Rocks -- Summer Themes

 

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

So, this week's summer theme is rocks. Let's face it you can find rocks just about everywhere--the beach, a river, a lake, your backyard, etc. Every year we do some craft from our treasures found at the beach but not everyone has a beach to go to each year. So, rocks are a perfect substitute plus there is the STEM behind rocks. I know digging in my garden I often find many rocks. Today I am going to share two new books with you (one released today) as well as a roundup of other rock resources and crafts. The first book is a picture book that teaches readers all about rocks, minerals, gems, and fossils in a fun way. The book is Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology by Paige Towler and illustrated by Matthew Carson. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

My Name Is Ai Lin -- New Picture Book Review

 

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

Have you ever thought about how important your name is? Which part is most important to you? I remember changing my name when I got married (which I do sometimes regret) and trying to figure out what I wanted my full name to be. I decided to drop my maiden name and keep my middle name. One of my sisters often uses my first and middle names when talking to me so it felt right. Of course, with the ideas of requiring IDs to vote and in some states the requirement of having a birth certificate with the same name, makes me question anyone changing their name ever. But I won't get political today. Today I get to share a beautiful new picture book about the importance of a name. It is My Name is Ai Lin by Maria Wen Adcock, blogger over at Bicultural Mama, and illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng. It is recommended for ages 5 to 8. And it is being released this week!!

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. 

Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars -- All Sorts of Outdoor Activities Summer Theme

 

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

Do you have an explorer on your hands? You know the child who wants to be outside exploring everything. The kid who wants to check out nature, hike, fish, and more? Getting outdoors and trying some of these activities is an amazing summer theme, and I have an amazing book to share with you to help them try some of these activities with an adult or on his/her own. The book is Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars by Steven Rinella. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12. At the end of the post I will share even more resources for this summer theme!

Unofficial Taylor Swift Eras (The Sticker Version)

 

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

Are you a Swiftie or have a Swiftie in your life? The Eras Tour may be over but there are fun Taylor Swift things to do besides listening to her amazing music! Today I am going to share a fun new sticker book perfect for the Swiftie in your life. It is Unofficial Taylor Swift Eras (The Sticker Version) by Workman Publishing and illustrated by Brooke O'Neill. It is recommended for ages 7 and up. Yes, that can include adults!!