A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Norton Young Readers to bring you this post. 

What makes a home? What is your home? I remember taking a diversity awareness class when I was a pretty new teacher and one of the assignments was to write a paper about who you were and what made you that person. When we shared them, it was really interesting to hear the different stories and different backgrounds each of us had. The group of teachers was unfortunately mostly white but each of us had so many different things that mattered to us in our upbringing and life to create the person we each became. It is a project I would love to do again now that I have a family of my own and am on the other side of my career. Maybe someday I will. The book we are sharing today however reminded me of that assignment. It is A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home by Nikki McClure. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. At the end of this post there is a giveaway!

Products for Gifting and Crafting -- Craft Sunday Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent these products in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

With 82 days until Christmas, it is time to start thinking about gifts you may want to create and is also a great time to start shopping. Afte all Amazon and Target are having BIG sales this week and purchasing now helps spread out some of the cost of the holidays. Today we are going to share five different products that make good gifts and also can be used to create gifts! I am going to share some different ideas but first a quick story of my inspiration. One of my friends has been working on a nook in her house. She found some photo for inspiration and was buying things for it. She was looking for the right size pillow for it and some wall art. Everything had to be blue or blue and ivory. We went shopping last weekend and were looking at pillows and pictures. Then I came home and started playing with these products to create the pictures for her. I bought some frames from Dollar Tree and painted two of them blue. So those two pictures she was looking for are the inspiration for much of this post! Let's start out with a product that makes a good gift (and I wouldn't use to craft until next year). It is the Colonial Williamsburg Blue and White American Style Wall Calendar 2027 by Workman Calendars and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. 

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.

Reverse Coloring Calendar and New Markers - A Relaxing Friday Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent these products in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Well, this Friday has not really been relaxing. New England is preparing for three days of a Nor'easter so let the winds and rain begin. However, I have been wanting to share these great coloring products with you so today is the day!! Today we are going to talk reverse coloring and new acrylic markers! Talk about fun Relaxing Friday products!! We will start with reverse coloring. Have you tried it? It is when the colors are provided and you have to draw the lines and create whatever picture you want. This is my first time trying it and I got to try it with A Year of Reverse Coloring Page-A-Day 2027 Calendar by Kendra Norton and Workman Calendars. 

Fun Stories Kids Will Love

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Are you ready for some fun stories that could be any day stories? Today we are sharing two books that are full of fun stories. One is a creative picture book, and the other is a collection of short stories featuring the beloved character, Maisy. We will start with the picture book. It is A Day Off School by Oliver Jeffers and illustrated by Kevin Waldron. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Books That Teach Concepts to Young Kids

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own. 

Books that teach different concepts are a fun way to get young kids learning things they know. I always loved them when Hazel was young. Today we get to share three board books from a beloved children's book series, Guess How Much I Love You, and a fun picture book for slightly older kids. We will start with the board books. The first one is Guess How Much I love You: Shapes by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram. The recommended ages are 1 to 3.

Books for Younger Kids

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Looking for some new books for younger kids? Today we have a collection of books that teach pet care, recovering from a mistake, the truth about cicadas and words perfect for helping those learning to read! The first is a board book called Kit and Her Cat by Meredith Walker. It is recommended for babies through age 5. Personally, unless the five-year-old is just learning to read I would recommend baby through 3.

Fall & Halloween/Thriller Mysteries for Different Ages

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

It is after Labor Day, so that means fall is about to begin. I can feel it in the air even though the leaves haven't really started to change yet. We have three new fall/Halloween/thriller mysteries for different ages perfect for the upcoming season! Two are for the younger to middle grades and the third is a young adult book. We will start with the second book in the Squirrel Lock Holmes series. It is a graphic novel style book for early readers. We reviewed the first one here. The second one is Squirrel Lock Holmes: Mystery at the Corn-y Maze by Ashley Belote. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Fun & Educational Board Books

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a little one who loves board books and interactive books? Today we are sharing four new ones! Three of which are being released today!! One of them is about a Netflix movie that came out this summer, Swapped. We will start with that one. It is Ollie's Big Adventure by Maggie Testa. It is recommended for ages 2 to 5.

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. 

