Sunday, April 30, 2023

Book Review: The Book Spy by Alan Hlad

  





The Book Spy by Alan Hlad
Really enjoying this book as it's about a Portuguese father and mother who make it to US and raise their daughter.
Love how Maria is driven and works hard at it.
She's a microphotography artist and knows her trade so well she's trained others who get top positions overseas microfilming newspapers from all countries.
She wants to be right beside him and they work well together. Love how Astors play a part in this read.
Really loved learning of the French freedom trail as it starts at the vineyard and refugees are able to make it to Portugal and then onto US to freedom.
Very familiar with SOE and this is right along that path...
Like how the book goes to present, back to the past so you can fit the missing pieces in yourself.
So many horrific, tragic events during war times, but also touching close moments. So unpredictable and especially the outcome.
Love travel, information, careers, descriptive details, ocean plane, fashion, jewelry, tough times and how all survive. Would read more works from this author, it’s really good. Something for everyone to cherish.
I received this review book from The Kensington Between The Chapters Review Books and this is my honest opinion.

 

Friday, April 28, 2023

Book Review: Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee

  



Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee
Journey through rough terrain and civil war to name a few obstacles in their way.
Rapids, flat rocks, hippos, tree roots under water, wartime with rapes, cannibalism threats…
Love that Ernest Shackleton is mentioned in this this, asking for others to join his expedition and he tells you the extremes of joining....
Like the others Hendri picks to go on the trek and what each brings to the team effort.
He puts everything he has into the expeditions and enjoys them right along with the others.
Liked this memoir of the Great White Explorer.
Life is chronicled at the end along with references and resources.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

 



Thursday, April 27, 2023

Children's book reviewed: Apr 27

  




Facts About The Guanaco by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the animal and different facts about them.
Chances of seeing them here in Northeast Americas are slim.
Each chapter also has a full page color photograph.
So many things to learn about them, in a fun way. Cool a camel deer.
Colorful, fun, educational facts books for all ages.





 
Facts About The Skua by Lisa Strattin
Colorful, fun, educational facts books for all ages.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the animal and different facts about them.
Everything you need to know is included here: where they live, what they eat, friends and enemies and so much more.
They mate for life, so nice to know this!
 






Facts About the Peccary by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Colorful, children's fun, educational book for all ages.
Introduction discusses the animal and different facts about them.
Everything you need to know is included here: where they live, what they eat, friends and enemies and so much more.
So similar to a pig but not...







Facts About the Bongo Antelope by Lisa Strattin
Colorful, children's fun, educational book for all ages.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Everything you need to know is included here: where they live, what they eat, friends and enemies and so much more.
Such a distinct animal with stripes on his body, deer, antelope mix, with 3 foot spiral horns.
 

Cookbooks reviewed: Apr 27

  


Awesomely Cheap Chicken Meals: Eating well on next to no money by Terry Blake
Starts with a note from the note and then chapters start right away.
essential items and pastry recipe starts with a title, ingredients are listed only in UK measurements and directions are included.
I love that it gives you essential foods, pastry, rice . There are some recipes showing a picture.  Like how they use leftovers after a mea, bones, juices.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook time. Equipment you will need.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Measurements are only in UK, directions are given. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Good variations of chicken meals, like handful of pictures.
 

 




35 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes: Pulled Tenderloin Meals to Quick by Jean Pardue
TOC where recipes are listed under various ingredients.
We do eat pork at least a few times a month and like experimenting with new recipes.
Dedication page and other works by the author are listed.
Short into about the book.
Each recipe starts with a title, some contain a small color photo and List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and there ae NO nutritional information.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Found a few I want to try because of seasonings used.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Other works by the author are shown at the end.





The Ultimate Belgian Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Belgium To Cook Right Now by Slavka Bodic
Intro discusses the cookbook and a bit of the cuisine.
TOC lists recipes in meals.
More intro about the recipes and history and what foods they eat regularly.
There are color photographs.
Story of Belgium is also included and their lifestyle.
Each recipe starts with a title, some contain a color photo.
prep and cook times, nutritional facts per servings: calories, fat, protein and fiber.
Summary of the dish.
Servings and a List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain  LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.  Some need a translations to what the item is you are making.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. 
Directions are given.

