The River

The River
Written by Michael Neale
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

My Thoughts

The River is a wonderful book to read and ponder on.   I have read the e-book version during the Christmas vacation and I just couldn’t put it down.   I travelling through the life of Gabriel and along his side as he witnessed a tragedy and went to live in Kansas.   I have seen him grow and become more self confident though at times he was lost in his pain.   And he ventured in unknown territories with the help of friends and adults in his life.   At some point he travels back to Colorado and learn to conquer The River.   He has to go back to Cairo in Kansas but out of the blue he is asked to come and work at the camp for four months.  Will he accept the challenge?  What else can happen to him if he does?

I don’t want to reveal too much about this book but it was an inspiration in stepping out of the comfort zone of sadness and embark on a new journey of joy.   It also gave me the interest of doing White River Rafting eventually.   I think it would be a great out-of-the-comfort-zone activity for me.   Bottom line is I think that this book will be a great eye opener and a wonderful book to read in 2013.   It will change your life as you realize that living in the past is not an option and it is important to face the future.   So many people live in the past for various reasons – betrayal, death, a dream that didn’t come true… What is yours?   I know from experience that having a loved one living in the past can be hard to deal with.   I wish this book could help the person I have in mind but it isn’t written in her language. 

I will admit that it took me some time to read the e-book  but now I see why it is a great book to read and re-read.   I would like to challenge my readers to read this book in 2013 and let God show you where you need to change and step out of your comfort.   You will be surprise how much it will affect you!

See for yourself what The River is all about by watching this video!

The River is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

The book is also available on Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in the e-pub edition for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Mosaic Reviews–A Medley of Review Perspective

Fall back a few months from now.   I saw an opportunity to participate to a new endeavor called Mosaic Reviews and decided to apply on it.  I really enjoyed being part of the review team when I was on the TOS Homeschool Crew as it opened up opportunities for me to get homeschool products that I wouldn’t be able to afford.   God has blessed me so much since I started homeschooling more than 6 years ago.  I received wonderful products for my kids either via the Crew, some publishers and even with free items through my homeschool association one night. 

Mosaic Reviews will be different as this time it’s not only homeschoolers that are part of the team.   It will be a medley of enthusiastic people – mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, single, married, teen, homeschooler,…  I will also have the opportunity to learn new techniques with a training program set up for us – the reviewers.   

I am so looking forward to connect with the rest of the people on Mosaic Reviews and work again with my friends Heidi and Brenda.

2013 will be a great year!   Keep an eye on the Mosaic Reviews logo you will find on my blog. 

Come to the Table

Come to the Table
By Neta Jackson
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea.

Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle—a homeless mother—and her son to move in the apartment she shares with two other housemates. And she’s finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church.

Her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore. The fact that he’s the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough. But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small.

But not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea. When the woman she thought would be her biggest supporter just wants to “pray about it,” Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives. Only when she begins to look past the surface does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to “come to the table.”

My Thoughts

I was so excited when I got the opportunity to review the latest Neta Jackson’s book.   I have read all of the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series and I was hooked with her SouledOut Sisters series when I reviewed the first book – Stand By Me.

I was so looking forward to re-connect with her beloved characters – Nick, Kat, Rochelle, and Bree.   And let me tell you I was not disappointed.   When sickness hit me during the Christmas holidays, there was nothing else than take it slow and read…  I devoured this book and I am left wanting more.  I want to know what will happen next as many new events happens like a whirlwind in the last quarter of the book.    I won’t expand in what happened on characters met in the Yada Yada Series and for some characters in the SouledOut Sisters Series but let me tell you that a lot of excitement is guaranteed for the next book.   Well at least I am expecting it….   I suspect that there will be road blocks as well but in the end, walking through the story with these characters makes you feel as though you are part of their little group.

This book will bring you a refreshing story.   It can be read independently even if you haven’t read the previous book but I will be honest with you – Neta Jackson is an author worthy to discover in 2013.   I would seriously consider getting all the Yada Yada and her other books before reading this one.   I , myself, have missed some titles in between the Yada Yada Series and the SouledOut Sisters Series.   I am planning to correct this during the new year.     Come to the Table touches the  subject of feeding the ones who are in need of physical food and spiritual food.   It might also give you a nudge in doing something different to help people in need during 2013.   I has given me some food for thought – no pun intended – on doing something different to help others.

Come to the Table is available to your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

The book is also available on Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson and B&B Media for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pocket Genius Space

Pocket Genius Space
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The prefect sized books for backpacks, DK's Pocket Genius series is bright, inviting, concise, and punchy — the ideal source for reference. Featuring essential information, full-color images, glossary, and top ten lists, these books are a brand-new type of encyclopedia for young readers.

From marvelous galleries of The Big Dipper, Little Dipper and other constellations, to in-depth looks at Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, to the Moons of Jupiter, comets and galaxies — not to mention entries on rockets and spacecraft — this visual encyclopedia opens up the vast and mysterious expanse of space.

