Little Tree and the Wood Wide Web, by Lucy Brownridge, Hannah Abbo (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

We're all interconnected, even trees. Although I've actually read a few things on this topic, it was interested to see this idea being set forth for children in such an interesting, easy to understant way. I couldn't help glancing out my own window and wondering what my spruce and birch trees might be talking about, so to speak, as I sat all nice and cozy in my warm home. I know I shed a tear or two when storm damage took down one of my majestic spruce trees, so I pondered what messages it may have been sending to its fellow trees as it ended its life.

I won't try to explain how trees communicate and collaborate since the author, a professor of Forest Ecology in Canada, does such an excellent job making it understandable to all ages. Well, okay, maybe with adult assistance for younger readers but you get my drift. Bottom line, a tree-in-need puts out a call through the web. No, not the World Wide web. The Wood Wide Web. It's all rather fascinating, actually. 

More importantly, while teaching how trees communicate and help each other, Brownridge subtly sends the message of the importance of human interaction and collaboration. It's even noted that when Little Tree was finally healthy and able, she returned the favor Paper Birch did for her. It's all told with lovely illustrations, with what I'd dub saturated colors, darker than I'm used to in most children's books, showing the world in what appears to be the depths of a forest as well as the intertwined roots, ie web below. 

There should be ample learning moments inspired by the illustrations alone. How are the trees shown alike and different? What sounds might you hear in the forest? What animals might live there? What animals/things do you spy as you look at the pictures....and many more. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #IvyKids for taking me for a walk in the forest. We really are never alone, a good thing to remember.

In the Woods: An Adventure for Your Senses, by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré

 

Publication Sept. 12, 2023

Have you ever gone for a walk with children in the woods? For that matter, the park, just down the street or even your own backyard? If so, this one will make you smile. It's a cute story of one family's walk in the woods but it's also a teaching adventure on how to engage their attention and focus their senses on seeing, really seeing, what is all around them. I'd say patience is a key.

The illustrations are simple and direct, most carrying a subtle message. For instance, as the book opens one child is worried the then current storm may ruin their planned outing tomorrow. The mother is then seen directing them to check the forecast, noting sunshine is forecast. In other words, use all the sources at your disposal to be ready. As the story progresses, it was interesting to see few things initially in the illustrations to attract their attention. As the story progresses, however, and they are reminded to direct their attention on more than what is right in front of their faces, so to speak, the illustrations become more populated. 

Noises can reveal a bird or squirrel, for instance, while, umm, animal waste reveals what was there. Here in Alaska we learn this one quickly, bear scat often being what warns us a bear may be in the area, for example. No bear encounters here, phew, but by the end of the outing they've seen and studied any number of flora and fauna and critters that were initially invisible to their more unfocused frame of mind as they first set out. I also liked the "be prepared" strategy utilized. From sunscreen to bandages and such, minor nicks and scratches were taken care of easily.

Bottom line, an excellent reminder of not just the fun to be had getting outdoors but how to fully take in the experience. Engage your senses, not just your eyes, in other words. Children should enjoy the story and the experiences of this family can provide an opening to discuss what's expected, both behavior wise and what's to be seen, but how to navigate a trail. Thanks #NetGalley and #OwlKidsBooks for taking me along on this fun walk. I imagine I'd have come home with scores of photos taken as we walked. I'm like that. Ha

What Goes on inside a Beaver Pond?, by Becky Cushing Gop, Carrie Shryock (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

Their teeth never stop growing? 

True. Although Alaska does have beavers, I have to admit to knowing little about them other than that they gnaw down trees and build dams. As a result, it was eye-opening to find out about this amazing creature. As for their teeth, that's one of the reasons they seem driven to gnaw on trees. It's rather the beaver way of keeping their mouth healthy.

You'll pick up lots of info on not just beavers but the wildlife about them. Even cooler, the story doesn't strictly focus on beavers but gives us information on these other creatures, too, not to mention "sound bubbles" illustrating how each might sound were we to encounter them in the wild. The various tracks of each are also shown, usually in a side panel. 

I won't detail all the interesting things I learned but will say, wow, being a beaver is obviously pretty much a life of constant work. They prepare for each coming season in advance, meaning it's pretty much a cycle of life for them. The steps involved in building their lodges and dams to keep the water level high enough to allow them to live safely and snugly in their lodges is neverending. Cut-away views show us the insides of these lodges, btw, and they not only have air holes and exit/escape tunnels, but they're actually built on more than one level. Wow, multi-level homes. The entire beaver family works together to create this masterpieces of lodging, with each generation eventually moving on to create their own lodge elsewhere, an experience we follow. 

