Just Us Girls -48 Creative Art & Craft Projects for Mothers & Daughters review

Explore and nurture your mother-daughter bond and create a keepsake that you'll cherish forever. This highly-illustrated craft and activity book includes 48 heartfelt, earth-friendly projects to make together. The projects mix and explore themes of beauty, magic, and appreciation for the natural world, while moving through the seasons of the year. (goodreads summary)




If you love crafting with your daughter but need some new ideas, this would be a great book to try! The crafts are quick and easy using many natural, earth friendly and best of all upcycled materials.  It is divided into different sections by the four seasons and includes the elements of earth, wind, fire and water bringing you closer to the appreciation and beauty of nature. The project pages also offer tips and information that will help make your crafting time together extra special.  A couple of my favorites were the Totem Pole Painted Tin Cans that focuses on your family traits or the Miniature Shadow Box to capture a special moment or dream encouraging creativity. The directions were simple to follow, plenty of beautiful photographs and the supplies can be easily found by searching outdoors or recycling things from around the house. The first few pages offer a list of items you will need and a brief introduction to the meaning of the seasons and elements which were helpful.

I also think this would make a wonderful addition for a Girl Scout Troop looking for some fun themed activities such as; the Treasure Box Nature Scavenger Hunt, Salt Dough Crafts or a Happy Thoughts Jar. If a birthday party is in the near future, then there are Nature Wands or Fairy Homes to create as well. With 48 projects to choose from you are sure to find something inspiring. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6 and up.~

Title: Just Us Girls-48 Creative Art & Crafts Projects
Author:  Cindy Ann Ganaden
Pub. Date:  March 2014, Quarry Books
Genre: Nonfiction
Paperback, 144 pgs.

Tap to Play! review

Tap to play!
Blip has to reach the bar to win his game--but he needs your help. If he wins, he gets a surprise!  Bounce Blip, shake Blip, tilt him and tickle him! Help Blip win the game in this spirited interactive picture book, perfect for reading--and playing--again and again! (goodreads summary)



Before Blip can win a special surprise, children will have to help him reach the bar before the time runs out.  They need to shake, tilt, tap and flap in order for him to reach his goal. The character is cute and looks friendly. Because of its' simplicity though, this probably would be better for preschool age kids. The large and bold text would work well as a read-aloud for a small group.  Many feel that this is too similar to other interactive books and were not impressed with it. I agree that it is somewhat generic but I guess I am all for whatever gets kids moving or shaking. This book makes for a quick movement activity and a little fun to break up the day! In the end, they could even try other ideas for movement they think might work just as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-4.~

Title: Tap to Play!
Author: Salina Yoon
Pub. date: October, 2014,  Balzer & Bray
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

The Fourteenth Goldfish review

Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly enough he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?


Eleven-year-old Ellie has many unexpected changes since the start of middle school.  Her mom is a high school drama teacher and her dad is an actor that travels. They both keep telling Ellie she needs to find a passion. Her best friend Brianna has found a new group with the volleyball team. Her babysitter suddenly quits one day and her scientist grandfather, Melvin, comes home with her mom looking like a 13 year old boy. Apparently, he thinks he has discovered the fountain of youth which he experimented on himself that turned him back into a teenage boy. At the current moment though, he is designated as Ellie's new babysitter after school. Unfortunately, he wants to break into his old laboratory with her help to retrieve his jellyfish T.melvinus, which was used to create a compound to reverse the aging process.  Grandpa Melvin plans to change the world with this discovery and win the Noble prize but at what cost.........

This story would not only connect with a reader who is a science enthusiast but others may enjoy the humor and message as well.  It has an unusual theme with several funny moments and leaves you thinking about the interesting topic of people never-aging.  The short chapters move along quickly and smoothly while keeping its' reader engaged for the final outcome in the end. It is funny that even though grandpa Melvin now has a body of a 13 year old boy, he still dresses and acts like a 76 year old man .  He wants a younger self but yet is he ready for the changes that come along with it? The characters of Ellie and her grandpa definitely learn from one another helping bridge the generation gap as well.  Ellie also senses that what her parents want her to be, may not be what she is best at. When she opens her mind to science, she discovers that it is worth the try, finding herself wondering and thinking about the "what ifs".   Ellie also connects with a new friend Raj and there are many character developments within the story for everyone. There are several references to real people who have made scientific impacts on our world such as; Marie Curie or Robert Oppenheimer offering many teaching moments throughout the book. I loved that the author encourages her readers to observe the world around us and find the scientist in themselves. Once the story got going it was simple, fast-paced and could be a good book report talk for a reluctant reader. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-12.~


Title:  The Fourteenth Goldfish
Author:  Jennifer L. Holm
Pub. Date: August 2014, Random House for Young Readers
Genre: fiction
Hardcover, 195 pgs.