My Thoughts

Space.  The final frontier. 

Okay I couldn’t resist.   We are big fans of Star Trek, Star Wars and any kind of science fiction television show that are worthy of watching.   Astronomy is something I would like to do more in the future but in the meantime I find it important to teach my kids about our solar system and the planets you can find in it.

I will note that this book is not creation based and does mention the Big Band and evolution thinking with the millions/billions of years.   However, if you want your kids to be prepared for college/university and be able to understand both side of the coins, I find it extremely important that Christian homeschoolers use both theories to teach their kids.  Besides, you can also find a ton of interesting information about space in this book.

The book starts with information about how big the space is, the Big Bang theory, as well as how the night sky look like when you are at different places on the planet.   Then you get five sections which will highlights information on specific subjects.

• Studying space – in this section you will learn more about telescopes
• The Solar System – Our solar system is a wonder in itself.   Explore the different planets and its star in this section.
• Stars and Nebulae – Learn more about starts and nebulae in this section.
• Galaxies – Discover galaxies throughout the universe.
• Exploring Space – Learn more about spacecrafts, rockets, missions and the space station.

At the end of the book, you will also get a timeline of space exploration which can be handy when studying the history of space exploration as well as fun facts about space.   A glossary and an index complete the book.

As I explored this book, I have learned that the ISS (International Space Station) makes 16 trips around the Earth in 24 hours, which means that astronauts on the station see 16 sunrises.  I have seen stunning pictures of galaxies far away and of fabulous Nebulae.   I have also learned that the Hubble Space Telescope is so sensitive that if two candles were places 6 1/2 ft (2 m)apart at 7,000 miles (11,265 km) away, it would see them both separately.   I wonder how they made these calculations….  

This fun little book is easy to carry when you go to an appointment in order to entertain your kids.   Let them explore by themselves the space as they turn the pages of this book!

The Pocket Genius series has eight titles at this point in time: Rocks and Minerals, Animals, Sharks, Dinosaurs, Space, Earth, Bugs, and Ancient Egypt. Other titles comings in 2013 will be Mammals, Horses, Human Body, and Science.

Pocket Genius Space is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

It is also available on the Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

A special doll for a special girl in my life.

Back in November, I had the opportunity to review and do a giveaway for a Maplelea Girl Doll.  We had received Léonie and I was looking forward to give it to my daughter for her 5th birthday which was coming in December.   I had the authorization to delay to gifting of the doll to Jasmine.  

Her birthday was Wednesday this week and it was a big deal as she was turning five.   She received a few things but she was excited by the big box.  What could in in there.  When she arrived at this box, she proceeded to unwrap it.

She was excited to find the doll in the box!

The first thing she did though was to check out the journal with her brothers.

But it didn’t took long for her to grab Léonie and hold her like a little mamma.

She checked her clothes and the boots.  Her comment was: “I really like the boots” as she was looking at them.

Jasmine is really happy to have Léonie!  Thanks Maplelea for this wonderful doll!   The doll is with her everyday since then and sleep next to her bed at night in a little bed made by late great-grand-papa Rivard (lent by her tante Nicole!).

Disclaimer: Thanks to KidsStuff and MapleLea Girls for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes and for offering this incredible giveaway to my readers. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pocket Genius Ancient Egypt

Pocket Genius Ancient Egypt
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The prefect sized books for backpacks, DK's Pocket Genius series is bright, inviting, concise, and punchy — the ideal source for reference. Featuring essential information, full-color images, glossary, and top ten lists, these books are a brand-new type of encyclopedia for young readers.

King Tut, Egyptian gods, camels, pyramids, and more — with Pocket Genius Ancient Egypt, readers will learn about the ancient and intriguing land of Egypt.

My Thoughts

Ancient Egypt is a subject that is covered in history lessons at school and in homeschool.   And books are references that are cracked open on this subject as it’s rare that your class can go to a field trip in Cairo unless you have the Magic School Bus that is…  *grin*

So to get information on how Egyptians lived back in the days you need books.   And personally I like have a variety of books on one subject when we are studying it.  So I am pleased to present you the Pocket Genius Ancient Egypt today.     The book will cover almost everything that is known about this ancient civilization.    At the beginning of the book, you can learn about the Nile River, the history of ancient Egypt, writing and warfare.  Once you have learn about these you can jump in specific detailed information about Ancient Egypt like:

• Ancient Egyptians will talk about the royal life and the people part of this category of people.
• Tombs and Monuments will present the pyramids, tombs and monuments build during that time period.
• Religion will talk about the priests, rituals, mummies, gods, goddesses, temples, sacred artifacts and more.
• Daily Life will provide interesting information about their home, clothes, toys, games, music, hunting, fishing, farming, and more.