 

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Book Review: The Virgins of Venice by Gina Buonaguro

 
  





The Virgins of Venice by Gina Buonaguro
1509 Venice
Rosa and Justina are the two daughters of the family, 13 and 17.
Pablo is the elder son who is to inherit the estate but due to father's debts he has made decisions that will affect the whole house. It's all about the elder son inheriting the estate  while everybody else has to suffer and sacrifice.
Love how she is able to do what she loves,writing and how it just takes off and someone wants to publish it...
This story is filled with heartache, sacrifices, hardships, struggles in every regard you can imagine and then some. Events, war, personal and political in the area at the time also sway the outcome of their lifes as time goes on.
Loved learning about Venice, islands, Grand Canal and life around it, and new words for me to look up. 
Captivating story is told from Justina's point of view but encompasses so many.
Resources and acknowledgments are mentioned at the back of the book. Love learning how this book came about. First time reading this author and can’t wait to read more of her works.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

Monday, April 24, 2023

Children's book reviewed: Apr 24

  



Facts About the Hippopotamus by Lisa Strattin

Fun, entertaining,, educational,  colorful book for all ages.

Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.

Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.

Have never seen one in the zoos we've visited but have seen them in movies and in books.

Interesting facts to learn all about them included in this book.






Facts About The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula by Lisa Strattin
Have never heard of this species nor have we seen any in our visits to zoos around the US.
Fun, entertaining,, educational,  colorful book for all ages.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.









Facts about the rose breasted cockatoo by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the cockatoo
Fun, entertaining, colorful book for all ages. So educational.
Each chapter has a page of words explaining about the chapter and a full page color photo to go along with it.
Have been to many areas where birds are kept safe in captivity but have not seen this breed, probably because they live near Australia.

 



Facts  about the Dwarf Lemur by Lisa Strattin

Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.

Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.

Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.

Colorful, fun, entertaining, educational book for all ages.

Have never seen or heard of this animal.

 



Cassie's Tea Party (Cassandra Bee Picture Book Series) by by Lisa Strattin 
This colorful, children's book starts out with Cassie is helping to get ready for her tea party with her friends.
Her mom tells her water in the sink is hot...
Cassie and her friends talk about their vacation trips and some of her friends help bring things to the kitchen to get cleaned.
 

 

Friday, April 21, 2023

Book Review: Our Blue Orange by A.R. Merrydew

  







Our Blue Orange by A.R. Merrydew
Past, present and future and what happens when they collide.
Really like AI parts of this story and how the coders are the ones to be saved, at all costs.
They take on a realm of their own by having names and getting teeth painted blue. It's a fad and hilarious at times to me.
Like when they  take a stand and do things their way.
Rebellious at times but they don't want to take over the world.
Look at what could happen to our world as we know it if things get out of hand with AI.
Love following the mystery and when they look for certain device and it was right in front of them the whole time, great hiding place!
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

Children's books reviewed: Apr 21

  





facts about the goat by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the goat.
We have local goats at a petting farm but they came down with something that transmitted to people and they had to be vaccinated but owners had no idea about that.
Everyone is safe now.  Didn't realize they are similar to a sheep. Learn something new every day.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun, entertaining for people of all ages, educational and colorful.
So much to learn about these animals.







Facts About the Mantis Shrimp by Lisa Strattin
Wow this is a killer shrimp. thought all shrimps you could eat, NOT this one!
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the goat.
Fun and so educational to learn about these, colorful book for all ages.
So entertaining.







Facts About The Little Blue Penguin by Lisa Strattin
Fun, colorful, entertaining, educational book for everybody.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the goat.
These are just so cute. 
  
 





Facts about the Red Footed Tortoise by Lisa Strattin
Have never seen one locally but in zoos that are nature preserves.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun to learn more about these turtles.  Fun, educational, colorful book for all ages.








Facts About The Wood Stork by Lisa Strattin
Have never seen or heard of this one.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun, colorful, entertaining for people of all ages, educational.








Facts About the Dragonfly by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun, colorful, entertaining for people of all ages, educational.
Don't recall ever seeing one of these but fascinating to learn all about them.

 

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Book Spotlight: Parabellum: A Literary Crime Novel by Greg Hickey

  


 

ABOUT THE BOOK:



Four high-achievers battling psychological demons. Any of them might snap. But which one will become a killer?

A mass shooting at a Chicago beach leaves several dead and dozens injured. In the year before the crime, four individuals emerge as possible suspects.

An apathetic computer programmer.
An ex-college athlete with a history of head injuries.
An Army veteran turned Chicago cop.
A despondent high school student.

One of them is the shooter. Discover who and why.

If you like nuanced literary crime fiction that explores the depths of the human psyche, you’ll love Greg Hickey's compelling and unforgettable novel.

Buy Parabellum today and begin a story you won't be able to put down.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




 

Author of entertaining stories for smart readers. Download the short novel The Theory of Anything for free at https://www.greghickeywrites.com/anything-amazon.

