Hi! I only have two books to share today- mainly because I’m in the middle of 5 other ones right now… Hopefully my next post is a little juicier 📚

Okay. Now on to the books! I will add a few of M’s recent favorites, too!

Animal Farm by George Orwell
★★★/5
Political Fairytale
If you are looking for a cute, fluffy story about animals, this isn’t it. Unlike many, I did not have to read this in school so this was my first experience with Animal Farm. I am very unfamiliar with Soviet Russia but the preface helped me understand the parallels. This book is certainly a lesson in propaganda and the ways in which people (or rather animals) are easily influenced and manipulated with fear and hatred, uniting against a common enemy. I’m glad I finally read it, even I do look at cute little piggies a little differently now…
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Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver
★★★★★/5
Mystery | Historical Fiction
I love Ashley Weaver’s writing. Her Amory Ames series is still one of my favorites. This was my first Electra McDonnell novel, though. I can assure you I’ve already jumped back to book #1 so I can catch up!
Ellie is a lovable, capable character. And I was smitten by Major Ramsey- even if (especially if?) he is a bit gruff. I loved their chemistry and I’m only sad to now be backtracking in the relationship as I start at the beginning!
Weaver is so good at moving the plot along and providing just enough detail to set the scene, but not make you bored. The war & spy stories are on the lighter side as far as WWII novels go. It’s still high stakes, but I don’t feel physical sick with heartbreak as some WWII books will do. For a light but intriguing mystery series, I recommend this novel- but start at the beginning!
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Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Playing It Safe. All opinions are honest & my own.

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Moo’s Favorite Reads

And now for my younger audience (and their moms, dads, aunts, grandparents, friends, etc.)…

Unicorn Day by Diana Murray & Unicorn Night by Diana Murray
These two books are colorful and rhyming and cute. Night doesn’t have much educational value, but Day gives a strong nod to inclusion and being a safe place for our friends.

Cinderella [Peek Inside A Fairy Tale] by Anna Milbourne
Cindy is M’s favorite princess, so I picked this one up at an Usborne party.

What Should Darla Do? by Adir Levy
There are lots of choices and big feelings that happen at 3-years-old, so I found a book to help M practice making good decisions. This one was suggested by a gentle parenting IG account.

And of course, if you’d like to follow me at To Read & To Roam, please do 😊

– AL