In many parts of the world church services or masses are an important part of Christmas. Many countries have traditional times for the service. Does yours? Growing up we always went to what was called the midnight candlelight service. It started at 11:00 p.m. and ended around midnight. The service always ended with singing Silent Night and having each person light a candle from the flame of the Christ candle in the Advent wreath. Now we usually go to the earlier Christmas Eve service so Hazel can stay awake.
Christmas Church Services Around the World -- Christmas in Different Lands
Saint Anthony the Great -- Book Review
Disclosure: Wisdom Tales Press
gave me a copy of this product free of charge. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Recently we decided to switch churches. As a family we are going to an Episcopal Church now. Steve is Catholic and I was raised in a United Church of Christ church and have always gone to one. We found the Episcopal Church to be a combination of the two and fit us all. We love being able to go to one church as a family and go almost every week together. Not having grown up in a church that focuses on the saints I do not know much about them. Now that we go to a church that focuses on them more I would like to learn more about them and teach Hazel more about them. I was happy to see this new book at Wisdom Tales Press, Saint Anthony the Great by John Chryssavgis and Mailyn Rouvelas and illustrated by Isabelle Brent.
Recently we decided to switch churches. As a family we are going to an Episcopal Church now. Steve is Catholic and I was raised in a United Church of Christ church and have always gone to one. We found the Episcopal Church to be a combination of the two and fit us all. We love being able to go to one church as a family and go almost every week together. Not having grown up in a church that focuses on the saints I do not know much about them. Now that we go to a church that focuses on them more I would like to learn more about them and teach Hazel more about them. I was happy to see this new book at Wisdom Tales Press, Saint Anthony the Great by John Chryssavgis and Mailyn Rouvelas and illustrated by Isabelle Brent.
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Saint Anthony the Great -- Book Review
2015-12-16T10:53:00-05:00
Carrie
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Peg + Cat: The Race Car Problem -- Book Review with Math Lessons
Disclosure: Candlewick Press
gave me a copy of this book free of charge to review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Have you discovered Peg + Cat? Hazel loves the television show and I love that it makes math fun for kids. So many this make math seem like it is a horrible or boring subject. Peg + Cat seems to at least take that image away for younger kids. I was very excited to see this book by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson called Peg + Cat: The Race Car Problem.
Have you discovered Peg + Cat? Hazel loves the television show and I love that it makes math fun for kids. So many this make math seem like it is a horrible or boring subject. Peg + Cat seems to at least take that image away for younger kids. I was very excited to see this book by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson called Peg + Cat: The Race Car Problem.
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Peg + Cat: The Race Car Problem -- Book Review with Math Lessons
2015-12-15T05:00:00-05:00
Carrie
children's books|math|product review|shapes|
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Christmas in Different Lands: Stockings, Shoes and more!
For my post today we are going to explore the Christmas tradition of stockings and/or shoes. This post is part of the Multicultural Kid Blogs' Christmas in Different Lands Series. Growing up stockings were always a big thing. One of my sisters loves stocking gifts. We all would run down the stairs and get our stockings and start opening the gifts. As we got older it changed to us taking turns opening one stocking gift at a time so everyone could see it. As we got older still (adults) we started buying a few stocking gifts for everyone. As a child I always thought my stocking was not as exciting as the rest of my families. I had a hand knitted one that was going to be a sock for my father, but was too big. Everyone else had felt ones that had fun decorations and their names on them. My mother tried out all sorts of things on her sewing machine when making them before my birth. My sisters always tried to tell me my plain one was better because it stretched, but I didn't buy it. When we were adults my mother hand knitted new ones for all of us that are beautiful. She still has them at her house in case any of us are there for Christmas morning (my family usually is not but everyone else often is). My family still has the stocking tradition. Hazel is always very excited to hang our stockings and actually has made, bought and found stockings for Ducky and some of her dolls. (I recently shared one that I made for her doll as well.)
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Carrie
Christmas in Different Lands: Stockings, Shoes and more!
2015-12-14T13:48:00-05:00
Carrie
Asia and Pacific Islands|Australia|blog hop|Christmas|Europe|Multicultural|South Africa|traditions|USA|
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Handmade Christmas -- Craft Book Review & Crafty Weekends Link Party
Have you entered my current giveaway yet?