Finally at the end of the book, you can discover fascinating facts, have a quick glance of Egypt and learn more about Hieroglyphs.

While going through this book, I learned that Pharaohs had many wives but only one held the title of “Great Royal Wife” and ruled by him as queen.   I also learned the kind of food they ate – bread made of barley, wheat and figs as well as dates and figs.   Which reminds me that one fruit I want to have in 2013 is the fig as I never had any so far in my life.

Check out some of the pages in the book.

I am very happy to have this book in our homeschool library as it is a fun reference to have.  The Pocket Genius books are fabulous to carry around when you drive to events or travel as they don’t take too much space and are small enough to have in a bag.

The Pocket Genius series has eight titles at this point in time: Rocks and Minerals, Animals, Sharks, Dinosaurs, Space, Earth, Bugs, and Ancient Egypt. Other titles comings in 2013 will be Mammals, Horses, Human Body, and Science.

Pocket Genius Ancient Egypt is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

   

The book is also available in the Kindle format.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pocket Genius Bugs

Pocket Genius Bugs
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The prefect sized books for backpacks, DK's Pocket Genius series is bright, inviting, concise, and punchy — the ideal source for reference. Featuring essential information, full-color images, glossary, and top ten lists, these books are a brand-new type of encyclopedia for young readers.

Whether it's the industrious ant, the breath-taking Monarch butterfly, or the multi-legged centipede, no bug is left unexamined in this visual encyclopedia.

My Thoughts

Bugs – some hate them like there is no tomorrow while others study them.   What is your take on them?   Me I don’t mind most of them while others I could live without like the mosquito for example.   Spiders I don’t mind while camping but I don’t particularly enjoy finding one in our house.  

Like it or not, bugs were created by God and have a purpose (even if we don’t see it).    This book will highlight everything you will need to know about bugs.   The book starts with informing you what are arthropods and what is not an arthropod.  You will also get an idea of the life cycle, feeding habits, habitats as well as some tips on how to study bugs.   Then you will get specific information on various bugs:

• Insects – silverflish, bristletails, mayflies, damselflies and dragonflies, stoneflies, rock crawlers, earwings, mantises, crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, termites, thrips, ture bugs, lice, alderflies, lacewings, beetles, scorpionflies, fleas, ture flies, caddisflies, moths, butterflies, swaflies, wasps, bees and ants.
• Arachnids – scorpions, ticks, mites, spiders, sun-spiders, pseudoscorpions, and more.
• Other arthropods – myriapods, crustaceans, non-insect hexapods.

You will also have  information on incredible bugs and record breakers.  Each  bug  has a little section presenting the Latin name, a description, as well as information about the size, the diet, the habitat and the distribution.  You will also get tidbits of fascinating facts throughout the book. For example, did you know that bites from the tarantula spider were believed to be poisonous in 16th-century Taranto, Italy and the remedy involved a form of wild dancing called the tarantella?   Though the tarantula may look venomous, it is actually harmless to humans.   When threatened a tarantula will first rear up on its hind legs and raise its fangs in an aggressive posture to scare off the attacker.   

As you can see you can learn interesting things about bugs in this book.  If you have a child who enjoy observing bugs and want to learn more from them you might have a little entomologist in your hands.  Why not encouraging him/her by providing a fun book to bring along in their science discoveries?

The Pocket Genius series has eight titles at this point in time: Rocks and Minerals, Animals, Sharks, Dinosaurs, Space, Earth, Bugs, and Ancient Egypt. Other titles comings in 2013 will be Mammals, Horses, Human Body, and Science.

Pocket Genius Bugs is available at your favourite boosktore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

The book is also available in the Kindle format.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

How Animals Work

How Animals Work – Why and how animals do the things they do
Published at DK Canada

About the book

Have you ever wondered how fish breathe underwater, how caterpillars transform into butterflies, why deer grow cumbersome antlers every year, or how snakes slither? How Animals Work explains the structures and systems of animal bodies, using photographs and diagrams to show how animals use their anatomy to move, communicate, hunt, and feed, and how their bodies enhance their chances in the struggle for survival.

My Thoughts

Are you still looking for the one gift for a child who adores animals?  Well I have a great book for you – How Animals Work.  This book will give you the why and how animals do the things they do like for example defense or hunting.  There are nine sections in the book:

• Body basics – Soft bodies,shells, exoskeletons, bony skeletons, skin, fur, feathers and scales are covered here.
• Animals on the move – This section will highlights every way an animal can move whether it is creeping, sliding, on legs, jumping, climbing, gliding, flying, swimming, diving or more.
• Life support – How does an animal live?  Discover the secrets in the breathing, circulation, nerves, brain, temperature control,rhythms, migration and survival skills.
• Animal diet – Food to fuel their bodies from grazing to scavengers and let’s not forget the omnivores either.
• Hunters and hunted – Learn about the tips and tricks of the hunters and how other animals will survived by camouflage, mimicry or other emergency escapes.
• Senses – Eye, ear,taste, smell, and touch faculties of the animals.
• Keeping in contact – How do animals communicate between each other.
• Animal families – Everything you want to know about the families in the animal kingdom.
• The animal world – Learn more about the various species in the animal kingdom.

