Diwali Coloring & Activity Book for Kids -- A Relaxing Friday Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Diwali begins today! Diwali is a Hindu holiday that is known as the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated over a span of five days. Its dates are based on a lunar calendar, so it falls sometime in the autumn months of our calendar. When Hazel was young, we explored this holiday with books and made some crafts for it. The overall theme is light and goodness will always triumph over darkness and evil. It is a time for gathering with family and friends and celebrating each other's inner lights. (Source: Prooker, Brijana. "What is Diwali? Learn the History, Traditions, and How to Celebrate the Festival of Lights." Good Housekeeping. 7 Oct 2025. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/a37680263/what-is-diwali-history-story-celebration-facts/) Today we are sharing an activity book for kids about Diwali. It is perfect for people celebrating but also for kids who want to learn a bit about the holiday. The book is Diwali Coloring & Activities Book for Kids by Anuj Syngal. It is recommended of ages 4 to 8. (And yes, kids need relaxing Fridays and screenfree time as much as we do!)

Vanity Fur: The Alison Friend Sticker Book -- Holiday Gift Idea Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday we shared some illustrated chapter books that featured dogs. Halloween is on Saturday so that means the holiday season is upon us. Today we are sharing a sticker book that is perfect for animal and art lovers! It makes a great small gift for either adult or child!! The book is Vanity Fur: The Alison Friend Sticker Book by Alison Friend. All of the stickers are portraits of animals!!

Art Life Practice: The Guided Sketchbook -- A Relaxing Friday Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you like to sketch? It can be so relaxing. So can doodling. Have you ever wondered how to become a better artist? Personally, I love to sketch and doodle but am not much of an artist when it comes to drawing. My students on the other hand have been amazing artists, and sketching was something that truly relaxes them. So, for today's Relaxing Friday post we are sharing an interesting and informative book about sketching and art. The book is Art Life Practice: The Guided Sketchbook by Berry Stein. This is not a children's book however tweens and teens may enjoy it as well as many adults.

Labor Day Reflections from a Math Teacher & Fun Historical Book on the USA

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Happy Labor Day!! Labor Day is meant to give workers a day off that isn't a holy holiday or holiday celebrating anything special. I decided today to reflect a bit about working. I have resigned my position as a high school teacher and have decided to focus my energy and life on my family and myself. I found I was too tired to cook good meals or see my parents and with my father's passing it was eye opening to realize I need to see my mom more. However, I have to say Labor Day should be a day for teachers, nurses, police, firemen, and all essential workers. We should reflect on what others do for us and appreciate them!! Today Steve and I decided to commune with nature! We went to a local farm and did the You Pick Flowers. I now have a beautiful bouquet of zinnias, snapdragons and sunflowers. Plus, we spent half an hour or so in the sunshine with flowers, butterflies, bees and each other. 

Golden Boy -- Young Adult Novel Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It has been a while since I shared a young adult novel. Today we are sharing one that deals with grief, science, pets, family, ethics, morals, and so much more! It is also perfect for the start of school as high school football is a huge part of this book. The book is Golden Boy by A. J. Symon. It is recommended for ages 12 and higher. 

Unbelievably Cute Origami -- Crafty Sunday Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

As I mentioned earlier last week, I have been on an origami kick since my geometry students just finished their origami project. Today I get to share the most adorable origami book with you. It was released last week!! It is Unbelievably Cute Origami: Kawaii Models with Photo & Video Instructions by Tatsukuri Origami. This is a book for different ages from tween through adult!

BBC Pride and Prejudice: The Official Coloring Book -- a Relaxing Friday Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is Friday again!! Time for a relaxing Friday review. Today's is a new coloring book released this week and it is based on a classic novel and play. Do you like Pride and Prejudice? If you do then this book is for you! It is BBC Pride and Prejudice: The Official Coloring Book illustrated by Charlotte Rickards. It is an adult coloring book.

Sister to Sister -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Sisters have a special relationship. Sometimes they drive each other crazy. There can be yelling, fighting, crying. Then the next day they are there when you need them even when no one else shows up. It is a special bond that reminds you of who you are and where you come from. Today we are sharing a book that honors sisterhood including ones from another mister. The book is Sister to Sister by Molly Reade. It is a perfect gift for the sisters in your life!