Disclosure: Ryland Peters & Small sent me a copy of this book free of charge to review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.Today I am going to share the perfect book for any crafty Christian family this time of year. Handmade Christmas by CICO Books is full of different crafts and recipes for different age crafters! There are specific crafts labeled as kids' crafts and some of the other crafts are kid friendly as well!!
The crafts range from sewing to paper crafts and even some tin and more!! The three chapters are Decorations, Cards & Giftwrap and Gifts. Some are traditional crafts like paper snowflakes.
Sharing Saturday 15-49
Have you entered my current giveaway yet?
Thank you to everyone who shared with us last week!! There were some fun ideas shared and lots along the holiday theme! Our features are just a sampling of the wonderful things shared, so if you haven't checked out the rest you should!! The features for this week include Christmas and Holidays. I have also started a new craft link party (the crafts just have to be family appropriate and not kid related) and it is a place to share crafts, reviews of patterns, craft books, etc. and patterns. I hope you will come check it out tomorrow.
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Carrie
Sharing Saturday 15-49
2015-12-11T21:22:00-05:00
Carrie
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DIY Christmas Cards & Gift Tags
Disclosure: My Memories gave me a copy of this product free of charge. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation.
Are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you mailed your cards yet? Wrapped the gifts? There always seems to be so much to do this time of year. I always look for ways to stop and enjoy the season. In our house this often includes some crafts. This year we made our own Christmas cards. We always do a photo card and we still did, but we added our own personal touch with a simple craft. I had bought the tree punch at work as well as a pack of spruce flat cards. We punched them and decorated them with gel pens, liquid pearls and washi tape and then glued them on to the cards and added a sticker star. Some we used plan cardstock and covered in the washi tape and then punched.
Are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you mailed your cards yet? Wrapped the gifts? There always seems to be so much to do this time of year. I always look for ways to stop and enjoy the season. In our house this often includes some crafts. This year we made our own Christmas cards. We always do a photo card and we still did, but we added our own personal touch with a simple craft. I had bought the tree punch at work as well as a pack of spruce flat cards. We punched them and decorated them with gel pens, liquid pearls and washi tape and then glued them on to the cards and added a sticker star. Some we used plan cardstock and covered in the washi tape and then punched.
The Chosen Series -- YA Book Reviews
Disclosure: Jeff Altabef & Novel Publicity sent me a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions in my review are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As always I am
providing links to the book for your
convenience.
Back in July I introduced you to The Chosen Series by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef with the first book, Wind Catcher. This book thrust me into reviewing young adult books and I love it!! Now I fell in love with the series in the first book. It is an amazing series with such well developed characters. While waiting for the second book in the series to come out, Jeff and Erynn wrote a short book called Second Chances. You can get a FREE digital copy of this book by signing up for Jeff's newsletter!!
Back in July I introduced you to The Chosen Series by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef with the first book, Wind Catcher. This book thrust me into reviewing young adult books and I love it!! Now I fell in love with the series in the first book. It is an amazing series with such well developed characters. While waiting for the second book in the series to come out, Jeff and Erynn wrote a short book called Second Chances. You can get a FREE digital copy of this book by signing up for Jeff's newsletter!!
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Carrie
The Chosen Series -- YA Book Reviews
2015-12-10T18:00:00-05:00
Carrie
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The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snow Dog & Naya's Arctic Adventures: Meet Naya -- DVD Reviews and Giveaway!!
Disclosure: NCircle Entertainment
gave me a copy of the DVDs free of charge and is supplying
the ones for the giveaway free of charge. All opinions in my review are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As always I am
providing links to the DVD on NCircle Entertainment's site for your
convenience. You can also find their DVDs at local retailers!
Today I am sharing with you two fun DVDs that are perfect for winter and Christmas. Both are really wordless!! The first is a combination of two favorite ones one of which we have reviewed in the past The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog. They are based on the books of the same titles by Raymond Briggs. Now both stories are available on one DVD!!
Today I am sharing with you two fun DVDs that are perfect for winter and Christmas. Both are really wordless!! The first is a combination of two favorite ones one of which we have reviewed in the past The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog. They are based on the books of the same titles by Raymond Briggs. Now both stories are available on one DVD!!
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Carrie
The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snow Dog & Naya's Arctic Adventures: Meet Naya -- DVD Reviews and Giveaway!!
