Category:

Cities, Cities Everywhere

11/17/2016

Cities are huge places, busy and so full of everything. Government workers, hospitals, emergency vehicles, transportation of all sorts. Families living, people working, running about their daily lives.

It can be a jumble of noise and confusion.

Now imagine that you have NEVER lived in a city and you have just moved there? Wouldn't you like to know more? Wouldn't you want to understand just what you have gotten yourself into? These books reviewed, should help.

I’m currently reading a book about a lad facing that exact scenario. He’s moved off a military base, a sheltered environment, with a smaller scope of people to interact with. He’s now living in New York city and he’s stunned by everything going around him. Would have been nice if he could have had The Cities Book (Lonely Planet Kids) and How Cities Work (Lonely Planet Kids). These two books, work together, to show how cities work and the beauty that can be found with them.

How Cities Work has been put together by James Gulliver Hancock.

It is a really well done lift the flap book.

Embark on a journey from the start of a city, a small gathering of buildings in the country with farms and wildlife all around. Through construction and work and organization gradually a city develops. Led through the building of roads and industry, superhighways, trains and parking lots.

We get to see people at work, people with families, shopping, moving, living. Tunnels being dug with large machines. Skyscrapers, parks, subways and more. If it's in a city, you'll find it in this book.

Every page with flaps to lift and/or pages to fold out

The Cities Book (Lonely Planet Kids) is a gorgeous book filled with a mixture of real life pictures and graphics to portray the beauty of cities from around the world. There are cities in this book from all over the world, every continent. Be amazed at the differences, similarities and all the amazing discoveries you can make.

Each page delineates clearly where it is located in the world, and gives the highlights of each city. For instance, Hong Kong is the Hollywood of the East, Montreal hosts the biggest bell in North America, in Addis Ababa Easter is celebrated with a meat feast and Seoul has taxis specially marked for those who don't speak Korean. Interesting facts from around the world.

Now don't you agree with me?

Wouldn't these be great books to introduce children (and others) to the wonders that make up cities... both in operation and what makes each one special. 86 Cities explored, countries from around this entire world.

This later book, the Cities Book, will be staying as part of our resource collection. As we travel around the world in our studies it will add a great dimension don't you agree?

Raincoast books has generously provided me with these books.
The Cities book is published by Lonely Planet Kids, is 212 pages long and is approximately 10 x 12. Good images and graphics, great text, good overview of 86 cities from around our planet.
How Cities Work is written by James Gulliver Hancock and also published by Lonely Planet Kids. 24 pages (feels like more) and 11 x 10 inches approximately. Lift the flap or open the page and discover all about how cities work.

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Review: Fun Science

11/17/2016

I have to admit, I love science. I love science that takes an unconventional approach as well as science that follow a more conventional route. This book, Fun Science, by Charlie McDonnell is a mixture of both.

So just who is this Charlie McDonnell? He is an English Vlogger, musician, author. He is not scientist, but can talk about science, hence this book. :) I found it fascinating (having watched some of his videos with my lad) that he writes just like he talks. The first few pages of the book I wanted to read them as fast as he talks in real life. :)

Here's what you get:

Fun Science: A guide to life, the universe and why science is so awesome.
Quadrille Publishing c/o Chronicle Books
8.88 x 9.33
224 pages

10 chapters.
Mostly black and white with some illustrations and coloured pages.

I like the coming up with ways to help children understand, like the layers of the atmosphere

Those kinds of things grab my son's attention. They help him want to learn. Toss in a few experiments that are easy to do... and you have an additional hook. Toss in the little mouse quip and you have laughter and an easy way to remember information.

Is there anything that raised concerns?
The first forty pages are dedicated to the big bang theory or other theories as to how the universe could have come into being. I admittedly believe that God brought everything into being by his word and touch, but that in the midst of theories there are often grains of truth that can help explain the science so I approach these theories with skepticism. I have learned over the years tho science behind God's actions, like how point a makes point b possible. So I wouldn't completely toss these pages, but my advice is to read and weed out the interesting nuggets. :)

Also, he uses words at times that I wouldn't use. Some folks might see it as inappropriate language, but I struggle a bit, for a learned in my college years, that people have different sensibilities about words depending on their culture. For instance, just as I grew up saying "S__T" without it being a BAD word and don't bat an eye when someone says it, but others mindsets are different.

I would suggest that you read through the whole reproduction chapters with your children, especially if you are bible based in your teaching. Charlie has failed to realize that people and nature are distinct from each other. :)

This is clearly a science book, written by a guy who likes science, but isn't a scientist who is not a believer, who is able to do research and formulate thoughts and ideas and interesting connections. It is worth looking at, seriously.

