4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Mudshark is the smartest kid in school, finding lost objects and solving mysteries for his classmates and teachers. When a psychic parrot takes up residence in the school library, Mudshark’s detective agency is threatened, and he’ll do anything to outsmart that talking bird. Between stolen chalkboard erasers, a missing gerbil, and a toxic situation in the faculty restrooms, Mudshark will have to think and scheme and plan to save his school!
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Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by Richard Bach (Goodreads Author), Russell Munson (Photographer)
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Young Jonathan is a seagull who longs to unravel the secrets of flight, but the other seagulls only care about simple basic flight, enough to get them to food and shelter. Jonathan is banished from his flock for practicing and perfecting aerial tricks, high speed turns, and low-level glides. He finds a higher purpose in his love of flying, but the other birds don’t understand his obsession with flight.
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John Winthrop, Oliver Cromwell, and the Land of Promise
by Marc Aronson
3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
This book explores the connections between two historical figures, John Winthrop and Oliver Cromwell, as both attempt to establish a new order in their respective lands, America and England.
John Winthrop based his new colony on the idea that God was guiding the Puritans’ community to a righteous way of life. Oliver Cromwell believed that God was guiding his army to purge England of the old evil ways and establish a better government for the British people.
The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify
by Francine Jay
K
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
This book is perfect for those who are curious about minimalism and want to declutter their homes and try it out. I love that the author emphasizes that minimalism is a mind-set and a life-style, not an aesthetic or a decorating trend. It’s not about how your home looks; it’s about how you feel in your home. It’s not about having a set number of belongings; it’s about having the right number of items that belong in your life for a reason.
I find the philosophy similar to the KonMari method of decluttering. Every item must have a purpose, whether it is useful or brings beauty into your life or just makes you happy.
This book takes you room by room, and gives common-sense advice on decluttering each space, how to get rid of things you don’t need or want, how to store what is left, and how to keep more clutter from building up again.
There is also a chapter all about how to get your family involved in decluttering the house and keeping it tidy.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it inspired me to do a mini-decluttering session in my closet! (My house is already pretty minimal, but my clothing needed some pruning.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who isn’t sure about minimalism, or who hates minimalism but just wants to declutter and find more space in their home. This book might change your mind about minimalism and what it really stands for!
Fahrenheit 451 Review: https://youtu.be/LQ4PGXGSfzA
Alanna Review #1: https://youtu.be/ZMfMyd7roBg
Alanna Review #2: https://youtu.be/JYlKt3vvvP8
Alanna Review #3: https://youtu.be/gBq3lNZUOu4
Alanna Review #4: https://youtu.be/0q59NJLNJgk
Barnaby Rudge Review: https://youtu.be/8OaWLnePloA
Our Mutual Friend Review: https://youtu.be/YDkOH9gRvvA
Martin Chuzzlewit Review: https://youtu.be/sJm1_0Vb8Zs
Peter Simple Review: https://youtu.be/0yR7rUq9fmg
Lorna Doone Review: https://youtu.be/rwjz7-fceHE
Fahrenheit 451 Review: https://youtu.be/LQ4PGXGSfzA
Battle of Life + Martin Chuzzlewit Reviews: https://youtu.be/sJm1_0Vb8Zs
I loved the text of this book, with its insightful statements about being inclusive and kind, about honest communication, and especially about love and family. It reminds the reader that it’s important to talk about the important things, and make sure that every child feels safe and loved and heard. I think this book will open good dialogue between children and adults, and provide opportunities for “teaching moments”, or maybe just provide a chance to listen to a child and hear what they want to say.
However, I did not always love the artwork.
The information is interesting and memorable, but uses many big words and technical terms that children might find too heavy for enjoyable reading.
I loved the colorful photographs, and curious facts about each animal, and I found it very informative and impressive. Continue reading
Luminous Libro 