2015-12-10T11:06:00-05:00
Carrie
Christmas|dvd|giveaway|polar bear|product review|winter|
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The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin -- Book Review & Math Application
Disclosure: Wisdom Tales Press
gave me a copy of this product free of charge. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Hanukkah started on Sunday at sun down and lasts eight days. It is a Jewish holiday that celebrates several miracles that occurred during a time when Judaism was outlawed and their temple was desecrated. Last month we explored Hanukkah as part of the Multicultural Kid Blogs' Hanukkah for Kids Series by taking a look at dreidels. I mentioned a few books we had read and one we had not gotten our hands on yet. Well today we get to share this beautiful book with you. The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin by Martha Seif Simpson and illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard is a story that takes place in Prague a century ago that reminds us all that money does not buy miracles.
Hanukkah started on Sunday at sun down and lasts eight days. It is a Jewish holiday that celebrates several miracles that occurred during a time when Judaism was outlawed and their temple was desecrated. Last month we explored Hanukkah as part of the Multicultural Kid Blogs' Hanukkah for Kids Series by taking a look at dreidels. I mentioned a few books we had read and one we had not gotten our hands on yet. Well today we get to share this beautiful book with you. The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin by Martha Seif Simpson and illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard is a story that takes place in Prague a century ago that reminds us all that money does not buy miracles.
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Carrie
The Dreidel That Wouldn't Spin -- Book Review & Math Application
2015-12-09T20:21:00-05:00
Carrie
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Mitford at the Fashion Zoo -- 12 Days of Picture Books Review & Giveaway Link
Disclosure: Penguin Random House Books
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Today is the fifth day of Penguin Kids 12 Days of Picture Books Giveaway!! And today they are giving away five copies of Mitford at the Fashion Zoo by Donald Robertson and we get to review it for you here.
Today is the fifth day of Penguin Kids 12 Days of Picture Books Giveaway!! And today they are giving away five copies of Mitford at the Fashion Zoo by Donald Robertson and we get to review it for you here.
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Carrie
Mitford at the Fashion Zoo -- 12 Days of Picture Books Review & Giveaway Link
2015-12-08T06:30:00-05:00
Carrie
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Little Tree -- Book Review -- Penguin Kids' 12 Days of Picture Books Giveaway
Disclosure: Penguin Random House Books
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Today for Penguin Kids 12 Days of Picture Books prize is Little Tree by Loren Long. This book has so many lessons and discussion topics in it. I love it!!
This book is about growing up and learning to let go of what you know and what is safe. A little tree is happy as it is young and surrounded by other trees the same size. It is happy to have the animals playing in it and the turtledove singing in it. Then the seasons change. The leaves change and all the surrounding trees let their leaves go, but not Little Tree. Little Tree holds onto the safety of its leaves. In spring as the other trees are growing new leaves (and a bit in height) Little Tree has the same brown leaves. The animals keep telling it to drop its leaves, but it won't. Years go by and soon Little Tree cannot feel the sun since all the surrounding trees have grown tall. It is still holding onto its first leaves and is so afraid to let them go. But finally it does and Little Tree finally gets to grow up!
Now I love reading this book to Hazel who is always so full of anxiety and nervousness. She is often afraid to be by herself. This book has opened the conversations about how sometimes we have to do the things we are afraid of and let it go. Sometimes we may have to go into a room by ourselves or try something new and it will be all right. The words to the story are simple and the illustrations are beautiful. This is a book we will be keeping on our bookshelves and reading often!!
Be sure to check out the 12 Days of Picture Books Giveaway!! Four copies of Little Tree are being given away!! Also be sure to check out the Penguin Young Readers Holiday Gift Guide for more great book suggestions!
Today for Penguin Kids 12 Days of Picture Books prize is Little Tree by Loren Long. This book has so many lessons and discussion topics in it. I love it!!
This book is about growing up and learning to let go of what you know and what is safe. A little tree is happy as it is young and surrounded by other trees the same size. It is happy to have the animals playing in it and the turtledove singing in it. Then the seasons change. The leaves change and all the surrounding trees let their leaves go, but not Little Tree. Little Tree holds onto the safety of its leaves. In spring as the other trees are growing new leaves (and a bit in height) Little Tree has the same brown leaves. The animals keep telling it to drop its leaves, but it won't. Years go by and soon Little Tree cannot feel the sun since all the surrounding trees have grown tall. It is still holding onto its first leaves and is so afraid to let them go. But finally it does and Little Tree finally gets to grow up!
