The Hotel Balzaar
by Kate DiCamillo; illu. Julie Sarda
Candlewick/PRH
A mysterious Countess visiting the Hotel tells Marta stories to help her get through the wait for her father's return. There is magic, friendship, stories and belief for Marta, her mother, the Countess and her wonderful parrot.
There are times when only a book like this will help.
If you would like to know more about The Norendy Tales, or own tem, please visit your local independent bookstore, or this fine place:bookshop.org
The Puppets of Spelhorst
by Kate DiCamillo; illu. by Julie Morstad
Candlewick Press
This is a captivating tale of friendship, imagination, bravery, love lost, and travels found for all ages. The illustrations are marvelous and perfect.
This would be a great holiday or graduation gift for anyone young at heart.
If you would like to know more about this book, or own it, please check with your local indepenent bookshop or this great place:bookshop.org
The Light Pirate
Lily Brooks-Dalton
Grand Central/Hachette
This novel came out a in 2022 but is particularly relevant as Florida is again in a horrible weather pattern. This story deals with hurricanes and resilience and the people who survive. As Wanda comes of age, she adapts to her changing world and manages to make a life in a near future that we can only hope is fiction. By the author of Good Morning Midnight, another book you do want to find.
If you would like to know more about this book, or own it, please check with your local indepenent bookshop or this great place:bookshop.org
State of Paradise
Laura van den Berg
Farrar, Straus and Giroux/ Macmillan
This is a strange and strangely moving work. Its setting is a Florida of, and not of, our time. There are many recognizable events and people, and more who are partially or wholly from this wondrous imagination. All of it comes together to be an enjoyable, sometimes funny, portrait of a future we're not hoping for, beautifully portrayed as it is.
If you want to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bokstore or this fine place: bookshop.org
Katherine Rundell
Knopf Books for Young Readers/PRH
This is that rare children's book that parents will be asking to read to their children (and their kids will love). It is a great adventure story involving mythical creatures and very real humans, moving relentlessly toward a climax of sadness and strength. It is also a somber look at what can happen when humans give in to greed.
It is also a very optimistic look at how people can, through courage and friendship, protect ourselves and those who share our world, or their own.
A lovely family gift.
If you want to know more about, or own this book, please check your local independent bookstore or this great place bookshop.org
