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Non Fiction Review: Quick and Easy Healthy Cookbook

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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 →

Non Fiction Review: Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids

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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!

Continue reading →

NonFiction Review: Let’s Party! Kids Cookbook

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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 →

Picture Book Review: The Adventures of Moose and Mr. Brown

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The Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown by Sir Paul Smith
The Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown
by Sir Paul Smith,  Sam Usher (Illustrations)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

When Moose loses his twin brother at the airport, Mr. Brown decides to help him search for his brother. But Moose’s brother must have gotten on a plane somewhere and could be lost anywhere in the world! Mr. Brown gives Moose a job travelling around the world, designing clothing for animals in need.

Moose and Mr. Brown search in Japan, where they design a tail for a flying squirrel. They search in New York, where they design a hat for a bald eagle. They search in Africa (lion pajamas), China (panda eyeglasses), India (cobra bib), and in Australia (kangaroo dungarees).
Finally they arrive in Paris for the big fashion show, and Moose’s last chance to find his twin brother. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: A Shared Grandmother’s Journal

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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 →

Non Fiction Review: Everyday Bread Baking

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Everyday Bread Baking by Jenny Prior
Everyday Bread Baking: From Simple Sandwich Loaves to Celebratory Holiday Breads
by Jenny Prior,  Thomas J. Story (Photographer)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This cookbook gives step-by-step instructions for making delicious bread, pretzels, doughnuts, and rolls. There is a special section entirely for holiday sweet breads and desserts.

The introduction gives a lot of information about terminology used in bread baking, like “fermentation, leaven, proofing, and yeast”. It also includes general instructions on kneading the dough, checking the temperature, mixing and measuring, different types of flour, and using “starter” dough. There is a list of types of equipment needed, and a troubleshooting section if something goes wrong.

With step-by-step photos and careful instructions, it’s almost impossible to make a mistake. And there are substitutions suggested in the recipe if you don’t have the right ingredients or starter dough. I really appreciate that there are so many photographs showing each stage of the recipe as the dough rises, then is kneaded, and finally baked. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Big Book of Bling

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The Big Book of Bling by Rose M Davidson
The Big Book of Bling: Ritzy Rocks, Extravagant Animals, Sparkling Science, and More!
by Rose M Davidson

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book gives amazing information and wacky facts about bling of all kinds, from gorgeous gems to flashy fish to colorful festivals around the world.
Not just about the diamonds and gold, this book talks about animals that use dazzling colors to attract a mate or fend off predators, the most expensive luxury items of the ancient and modern worlds, and the most extravagant palaces and mansions around the world.

There are caves that sparkle in the darkness with luminescence, showy waterfalls, armor from the middle ages, twinkling stars, stunning ice formations and glaciers, the most expensive cars, and the most iconic movie props of all time. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Nerd A-Z

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Nerd A to Z by Tamara J. Resler
Nerd A to Z: Your Reference to Literally Figuratively Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know
by Tamara J. Resler, National Geographic Society (Contributor)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


If you are interested in being that person who knows the facts, has the smarts, and can problem-solve with the experts, then this book is for you. Full of information about science, arts, culture, geography, history, and technology, this book is the perfect encyclopedia of knowledge for the coolest people on earth- nerds!

At the very beginning of the book there is a flow chart quiz, “What Kind of Nerd Are You?”, so you can discover if you’re a scientist, a culture connoisseur, a tech expert, a genius at geography, or a designer. Once you’ve found out your special interest, you can take another flow chart quiz to find your niche within that subject. No matter if your interests are sports, music, art, science, virtual reality tech, cartography, zoology, genetics, or botany, there is a cool quiz to take and a whole book full of cool information on that subject! Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Brain Candy

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Brain Candy by Julie Beer
Brain Candy: 500 Sweet Facts to Satisfy Your Curiosity
by Julie Beer,  Chelsea Lin

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


“Have you ever wondered which is hotter: the surface of the sun or the core of the Earth?” This book is packed with crazy facts and wild information to satisfy even the most curious minds! There are factoids about history, science, animals, writing, music, outer space, food, sports, and of course the weird human body.

I love how colorful this book is! Each page is full of vibrant photos and bright text boxes with nuggets of wacky information.

I only wish that each fact had more data explaining about the information. For instance, “A five-story inflated yellow duck travels to city harbors around the world.” Why is there a huge rubber duck that travels around? Who owns it? What is its purpose? haha! I need more info! I guess I’ll have to google it. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Practical Yoga Nidra

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Practical Yoga Nidra by Scott Moore
Practical Yoga Nidra: A 10-Step Method to Reduce Stress, Improve Sleep, and Restore Your Spirit
by Scott Moore

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book gives a step-by-step guide to beginning and deepening a Yoga Nidra practice. The first chapter talks about what Yoga Nidra is, and how it can improve your sleep, make you more aware, reduce stress, help you to cope with emotions, and heal your body. Then each chapter focuses on one aspect of Yoga Nidra, opening your awareness to different areas of your body, mind, and spirit.

Each chapter includes a short and a long meditation script that you can prerecord for yourself and then play it back while you meditate. You can choose to do the shorter 5-minute meditation, or the longer one. Meditations includes visualizing a happy and safe place, doing a mental scan of your body, listening to your emotions, observing and releasing your thoughts, focusing on the breath, and setting an intention for your well-being. Continue reading →