A Walk in the Woods by Nikkii Grimes illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney**

 A boy grieves his father's death. A week after his funeral he opens an envelope from his dad, which contains a treasure map through the woods they would explore together.  As the boy follows the map, he encounters many creatures he and his dad would admire. The treasure is so, so special. 

Ironically, Jerry Pinkney, the illustrator, died before he completed the illustrations. His son, Brian, finished the illustrations. Once you read the story, you will understand the irony.

I loved this book. The writing, the story . ..and also it features African Americans in a regular setting with a normal plot.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise*

Award-winner-Caldecott Honor 

Owl dreams of becoming a knight. When knights mysteriously disappear, the kingdom is desperate for new men to train for the knighthood. Owl is accepted into knight school! Can this teeny knight owl protect the kingdom? 

A fun book! I especially loved the lush illustrations.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley

 When I started reading The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton to my teen sons, I noted that he dedicated the book to E.C. Bentley. Their friendship began in their childhood and continued into adulthood. A few years ago I introduced my boys to E.C. Bentley and his clerihew poetry. He also wrote novels...like this one which he dedicated to Chesterton! He felt like he owed Chesterton a dedication and novel. 

 Trent, a clever journalist, is called upon to help Scotland Yard to solve a murder case of a ruthless American financier. As Trent unravels the dynamics between Sigsbee Manderson and his beautiful young wife, the solution seems simple. Yet when he closes the case, he realizes that he was wrong. Bentley keeps the reader guessing and in suspense until the last page (like Agatha Christie!). This novel was published before Agatha Christie wrote her novels.

*Highly recommend for those who like classic detective mystery novels.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

 I read this classic aloud to my teen sons. We thoroughly enjoyed it (the writing, the excitement) but not sure if we totally "get it"!! 

Syme, a Scotland Yard detective, infiltrates an anarchist group. As he interacts with the mysterious members, he discovers who they truly are. The group tranverses England and France in a mad, erratic dash. 

-I own this book.

Reading this book led me to my next review---