Gramar Workbook, An Intro to Advanced Grammar (Review)

Grammar Workbook, An Intro to Advanced Grammar,  came at a great time. My daughter, who can rattle off historical facts like nobody's business, struggles with grammar, and needs some extra help in that area. Although not a large book, Grammar Workbook is packed with a lot of information. I would have preferred the explanation of each new concept to be explained a bit more simply and more in depth, but I was able to walk my daughter through it with a bit of my own tweaking, and it worked. She hasn't completed the book yet, but I feel confident that it will help her to gain confidence in this subject. 

I recommend Grammar Workbook for review or extra practice, but not as a stand alone curriculum. It is available at a very reasonable price at Amazon.com.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. 

Owls, Our Most Charming Bird

I adore owls. My kids adore owls. Besides, they are so, like, IN right now. But really, I love them. So cute, so fluffy, and, according to this book, everything from "adorable" to "a monstrosity".

This little book is absolutely charming. Along with a simple and beautiful watercolor painting of each species, there is a short, informative write-up that is both quirky and educational. The species are separated into groups based on habitat. Owls, Our Most Charming Bird was a hit with my kids, too. My daughter is already trying to copy the illustrations.

4 out of 5 stars from me.

More about the book: 

An enchanting illustrated guide to owl species of the world.

The owl is one of nature’s most captivating creatures. In this enchanting guide, artist Matt Sewell brings to life fifty species from around the world. From the adorable Eurasian Pygmy Owl, small enough to fit in your pocket, to the Great Gray Owl, celebrated for its size and elegance—these charming illustrations are sure to delight anyone intrigued by these wise and wonderful animals.


Available on Amazon.com and bookstores everywhere. 

Thank you to Blogging for Books for my review copy!

Fletch Adventures!

Who doesn't love loggerhead sea turtles? What's not to love? Keep reading to find out how one mom is using one of these special creatures to teach children about the environment.

Everyone loves the beach. The beauty, the serenity of the ocean.... But keeping it beautiful is our job. Litter is more than a pet peeve or an eyesore. It can be dangerous. I can't bring myself to watch videos of what our careless acts do to marine life, and honestly, I don't want my kids to see it. But I do want them to be aware of it, and to know what they can do to solve the problem. Enter Fletch! Fletch is a loggerhead sea turtle who shows a young girl, Tierney, "the importance of keeping the beach and ocean clean during a day filled with fun, friendships and surprises."

The story of Fletch's Adventures comes in two formats: a chapter book, aimed at ages 6-11, and a picture book for smaller kiddos. The illustrations are fun and colorful, and the text very easy to read. My 10-year-old daughter, who is a reluctant reader, read the whole book in about an hour. That's a record for her, I think!  In the back of the each book is a certificate, with a place to write your child's name, awarded for "pledging to 'Keep it Clean' and to be a voice for all animals by encouraging others to do the same." It's signed by Fletch "himself". ;)

You can find out more about the books and order them here: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fletchadventures/?fref=ts
Website: http://www.fletchadventures.com

At the website, you'll also find some really cute stuff to go along with the books, like t-shirts and temporary tattoos! (My son is sporting a tattoo right now.)

About the author: 

Fletch Adventures was written by Jennifer Cochran, an environmental educator that saw a need for a book with a true conservation message that was still fun for kids to enjoy. Jennifer lives in South Florida with her husband, Lee and her daughter, Madison. Jennifer is active in environmental, conservation & wildlife education throughout South Florida.

"I truly hope you enjoy these books as much as I have enjoyed creating them!"...

Jennifer Cochran

About the Illustrator: 

"Robert Schilling is a freelance illustrator based in Florida. Robert studied at The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, where he practiced more traditional techniques of art and started to develop his style. Soon after he attended FZD School of Design in Singapore, where he learned the process of designing for games and film. Currently he's back in the states and works as a freelancer, working on projects that span from board games to children's books."

To check out more of Robbie's work go to http://schillingconcepts.blogspot.com/

A BIG thank you to Jennifer Cochran for sending me the books to review! 

52 Little Lessons from a Christmas Carol, by Bob Welch

I reviewed 52 Little Life Lessons from Les Miserable, and I loved it! I had already planned to buy 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol, so I was excited to see it on the list of titles up for review. I wasn't disappointed by this little book!

Bob Welch takes a story already filled with meaning and makes it even more meaningful. In each chapter, an excerpt is given, along with a scriptural tie-in, which I found especially helpful. One thing I enjoy about this author is his sense of humor. This is an easy, enjoyable, inspiring and fun read. I highly recommend this book, and I'm eager to read more from this author.

5 out of 5 stars.

More info: 

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels of all time, A Christmas Carol. 

• “For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”
• “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.”
• “God bless us, every one.”

The lessons and stories from the beloved novel A Christmas Carol point to bedrock values we all share. Award-winning author Bob Welch takes readers deeper into the nuances of this classic by Charles Dickens. From the miserliness of Scrooge to the innocence of Tiny Tim, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol will inspire readers to live for what really matters, not only at Christmas, but all year long.

About the Author:

Bob Welch is the author of 12 books, an award-winning columnist, a speaker, and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon in Eugene. His articles have been published in inspirational books, including the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.

224 pages, hardcover. 

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for my free review copy, received in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Instant Happy Journal (Review)

What an adorable little book! Perfect size, perfect design--yep--I'm in love with this little gem! There isn't a whole lot of writing space, but this isn't a regular journal. There is a page for each day with either an inspirational saying, a question, a writing prompt and more, and space to record your thoughts. There is a yellow silk ribbon marker, adding to the charm of the journal. This little book is a perfect gift, for a friend or for yourself!

5 out of 5 stars from me. Get one, or more! :)

More about the book from Amazon:

Brighten your day with this colorful journal from happiness expert Karen Salmansohn. Jam-packed with 365 “happiness prompters” including motivational quotes, scientific studies, and thought-provoking questions, this journal amps up your ability to notice (and create!) moments of joy and gratitude in your life—one day at a time.

368 pages. 


I received this book from Blogging for Books in return for my honest review.