Great Dog by Davide Cali

What do you want to be when you grow up?  At some point in each of our lives we have thought about that very question.  Children love to think about what they will be when they grow up.  This is a book that you might want to consider purchasing to share with them.   

This book approaches that very subject in a way that will bring a smile to a child’s face as you read this adorable book to them! 

As the story progresses, you are taken through a  wall of fame.  Well... pictures of family members that show such a wonderful  diversity of this family's members.    

The illustrations by Miguel Tanco are very interesting.   I enjoyed spending time looking at each of the family members and studying closely  the details in each picture.

The unexpected twist at the end was a bonus!

This would be a wonderful book to add to a classroom library.

Disclosure:   I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed  here  are my own.

Shelter by Celine Clair

Synopsis:

As a big storm approaches, two strangers arrive in the forest. All the animal families, safe in their homes, are worried, unsure of their motives. So, they all turn them away when they ask for shelter, and the strangers are left to fend for themselves. But then the fox family is suddenly forced out into the storm, and they must ask these outsiders for help. Will they find it in their hearts to give it?

In my first-grade classroom my students love to be read to… especially those with animals in them. As the story progresses the pictures themselves give you the feeling that the storm is drawing near!   I can almost visualize the expressions they will have as I read it to them!  The rejection that the bears must feel when no one will let them in… how cold they must be in the midst of this terrible storm… the gratitude they have for the fox’s gift… the fear the fox family has when their home is in danger… 

Discussing generosity and kindness towards others is something that we all need to be reminded of sometimes.  What a huge difference in can make in our lives!

Disclosure:   I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed here  are my own.

Me, Me, Me by Annika Dunklee

This book is about three young girls that are best friends.  Their school is going to have a talent show and Annie suggest that they enter as an all-girl singing group.  This seemed like a wonderful idea to Lillemor & Lilianne until they realized that they were going to have no say about the song they sang, the name of their group, or even what they wore!  They quickly realized that the talent show was really going to be all about Annie!  The group breaks ups and Annie decided to do a solo performance.  The other two girls decide to do a duet. 

All the girls quickly find out that things are not the same without the who group. 

This book is so typical of what children go through when they won’t work together as a team.  Will the girls reconcile before the talent show?  a

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Disclosure:   I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed above are my own.

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey (Book #3 - Chesapeake Valor Series)

Book Description: 

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.  

My Thoughts:

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this the 3^rd book in the Chesapeake Valor series.  This book was worth the wait!   It seems like forever since I read the last book, but it didn’t take me long to recall the events from the previous book and I found myself totally sucked into this book.  Two days later (I had to sleep, eat & work!) I was finished.   😊  

This Christian/Inspirational Fiction book allows the characters to show through their words and actions their faith in God.  It is just a part of their life and the author does an excellent job of showing that without overdoing it!  As the reader, you know they are Christians, but it is not overpowering!

If you like a book full of action and suspense, then you might want to give this series a chance!   One of the characters, Declan was highlighted more in this book than the others and I was so happy about that!  He has always been one of my favorite characters in the books and I was glad this book brought out more of his character and deep beliefs in the storyline.  

The ending of the book was quite a surprise!  I love a good cliff-hanger and I was not disappointed by this one!!!! 

I would recommend that if you have not read Cold Shot and Still Life that you do so before you read this book. There is a lot of history between all the characters in this book and it will help you connect the pieces together easier.

Disclosure:  Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Monster Party with Oriental Trading

Every year I try to do something fun for our fall party in my first grade classroom.  This year I decided to have a MONSTER DAY!!!  I had so much fun trying to find fun ideas (that can be made educational) from Oriental Trading that I think they are going to LOVE!  They have so many monster ideas and it was so hard to pick.  I finally decided on these fun things.

Monster Bean Bag Toss Game – I am going to set this game up at a math center.  Students will throw a bean bag to knock over the plastic cans.  Students will add up the number of cans they knock over using the color key for the different colors of the cans.  Aren’t these little monster cans CUTE!  I will be using these for several other activities during the school year as well.  

Monster Weaving Mat Craft Kit – These will be a perfect addition to our Monster Party.  The only preparation I will need to do is it tear the perforated paper apart  and put in a container at our art center.  Easy Peasy…Lemon Squeezy!  I'm so glad that I did one of these ahead of time... Now I know I need to tear these apart before the party.  

Monster Piñata – It doesn’t get much cuter than this to use for decorating my classroom for our Monster Party.  I just have to figure out how to make sure all 24 of my students get a chance at hitting it before it breaks.  Instead of filling it with candy, I’m painting 24 small film canisters (Yeah! I finally found a way to use them!!) and then adding a Tattoo monsters into each of them.  

