Santee author Barrie Summy’s debut novel, I So Don’t Do Mysteries ($15.99, Random House, 2009), introduces Sherry Holmes Baldwin as a modern-day Nancy Drew who traipses from Arizona to San Diego to help her super-cop mom solve a mystery at the Wild Animal Park. This is no ordinary sleuth story considering Sherry’s mom had died in the line of duty and is now a ghost who enlists her daughter’s help to solve a rhino heist. Best friend, love interest, upheaval at home—Sherry encounters it all. Featuring many of San Diego’s hot spots, it’s guaranteed to capture the interest of young and old alike. Can’t wait to read the sequel coming in the fall.
Warriors: Power of Three: Outcast ($6.99, HarperCollins, 2009) continues the saga of Firestar’s descendents Hollypaw, Jaypaw and Lionpaw. The Warrior series captivates readers as young as 10 years old with tales of animal heroes, romance and surprises. In this third book, Firestar’s grandchildren progress through their warrior training and are destined to hold more power than any cat before them. Only Jaypaw understands the importance of delving into the felines’ past to find answers to their future. Author Erin Hunter lives in the United Kingdom and is inspired by her love of cats.
Give yourself or your youngster a brain-tease; pick up any of the Pocket Posh series of books featuring Sudoku 3, Word Search 2, Logic and Crosswords ($7.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing). These purse-sized books are encased in stylish covers and contain 75 to 100 puzzles each. The Sudoku book has three levels of difficulty (easy, medium, difficult) that even challenge a 10-year-old. Just tuck one of these in your beach bag or purse for a brain workout anywhere you go.
Ziggy Marley comes to San Diego! Meet him in person July 11, 2009 @11am, Barnes & Nobel; 10775 Westview Pkwy.
For more info http://www.ziggymarley.com/calendar.php#a115
Tickle your kids’ fancy with tunes by Grammy-winning singer Ziggy Marley whose CD Family Time ($12.98, Tuff Gong Worldwide, 2009) was inspired by his own two young children. The reggae album features the music of Marley’s family and friends, including Paul Simon and Willie Nelson. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also narrates two stories on the CD. “Ziggy Says,” a musical rendition of “Simon Says,” is an example of Marley’s mantra of “put a smile on your face and make the sign of peace.” Also available for download. www.ziggymarley.com
For the younger set, ages 2 to 8, consider the music of Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellow Fever ($19.99, Apple-Eye Productions, 2009). This CD/DVD set features a quirky sunsational character whose catchy melodies are accompanied by hand-drawn characters and settings. This album combines melodies, animated illustrations and the words to go along with each selection. This is the third in a series of musical sets created by award-winning illustrator/songwriter/performer Morgan Taylor. www.gustaferyellowgold.com
Finally for some fun mom reading, pick up I’d Trade my Husband for a Housekeeper ($18.95, Chronicle Books, 2009), which examines the challenges of parenthood. Through interviews with hundreds of mothers, authors Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile tackle the quandary faced by married couples today: loving your marriage as much as you do your husband and kids. Among the thought-provoking tidbits are suggestions on ways to have a happy marriage. “You have to be happy yourself,” the book states. This section is quick to remind super moms that in trying to live up to the expectations of being a good mom and wife, we often forget about ourselves. By doing something for yourself, you do something good for your family, too. Great advice to all mothers and wives.
Eileen Cornish lives in Santee with her husband Steve and three sons.