Greg Hickey wrote his first novel, Our Dried Voices, while spending a year in Sundsvall, Sweden and Cape Town, South Africa, playing and coaching for local baseball teams. That novel was published in 2014 and was a finalist for Foreword Reviews’ INDIES Science Fiction Book of the Year Award.

Today, he still loves sharing stories while staying busy with the other facets of his life. He is a forensic scientist by day and endurance athlete and author by nights, lunches, weekends and any other spare moments. After his post-college travels, he once again lives in his hometown of Chicago with his wife, Lindsay.


 

MY REVIEW:


Parabellum: A Literary Crime Novel by Greg Hickey
Really interested read. Words on the page jumped out at me, in full color and expressions I could feel for myself. Prepare for war…
When author describes a scenes you not only see it, feel it but can smell it and everything around you.
Would make a perfect movie.
Starts when the coroners office van is picking up dead bodies at the beach.
Then we go back in time to discover there are four people being treated for brains problems and we learn all about them at present.
Some glimpses of their past come into play also.  Medical conditions and therapies that sometimes work are discussed as you follow their journeys along the way.
Any of them would be the shooter or all of them. Find out for yourself, great read. First time author for me and can't wait to review more of his works.
There is so much to this book, loved learning about Chicago and the various locations as I've never visited myself. 
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

children's books reviewed: Apr 19

  





Facts About The Shoebill Stork by Lisa Strattin
Never knew this one existed.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the insect are included.
Fun, colorful, educational, children and adult read.
Each chapter has full page color pictures along with facts dedicated to the chapter.
There is so much to learn about these birds, so fun. To me they rather resemble a dragon, baby one.







Facts About the Rattlesnake: Eastern Diamondback by Lisa Strattin
Try to stay away from snakes of any kind, just dont' know enough about them other than some could strangle you.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the insect are included.
This species is poisonous so don't even keep them as pets.  
Know boys will love hearing about them, snakes don't seem to bother them.









Facts About The Walking Stick Insect by Lisa Strattin
have never heard of this insect but would think it's similiar to praying mantis.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the insect are included.
Love how they blend in with the environment, some predators would NOT even see them
Love learning about these and that some species do live in US.





Facts About The Marine Iguana by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the animal are included.
Fun, educational, colorful children and adult books to learn about new animals. 
This species I will probably never see because of where they live.
I can image all the animals that live on the islands.
Information included tells you all about the life, how they live and where and so much more.




 
 


Facts about the kiwi by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the animal are included.
Each chapter starts out with words and comes with full page color photograph.
Everything about the animal their life, the characteristics of them, life cycle and spans, habitat and food they eat along with enemies and friends.
Love learning about animals in the fun way this author explains it all and along with great photos.


 

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Book Review: Under the Maui Sky by Kellie Coates Gilbert

  


 
Under the Maui Sky by Kellie Coates Gilbert
Story starts when family is at Lincolns funeral
Ava takes some time to herself and helps others to keep busy with planning a luau feast and festivities for the tourists.
She has 4 children all older and some have children of their own ranging from a year old to teens.
One daughter runs the business, one son is a medic and the other daughter runs the produce section of the business and other son Shane works at the family business.
What I really like about this book is that there are many different family circumstances and it's cool to hear about them all, their problems, solutions and how to get over the loss.
Love hearing of the luau, whale song and products they produce.
Mysteries as they uncover things nobody in family even knew about....as they try to close his estate.
Interesting to learn more about Hawaii and the specific areas: flowers, landscaping, etc.
So much speculation as to why he even had a house in his name only.... Twists and turns and unpredictable.
Love new words and especially Hawaiian ones I was not familiar with. Probably should have a dictionary or glossary included in the book. Maybe even a family tree as there are so many characters in this story.
Ava's best friend knows the full story ....
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
 

Cookbooks reviewed: Apr 18

  




Acid Reflux Remedies: Acid Reflux Home Remedies for Heart burn and Severe Acid Reflux for Quick Relief by Pete Samonis
This book starts out  with TOC where chapters are listed.
So many helpful suggestions to get rid of GERD and how to control it. Never realized some of the drugs we take to lower blood pressure could also be causing it.
In my case it's too many tomatoes so if i limit what i eat like in spaghetti sauce I won’t have a problem later.
Very helpful book, hope it helps you also, rather than buying drugs to combat the problem, there are home remedies.
Great resource book to keep handy.