  

Monster Pencils – We will start our day by writing a monster story using the Tattoo Monster from our Piñata and a cute Monster Pencil!! These pencils are hard to sharpen in my regular pencil sharpener because of the coating that is on them.  But I have a hand turned pencil sharpener that works great on these pencils.  There are 6 different designs for the Tattoos and I'm sure my kiddos will have a favorite.

And of course… what party would be complete without food & decoractions.

Goofy Monster Head Lollipops – Super cute!  I really want to try them…but I only have 2 boxes (12 in a box)… and I have exactly 24 students.  There are 6 different designs and they are different flavors.  Yummo!

 

Mini Monster Luncheon Napkins & Monster

 Party Paper Dinner Plates – A monster party definitely needs to have monster napkins and plates!!!  They are so cute!  My kiddos are going to be so excited to use them. I love that they are very sturdy and the napkins were bigger than I was expecting.  

Mini Monster Cupcake Liners with Picks – I have a friend that makes awesome cakes and she has volunteered to make the cupcakes for my party. All I have to do it add these monster picks when I get them to school.  I think I will be more excited than the kiddos!!!  The liners are different colors and go perfectly with the monster theme.

Eyeball Gummy Candy – Monsters and eyeballs... they go together RIGHT!!!  I had to have someone try them out... Isn't he about the cutest thing you have seen all day!  He said they were delicious and wanted more!

That's it!  I am so excited about this party and can hardly wait to see the expressions on the faces of my students when they walk into our classroom on MONSTER DAY!    

You still have a littler over a month to get ready for you Halloween Party!  Please give  Oriental Trading a quick look... you will love their variety as well as quick deliveries.  
  

 Disclaimer:  I recieved the above products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.

So Many Choices for Costumes at Oriental Trading!!!

It’s Fall Y’al!!!l  I am so totally ready for the cool weather!

Halloween is going to be here before you know it!  Have you started thinking about costumes yet?  I have the perfect place for you to shop. ORIENTAL TRADING!!!  Head on over there to see their huge selection for children and adults alike. 

My niece has always felt like she missed out by now being a part of the hippi generation.  She found this costume and now (for a day!) she is going to live the life of an adorable hippi.  I’m pretty sure that when she wears this outfit  to work at the Nursing Home, here patients are going to love it!!! 

Her little boy doesn’t even know what a hippi is and I'm pretty sure he doesn't know what a Whoppie Cushion is either.  His pre-k teacher is going to love it when he dresses up for the big parade at school.  Well… I don’t know about that…but she will definitely think this is a perfect costume for him.  Lol  Isn’t he adorable!!!

Halloween will be here before you know it  Don’t wait too long to find yourself the perfect costume. 

Disclaimer:  I received these products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.

The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix

SYNOPSIS:

“There were seconds, when I woke, when the world felt unshrouded. Then memory returned.”

When Jessica regains consciousness in a French hospital on the day after the Paris attacks, all she can think of is fleeing the site of the horror she survived. But Patrick, the steadfast friend who hasn’t left her side, urges her to reconsider her decision. Worn down by his insistence, she reluctantly agrees to follow through with the trip they’d planned before the tragedy.

“The pages found you,” Patrick whispered.

“Now you need to figure out what they’re trying to say.”

During a stop at a country flea market, Jessica finds a faded document concealed in an antique. As new friends help her to translate the archaic French, they uncover the story of Adeline Baillard, a young woman who lived centuries before—her faith condemned, her life endangered, her community decimated by the Huguenot persecution.

“I write for our descendants, for those who will not understand the cost of our survival.”

Determined to learn the Baillard family’s fate, Jessica retraces their flight from France to England, spurred on by a need she doesn’t understand.

Could this stranger who lived three hundred years before hold the key to Jessica’s survival?

mY rEVIEW:

The first time I tried to read this book… I couldn’t’ seem to focus on what was happening.  However, the second time I absolutely couldn’t put it down.  This book was not what I was expecting at all.   There was a mixture of friendship, terror, relationships, grief, healing, history, tragedy, family, and so much more that was woven throughout the storyline.     

Jessica is on a journey that she (or the reader) have no idea where it will lead.  I found myself hurriedly reading each page in anticipation of what might happened next.   

The emotions that Jessica experienced were illustrated so wonderfully throughout the pages. 

I love this book and am looking forward to reading more books written by Michèle Phoenix.

Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard by Felicia Di John

I fell in love with this picture book almost instantly!  Just look at the front cover of the book with the adorable Chihuahua and those HUGE ears!   I can’t think of a better name for this dog than Cutie!  (I must admit i am a huge dog lover though!!!!!)

When Cutie’s mom (a six-year-old girl named Ava Rose), goes to school one day, Cutie decides to venture outdoors and explore.  The reader realizes quickly that this dog is full of curiosity and is definitely seeking some adventure in her life.  As she explores in the dessert near her house, she gets scared very easily!  She quickly makes a new friend however and notices tht they have some very weird eating habits.  Her day is over before she realizes it and knows she needs to hurry home before Ava Rose gets home! 

My first graders were totally engrossed with this book.  It seems like they looked at every detail of the pictures and they couldn’t help but show their excitement with their friends. 

This was a fun book to read to my students and am certainly looking forward to reading other adventures of Cuties that may come along in the future.  

Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Oriental Trading - Lots of 4th of July Items!!!!

In just a little over a week, my husband and I will be hosting our annual 4^th of July picnic for our church.  This year we wanted to make it extra special for all our guests by decorating more and having a few treats for them.  ORIENTAL TRADING with their wide variety of patriotic items came to the rescue! 

Candy Buffett anyone???  I started off with some red containers from Oriental Trading's patriotic selection to put all the goodies in.   They also have a HUGE selection of candy to pick from.  I ended up picking the Sweet Creams Hard Candy, Candy Sticks, Tootsie Rolls, and Butter Mints.   What child (or adult for that matter) will be able to resist these eye catching sweets?!  

When I saw these Red White & Blue Leis I knew they would be absolutely perfect.  Everyone can use a bit more red, white, and blue on the 4^th of July!!!

We wanted to decorate just a bit, so we decided to add a few bows to the trees around the picnic area.  These will definitely be a cute addition to our picnic area. 

What’s a party without a photo booth?  I’m sure these will be a big hit.  The best part…everyone has a camera on their phone now days…so it will be a do it yourself.  J

The 4^th of July wouldn’t be complete without a few glowing items!  Aren’t these Glow Necklaces awesome!  There are several kiddos in our church that are going to love them.  I might have to put a sign up that says “children only.”  J

I hope you found something that you liked.  If not, you need to head on over to Oriental Trading and find items that will make your 4^th of July even more special.  You still have time but you need to hurry if you want them for your 4^th of July Celebration!!!!

Happy 4^th of July and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Disclaimer:  I received the above products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden

This historical love story was a quick read for me.   I found myself totally engrossed and finished it quickly.   Janet Bennett is a nurse that worked at the Presido Army Base when she meets Ryan Gallagher.   In the brief time they are together, they quickly fall in love and start planning their life together.

        Suddenly, Ryan tells Janet that he is leaving and is unable to give her any information about where he is going and when he will return.  Something didn’t seem quite right to her… but there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.   He tried to reassure her that he would be back soon and they would get married and spend their life together.

        Ryan promises he will try to write… and he did... one time...  apologizing for leading her to believe they had a future and wished her the best. (Wow!) 

        Six year later he returns to the Presidio… and needs her help! Janet is filled with raw emotions and doesn't know quite what to do.  There continues to be a cloud of mystery that surrounds Ryan's life that Janet doesn't understand. Will she help him?  Should she help him?  You will have to read the book to find out!    

        This book is a good read! I’m looking forward to reading other books by Elizabeth Camden.


I received an ebook of To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishers and in exchange I have written my honest review of this book.  

The Jesus Club by Brian Barcelona

This is a true story about a young man named Brian Barcelona that God used to ignite revivals in the lives of thousands of teenagers. 

When he was 16 years old he realized that God in fact did exist and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as he savior.  Growing up he had believed there was no way there could be a God.  

A few months after he graduated from high school, his life change in a direction he was not expecting.  The Lord called him to go into schools across America and share the Gospel.  Because of this call, he stepped out in faith… going and doing things that he would never have done on his own.  He went to school after school and continued to trust God and watched how hearing the Gospel changed the life of thousands of young people. 

This book made me aware how sometimes we forget how God can use ME, YOU,  or ANYONE that will heed his call to make a difference in the world.  Brian’s obedience to God’s call was amazing and because of his obedience many teenager’s lives were change forever.

If you are looking for an inspirational book… this is a good one to consider!


Disclosure: I received this e-book  from Chosen Books and the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review The Jesus Club by Brian Barcelona  and give my honest opinion of the book.