This just touches the surface of what's inside. The illustrations are lovely and eagle eyed readers can spy various other wildlife as well as the layout of the land and waters about them. One thing the book did address, albeit briefly, is that while it certainly can't be 100%, many of the tree stumps left behind by the beavers fervent gnawing and search for food and materials to build their complex homes do eventually begin to twig out and start the growing cycle once again. So, destructive, yes, but perhaps not to the extent we imagine. 

Bottom line, an excellent look at the beaver and the environment that surrounds this intriguing creature. Thanks #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for introducing me to a critter that while it shares my state, I've never seen in the wild. Had no clue how complex, not to mention exhausting, their lives must be.

Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness, by Frances Backhouse

 

Publication Feb. 14, 2023

Thoroughly enjoyed this one, including entertaining friends with tidbits of "Did you know...?" about grizzlies. I remember my own first sighting of a grizzly in the wild. I was on a bus taking the wildlife tour of Alaska's Denali Park. We'd spotted lots of wildlife but not one glimpse of a bear of any kind. Then, as we neared the final loop back to the nature center, the driver slowed the bus and announced "Bear!" to our left. It was hard to see for the growth but it was like the bus tilted left as everyone grabbed their cameras and sought to capture that fleeting glimpse. Like everyone else, I was clicking away but wasn't sure I'd gotten anything worthwhile but, well, it was a grizzly, a grizzly in Alaska. Imagine my delight to get home and when the film was developed (that alone tells you how long ago this was), find I'd not only captured a few decent shots but one showed a cub on its mother's back!

In any case, that sense of wonder carried me through this book. I now live in Alaska, albeit not in bear territory, so was delighted to read about some of our bear habitats as well as elsewhere. One thing I particularly liked was that while introducing us to those who study and protect the grizzly, the book often shared their own earliest memory of a bear sighting or encounter. One told of when his father and he met a bear in a narrow trail and his six-year old fear of being eaten. Now he works to help preserve grizzly bears. I entertained friends by sharing the interesting bits of info I picked up as I read, which I think you'll find as intriguing as I did, like the oldest grizzly on record or what is frequently found in bear scat. No, it's not like in the joke and bear bells but you'll have to read the book to find out.  

There's facts galore, lovely photos, people to meet, and places you'll enjoy visiting in your mind. One of the things that impressed me, btw, was how hard national parks have worked to change their image from the ol' Yogi Bear cartoons, and, yes, how best to avoid or cope if confronted by a bear. Living in Alaska, there's frequently news stories about bears raiding trash cans, so that info was definitely pertinent. There's much more, so grab this book when it comes out and prepare to entertain your friends, too.

Thanks #NetGalley and #OrcaBooks for letting me safely enter the grizzlies world for awhile. The lengthy resources at the end were much appreciated and I think I spent as much time enjoying the ample photos as I did reading!

Bailey Finch Takes a Stand, by Ingrid Laguna

 Publication Feb. 14, 2022

I wanted to give Bailey Finch a big hug. Several hugs, actually, plus some ear scratches to Sheba. Heck, the father needed a few hugs, too, so I guess I spent a good portion of the book imagining a hug-fest. 

Bailey's mom has died of cancer, leaving the family adrift in grief. Her father is lost in his grief, barely acknowledging Bailey. Too young to grasp how grief works, she feels he no longer cares. She tries hard to bring him out of his grief but feels her words don't penetrate and that he no longer seems to even see her. He just sits and stares at the television or the photo of her mom on the mantle. She fears he doesn't care about her.

Unable to reach through her father's grief, Bailey clings to Sheba all the more. Sheba, the dog, was a gift to Bailey from her mom on the day she learned her mom had cancer, so when Sheba becomes seriously ill, Bailey feels helpless. Helpless and alone. But, she isn't alone. She has a neighbor that cares, another subtle reminder to readers that one person can make a difference, and finds a sense of purpose when she teams up with a friend, Israel, to convince the town to clean up the creek where her beloved dog got into something harmful. It was one of her mother's favorite places.

Quite frankly, I cuddled my own dog closer as I read of Sheba's stay at the vet hospital. Yet, this story is more than a story about Bailey spear-heading a town clean-up of the creek and her grief. It's a reminder to us that we can all make a difference, however small. In the process of reading you'll encounter grief and loneliness, not to mention the role misunderstanding such intense emotions can make, but hope.

Thanks #NetGalley and #TextPublishing - #TextPublishingCompany for introducing me to Bailey and her dad, not to mention Sheba. This is a lovely story that reminds us not only do we all grieve differently but that while living isn't easy, we can all make a difference. Now I need to go hug my dog.

