New Sticker Books Perfect for Crafting

 

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

When you were young did you love stickers? I did. Growing up stickers were such a big deal. We were just discovering Lisa Frank. She became even more popular and well known in the 90's. I always wanted a sticker book but also didn't want to waste my stickers by putting them in a book. Sticker books in the 80s were really just notebooks or journals where you kept your stickers forever. Stickers are not just for kids though!! Nor are sticker books. Today we are sharing three new sticker books (two released last week and one being released this week) that are not children's sticker books. Along with my reviews I am going to share some ways to use these stickers in crafts. The first book is A Book Lover's Sticker Book illustrated by Christina Chun. 

101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review to bring you this post.

What are your favorite childhood books? Do you have ones from your own childhood or from your children's childhood? Perhaps you love the classics like Charlotte's Web or something new like one of our favorites, Princess in Black. Or maybe you are looking at picture books or middle grade novels. Not matter what your favorites are or what you are looking to read today's book has suggestions for you. The book is 101 Books to Ready Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) by Bianca Schulze and illustrated by Samara Hardy. There is a giveaway at the end of this post too!

Luella's Library -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with the Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post. 

Have you noticed how much kids love screens today? They almost always seem to be using some sort of technology. Even books come on screens. However, there is something magical about reading a paper book. Today we are sharing a magical book that shares the magic of reading an actual book and how much fun it can be versus technology! The book is Luella's Library by Tara Lala and illustrated by Francesca Pesci. There is a giveaway after my review!

If Animals Loved Books -- Book Review

 

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

Has your child ever read to an animal? Or maybe to a stuffed toy? What would the world be like if animals could read and loved books as much as we do? Today I get to share the newest (released this week) book in the If Animals Loved Series. It is If Animals Loved Books by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by David Walker. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6. We reviewed one of the other books in this series previously. 

How I'm Using Ish by Peter H. Reynolds in My High School Math Classroom

 

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

I don't ever remember being so excited to get back to school as I am this year. Today is the first official day back for teachers at my school. I am excited to get back in the classroom and make many changes. When I taught before I got married, I did a lot with group work. Since I returned three years ago, I have not. However, this summer I read Math-ish by Jo Boaler and everything has changed. I saw a recommendation to read it for math teachers on a post of one of the math influencers I follow. I don't remember which one. I got the books out of the library that were recommended and checked them out. I realized very quickly that I wanted to read this book and wanted to own it. Then it was on sale during Amazon Prime Days, so I got myself a copy. I have sticky notes marking pages all over it. 

I Love New York City!! New Books to Learn About NYC with Resource Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

New York City is a special place for Hazel and me. At a young age, she wanted to see the Statue of Liberty. I have been lucky enough to take her on several trips to New York. And we are going again this summer for my birthday!! I promised to take her to see a Broadway show. After all her dream is perform on Broadway some day and she has never actually been. As we are planning our weekend away, these two new books arrived and only added to my excitement for our trip! The first is a beautiful book called Unknown New York: An Artist Uncovers the City's Hidden Treasures by Jesse Richards. This is not a children's book but is also a book that could be read with a child to learn more about the city. 

Ok World, Here I Come!: Inspiring Advice for the Day After Graduation

 

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

Do you have any graduates in your life this year? I know my social media feeds have been full of graduation photos. It is always hard to know what to give a new graduate. Today we are sharing a fun little advice book for graduates. It is the perfect little gift, or it could be added to the gift of cash we all tend to give. The book is Ok World, Here I Come!: Inspiring Advice for the Day After Graduation by Molly Reade. 

Summer Reading for 10+/Young Adult Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

This week has been about roundup of new books for summer reading!! With schools getting out it is time to find books for your kids to enjoy this summer! If you have 4- to 8-year-olds check out this list and 8- to 12-year-olds this list. Today we are sharing books for ages 10+ and young adult! Four of the books are new and I have not yet reviewed and will not be reviewing today. I still need to read them. The other three I will share links to my reviews. They are all new books this year! There is something for everyone here! I am starting with the books I have not read or reviewed yet. I didn't want you to miss the chance to check these books out because of my lack of reading time and speed. The first book is Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia DeVillers. It is recommended for ages 10 and up.

New Picture Books Perfect for Summer Reading

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe that school is almost out, and summer is almost upon us. We had the high school graduation on Friday. I have some classroom cleanup to do and then conferences next week, but otherwise I am done! Summer means so many things. Of course, there is often a summer reading assignment as well as summer reading programs at libraries and Barnes and Noble. Grades 1 through 6 can read eight books this summer and get a free book at Barnes and Noble. When Hazel was younger, I liked to come up with different themes for us to explore in the summer. This summer I plan to share some themes and resources with you. We will start today with a roundup of new picture books that are perfect for 4 to 8-year-olds. With each book there are ideas of activities or more books to check out with it. Happy reading!

Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You -- a Mommy Time Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Expound Publicity to bring you this post.

