Eating the Rainbow Book Review

We received the opportunity to review this absolutely adorable board book and jumped on the chance.  What better way to present colors than in healthy eating choices.  Caty and I sat down to enjoy this title and she played forever with me on the different colors and discovering all the fruits in our house that matched the colors.  She also tried blueberries for the first time, as well as oranges, kiwis and even watermelon (which she has now grown to like).  The oranges she loved, blueberries will most likely be an ongoing attempt.  Even strawberries and kiwi. 

Lydia joined in on some of the fun and now enjoys peppers and has always loved brocolli. 

My favorite part about this title was the amount of fruits and veggies that we had to seek out to try.  Some were a more everyday selection, while others like a guava or a litchis (which we are still working on finding), made this a new discovery for all of us.

I highly recommend this title for not only reading with your own children, but as a baby shower gift or even a pick me up for a child recovering from an illness.  The illustrations are bright and cheery and kept our daughters attention.  It encourages learning colors, but also experimenting to try new foods.  

This book earned 5 out of 5 stars with our family.  I will be purchasing some copies for gifts.

Book Information:

Title:		Eating the Rainbow
Publisher:		Star Bright Books
Pub Date:		02/15/2009
ISBN:		9781595721747

Children will have fun learning the names and colors of nutritious foods on each page of this tasty book. The bright, large photographs will introduce children to healthy, delectable foods that they will enjoy learning about and eating. Board Book.

I received this ebook free from the publisher through the NetGalley  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Franklin and the Thunderstorm

Franklin can count by twos and tie his shoes......We love Franklin in our house and watch the TV show on Nick Jr. too.  We received an opportunity to review a digital copy of Franklin and the Thunderstorm. 

What a great story for our kids and it timed out perfectly to do today since we finally had some thunderstorms yesterday (our area seems to be missing out on some much needed rain).  The kids, mainly Joey and Lydia, have issues with thunderstorms.  Joey really wants to shut down.  Lydia screams alot.  

We were actually out in some of the storms yesterday and we talked alot about the storms.  Today we downloaded our book and read through it.  It was a wonderful example of how scared the loud noises from the thunder and the bright flashes of lightening can cause fear in some kids, but not all of them.  Poor Franklin was really scared during the storm, but after listening to Mrs. Fox and his friends he realized that storms were pretty cool after all. 

We talked about why storms are loud and what we can do to try and block that sound out if we feel scared.  And then we talked about how important it is to NOT TOUCH the flashlights mom and dad keep on the shelf in case the power goes out.  (That's a HUGE issue with our kids.)  This book was a great segway into how to be prepared for Thunderstorms, because if you are prepared for what may come and have a plan, storms can be less scary. 

As a homeschooler, you can also jump into a weather unit with preschoolers if you would like.  We had just studied weather, but used these links to be more prepared in case of bad weather.

Weather Safety Video

We talked about weather safety kits and how important it is to have it.

I can't say enough good stuff about Franklin books.  We'll be using them as long as I can with each one of our kids!  Franklin will be a friend in our house for many more years.  This was another winning Franklin title!!!


Book information:

Title:		Franklin and the Thunderstorm
SubTitle:		A Classic Franklin Story
Publisher:		Open Road Media
Imprint:		Kids Can Press
Pub Date:		05/17/2011
ISBN:		9781453219577

Author:

Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark

Franklin is every young child’s friend. Children instantly connect with the little turtle’s sense of adventure and enjoy seeing him work through familiar dilemmas—fear of the dark, first-day-of-school jitters—in his own way. Franklin’s books have made friends all over the world, selling more than 65 million copies in over 30 languages.

 

Paulette Bourgeois worked as an occupational therapist and a print and television journalist before she began writing for children. When Franklin in the Dark, was released in 1986, it became a bestseller—and the Franklin phenomenon was born. Paulette has gone on to write over 30 Franklin stories illustrated by Brenda Clark that have been published around the world. Although Paulette is best known for the Franklin books, she has also written other children’s titles, including a number of non-fiction books and the award-winning picture book Oma’s Quilt. Paulette lives in Toronto, Ontario. 

