And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner

  And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner. Illustrated by Jen Hill. Candlewick, 2023.  Children's picture book.

     If you made a list of all the things that happen when school starts each year and then list all the things that happen after school begins, you couldn't come up with better lists than in this colorful picture book. Elementary school teachers always look for books that are writing prompts and this very relatable tale is perfect for the WHEN/THEN pattern. The children and their friends and family are charming and the sly humor of narrative and illustrations both add to the fun. This positive book with its and eager anticipation of a new school year will appeal to teachers, children, and parents alike.

The Twyford Code: A Novel by Janice Hallett

 

 The Twyford Code: A Novel by Janice Hallett. Atria Books, 2022. Adult mystery.

     Over forty years ago, a teacher shared a children's book with her class. When she goes missing, the memories of the children are all different about the story and about what happened. Now Steven Smith, one of the students, is out of prison and decides to investigate the mystery of long ago. 

     Told mainly through a series of phone transcripts, the plot involves several of the grown students. The slow burning plot fills in details of some of the questions, but poses others. Did author Edith Twyford really hide clues to a bigger mystery in her children's books? Has Steven put together a new take on the old questions? Readers will find red herrings galore. Clues are here, but is the solution?

Where are the Children NOW?

 

 Where are the Children NOW? by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. Simon and Schuster, 2023.  Adult fiction mystery.

Years ago, Mike and Melissa were kidnapped. Their mother, Nancy Harmon, searched desperately to find them. Now they are both grown. Melissa is famous for a podcast involving true crime and is marrying a man with a small child. When that girl goes missing, the whole family is thrown back into  past trauma and must face a new search.

Lots of names in this novel update readers on the characters' pasts. New people are suspect and readers may not guess who is guilty of plotting mayhem against Mellissa and new family.

If you have not read the original Where are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark, check it out for a classical mystery that set the tone for many books since then.