Children's Book review: The Children's Illustrated Book of Tarot

 

I've always been fascinated by Tarot Cards but I don't know too much about them.

This book takes the reader through the Major Arcana cards (22 of them) in a fun, easy, and understandable way to learn. 

The Layout: Each spread has a charming illustration, information about that card, and asks a question that will help understand the card. 

There are so many great questions, it's hard to pick a favorite, but I think I'll choose:

I love how the magician is about creating and the question is what did you create today.

For me, creating pieces of art, usually in the form of painting but sometimes card making or jewelry making fills my well. It's generally a peaceful activity and makes me feel better about myself and the world. I love that this card asks about creating something. 

This is the last painting I've created, and I wasn't pleased with it. It was for a work event paint night. I had the sky going well and then I messed it all up. The sky is supposed to be lighter. 

What have you created lately?

* Book sent for review 

Review: Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

 

I know that I'm late to the party on this book.

My niece recommended it and I'm very happy that she did.

So here are seven reasons why I loved it:

1. Hollywood - I adore these stories

2. Feminist Icon - this was a fun story with a woman who went after what she wanted

3. The way the story was told

4. the book deal

5. Monique's story

6. The Romances

7. That ending...

Picture Book Review: Just One Wave

 

Liam's happy his family is headed to the beach - but he wants there to be waves. But the waves are calm and quiet today. Liam and his sister play and have a great time. Liam comes up with a solution before they leave.

This is a cute book about two siblings playing at the beach. It's cute and fun and the perfect summer read. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Recommendations: Middle Grade Mysteries

 This week's topic is book recommendations. I'm picking middle grade mysteries/thrillers. 

 

 

Have you read any of these?

Review: Hurricane Heist

 

* Book 2 in the Sherlock Society * 

There's a hurricane coming. School is starting up soon and Alex is worried that it will be the end of the Sherlock Society. The storm brings back memories of Alex's grandfather from 1964. He was helping his father with the hardware store deliveries. They went to a hotel where his Grandfather was friends with the Bell Captain, Doc. 

A movie was being filmed at the hotel. After the storm passed through in 1964, Doc went missing along with several pieces of jewelry. The storm in the current day damage the hotel and a body is discovered. Alex's Grandfather's not surprised when it turns out to be Doc. He knew his friend never stole the jewelry and ran off. But years later, the trail is cold. Doc was the only suspect. Can the Sherlock Society figure out what really happened all those years ago?

My Thoughts: Another winner for James Ponti. This series is fresh and fun - with lots of action and danger. I enjoyed the dual timelines - and how they connected. I tore through this book. I didn't want it to end, but I also couldn't put it down. I love the way this team solves mysteries together - especially how they divide and conquer with research. I adored the new members and can't wait to read more about them. Have the announced book three yet? I hope many more books in this series are planned. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: ARC sent for review

Publication Date: September 2nd

Why I read this: I loved the first book. Plus I love the author's books

Library Recommendation: A must have middle grade series for your school and public library collections

Hand This To: Readers who like Thrillers

Mood Board: All Paths Lead to Paris

 Yesterday, I reviewed All Paths Lead to Paris (Read it here if you missed it). And today I'm sharing a mood board I created for the book. 

I have been to Paris once during my college years and I would love to go back.

This was so much fun to make! I might have to make more of these.

Review: All Paths Lead to Paris

 

Aurie is a fashion designer trying to graduate college and figure out her life. She's fake dating her best friend, a musician on the rise. While fleeing the paparazzi, she meets a boy. They have a photo of them snapped together and it's blowing up their social media. Her manager decides to do damage control. It turns out Kylian is good at math.

Math is something that Aurie struggles with, but she'll have to pass a math test in order to graduate high school. Kylian agrees to tutor Aurie in math and Remy in English. With all the rumors about the trio swirling, Aurie and Remy can't afford to make any more mistakes. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - but I had a hard time getting over the fact that paparazzi cared about a fashion influencer. I loved the tropes: fake dating, best friend, and love triangle. I really loved the behind-the-scenes moments of being an influencer and what that meant for Aurie and her future. I loved the moments in the bakery and the moments with Aurie's siblings. I'm so looking forward to the author's next book - what city are we going to explore next?

Why I Read This Book: I loved the author's previous book plus Paris!

Tropes: Fake Dating

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Hand this to readers: fake dating trope, Paris, and influencers 

* Come back tomorrow for the mood board!