Book Review: The Little Bee by Nicola Killen

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The Little Bee  by Nicola Killen  is a children's picture book about a girl name Ollie who follows a bee to a magical, secret garden. But, the next day, the beautiful garden was gone, and the little girl misses her new friends. What will she do? This beautiful book has an expected publication date of May 5, 2026. I'd like to thank NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and Beach Lane Books for approving my request for a digital Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The Little Bee . I received a copy for free in exchange for my honest review. Nicola Killen wrote such a beautifully worded story that I found myself immersed in the story, and I'm not even the target audience. It's a charming tale that should encourage children to explore nature and make them want to plant their own secret garden.  Equally beautiful were the illustrations. I found myself taking the time to actually look a the pictures as I read. It's a great story to read   at bedtime  with ch...
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Book Review: The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies

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book review the international house of dereliction jacqueline davies

The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies opens with Alice Cannoli-Potchnik finding out that she's moving for the eleventh time due to her mother's job at the local university.  Upon arriving at her new house, she notices the condemned house next door and decides to restore it to it's previous splendor.  Little does she know that it's haunted.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies.  Upon seeing the cover and reading the synopsis of this kid's book, my interest was piqued.  When I was approved to receive a copy for free in exchange for my honest review, I was delighted.

At first, I found this book to be a bit slow, and it reminded me ever so slightly of Leeva At Last by Sara Pennypacker because both of the main characters were kept home from school by their parents and were approximately the same age.  Both of the main characters also got their education by learning on their own.  However, that is where the similarities end.  As I progressed through the storyline, it really picked up and became more interesting.  I could even see this book being turned into a movie for kids.  The characters were . . . well . . . quite quirky and endearing.

This ghost story was quite charming and not too scary.  It's perfect for children between the ages of eight and twelve.  I loved the lessons throughout the story, especially the one about remembering where you come from.  Five out of five stars is what I give The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies.

 

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