Month: June 2018

June 30, 2018

Explore and Learn with Junior Maker by DK Canada

Create, discover, play and learn with Junior Maker brought to you by DK Canada.

About Junior Maker

Little ones will love to get in on the maker fun with this cool book that supplements and complements the subjects they learn at school, while also encouraging hands-on interactivity and play.

With clear step-by-step instructions and photos, young children will learn about a given subject through interactive activities, crafts, and experiments. There are a huge variety of projects to choose from–from watching a homemade volcano erupt or building a storm in a jar to taking a trip back in time to see how the Roman legionaries conquered their enemies. In addition to nature and history, the book also covers wildlife and space, so there’s something for animal lovers and future astronauts alike.

Our Thoughts

Children have a natural curiosity of the world around them. They want to touch, feel and ask questions. It is so important as parents that we support this and actually encourage this behaviour as it will serve them well in the long run.

Junior Maker is a fantastic resource for parents and children who love to make experiments and ask questions in order to learn more about the world around them. It is roughly letter sized with a hard cover and uses bright, bold illustrations that are appropriate for this age group. It excites them and draws them into the learning.

This book covers important topics like: space, nature, history, animals and science. The alien invasion pages were my own personal favourites! This wide range of topics is age appropriate and uses humours and illustrations to make learning fun (a win win for parents!). The experiments and crafts are easy to follow and contains a full list of what you will need (and most you will find in your own home or maybe even outside. We made a series of stone creatures for our own garden and had a blast creating our little animal friends (although a few of those creatures definitely came from someone’s imagination!). Our next craft for this summer? Bird feeders, Roman shields and a lion mosaic!

This is an excellent summer time learning book that both you and your child will have a fantastic time learning and creating together. It gets them away from electronics (a must in the summer) and having fun together as a family.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and DK Canada.

Rating: 5/5

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

June 28, 2018

The Case of the Pinched Stradivarius

In The Case of the Pinched Stradivarius, two bickering turtles manage to solve a very real crime without ever leaving their tank.

About The Case of the Pinched Stradivarius

From their aquarium in the window of an apartment in a New York high-rise, two bickering turtles manage to solve a very real crime without ever leaving their tank. They are pets, limited to swimming and fighting over the right to sit on the one rock in their tank. One day, while looking out the window, they see a crime committed: a little girl’s violin is stolen by a bad man who grabs it and runs away. The turtles are the only witnesses, and because they are turtles, nobody can hear them call for help. This is the story of how they manage to solve the crime and bring the thief to justice and thus become: Miles and Fargo, turtle detectives.

Our Thoughts

This adorably illustrated children’s book follows the tale of two inspiring and curious turtles in New York. They adore their Mom but are annoyed and a little confused by their two dog siblings. They watch the world around them, both inside and outside, from the comfort of their tank. One of these days, they witnessed the robbery of a very special violin, a Stradivarius, from a young girl. They know exactly who the thief was but what they couldn’t do? Tell anyone! They tried to explain it to their Mom but she doesn’t speak turtle (of course). When they try to enlist the help of their furry siblings, they learn that dogs sometimes aren’t the best listeners!

They do manage to trick their furry siblings into helping them solve the mystery with the easiest trick in the book to get a dog to listen – treats! While super creative and really the true heroes behind the story, it is their dog siblings that get all the credit at the end of the story for solving the crime.

This was a well written children’s book that was engaging and full of humour. You can’t help laugh at Miles and Fargo and fall in love with them. The same goes for their furry siblings, we laughed out loud at the bichon part not taking orders because we have a bichon and it is true they are definitely not good at following orders (she is the queen bee in our house!). The illustrations helped to bring the story to life. What I liked the most was that in front of each sentence had a picture of the character who was speaking, it helped to make us feel as though we were a part of the story. This is a great story from start to finish that all children will enjoy.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

ELAINE LOESER is a fiction writer, reformed lawyer, and enthusiastic Chicagoan. While living in Los Angeles, she wrote for the long-running NBC drama Law & Order, as well as other television dramas. She taught television writing at the University of Michigan. She is the owner (the accurate, but not preferred term) of two 21-year-old red-eared slider turtles who inspired the events in this book. They were brought home one day from downtown L.A. by her husband, Jerry, for whom this was and still is, standard operating procedure. This story is ripped from the headlines. The events depicted here are fictional, and not based on any actual people. The animals, however, are very real indeed. These are their stories.