 

After graduating from the illustration program at Sheridan College, Brenda Clark worked as a freelance illustrator for children’s magazines and books. When she was asked to illustrate Franklin in the Dark, Brenda researched turtles and other animals in order to give Franklin and his friends as many authentic details as possible. In addition to over 30 Franklin collaborations with Paulette Bourgeois, the duo created another picture-book classic, Big Sarah’s Little Boots. Brenda Clark is also the illustrator of Sadie and the Snowman and the award-winning Little Fingerling. Brenda lives in Port Hope, Ontario.

Follow Franklin the Turtle on Twitter and Facebook!

I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Place Called Blessing Book Review



A Place Called Blessing Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins

By John Trent with Annette Smith
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description

Five-year-old Josh and his two older brothers lose their parents in a drunk-driving accident. A series of foster homes and a shocking tragedy eventually separate them, leaving Josh alone, angry, and distrustful of most everyone. At age eighteen, Josh strikes out on his own to find work. With only a high school education and few life skills, he is one step away from homelessness when Providence brings him to a place where he finds much more than physical shelter. For the first time in his life, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of "the blessing."
The book includes an introduction and reader’s guide designed to identify and discuss the five elements of the biblical blessing that every person needs. Through the power of Josh's story, readers are shown how to give this gift to their children and others as outlined in the more than one million copy bestseller, The Blessing.

My feelings on this book:

I couldn't put it down.  I read it in one day.  It was such a wonderful, feel-good story!  The story flowed and I sat cheering on Josh throughout the book.  Booing at his hardships and hoping that at some point this poor kid would get a break.  But felt encouraged that even with everything that was hitting him he kept getting back up and continuing on in life.  I cannot recommend this title enought to everyone!  At the end of the book, there is a Readers Guide with questions for each chapter.  This is very easily made into a Book Club for anyone. 

Dr. Trent lists this book under the category of nonfiction, and at the end, he says he lived parts of it. I don't know how much of it was fictionalized. It was very hard when I read this and not knowing how much was fiction versus non-fiction.  Here I sat for several hours feeling sad for this little boy who lost everything and had so many obstacles thrown before him.  We know there are coincidences between fiction and real life in the stories that we read, but I was left feeling very sad that another human felt this kind of hurt.  And it may not even be a fiction character that I am feeling such sorrow for. 

This story is written to tie in with John Trent's The Blessing

I have not read the other book, and the only time it is referred to is in the Forward and Readers Guide.  Not sure if I will read the other title, as it is non-fiction, but I do recommend this title.

On a scale of 5 stars, 5 being the highest, I do give this 4 stars.  I enjoyed it thoroughly, just wished it was a bit longer.  Read through it very quickly.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Three Little Pigs

We had our first production of The Three Little Pigs today that we presented to Grandpa and Grandma.  They really liked it.  The kids did good considering it's their first play and there was a lot of distractions.  Here they are posing with their houses.

Pig#1

Pig#2

 Pig#3

Big Bad Wolf

 

Bearded Dragons Unit Study

Made my first Unit Study on Bearded Dragons this weekend.  Ever since we got Lollipop I have been trying to fit in a unit study on bearded dragons.  We have been looking stuff up, but not all together. So the information the kids have been getting is hit and miss.  This week, we are going to finally do it...as science class....yeah that's it!

But couldn't find a unit study already created, so had to do the work myself.  After this weekend of creating and designing, decided it is definitely a lot easier to order them from In the Hand of a Child from now on!!!

We are going to learn about why they are called Beardies, how big they can get, what they can and cannot eat, where they are from, and how to tell if they are sick.  We are going to learn how to keep them safe with their habitat and how they protect themselves from predators in the wild (and I mean not just the wild animals in our house...lol).  Lydia is at least excited about science this week as we learn more about Lollipop.

Savings Saturday!!