The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate! review

Did you know that for thousands of years, chocolate was a beverage and not a solid candy? Or that soldiers in the Revolutionary War received a monthly ration of chocolate for drinking? Learn all about the history of America's favorite wintertime treat in this fun, fact-filled Level 3 Ready-to-Read!(goodreads summary)




Nothing warms you better on a cold winter's day than a cup of hot chocolate!  I didn't realize though that there was an actual history to this delicious beverage. This fun and fact-filled nonfiction book will make an expert out of any hot chocolate lover.

Learning the origins that the cacao bean was first considered to be medicinal by the Olmec people of Central America and how it eventually travelled to Spain, was just the first of many history lessons. The Spanish thought the drink tasted terrible and experimented with sugar and cinnamon, which made a very tasty treat that they kept secret for 100 years.  Eventually, it made its way to France and then over the English Channel. It found its way to the British Colonists in America and Thomas Jefferson helped spread the word about hot chocolate since he was fond of good food and drink. I read many more fascinating things as well from this informative chapter book.  I also liked that at the end of the story there is a quick quiz to help readers recall what they learned.  Kids will walk away with so much knowledge about the past that they will be excited to share what they know the next time they take a sip from a big mug of hot chocolate.  Of course, with whip cream or marshmallows included..... I think this is a "just right book" for level 3 readers in 2nd-3rd grade.~


Title:  The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate!
Author:  Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Rob McClurkan
Pub. date:  October 2014,, Simon Spotlight
Genre: nonfiction - Level 3 chapter book
Hardcover, 48 pgs.

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole review

Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.(goodreads summary)



Sam and Dave are digging a hole in the hopes of finding something spectacular.  As they dig deeper and deeper they keep coming up empty handed.

This clever story is simple, easy-to-read and big on subtle humor. Kids will find the illustrations visually fun to look at as the boys dig in different directions while unknowingly, the something spectacular they are looking for is right there in front of them.  They will giggle when they see how close the boys come to discovering something amazing and will want to shout out "it's right there!"  The ending was different than I expected but leaves open for wondering and thought provoking question. An observant reader will also notice that the beginning picture and ending pictures have slight differences. If they catch it, they will have fun pointing them out to others. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole
Author: Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Pub. Date:  October 2014, Candlewick Press
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Thanksgiving for Emily Ann review

Emily Ann doesn't like Thanksgiving, not one bit. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, she feels a little ignored...and just a little bit sad. But just as Emily Ann prepares to do her worst, her family comes together to show her what matters most about Thanksgiving: family.(goodreads summary)





What would Thanksgiving be without at least one new story for the holiday. But by the looks of this cover, I think Emily Ann may be a little devious. Feeling alone and left out while the Thanksgiving Day preparations are going on around her, she decides to be a little bit naughty with the family turkey. Luckily, her plan is intercepted by her mom and realizes that Thanksgiving is a wonderful time after all.

This is a short and simple rhyming story that has a theme of gratitude and family.  Emily Ann's negative attitude turned around for the better when she saw the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Her expression went from naughty to cheerful and then I liked her much better as a character. The dog was cute as her sidekick on each page. This is a quick read and one to share that encourages the meaning of Thanksgiving.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Thanksgiving for Emily Ann
Author: Teresa Johnston, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Pub. Date: August 2014, Cartwheel Books
Genre: picture book, Thanksgiving
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

I Kill the Mockingbird review

When Lucy, Elena, and Michael receive their summer reading list, they are excited to see To Kill A Mockingbird. But not everyone in their class shares the same enthusiasm. So they hatch a plot to get the entire town talking about the well-known Harper Lee classic. They plan controversial ways to get people to read the book, including re-shelving copies of the book in bookstores so that people think they are missing and starting a website committed to “destroying the mockingbird.”


