This was the perfect book for me to review right now. Currently, at school, I'm teaching my 2nd graders about Habitats. I found that even though the bThis was the perfect book for me to review right now. Currently, at school, I'm teaching my 2nd graders about Habitats. I found that even though the book's target age was 2-7, my students enjoyed the story. Children go on a fun journey with Harry the Hamster as he looks for his ideal home while meeting various animals living in their habitats. Throughout his journey, Harry discovers his uniqueness in choosing a home with none of them being his ideal home. The children were delighted when Harry eventually found his pefect dwelling. Additionally, the illustrations are bright and appealing making the story come to life.
"Where is My House" provides an enjoyable and educational experience, teaching children about animal homes and the importance of finding the right one. It is an excellent choice for read-aloud sessions in school or bedtime stories with parents....more
Christmas in a Castle by Samantha Hastings is a cute Christmas novella. What fun it is to be back with the Stringham sisters! They are simply amusing Christmas in a Castle by Samantha Hastings is a cute Christmas novella. What fun it is to be back with the Stringham sisters! They are simply amusing and I loved their matchmaking skills to bring together their governess Miss Mary Perkins and Mr. Trevor Wallace. They've been waiting years to get married because of financial reasons. The three sisters, along with their father the Duke of Hampford, arrange many things to help Mary and Trevor reach their wedding day.
Some things I simply loved were, the sledding adventure, snowball fights, lively conversation, and of course the copious amount of Mistletoe strung around the castle. The sisters arrange everything to make life easier for Trevor and Mary. The romance is sweet, and of course, the story is full of the Christmas spirit. You can't help but smile and wish for a happy ending for the couple.
One thing Mary said to Trevor that really touched me was this, "Love is never deserved or earned. It is simply given." This sentiment spoke to Trevor's heart and helped him have the courage to do what he needed to do and establish a solid foundation for a life with Mary. This short story is full of emotion and hope. I enjoyed every page of Christmas in a Castle. ...more
I was excited to read Almost Like Being in Love. This book appealed to me for many reasons. I love a good Christmas Romance, I've always loved the movI was excited to read Almost Like Being in Love. This book appealed to me for many reasons. I love a good Christmas Romance, I've always loved the movie Brigadoon, and I love any book or movie that has to do with Time Travel.
Maren and her friend Penny get lost in the Scottish Highlands in a bad winter storm. What happens next is absolutely magical. It's at this point in the story that you need to enjoy the story for what it is. They are found by the Campbell family who take them to their castle, Highglen. Soon Maren finds out that this village and its people are from the 17th century. She also finds out she is instantly attracted to Duncan Campbell and he to her. The problem is, that the village only appears in certain years. If Maren decides to leave, she may never get back to Duncan because they never know when people from the outside will be able to find the village.
This novella is full of sweet romance, has magic, and Insta-Love. Maren and Duncan feel as if they have found their soulmates. Since this is a novella which is shorter than a regular novel, things do happen more quickly romance-wise. I do love both Maren and Duncan and the Campbell family. Readers are swept up in the magic of 17th Century Scotland and its people just as Maren does in the book.
This fun little novella will make you smile, maybe cry a few tears, and help you believe in true love. If you want a short story that will sweep you away for an afternoon, Almost Like Being in Love is waiting to take you on a magical adventure into the Scottish Highlands. ...more
I really love this series! I've read every Guardian book and this one was just as good as the others. In fact, I sat down and read it in under three hI really love this series! I've read every Guardian book and this one was just as good as the others. In fact, I sat down and read it in under three hours because I could not stop reading. You know the book is good when all you want to do is read.
Unseen had such great characters in Laura and Manuel. They both have so much on the line as they are trying to stay two steps ahead of a Central American gang. This novel's intensity is ramped up more and more as the story progresses. It's one of those things that keeps you staring at the pages and never wanting to put the book down.