The Ultimate Heart Healthy Cookbook for Beginners: To reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, try this simple, delicious low-fat and low-sodium recipes, Meal plan for 30 days included by John Auger
This book starts out with about the author, TOC where recipes are  listed as meals and food categories,.
Introduction discusses many aspects of eating healthy and what's involved.
The heart diseases that are out there if you don't take care of yourself and how to reverse it to make you healthy again.
Lots of scientific names but explained in English and easy to follow along.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a LOT  of items, be sure to have them all first. Like that the amounts are in  US terms and UK provided in parenthesis.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per portion.
Fat, sat fat, mono fat, poly fat, Cholesterol, fiber, I do not see a serving/portion.
Some do NOT include nutritional information at all.
Recipes do NOT always start at top of a new page. There are NO pictures.
Format of recipe changes also and measurements are written out.
Like intro material but not so much the recipes.
Meal plans are also included along with how many calories you should have per meal. The calories is NOT one of the items listed in nutritional information.


 
 

Fit, Fresh, and Fabulous: The Ultimate Wellness Bible: A Motivational Weight Loss Diet Cookbook and Exercise Guide for a Healthier You by H.S. Penn
TOC starts this book and chapters are listed as different foods.
Foreword and intro discuss nutrition.
Besides the information there is a quiz at the end to make sure you got the important points along with an exercise to do. Salmon would be my favorite dish to try..
Each chapter also has a recipe.
Each recipe starts with a title medium size color photo, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given.  Such healthy foods. Specific foods for different parts of your body you want to give a boost to: energy,  weight management, brain power, etc.
30 day fitness program is also detailed and celebrity breakthroughs with their diets.
Answers to quizzes are listed at the end.
References are also noted. 
Great resource book to keep handy.

 




Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2023: Simple, Easy & Flavorful Mediterranean Recipes to Lose Weight and Live Healthier by Daniel Latch
TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food groups starts this book.
Intro discusses the diet plan.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.
 Directions are given, step by step and some nutritional information is included: calories, fat, carbs and protein. There are NO pictures.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
 

Monday, April 17, 2023

Children's book reviewed: The Mystery of Danger Island by Paul Moxham

  


 

The Mystery of Danger Island by Paul Moxham
Saddened to learn this may be the last year of the author's works as he's not getting many pre orders.
This book starts out with the kids and they are at the ice cream place when Quigley says he's heading to Danger Island and htye go along with him to investigate the island.
It's been recently turned over to the public as the military is finished with it.
They also run into police chief who's looking for a missing girl. After their return from the island where a man states they are not welcome there, one of the girls had actually seen a girl in the turret of the tower. waving at them.
They go back on Will's sailboat and two get droped off and they are captured when Will returns to pick them up. Now all of them are in trouble.
Love hearing how they get out of this one, quick thinking and knowing what could happen they are prepared.
Reward money is always nice and it will be put to good use.
Love these stories. 

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Children's books reviewed: Apr 15

  




Facts about the Labrador retriever by Lisa Strattin
This book starts out with offer of free ebook, bundles deals and other works by the author, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the Labrador retriever and I recall my braille teacher always brought hers when she visited me, until one day they sensed smoke/mist and i had to turn the air humidifier off then he allowed her to enter the house.
So super smart. Each chapter also has a full page color photo.
Fun, educational, colorful children’s and adult book, so interesting to find out everything there is to know about this species.


 




Ladybugs and Fireflies by Lisa Strattin 
Free ebook offer, other works by the author image credits,  TOC where chapters are listed.
This fun colorful, educational read is for younger crowd.
Each chapter tells about the lady or firefly and has a colorful photo.
So much to learn about these, fun stuff!  Have had these on my plants and they keep bad bugs away, especially in the garden.
Second half of the book is all about the firefly.  I don't recall ever seeing these when I had vision.
Talks about their life stages along with colorful pictures.  I do recall the kids going outside and capturing a few at night in a jar and watching them light up.
Also have heard of the TN national park where others travel to yearly as the 'light' of one species all light up at the same time.








Facts About the Komodo Dragon by Lisa Strattin
Never heard about thsi type of dragon and will be fun to learn all about it.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook, bundle deals and other works by the author and image credits.
TOC shows chapters in the book. Introduction discusses this dragon and where you can find them. Full page color photos are included with every chapter.
you can learn about their behavior, their life, diet and where they live enemies and why you can’t' have them as a pet.
Fun, educational, colorful child and adult book.






Time For Bed! by Lisa Strattin
What I like about his book is that i can tap a few times to enlarge the words. Very helpful when the child is reading beside me as they look at the pictures while I say the words.
Cassandra is a bee and is NOT tried to go to bed. They are told to clean up the toys and come for a snack before bed.
They still are not tired but mom knows how to make them sleepy...
Great ending...
Colorful children's educational book and a fun read.
Other works by the author are listed at the end.

