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Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts

The Welcome Home -- Book Review

 

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

Today we are sharing the third picture book of the week and all of them were released yesterday! Today's book is a fun story about interesting pets and trying to find the right animal for you. It is The Welcome Home by Amy June Bates. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 and one the Editor's Pick on Amazon in Best Books for ages 3 to 5.

Spectacular: Miracles of Nature -- Book Review

 

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

Our planet is full of beauty. Often we take it for granted but when on vacation or in a moment of peace we notice how amazing it is. Today I am sharing a new book (released today) that shares some of the amazing places from around the world that show nature's beauty. Plus, there are even some notes about the science behind it. The book is Spectacular: Miracles of Nature by Philippe Nessmann and illustrated by Alex Asfour. It is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Potatoes for Pirate Pearl -- Picture Book Review for Hunger Awareness Month

 

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

Do you know that September is Hunger Awareness Month? About ten years ago I joined with other mom bloggers to bring more awareness to the month. We shared different activities to help kids understand the need for food and how people across our country are food insecure. According to Feeding America 34 million Americans are food insecure and 9 million children in America are as well. (Source) Today I am sharing a new picture book that spreads information in a fun way about nutrition, hunger and even a bit about growing food. The book is Potatoes for Pirate Pearl by Jennifer Concepcion and illustrated by Chloe Burgett. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate's Bake Shop -- Book Review

 

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

Now we have shared about Ruth Wakefield and her "invention" of the chocolate chip cookies. Today we are going to share Kathleen King's story using a picture book she wrote herself!! Do you know who Kathleen King is? I will admit I didn't. She is the founder of the famous Tate's Bake Shop and she shares her story in Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate's Back Shop by Kathleen King and Lowey Bundy Sichol and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Stuff Kids Should Know -- a 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 think kids should know? Perhaps you have heard the podcast, Stuff You Should Know. Today I am sharing a book by the creators of the podcast for middle grade kids. It is appropriately called Stuff Kids Should Know by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant with Nils Parker. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 and they are going to love it!

BrindleFox -- Book Review & Fox Craft Round-Up

 

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

How important is friendship? How important is caring for others and oneself? Today I am sharing a new picture book that reminds me of an old fable. According to this article on Canadian Mental Health Association, "the lack of human connection can be more harmful to your health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. ... Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems." (Source) Wow! That makes social connection extremely important and something we want to teach young children how to have. Today I am sharing a book about a fox who does not want to connect with anyone, but he learns that connecting is important by the end. The book is BrindleFox by John Sandford. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am also including a fox craft round-up to go with the book.

Saving Sunshine -- Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review with Turtle Craft Round-Up

 

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

I feel like it has been a while since I shared a middle grade book. I am behind on my reading. Today however I am sharing a new (out today) middle grade graphic novel. This book delves into the differences of people and cultures as well as a bit about a loggerhead turtle. To go with this book, I am providing a round-up of over 30 turtle crafts, activities, and more. The book is Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Shazleen Khan. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

The Pop-Up Guide Cities Around the World -- Book Review with Crafts, Recipes and More!

 

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

Looking to teach little ones about the world? Today we are sharing a fun pop-up book that takes us around the world. I am also sharing links to crafts, activities, and recipes to go with each city and/or its country. The book is The Pop-Up Guide: Cities Around the World by Maud Poulain and illustrated by Sandra de la Prada. It is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

The Worry Balloon -- First Day of School Book

 

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

Has school started where you are? Many schools near us start this week and our school begins after Labor Day. However, the teachers have been back for teacher training starting last week. Last week we had three days with experts in success counseling originally started by Dr. William Glasser and his choice therapy. It has been really interesting and was a tiring week. We literally were being taught to think and react in a different way. If you have time, check it out. 

With the first day of school there is always some anxiety for students, teachers, and parents. Today I am sharing a new picture book that is meant to help children learn ways to deal with anxiety including the first day of school jitters. The book is The Worry Balloon by Mónica Mancillas and illustrated by Betty C. Tang. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 but could be used with older children to help teach some techniques to help fight anxiety. 

Origami Animals and Origami Paper Review and How I Use It in My Classroom

 

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

I am heading back to school for teacher training and the pre-school year prep. One of the things I always have in my room is origami paper and books. I use them with my geometry classes and pull them out during breaks and students come in to get some when they need a break or something to do with their hands. Today I am going to share with you an origami kit and three packs of origami paper which I will be adding to my classroom collection! We will start with the kit which is Fun with Origami Animals by Sam Ita. It is recommended for ages 6 to 10. I would say it is perfect for beginners no matter the age.

The Wisdom of Solomon -- Book Review with Crafts and Activities

 

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

I haven't shared a Christian themed book in a while. Today I thought I would share one about King Solomon. You may remember Solomon is the son of King David and becomes the third king of Israel. He is known for his wisdom which is a gift from God and building the temple in Jerusalem. The book I'm sharing today is The Wisdom of Solomon by Demi. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am also sharing some crafts and activities to go with the book.

Home Is Calling: The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly -- 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.

Over the years we have loved learning about butterflies and especially monarchs. We grow milkweed to help keep monarchs around. Today I get to share with you a wonderful new picture book about the long journey they take every autumn. The book is Home Is Calling: The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly by Katherine Pryor and illustrated by Ellie Peterson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 7. At the end of my post is a round-up of butterfly crafts and activities including a section on monarchs! It shares more than 50 ideas!

Rocket Says Speak Up! -- New Picture Book About Being an Activist

 

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

Last week I shared a book about the suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, and today I am still on the activist kick with a fun new picture book that encourages kids to speak up and change the world! The book is Rocket Says Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon and illustrated by Dapo Adeola. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7 and is part of a collection called Rocket Says. 