 

When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods, by Aimée M. Bissonette (Author), Erin Hourigan (Illustrations)

It should come as no surprise that as the first real snow of the winter begins to fall on my beloved adopted state's mountains that I'd be drawn to this charming, poetic children's book. It's a good reminder to those of us who live in snow globe settings much of the year that the pristine, silent white expanse we view isn't empty or, for that matter, silent. Far from it.

The author's writing is simple and easy to read and follow while the illustrations are, and I live in Alaska, a lovely rendition of reality with a smidgen of fantasy winter tossed in there. (I've never tucked any wild creatures into my own bed, not to mention a mix of them). Having been stunned to learn about an Alaska frog that freezes in the winter and thaws out, very much alive, as it warms, I found the mention of how many small creatures survive the frigid temperatures a nice touch, as was the mention of all the life going on under the snow and frozen bodies of water.

In other words, the book is not only delightful but, dare I say it, teaches, too, but gently. It'll make you look more closely at wandering tracks in the snow. You'll learn to pay more attention to the trees and how they work to shelter birds and small climbing critters like those pesky squirrels that amaze no matter the season. You'll learn and maybe, shh, come to appreciate poetic musings, too, as you enjoy this gentle visit to the woods on a snowy day.

Thanks #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks - #LittleBigfoot for reminding me of the wonders of the season that grips my adopted home state for so many months of the year. It's cold but, yes, magical. This book does a wonderful job capturing that sense of wonder. 

BONUS PIX FOR BLOG READERS: My own winter wonderland photo of a snow covered tree on a day it was a balmy -26 degrees. (F) The frosting on the tree is known as hoar frost and it's one of winter's lacy wonders. 

 

Tilling the Truth (A Garden Squad Mystery #2), by Julia Henry (Goodreads Author), Laural Merlington (Narrator)

 

 

I always enjoy my visits with Lilly Jayne and the Garden Club but had somehow missed this second book. Needless to say, I was delighted to find it on audio. It was also intrigued by not just the murder but the opportunity to see these characters as they were still being developed into the ones we know and so enjoy today. Lilly Jayne is not only an excellent gardener but amateur sleuth. When her friend and real estate agent Tamara is found with bloody hands standing over Gladys Preston's dead body, most are quick to assume the worst. Lilly, on the other hand, is convinced Tamara is innocent and sets out to find the truth. 

One of the things I enjoy most about this series is that Lilly is a senior aged sleuth but has surrounded herself with friends and associates of different ages and experience. Delia, the young friend she met through her late husband, his assistant, is beyond efficient but everyone brings different strengths and skills, making it a true group effort. Lilly, of course, is in the forefront. I like her, I like her a great deal, and have fully enjoyed the entire series to date now that I've finished this one, particularly as I've watched the side-stories, many connected to the history of their town or the environment, develop. I won't detail the plot as this one is already about three years old and the plot can be easily found, but will simply say, if you enjoy intelligent cozy mysteries with multi-level characters and stories, you will surely enjoy this one. My thanks to #DreamscapeMedia for creating this lovely audio of the book.

Arctic Dinosaurs of Alaska, by Bonnye Matthews

 

Illustrations by Jacques Polomé and Anthony LeBeau

Quite frankly, I didn't expect to be as caught up in the story as I was. I found myself almost immediately transported into the story and way back in time to the time of Alaska's dinosaurs. I wanted to know how it all happened, how it turned out, especially for Pakky. In other words, author Bonnye Matthews did a great job of converting my idle curiosity into "must know" intent, not easy since I must admit to not being particularly into dinosaurs. I even found myself staring out the window of my home in Alaska pondering that time so very long ago. The history of my adopted state never fails to amaze me. 

Although there is plenty of serious information shared here, Matthews does it in a story fashion, making female juvenile dinosaur Pakky's eyes the ones we view that world through. It was fascinating to read the possibilities of how the dinosaurs lived. Given what seems to be proven very small brains, especially for their size, how did they survive the harsh, changing climate/environment in which they found themselves. As Matthews notes in a memorandum at the end, she is only speculating on their possible use of what I dubbed sound and smell memories. Young dinosaurs would surely have had to learn that certain sounds and smells meant danger, hence this theory seemed plausible. 

It was also fun to imagine a young dinosaur's first encounter with snow or, gulp, an earthquake. Set in the area between the Brooks Range and Arctic Ocean, even though it was much warmer 70 million years ago, the cycle of life meant winters were harsh.  Real dinosaurs have left tracks, an imprint on the earth if you will, so the setting is real. Seeing it all through Pakky's eyes brings it to life. 

