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Non-fiction books 6 - the last non-fiction book post for 2023

This is part six in a series of non-fiction book reviews, based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me. Today we have one book about a vintage movie, one children's book about LGBTQIA2+ signs and signals and one children's book about meditation. I don't know why I requested so many (any) children's books lately, but I'm rather enjoying them, and it's interesting to see some examples of what is available to children - and caregivers today. I think the main commonality of these books is that they all release  a little way into the future, but I've read them and want to get my reviews out there.

All books in this post were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm always honest!

Rainbows, Unicorns, and Triangles; Queer Symbols Throughout History by Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Releases 21 March 2024)

This book doesn't quite know what it wants to be. It is definitely aimed at young children, but has no story or rhyme. It reads like an encyclopedia, with a concept and then a definition.  
It's attractively and cheerfully illustrated with people of all races and body shapes. The concepts are very varied, from the historical (green carnations) to the current, but ill defined (unicorns) to the very bad (pink triangles).   The book attempts to site these in an historical context, but there is too much, and it's aimed at too young an age, to be able to be more than snippets. The other issue is that the (correct) term LGBTQIA2S+ is used throughout. Good luck reading that to your kids! There are discussion questions at the end that are thoughtful and interesting, and could generate some good conversations. 
I would give this book to the child of a gay couple, to prove I comfortable with that, but I feel like it's too earnest to genuinely interest the age group it is aimed at. 

The Time of My Life - Dirty Dancing by Andrea Warner (Releases 9 April 2024)


That might be the most boring cover in the history of books! This book is part of a series where authors explain the profound meaning of movies they love. It reminded me of the equally interesting Object Lesson' series. Warner explores Dirty Dancing, both from a feminist, class and coming of age point of view. She explains the movie and the impact it had on her, on others and it's legacy, both good and bad. While this is an interesting read, it did become a little repetitious.


Take a Moment 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kids by Paul Christelis (Releases 11 June 2024)


It's probably relevant that this is published by the Mayo Clinic Press Kids. It does exactly as stated in the title - 50 mindfulness activities. In the best possible way this book is simple. It doesn't prescribe these activities for any specific purpose. I really whish I'd had something like this when I first started experiencing anxiety as a 12 year-old. It took another 20 years for me to learn to breath properly. The tone of this book is positive and supportive, the activities are simple and accessible.  It's a great resource for kids or care-givers.

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