Dare to Question -- Book Review & Giveaway

 



Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and a small stipend. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Jamine Stirling to share this book with you and offer the giveaway.

When you think of the Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States, who do you think of? I am sure names like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton come to mind. Have you heard of Carrie Chapman Catt? It is because of her questions and thinking that we finally got the vote. Today I get to share a new picture book with you about her and her role as a suffragist. The book is Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote by Jasmine A. Stirling and illustrated by Udayana Lugo. It is recommended for ages 5 and up. There is also a giveaway at the end of this post!

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 -- Review & Giveaway



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

When Hazel was young, she always loved flipping through the National Geographic Kids Almanac. When we saw it at the bookstore, she would ask me to get one for her. I was lucky enough to get several to review in years past. Today I get to share with you the newest edition--National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. I know I shared it with Hazel when she was younger. We would look at it together and I would read it to her. And I also have a link for a giveaway of three copies!! Enter and you may be one of the lucky winners!!




About the New York Times Best-Selling National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024:

The New York Times best-selling Almanac is packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, National Geographic exclusives, games, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more.


This new edition features: 

  • EXCLUSIVE National Geographic Explorer interviews and features
  • EXCLUSIVE Interactive Almanac Challenge 2024, plus the results of the Almanac Challenge 2023
  • BONUS SECTION of sidesplitting jokes and riddles
  • NEW fun-tastic things to see and do in 2024
  • NEW cutest animal superlatives and animal rescue stories
  • NEW science and dinosaur discoveries
  • NEW fun games, quizzes, and activities
  • NEW weird and wacky places around the world
  • NEW experiments to do, places to explore, and ways to change the world
  • UPDATED reference material, including fast facts and maps of every country

Check out https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/books/article/almanac-2024 for more information and to take the 2024 Almanac Challange, Elephant-Stagram!

Whether you’re looking for homework help, want to learn more about another country, or just need a cute animal fix, the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 has you covered!

From Me:

As I mentioned in the introduction, this was one of Hazel's favorites. It is packed full with fun information, riddles, jokes, fun facts, games and more. The topics are all over the place from animals (like the elephants that are part of this year's challenge) and the pages about flamingos and so many others. It also has animals in the news like the ones rescued from the war and more. The book also includes all you ever wanted to know about plastics and the need to reduce our usage of them. There is information about space and Earth as well as wonders of the world, history, geography, culture and science and technology. It is full of photographs galore as well as tidbits that are just fun!

While I was flipping through, I tried to get Hazel to say some of the tongue twisters and then asked her some of the riddles. She claimed I was being annoying (typical teenager mode) until she saw the "Stump Your Parents" section. She took over and quizzed me. Then I found the other quiz and asked her. We had a lovely time laughing and teasing each other over the facts. 

What I love about this book is it is fun and informational. It is perfect for checking out with an adult or to look up something for school. There are so many different topics and lots of ideas and actions to take to make the world a better place. It is such a great book to inspire kids to learn about things they love even if they haven't heard of them yet. I love how it has information about the dinosaurs to the latest technology. There is truly something for everyone and more! I hope you will check it out!

Giveaway:

Three (3) winners will receive a copy of this ultimate summertime boredom buster! Good luck!! The rafflecopter will be live from 12:01am ET 7/24 to 11:59pm ET 8/11. US/Canada.


Maria Orosa -- New Picture Book Sharing the Life of This Filipino Heroine

 

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

Summer is supposed to be my time to relax, and I have loads of ideas and books to share with you, but the last few weeks are just crazy. Today I am finally focusing enough to share a new book with you. This book shares about het life of Maria Orosa, who was a Filipino heroine. The book is Maria Orosa Freedom Fighter, Scientist and Inventor from the Philippines by Norma Olizon-Chikiamco and illustrated by Mark Salvatus. It is recommended for ages 9 to 14.

Bark Ship Bonnie -- Picture Book Review & Craft Round-Up

 

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

How are you spending your summer? Do you go boating? Today I am sharing a new picture book that introduces ship language and slang. Plus I am sharing a boat/ship craft round-up. The book is Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib and illustrated by Fiona Lee. It is recommended for ages 5 to 7. And don't worry if you are not knowledgeable about ship language--there is a glossary!!

Small Knight and the Angry Prince -- Picture Book Review

 

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

Emotions can be hard. Whether you are dealing with your own or someone else's they can be difficult to navigate and often bad emotions can spread. Today I am sharing a book about one of the hardest ones to deal with--anger. It is called Small Knight and the Angry Prince by Manka Kasha. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6 and deals with some gender issues.

The Girl Who Built a Spider -- Middle Grades STEM Novel Review

 

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

A few weeks ago I shared some spider fun facts and spider craft round-up with the promise of two books involving spiders. I shared a picture book about the day in the life of a jumper spider and then went on vacation. Today I am sharing the middle grades novel that involves a mechanical spider. The book is a perfect summer STEM novel. It is The Girl Who Built a Spider by George Brewington. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Pirate & Penguin -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway with Free Printable Match Game and Penguin Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will receive a small stipend for this review. I am working with Page Street Kids and The Children's Book Review to be part of this virtual book tour. All opinions are my own.

Do you know the difference between a penguin and a parrot? Do you know the similarities? Today's book is a fun book about an old pirate who thinks a penguin is a parrot. It is Pirate & Penguin by Mike Allegra and illustrated by Jenn Harney. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. Be sure to scroll down for the craft round-up and giveaway!