Bloging for Books book review: 'The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari' by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark

Publishers' Description: 
Padraig the dragon and his best friend, Roger the turtle are determined to spend the whole night outside. As brave explorers at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow, the boys use their imaginations to have fun while munching on crunchy baked bugs and toasting s’mores over their campfire. But when the sky gets dark and the sounds of strange animals fill the forest outside their tent, their safari gets scary. This adventure is just what the boys need to discover that the dark might be frightening, but their friendship is stronger than fear.

This is the third book by Donita K. Paul that I've read, and I still love her. This book is a cute little follow up to the previous children's book about Padraig and Roger - 'The Dragon and the Turtle'.

In this story, Padraig and Roger decide to go on safari to Mount Sillymanborrow. During their expedition, they discover wild animals and eat bugs and S'mores while battling their fear of the dark. While they exchange stories over the campfire, Roger does his best to calm Padraig's fears and encourage him to stay all night outside under the stars. Because of Roger's friendship, the two manage to brave the wilds all the way until morning.

I thought this story was a nice one - as did my (almost) 4 year old son - but I did find it a tad long. I suppose this is really because my child is younger and I suspect that it will cease being an issue in another year or two. I also found the British English a little distracting. I didn't notice it being used in the first book, so I was surprised that it was so prevalent in this one. I don't necessarily dislike it, it just took some getting used to. The illustrations are absolutely lovely - just like the first book.

All in all, great book - I'd rate it 4/5. I'd estimate the age range around 5-9, though it's perfectly readable for younger kids. You can pick it up on Amazon for under $10 - I say that's a good price for a kids book like this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blogging for Books book review: 'The Dragon and the Turtle' by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark

Publishers' Book Description:
Friends come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes they’re even dragons.

 Roger loves adventure. Today he’s playing pirate, sailing the high seas, dancing to the hornpipe, and catching fish. But the wind’s blown him off course and he’s . . . well . . . lost.

When Padraig, a kitten-sized, bug-eating dragon, encounters the lost turtle, he offers to help Roger find his way home. Roger’s directions take some time to follow—his house looks brown, sounds like singing, smells like baking, feels like sand, and tastes like strawberries—and along the way, Roger and Padraig become friends. And friendship always yields unexpected rewards. Like cookies.

I know, I know... I said I'd have this up yesterday. We had sick germs in our house. Those little beasts are not conducive to writing book reviews. I apologize for my tardiness, though. Without further adieu, the review (see how I get all fancy and rhyme when I feel bad?)

 I love, love, love this book. It's without question a total winner. It's written by Donita K. Paul - who wrote 'Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball', which I reviewed here - and her daughter, Evangeline Denmark, and it's illustrated by Vincent Nguyen.

Roger is a turtle who loves to imagine that he's a pirate (which is a common playtime theme with my son as well). He has all sorts of adventures in his little fantasy land, but on this particular day Roger realizes that he is lost. He's feeling a little nervous when who should show up but a small, bug-eating dragon named Padraig.

Padraig - kind, self-sacrificing dragon that he is - offers to help Roger find his house since he can fly up high and therefore cover ground (sky?) more quickly. Rogers' descriptions of home take some figuring out. His house looks brown, sounds like singing, smells like baking, feels like sand, and tastes like strawberries. Through much trial and error - and great patience and compassion - they finally find Rogers home. Once there, they are treated to a plateful of Chocolate Chip Snappers (which every pirate needs after a day of sailing the High Seas).

This book had so many wonderful teaching aspects that it's hard to know where to begin... You have character traits - patience, compassion, self-sacrifice, kindness, respect. You have the five senses - look, sound, smell, feel, taste. You could also use it to teach your child how they would describe their home to a stranger if they were lost, which is something they may not think about.

The illustrations are lovely. The characters look warm, friendly and happy. You don't see many dragons that look sweet! The pictures are somewhat fairy-tale like and the colors are rich, warm and comfortable. They were a perfect reflection of the sweet story.

My son loves this story. We've read it at least a dozen times over the last few weeks and he's dying to make the Chocolate Chip Snappers recipe in the back of the book (though we'll have to do some tweaking since it's obviously not a gluten free recipe). He also saw me looking at the next book by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark - 'The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari' - and is begging me to get it for him.

Two thumbs WAY up. Publishers' age recommendation is 4-8 and I'd agree with that. My 3 1/2 year old loves the book, but there are some subtleties that are lost on him so far. You can purchase it here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blogging for Books book review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

SO sorry for the delay in getting this review up - it's been a crazy ride at my house lately! Without further ado... the review!


Publisher's Book Description:
Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?


In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.


Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.


This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

This was an absolutely adorable book. Loved. It. I have to say, it's not everyday that you read a christian book about magic and wizards! This was a really light read and I finished it in 3 days of bedtime reading - so I could have easily read it in a few hours time if I wasn't sleepy! Perfect light holiday 'warm fuzzies' book.

