I am a working mother of two whose passion (besides my family) is books. I am an avid reader who enjoys all types of books, although I mainly read fiction. In addition to reading, I also love crocheting, knitting, cooking, running, and watching Penn State sports. Contact me: bookingmama@gmail.com
@bookingmama (Twitter)
Welcome back to another Mailbox Monday post! It was a slow week compared to the past few, but I'm not complaining. I still had a great week and I'm super exchited about TWENTY-ONE TRUTHS ABOUT LOVE!
Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a board book that's especially important during these times!
Summary: Manners don’t come naturally to everyone! But did you know that elephants are known for their impeccable etiquette? It’s true! This hilarious guide to good manners offers many fun teaching moments for kids and their parents—it covers all the basics for the preschool set, from saying “please” and “thank you” to sharing and being kind to others. Filled with bright, adorable illustrations in Hello!Lucky’s inimitable style, young children will love learning about manners with this delightful, sturdy board book. -- Abrams
I absolutely love the concept of KINDNESS RULES! by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle. This little board book teaches manners to little ones in a very fun way... and parents will appreciate it too!
KINDNESS RULES! is so darn cute! While the book definitely has some important messages about how to act in specific situations, it is presented in an adorable way. Check out the picture below to see what I mean -- it's one of my favorite pages.
Magic Manners (a little elephant) is the moral compass in this book. He has great manners and shows kids how to act and be kind. For instance, when Magic Manners meets someone new (or old!), he always says hello. The other characters on the page reinforce that concept with speech bubbles saying "Have a firm handshake!," "Greet people by name," "Introduce yourself," and more.
As you can see, the illustrations are fantastic. Of course, I love Magic Manners. But I also think the supporting cast of brightly colored characters are too cute. There are a lot of characters on each page of this book, so it should keep the attention of even the most reluctant readers.
All in all, I think KINDNESS RULES! is a great book with valuable messages for today's little ones. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Welcome back to another Mailbox Monday post! I didn't realize how many books came into this house this week until I sat down to write this post. I don't think I had a day with more than two books, but they definitely trickled in. There are some great ones in this stash!
Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you the latest edition of a book that I've reviewed quite a few times!
Summary: It's the 10th anniversary of the world's best-selling almanac for kids! This year the Almanac features all-new content, interviews with explorers in each chapter, a special look at what was going on in the world when the first National Geographic Kids Almanac came out 10 years ago, plus the results of the 2019 Almanac Challenge and a new Challenge for kids who want to get involved with helping our planet. Kids can have fun keeping up with our quickly changing world with the New York Times best-selling almanac, packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, conservation, and more. There's a whole chapter full of fun and games, including activities, jokes, and comics. Practical reference material, including fast facts and maps of every country, has been fully updated. Homework help on key topics is sprinkled throughout the book. -- National Geographic Kids
Every year I tell myself that I've already reviewed the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC, yet every year I can't help but feature it again. It really is one of my favorite kids' books (ever), and the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2020 is no exception. This is the 10th year anniversary of the publication of the almanac, and the publisher manages to add new things each year and keep it fresh!
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2020 is a must-have for home and school libraries. There is more information in this book that you can imagine; and somehow, the presentation and content make it so fun to read. Honestly, what's better than an education and entertaining book for kids?
Of course, one of the highlights of the almanac is the photography. It's absolutely amazing and often times breathtaking! You know what I mean if you've ever opened a National Geographic Kids' book. In addition, there are also crafts, fun facts, games, quizzes, comics, jokes, and more! One of my favorite things about the 2020 book is that it provides interviews with real life National Geographic Explorers including a geologist and climate scientist, an anthropologist, a bioengineer, and an underwater photographer.
There truly is something for everyone in this book. The chapters are as follows: Your World 2020, Amazing Animals, Science and Technology, Going Green, Culture Connection, Space and Earth, Fun and Games, Awesome Exploration, Wonders of Nature, History Happens, and Geography Rocks.
There is also a 20/20 Visionary Challenge which asks readers to imagine the world 10 years int he future and to imagine a positive change, invention or discovery that they'd like to see happen. The results will show up in the 2021 Almanac.
I know some kids are going to read this book from cover to cover, while other ones will just page through it and read what interests them. Either way, I think readers will become more socially conscious about the world around us... and that's a very good thing.
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2020 is a winner. Highly recommended!