I say this because it's fascinating how he weaves different snippets of information together. Seriously...just fascinating. Science is fascinating and fun, and this book helps point that out.

Christmas Books, Where Jesus Slept, a Review

11/15/2016

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!

Over the next few weeks I plan to bring some Christmas books your way. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as we do. Connecting with different aspects of our lives here in Ontario. :)

Do you know what we celebrate at Christmas? For those of faith in the bible, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.Growing up my parents made a distinct effort to help us see the difference between celebrating the birth of Christ, and the act of having presents. They never went overboard in the gift-giving department, and I try to follow that same pattern in our home now. We open presents on Christmas Eve, which makes for a nice meal together and a great evening, this leaves Christmas Day for Church services and a quiet day remembering that without the Lord coming to earth there would be nothing worth celebrating.

Today I bring you a lovely book called "Where Jesus Slept".

Simple repetitive verse make up this book, each page adding another line to the story of where Jesus slept.

Not only that, the illustrations by Katy Hudson are stellar.

When you put it all together, you have a sweet Christmas book for your younger children. Geared for ages 4-8.

All told, Norma Lewis and Katy Hudson put together a great, 32 page book to introduce your young ones to the true meaning of Christmas. The celebration of the promise that God made for us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Format: jacketed hardcover
Trim size: 10x10
Page count: 32
Retail price: $16.99
Reading age: 4-7

Affiliate links for your ease of locating product. Sales will benefit my blog.

Amazon.ca : Where Jesus Slept Amazon.com : Where Jesus Slept

Review: Marie Curie for Kids

11/7/2016

Did you know that today is Marie Curie's birthday today? Doesn't that make it the perfect opportunity to talk about this great new book meant for children to learn all about Marie Currie?

21 experiments in the book allow children to jump into different aspects of Marie Curie's life.... like working on experiments that do the unexpected... shall we make elephant toothpaste perhaps? Or make a write a letter, make a vision board, make a little curie or split water as you learn about the atomic bomb. I love that the experiments engage the children in different ways. Not all science experiments or language arts activities. Variety is such a good way to keep the interest alive.

9 chapters, 131 pages, filled in information, broken down into an easy to understand format and language. So many pictures to make it all come to life.

See Marie working in her lab, growing up in her family, meet her parents, the places that she worked at and musicians she listened to.

I've reviewed another Chicago Review Press book called Michelangelo for Kids. I need to tell you how much I like how these books are set up.

Timeline at the front of the book so you know how the person's life progresses.
Chapters with enough information to help you feel informed about an area in the person's life, with a great activity or two, to follow it up.

Clear easy writing style.
Tons of pictures that fit and aren't just filler.
21 different activities to do and experiments to conduct

This book is written by Amy M. O'Quinn and she's done a great job of introducing me and my son to Marie Curie. I am looking forward to one day using this book as part of a co-op class with group of children. It will be fun to do. :) Almost all the work and research is already done for me. Such a great resource to add to my collection of "ooh... I want to do this in a class someday" books.

The only thing I can think of to make it better would be a list of questions for students to answer at the close of each chapter.

A courtesy inclusion of the amazon links to aid in you finding your own copy of this great book. An excellent resource for your classroom. They are affiliate links and only help support my blogging habit, and will be much appreciated if used. :) They do not affect your bottom line in anyway.

Amazon.ca Link: Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments Amazon.com Link: Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments (For Kids series)

Review: One of The Few

11/6/2016

Jason B. Ladd has written a compelling story about his life as a pilot, Marine and Iraq War veteran. His life was changed when his life was touched by God.

Throughout this book we caught glimpses of Jason's life as a Marine.

He presents a compelling defense of the Christian faith.

It took Jason a while to form a Christian worldview. He didn't start life believing in God until he was married, his wife a believer. As he formed his Christian Worldview, he took to heart the message of the gospel, and through this book he pushes people to take their faith seriously, to let it make a difference in their life.

In One of the Few you will find a book divided into three sections, 27 chapters. 297 pages long.

Life lessons through real life stories with strong encouragement to consider what your faith means. Lessons that delve into the nature of God, who he is. Lessons about how we show what's important to us.

Sentiments like these are laced throughout the book. Then we get to see those principles in action, shown through the life that Mr. Ladd lived. He lived a great life, and he learned well the importance of living a life bent for God.

My Opinion:
There is much about One of the Few that I appreciated.   I read almost half way through before I started to lose interest. And I'm sorry, because I really wanted to like the entire book.    I really liked the first half of this book, seriously. It made me think and ponder, rejoice over lessons learned and his coming to faith.