Have you noticed this year seems a bit harder for everyone and especially for moms? I just saw a post on Facebook from The Scary Mommy that talks about how many moms want to be left alone for Mother's Day instead of gathering with family. I have to admit I somewhat want this too. Of course, it doesn't matter much for me since I won't see Hazel. She has things going on at school and can't come home. We will see her Saturday night for a short time after her show. But the truth is I'm exhausted. It is May. School is a bit crazy with the end of the year. This week we had a night open house. Next week we have our spring fling dance as well as spring games. The following week we have our Showcase. Each requires teachers to stay much later than a usual school day. Add in all the things going on at home and Hazel's school and life is crazy!! Plus, the chaos our country is in seems to be affecting everyone and moms seem to be needed more than ever. And quite honestly, we are all trying our best but if you are like me, you worry that you are not doing enough or doing your best. Today I am sharing a book with you for moms who need some reminders of how strong we are! The book is Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You by Anna McArthur. There is a printable and a giveaway at the end of the post.

Cozy Coloring Books for Adults & Kids

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It has been a while since I shared a coloring book. I used to share them every week with Relaxing Friday posts. Today I am going to share two coloring books that are recommended for ages 7 and up. They work for kids or adults. They are by Coco Wyo. The first is Cozy Cuties.

Craft Books for Kids & Adults

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am still working on clearing my review shelf, so the roundups continue this week! Today we are looking at some great craft books for kids (and adults). These books range in abilities and topics. If you have a creative child in your life these books will make great gifts. We will start with the book for the youngest age 5 to 9. It is The Kids' Book of Craft Love by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst. 

Diverse New Picture Books Sharing Fun and Lessons

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Once again life and school have gotten in the way of my posts. As a result, I am going to share three new picture books with you today. Each is unique and has its own purpose. The first is I Want to Read All the Books by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

If I Promise You Wings -- YA Book Review with Craft Round-Up

 

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

This week I am sharing a young adult novel instead of a Crafty Sunday post. I am still making my paper beads but haven't made anything different yet. Plus, I did a small craft with this novel and am including a craft round-up for teens to go with the book. The book is If I Promise You Wings by A. K. Small. 

No Cats in the Library -- Picture Book Review

 

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

What do you get when a stray cat who loves books discovers a library? A fun new picture book!! Today we are sharing with you a new book (released today) based on this story. The book is No Cats in the Library written and illustrated by Lauren Emmons. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle -- Book Review

 

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

Christmas is coming and that means Christmas specials!! What is your favorite one? One of the popular ones is A Charlie Brown Christmas. Do you know the history of this one? In many ways it is a miracle we have it to watch (though this year it will only be streaming on Apple+). Today I am going to share a book with you that shares the complete history of this Christmas special as well as all the people involved in making it. The book is Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle: The Inspiring, Untold Story of the Making of a Holiday Classic by Michael Keane. 

Easy Shibori Tie Dye Techniques -- Book Review & Holiday Gift Ideas

 

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

I have to say I miss my Crafty Weekends (and Sharing Saturdays). I always loved seeing what people were sharing at different blogs. However Google changed how it rated such things and made link parties a bad thing. As I reminisce about Crafty Weekends I thought I would share a fun craft book today. The book is Easy Shibori Tie Dye Techniques: Do-It-Yourself Tying, Folding and Resist Dyeing by Studio TAC Creative. This is more of an adult craft but with adult help older kids could try it.

Mary's Voice -- Review of an Advent Devotional

 

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

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to start thinking about Christmas. I always like to find a way to focus myself on the true meaning of the season. I want something to focus my thoughts on the coming of Christ and God. This year I get to share a new Advent devotional that focuses on Mary. I love learning about Mary!! If you have read Crafty Moms Share for a while you may remember some of my previous posts about Mary. I have reflected on Mary's life many times around Advent. Today I am sharing Mary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing. 

The Librarian of Auschwitz -- Nonfiction Graphic Novel Perfect for Women's History Month & More

 

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

On the news last week while I was on vacation in Florida, I heard about an arrest of a New Jersey man who threatened a kill a Florida sheriff after he publicly denounced hate groups and antisemitic groups after white supremacists were recording holding antisemitic signs over a speedway here in Florida. Swastikas were also found as graffiti in a local school. (Source) It amazes me in this day and age how much antisemitism there still is. The Holocaust ended 78 years ago! We need to educate ourselves and our youth about the truth of the Holocaust so it won't be repeated. Today I am sharing a new nonfiction graphic novel about a brave woman who survived being in Auschwitz. The book is The Librarian of Auschwitz based on a novel by Antonio Iturbe, adapted by Salva Rubio and translated by Lilit Zekulin Thwaites and illustrated by Loreto Aroca. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Dark Testament -- Powerful Blackout Poems in Response to George Floyd's Murder -- Black History Month

 

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

I am sure you remember the George Floyd murder. It was May 2020. We were in the middle of the worldwide pandemic and yet we watched as a white police officer had his knee on George Floyd's neck for nine minutes. We hear George Floyd utter he cannot breathe. The country broke out into chaos full of horror, anger and more. There were peaceful marches as well as riots. The event brought racism into the forefront of the United States news and mind. It forced white people to think about how Black people are treated and to realize how many innocent Black people (often men) are murdered because of the color of their skin.