Friday, November 30, 2012

The Looneyspoons Collection by Janet and Greta Podleski

Cookbooks are generally not that exciting for me, but I absolutely loved this one. First of all, let me start off with how humorous this book is. Each recipe has a crazy name to emphasize its taste or ingredients. Such names include: Shrimply Irresistible, Do the Chunky Chicken, Tickle Me Elbows, or Everybody Loves Raysins. The authors also add in some of their own food humor throughout the book. I never thought I would laugh so much reading a cookbook. Besides, look at the title; I think that says it all.

There are over 325 different recipes in this collection divided into14 different categories. I love the fact that every other page has a picture of the dish. I don't know about you, but I love visually seeing what it is I am about to make. Scattered throughout the cookbook are recipe tips, nutrition nuggets, and other usual and interesting tidbits. Every recipe has a calorie, fat, protein, carbohydrate....count.

I have already made a few recipes and from this book and they were delicious. I found the recipes easy to read and very accurate in detail. I appreciate the fact that there are healthier recipes, some gluten free and vegetarian dishes( for my budding 13yr old vegetarian). I plan to make many more recipes from this book. Definitely a worthwhile cookbook .

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Nebador: The Test by J.Z. Colby

The book Nebador is a science fiction adventure book that is geared toward young adults. The author, JZ Colby, has even pre-faced this book by writing to young readers the importance of thinking on your own and how young people today can be the heroes of the future. Being a science fiction novel, the setting is far off in the future but the people have regressed to the era of castles and cottages. The main character is a stranger to the land, so the reader also gets to experience the customs and people of this medieval kingdom as a visitor.
In learning about this city and the culture, you can see how different classes of people treat others and how these classes already categorize a visitor based upon first impressions. The various characters throughout the story, from slave to king, show how their position in society usually predetermines their mannerisms. This book shows the main character and other individuals who do not stay within the society’s placement.
The chapters are only a few pages in length which made it easy to stay involved in the storyline. This also helped in reading the book because you would go on to read the next chapter since it was only going to be a couple of pages in length. The accompanied book for notes, questions, and illustrations was helpful in explaining the chapters and characters. 
 
On a negative note, I must add that this book does have language and some questionable topics; so I most definitely do not recommend it for children or junior high ages. I caution parents to read this book first before you allow your teenager to read it.
This book is book 1 of the First Trilogy which includes books 1-3. Trilogy 2 includes books 4-6. You can go to the Nebador web page and check out all the books which are available in print, kindle and audio.
 
*This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Would you...Read me to Sleep? by George E. Edenfield

"This is one of those books that really gets a parent right in the heart. "
My first impression: First of all, look at the cover, adorable. My favorite thing to do with my kids are read to them. My 3 boys and I share a story every night at bedtime. Then, my 13 year old daughter and I read together. The pictures in this book are beautiful illustrations of oil paintings by Alyson Harris. They flatter the storyline very well. Each picture contains a Golden Key, so this makes the book more interactive to children(who am I kidding? I loved looking for the keys too).

What is it all about: Well, I can't tell you everything; it would ruin the story. But I will tell you it is about a father and his daughter and how they shared story time with a special Bible story book every night. The girl learns about a Great Treasure and the Seven Golden Keys. Time progresses, the daughter grows up and the father grows older. The book ends with another reading of the story book, but with a twist.

 What did I think: As a parent who constantly reads to her children, I loved it. I even choked up a little(what can I say? I'm a mother). Not only did it tell a wonderful story to children, but it  spoke to parents as well. Cherish these times with your children; what better way to share Christ with children, but through stories. It is time well spent!
I was confused about the golden keys though, the book never states what they are. I assumed they are the 7 Bible stories mentioned, but I didn't feel that was clear. Maybe I am just dense, but all in all it did not affect the overall message and effect of the book.

Recommendation: This is perfect for children of any age, parents, grandparents, or gift for new parents.
 

*The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of the book through Bookcrash in exchange for my honest review.














































Saturday, November 3, 2012

Time 4 Learning





I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.