book review

Non Fiction Review: Horses! A Coloring and Activity Book for Kids

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Horses! by Valerie Deneen
Horses!: A Coloring and Activity Book for Kids
by Valerie Deneen

5 out of 5 stars

Featuring dozens of different horse breeds, this book has mazes, puzzles, word searches, dot-to-dot, and of course, coloring pages. I really liked the variety of activities and the beautiful coloring pages with lovely designs of horses.

I really liked how the information is presented in this book, giving some interesting facts about horses, riding outfits and equipment, and the types of breeds. Each page has an activity or coloring design, and a small text box to the side giving some interesting information. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Healthy Family Cookbook

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The Healthy Family Cookbook by Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CDE
The Healthy Family Cookbook: 100 Fast and Easy Recipes for the Whole Family
by Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CDE

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

With simple and quick recipes that the whole family will love, this cookbook makes it easy to eat healthy meals every day! There are simple recipes that have only 5 ingredients, quick recipes with only 15 minutes of prep time, and recipes to cook in one pot.

This book begins with some “Time-Saving Tips” and “Tips for Raising Adventurous Eaters” to get your children involved in choosing and preparing healthy meals, and gives many family-friendly recipes that are simple enough for kids to help with the cooking. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Mindfulness Journal for Teens

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The Mindfulness Journal for Teens by Jennie Marie Battistin, MA,...
The Mindfulness Journal for Teens: Prompts and Practices to Help You Stay Cool, Calm, and Present
by Jennie Marie Battistin, MA, LMFT

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This beautiful guided journal prompts the reader/writer to answer questions, contemplate quotes about peace and mindfulness, practice meditations, focus on the breath, embrace personal affirmations, and write down their thoughts.

The best thing about this book is the beautiful design and calming colors on each page. It makes me want to open the book and notice every little leaf and fruit design around the edges while I do the meditations.

The prompts begin with a simple noticing of your emotions, your body, and surroundings, and then move into more deep contemplations and journal instructions about your insecurities, your strengths and fears. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Quick and Easy Healthy Cookbook

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The Quick & Easy Healthy Cookbook by Carrie Forrest
The Quick & Easy Healthy Cookbook: 125 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
by Carrie Forrest

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Beginning with a color chart of vegetables and colorful foods, this cookbook encourages guilt-free healthy eating that nourishes your body. The recipes include labels for nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

There are also recipes that are extra quick and can be made in 20 minutes or less, recipes that are kid-friendly, and recipes that are freezer-friendly to make the most of your leftovers. There is a list of recommended ingredients to keep on hand in the pantry. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids

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Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids by Bob Katovich
Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids: 20 Original STEAM Robots and Circuits to Design and Build
by Bob Katovich

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book begins with a general introduction to robotics answering the question, What is and isn’t considered a robot? There are instructions about using caution and safety while creating the robotic projects, lists of common tools and materials that will be needed, and common places online where parts and supplies can be bought.

The first projects are simple, building a circuit with a battery, and creating a nightlight that looks like a mini robot. Then each chapter is divided by Robots for Entertainment, Robots in Space, Robots on the Job, and Robots in the Operating Room. In these chapters, the reader can build a small magnetic motor, a solar-powered dancing robot, a solar-powered propeller, and a dozen other projects!

Continue reading →

NonFiction Review: Let’s Party! Kids Cookbook

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Let's Party! Kids Cookbook by Ashley Moulton
Let’s Party! Kids Cookbook: Tasty Recipes Kids Will Love to Make, Eat, and Share
by Ashley Moulton

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book begins with some general advice about how to plan a party, make a guest list, and send out invitations. There are also some instructions about preparing the kitchen work space and using utensils safely, and a general list of common ingredients and kitchen equipment that will be needed. With examples of how to write an invitation, how to set the table, and basic kitchen skills like measuring and mixing, this book has everything a child needs to throw a party!

The next chapters are divided into sections for each type of party, with chapters for a sleepover, tea party, pizza party, ice cream social, birthday bash, Halloween party, and Christmas craft party. Each type of party includes special recipes, party decoration ideas, and a party activities or crafts. Continue reading →

Picture Book Review: The Adventures of Moose and Mr. Brown

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The Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown by Sir Paul Smith
The Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown
by Sir Paul Smith,  Sam Usher (Illustrations)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

When Moose loses his twin brother at the airport, Mr. Brown decides to help him search for his brother. But Moose’s brother must have gotten on a plane somewhere and could be lost anywhere in the world! Mr. Brown gives Moose a job travelling around the world, designing clothing for animals in need.

Moose and Mr. Brown search in Japan, where they design a tail for a flying squirrel. They search in New York, where they design a hat for a bald eagle. They search in Africa (lion pajamas), China (panda eyeglasses), India (cobra bib), and in Australia (kangaroo dungarees).
Finally they arrive in Paris for the big fashion show, and Moose’s last chance to find his twin brother. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: A Shared Grandmother’s Journal

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A Shared Grandmothers Journal by Marianne Waggoner Day
A Shared Grandmothers Journal: An Interactive Treasure for You and Your Grandchild
by Marianne Waggoner Day

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This adorable book starts with a genealogy chart to be filled in with the grandchild’s family, and a list of general information about the grandmother and grandchild, such as their ancestry, occupation, ethnicity, religion, birth place and birthday, where they grew up, and their siblings names.

The rest of the book is sweet questions for the grandmother and grandchild to answer, such as their best friend, their favorite movie, their first childhood memory, their hobbies, what makes them laugh, and what makes them feel brave. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Everyday Bread Baking

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Everyday Bread Baking by Jenny Prior
Everyday Bread Baking: From Simple Sandwich Loaves to Celebratory Holiday Breads
by Jenny Prior,  Thomas J. Story (Photographer)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This cookbook gives step-by-step instructions for making delicious bread, pretzels, doughnuts, and rolls. There is a special section entirely for holiday sweet breads and desserts.

The introduction gives a lot of information about terminology used in bread baking, like “fermentation, leaven, proofing, and yeast”. It also includes general instructions on kneading the dough, checking the temperature, mixing and measuring, different types of flour, and using “starter” dough. There is a list of types of equipment needed, and a troubleshooting section if something goes wrong.

With step-by-step photos and careful instructions, it’s almost impossible to make a mistake. And there are substitutions suggested in the recipe if you don’t have the right ingredients or starter dough. I really appreciate that there are so many photographs showing each stage of the recipe as the dough rises, then is kneaded, and finally baked. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Big Book of Bling

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The Big Book of Bling by Rose M Davidson
The Big Book of Bling: Ritzy Rocks, Extravagant Animals, Sparkling Science, and More!
by Rose M Davidson

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book gives amazing information and wacky facts about bling of all kinds, from gorgeous gems to flashy fish to colorful festivals around the world.
Not just about the diamonds and gold, this book talks about animals that use dazzling colors to attract a mate or fend off predators, the most expensive luxury items of the ancient and modern worlds, and the most extravagant palaces and mansions around the world.

There are caves that sparkle in the darkness with luminescence, showy waterfalls, armor from the middle ages, twinkling stars, stunning ice formations and glaciers, the most expensive cars, and the most iconic movie props of all time. Continue reading →