The Guardians Series has been a must-read for me and book #7 can be a standalone book, but reading the previous books only adds to the thrill of their jobs as Guardians. Traci Hunter Abramson knows how to write the perfect thriller, and Unseen is another notch on her award-winning author's belt. ...more
NEW REVIEW: Kendra and Her Hippo Stompers Save the Day by Author Clever Jenny. {An anti-bullying book!}
This book was the perfect one to share the firsNEW REVIEW: Kendra and Her Hippo Stompers Save the Day by Author Clever Jenny. {An anti-bullying book!}
This book was the perfect one to share the first week of school with my 2nd graders. Sadly, bullying is something that must be addressed quickly at the beginning of the year as rules and expectations are being established in a classroom.
I'm so glad that I had a copy of Kendra and Her Hippo Stompers Save the Day by Author Clever Jenny. It had so many things that my students could relate to. It touches on the feelings of not only the child being bullied but the child who may be doing the bullying. I feel it's important that children see the viewpoint of other children from both angles of this situation. We had a long discussion after we read the story and my kids were able to understand and relate to what happened in the story.
Another fun thing I found on Clever Jenny's website was the fun worksheets that you can use with your own kids or a teacher in the classroom. They enjoyed doing the color page, word search, and the maze. When they took the worksheets home, I know that more discussion was held about this book that I read to them. I had several parents emailing me and asking about the book that their kids kept talking about.
Overall, Kendra and Her Hippo Stompers Save the Day needs to be a part of every early elementary classroom's discussion on bullying. It has beautiful illustrations that kids love but more importantly, its message was easily understood and remembered.
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
I've never heard of this book before nor the author, but I'm so happy I was able to read it! I loved the story, the characters, the villains, the magiI've never heard of this book before nor the author, but I'm so happy I was able to read it! I loved the story, the characters, the villains, the magic, and the plot. I read the book in one day. I know the target audience for The Light Keeper are tweens and teens but I thoroughly enjoyed this YA Fantasy.
Main character Isaac is a typical twelve-year-old who loves to hang with his friends and play video games. One day while cleaning the attic, a whole new world of magic opens up for him. The variety of magical characters made this novel fun and exciting. You will never look at fairies the same way again. The title of the book is fitting but readers don't learn about it until mid-way in the book. The climactic ending was action-packed and left me wanting more from this world that Author Christina Wallace has created. I'm glad that book two is coming in November 2023. ...more
As a second-grade teacher, I'm always looking for new picture books to share with my class. Only A Trenza Away is such a wonderful book that can be shAs a second-grade teacher, I'm always looking for new picture books to share with my class. Only A Trenza Away is such a wonderful book that can be shared with children in school, and especially at home. It is a book that brings generations together. This story shows the sweet relationship between a daughter and her father who braids her hair every night before bed. While braiding her hair he tells her stories that take Xiomara on adventures to places she's never been.
Another thing wonderful about this book is what Xia's father tells her as he braids her hair into sections. He reminds her of the people who love her deeply, the many people who will need her love, and also to remember to love yourself exactly as you are now and who you hope to be. What super messages to share with children. Love is a universal language that all will be able to understand. This heart-warming book needs to be shared with families in all cultures....more
Bears: The Mighty Grizzlies of the West by Julie Argyle is a book that takes you to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The photos bring to life the MightyBears: The Mighty Grizzlies of the West by Julie Argyle is a book that takes you to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The photos bring to life the Mighty Grizzlies in their habitat as they strive to survive in a world that is not always kind to them. With their habitat shrinking, more encounters between humans and bears are occurring with the bears sadly paying for these run-ins with their lives.
I really loved the way that Julie wrote such a marvelous discourse as she introduced us to several Grizzlies that she has photographed and learned to love through the years. She writes about Raspberry and Snow, The Beryl Sow, The Obsidian Sow, Snaggletooth, and 791 (a famous boar). I have grown to love many of these same Grizzlies especially Raspberry, Snow(her daughter), and Snow's new cubs. Also, I love the famous Grizzly 399 in Grand Teton National Park.