So Tracy @ Slice of Smith Life posted about coupons from Staples.  I have to admit, I love saving money but don't take the time to check the hundreds of emails I get daily from various savings sources.  But this caught my eye since I am going to start stocking up on school supplies again for the year.  So I went in today to take advantage of them.

4 coupons each 75% off of Uniball products, a HP paper product, a box of envelopes and a box of file folders.  Original cost of purchase $75.97 before tax.  After coupons......$18.99. 

I purchased a partial case of printer paper (5 reams), 500 peel & stick envelopes (because my OCD prevents me from licking the nasty glue), a box of 100 color file folders for lapbooks and 1 box of pink uniball pens for the girls.

Great day!!!

Thanks Tracy!!!!

What's wrong with Lollipop ?

We got to have a discussion about why our skin comes off a bit differently than Lollipops.

Next week we will be working on a unit study on Bearded Dragons....it will be fun.

Real Life Homeschooling Review

I just finished reading this wonderful book.  I have actually had it for about a year, just sitting on the shelf waiting for my full attention.  Since I am trying to develop our ecelectic homeschool style to include more reading (and let the kids see me reading more than their textbooks and unit studies), I had joined the summer reading program at the local library.  I grabbed this book off the shelf the other day after desiring a mental break from the book I am attempting Game of Thrones book 1 by George Martin (love it, but a lot of information crammed into small pages). 

This book could not have come at a better time for me.  I have been sort of stressing about our homeschool situation of feeling a bit overwhelmed by their schedules and I was trying to take a look at what we could continue doing and what we would have to cut.  The flexibility of homeschooling provides us the ability to be out and about more....but I still have the public school mentality of worrying about all they are learning. 

This book is a collection of stories of 21 Families that homeschool.  They represent those who are religious and those who are not.  Those who follow a stricter style of teaching with formal curriculum and unschoolers.  One husband was even arrested.  There's a family that homeschools on a tropical island...who wouln't dream of that life.  I was jealous reading their story. 

It was not a how-to book.  It was just like reading a general non-fiction book.  I was able to read about the frustrations they felt and could relate to how they were feeling.  It's an older book, even though it is only 9 years old, but I found it a great read.  I got done and felt refreshed, kind of like leaving a homeschool conference, and a bit renewed.  It gave me a new perspective to approach in our homeschooling as I still look at how we may do things.  This will be on my shelf for another discouraging time...I can pick a story and read it to remind myself that others feel discouragement, no matter what their blogs say or show.

My favorite point that was repeated through each family....Do what works for your family!!!!

I highly recommend this title.  I bought my copy off of ebay, because it was a bit harder to find at the time.  Amazon does have copies for sale (used) also. 

Title:  Real-Life Homeschooling

Author:  Rhonda Barfield

Publisher:  Fireside/Simon and Schuster

ISBN:  0743442296

Five Question Friday

  

1. Do you think cursive writing is overrated? (Schools in Indiana have now voted to take teaching cursive writing out of their curriculum.)

I am torn on this subject.  I really think that kids should know how to read it.  I also feel it is quicker to write a note in cursive than print.  I do understand though that most communication is now done on a computer or other electronic device.  There are still generations that use cursive writing though.  I am working with cursive in our kids curriculum.  I don't require it to be used, but they at least can read it. 2. Do you still use a pocket calendar or notepad or do you keep your info on your smart phone?

I admitedly still love my pocket calendar.  But my hubby is really wanting me to use an electronic calendar.  So I have one on my Android.  But we still have appoint issues because one of us misses something in the shared calendar between us.  I also still keep a wall calendar in the kitchen above my work area.

3. What 3 things would you save if your house was burning down? (family & pets are already safe)

My purse with my wallet, our boys pills, and my laptop....yeah sort of love this thing.

4. Country Mouse or City Mouse, err Person?

Country Mouse....but I do love a city:)

5. If you could pick ANY reality show to go on, which would you pick?

19 Kids and Counting...I really respect their family values and ability to keep it all together.  They go on some awesome field trips also!!!!