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Non Fiction Book Review: Keep What You Love
Keep What You Love: A Visual Decluttering Guide (Flow)
by Irene Smit, Astrid van der Hulst, Lotte Dirks
by Irene Smit, Astrid van der Hulst, Lotte Dirks
5 out of 5 stars
This book lists things you might want to declutter, and asks the question, “Do I really need it?” Each little page lists one thing, (an empty shoebox, old board games, nuts and screws, enough linens to stock a hotel, old phones, a breadmaker, holiday dinnerware, blank notebooks, and dozens more) and underneath it are checkboxes for “Yes” or “No”.
After every five or six decluttering items, there is a little snippet of advice about decluttering, living more minimally, and letting go of the emotions surrounding your possessions. The tips and advice are interspersed throughout the book, so I would recommend reading all of those first, and then going back and actually doing the declutter items checklist. Continue reading
Picture Book Review: Indestructibles: Let’s Go Outside! and Let’s Be Kind
by Ekaterina Trukhan (Author) ,Amy Pixton
5 out of 5 stars
Let’s Go Outside – This book takes the reader on an outdoor adventure where we can stretch up like a tree, swim like a fish, and buzz like a bee. The writing is very simple, and just right for babies and toddlers learning their first words. I love that each page shows a parent and their child having fun in the forest or by the ocean.
As the parents and children explore the outdoors, there are little animals peeking out from behind the trees or swimming in the water. The little snails, turtles, frogs, and butterflies are so cute! There are birds, bunnies, and baby foxes too! So adorable!
Let’s Be Kind – This book teaches babies and toddlers about basic manners, saying please and thank you, and sharing toys with others. The writing is very simple, and just right for babies and toddlers learning their first words. Continue reading
Board Book Reviews: Good Night, Baboon! and ABC Dance!
Good Night, Baboon!: A Bedtime Counting Book
by Sabrina Moyle (Author),Eunice Moyle
by Sabrina Moyle (Author),Eunice Moyle
5 out of 5 stars
Good Night, Baboon! – While the other animals get ready for bed, one baby baboon is determined to stay up! Baby baboon burps during snack time, brushes his bum instead of his teeth, plays loud lullabies on electric guitar, and runs around causing mayhem, until finally baby baboon is ready for a goodnight hug.
I love how this book is designed as a counting book, and we count down each animal group getting ready for bed. 9 skunks take a bath, 8 hamsters have a bedtime snack, 7 sloths put on their PJs, etc… and through it all, baby baboon is getting into trouble! Baby baboon manages to bounce across each page, getting into shenanigans before bed and monkeying around. I love how irreverent this book is!
ABC Dance – The animals are all dancing in a massive parade of exuberant dance moves! From aardvarks to zebras, every animal group is hopping and stepping and thumping their tails. They show off their skills with the fandango, the waltz, the can-can, the tango, the hustle, and ballet.
Picture Book Review: Welcome to Jazz
Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In”
by Carolyn Sloan
by Carolyn Sloan
5 out of 5 stars
Three cats visit a Jazz club in New Orleans, and learn all about how jazz music is made. They learn about beats and rhythm, melody and harmony, various instruments and their sounds, and how improvisation works. They learn a little about the history of jazz and how it all began in Congo Square in New Orleans, Louisiana.
I am so impressed with this book! The whole design is wonderful, and I loved the recordings you can play by pushing the buttons. Each button plays a different section of “When the Saints Go Marching In”, and teaches the reader about which instruments play harmony, melody, and bass lines. Then the entire band comes together with the vocalists to play the song. Continue reading
Picture Book Review: Maisy Gets a Pet
Maisy Gets a Pet
by Lucy Cousins
by Lucy Cousins
5 out of 5 stars
Maisy visits her friend Penguin and gets a new kitten. She plays with the kitten, feeds it, and cleans the litter box. Maisy has to take her new kitten to the vet, and make sure the kitten gets plenty of exercise and sleep.
This is such a sweet book to teach young children about caring for pets, and how to be gentle with animals. Maisy has to be responsible, but can also have fun with her new pet. I really love the teaching moments in this book, and how it is presented in an entertaining way for toddlers. Continue reading
Favorite Fictional Writer Characters
Non-Fiction Book Review: Everyday Stress Relief
Everyday Stress Relief: Essential Techniques to Boost Emotional Resiliency and Improve Your Health
by Ruth C. White PhD MPH MSW
by Ruth C. White PhD MPH MSW
4 out of 5 stars
This book provides practical suggestions for dealing with stress in a positive and healthy way. It includes commonly stressful scenarios and how to cope when dealing with each one. Some of the scenarios include, death of a loved one, losing a job, starting college, retiring, buying a home, parenting a difficult child, getting dinner on the table, commuting to work, feeling lonely, or being in a car accident.
Each section begins with a description of the struggles of the scenario and the possible emotions that may arise. Then there is a stress-relieving exercise to try such as meditation, physical exercise, journaling, or reframing your thoughts in a more positive light.
I love that this book focuses on gratitude, resilience, and gentleness. The writing is very encouraging, and gives excellent advice for navigating the strong emotions that can come up during stressful times. Continue reading
Graphic Novel Review: The Knights of Mars
Castle in the Stars: The Knights of Mars #3
by Alex Alice
by Alex Alice
5 out of 5 stars
Seraphin and his father are working to keep the secrets of aether out of the hands of the Prussians, and trying to track the whereabouts of the missing Bavarian king. Eventually, their search will lead them to the red planet, Mars.
I love this graphic novel from start to finish! The artwork is delicate yet bold, with beautiful colors, clear action, hilarious character expressions, gorgeous designs, and emotional scenes.
The story is full of suspense, adventure, and family! I loved the friendships, the family dynamics, and the history that made this a deep and emotional tale. Continue reading
Book Review: The Star Dunes
The Star Dunes (Explorer Academy #4)
by Trudi Trueit (Goodreads Author)
by Trudi Trueit (Goodreads Author)
5 out of 5 stars
Cruz is in Africa searching for the missing clues his mother left behind for him to find after her death. The explorers help a family of mountain gorillas in Uganda, and then follow the clues to a desert region of Africa. The evil Nebula organization is breathing down their necks, and Cruz is devastated when one of his friends is targeted.
I loved this plot! There is plenty of action and suspense. I never knew what was going to happen next! I really loved that Lani is finally part of the team! She is such an interesting character.
The exotic locations are amazing, and I loved learning about different conservation efforts in Uganda and Namibia and all the national parks.
Luminous Libro 