Still Life by Dani Pettrey (Chesapeake Valor Series #2)

If you are looking for a good read with romance and suspense, this just might be the book for you.  I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the handsome man on the cover and even more when I realized it was the 2nd book in the Chesapeake Valor Series written by Dani Pettrey.  If you haven't read the Cold Shot (the first book in the series), you might want to get that book and read it first.  J

I enjoyed every single minute I spent reading Still Life.  Just like every book I have read by Dani Pettrey, I can’t bring myself to put it down until I finish it.  This book was no different.  From the very beginning of the book, I wanted to keep reading… and reading… and reading… 

This is a very fast paced book.  When a young lady is discovered missing the characters from the last book begin to show up as their expertise is needed in solving the mystery.  The characters are unique and they work well together and make quite an interesting group of people.  This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.  Just when you think you have things figured out, another twist happens in the story. 

I received an ebook of Still Life from Bethany House Publishers and in exchange I have written my honest review of this book.  

Emerald Tree-Free Bath & Facial Tissue

     If you are looking to go green Emerald Tree-Free is a brand of bath & facial tissue that you might want to check out. 

     This Emerald Tree-Free Bath Tissues comes individually wrapped!  I don’t think I have ever had any toilet paper in my house that was individually wrapped!  J  It is 2-ply and is also much softer than the toilet paper we normally use.  However, it is definitely not the softest tissue I have ever used either.  The roll doesn’t disappear overnight like some brands I’ve used in the past.  I don’t know much anything about bagasse, but it is made with that as well as bamboo and eucalyptus.

     These Emerald Facial Tissues came at just the right time.  I’ve had a sinus infection for the past week.  I went through the entire box of tissues!  The tissues have a texture that I’ve never felt in other tissues.  They definitely aren’t like the soft ones with lotion…but after blowing my nose a million times a lot this past week… my nose survived! 

     I just read the bottom of the box and I learned something new.  BAGASEE is the residue from the sugar cane stalks!  Wow!  It’s amazing the things people discover that we have wasted for so many years!

     Shoplet offers so many wonderful products!  Chances are they will be able to meet most of your shopping needs… including medical supplies, cleaning supplies, office supplies as well as office furniture. 

Disclosure:  I was provided a sample of both of these items.  In exchange I have given an honest opinion of these products. 

Treasures in Dark Places by Leanna Cinquanta

          The cover of this book is haunting!  Perhaps it is the eyes of the little girl... but something about it just left me with a sensation of wanting to read it.  As I read the first chapter, I was quickly drawn into the story.  

          Leanna's childhood was the total oppositive of mine!  Her family traveled from one home to the next and they never knew where they would end up.  I can't imagine a life of such uncertainty!  As a young child she experienced dreams that became hard to discern if they were real or not.  They left her with many questions unanswered.

          As a young person when Jesus Christ came to her, things change for her and her life was never the same.  Within a few years of her life changing in a direction that she never expected, she traveled to India on a mission that she didn't think she would return. 

          Reading her story left me with a sensation of knowing there is so much more that God wants from me.  As a Christian, we should all be about God's Kingdom and this book was definitely an inspiritation to me personally.  I was left feeling an intense challenge to make my life count for the Kingdom of God!!


Disclosure:  I received this e-book through the NetGalley reviewer program at  no cost.  In exchange, I have agreed to give my opinion of this book.  

In the Shadow of Denali (The Heart of Alaska Book #1)

This is the first time I have read a novel by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse and I’ve officially added their names to my list of authors I enjoy reading.  It is a Christian historical fiction which beautifully depicts the Alaskan Frontier as not only a place of great beauty but also shows the grave danger that exist there. 

Alaska has always been on my bucket list of places I really want to visit.  After reading this book, I have moved it to the top of my list!  I love the descriptive writing that draws you into the story and allowed me to visualize so clearly what Alaska was like when it was land that was practically uninhabited with its natural beauty.

There are just a few of the main characters: 

·       Allan is a young man who recently lost his father while climbing Mount McKinley.  The death of his father leaves him full of anger towards the man he believes is ultimately responsible for his death. 

·       John is a mountain guide who lost a man during one of his expeditions while climbing Denali.  When the man’s son comes to do an internship with him, there are of course trust issues that somehow need to be addressed.  

·       Cassidy is a young girl who has been raised by her father.  She always has such a positive attitude.  An attraction quickly develops between Cassidy and Allan.

This is the first book in the series, and I am anxious to read the next book!

Disclosure: I received this e-book  through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review In the Shadow of Denali and give my honest opinion.