The character AND plot development, I felt, were both stellar. It was very whimsical and romantic and both the dialogue and storyline flowed well. I even really liked both the cover (beautiful!) and the dust jacket (it just felt nice... and, hey, how many book reviews do YOU read that talk about the dust jacket?)Also, the main character shares the same not-so-common name as my daughter, so that won it a few extra brownie points too. ;-)

So, here's the basic storyline:

When Cora Crowder, who is a relatively new believer, needs a Christmas gift for her uncle, she discovers Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s bookshop in a part of town that she didn't know existed. While she is there she bumps into her boss, Simon Derrick. Simon is a no-nonsense anti-social type at work, but at home he is a happy, loving, attentive brother to her special needs sister, Sandy.

While they are both in the bookstore the co-owners - father and son - exchange conspiratorial glances and cryptic comments regarding Cora and Simon. The two don't think a lot of the behavior, chalking it up to the owners being somewhat eccentric, and thus go their separate ways. They both discover later that they've each received tickets to The Christmas Ball. That's when strange 'coincidences' start occurring that keep bringing Simon and Cora back together.

And that is where I'll leave you, as I don't want to spoil the ending (I hate it when people do that). I highly recommend this book, and you can find it on Amazon for purchase here. Two thumbs WAY up. I'll definitely be seeking out Donita K. Paul's other titles for some fun reading in the near future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Next Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

Publisher's Book Description:

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

I just finished reading this book last night - VERY cute! I should have my full review up in a few days.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Booksneeze Book Review: The Secrets Beneath by Kathleen Fuller

Well, due to some family situations - and the Thanksgiving holiday - I'm running a little bit late on this review. Nonetheless, here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

Rebekah Yoder is an extremely inquisitive 13 year old Amish girl in Middlefield, OH. She's a Nancy Drew fan, and in her mind everything has the potential to become a mystery that needs to be solved. Caleb, the boy next door, loves spying as much as Bekah. He also likes to pick on her. The house next door to her has been empty for some time, but now she has a new neighbor - a grumpy old man that buries things in his backyard at night. Bekah has a mystery on her hands and she's determined to solve it.

Her cousin, Amanda, has come to stay with the family from Paradise, PA under quite mysterious circumstances. Amanda is sullen and anti-social and Bekah just doesn't understand why no one will tell her what's going on! While Caleb and Bekah spy on the neighbor, Amanda starts to take an interest as well. But what they don't realize is that what's going on next door isn't just a mystery - it's dangerous.

Despite numerous warnings from family, friends, and even the grumpy new neighbor to stay away and mind their own business, the trio continue to push their luck. One day everything comes to a head and Bekah finds herself in a dangerous situation. Will help come in time? Amanda watches helplessly and learns a valuable lesson: sometimes all you can do is pray for the right outcome.

I enjoyed this book - it was simply written, as it is really a Young Adult book. It was a quick read and fairly entertaining. The characters were fun and very well written - I especially enjoyed Caleb's character.

What I didn't like were the fictional settings. There are plenty of Amish communities - why make one up? It's not really a big deal, I just didn't understand the reasoning. Also, the author used Amish words throughout the book in place of 'normal' words like Mom, Dad, Uncle, etc. I admired the intent, but I found it distracting - especially in the beginning when I kept having to stop reading to look up a word. Also, while I enjoyed the Amish slant it really wasn't a big part of the book. There wasn't a lot of Amish culture or 'education' in the book it was just a girl and her family and 'Oh, FYI, they happen to be Amish'. I wish it had been a little more prominent in the story as I find it very interesting.

All in all, I'd give it 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it and I may see if Ms. Fuller's other books are at my local library.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can find it at this link on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Next Book Review: ' The Secrets Beneath' by Kathleen Fuller

Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

I finished reading this book yesterday and am working on my review. I'm hoping to have the review up tomorrow or Wednesday. Great book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bethany House Book Review: 'Hatteras Girl' by Alice J. Wisler

Publisher's Book Description:
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

This book is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Jackie Donovan has dreamed of owning the Bailey House Bed and Breakfast since she was a child and now, through a series of events, it looks as if her dream may finally come true. But, as Jackie learns, sometimes things aren't always what they seem.


This review is actually a little hard for me because there were a lot of things that I actually did like about the book. The problem is that what I didn't like was really distracting and frustrating for me. I thought this book was just okay. I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it, either. Confusing? Let me explain.

I'll start with the things I did like. I like the charm and ease of the South that was very evident and very well written throughout the book. I liked the characters. They all had very unique personalities and you really felt like they cared about each other. They really were very well written. They also all have some quite unique names, although I found them to be a little distracting sometimes. I liked the message and the storyline of the book. To me, it was evident that the plot and the characters were really well thought out and that the author took great care in making them come to life in her book.I also think that Ms. Wisler did a good job at portraying emotion - particularly worry and confusion. I think that those are really hard sometimes to make your reader feel, so I appreciate when an author has the ability to do that.