This book is packed with interesting information and facts about the animals we might encounter when travelling or exploring your own backyard.   The photos are stunning and you also learn quite a bit while reading the pages.

For example,one year we went fishing as a family and I was able to taken a fabulous picture of dragonflies.  I discovered in this book that these dragonflies were mating and it is a perfect example of how their exoskeleton can be flexible. Their abdomens are made up of many jointed section that enable the male to arch its body and clasp the female behind the head during mating.

Another thing I have learned while reading the book is that many animals will feast on berries during the winter months.   Well I knew about that as I have caught some birds on my street having a late afternoon snacks recently.  What I have not realized is that they help to scatter the seeds when – well  you get the picture…    These berry bushes/trees are not just good for flying birds but we also spotted two wild turkeys feasting on such a bush near the retirement residence close to a busy street in our area.   

I find animals are full of wonder.   Our family enjoy observing them whether in the wild or at the zoo.   My daughter’s favourite bird is the flamingo and my third son’s is the bald eagle.   Totally different birds but there is so much we can learn from them.   Did you know that flamingos are the only birds that eat entirely by filter-feeding?   Their tongue works like a pump, pushing water through the edges of its beak, which in turn is lined with fibrous plates that trap its food.   I find this fascinating to learn this kind of information.   When you are homeschooling and your child has a specific interest on an animal, you can dig and discover about that animal anytime you want.

How Animals Work is a wonderful book to own and discover while studying animals.   It has beautiful pictures, graphs, as well as charts to help you understand how and why certain things happens in the animal kingdom.    It is definitively a great book to offer as a gift to the child who is passionate about animals.

How Animals Work is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Star Wars The Old Republic Encyclopedia

Star Wars The Old Republic Encyclopedia – The Definitive Guide to the Epic Conflict
Published at DK Canada

About the book

Since its release in 2011, the massively multiplayer online role playing game Star Wars: The Old Republic has captivated thousands of gamers and Star Wars fans alike. Now comes the ultimate in-depth guide to the turbulent and fascinating world featured in the game — The Old Republic.

Created in full collaboration with LucasArts, this in-depth companion covers the spectrum of characters, weapons, vehicles, events, and planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic. More than just an encyclopedia, it is the ultimate guided tour of the dangerous and mysterious universe found in a galaxy far, far away.

My Thoughts

Star Wars The Old Republic was released in 2011 as a multiplayer online role playing game.     Though we are not familiar with the game itself, I thought the book would be a great addition to our Star Wars library as we have some comic books related to The Old Republic.   In this book, you will get an up-close-and-personal view of the characters, places, and things found in the popular game.   But it will also give you a new perspective of the events leading to the famous movies.  

The book has nine major sections through which you can discover more about The Old Republic of Star Wars before the conflicts seen in the movies and the Clone Wars television series.  

• The Republic – Learn all you need to know about the Republic.
• The Jedi Order – This section will highlight all you always wanted to know about the Jedi Order.
• The Sith Empire – What is this empire of the Sith?   Where did it came from?   What is their objective?   Discover the archenemy of the Jedi Order.
• The Sith – The Dark Side of the force is strong with these people.   Discover who the Sith are in this section.
• Mandalorians – Learn more about the Mandalorians and how they were forged by war.
• The Underworld – Organized crime, bounty hunter, smugglers,…  This is life in the underworld where money is power and information is survival.
• The Hutt Cartel – Learn everything you can about the Hutts.
• Species – Discover the sentient species, non-sentient species and droids of Star Wars The Old Republic.
• Planets – In this section, you will learn everything about the planets.

As you can see there is quite of lot of reading in this book.  With over 350 pages of information on the Star Wars The Old Republic, you will be in good shape to play the online role playing game or simply know more about the history of Star Wars.  The images contains in this book are beautifully drawn, colorful and sometimes comes from the game itself.  The text will inform you of the history of Star Wars and help you in dealing with your adversaries in the game.   You will discover more about the people, planets, ships, enemies, battle gears and more through this book.  

The book is packed with interesting tidbit of information about the Star Wars The Old Republic.   Not only this is part of the history of Star Wars but it also explain the origins of numerous things in the movies and the Clone Wars.   The war between good and evil has been raging for a long time in the Star Wars realm.

If you have a loved one who is a die-hard fan of Star Wars or one who has just discover the Star Wars world, I think this book would be very interesting for them.  Not everyone  plays the online role playing game but this book can be an eye opener on the historical information of Star Wars.   