Lucy and her two best friends are excited about the summer before their freshman year of high school. Their new 8th grade English teacher gives them a summer reading list and Lucy's favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird, is among the recommended. Unfortunately, her fellow classmates are not as thrilled as she is about reading it. With the help of her friends, they come up with a plan that blossoms into something bigger than they ever imagined.  Soon their intentions get out of hand and as the demand increases for the popular book, it soon turns into an unexpected revolt.

This story has everyday modern teenagers using and learning about the power of social media. Lucy, Elena and Michael's anonymous campaign gets everyone talking about the book and wanting it more by making it unavailable. The plan was to re-shelve books at local bookstores and libraries while also making a website declaring the destruction of the book.  Unfortunately, their crusade takes a bad turn and quickly explodes outside of their small town unknowingly realizing the impact the Internet can have.  Of course they have serious damage control now and problem solving was a key to eventually fixing the monster they had created.  Among all of this, each character seemed real with individual stories of their own. Lucy was coming to terms with her mom's Cancer, Elena lived with her Uncle above his bookstore because her parents died in a car crash and Michael was a baseball superstar discouraged because he is not using his skills to full potential.  Lucy and Michael also have this attraction to each other that is uncertain.  The three attend a Catholic school and there is a lot of religious speak throughout the book. The characters are definitely a rare breed for their young age, being such big book nerds and declaring what they do "for the love of books." It is refreshing though to find a clean, witty coming-of-age story. The chapters are short and flow easily for a quick read. For kids who have read To Kill a Mockingbird already, there are many references that they will connect to. There are so many other mentions of book titles and authors that I felt myself  saying "oh yeah, I know about that." The kids do learn a big lesson and take ownership for their actions which I was happy to see. 

I read that this book is recommended for grades 5-8. Towards the end, the kids are discussing what is in To Kill a Mockingbird and one reference is that "the story has rape, murder, lynching and rabies."  In our school district To Kill a Mockingbird is the big freshman year reading book and that subject was a short topic of discussion before the kids read it.  They should understand the content first so I'm not sure how this would be a good fit for a 5th to 6th grader.  I feel it may be better suited for a mature reader instead.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 12-14. 

Title:  I Kill the Mockingbird
Author:  Paul Acampora 
Pub. Date: May 2014, Roaring Book Press
Genre: fiction, middle grade
Hardcover, 166 pgs.

Hands off my Honey! review

Bear has a great big jar of delicious honey. And he wont share with anyone! But Mouse, Mole, and the Rabbit Brothers are hungry. With a jump, leap, and a roll, they set out across the forest. Can they make it to the honey without that scary bear seeing them?(goodreads summary)




All the animals run and hide while Bear stomps through the forest declaring the jar of honey for himself. He will not share even one drop; but the other creatures are determined to get some of that delicious honey too. While Bear sits and eats from his enormous jar, the others are sneaking up on him with anticipation for some yummy eating as well.

This is a delightful story with big, bold illustrations and large text for easy reading. The forest animals were cute as they worked as a team trying to get some of Bear's honey for themselves. One character, Mole, was exceptionally clumsy and the others were very forgiving which was heart-warming. This will be a fun read aloud and young ones will be surprised at the unexpected twist at the end.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Hands off My Honey!
Author: Jane Chapman
Pub. Date: March 2013, Tiger Tales
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
 

How to Behave at a Tea Party review

Julia's little brother doesn't know how to behave at a tea party.  She will show Charles that slurping and burping are not allowed, that teacups are not building blocks, and that underwear does not count as a fancy hat. Charles will teach Julia that tea parties sometimes require deep breaths, and welcoming unexpected guests, and that maybe--just maybe--there is more than one way to properly behave.


How do you behave at a tea party? Well, Julia knows all about the proper etiquette to hosting the perfect tea party and she is determined to teach her younger brother Charles. There are many things you must do to get ready for a tea party... First, you open your invitation; next, wash your elbow and knee; put on your fancy clothes and eventually, hold your tea cup nicely by the handle. Unfortunately, she learns that some guests have their own idea how to behave at tea parties that do not always match hers.