As a former teacher, I found the volume of information shared impressive. As you read the story, and an adult would need to read it for younger readers, you almost forget you are learning as you get caught up in Pakky's thoughts (can we say dinosaurs thought?) and sensory observations. It was only when I hit the end of the book and was going through the extra material, which included three crosswords (and answers), that it even dawned on my retired teacher brain how much I'd learned as I read. The discussion questions provided only solidified that observation. Comparison charts, reference lists, words games, and the author's own musings on her speculations in this children's fiction book were a plus. To top it all off, there are photos at the end, including from the Museum of the North in Fairbanks and (closer to me) Anchorage's Museum of Science and Nature. 

If you're a teacher or simply interested in dinosaurs or, for that matter, Alaska's history, this book should be a must. As I said, I'm not even particularly into dinosaurs but the Alaska connection pulled me in. Hard to believe, looking out my window, that dinosaurs once roamed here. Kudos to Bonnye Matthews for tapping my curiosity and holding it. I didn't even let the temptation to start coloring some of the drawings provided deter my reading but, hey, now that I'm finished, hmmm....

Thanks #NetGalley and #FathomPublishingCompany for reminding me how very much I still have to learn about my own home state.

Canter with a Killer, by Amber Camp

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2022

As a horse crazy gal from way back, I felt an immediate connection to Mallory Martin. Kudos to new author Amber Camp for having her associated with a horse rescue. Even though I wasn't comfortable with Mallory's tactics to find the real killer of cranky neighbor Albert Cunningham, not to mention that it was Mallory who created the conflict that made old friend Grady/the police the enemy, I rather imagine I wouldn't always be rational if I were the suspect in a murder, either. 

I found myself liking not just Mallory but friends like Lanie and Bill and workers at the rescue, Ashley and Tanner, as well as legal eagles Ethan and Andy It was interesting to watch the various relationships as they emerged and developed, even as hurtful small town gossip created additional problems. And, oh, the horses. I loved that the author described each horse, its history, and strengths and weaknesses, even explaining the names given them. That was a real plus for me as a former horse owner/lover. Her lovable dog, Bingo, who has never met a stranger, reminding me of one I once owned, and Biscuit, an absolutely adorable donkey with a personality that wouldn't allow him to be ignored, round out the rescue critters.

Mallory is shocked to discover Albert Cunningham has been killed. Even worse, she finds herself a suspect. Why? Wouldn't the girlfriend be a more likely suspect? Or, could the environmental activist have done it? What does a lost glove have to do with anything? Maybe the neighbor angry at Albert for blocking him off from his own property? Could the photos Mallory took early on reveal a clue? Why is everyone so convinced Mallory is guilty? Why is Andy's receptionist so cool toward Mallory? What will Mallory's father have to say about all this when he gets home from his cruise? For that matter, how will her daughter react about being kept in the dark about the situation? And, oh, so many questions but, nope, not telling you the answers. If you're a horse lover, you'll thoroughly enjoy this one. If your simply a mystery fan, you will, too. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Mallory's Hillspring Horse Rescue story. And, hey, give Biscuit a couple extra virtual treats!

Who Lives Near a Glacier?: Alaska Animals in the Wild, by Susi Gregg Fowler, Jim Fowler (Illustrations)

I'm lucky enough to not only live in Alaska but to have taken a few glacier viewing tours. I savored this book and all the wonderful memories it brought back. Beautifully illustrated it combines those with poetry, somehow appropriate for the awe inspiring beauty of glaciers and, indeed, Alaska itself, that tells you about not just the glaciers but the living creatures that live on or near them. I won't take away any of your first time reading charm to come by sharing more than this one phrase that leaped up at me as being insightful and conveyed my own sense of wonder during my glacier visits:

"You're left with the sense/You've been given a gift."

This book is another gift. Enjoy the lovely illustrations of everything from the majestic eagles and massive humpback whales to the wolves, bears, ravens and moose you'll encounter almost everywhere in Alaska. Of course, go figure, the one animal I haven't seen near a glacier is a moose but, well, since they visit my own front yard frequently, I guess I'll just call the mama moose and calf seen along the road on my last trip to Seward to catch a boat for a wildlife tour as counting.

Anyone with an interest in Alaska or wildlife period will treasure this book. Teachers, you will find this book of interest for most age ranges. The poems, while rhythmic and fluid, are relatively easy reading with assistance for younger children. The artwork illustrates the words nicely and can be used to ignite discussion. If you've ever been lucky enough to visit Alaska or are just dreaming, the book will make a lovely souvenir for anyone of any age, to be honest, of their glacier or wildlife sightings. Alaska's wild places and its wildlife definitely leave us feeling we've been giving a gift when we sight them. To borrow another phrase from the book, "The memory lingers/you hold it inside."