Star Wars The Old Republic Encyclopedia is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

La Dee Da Girls

If you have been to toy stores at this time of the year, you will find numerous options for your kids.   But Spin Master has released new dolls that might interest your daughter or the little girl in your life – La Dee Da dolls!  

Here’s the stich-uation: Dee and her friends have a fashion label called La Dee Da! Even ordinary things inspire them to design dee-licious looks. The more outrageous, the better! Dee is obsessed with fashion design. To get inspired she needs 3 things: her sketchbook, lucky pincushion bracelet and her dog Le Bun!

Presenting the La Dee Da Girls

Dee Signature Doll

Meet Dee, the ultimate City Girl! She and her BFFs started a fashion label called La Dee Da. This outfit is inspired by her hometown. It’s anything but boredinary – you can change it up! Swap her flower and bow. Wear the skyline dress as an A-line or a poufy bubble skirt. Switch from leggings to leg warmers in a snap. Style her shimmery red hair, and have a blast designing your own dee-licious looks!

Dee’s outfit was inspired by her hometown, New York City! She’s wearing a beautiful skyline skirt that perfectly depicts NYC. And with her Statue of Liberty eye makeup she’s the perfect creative example of the big apple. She even comes with inspired shoes, earrings and jewelry!

La Dee Da Runway Vacay

The girls of La Dee Da are taking a fashion field trip around the world! They’ve each designed outfits inspired by their favorite places! With each doll you’ll discover a different international fashion theme from locations like India, France, Japan and Africa!

Dee as Bollywood Bright

Dee’s fashion field trip outfit is inspired by India! She’s obsessed with her sari-style dress and long pink hair! With the addition of henna makeup and tons of gems, she’s got a spicy-hot Bollywood look! Dee as Bollywood Bright also comes with a fashion activity book with a jet-setting craft idea for you!

Tylie as Kabuki Cutie

Tylie created this rad plaid look for her trip to Tokyo! It’s inspired by a Japanese comic book. She has hue-mongous corkscrew curls and two fabulous hair accessories: a parasol and a cherry blossom! Tylie as Kabuki Cutie also comes with a fashion activity book with a global-glam craft idea for you!

Cyanne as Viva La France

Cyanne has ALWAYS wanted to visit Paris. Check out that Eiffel tower hair accessory and fancy French hairdo! The ♥ on her mini-dress is inspired by the City of Love. Ooh la la!

Sloane as Safari Dreams

Sloane is psyched to go to Africa. She mixed animal prints and faux fur to create a ferocious new look. How much do you love that wild purple hair?!

My  Thoughts

I find these dolls interesting as they are trying to inspire girls to discover fashion in a different way.   I am not a super fashion type of person myself but I like that my clothes mix and matches.     These dolls are different than other dolls invading the market and are a flair of their own.  

Their legs are somewhat bendable, and their body not too provoking.  They are designed as though they are teenagers themselves and doesn’t wear revealing clothes.    I find their head a bit huge compared to their bodies.  However, I am impressed with the fact that they are not hideous like other dolls I have seen in the past.   These dolls can be used to discover a new country with your daughter if you want to.   Why not incorporating a bit of learning while playing?   It’s the best way to learn I find.  With the La Dee Da Runway Vacay, you can discover India, Japan, France and Africa.   All you need if a bit of creativity and some maps to make the learning fun for your daughter.

These dolls are definitively different than what you usually in stores throughout the year.  They are innovative and fun to look at.   You can put them on a stand in the room of the child or play with them.   They come with a fashion activity book with a craft idea for the girl in your life.

If you are looking for a fun doll for a little girl in your life, why not consider the La Dee Da Girls?   They are inspiring, fun to discover and could encourage the child to experiment with her own fashion. 

The La Dee Da Dolls are available at your favourite toystore, even amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to SpinMaster for sending the products mentioned above for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pocket Genius Earth

Pocket Genius Earth
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The prefect sized books for backpacks, DK's Pocket Genius series is bright, inviting, concise, and punchy — the ideal source for reference. Featuring essential information, full-color images, glossary, and top ten lists, these books are a brand-new type of encyclopedia for young readers.

A visual look at the planet we call home, Pocket Genius Earth delves into Earth's geology and geography, examining oceans, mountains, deserts, clouds, and more.

My Thoughts

The DK Pocket Genius books are fabulous to grab when you are travelling with children or simply running an errands with them.  They are very portable and the perfect size to slide in a bag or hold on their laps while you drive.   It contains lots of information on a specific subject and will allow them to learn on the go. 

This specific book will introduce your kids to the geology and geography of the planet Earth.   I don’t agree with everything in the book – more specifically on the creation of the planet and the millions/billions of years comments – but even with these mentions of evolution, I think the book is worth looking into.   If you are like me, you will want your kids to be exposed to both creation and evolution because when they will arrive in high school/college/university, that’s what they will learn.   I want them to understand that different people think differently and have the tools necessary to be able to defend their beliefs.

