Halloween Children's Book Round-Up For the Easily Frightened Child with Crafts & More

 

October always has me thinking. When Hazel was young, we would avoid Halloween displays in stores. They scared her too much. It was hard to go anywhere, and the displays got put up earlier and earlier every year. She was easily frightened, and I had to be careful what I exposed her to. However, she loved dressing up for Halloween. (Perhaps this is why she wants to go into theater.) I have been thinking back to some of our favorite Halloween books and I thought I would share some of them and more with you! This round-up includes our favorite books and books we enjoyed when she was young and more recent ones as well as DVDs, costumes and some crafts and activities to go with the books. 

Shark Fun Facts & Craft Round-Up with an Emphasis on Great Whites

 

As I mentioned in my last post I am visiting Cape Cod. Our house is on a marsh, and I shared a bit about saltwater marshes earlier this week. The other big thing in the news on Cape Cod is great white sharks. In fact, on this trip, we visited the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy's Shark Center in Chatham. I learned quite a bit about great white sharks and sharks in general there, but I also got a few books out of the library and did some searches for fun facts for you. There are more than 500 species of sharks and over 100 of them are endangered! Yet sharks have survived all five of the Earth's major extinctions. July 14th is Shark Awareness Day so this post will have you all set for it!

Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and P.J. Davis to bring you this review and giveaway.

What is time? It has been called the fourth dimension. It is also said to be made up by man to help explain life. The calendar has changed over the years and some places still change the clock twice a year for Daylight Savings Time and Standard Time. So what is time? For that matter, what is life? What would life be without time? Today we are sharing a middle school fantasy about an underworld force who is stealing time to overcome our world as well as other dimensions. The book is Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time by P.J. Davis and illustrated by Thomas Peacock. It is recommended for ages 8+. 

The Pop-Up Guide Cities Around the World -- Book Review with Crafts, Recipes and More!

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Looking to teach little ones about the world? Today we are sharing a fun pop-up book that takes us around the world. I am also sharing links to crafts, activities, and recipes to go with each city and/or its country. The book is The Pop-Up Guide: Cities Around the World by Maud Poulain and illustrated by Sandra de la Prada. It is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

Not-So-Common Cents -- Blog Tour & Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and being part of the blog tour & giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Today I get to share with you a new National Geographic Kids book all about money and our financial system. I am participating in the Not-So-Common Cents Blog Tour & Giveaway which includes an excerpt from the book. See below the blog tour banner! It also includes a giveaway--good luck! The book is Not-So-Common Cents by Sarah Wassner Flynn. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The Sisters of Luna Island -- New Middle Grade Novel with Magic, Sisters and Friends

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am trying to catch up with my reading and I have to admit I am very far behind. (Getting use to my new glasses hasn't helped.) However today I finished a wonderful middle grade novel that has the strength of sisterhood and some magic in it. It is The Sisters of Luna Island by Stacy Hackney. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

Unicorns & Other Mythical Creatures

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Unicorns, dragons, and other mythical beasts have been the center of attention for many people. I know most girls go through some unicorn phase and some never grow out of it. Today I am going to share with you a picture book based on the unicorn tapestries and a fun fact book about mythical beasts. I am also sharing a unicorn craft round-up to go with these fun books! We will start with The Lady and the Unicorn by Béatrice Fontanel and Vanessa Hié. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Fun Facts about Bling! -- Review of Level 3 Reader from National Geographic Kids

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a rock collector? Young children love to collect rocks, pebbles and more. Today I get to share with you a book for new fluent readers filled with fun facts about rocks and gems. The book is from National Geographic Kids and is Bling! 100 Fun Facts About Rocks and Gems by Emma Carlson Berne. It is a Level 3 Reader and is recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Board Books for Presidents' Day with Craft & More Book Round-Ups

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Happy February!! With February comes so many different things from Valentine's Day to Presidents' Day and more! I thought we would kick February off by sharing two new board books that are perfect for Presidents' Day. When I was young, I remember getting both Abraham Lincoln's and George Washington's birthdays off. At some point they merged into Presidents' Day. Of course, if you look at the history of Presidents' Day it was begun to celebrate George Washington's birthday. Hmmm, somehow Abraham got forgotten there. Anyway, with both of their birthdays this month, I am going to share books about both of them. Both books are written by Patricia A. Pingry, and both are board books, so they are perfect for your youngest book lovers! Let's start with The Story of George Washington. These books are recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Weird But True Facts About New York City & Craft Round-Up

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you been to New York City? I have several times and have taken Hazel a couple of times. I have a good childhood friend who lives outside of the city so she takes Hazel and me in when we want to go. My nephew just moved there. It has been his dream to live there. He is hoping to establish residency and attend City College at the resident rate. While he is exploring the city and finding his way, I jumped at the chance to review National Geographic Kids newest edition in their Weird But True! Series. This one is Weird But True! New York City. It is recommended for ages 8 to 10, however it will be in my 19-year-old nephew's stocking this year!