Julie has a way of capturing the heart and soul of the animals she photographs. Once you see her work, you'll also fall in love with these animals and hopefully will want to get involved in protecting and conserving The Grizzlies and their homes. This book is not a long read, but it is packed full of powerful photos that will be ingrained in your mind and heart. I have always loved bears and I'm known as the "Bear" teacher. As a lover of these tremendous animals, Bears: The Mighty Grizzlies of the West is at the top of my list for you to buy. I promise you'll never look at Grizzlies in the same way again and you'll gain a greater appreciation for this impressive species....more
After reading Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa, I wished I'd had this book when my kids were young. They're After reading Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa, I wished I'd had this book when my kids were young. They're both in their 20's now but this book would have come in handy. If you purchase this book, make sure you keep it far away from your little ones that still believe in Santa. You don't want to spoil the magic too soon.
I remember how hard it was to decide how to exactly tell my own children about the "secret" concerning Santa. Personally, I wanted to keep the magic alive as long as possible. This short book has the perfect story following one little girl and her many Christmas days growing up year after year. It eventually gets to the time when she's 11 or 12. Her parents then tell her about the Secret Santa Claus Club which they eventually ask the older child to join.
The pictures in this book are so beautiful and the story is short but sweet. I know that this book will become a classic to help parents as they "Unwrap" the secrets of Santa with older children....more
Fablehaven has been one of my favorite series to read and also to share with my children and my students. The Official Fablehaven Cookbook by Brandon Fablehaven has been one of my favorite series to read and also to share with my children and my students. The Official Fablehaven Cookbook by Brandon Mull & Cherie Mull(his sister-in-law) is a fun addition to the Fablehaven family. This book starts with a new short story based on the Fablehaven reserve starring the magical Brownies that live on the Fablehaven preserve. It was cute and one that Fablehaven fans will love. I also loved all of the creative recipes related to characters from the series and events from the books. It was great that there are craft recipes too.
The nice thing is that the recipes are kid-friendly and easy to make, with adult supervision of course. The pictures are beautiful in the book and it's a pleasure to just read through the book. The Official Fablehaven Cookbook is one that Fans must buy for their Fablehaven book collection.
The Letter Carrier is a riveting historical fiction novel that I read in about 24 hours. I honestly couldn't read fast enough. This World War II novelThe Letter Carrier is a riveting historical fiction novel that I read in about 24 hours. I honestly couldn't read fast enough. This World War II novel is from an aspect I haven't read about before. It takes place in a farming village in France as the Germans begin to invade France. The author spent three years interviewing Michelle Naget whose family was at the mercy of the Nazis for four years during WWII. The Letter Carrier novel is based on the Naget family's life. They endured so many horrifying and intimidating moments while the Nazis took over their home and village.
I was so impressed with Michelle and her family and how they had the strength to endure and their faith in God to help them. I loved the family motto that Michelle's mother taught them, "We do what must be done." This is what they did each and every day
This story is told so well with accurate historical details, while showing the horror of war without being graphic. There is never a lull in this book and you are compelled to keep reading. There are so many things you feel as you read: the love this family has for each other, their loyalty to family and country, and great fortitude that most people could never muster in our current time.
I highly recommend The Letter Carrier to those looking for a solid and well-written story about France during WWII. Michelle's story needed to be told, and L.C. Lewis did a fabulous 5-Star job in delivering the messages that I'm sure stayed always in Michelle Naget's heart. ...more
This is a beautiful little book that can be given to anyone that has experienced a loss of a loved one in their life. I so appreciate Author Jason F. This is a beautiful little book that can be given to anyone that has experienced a loss of a loved one in their life. I so appreciate Author Jason F. Wright writing another book that lifts up others as many of his books have done for me and his many readers. Some of my favorites have been The Christmas Jars, The Wednesday Letters, and his latest novel I reviewed, Even The Dog Knows.
It isn't a long book but reads more like a sweet message of hope you'd find in a sympathy card or hear on the phone from a dear friend. I know as I've gone through my own trials of loss and at times I just want to be alone but I still need some lifting up. Until You Find Strength will give you that sense of peace and hope you need to get by hour by hour and day by day. It will make you feel that you don't have to go through grief on your own and remember there are others there to help you as you move forward and heal. This little book makes the perfect, heartfelt gift....more
I really liked this book. The Cost of Secrets was a book full of action and indeed a lot of secrets. The main character Ray Peralta is not your normalI really liked this book. The Cost of Secrets was a book full of action and indeed a lot of secrets. The main character Ray Peralta is not your normal protagonist. Ray is flawed in many ways and not your typical hero. I liked that he was damaged inside and out. Even with these flaws, I found myself in his corner hoping all things worked out for him.