Thanks to Media Masters for providing a review copy of this novel.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Summary: Though Chloe was the younger of the two Taylor sisters, she always seemed to be the one in charge. She was the honor roll student with big dreams and an even bigger work ethic. Nicky—always restless and more than a little reckless—was the opposite of her ambitious little sister. She floated from job to job and man to man, and stayed close to home in Cleveland. For a while, it seemed that both sisters had found happiness. Chloe earned a scholarship to an Ivy League school and moved to New York City, where she landed a coveted publishing job. Nicky married promising young attorney Adam Macintosh and gave birth to a baby boy they named Ethan. The Taylor sisters became virtual strangers. Now, more than fifteen years later, their lives are drastically different—and Chloe is married to Adam. When he’s murdered by an intruder at the couple’s East Hampton beach house, Chloe reluctantly allows her teenage stepson’s biological mother—her estranged sister, Nicky—back into her life. But when the police begin to treat Ethan as a suspect in his father’s death, the two sisters are forced to unite . . . and to confront the truth behind family secrets they have tried to bury in the past. -- Harper
I have to say that Alafair Burke is one heck of a writer, and if you haven't read any of her novels, then you are definitely missing out! Her latest novel, THE BETTER SISTER, just might be my favorite one yet. This book is both a domestic novel and a mystery... and it happens to succeed so very well on both levels.
THE BETTER SISTER tells the story of Chloe Taylor, a successful editor, whose husband Adam is found murdered in their East Hampton Beach house. There are a few strange things about this story like Chloe is married to her older sister's ex-husband, bringing up her son Ethan, and has virtually no contact with sister. And there's also the weirdness surrounding the murder. It initially seems like a stranger is responsible; however, Chloe's step-son quickly becomes the main suspect... which brings Chloe's long-lost (and very troubled) sister Nicky to town. Needless to say, these two women are forced together under difficult circumstances -- trying to free the son they both love.
I absolutely loved everything about THE BETTER SISTER! Ms. Burke's writing is stellar (as usual!), and her portrayal of the sisters is so good. The family dynamics between the Chloe, her husband and her son is strong enough to make a great domestic novel, but the murder mystery brings it to the next level. I never really thought Ethan was guilty and I was pretty sure I knew where the story was going, but nope - I ended up being surprised! I definitely loved the twist at the end, and it was executed so well. (I know I keep saying that, but I didn't even feel manipulated... and that happens all too much with surprise endings!)
THE BETTER SISTER is an excellent novel of suspense with fully developed characters and an intriguing mystery. Run (don't walk) and get this novel -- you won't be disappointed!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
Welcome back to another Mailbox Monday post! I had another amazing book week! I am really excited about so many of the books, especially the almanac and Shari LaPena's newest!
Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two adorable picture books that would be perfect for Easter baskets!
Summary: Share your love with this huggable finger puppet book! The sweetly reassuring stories in this brand-new series celebrate all the things a parent's arms can do for their child, from playing games to sharing a treat and—best of all—showing their love with a hug. Adorable illustrations and two plush finger puppet arms make for a cozy, interactive reading experience for babies and their loved ones. -- Chronicle
Summary: Share your love with this huggable finger puppet book! The sweetly reassuring stories in this brand-new series celebrate all the things a parent's arms can do for their child, from playing games to sharing a treat and—best of all—showing their love with a hug. Adorable illustrations and two plush finger puppet arms make for a cozy, interactive reading experience for babies and their loved ones. -- Chronicle Books
HUG ME LITTLE BUNNY and HUG ME LITTLE BEAR are two interactive board books that are ideal for little ones. These finger puppet books are too cute with the animals' soft arms and hands, and kids are sure to love the way they move during storytime!
I thought the text in these books is as sweet as the characters themselves. Each book describes the things that a parent's arms can do for their child. For instance, a parent's arms can catch a child when they fall, tickle them on the belly, pick flowers, and of course provide hugs! In addition to having a very special message, these books are small enough that young ones can hold them comfortably but sturdy enough that they would be hard to damage.
I think this new Hug Me series is so darn adorable! Highly recommended for shower gifts, new baby presents, and more!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Welcome back to another Mailbox Monday post! I had an amazing book week! And I finally got some children's books after missing out the past few weeks. However, the absolute highlight was the surprise from Get Red PR! The tote bag is positively adorable and the books that were in it look amazing -- so many great books from some of my favorite authors!
Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute picture book about a kid who "knows" a lot about soccer.
