Category: education

Copycat Science Book Review

Step in the shoes of the world’s greatest scientists in Copycat Science.

About Copycat Science

This unique book of simple and safe STEM-related experiments and activities is presented in fun comic strip style. Each experiment or activity follows a cartoon life history of a figure from science, math’s or engineering so that the reader can relate their experiment to science done by actual people.

This graphic, comic style book puts an emphasis on fun, and encourages readers to try it out at home, while the diverse range of scientists included will inspire all readers to become hands on.

Our Thoughts

I love the sciences and feel strongly that it is so important for children to be exposed to the topics at a young age. Science should be fun (because it is!) and age appropriate, find what engages your child and go with it.

Copycat Science is a fun, engaging book for youth that connects with them in a way they can appreciate – a comic/cartoon style. It is written in a fun and easy style that makes it easy for young readers to follow along with (and parents too!) but still provides key concepts and figures. Each two page spread features a scientist on the first page and an experiment on the second page. Visually the illustrations are excellent and typical of a comic strip.

Some of the scientists you may know, but others will be new to you – I never knew about Laura Bassi ‘the First Lady of Physics’ or Ibn Al-Haytham, the ‘Arabian Visionary’ (so not only were we learning about science but also about history). The experiments were easy to re-create and for the most part, you can complete them with items found around your home. I loved this aspect, because there is nothing worse than coming home with a book of experiments to have to go back out to get supplies.

Copycat Science is a fun, engaging new way to get your child interested in the sciences and getting hands on at home.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Mike Barfield is a writer, poet, performer, songwriter, ukulele player, and cartoonist. He has written extensively for TV and radio – with credits as diverse as Spitting Image, The Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Show and five years on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. His cartoon feature Apparently has appeared in the pages of Private Eye for over 20 years, and his drawings have been on display in the Cartoon Museum, the V & A, the Museum of London, and Nigella Lawson’s downstairs loo.

His Destroy This Book series (published by Buster Books) has been sold around the world, starting with the Destroy This Book In The Name of Science! The Element in the Room (Lawrence King, 2018) which was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2019.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Take an Adventure This Summer with My Gnome on the Roam

Gnome on the Roam

Summer break for children is set to begin in just over two weeks. As parents we may be busy trying to figure out how to fill the weeks. It could be with summer camp, day trips and even daily activities. While fun is always at the heart of what we do, education is so important! We want to keep their minds just as active during the summer months being creative, writing and reading.

Take an Adventure This Summer with My Gnome on the Roam

What is Gnome on the Roam?

Gustav, the Gnome, is an inquisitive gnome who longs to explore the world outside of his own yard. In order to do so, he needs the help and love of your child to make this happen!

Take an Adventure This Summer with My Gnome on the Roam

Your Gnome arrives at your home in their own special suitcase ready for your child to take them on an adventure. Your Gnome brings with them a special journal for your child to record their adventures in, Gnome on the Roam book and a very special pen to write with.

Take an Adventure This Summer with My Gnome on the Roam

When your Gnome arrives you can take some time to decorate him/her to give the Gnome a personal touch and connect each other. We also downloaded the app on the Apple Store to get new ideas, create online journals, upload photos and more. You can also visit the website to get more ideas (resource list), colouring book and the adventurers guide.

Take an Adventure This Summer with My Gnome on the Roam

I loved that the kit encourages families to explore their world around them and to expand their knowledge when they get home. It doesn’t have to be big adventures, all that matters is that you get away from the television, video games, electronics and get moving and writing. I am a firm believer of always pushing yourself to learn more (I am a forever student always taking another course!) and I want my children to learn the importance of writing, reading and hands on education.

My Gnome on the Roam gives your family the ability to take charge to their own adventures, learn more about each others creativity and personalities and learn new things. Bonus – it keeps everyone busy and interested with new activities throughout the whole summer. While a special activity for your child – it is an activity that the whole family can come together with.

Take an Adventure This Summer with My Gnome on the Roam

You can connect with Gnome on the Roam on their website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can purchase your own Gnome on Amazon.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change

Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change

Momentus: One person, one action, one moment can make a difference.

Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change

About Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change

One person, one action, one moment can make a difference. Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change provides tangible, real-life, and current examples that back up this idea. This book is more than a “how-to” guide―Hannah Alper gets to the heart of what sparks people to create change. A youth activist herself, Hannah explores the lives of the social activists who have inspired her and the significant impacts they are making locally and globally. Featuring 19 exclusive interviews conducted personally by Hannah with activists, youth change-makers, and celebrities, the book highlights practical examples of the power of positive change in the world, whether large or small. Hannah also shares her personal journey as a youth activist, blogger, motivational speaker, and WE Ambassador. Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change will motivate you to find your spark and give you the tools to make your change happen. “I believe we all have the capacity and responsibility to create change. I don’t care how old you are or how young you are, where you live or how much money you have. The ability to create change does not discriminate, it’s in everyone.” ― Hannah Alper

My Thoughts

Being a young adult is hard – you have these amazing and creative ideas because you look at the world in a different manner than adults do but it is hard at times to get people to listen to you. You may feel like you are too young to accomplish the things you want, that your voice will not be loud enough, that your help wont make a difference and would your peers treat and look at you differently if you don’t follow the norm?.

But what if our young adults (and pre-teens) are given the tools, the support and the encouragement to know that you can make a difference?

Momentus is an amazing story of a young girl who wanted to make a change and understood that it is little changes that make a huge impact and the world a better place. Hannah began her journey at the young age of nine! Yes nine – pretty amazing right?

