non fiction

NonFiction Review: Solve This!

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Solve This! by Joan Marie Galat
Solve This!: Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You 
by Joan Marie Galat (Goodreads Author)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This fun book gives problematic scenarios, and encourages the reader to find solutions by using engineering and science! The problem is set with a description of a place or difficulty, and then various people of different professions give their original solutions, and finally the engineers give a solution, and you can decide which one is best!

There are a wide variety of professional people from different areas giving imaginative solutions on each page; a marine biologist, a teacher, a librarian, an architect, a nurse, a plumber, and dozens more in addition to the actual engineers. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: To the Moon and Back

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To the Moon and Back by Buzz Aldrin
To the Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Adventure 
by Buzz Aldrin ,Marianne Dyson, Bruce Foster (Illustrations)
5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
This incredible book about Apollo 11, features the most amazing pop-ups I have ever seen in my life!!!
Every time I turned the page, I was oohing and aahing over the beautiful graphics and the intricacy of the pop-ups. There is a pop-up of the Apollo 11 rocket that is at least a foot long, and it blasts up from the page!

 

As if the gorgeous pictures and pop-ups weren’t enough, the story of the moon landing is also marvelous and full of interesting details. If you can tear your eyeballs away from the exquisite photos long enough to actually read the story, it is a delightful and easy to read history of the entire moon landing journey from start to finish. I loved how Buzz Aldrin tells the story from his own perspective!

And as if the interesting story AND pictures AND pop-ups weren’t enough, there is ALSO an insert with a paper model of the Eagle lunar module complete with assembly instructions for putting it together!

Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Absolutely Everything

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Absolutely Everything! by Christopher Lloyd
Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention 
by Christopher Lloyd (Goodreads Author), Andy Forshaw (Illustrations)
2 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
This history book is full of colorful illustrations and photos, and a lighthearted writing style.
I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover and the gorgeous layout.However, I did NOT find the information to be reliable or accurate, and the conversational writing style was too cutesy and fake for me.
The author often cites things as fact which are only theories, or gives his personal opinion on events instead of relating them impartially. Many of his conclusions are erroneous, and I did not appreciate the silly introductions to each chapter.

I did love the beautiful illustrations and colorful photos!
I would not recommend this book for anyone who is interested in reading actual history rather than personal opinion and propaganda.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book 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.

Book Review: Yin Yoga

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Yin Yoga by Kassandra Reinhardt
Yin Yoga: Stretch the mindful way 
by Kassandra Reinhardt

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This beautiful book gives practical meditation tips, breathing exercises, and yin yoga postures for beginner through intermediate yogis. It includes yoga sequences for 30-90 minute yoga practices, and instructions on how to modify each yoga pose to make it easier if you need a gentler posture, or to make it harder if you are ready for a deeper stretch.

I adore the gorgeous photos of each pose. The serene ocean in the background of each photo makes me feel soothed and calm. The golden light and beautiful seaside landscapes really enhance every yoga posture. Continue reading →

Book Review: Nat Geo Kids Almanac 2019

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National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 by National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 
by National Geographic Kids

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


I love weird facts and details about history, space, science, ecosystems, geography, and nature. So of course, I devoured this book and enjoyed every colorful page!

With beautiful photos and maps, this book gives a quick look into fascinating places, amazing explorers, strange animals, and dazzling planets and stars all over the galaxy.
I especially loved the section about history that features short bios and photos of influential and celebrated people from world history, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Sacagawea, and Lucille Ball.

There is a comprehensive list of the world’s countries and continents, featuring stats about mountains, oceans, deserts, and other fun facts.
There is even a page about the myth of Atlantis, and the secrets of Stonehenge!
Continue reading →

Book Review: Wait Till It Gets Dark

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Wait Till It Gets Dark by Anita Sanchez
Wait Till It Gets Dark 
by Anita Sanchez (Goodreads Author), John Himmelman (Illustrations)
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book introduces the amazing abilities of various nocturnal animals with sharpened senses of smell, sight, and hearing, and also encourages readers to try out their own senses in the night. The illustrations are colorful and interesting, and each chapter gives practical advice about walking safely in the dark, how to find and observe nocturnal animals, and how to enhance your own 5 senses as you explore.
Continue reading →

Book Review: The H.L. Hunley Submarine

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The H. L. Hunley Submarine by Fran Hawk
The H. L. Hunley Submarine: History and Mystery from the Civil War 
by Fran Hawk, Monica Wyrick (Contributor)
5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

The mysteries of the Hunley submarine are finally being answered! But even more mysteries remain to be discovered in connection with this Civil War submarine wrecked outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Starting with the story of Lt. George Dixon and his miraculous survival at the Battle of Shiloh, and including the innovative vision of Horace Hunley, this book covers the history of the men who designed and commanded the H. L. Hunley “fish boat” until she sank in 1864.

This book is wonderfully written in a way that engages the reader, and keeps your interest through every chapter. I loved the colorful illustrations, photos, and diagrams in this book, which really brought the story to life.

Continue reading →

Review: NatGeo Kids US Atlas

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National Geographic Kids United States Atlas by National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids United States Atlas 
by National Geographic Kids
5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

I love maps at any time, and this atlas is full of amazing maps! It’s got pictures and factoids and terrain and history, all with colorful lines and photos and interesting little details.
The first thing I did was turn to the page for my state, Georgia, and poured over the pages, finding my town, and looking for nearby national parks and monuments. Continue reading →

Book Review: Hand Made

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Hand Made by Melissa K Norris
Hand Made: The Modern Woman’s Guide to Made-from-Scratch Living 
by Melissa K Norris
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


After reading this book about baking, cooking, growing herbs, creating hand-made soaps or candles, and decorating and organizing your home, I want to try it all! I want to cook every recipe, and start an herb garden, and make little gifts for all my friends! I want to organize my kitchen, and plan for holiday decorating, and fill my house with the yummy smells of baking. Continue reading →