 

 
I Love My Grandma!  by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with Cassie and it's time for them to wake up. It's breakfast time then grandma will be there. Now Cassie is very excited. 
Grandma gives special hugs...
FUn colorful children's book. Other works by the author are listed at the end.

  

 

My Grandpa is Old! by Lisa Strattin
Another day we find Mom talking to Cassie that they have to get up and grandpa is coming to visit.
Cassie's friend Jolene come to visit and wants to meet him.
He always has a bag of things and great stories to tell. Such collectibles!
Fun, educational colorful children's book.  Other works by the author are listed at the end.


 





Can You Count the Hearts?: Count the Hearts Book: I Spy Book for Kids Ages 2-5: Colorful Hearts Picture Puzzle Book for Kids: Activity Book About Hearts by Lisa Strattin
Cassie starts this book off and a nameplate is included.
Not only fun but educational, counting,  colors sizes and so much more puzzle fun games.
Great fun to keep the younger children busy.


 

 

Can You Count the Monster Trucks?: I Spy Book for Kids Ages 2-5: Monster Truck Picture Puzzle Book for Kids: Activity Book about Monster Trucks by Lisa Strattin
Starts with Cassie and they love to count monster trucks. Name plate is included at the start of the book.
Not only counting but also has puzzle games to find things.  
Fun, educational, colorful children's matching book. Thanks note from the author and asks for a review.

 





Alphabet Book for Toddlers 2 - 4 Years: A Delightful ABC Animal Adventure for Early Learning by Grandpa Vince
Name plate starts this book,  dedication page and a bit about how to use  the book to help teach the child.
Animal song is listed with each letter of the alphabet.
Then each letter gets its own page with a full page color photo with what the animal says and another fun fact about them.
Thanks note from the author at the end. 


  

 
Silly Willy Apple Cake by Amelia Griggs 
Dedication page then the story.
Colorful children's book and having fun at the farm.
Like that the words tell you what the pictures are showing you.
 Can use this as a counting book also and color, shapes, etc.
After picking apples they make a cake.  Each step is described. 
Fun to help by adding cinnamon and other things.
Love rhyming game at the end.
Recipe is included at the very end. Many variations for using apples.
Thanks note from the author and other works are listed at the end.


 

Friday, April 14, 2023

Children's books reviewed: Apr 14

  





Facts about the snail by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
We have these in our area of North America and they tag along when fisherman leave the area. 
Fun, educational, child and adult colorful books. Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.
Interesting how they move around.  So much to learn about.






Facts about the turkey by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen wild turkeys while waiting at a doctor’s office.
Fun educational read and colorful. Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.
Like seeing the differences between the two species.

 

 

Facts about the stingray by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have watched these on TV but never saw one in real life. Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.
Colorful, child and adult educational fun facts about this fish.


Book Review: Penis Politics: A Memoir of Women, Men and Power by Karen Hinton

  





Penis Politics: A Memoir of Women, Men and Power by Karen Hinton
Starts when the author Karen is young and she grows up with several of her friends around her.
Love how they bond and exchange secrets with one another til they graduate and all move on to their own goals in life.
Terrifying to learn some of the real facts of where she grew up in MS and interesting to learn her point of view of the racial tensions and how she got into politics.
Loved hearing about her drive and ambition on basketball court, journalism field and politics.
So much to this read, enjoyed it imme Love hearing about diaries and how they were used.
nsely. Tragic to learn about the medical issue and how she is able to survive today.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Children's books reviewed: Apr 13

  




Facts about the eagle by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these in movies but never up close, except for a protected wildlife center in Oregon.
Fun educational, colorful children’s book that adults will enjoy also.
So many facts about these great birds and where they live, eat, etc.


 





Facts about the cicada by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have heard these in our local swamps after rain. Wish books could allow you to hear them.
Interesting to learn how they eat.  So many new things to learn.
Fun colorful education children's book that describes the full life ccle of these insects.


 




Facts about the giraffe by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these in the Denver Zoo, CO when we visited relatives there.
So cute to see the babies near their mothers. 
Fun educational, colorful, children's and adults book. So many things to learn about these animals.
Interesting diet.

 






Facts about the Hermit crab by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these at the beach. 
Fun educational, colorful, child and adult book. So interesting to learn all about their life’s. Each chapter has a full page color photo.


 





Facts about the raccoon by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these in real life in the back  yard and have seen damage their claws have done to plastic garbage container as they try to claw through different layers of plastic to get to garbage inside.
We put pine sol around the edge and it masks the smell from the container.
Child and adult fun, educational colorful read. 
Each chapter has a full page color photo.






Facts about the koala by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Colorful fun educational children and adults book. So many fun facts to learn about.
Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.