About the Illustrator

GREG ARVANITAKIS started drawing at a young age, mostly on the walls in his house. His first illustrated book was completed while in second grade. It won an award and placed in a state-wide young author s contest. Thirty some years later, he illustrated this book. In between, he grew up drawing pictures, going to school for art and design, and becoming an art director. When not drawing pictures, Greg spends time with his wife and two children, who have been excited about and supportive of this project as well as valuable critics. They provide creative inspiration for him on a daily basis. Sincere thanks go to David Robson and Suzie Isaacs of Ampersand, Inc. for their input and assistance; Elaine Loeser for this wonderful story and opportunity; Lauren B. for introducing Greg to Elaine in the first place; and Mom, who always bought crayons, markers, colored pencils and paper for drawing.

Disclosure: We received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are our own.

June 27, 2018

One for the Rogue Book Review

In One for the Rogue, love is the greatest discovery of all.

About One for the Rogue

Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory as handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation.

Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius―Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe forever, in his loving arms?

My Thoughts

I loved this series of novels from Manda Collins! She takes a time period that didn’t encourage women to educate themselves but instead place the focus on their dowry and their ability to be quiet and defer to the men in their lives and she creates independent, strong, educated female characters ready to take on the world.

The focus of this novel is on Gemma, who is well-educated in the area of fossils – more so than many of the males she comes in contact with. But despite being so educated and knowledgable she is not welcome in this field where only men are deemed to be leaders and educators. Instead of letting this discourage her, she continues on her road – learning, recording and educating herself. She has setbacks but she never lets this stop her. She is a force to reckon with!

Enter her brother in law (who also happens to study in the same field) who unknowingly had rejected one of her articles and sparks begin to fly. He finds himself attracted to her intelligence, strength and independence. But Gemma is not looking for love and neither is he, so it was amusing at times watching their interactions.

Throw in a special fossil that is coveted by many in her field, murder and theft and you have one incredible novel! Gemma and Cameron need to solve who is behind the murder and trying to harm Gemma before they take her life and steal the coveted fossil that was left specifically for Gemma.

This was a great, well written novel with a great plot and even better characters. I loved Gemma’s strength and intelligence but also her openness to change throughout the novel. A great read from start to finish – I would love to see more in this series!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Manda Collins is the author of The Lords of Anarchy series, The Ugly Duckling series and the Wicked Widows series as well as several other Regency-set romances. She spent her teen years wishing she’d been born a couple of centuries earlier, preferably in the English countryside. Time travel being what it is, she resigned herself to life with electricity and indoor plumbing, and read lots of books. When she’s not writing, she’s helping other people use books, as an academic librarian.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 25, 2018

Take an Adventure This Summer with My 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

June 25, 2018

The Pumpkin Patch Spotlight Tour

In The Pumpkin Patch, how can one small-minded, angry person destroy the lives of so many people in her path, connecting them all together in a game of destruction and heartbreak?

About The Pumpkin Patch

How can one small-minded, angry person destroy the lives of so many people in her path, connecting them all together in a game of destruction and heartbreak? It is possible, but what pushes a person to enjoy inflicting pain to such an extent, leaving a trail of hate, anger, and defeat behind her, which only seems to make her stronger and more satisfied. Ms. Terri Plotski, owner of the Authors’ Book Agency, is that person, who, unknowingly, with a single thread of hate, has connected the lives of a small group of people, bringing them together with one single common denominator. Anger. The anger from this small group of people is building, but it has nowhere to go, or does it? Ms. Terri Plotski, owner of Authors’ Book Agency, has gone missing.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Sandi Smith spent her time as a young girl combing the shelves of the public library. She has always enjoyed the magic that books have to offer and was inspired by her high school English teacher, Mr. Coolidge to embrace the arts. The author found her calling as a writer early one morning as her first story came to her in the form of a poem. Since then she has written more than 15 children’s books, with her most popular series about the adventures of an adorable spider in the A.R. Achnid series.

Sandi is happily married to her inspiration and husband of 40 years, John. She continues to write for her two precious grandchildren. When she’s not penning a new story, Sandi and John like to camp, kayak and to enjoy the simple life in their home in Pembroke, NH.

Connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour, I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.