Non Fiction Review: Bible Word Search Book

Large Print Bible Word Search Book by Cristina Smith
Large Print Bible Word Search Book: 100 Challenging and Fun Puzzles for Adults
by Cristina Smith (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars

This word search book is divided into puzzles grouped by the book of the Bible and by chapter of the Bible. For instance, the first puzzle has words from Genesis 1:1-26, and the next word search has words from Genesis 2:7-10:9. There are three or four puzzles for each book of the Bible.

It’s strange that the book says they use the King James translation of the Bible, but they include puzzles for books of the Bible that are not included in King James, like the apocryphal books of Tobit, Judith, Maccabees, Sirach, and Baruch.

Each puzzle has about 30 words to search for, with big text to make it easier. I like the clear design, and each page is color-coded for a specific book of the Bible. Continue reading

Non-Fiction Review: Soccer Stars on the Pitch

Soccer Stars on the Pitch by Tanya Keith
Soccer Stars on the Pitch
by Tanya Keith

4 out of 5 stars

Soccer (or futbol) fans will love these biographies of today’s top players from around the world! There are chapters for each position, showcasing the top goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards in the game today.

Some of the bios are several pages long, detailing how the players overcame obstacles and practiced hard to be the best. Other spotlight or honorable mention bios are one page long with stats and the main features of that player’s career. There are also pages that give information about the rules and regulations of pro soccer, common terminology, fun facts, and diagrams that show the pitch and positions. Continue reading

Non-Fiction Review: The Secret Joy of Hygge

The Secret Joy of Hygge by Alexandra Amarotico
The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday
by Alexandra Amarotico

5 out of 5 stars


This sweet book defines what “hygge” (pronouned “hoo-gah”) is and give advice on promoting a cozy hygge feeling in your everyday life. Finding joy in small things and celebrating each moment is the way to embrace happiness with hygge. Doing everyday tasks with mindfulness and gratitude is hygge.

The illustrations show cute little drawings of a fireplace, candles, family photos, a warm cup of tea, or a book, a cat sleeping on an armchair, a plant on a windowsill, warm mittens, a bike, a picnic, a piece of cake, and a hundred other little things that embody the spirit of hygge. The pastels colors are muted and calm.

There are chapters about using hygge in self-care, in your home, with your family, at your workplace, and in daily life.

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

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: The Migraine Diet

The Migraine Diet by Denise Potter
The Migraine Diet: A Ketogenic Meal Plan for Headache Relief
by Denise Potter

5 out of 5 stars

This cookbook begins with a section about how food can heal the body, and what causes migraines. It explains how a ketogenic diet might help migraines by cutting out carbs. Other therapies and medications are also mentioned to possibly be used alongside the ketogenic diet as a way to treat and prevent migraines. The reader is encouraged to keep a migraine diary and keep a record of their migraines as a way to determine the type, length, and stressors that impact their migraines.

The second section gives general instructions about what ingredients to buy for the most common recipes, what foods to avoid, and what vitamins to take. Gentle exercise and meditation are also recommended as a way to reduce the stress and emotional upset which can lead to migraines.

There is a weekly meal plan and a shopping list for 4 weeks, as well as a weekly page to keep a migraine diary.

Continue reading

Non Fiction Review: Quick and Easy Healthy Cookbook

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

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

Non Fiction Review: A Shared Grandmother’s Journal

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