Animals Are Great -- 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.

Do you have little ones wiggling, hopping, slithering around this summer? I have a great book for you all about animals and it is a companion book to a song! I feel like there are a lot of new books about animals these days. I have reviewed several for various age groups recently. Today I get to add one more to the list and this one feels like it should be sung! The book is Animals Are Great by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart.

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. 

I Don't Think So -- Picture 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 K. Joyner to bring you this post.

Do you know any kids who don't want to try something new, but when they do, they love it? I feel like so many kids go through this stage. It is hard to try something new. It is scary and a bit nerve-racking even for adults. For kids it is easier for them to say no then try it. Today's book is all about this stage. It is I Don't Think So! by K. Joyner and illustrated by Asha Butler. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles -- Book 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 aka Associates to bring you this post.

Do you want to keep your kids learning this summer? Or maybe you need something for them to do for a car or plane ride? Or maybe it is just a rainy day, and you are sick of hearing, "I'm bored." Today we are sharing the perfect activity book for your kids. It is Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles by Helene Hovanec. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Two Middle School Rom-Coms for Ages 10+

 

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

On Friday I shared a roundup of books perfect for summer reading for ages 10+ through young adult. (Note all last week I did roundups for varying ages of new books for summer reading. Ages 4-8 and Middle Grades) Four of them did not include reviews because I hadn't read them yet. Today I am reviewing two of them!! I decided to spend my free time this weekend reading the two middle school romance-comedy books. Both of these books are recommended for ages 10+ and both have characters in middle school. The first book is Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia DeVillers. 

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!

Oshún and Me: A Story of Love and Braids -- Picture Book Review

 

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

I always love seeing Black people with braids. I once had some braids put in my hair at a diversity camp. It takes a long time to do them. I cringe when I hear about people not being able to wear their hair in traditional or cultural ways. It saddens me that anyone thinks they should have the power to tell someone how to wear their hair. I understand if you join a group like the military--you know what to expect, but in everyday life like school, kids should get to choose. Today I am going to share a book that spreads new light on the tradition of braids. The book is Oshún and Me: A Story of Love and Braids by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6. 

A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet -- Picture Book Review

 

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

Did you know that the dust from the Sahara reaches the United States? Back in March 2023, Hazel and I were visiting my close friend in Amelia Island, Ferdinand, Florida. There are many cool things to see there besides my friend and her husband. (Be sure to check out American Beach if you are there! Talk about history.) However, their condo is on the beach and from the deck you can see the ocean and the sunrise and from the balcony on the other side you can see the sunset. It is pretty cool. We were also able to see the moonrise. Did you know the moon rises? I had never thought about it before, but it makes sense. Anyway, while we were there the moonrise was a red moon. Later in the evening it would be back to a whitish yellow, but it always rose red. (See picture below.) My friend's husband told us this was because of dust in the Sahara Desert. I didn't totally get it but believed him. He is very into knowing things like this.

Survive This Safari -- Middle Grade Novel Review

 

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

Are you looking for a summer reading book for your 8 to 12-year-old? I have a wonderful one!! I will also be doing a summer reading list soon. I have to get through a few more of my chapter books to complete it! Today's book will definitely be on it. Last week we shared a book about an animal race and today we are sharing one about an animal sanctuary competition. Both are amazing books and perfect middle grade summer reads. Today's book is Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards. 

The Secret Life of a Sea Turtle -- Book Review with Turtle Craft Roundup

 

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

Today I am sharing a nonfiction picture book that shares the life of a sea turtle. I have always loved these types of books. These books share a story about one animal but also share all sorts of facts and information about the animal within the story. Today's book is The Secret Life of a Sea Turtle by Maddalena Bearzi and illustrated by Alex Boersma. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am including a turtle craft roundup to go with the book.

Picture Books Featuring School & More!

 

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

It is hard to believe it is almost the end of May and thus almost the end of the school year! When are your kids out of school? I only have a week and half left of work with kids in my room. Today I am going to share three new books that have different school themes to them. The first book is Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own by Roz MacLean. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Armando & The Amazing Animal Race -- Book 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 Diana Schaffter to bring you this post.

Are you an animal lover? I find many kids are. I feel like there are some great new books featuring animals as well as climate change. Today I am sharing an amazing middle grade novel that dives into the amazing world of animals and tries to bring to light some of the endangered animals. But it also is a riveting, action-packed story full of relationships and adventure. The book is Armando & the Amazing Animal Race by Diana Schaffter. There is a giveaway at the end of the post to enter!

The Traveling Taco: The Amazing & Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods

 

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

Where do tacos come from? What about pizza? We have all heard stories of food coming from one place or another and even some stories about different places claiming the first of a food. Today I get to share a fun new book with you that explores the origins of some of our favorite foods and how they became what they are today. The book is The Traveling Taco: The Amazing & Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong. Mia blogs over at Pragmatic Mom and is cofounder of Read Your World (formerly Multicultural Children's Book Day). The book is recommended for ages 5 to 8. 

Ellie's Dancing Shoes -- 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 ever worked so hard practicing something but still feel like you are making mistakes? Each minor slip up takes away a bit of your self-confidence. Today I get to share a picture book with you about a girl who has a desire to dance but feels like she just can't do it correct until her parents give her a special pair of magic shoes. The book is Ellie's Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers and illustrated by Bryan Janky. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

I Am Not Sophie! -- 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 Amplify Publishing Group to bring you this post.

When I was young, I loved playing make believe. Hazel played in her own way. I always love books that encourage such play and today I get to share one with you. It is the sweetest book. It is I Am NOT Sophie! by Robyn Hodess and illustrated by Terry Kole. At the end of this post is a giveaway!!

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.

Ode to a Pug: That Cat! -- 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 Jill Rosen to bring you this post.

What relationship do dogs and cats have? Typically we say they hate each other, but we all know people who have both animals that get along. Today I get to share a fun book that explores this relationship from the dog's point of view and it is not just any dog but it is a pug. You may remember by review of Ode to a Pug. Well the pug is back and he has a new housemate. The book is Ode to a Pug: That Cat! by Jill Rosen and illustrated by Stephanie Rohr. At the end of this post there is a giveaway!! Be sure to check it out.

Fun Children's Books Released Today

 

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

Today I get to share two children's books that are released today!! One is in the manner of Dr. Seuss and the other gives life lessons from a dog. They are fun and will be loved by kids! We will start with the Seuss Studios book, Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish by Sarah Hwang. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7. 

Picture Books About Finding Your Home

 

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

What makes a place a home? What happens when you move? What about when your family left your home country before you were born? What if your home country is no longer on the map? Today I am sharing some picture books that help to answer some of these questions. One book is about moving and the other is about trying to find Palestine on a map and perhaps help the discussion that is needed with it. The first book is Home Is a Wish by Julia Kuo. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.