I fell in love with the way that Hannah writes, she is so personal and has a way of reaching out to you from the pages. Her book feels more like a one on one conversation with her, with her there making you laugh, sharing the good and bad and encouraging you on your own journey. She shares both her good and not so good moments (like when her class mates can make unkind remarks about her ‘changing the world’) and I liked her honesty. This is a tough age for our youth when they are expected to act like adults but not always given the same independence in return. Sometimes they need that extra encouragement from someone who has already been there to help them along with their own journey.

The book is broken down with Hannah’s role models and they are all incredible. It was very interesting learning about their stories, some of them I never knew about before. We learn about the issue that they are addressing (anything from homelessness to environment to bullying), what their special gift is and Hannah’s reflection and suggestions on how you can help out in that area.

Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change is a truly special book written by a gifted young author. She has an amazing talent in writing and inspiring both youths and adults! This book is a must read for all young adults so that they can see even the smallest acts can make a great difference in this world.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Chapters. You can purchase a copy in store at Indigo, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and Mastermind.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

As a young Canadian writer, activist, public speaker, and global citizen, Hannah Alper started her career in activism at the age of nine. Now 14 years old, Hannah has found power in using her voice to inspire, motivate, and empower people of all ages to identify their passion and take action for a better world. Her journey as a youth activist shows that when it comes to leading social change, there is no such thing as “too young.” Perhaps best known as WE Day motivational speaker and WE Ambassador, Hannah is committed to promoting that big change begins with small, everyday actions.

You can connect with Hannah on her website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Make a Memorable Holiday Season by Adopting a Species Through WWF Canada

Make a Memorable Christmas by Adopting a Species Through WWF Canada

Last Christmas, my family and I made the trip to my husband’s home – South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. While we visited his family, we were able to experience the amazing wildlife and animal sanctuaries that can be found in abundance. This exposure really drove home for our children and us how important it is to protect our wildlife and that one person can make a huge difference in the life of an animal. Here were everyday people who were making a huge difference in the world one animal at a time by rescuing injured animals, nursing them back to health and if it was possible release them back into the wild.

Passport to Adventure

When we returned home to Canada, our youngest was adamant that he wanted to grow up to take care of animals. Now whether this means he will be a Ranger in a park in Canada or leave us to go care for the animals abroad, we were so proud of him and wanted to continue to encourage him to do his part in caring for our wildlife.

Make a Memorable Christmas by Adopting a Species Through WWF Canada

But how could we do this?

World Wildlife Canada gives Canadians a unique opportunity to support a species while gifting an important person in their life with a special gift pack. For this holiday season, why not consider purchasing an Adoption Kit from WWF Canada! The Adoption Kit contains a plush toy of that species, personalized adoption certificate, reusable tote and information pamphlet and poster.

You can choose from a wide range of species that includes:

  • Canada Lynx
  • Atlantic Puffin
  • Three toed sloth
  • Red fox
  • Snowy Owl
  • Snow Leopard
  • and so many more!

For a complete listing of all the species that you can adopt, make sure to visit the WWF Canada shop where you can find the adoption kits and so many more gift ideas. The Adoption Kits range in price from $40 to $50 Canadian and can be shipped directly to the recipient or to yourself so that you can see their reaction when you give them their gift (which is honestly the most beautiful experience you can see, the happiness and shock in their face makes your day).

Make a Memorable Christmas by Adopting a Species Through WWF Canada

We received the Red Fox and I have never seen our son so excited before. His favourite part was the Adoption certificate, for him that paper signified that a red fox in Canada was being cared for because someone cared and made a donation in his name. He had a chance to make a difference in the life of an animal and this meant the world to him. We later framed his adoption certificate so he could place it on his shelf in his room to remind him everyday to care for others that need our help.

This holiday season please consider giving someone important in your life a gift that has the power to change the world – an Adoption Kit from WWF Canada. For a small cost, you not only help a species but you gift the most memorable gift a child (or friend) will ever receive.

Make sure you follow WWF Canada on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest information and more.

Disclosure: We received an Adoption Kit, no further compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Opposite Things by Anna Kovecses

Opposite Things by Anna Kovecses

It is time to learn all about opposites with your favourite character, Little Mouse!

Opposite Things by Anna Kovecses

About Opposite Things

Learn your opposites with Little Mouse! This cute board book features a large lift-flap on every page, making learning about opposites easy and fun! With stylish retro-modern illustrations this is the perfect introduction to opposites for young children.

Our Thoughts

Little Mouse is back and this time we are being taught all about opposites. This is an area, in my own experience with my children, that I found the hardest to help my child learn about. We could talk about it and go over things like big vs small but when it came time for recall later, they had a tougher time with this subject.

This hardcover book (which is a must for young hands!), helps address this topic through imagery, repetitive words and fun. We learn about the opposite of wet, inside, happy and so much more as Little Mouse explores these areas. Children will have fun lifting the flap that accompanies each page which also helps them if they get stuck on a word.

The illustrations are bright, bold but simple. They have a geometric type feel to them that will help young children identify the objects (sun, house, mouth and so on) and helps to engage them in the story.

The book is geared to children aged two to five. It is part of a series of books about Little Mouse that includes Counting Things and One Thousand Things. This book (and the Little Mouse collection) would make a beautiful gift for a young child, baby shower or a special addition into your child’s home library.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Young, dynamic illustrator ANNA KOVECSES’s work marries contemporary minimalism with an appealing retro-modern illustration style. Born in Hungary, she lives and works in Cyprus.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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