Source |
Now I love reading this book to Hazel who is always so full of anxiety and nervousness. She is often afraid to be by herself. This book has opened the conversations about how sometimes we have to do the things we are afraid of and let it go. Sometimes we may have to go into a room by ourselves or try something new and it will be all right. The words to the story are simple and the illustrations are beautiful. This is a book we will be keeping on our bookshelves and reading often!!
Be sure to check out the 12 Days of Picture Books Giveaway!! Four copies of Little Tree are being given away!! Also be sure to check out the Penguin Young Readers Holiday Gift Guide for more great book suggestions!
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Carrie
Little Tree -- Book Review -- Penguin Kids' 12 Days of Picture Books Giveaway
2015-12-07T07:00:00-05:00
Carrie
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Christmas Candles in Different Lands
Candle Photo By By Elmar Ersch (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons |
This year for Christmas in Different Lands each post is exploring some aspect of Christmas in at least three different continents. Today we are looking at candles. How do you use candles at Christmas time? With electricity there are not as many uses as there once was but some are still used for special events. In New England often there are single candles (and for some multiple candles) in the windows of a house or church. I shared a bit about Christmas in New England last year.
Picture of New England Church during Advent |
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Carrie
Christmas Candles in Different Lands
2015-12-06T19:30:00-05:00
Carrie
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Adult Coloring Book Review & Craft -- Crafty Weekends Link Party
Disclosure: I was sent these books to review
free of charge from Barron's Educational Services.
All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive
any other compensation for this review. I am including links to each
item for your convenience but do not receive anything if you purchase from
them.
I have to admit I have jumped on the adult coloring book bandwagon. i love them!! They are so relaxing and fun. Today I am going to share with you three adult coloring books from Barron's Publishing and a craft you can do with your finished pages or wrapping paper, scrapbook paper or other things. We will start with Christmas Magic illustrated by ArsEdition.
All three of the books have pages that have white or black backgrounds. This is no different. The pages in this book have a Christmas theme but also a winter theme. There are many pages with snowflake motifs and just designs. The colors will make it feel Christmasy or wintery. Here are some pages I colored or began to color. I found some of the small snowflakes a bit hard to color because the spaces were so small.
I have to admit I have jumped on the adult coloring book bandwagon. i love them!! They are so relaxing and fun. Today I am going to share with you three adult coloring books from Barron's Publishing and a craft you can do with your finished pages or wrapping paper, scrapbook paper or other things. We will start with Christmas Magic illustrated by ArsEdition.
All three of the books have pages that have white or black backgrounds. This is no different. The pages in this book have a Christmas theme but also a winter theme. There are many pages with snowflake motifs and just designs. The colors will make it feel Christmasy or wintery. Here are some pages I colored or began to color. I found some of the small snowflakes a bit hard to color because the spaces were so small.
Posted by
Carrie
Adult Coloring Book Review & Craft -- Crafty Weekends Link Party
2015-12-05T21:09:00-05:00
Carrie
Christmas|coloring|craft|Crafty Weekends|flowers|product review|Relaxing Friday|winter|
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Sharing Saturday 15-48
Thank you to everyone who shared with us last week!! Even with the issues I had with Linky Tools last weekend, there were many amazing ideas shared. I had trouble choosing between them for features!! Our features are just a sampling of the wonderful things shared, so if you haven't checked out the rest you should!! The features for this week include Christmas, Holidays and Parenting and Gift Advice. I have also started a new craft link party (the crafts just have to be family appropriate and not kid related) and it is a place to share crafts, reviews of patterns, craft books, etc. and patterns. I hope you will come check it out tomorrow. Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop is a monthly party, so be sure to stop by to share your multicultural posts and ideas and recipes there.
Two White Rabbits and West Coast Wild -- Book Reviews
Disclosure: Groundwood Books
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
I always like books that help us explore a different part of the world or give us a glimpse into another life. Today we are sharing two books that do just that. The first is Two White Rabbits written by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng, and translated by Elisa Amado.