Now for what I didn't like.This book was really anti-climatic for me. I kept finding myself 'waiting for the good part'. There was a constant sense that the plot was building, and it would either be a great confrontational scene or a really great I'm-in-love moment. It did neither until the last few pages of the book. So I had 300 or so pages of anticipation - and letdown - and a couple of pages at the very end that gave me a bit of satisfaction. I found that really frustrating. I kind of felt like I kept getting strung along by a proverbial carrot on a string. Sometimes in books - mostly suspense and mystery types - this is actually a very exciting plot strategy, but it just didn't work for me here.

I've read the reviews for the book on Amazon, and honestly, I'm in the minority when it comes to my opinion on this book. I have heard good things about Wisler's other books however, so I may give them a try in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Great Summertime Activities for the Kids

The warm weather has gotten me thinking about things that I can do with my son. Now, he is only a year old so this somewhat limits our options but I've compiled a list of some pretty great kid-friendly summer activities. Take a look and feel free to leave your own suggestions as well.

1. Print coloring pages from the National Geographic website or from Family Education. The have a TON of great animal coloring pages and your kids can learn something while fostering their creativity. Perfect when the weather is just a little too warm outside.

2.Splash In the Pool! Whether you have a real pool, or just a kiddie pool, what kid doesn't love splashing and getting soaked? The quintessential summertime activity.

3. Don't have a pool? Have a sprinkler party! Turn on the hose and let those kids burn off some energy. Bonus: It may just give you some time to catch up on that book you've been wanting to read. (Or, let's face it, shower.)

4.Go to the Zoo! Seriously, is there anyone on this planet of ours that doesn't love the zoo? Even if it's not really close, make it a long day trip. Your kids will talk about it for days.

5. Go Berry or Apple Picking. This is a fun summertime activity for the whole family - and there's an immediate payoff. You can also seize the educational opportunity at hand and talk to them about how fruit grows and how healthy it is for them.

Enjoy you summer!

Question of the day:
What are your favorite family summertime activities?

The Middle Class Crunch

With our economy and our dollar how they are and with all of the Presidential Candidates using scare tactics and pretty little economic plans to lure votes, there has been a lot of talk recently about the "Middle Class Crunch", particularly the housing market situation, health care costs and out of control childcare costs.

Now, I'll admit that inflation is out of control (even thought the government completely denies it. Hello! Where I live a gallon of milk is $5 right now!) it's getting harder and harder to make ends meet. But, honestly, is it really just the rising costs making it so difficult? I don't think so. You want to know the biggest part of the problem? Debt.

That's right, it's your credit cards. It's your car payments. It's your big screen TV that you just HAD to have. It's that huge house you bought 3 years ago that you really couldn't afford, so you got an ARM. Debt. Americans spend money like there's no tomorrow - money that they don't even have! Look, just because you have a huge credit limit, doesn't mean you need to use it. And just because they tell you that you can pay that monthly payment, guess what, it doesn't mean you can afford it!

To quote the linked article:
"A generation or two ago, Mom -- and it was usually a mom -- could stay home with the kids while Dad put in the hours at the office. His income was enough to let them own a home and a car, and put a pot-roast dinner on the table once a week."

Exactly. The article hit the nail on the head without even realizing it. They had enough for what they needed and the occasional treat. Today we don't think twice before going out to eat 5 times a week (or more, for some people) and putting it on the credit card. We have huge walk-in closets full of nice clothes - your probably still paying them off, too. We have $50,000 SUV's . We have piles of store cards, cards with airline miles, cards with cash back rewards - and it just KILLS us to miss out on a reward. So what if you spent $25,000 (plus interest) to get that free airline ticket , it was FREE!!

Now the average costs for childcare in this country are $8,303 per year, per child for infants and $6,215 per year, per child for preschool. That's a lot of money, I understand that. The cost of childcare is rising at twice the rate of inflation. Many claim it's impossible to have a one-income household anymore. Bull.

I'm a SAHM. My husband works very hard for me to be able to stay home with our son. We're by no means rich but we don't have to worry either. Why? Because we make sacrifices and we have priorities. I manage to keep our monthly food bill to $300 a month, including diapers, formula, baby food, toiletries, etc. It's hard, I have to be creative sometimes, but I do it. And no, we're not living on Hamburger Helper, either. We will have our house paid off in 6 more years - we've only lived here a year and a half. We're maxing out our Roth IRA contributions every year and my husband is maxing out his 401k contributions. That's a ton of money going straight to investments. Not including our house payment, we live on $10,000 a year so that we can do that. That $10k includes utilities, gas, insurance, cell phones, food, entertainment - everything. And we end up putting a small portion of that in savings.

I know that for some families, it truly isn't possible to have a one income household. But I think that the vast majority of families could do it, if they really wanted to. It's about discipline, it's about priorities, it's about goals, it's about common sense.

I'll get off my soapbox now. ;)