You know how sometimes you get a book to review and you think to yourself...man, I wish I had these when my (insert child's name) was into these types of books?
I love these books.
Seriously.
I wish I could do them but.. I'm too old AND I'd rather save them for younger hands than mine to work through.
They are NOT cookie cutter books. You know, when you get a series and you can pretty much say what's going to happen from page to page? Not so with this series... different puzzles, different facts, different ways of presenting the information, it makes them interesting.
Each book open with Marco and Amelia about to head out on a new adventure.
Then through a series of sticker pages, puzzles and activities the reader is led to learn a variety of information about the safari, jungle or ocean.
The pages are bright and colourful, drawing the eye in.
There are over 250 stickers in each book with plenty of pages to put them. Where the stickers are put is not dictated, leaving the user free to place them wherever desired. In the back of the book there is an answer sheet which is great if one gets stuck on one of the puzzles or activities.
The stickers are, for the most part, great for smaller hands, but also interesting enough for older hands.
Geared for ages 5-8, Lonely Planet Kids has done a lovely job of helping children learn more about the ocean, jungle and safari. They have done up a number of other books as well, be sure to check them out. Rainforest Books graciously sent me these three books so that I could give you my honest review.
Just in case you missed it, I think these books would be a lovely addition to any house with younger children.. sticker, puzzle, learn as you work the activities. So much colour and fun to be had.
My son, probably like any number of your children, LOVES minecraft. But not only does he love playing minecraft, he also likes learning from other people how to do things on minecraft.
Therein enters the wonderful world of youtube.
I have to admit, I trust my son with youtube. He's a responsible boy who takes life seriously, has little to no tolerance for bad language or inappropriate conversation, or people who put down faith in God. So when I asked my lad what shows I could recommend for other children he quickly gave me a list of what's good to watch.
My son says that at the very beginning Stampy didn't always talk nice, but now he talks nice. This is the fellow that my son admittedly watches the most and gets a lot of good ideas from.
I know from listening to the odd Stampy video that if you know Stampy, you'll meet Squid. One leads to another, they play games together and have fun making minecraft videos.
I want to call this fellow a boxy cat and that makes my boy giggle at me... and correct me each and every time.. I still get it wrong. BUT I'm getting used to conversations that start with "guess what I learned from Ibxtoycat today mom? Did you know that if you do mumble mumble and then can get mumble mumble. I tell him show me.. and it's neat the things that he can make. Just fascinating.
Number four is the newest addition.. probably watching Mumbo Jumbo for a couple-three weeks.
I haven't heard a lot from my boy about mumbo jumbo but the videos keep popping up in my feed and then I'll hear the lad chortling from his room, or from the sofa or.... wherever. So I'm guessing he's funny and his videos are good. :)
Every once in a while my lad will try a new minecraft specialist but "Mom, he's not good for children" or "mom, he doesn't talk nice" or "mom, he's boring...why are some people boring with videos??" So these four have made the top list for minecraft videos.
Perhaps your children will enjoy them as well. :) May you listen to hours of giggling and have many conversations over minecraft as well... or better yet.... see the fantastic creations your children come up with given the correct inspiration.. like blowing off the top of a mountain with a TNT cannon! Pretty cool eh? :)
If your children have favourite youtube channels...share, share away please in the comments below? I want to know, perhaps my lad will like them too.
My son and I are currently reviewing a program called ArtAchieve. We are enjoying the program since it comes in different formats, a slide show or a video. We are finding both formats quite useful. If you want to give the program a look over they have sample lessons that you can try out.
Anyways, I had mentioned to my contact at Raincoast Books some of the things we were going to be doing, and she graciously sent me some art books to review. (How cool is that eh!)
Lovely book. We learned about her early life, her determination, her friendships, her stepping outside of what was conventional for ladies in her day. She was an opinionated and stubborn lady who was determined to be artist, and she did what she wanted to do, no two ways about it.