The book possess four main sections:

• LAND – In this section you will learn much about world biomes, mountains,volcanoes, volcanic features, rocks, rivers, rivers features, lakes, wetlands, glaciers, glacial features, deserts,forests, grasslands,tundra, agricultural areas, and urban areas.
• OCEAN – This section highlights all you need to know about oceans: currents, seas, oceans, coral reefs, and coastal features.
• ATMOSPHERE – This section will provide information on everything linked to the atmosphere – precipitation, cloud types, and storms.
• CLIMATE – Finally, you will get information on the climate regions throughout the world as well as the global warming.

To conclude the book, you will get fascinating facts about the Earth as well as a glossary and an index.   The book also contains breath-taking photos, graphs, maps and more.  

As I was reading the book, I stumbled on great information on the Yangtze River which apparently has flooded over 100 times in the past 2000 years.  I explored volcanoes and fabulous chain of mountains.   I learned more about the Dead Sea, admire a stunning photo of the tundra, learn more about the currents in the oceans, and discovered the powerful force of a tornado.  Did you know that in 1931, a tornado in Mississippi lifted a train weighing 91 tons (83 metric tonnes) up into the air and tossed it 80 ft. (24 m) away from the track?   That’s powerful!  A tornado usually as a width of 328 ft (100m).   No wonder it causes so much destruction…

This book will help your kids to learn more about the planet where they live.   The Pocket Genius series has eight titles at this point in time: Rocks and Minerals, Animals, Sharks, Dinosaurs, Space, Earth, Bugs, and Ancient Egypt. Other titles comings in 2013 will be Mammals, Horses, Human Body, and Science.

Pocket Genius Earth is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

It is also available on the Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

PassPorter’s Walt Disney World

PassPorter’s Walt Disney World – The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake!

One of our dream as parents is to bring our kids to Florida in vacation.  Not for a week or two but more in the line of a whole month of fun visiting various theme parks including Walt Disney World.   Last time my husband and I went it was our honeymoon and let me tell you that by what I am discovering these days via videos of Disney Imagineering and the book I am presenting you today, a lot have changed since then!

So you want to plan a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.  But you feel a bit overwhelmed with all the possibilities and fun things to do.   No problem.   Introducing the PassPorter’s Walt Disney World which is a travel guide that will help you plan and organize your discovery of this famous theme park.   I know from experience that we enjoy our trips better when I plan in advance.  Not everyone are like this but let me remind you that in the case of Walt Disney World, you do not want to miss anything while you are there.  So I would suggest that you plan it in advance…

This full color travel guide will be a life saving tool for you and your family.   Inside you will find fourteen pockets that will allow you to keep plans, maps, and memories in one place.   The book includes everything you need to plan the perfect vacation without having to stress out about forgetting something.   Let me give you an idea of the table of content…

• Planning Your Adventure – finding information, budgeting, money-saving programs and tips
• Getting There – adventure, how to get there and more
• Staying in Style – don’t want to stay outside Walt Disney World, this section will highlight the various resorts.
• Touring the “World” – This section will present that various theme parks within Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and all the other things to do like DisneyQuest, Downtown Disney and more.
• Feasting and Snacking – Do you have a tween or teenager?  You know that food is essential for them (and yourself for that matter…).   So this section will highlight all the various places where you can replenish your family while visiting Walt Disney World.
• Making More Magic – Want to plan something special for that little girl in your life?   Or surprise your family with a behind the scene tour?  Well this section will help you plan the special experiment for everyone in your family!

Bottom line is that this book contains all the information you need to make your trip a wonderful memory.   All Disney parks and resort hotels are described in depth, with ratings, floor plans, and maps.    This is truly the ultimate traveling companion for Walt Disney World! 

Check the pages below to see how it is presented.

I can’t help but dream when I have a book like this in my hands.   I really love the fact that two plans are proposed for each park – one for Adult and one with kids in mind.   I also like having the comments of the kids of the author in there sharing their thoughts on a particular ride.   Having the maps included in the book is also helpful as my kids love to carry the ones we get at the park entrance (well it’s the case with the zoo….).  Through the pages, you will get information about catching shows at that park, making the most of your visit, getting the best of the park you are exploring,  and detailed information about the attractions in that park. 

Then at the end of the book, I stumbled on the Making More Magic section which opens up new possibilities to spark your trip.   You will find guided tours, and special activities or parties for children.  The one I would LOVE to do with my daughter would be the My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party which is held at the Grand Floridian Resort.  This party sounds delightful event to attend though I find the price tag a bit expensive – 281.25$!   Ouch!   It includes tea, brunch, dessert, a My DisneyGirl Doll, and the participation of one adult.    If siblings and another adult wants to participate, you will have to pay 165$ for each kids and 85$ for an adult.  As much as this sounds fun, I am not sure Jasmine and I would be able to even think of participating to it.   Still even if we don’t do something extravagant like this, I am certain that our experience at Walt Disney World will be fabulous thanks to the PassPorter book.