I wanted a book about a man of faith, who lived his life by that faith, and interspersed wisdom within those stories. This is how the book started for me. As the book progressed I found that wisdom taking time away from the stories that showed his faith in action. So instead of having a book about his life with wisdom interspersed, I started to find a book about how to live the Christian life (non-fiction based) with stories inbetween and it started to feel more preachy and less life-lived.   And that is NOT a bad thing, but just not where I am at right now.

Right now I wanted the encouragement of a life lived in faith, not a "this is what you should be mindful of" book.

There is SO much to learn from Jason Ladd and I will be keeping this book and I will be sharing it with others, and in time I will complete and I will write a different review.   But my headspace isn't where it needs to be right now for this book.

One of the Few
Author: Jason B Ladd
297 pages.
Available also as ebook
Booksite: One of the Few
Website: Jason B. Ladd
Media Kit: available here.

Review: Natural Disasters

10/21/2016

Natural Disasters... they happen all the time. Wild weather, wild water, wild temperature extremes and more. Do you want to help your children understand them?
Here's a book that will help: The Ultimate Interactive Guide to Natural Disasters.

What you get:

48 page fact book
27 x 20" poster
3-D Volcano Model to Assemble
Spinning Tornado Model
Coil bound hardcover
Full colour pages

What Did I Discover:

Clearly presented information
Simple drawings to help explain systems such as water and weather cycles
21 chapters
Coil binding so it lays flat
Maps and diagrams
Tables
Cut outs
Excellent explanation of the global impact
Introductory sections for each new disaster

Intriguing Factoids to Whet Your Curiousity

Did you know that sometimes when lightening hits sandy ground it can turn solid?
Storms are named so,we know which major storm is being talked about as there can be more than one happening at once
Can you imagine a heat so hot it can melt roads?
There is a lake under the glaciers called Lake Vostok. Scientists investigate.
Sandstorms change the colour of the sky.
Cenotes, in Mexico.

What do I think?
This book would be excellent to let children read alone, or use as a spine for a larger study of natural disasters around the world. Little tidbits just begged to be studied more, for instance, I want to teach my lad more about the Cenotes in Mexico. This book is a great introduction to how the world works in regards to natural disasters.

The Ultimate Interactive Guide to Natural Disasters

Author: Ian Graham
Illustrations: Simon Morse and Simon Taylor

Pages: 48
Publisher: SilverDolphin

Reviewed for: Raincoast Books

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Art Series: Create your own Collage

10/12/2016

Affiliate links may be used throughout this post, they are not an additional burden to you and only help support my efforts with this blog. Thanks! :)

My son said "This is a book made for girls mom!"

And I have to admit that Lizzie Lees' Create Your Own Collage book hits me that way too. This is a use it up, have fun making different items with it, you go girl type of book.

And that my friends, is the point of the book, creative projects with all the paper and stickers and encouragement you need to do them.

There are two, two page spreads like this one:

Sticker pages

Tons of colourful pages, with idea pages of what you can do with those pages.

Projects to complete like this neat pineapple

Off and on throughout the book you will find quotes to encourage you along the way.

So what do I think of this book? It's a cute book and I plan to find some daring youngster to give it to, and simply say.. HAVE FUN! Create, enjoy, be an artist in your own way. Make collages if you want, but here's a book with lots of paper, just go and create! (unless of course my lad changes his mind and thinks we should add it our stash of creative supplies). :) He does that you know. :)

I have to admit, she comes up with so many different ideas on what you can do with collages, it surprised me. I really liked some of her projects, like the boat and pineapple, with the right pages and the patience, those projects could come out really really well....but maybe that's the slightly girlie part of me. (big grin)

Lizzie Lee's Create your Own Collage,Cut, Color, and Paste Your Way to Fabulous Artworks and more.

Published by St. Martin's Press, it is 160 pages long and about 7 x 8 inches.

Canadians can find this book through Amazon here: Create Your Own Collage: Cut, Color, and Paste Your Way to Fabulous Artworks and More And Americans can find it here: Create Your Own Collage: Cut, Color, and Paste Your Way to Fabulous Artworks and More

Review: The Artisan's Wife

9/30/2016

Nuts about Books sent me this Judith Miller book called "The Artisan's Wife". It's a sweet romance that touches on a hard subject. Do note that affiliate links may be used in this post, provided for your assistance, and may prove beneficial to my blog. Any help you offer is much appreciated.

In the world of the late 1800's in West Virgina, Ainslee McKay is in for a shock. Her twin sister has eloped and left her holding the bag.

Someone has to manage the tile works, and Ainslee needs to be the one to handle it, whether she wants to or not. She finds herself in need of a new employee, enter Levi Judson, a talented tile maker who is also a designer... with a need for long term employment.

What follows is how two people, work past secrets and learn to trust each other.