BUT WOW.... have you ever looked at some of the work she did? I found a website dedicated to the work of Mary Cassatt and all I can say is WOW.. she did excellent work. I cannot say I love EVERYTHING that she did, but I like a lot of it. For instance, check out this child in a straw hat.
She drew a lot of people pictures, friends, family, people she saw at theatre and so forth. Just an interesting lady and this book gives us a good glimpse into her early life. The illustrator does a great job at bringing the story to life with his full colour art work.
Our next book was one on Beatrix Potter and Her Paint box, written by David McPhail. It's a short small book, running around 40 pages.
What a nice little book. Seriously. My lad enjoyed this book with me. We even learned why the Peter Rabbit books were small "little books for little hands" was something that Beatrix insisted upon. When we learned about the snake getting away from she could paint a picture of it, my lad was quite concerned that the snake got away to a safe place to live.
Like Mary Cassatt, Beatrix Potter did best painting things her own way.
Did you know that the Peter Rabbit books became a story because of a sick boy? It was a "let me cheer you up when you are sick book" and at the urging of the boy's mom, it was turned into a book which morphed into a whole series about the friends of Peter Rabbit.
I liked the images in the book as well, well crafted and made me think of Peter Rabbit and his friends.
Oh.. I have to tell you this part. When we read about Beatrix's pet mouse running through the paint my lad tried to get one of his house mice to run through some dye and leave mouse footy-prints on paper. He had so much fun trying to convince the mouse to do so.. but MilkyWay would have NOTHING to do with it. It was fun watching him try though. :)
Raincoast books was the provider of these books for me. Wanting only my honest review of them. They were a delightful addition to our week.
You can find Raincoast at the following social media sites:
Kate over at Heading Home hosts Five Minute Friday, a weekly word prompt. A group of folks gather once a week to give their thoughts, in about five minutes, on a given word prompt that changes weekly. Everyone comes up with something different it seems.
I have to admit, I've been pondering this word prompt for a couple of days now...Trying to think what the word haven means to me. It's not an easy word.
And then...I thought of my front garden.
How it's an overgrown mess....but of how a wee child stopped and saw my cat hiding in the tulips.
And then she saw my chicken, and my bunny and....
She talked and pointed it out to her mama, and her mama pointed out the flowers, and bugs that I have hidden there as well.
My heart smiled.
I got to thinking about how my front garden is a haven for young mom's. I put tons of things in there to make children look and see, I give mom's permission to come and close and take a moment or three with their littles and just see and smile and look, and if needed, pick a flower or two. It's all good, and it brings a smile to many a face. :)
It may not be a haven of rest, but I do hope it a haven of connectivity. We need to connect with each other, to bring a smile or two to the face and hearts of others, don't you think?
So, the linky closes up in another couple of days. What'y'say... want to join in the party and write on the word haven yourself? If you, let me know, and in the spirit of the party, I'll come over and visit you too! :)
Recently my family was treated to the King's package at Medieval Times. My son brought along a friend as we took the time for the royal fanfare courtesy of Medieval Times. This is our review. :)
Medieval Times graciously offered us the King's Package. This comes with:
Gramma, son, friend of son, myself and my husband attended. We made sure we got there in plenty of time so that we could see and hear all they had to offer in the preshow arena. When one is in the greeting area, you are surrounded by various shields and crests.
You are handed a card, which will signify your hat colour, and part of the Royal Package you get to have your picture taken with the king.
Your hat colour also signifies your table colour and whereabouts you will be seated. Being at green table three means we were sitting ring side, closest to the action, with the knight who.. as it turned out.. was the King's Champion of the day.
Before we actually got into the show though, they have an area set up with shops and people wandering around dressed in period clothing. The boys were able to meet the King's Falconer where they learned she was hooded, not because she wouldn't stay with him, but because there were a couple of service dogs roaming around and she was not fond of dogs at all.