I wish I could plan and know when we will go visit Walt Disney World because having this book in my hands is extremely exciting and I just want to pack and go now!   Oh! And the best part of this fabulous book is that right at the beginning, you can discover the best time to plan your visit at Walt Disney World.   An interesting chart will help you visualize the fluctuating factors for each month of the year.  It is very informative and a great way to plan your trip!   

There are numerous PassPorter books that you can get depending of what you are looking for.   Check out their website for more details on the other editions like Disney Cruise Line,  Deluxe Edition, Disneyland California, and more.

The PassPorter’s Walt Disney World 2012 is available for purchase on the PassPorter website for 21.21$ or cheaper depending if you are subscribe to the newsletter. are a returning reader or are part of the PassPorter’s Club.   It is also available at amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to PassPorter for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Cooking Season by Season

Cooking Season by Season
Published at DK Canada

About the book

Seasonality is now more important than ever for foodies and home cooks and this new book is both an exhaustive recipe resource and an authoritative produce guide. With 1000 recipes organized by season, and "Season's Best" features highlighting which produce tastes amazing right now and how to make the most of it, Cooking Season by Season is an essential resource for being in touch with the flavors of the season.

• Features over 750 full colour images
• Includes Recipe Choosers for each chapter listing all the dishes that can be cooked for each seasonal ingredient

My Thoughts

Are you still trying to figure out what to purchase for that foodie person in your life?   That person who loves food and enjoys cooking maybe? Or maybe you are looking for a cookbook that will spice up your meals next year?   Let me present you the Cooking Season by Season from DK.   

This interesting cookbook will suggest some new recipes depending of the season of the year.   Actually, the book is divided into six sections – spring, early summer, high summer, fall, early winter, late winter.    Each season presents a variety of interesting recipes for you to try and expand your taste buds.    You will also discover the season’s best for each section of the book with recipes highlighting a specific product that is part of the season’s best.  This product could be fish, meat, vegetable or fruit.   With recipes based on these products, you can be sure to add variety to your meals in 2013!

One of the recipes I stumbled upon while looking at them was a soup based on pumpkin ad ginger.  Though we have not made the recipe itself, we have based a creation of my husband’s on the recipe in the book.   We have a delicious soup made out of pumpkin and squash that is simply a delight for the mouth.   Our family enjoys discovering new recipes and trying new taste.   We are looking forward to explore this recipe book in the new year!

Again, if you have someone who loves to try new recipes or want to add some variety in their meals in 2013, this recipe book would make a great Christmas gift for him/her.

Cooking Season by Season is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own. 

Dragons in Our Midst Series

Dragons in Our Midst Series
Written by Bryan Davis
Published at Living Ink Books, an imprint of AMG Publishers

About the series

Dragons in Our Midst is a series that has four titles.

Raising Dragons  

A boy learns of his dragon past;   a girl has known of hers for years. They combine their faith, courage, and love to overcome evil, a slayer who seeks to bring an end to dragon heritage, forever.

The kids at school call Billy “Dragon Breath” for good reason. His breath is bad! It isn’t the normal, morning-mouth bad; it’s the hot-as-fire, “don’t-you-dare-get-near-me” bad. Trouble erupts when his hot breath sets off the fire sprinklers in the boys’ restroom at school, and his parents learn that they’ve kept their secret for too long.

Billy finally discovers the secret. His father was once a dragon! Now that’s a piece of news a guy doesn’t deal with every day! Billy feels betrayed, alien, lost. When the dragon slayer traps him on a cold mountaintop in West Virginia, Billy learns to battle with weapons of steel and spirit while relying on a power he doesn’t understand, a power that helps him learn to trust again.

Bonnie, an orphan, tries to find a home, someone to love her, even though she feels like a freak because of a body feature that she calls a deformity. But this unusual feature becomes a life-saving attribute as she discovers that her love for others and her faith in a creator hold the answers she’s looking for.

The Candlestone

A mysterious book leads Billy into mortal combat with a powerful dragon slayer. Separated from his friends and finding his dragon traits useless against this enemy, he has to rely on new weapons, a sword and shield he cannot even see.

A scientist lures Bonnie to his laboratory with amazing news—her mother is still alive! And he should know; he’s her father. He has learned the secret of long life—dragon blood, and he wants Bonnie to help him with his experiments. But first he must send her to retrieve her mother from the candlestone, that strange, paralyzing gem that absorbs light and with it the strength of dragons and their offspring.