I always like books that help us explore a different part of the world or give us a glimpse into another life. Today we are sharing two books that do just that. The first is Two White Rabbits written by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng, and translated by Elisa Amado.
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Carrie
Two White Rabbits and West Coast Wild -- Book Reviews
2015-12-04T10:03:00-05:00
Carrie
animals|Canada|children's books|Mexico|Multicultural|North America|product review|
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Merry Chrsitmas, Hello Kitty! Activity Book & All I Want for Christmas Is You -- Book Reviews
Disclosure: Penguin Random House Books
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Are you getting ready for Christmas? Here are two fun books to help your little ones get ready. The first is a wonderful activity book, Merry Christmas, Hello Kitty by Leigh Olsen.
This sticker activity book is packed full of activities, crafts, games, recipes and more! It comes with a poster as well as postcards.
Are you getting ready for Christmas? Here are two fun books to help your little ones get ready. The first is a wonderful activity book, Merry Christmas, Hello Kitty by Leigh Olsen.
This sticker activity book is packed full of activities, crafts, games, recipes and more! It comes with a poster as well as postcards.
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Carrie
Merry Chrsitmas, Hello Kitty! Activity Book & All I Want for Christmas Is You -- Book Reviews
2015-12-03T12:57:00-05:00
Carrie
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Dewey Bob -- 12 Days of Picture Books
Disclosure: Penguin Random House Books
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
I am so excited to share this with you today. Penguin Random House is celebrating the season with a 12 Days of Picture Books Gvieaway!!And I get to be part of it. The sent me some of the amazing books they are giving away to review. Today's book is Dewey Bob by Judy Schachner.
I am so excited to share this with you today. Penguin Random House is celebrating the season with a 12 Days of Picture Books Gvieaway!!And I get to be part of it. The sent me some of the amazing books they are giving away to review. Today's book is Dewey Bob by Judy Schachner.
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Carrie
Dewey Bob -- 12 Days of Picture Books
2015-12-02T06:00:00-05:00
Carrie
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When the Slave Esperanca Garcia Wrote a Letter -- Book Review
Disclosure: Groundwood Books
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
Continuing with true stories, here is a story about a courageous slave in Brazil. It is a story I hope more people will become familiar with and this book is the perfect start. When the Slave Esperanca Garcia Wrote a Letter by Sonia Rosa and illustrated by Luciana Justiniani Hees is based on the true story of a Brazilian slave named Esperanca Garcia. It is based on the copy of the letter found in the public archives of Piaui in 1979. As a result September 6 is now Black Consciousness Day in the state. Schools and cultural groups are now named after Esperanca Garcia. The original letter is in Lisbon, Portugal.
Continuing with true stories, here is a story about a courageous slave in Brazil. It is a story I hope more people will become familiar with and this book is the perfect start. When the Slave Esperanca Garcia Wrote a Letter by Sonia Rosa and illustrated by Luciana Justiniani Hees is based on the true story of a Brazilian slave named Esperanca Garcia. It is based on the copy of the letter found in the public archives of Piaui in 1979. As a result September 6 is now Black Consciousness Day in the state. Schools and cultural groups are now named after Esperanca Garcia. The original letter is in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Cambodian Dancer: Sophany's Gift of Hope -- Multicultural Book Review
Disclosure: Tuttle Publishing
gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. They also sent me a copy to giveaway! As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
I wanted to share a multicultural book with you for Multicultural Monday!! The Cambodian Dancer: Sophany's Gift of Hope by Daryn Reicherter and illustrated by Christy Hale is based on a true story. It seems appropriate to be sharing it now with the posts I have seen comparing Cambodia in the 1970's to Syria today. This story is about the life of a woman who was a refugee from Cambodia.
I wanted to share a multicultural book with you for Multicultural Monday!! The Cambodian Dancer: Sophany's Gift of Hope by Daryn Reicherter and illustrated by Christy Hale is based on a true story. It seems appropriate to be sharing it now with the posts I have seen comparing Cambodia in the 1970's to Syria today. This story is about the life of a woman who was a refugee from Cambodia.
The Sparkle Box -- A Must Read Christmas Book!!
Disclosure: I was sent these books to review
free of charge from Ideals Books./Worthy Kids.