And there were shops. All manned by people dressed in period clothing. There was a bar set up in the middle of the floor and town crier who called out birthday greetings, and announced which tables would get to go in next.
The lad was mightily tempted to by a sword for himself and his friend but found them simply out of his price range. Eventually the temptation subsided as we found ourselves going into our sitting area. And here we all are. :) Ready for an evening of food and fun.
And it was GOOD food. Soup, bread, chicken, corn, potato, limitless drinks (pop etc). The only thing I didn't like was the tea post meal which was MUCH too strong for my taste.
Before the main show there were smaller shows, the falcon flew and caught her lure, the horses strutted their stuff.. Gramma just LOVED this part.
Then the main show began with the knights performing their skills. I have to tell you this.. there were a group of eight year old boys celebrating a birthday.. and my.. they hooted and hollered and had SO MUCH fun. YEAH!!!! Green Knight YOU ROCK! And booing and hissing when the bad guy appeared. "YOU SUCK!!! YOU ARE THE BAD MAN!!!!" They were so totally into the show it added that extra bit of enjoyment to the show. Though I have to admit, the mom with them looked a bit shell shocked! :)
The show was a lot of fun, even though we had seen it last year, the joy and the wonder and the fun were still there for my lad with plans for next year! MOM!!! Do you think next year I should wear my knights costume? Wouldn't that be fun?
I said "Sure Lad, but let's see if they invite us back next year too!"
Here are some pics of the fun we had.
And action. Men were called upon. Will you defend the honour of the realm? Fight to protect the throne and the Princess? Jousting, combat, sparks flew as weapons hit.
Currently we are listening to a series of books called "The Ranger's Apprentice". (Excellent series by the by.. get your boys to listen to it.. your girls too!) :) It is set during this time period, when we saw the flail at work against the sword, it brought to life the danger one of the characters was in when he was faced up against the flail. The reach it gives to the person bearing it and the thud it made against a shield. Made it all more real you know? Even though we know the show is carefully choreographed so no one gets hurt, it still brings the thrill and the danger immediately to bear.
And so, the kingdom was protected.
And all was good in the land.
By the end of the show my son's friend said "I am so tired, but I am so glad that I came."
Did you know that Medieval Times, Toronto received an award last year?
If you want to have a great meal (using your fingers), great service and excellent entertainment, do check Medieval Times. It is well worth your time to attend. HAVE FUN!
Book Synopsis:
A long undisturbed bedroom. A startling likeness. A mysterious friend. When
twelve-year-old Prince Lev Lvov goes to live with his aunt at Falcon
House, he takes his rightful place as heir to the Lvov family estate.
Prince Lev dreams of becoming a hero of Russia like his great ancestors.
But he'll discover that dark secrets haunt this house. Prince Lev is
the only one who can set them free-will he be the hero his family needs?
My Thoughts:
I read this book through in one sitting, took me (an adult) about one hour to finish. I could imagine my son taking about a week to finish it, potentially less.
I have to admit though, I'm not sure what I think of this book.
It intrigued me enough to keep reading it.
The chapters are short and sweet.
It's interesting, but its... odd.
I know.. I don't normally call books odd... but I found this book odd. It had interesting pictures scattered through the book. An interesting character that seemed a bit detached from himself, a rather um.... almost horrible aunt, servants that ran scared and a wee boy with interesting abilities.
Would I read it again?
Perhaps that's the standard by which I should judge this book.
And you know what? I think I would. I think I would like to read this book with my lad just so I could see his response to it. I think he'd be surprised at the ending, I think he'd be intrigued by the events that happen throughout the book. He's more level-headed than his mother is and less apt to be alarmed by what he reads.
I think that's part of what makes me call this book odd... I'm easily alarmed and I spent time internally telling myself there must be an good explanation for what's going on...and I was happy that my suspicions in one area were correct but was surprised in another.