The candlestone is also a prison that imprisons people who have been transformed into light energy by Excalibur, King Arthur’s great sword. When Bonnie enters the stone, she learns that many disembodied souls have fallen prey to the gem’s powers, but no one has ever escaped. Her only hope is for Billy to overcome the dragon slayer and find a way into the candlestone, and, more importantly, a way out.

Billy and Bonnie face their greatest fears, and they learn to use their strengths, both innate and newly found, as they battle powerful enemies, ancient fiends from times long past, and the horrors of the blackest of prisons, captivity with the walls of unearthly darkness, the crystalline tomb of the candlestone.

Circles of Seven   

Using their dragon traits and the wisdom they gained through their earlier adventures, Billy and Bonnie explore a multi-dimensional domain of evil. In this realm, they navigate seven perilous worlds, each one manifested in a circular plane of existence that leads them deeper into the domain of a powerful enemy.

The seventh circle holds a group of prisoners, captives of the evil mistress of the circles, and Billy has to find a way to set them free and give them new life. When tragedy strikes along the way, Billy has to face the most difficult decision of his life, whether to forsake Bonnie to rescue the prisoners or to find a way to save her, his best friend in the world.

Filled with action, danger, and suspense, Circles of Seven is sure to keep readers in their seats, following Billy and Bonnie to the exciting conclusion.

Tears of a Dragon

Victory in the Circles of Seven came at a great cost to Billy Bannister and Bonnie Silver. A vicious evil was unleashed on the earth that only the dragons can defeat. With Billy’s father, the great Clefspeare, missing, Billy and Bonnie must lead the dragons into war against the Watchers—demonic beings as old as the earth itself. Masters at the art of deception, the Watchers use the deadliest of weapons against mankind. A remnant of wise humans, the friends of the dragons, unite in the struggle against the Watchers. With heart-stopping action, the final battle between dragons and their enemies comes to a climax. But in order to win the war, at least one of the dragons must die.

As the story ends, Billy and Bonnie are faced with the greatest decision of their lives. Will they keep the dragon traits that have cost them so much danger and heartache, or will they turn to normal human life and end the slayers’ lust for their blood forever.

Who is Bryan Davis?

Bryan Davis is the author of the best-selling Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, contemporary/fantasy blends for young people. His book Eye of the Oracle hit number one on the January 2007, Young Adult CBA best-seller list. His book The Bones of Makaidos won the 2010 Clive Staples Award, recognizing the best work in Christian worldview speculative fiction. With the September 2010 release of Masters and Slayers, Bryan has begun his first fantasy series for adults, Tales of Starlight.

Bryan is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.S. in Industrial Engineering). From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.

Bryan continues to further his writing education by attending relevant writing conferences and conventions. Bryan is a craftsman with words and an excellent interviewee on various topics, including his books, young adult fantasy fiction, and creative writing in general. He makes appearances around the country for book signings and for special presentations to enthusiastic young readers and developing young authors in middle schools, high schools, and homeschool groups. Although he is now a full time writer, Bryan was a computer professional for over 20 years. Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.

My Thoughts

I had the opportunity to hear Bryan Davis talk when I attended a writer’s workshop in my city in November.   As I heard his testimony and discover his writing, my oldest son and I were hooked.  We wanted to read the books.   I knew we needed to start at the beginning of all the books he wrote.  However, at the workshop, I had purchased his daughter’s books after hearing her personal testimony via her father.    As we left the workshop, my son told me he wished that he would have enough money to be able to purchase the books of Bryan Davis soon.   I told him that maybe he could consider this if he got money for Christmas.  

So once back at home, I started reading the book of his daughter and loved it.  To the point that I requested the books of the Dragons in Our Midst series.   I was delighted when I saw a positive answer in my mailbox one day.    Now all I needed to do was wait for them to arrive which took a while because it was shipped from the US.   As soon as the books came in our house, I started reading the first one – Raising Dragons.     If you like fantasy reading mixed with Christian character you will love these books from Bryan Davis.   Not only will it transport you in a story where dragons exist and where danger and mystery surrounds the characters, but it also contains chivalry and suspense that will make you wanting more of the story.  You will find action, adventure as well as inspiration through the pages of these books. 

The series contain four books and will continue in the other books written by Bryan Davis.    I am enjoying the series quite a lot even if it was written with youth in mind.     They are perfect for kids ages 11 and over. Even adults will enjoy reading these books.   Bryan is able to keep your attention through the pages and leave you wanting more when you finish the last sentence of the books. 

If you have a son or daughter who loves to read fantasy and enjoy great stories, I would suggest that you get him/her the series Dragons in Our Midst.    This series could also make a wonderful book for your son or daughter who loves to read.

The books from the series Dragons in Our Midst are available at your favourite boosktore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com

Raising Dragons

   

The Candlestone

    

Circles of Seven

    

Tears of a Dragon

     

 

The four books are also available on Kindle.

         

Disclaimer: Thanks to AMG Publishers for sending me the above mentioned books for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.