Thank you #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks -- #LittleBigfoot for letting me daydream about my last glacier visit a few years ago. It's a memory I'll treasure forever and this book was a lovely reminder.

For readers of this blog, a special bonus, a few photos from one of my glacier tours and a few of the critters you'll see in the book. 

It's a Wonderful World: How to Protect the Planet and Change the Future, by Dr. Jess French

Living in Alaska where wildlife is frequently as close as our own front yards, I found this book an informative read. It's fascinating and I'm smugly glad to have been successful in making myself wait until Earth Day, today as I type, to post a review. While the target audience seems to be perhaps middle school, it is a wonderful addition to anyone's library no matter what their age. Younger children might not be able to grasp all the words but interaction with a parent or other adult as they look at the photos and discuss what they are seeing opens it up to all ages. An easy read with many colorful illustrations and graphics, it breaks down huge chunks of information into easily digested, understood bites for the reader, no matter your age.

I also particularly liked that in the midst of the info sharing, the author (and illustrator Aleesha Nandhra) remind us to take the time to not just watch but really enjoy such everyday events as a sunrise or sunset. Preservation is emphasized but so, too, is to simply enjoy the wonders of nature while marveling at its intricacies and interconnections. Having been fortunate enough to glimpse an abundance of wildlife on a glacier tour, think the ice sheet section, I can appreciate seeing a glacier bear live even more now. It was also intriguing to be reminded of the life going on beneath or feet, too, as well as why different species adapted to different environments and how.

Bottom line, a wonderful book for our wonderful world. Thank you #NetGalley and #DK - #DKChildren for inviting me on your lovely, colorful tour of our wonderful world.

The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species by Wes Olson, Johane Janelle (Photographs)

 

The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species

by

Wes Olson,author/researcher

Johane Janelle (Photographs),

Harvey Locke (Foreword),

Leeroy Littlebear (Afterword)

 

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this book other than, hopefully, lots of lovely photos. I lucked out. I not only got the lovely photos but a very readable, intriguing look at the role of the buffalo in the ecological system. While I won't pretend to be an expert, I found it not only understandable but a relatively easy read, even when statistics were tossed at us. I won't even try to detail all the information within. This book is the culmination of decades of observation and study of the buffalo. Instead, I will settle for explaining the use of the term "keystone".

For me, having had a killer good humanities teacher, it took me back to the classroom when we were discussing Roman architecture. Think about the giant stone arches of which you've surely seen pictures. The central stone, the one atop the arch at the top center is called the keystone. Take that stone away and the rest of the arch will collapse. Without the keystone, the strongest of arches can't stand. In the ecological world, the buffalo served much the same role in its environment.

As someone who grew up watching countless westerns, I've of course heard stories and read about the buffalo and its importance to the Native Americans. Every part was somehow utilized, right down to the tongue. What I hadn't thought about was how non-human species, or even the, say, grass growing on the plains was impacted by the near complete destruction of the once enormous buffalo herds in the late-1800s. Did you know how even gophers and woodpeckers and other birds were impacted by the loss of the herds? For instance, the buffalo grazed in the areas the gophers dug their holes. Since the buffalo grazing kept the grasses and brush down around the gopher colonies, there was less chance of a predator sneaking up on them. As for the woodpecker, I was startled to discover how much they seemed to have enjoyed feasting on the ant colonies that were built in, hmm, let's say bison dung, and the disappearance of the buffalo of course lead to there being fewer ant colonies and, thus, fewer birds. An ornithologist, a US Army surgeon, kept records of birds seen and noted the loss of the Sprague's lark but didn't make the connection at the time to the relatively sudden disappearance of the vast buffalo herds.

That sort of fascinating information is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. All illustrated by lovely photos of both the buffalo and other ecological neighbors. Author Harvey Locke does a great job of connecting the dots, pulling all the facts together and showing how they are related and had an impact on a wide variety of species as well as the land. The photos by Johane Janelle are a bonus. I'm certainly not a student of the buffalo but have enjoyed observing them at one of the wildlife centers as well as following the release of the bison to the Alaskan wilds. This book make me understand not just the animal itself but the importance of heir continued survival to humans and the world we share with a wide variety of species. if you have any interest in ecological systems and how the work in unison, history, wildlife, or simply like looking at pretty pictures, this book should be on your bookshelf. Well written, clearly written, and informative without talking down to us, it's a winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and the #UniversityOfReginaPress for allowing me to spend such an enjoyable time getting to know the amazing creature better. We ARE all interconnected.