Picture Book Reviews: In the Wild series

Big Bear Hug by Nicholas OldlandMaking the Moose Out of Life by Nicholas OldlandThe Busy Beaver by Nicholas Oldland
Up the Creek by Nicholas OldlandWalk on the Wild Side by Nicholas Oldland
4 out of 5 stars to the “In the Wild” Series by Nicholas Oldland
These picture books are adorable! I love the cartoony illustrations with clear lines and bright colors. I love the simple storylines and funny plots.

Sweet and hilarious, these books are perfect for reading with young children!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of all these books from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

To read individual reviews of each picture book, continue reading….

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Non Fiction Review: Toddler Activities Made Easy

Toddler Activities Made Easy by Krissy Bonning-Gould
Toddler Activities Made Easy: 100+ Fun and Creative Learning Activities for Busy Parents
by Krissy Bonning-Gould (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars


This book gives fun and engaging activities for toddlers that require very little set-up, materials, or preparation. In the first pages, there are lists of specific motor skills, language skills, and emotional intelligence that you can look for in your toddler based on their age. There are labels for different skills that are used in each activity.

The activities include things like matching games, pretending to be animals, recognizing shapes and letters, hopscotch, dance parties, and simple construction projects with materials like paper, cardboard, and rubber bands. Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: Grateful Together

Grateful Together by Vicky Perreault
4 out of 5 stars

This guided journal is for parents and children to write in together as a reminder to be grateful for something each day. The prompts include things like being grateful for friends, laughter, favorite books, pets, acts of kindness, and teachers.

A guided entry might ask the writer to do an act of kindness or generosity and then journal about it and how it made them feel to help someone. Another entry will ask the writer to write about a time when someone helped them, and how grateful they are for the generosity of others. Continue reading

Picture Book Review: With All My Heart

With All My Heart by Stephanie Stansbie
With All My Heart
by Stephanie Stansbie, Richard Smythe

5 out of 5 stars

This sweet picture book features die-cut openings in the pages that showcase an element in the illustrations or a word on the next opposing page of the book. The way the openings are set up is really clever, so that no matter which way you look through them, there is something lovely that adds to the words and illustrations.
The die-cuts also vary between heart shapes, flowers, clouds, leaves, and stars. The openings highlight shooting stars, the pitter-patter of rain, the shining moon, and lovely falling leaves. Continue reading

Non-Fiction Review: Real Science Experiments

Real Science Experiments by Jess Harris
Real Science Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids
by Jess Harris

5 out of 5 stars

Using ordinary items found around the house, these experiments are introduced in separate chapters for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. They range from simple activities that a young child could do alone, to more complex experiments that require an adults supervision. Each activity poses a scientific question, and asks the reader to create a theory, examine evidence, draw conclusions, and record their observations.

You can make your own microscope, track sound waves, build 3-D lenses, power a small boat with just a candle, build a robot that hops, create artwork with a pendulum, and weave a magical math square.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with photos that show children doing the actual experiments. There is even a glossary in the back for some of the more scientific terms. Continue reading

Picture Book Review: Bo the Brave

Bo the Brave by Bethan Woollvin
Bo the Brave
by Bethan Woollvin

5 out of 5 stars


Bo’s brothers go out monster hunting, and won’t let her come along. She decides to do some monster hunting by herself, and ends up befriending some creatures along the way.

This book is so cute! Bo is truly fearless and kind and smart, and I loved her sweet character. The story is interesting and funny, with a repetitive plot that is perfect for little readers. Children love repetition and this book has just the right balance in the writing.

The illustrations are captivating! The contrasting colors really focus the attention on key characters and items in the artwork, and the rest of the background is in black and white. It’s beautifully done, and I love the art style.

The messages of kindness and self-reliance are wonderful, and teach children a little lesson in a fun way. The whole book is perfection, and I enjoyed it so much!

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

Non Fiction Review: Real Chemistry Experiments

Real Chemistry Experiments by Edward P. Zovinka PhD
Real Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids
by Edward P. Zovinka PhD

4 out of 5 stars

This one is for the problem-solvers, the explorers, and those with curious minds! This book begins with an introduction to the different areas of chemistry, and the types of chemists who study biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, even green chemistry which studies how to reduce waste.

The experiments are divided into chapters by Matter, Gases, Chemical Reactions, and Polymers. Although the book talks about atoms, protons, density, noble gases, air pressure, and other scientific terms, a child doesn’t have to understand the complexities of the science in order to do the experiments and have fun! Continue reading

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

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: Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids

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!

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NonFiction Review: Let’s Party! Kids Cookbook

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