There were some good thoughts scrattered throughout the book, this one in particular caught my eye.

So what did I think? I enjoyed the another book in this series called The Potter's Lady, and thought that another would appeal as well. One of the things I appreciated in Judith Miller's writing is that, the book is not all about the romance between two people. It's also about a greater issue, and in this one the characters needed to learn about honesty, trust and seeing people for who they really were, loving them notwithstanding. If I can find it sometime, I think I'd like to read the first in this series.

The Artisan's Wife

By Judith Miller
Series: Refined by Love

Publisher: Bethany House

Pages: 333
Type: romance, light, historical, fiction

Overall verdict: Good book

Art Series: The Renaissance

9/28/2016

Today I have a lovely information book about The Renaissance to share with you. This book is part of the Odysseys in Art series, and talks about the art movement that began in the 1420's.

Anne Fitzpatrick shares the Renaissance with us through word in image.

In this book one would find lots of vibrant images. 16 full colour images scattered throughout the book, some as single pages, others as double pages.

Each image comes with commentary about the picture as well as some of the history around it.

I loved this statement at the beginning of the book "The history of the world can be told through accounts of great battles, the lives of kings and queens, and this discoveries and inventions of scientists and explorers. But the history of the way people think and feel about themselves and world is told through art." (p9)

So the words in books tell the story, but so do the images made in the time period. They tell the story and if you think about the pictures, how the people felt about it. It's a great way to add to any study of history. :)

As you read the book, you will notice words in red, these words are part of the glossary found in the back of the book.

I love how cultural history is combined with the art history. It weaves together so well and provides depth to the art work of this time period.

Occasionally red pages pop up in the book.

As you can see, these pages show art work, along with some history.   It fits together so nicely.   Me... who enjoys art but doesn't think about it a whole lot, found this book so interesting to combine the art with the history in time.

A fun fact: Tommaso Guido was nicknamed Masaccio which means Clumsy Tom because he was so obsessed with art that he didn't take care of anything else.   He would combine the style of different artists when we worked on frescos.   He died suddenly at age 27.

And did you know that the folks who invented painting with oil tried to keep it a secret?     Oh the intrigue in the world of art. Seriously... I learned things I never even dreamed of. :)

So, if you are looking for a good book with fun facts and great images, that ties history and art together well, this book will meet that end quite nicely.

The Renaissance
Odysseys in Art
Author: Anne Fitzpatrick

The Creative Company
6.36 x 8.98 · 80 pages
Ages 12-15

Reviewed for Raincoast Books

Affiliate Links, provided for you ease of locating product, and they help me provide you with quality material. :) Canadian link: The Renaissance: Odysseys in Art American Link: Art with Odyssey, The Renaissance

Your Powerful Prayers, a review

9/24/2016

Affiliate links may be used in this post. They don't affect your bottom line but may prove to be a blessing to me in my household and the running of this blog. Thanks :)

Today I have for you a different prayer oriented book, non-fiction, written by Susie Larson. I have not made it all the way through this book yet, that will take some time, but it's a great book, let me tell you why.

First a bit about the author: Susie Larson is a talk show host, according to her Facebook page, her goal is to draw people into a deeper relationship with God so they can live a more powerful life on earth. Know God more, live out your faith better. :)

The book is divided into three main sections

God, your fortress
God, your father
Jesus, your king

With each section further divided into four chapters.

Written in an engaging style. Filled with scripture and quotes from a variety of sources, Ms Larson draws the reader into the heart of God through prayer.

I loved how she made the book good for single or corporate use. With Personal as well as group reflection questions. She shares from her heart and life to draw us to think deeply about our lives and the things of God. What stops us from moving forward into our relationship with God?

Ms. Larson whole focus, it seems throughout the book, is to help people know how to pray, how to know the Lord more, how to move past "our stuff" so we can see the heart of God more clearly. To that end she's pulled out quote to help us remember important ideas.

Not only did the author close off each chapter with prayer, she also included a variety of prayers in the back of the book, to help us learn to pray for things such as : prodigals, being equipped, your family, for who God makes us and more. Just aids to get one started in praying more effectively.

This is a book to learn and grow from.

As I said earlier, I have finished the book, I cannot vouch for everything written, but I've read a good portion of it, and worked through much of it and glanced through the rest of it so I could write you a good review.

My suggestion: if you want to learn to be a more effectual Christian and effective prayer warrior, pick up this book. Read, learn, grow. :) Read this book expecting to be be changed.

Canadians: Find this book here: Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith Americans, you can find it here: Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith

Your Powerful Prayers, reaching the hard of God with a bold and humble faith.

Written by Susie Larson.
Published by Bethany House.
Approximately 220 pages.

Provided by Nuts about Books