All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive
any other compensation for this review. I am including links to each
item for your convenience but do not receive anything if you purchase
them.
When reading Christmas books I always like ones that have the true meaning of Christmas in the story. Many just retell the story of the first Christmas, however the book I am sharing with you today does not. It shares the real meaning of Christmas with children and gives an activity for the family to do as well to focus on Jesus during this sometimes over commercialized season. The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki is one of my favorite Christmas books ever.
When reading Christmas books I always like ones that have the true meaning of Christmas in the story. Many just retell the story of the first Christmas, however the book I am sharing with you today does not. It shares the real meaning of Christmas with children and gives an activity for the family to do as well to focus on Jesus during this sometimes over commercialized season. The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki is one of my favorite Christmas books ever.
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Carrie
The Sparkle Box -- A Must Read Christmas Book!!
2015-11-30T06:30:00-05:00
Carrie
Advent|charity|children's books|Christian|Christmas|love|printables|product review|religion|
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The Night Before Christmas -- Book Review
Disclosure: Parragon Books sent me a copy of this book free of charge. All opinions in my review are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As always I am
providing links to the book for your
convenience.
I think everyone know a bit of The Night Before Christmas words. The original poem was first published anonymously on December 23 1823 in the (Troy, New York) Sentinel with the title A Visit from St. Nicholas. It was sent in by a friend of Clement C. Moore who is believed to have written it though there is some debate. This poem helped shape Santa Claus as we know him today in his image and mode of transportation. (Source) Now are new book of The Night Before Christmas has been put out with it by Clement C. Moore and Harriet Muncaster. Harriet Muncaster did not change any of the words to the famous poem, but did some amazing things with the pictures.
I think everyone know a bit of The Night Before Christmas words. The original poem was first published anonymously on December 23 1823 in the (Troy, New York) Sentinel with the title A Visit from St. Nicholas. It was sent in by a friend of Clement C. Moore who is believed to have written it though there is some debate. This poem helped shape Santa Claus as we know him today in his image and mode of transportation. (Source) Now are new book of The Night Before Christmas has been put out with it by Clement C. Moore and Harriet Muncaster. Harriet Muncaster did not change any of the words to the famous poem, but did some amazing things with the pictures.
Posted by
Carrie
The Night Before Christmas -- Book Review
2015-11-29T20:03:00-05:00
Carrie
children's books|Christmas|poetry|product review|traditions|
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Mini Knitted Christmas -- Crafty Weekends Review & Link Party
Disclosure: I was sent this book to review
free of charge from Search Press.
All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive
any other compensation for this review. I am including links to each
item for your convenience but do not receive anything if you purchase from
them.
Are you getting ready for Christmas? I know we are at my house. Advent starts this weekend and I had grand plans of knitting Hazel a Nativity set to put in her Advent calendar this year. I was so excited to see the patterns in Mini Knitted Christmas by Sue Stratford.
This book has patterns for an entire Nativity set including the stable. The instructions are easy to follow and very clear. I however got myself confused and gave up on my Mary and stopped there. (This confusion was my own fault and not the book's.)
Are you getting ready for Christmas? I know we are at my house. Advent starts this weekend and I had grand plans of knitting Hazel a Nativity set to put in her Advent calendar this year. I was so excited to see the patterns in Mini Knitted Christmas by Sue Stratford.
This book has patterns for an entire Nativity set including the stable. The instructions are easy to follow and very clear. I however got myself confused and gave up on my Mary and stopped there. (This confusion was my own fault and not the book's.)
Posted by
Carrie
Mini Knitted Christmas -- Crafty Weekends Review & Link Party
2015-11-28T20:39:00-05:00
Carrie
animals|Christmas|Crafty Weekends|fairies|knitting|link party|Nativity|product review|toys|
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Sharing Saturday 15-47
Thank you to everyone who shared with us last week!! Even with the issues I had with Linky Tools last weekend, there were many amazing ideas shared. I had trouble choosing between them for features!! Our features are just a sampling of the wonderful things shared, so if you haven't checked out the rest you should!! The features for this week include Christmas Crafts, Holidays, and a Few Favorites. I have also started a new craft link party (the crafts just have to be family appropriate and not kid related) and it is a place to share crafts, reviews of patterns, craft books, etc. and patterns. I hope you will come check it out tomorrow. Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop is a monthly party, so be sure to stop by to share your multicultural posts and ideas and recipes there.