My recommendation: If you have level-headed children, who like mildly spooky books, this short chapter book might be the book that they are wanting.
It's an interesting read, and I was curious as to how it would turn out in the end. I had this thought, the aunt has an end purpose in mind... what is it???
I've recently started a review of Notebookingpages.com. It will eventually be posted on my other site, but I had this infographic sent to me and thought it was interesting enough to share. Have to admit, hadn't thought about having my lad use different colours pens or pencils to help cement the learning in a different way. Food for thought eh?
My lad can read, and read fairly well, but pick up a book just because? He generally doesn't just pick up books to read unless something about them intrigues him mightily.
This morning a breakfast my lad saw this book "The Deadliest Creature in the World" sitting on top of my review pile and picked it up and was reading it over breakfast. Now I don't know about you.. .but that's a win in my book.
Book Synopsis:
A heart-stopping touch, a powerful punch, a killer kick....WHICH creature is the deadliest?
YOU Decide.
My thoughts:
Other than the obvious.. MY BOY IS PICKING UP A BOOK AND CHOOSING TO READ IT INSTEAD OF messing around on his tablet!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!
It's draws a child in and I LOVE IT for that.
It also provoked discussion.
"Mom, they shouldn't have included this one. This frog doesn't attack people. If they get poisoned it's because they are trying to it. So he's not so deadly, he's just being protective".
"An ostrich!!?!?!?! MOM!!! They have an ostrich in here!!!!!"
"Oh, I didn't know that. Mom, did you know there's a fish that has really poisonous spines?"
Filled with colourful pictures that depict the animals well and an easy to read large font this book is sure to be a hit with your children as well. They will be equally as fascinated as we were by the Cone Snail that can change it's venom according to the prey it has caught. I tell you, this book is interesting. :)
I like that at the closing of the book the author says this
"But what about creatures that are fragile or teensy or slow? What about the ones with no arms or legs? They have been surviving for .... years with the help of toxins and poisons." It leaves the door open for children to research for other deadly animals of the world, and consider some they might not even have thought of.
To get you started in your search for dangerous or deadly animals, check out these top 25.
Raincoast Books generously provided me with a readers copy of this great picture book. It's a soft cover book of about 30 pages, written by Brenda Z. Guiberson, and delightfully illustrated by Gennady Spirin. See also my review of another Guiberson book, The Most Amazing Creature of the Sea.
Tonight as I was sitting I was thankful for a hubby who is mindful of my garden when I'm having a day where I am feeling physically not so good.
My boys helped me cover my wee growing plants as it might freeze tonight and I'd rather they not be harmed by any frost.
It made me think about it's what we're to do right? Help each other be just a wee bit more?
Like the sun helps the plants to use the rain that they receive.
The rain helps the plant draw nutrients into the roots.
Before you know it, you have a plant growing well. One that will bear much fruit in it's season.
It's like this with families eh?
How the action of one person helps another, perhaps not all in the same way, but they do.
It's how the church should work too.
One part helping another part which helps another and before long...fruit, in its season is produced.
Something interesting happens though...
I've seen it in gardens...where the plant is doing well and you count the days and think okay.. we should get produce about now...and you don't! One ends up disappointed....and you ignore the plants and get on with life and one then day you go out and you have a tomato, or you see a bean... and EVEN THOUGH the plant is late in it's production...you rejoice because your garden has been productive.
It's no different with people.
It's no different with churches.
We produce in OUR season. Not some predetermined course.
Just as my son learned to read later than some other children, he also read earlier than some I've read about.
It's a production schedule that we can't ordain on our own.
The season comes by it's own merit and we just need to let it come...early, late, or right "on time". Whenever it comes.... shall we not rejoice for TODAY the harvest has come.
takes us into the jungles of South America learning about the flora and fauna.
learning about sharks and other oceanic life, drawing a seahorse and more.
takes us to the plains of Africa where we can explore the big five, visit Victoria Falls and more.