Diverse Picture Books About Spending Time with Your Kids

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

The most important thing we can do for our kids is spend quality time with them. Today we are sharing three new picture books about parents spending time with their children. Two of them work on building kids' imagination and two are about bringing children to work. The first book is Indigo Hands by Sita Singh and illustrated by Maithili Joshi. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

New Books Featuring Animals

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

I have so many fun books to review this week that I am starting to share them on Sunday!! Today we are sharing three books all featuring animals in different ways. Each book is done very differently and there is a huge variety on the focus. We will start with a unique type of book called Babies: A Phototicular Book created by Dan Kainen and written by Mara Grunbaum. This book will be enjoyed by all ages!

Wonder: A Song of the Seasons

 

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

We are in the dog days of summer, but back to school is quickly approaching. That means the change of seasons. Have you ever noticed each season has its own special wonders? Today we are sharing a beautiful picture book sharing some of the curiosities of each season and more. The book is Wonder: A Song of the Seasons by Julia Key and illustrated by Helen Cann. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Pop Manga Myths & Monsters 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. 

Have you seen The Odyssey yet? We all loved it when we saw it opening weekend. Hazel and I have been watching the Percy Jackson television series this summer too. Needless to say, we are into mythology. Plus, it is the perfect time to talk monsters for Summerween. After all, Halloween is three months away! Today we are sharing a fun adult coloring book with a myth and monster theme! It is Pop Manga Myths and Monsters Coloring Book by Camilla d'Errico. 

The Untold Stories of Fairies -- Picture Book Reviews

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

When Hazel was young, she loved fairies!! We made fairy gardens, had fairy parties and play dates, and did so many different fairy crafts!! We also used fairies to teach different things and like many families had visits from the tooth fairy. We have shared various books and stories about the tooth fairy and what she does with all the teeth. We have also shared about the Pumpkin Fairy which we learned about when she attended a Waldorf school. We have shared quite a few posts about Halloween themed fairies as well. Needless to say, we have quite a bit of experience with fairies in this household. Today we are sharing three new picture books all written and illustrated by Diane Alber. Each shares an untold story of a different fairy who helps kids grow healthy and all three of today's books help kids' teeth at different stages of life. Each book also has a craft for the kids to make to ease the fairy's visit to your home. The first book is An Untold Story of the Binky Fairy. It is recommended for ages 4 to 7, but I would say read it to even younger kids when you are trying to rid them of the pacifier. 

Pip & Pals Book #1: Otter Space -- Emerging Reader Graphic Novel Review

 

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

What are your thoughts on graphic novels? I know many kids who love them. Many of them are quite good. I think they help kids who don't love reading get into books. My personal thoughts are that anything that gets kids reading and enjoying it is a good thing. Today we are sharing one for young readers--age recommendation is 6 to 9. The book is the first book in a new series. It is Pip & Pals #1: Otter Space by Jen de Oliveira. 

U.S. History for 250th Celebration: WHO HQ Graphic Novel

 

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

It is hard to believe that the United States is celebrating 250 years this week! We have been sharing a bunch of different books for different ages that are perfect for celebrating and learning more about the United States. Topics include Independence Day, individual states, historical figures and events and so much more! Today we are sharing a second book from the Who HQ Graphic Novel series. (You can read about the first one here.) Today is our final book in this collection but we are sure there will be many more books about the United States over time! The book today is Who Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials? Tituba by Insha Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Rowan MacColl. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 and is a graphic novel.

Fun New Board Books That Teach Lessons

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

I always love books that teach something. Today we are sharing two new board books that teach lessons about shapes, colors, and more in fun ways! The first book is We See Triangles by Andrea Pippins. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3. I however would consider using it with my high school geometry students!

Alice Piper Speaks Up -- New Middle Grade Book About the Fight for Equal Education

 

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

Just about everyone knows about Brown vs. the Board of Education, but there were people who fought for equal education before this case. They just didn't make it to the Supreme Court. Today we are sharing a new book, released today June 2, 2026. It is the story about a Native American, Alice Piper, and her fight for equal education. The book is Alice Piper Speaks Up by Sage Andrew Romero and Loralee Sepsey and illustrated by Morgan Thompson. June 2nd is Alice Piper Day! This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

What Was the Turning Point in the Civil War? Alfred Waud Goes to Gettysburg

 

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

Happy Memorial Day!! To honor our fallen soldiers, we thought we would share a book about them. We are focusing on the Civil War and the middle grade graphic novel we are sharing is more about how the Civil War was reported to the citizens of the United States and in particular by Alfred Waud. The book is What Was the Turning Point in the Civil War? Alfred Waud Goes to Gettysburg by Ellen T. Crenshaw. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. It is not only great for Memorial Day but also helps teach some of the history of the USA just in time for the big 250th celebration in July!