Posted by
Carrie
Sharing Saturday 15-47
2015-11-27T21:43:00-05:00
Carrie
Christmas|link party|Sharing Links|Sharing Saturday|
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Odd Squad, Peg + Cat, and Word World Christmas DVDs from PBS Kids
Disclosure: PBS Kids
gave me a copies of these DVDs free of charge. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation.
Looking for something to entertain the kids this long weekend? Here are three fun and educational DVDs to pick up while doing your shopping. The first we will share is Word World: Merry Christmas! This is a fun filled Word World DVD. Word World is perfect for the younger viewers who are beginning to read or learn letters. As with all Word World the objects are formed by the letters of their words.
Looking for something to entertain the kids this long weekend? Here are three fun and educational DVDs to pick up while doing your shopping. The first we will share is Word World: Merry Christmas! This is a fun filled Word World DVD. Word World is perfect for the younger viewers who are beginning to read or learn letters. As with all Word World the objects are formed by the letters of their words.
Posted by
Carrie
Odd Squad, Peg + Cat, and Word World Christmas DVDs from PBS Kids
2015-11-27T09:14:00-05:00
Carrie
Christmas|dvd|educational|holiday|math|product review|
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Holiday Gift Suggestions--Books for Kids to Create Their Own Play
Disclosure: I was sent these books to review
free of charge from Storey Publishing.
All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive
any other compensation for this review. I am including links to each
item for your convenience but do not receive anything if you purchase
them.
In honor of Black Friday I thought I would share some fun books for kids of different ages to create their own fun and play. The first is Teddy Bear Doctor by Deanna F. Cook, and we have already reviewed this amazing book. This is our go to gift for Hazel's friends. We buy a copy of the book with a small stuffed animal and it is perfect! The age recommendation is ages 3-8. Some of the crafts in the book would be difficult for a 3-year-old, but it is perfect for the 5-8 range.
In honor of Black Friday I thought I would share some fun books for kids of different ages to create their own fun and play. The first is Teddy Bear Doctor by Deanna F. Cook, and we have already reviewed this amazing book. This is our go to gift for Hazel's friends. We buy a copy of the book with a small stuffed animal and it is perfect! The age recommendation is ages 3-8. Some of the crafts in the book would be difficult for a 3-year-old, but it is perfect for the 5-8 range.
Posted by
Carrie
Holiday Gift Suggestions--Books for Kids to Create Their Own Play
2015-11-26T19:00:00-05:00
Carrie
children's books|creative play|dramatic play|gift|holiday|product review|
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Happy Thanksgiving -- Easy Craft and Free Printables!
Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a time where family and friends gather and are thankful for the many things we have. It is a time where I also think about the history of the United States and pray that we can treat each other better in the future. Above is a simple paper plate craft that Hazel made at Lakeshore Learning this past weekend. It is meant to be a centerpiece, but ours does not stand up very well. I think maybe a toilet paper roll instead of the rolled up brown paper would be better. However it is really cute and I loved all the things she is thankful for this year! You can download instructions on their website for this craft and all the free crafts for kids.
Posted by
Carrie
Happy Thanksgiving -- Easy Craft and Free Printables!
2015-11-26T00:00:00-05:00
Carrie
crafts|printables|Thanksgiving|turkey|
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Wampanoag's Cranberry Day -- Native American Heritage Series & Giveaway
I have a confession to make. Until recently, I did not understand why the Native American mascots were so offensive. I went to a high school where our mascot was a warrior and being a child of the 80's the song, The Warrior, was very popular at our school. Our cross town rival's mascot was a chieftan. I saw these as a way to honor Native Americans and not to insult or hurt them. This fall I have read several articles on-line (Huffington Post and The Guardian) that made me understand why they are hurtful. For some people these are the only images they have of Native Americans. This had not occurred to me since I have always had a fascination with Native American lifestyles, stories and such. I also understand why many Native Americans consider Thanksgiving the National Day of Mourning (see Huffington Post for more on this). Although Native Americans have always held days to honor and be thankful for the harvest, it is hard to watch the country celebrate and reenact a day that lead to so many of their own people's death and the loss of their land. I have written about the Wampanoag, a bit on Squanto and this year we explored Metacomet (King Philip) and I wrote even more about Squanto over at All Done Monkey. To honor the Wampanoag and to learn more about them as part of our Thanksgiving I thought we would explore one of their harvest holidays. I should also refer you to our post on cranberries since the holiday is Cranberry Day. Our first discovery of this holiday was the book Cranberry Day by Jannette Vanderhoop.