This was a cute story with a funny twist about being flexible and finding out there is no perfect way to do things. Many kids might relate to the sibling relationship as Julia wants Charles and the neighbor boys to behave a certain way; yet instead they have their own minds about things. The boys do cause quite a bit of mayhem and you feel Julia's frustration as she gets angry and yells at them to go away.  But with a second thought, she opens up to the situation and ends up throwing the best party after all. This would be a fun read-aloud for a tea party play date with plenty of giggles. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: How to Behave at a Tea Party
Author:  Madeyln Rosenberg
Pub. Date: September 2014, Katherine Tegan Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Emily's Blue Period review

Emily wants to be an artist. She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up.Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing.“When Picasso was sad for a while,” says Emily, “he only painted in blue. And now I am in my blue period.”It might last quite some time.(goodreads summary)



In school, Emily is learning about Pablo Picasso. She would like to be an artist herself someday but at the moment her life is a little out of sorts. Her parents are getting divorced and Emily feels that everything is mixed up and is sad on the inside.  When Picasso was sad he only would paint in shades of blue. Emily feels that she is having one of those blue periods and that it might last for a long time.  

This is a wonderful book told from a child's point-of-view about the feelings and emotions they have when parents divorce. Usually the topic is covered more at the middle grade level, so it is nice to find one geared towards the younger age group. Many will find themselves connecting with Emily and her brother on some feelings and changes they could be facing with their own family. In Art Class, Emily has a collage project to make about her house but it raises questions about her home since she now will have two. This book depicts many emotions such as sadness, anger and confusion not only from a child's perspective in words but illustrated wonderfully that I felt Emily's blueness.  Her brother Jack's insightful take on where home is was heart warming. This would work well opening up discussion about how kids are feeling on a new situation. Although a picture book, the story is written in a chapter-like style. I also liked that it teaches a little about Pablo Picasso.  This may be  suited for an older picture book reader independently or to be read-aloud to younger ones.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-9.~

Title: Emily's Blue Period
Author: Cathleen Daly
Pub. Date: June 2014, Roaring Brook Press
Genre: picture book, chapter book
Hardcover, 56 pgs.

Sleepyheads review

Both spirited and soothing, this bedtime read-aloud story is the perfect preface for a trip to dreamland. The sun has set, and sleepyheads all across the land are tucked into their cozy beds. But there's one little sleepyhead who's not in his bed.(goodreads summary)



Getting those little ones to finally settle in after a long day can sometimes be a challenge.  This book is the perfect read-aloud for cuddling and helping them wind down from that busy day. Adding this sweet and soothing story to a nightly bedtime routine is sure to let kids know that it is time for a good night sleep themselves. The simple rhyming text and cute illustrations of baby animals sleeping in special places throughout, adds a sense of calmness and offers a gentle message to children that it is their turn now for sleep. One little sleepyhead seems to be missing from their bed at the end but has a very heart warming outcome. This one could soon become a bedtime favorite and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-5.~

Title:  Sleepyheads
Author: Sandra J. Howatt, Illustrated by Joyce Wan
Pub. Date: May 2014, Beach Lane Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Once Upon a Memory review

 

When a feather drifts through a child's window, a magical journey begins. As the boy follows the feather, he is swept away to a world filled with adorable animals, where fantasy and reality come together in surprising and playful ways. From the cake that once was grain to the ocean that once was rain, whimsical "before" and "after" scenes offer readers a peek at the world as seen through the eyes of a curious child,  asking  "What will you remember?" 



When I finished reading this gentle story, I stopped for a moment or two just to reflect back on the text and pictures again.  The combination of words and serene illustrations give it a sleepy, dreamy feeling that will help wind you down from an active day. The rhyming text is simple but so meaningful when read at a slow pace, which is great at bedtime. The illustrations are done by one of my favorites, Renata Liwska, who is so captivating and pulls me into the story by her drawings every time. She has a way with the animals expression that give them a lifelike quality. The last page offers a look at some favorite memories from the author and illustrator that will open conversation about remembering some of your favorite things. There is just something about this sweet quiet book that I know will be a favorite in my memory. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-7.~

Title: Once Upon a Memory
Author: Nina Laden, illustrated by Renata Liwska
Pub. Date: December 2013, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs. 



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