Summary: This hilarious, tongue-in-cheek guide from kid-expert Max reveals everything you need to know about the game of soccer. Max knows a lot about soccer. After all, he’s been playing it for almost three weeks! So he’s pretty much an expert. Here Max shares his one-of-a-kind helpful tips including how to warm up (stretch, twirl, somersault), who’s who on the field (the ref is in yellow and wears a whistle–you should not bring your own whistle), and what to do with your hands since you can’t touch the ball (wave at fans, hide them in your shirt, play itsy-bitsy spider). But could Max possibly be forgetting something very important? Full of humor, energy, and warmth, Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert is the perfect read aloud for novice players as well as for fellow “kid experts” on the game. -- Putnam
MAX EXPLAINS EVERYTHING: SOCCER EXPERT by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Deborah Hocking is a picture book that will bring a smile to kids' and parents' faces. Max is definitely a "soccer expert" or at least he poses as one in this adorable picture book. His advice to other kids about playing soccer includes a few helpful tips (like warming up, not using your hands, etc.), but for the most part, it's pretty tongue-in-cheek... because Max is a little kid with a not-so-fully developed attention span. He likes to see images in the clouds, play with dandelions, and eat snacks all while playing soccer!
It's been a long time since my kiddos played soccer, but I could definitely relate to this book, especially when it came to my daughter. When she was five, she played soccer for half a year... and let's just say, she was more than a little like Max. When she asked us after one game why everyone couldn't just take turns kicking the ball, we decided that she was much more inclined towards her dance interests!
I thought MAX EXPLAINS EVERYTHING: SOCCER EXPERT was so much fun. The story is cute and the illustrations are perfect for the book's tone. I think kids and parent alike will appreciate Max and his expertise!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Summary: A perfect family is shattered in RUN AWAY, the new thriller from the master of domestic suspense, Harlan Coben.
You’ve lost your daughter. She’s addicted to drugs and to an abusive boyfriend. And she’s made it clear that she doesn’t want to be found.Then, by chance, you see her playing guitar in Central Park. But she’s not the girl you remember. This woman is living on the edge, frightened, and clearly in trouble. You don’t stop to think. You approach her, beg her to come home.
She runs. And you do the only thing a parent can do: you follow her into a dark and dangerous world you never knew existed. Before you know it, both your family and your life are on the line. And in order to protect your daughter from the evils of that world, you must face them head on. -- Hachette
It's probably not a surprise for those of you who are already fans of Harlan Coben, but I love his books! No matter what I seem to pick up, I can't put it down... and that includes his latest novel RUN AWAY. This book is pretty darn entertaining with lots of twists!
RUN AWAY has a fantastic premise. Simon has been secretly trying to find his drug addicted daughter. She is definitely not in a good place between the drugs and her abusive boyfriend; and when Simon sees her performing in Central Park, he knows that something is seriously wrong with the daughter because she seems like a different (and scared) person. When Simon approaches her to offer help, she takes off and Simon ends up following her. This split second decision takes him into a terrifying world of drugs and crime, and ultimately puts his family and himself at risk!
I loved RUN AWAY. As I mentioned earlier, I flew through this book and that's really saying something for me because my reading rate has taken a hit! I loved the characters and the storyline, and I was quickly caught up in Simon's desperate desire to save his daughter. What parent couldn't relate a bit to the drastic means Simon was willing to go to get his daughter back?
RUN AWAY has action-packed to say the least, and I'm having a hard time "talking about" this book without giving away too much of the suspense. What I can say is that Simon, a well-to-do Wall Street broker, never imagined himself engaging with drug dealers and other nefarious criminals; however, he rose to the occasion and ended up being a great heroic lead for a thriller. I not only appreciated how he "solved" the mysteries surrounding his daughter, but I also loved that Mr. Coben made him a genuine character -- a dad who just wanted to save his daughter and the rest of his family.
What I enjoyed this most about this novel, though, was the ending. Talk about a surprising finish! I wasn't exactly sure where the novel would go between Simon, his daughter, the drug lords, the private investigator, and the cult members. And even though I did pick up a few clues about a certain plot point, I still ended being surprised with other things in this novel... things I didn't even know to be looking for! It was entertaining to say the least!
I definitely recommend RUN AWAY to Harlan Coben fans as well as other readers who enjoy thrillers!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a Netgalley review copy of this novel.
Welcome back to another Mailbox Monday post! It was a slow week compared to the past few, but I'm not complaining. I still had a great week and I'm super exchited about TWENTY-ONE TRUTHS ABOUT LOVE!
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