Posted by
Carrie
Wampanoag's Cranberry Day -- Native American Heritage Series & Giveaway
2015-11-25T03:00:00-05:00
Carrie
blog hop|children's books|cooking|cranberry|educational|fruit|giveaway|holiday|Multicultural|Native American|
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Prophecy -- Young Adult Book Review
Disclosure: Novel Publicity sent me a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions in my review are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As always I am
providing links to the book for your
convenience.
A few weeks ago I shared a review of Legacy by Ellery A. Kane which is the first book in this amazing series. In the second book of the Legacy Series, Prophecy by Ellery A. Kane, time has moved on and the government has disbanded the Guardian Force and reopened San Francisco. They have even reopened Standford University (the only college allowed open).
Prophecy gives more of the background of details that lead up to the evacuation of San Francisco and the start up of the Guardian Force. It also tells us what life is like for Lex and Quin and their friends and family after the need to fight the Guardian Force is over. Quin's father has been released from prison. However he is then arrested for the murder of his new wife. With his past murder behind him, it is hard for Lex to be positive of his innocence. This brings a wedge between Lex and Quin. Will their relationship last? Then their nemesis, Augustus Porter is back and doing his conning and double crossing again. This time however he is out for blood--Lex's. The characters are well developed and there are new ones as well as many of the old ones from Legacy.
Like the first book, I was not able to put this book down. In fact I had trouble falling asleep some nights after reading before bed because my mind was whirling with what was happening in the story. It is an intense and action filled story. There are surprises around every page and it even ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. Personally I cannot wait to read the third and final book in the series, but alas I have to wait until it is available.
This series is a fun-filled adventure for any young adult or adult reader. I highly recommend it!!
A few weeks ago I shared a review of Legacy by Ellery A. Kane which is the first book in this amazing series. In the second book of the Legacy Series, Prophecy by Ellery A. Kane, time has moved on and the government has disbanded the Guardian Force and reopened San Francisco. They have even reopened Standford University (the only college allowed open).
Prophecy gives more of the background of details that lead up to the evacuation of San Francisco and the start up of the Guardian Force. It also tells us what life is like for Lex and Quin and their friends and family after the need to fight the Guardian Force is over. Quin's father has been released from prison. However he is then arrested for the murder of his new wife. With his past murder behind him, it is hard for Lex to be positive of his innocence. This brings a wedge between Lex and Quin. Will their relationship last? Then their nemesis, Augustus Porter is back and doing his conning and double crossing again. This time however he is out for blood--Lex's. The characters are well developed and there are new ones as well as many of the old ones from Legacy.
Like the first book, I was not able to put this book down. In fact I had trouble falling asleep some nights after reading before bed because my mind was whirling with what was happening in the story. It is an intense and action filled story. There are surprises around every page and it even ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. Personally I cannot wait to read the third and final book in the series, but alas I have to wait until it is available.
This series is a fun-filled adventure for any young adult or adult reader. I highly recommend it!!
Posted by
Carrie
Prophecy -- Young Adult Book Review
2015-11-24T18:47:00-05:00
Carrie
books|Mommy time|product review|young adult|
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The Little Christmas Tree -- Book Review & Craft
Disclosure: Kregel Publications sent me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review
are
my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my
reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.
It is hard to believe Thanksgiving is this week. Christmas is just around the corner. Today we get to share a book that is being added to our must read every year list for Christmas. These are books that bring the Christmas story and season alive. The Little Christmas Tree by Andrea Skevington and illustrated by Lorna Hussey is a definite must read. When we read it again last night Hazel commented on how she LOVES this story.
It is hard to believe Thanksgiving is this week. Christmas is just around the corner. Today we get to share a book that is being added to our must read every year list for Christmas. These are books that bring the Christmas story and season alive. The Little Christmas Tree by Andrea Skevington and illustrated by Lorna Hussey is a definite must read. When we read it again last night Hazel commented on how she LOVES this story.
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