There are a lot of characters in this story but I didn't have any problems keeping them apart. I really liked Ray's friends Clancy, Jim, and his cousin Felicity. They were a great support to Ray in everything that happens and believe me, a lot happens in this book. I read this novel in one day and I know that helped me in figuring out many things that were going on. There were some things at the end that weren't fully explained but I hope this means there will be another book continuing the story. I know readers that love mysteries full of action and great characters will like reading The Cost of Secrets....more
Dancing to Freedom is another novella I read this week. These short stories are perfect for this time of year when it's the end of my school year. I'mDancing to Freedom is another novella I read this week. These short stories are perfect for this time of year when it's the end of my school year. I'm super excited about this novella and the series, Dream's Edge, that it is a part of. You must know by now that anything from author Traci Hunter Abramson is fantastic. This is different from her usual books but just as compelling.
Dancing to Freedom takes place in 1960 and involves a Canadian hockey player and a Russian Ballerina. Basically, they meet, fall in love, and then the suspense heightens as you wonder if Robert Marcell will be able to help the beautiful and talented Katerina Petrova defect from her homeland of Russia. I'm always amazed how authors can make such an exciting story happen in under a 100 pages. Readers will be hanging on the edge waiting to see if Robert can make a miracle happen and save Katerina. I loved this novella and know other readers will love it too because it's a quick read and very fulfilling. ...more
Is there a perfect romance out there? Is there the perfect man in a novel that you'd love to have in real life? I'm not sure how to answer that but I Is there a perfect romance out there? Is there the perfect man in a novel that you'd love to have in real life? I'm not sure how to answer that but I do know Lord Bryant was one of the main reasons to read A Proper Scoundrel. {P.S. The Cover will make you want to dive right into the novel.} I LOVED this book! Yes, I'm kind of shouting it out here because I read it on Mother's Day in less than 8 hours; along with going to church, eating dinner, playing games, and taking a nap.
I have loved reading the Proper Scandal series by author Esther Hatch. Each book has been so good with wonderful characters. A Proper Scoundrel continues with great characters, absolutely witty dialogue, and such funny happenings along the way. Diana Barton and Baron Lord Bryant know how to work each other up and get on each other's nerves. At the same time, they are attracted to each other like a moth to a flame. They just can't stay away from each other no matter how hard they try. The one thing that surprised me, was how deeply we were able to get inside the character's minds and souls. What we first thought we knew was slowly peeled away, until we were able to get to know the real Diana and Everton. What a worthwhile journey to take with any character but especially with notorious scoundrel Lord Bryant.
Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone but don't do it. Read the first two books where you'll get a peek at Lord Bryant and will get more meaning behind the amazing metamorphosis that takes place. Esther Hatch has another winning book with A Proper Scoundrel. ...more
Stephanie Black is back with a book that will keep you in its clutches until you read the last page. I picked it up one morning and finished the novelStephanie Black is back with a book that will keep you in its clutches until you read the last page. I picked it up one morning and finished the novel later that night. Thank goodness it was the weekend! Honestly, this novel keeps you enthralled as the main characters Natalie and Gideon wind up in more life-threatening situations as they still seem to be magnets for danger. The action never seems to stop as you try to figure out who is behind the murder and set-up. You'd think that Natalie and Gideon's long-awaited wedding would be a day full of joy? Think again because you're reading a novel written by Stephanie Black.
In my opinion, I feel 'Bound in Shallows' is one of the best novels written by this author. Even though this is book four in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend it. Get the full experience by reading the first three novels before this new one. I can promise you that you'll not be disappointed in this series and you'll also be taking the day off to read this exhilarating novel, Bound in Shallows. ...more
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