Weird But True! Ocean Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Fourth of July always seems like the start of beach season to me. I tend to spend it at Cape Cod where the crowds come for the beach. Today to kick off beach season I am sharing a National Geographic Kids book full of fun facts about the ocean. It is Weird but True! Ocean. 

Sophie Washington My BFF -- A book about friendship and standing up for yourself #readyourworld

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today is our last book for this year's Multicultural Children's Book Day which is tomorrow!! Be sure to come back tomorrow to check out the huge link party and be sure to sign up for the Twitter party! Today's book is a middle grade book (ages 8 to 12) about a Black girl and her friends. It is the tenth book in the Sophie Washington Series. It is Sophie Washington My BFF by Tonya Duncan Ellis. 

Weird But True: Halloween -- Fun Facts about Halloween with free printable

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Can you believe October starts tomorrow? October has been a bit of a dreaded month in our house. Since a young age Hazel has hated the scary and gory Halloween decorations and costumes. It got so bad I couldn't take her into stores with me in October. Last year she decided she no longer wanted to trick-or-treat. She use to love dressing up for trick-or-treating but now is getting older and not caring. Little does she know that there was a time where Halloween decorations included cupids to encourage romance. In fact Halloween was associated with love and romance. Yes, this is one of the weird facts I learned from National Geographic Kids Weird But True: Halloween by Julie Beer and Michelle Harris. 

Review of Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings and Defenses

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Are you ready to be grossed out? Do you know a kid who loves disgusting stories and facts? Today's book is perfect for you or the kid. It is from National Geographic Kids so it has lots of amazing photographs and it is Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings and Defenses by Melissa Stewart. 

Women and Voting -- Books to Celebrate Election Year and 100th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Did you know yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment? The 19th Amendment is the one that gives and guarantees women the right to vote. There was a long fight for that vote. Yesterday President Trump pardoned one of the first women who tried to vote and was arrested, Susan B. Anthony. She was released from jail and fined but never paid the fine. Probably not what Ms. Anthony really wanted but it was a nice gesture. Ever since Hazel did a report and had to dress up as Susan B. Anthony in second grade she has had a big interest in the woman's right to vote and the fight that it took to get us there. Today I am going to share a historical fiction novel for middle readers (ages 8-12) that goes back to the Conference at Seneca Falls. I also have an alphabet picture book about voting and rights of United States citizens. Perfect for talking about women's suffrage as well as the big election coming this year. It is suggested for ages 3 to 6. We will start with the picture book.

A Must Read Novel for every tween, teen, and their parents and teachers #nationalreadabookday

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Did you know today is National Read a Book Day? Well that means we should all be reading a book instead of being on our computers!! However before you log off let me tell you about an amazing book that everyone needs to read.

This book helps touch on the issues of sexual harassment, the #metoo movement, and bullying that plagues our society. It does it in a very every day manner for a seventh grader, Mila. The book is Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee. It is being released on October 1st and I have to say I hope every middle school and high school add this to their classes (perhaps summer reading list). The lessons in this book are important for everyone from the young woman who may be harassed to the young men who are playing a game or fooling around and do not realize the true trouble they are causing. Parents and teachers should be reading it as well to help with how to deal with it and how to react when a child approaches them with issues. 

Weird But True! USA -- Fun trivia to awe your friends and family on the 4th of July

Disclosure: We were sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own. 

Which had more viewers the walk on the moon in 1969 or the 2018 Super Bowl?  What state has the most people who walk or bike to work? What state's trees helped the colonists during the Revolutionary War? What is the only state name that is one syllable? What building (in the USA) contains rocks from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, Abraham Lincoln's tomb, the Alamo, and the Colosseum in Rome? Which state produces the majority of the toothpicks used in the USA? Can you answer these questions? You can if you read the book we are sharing tonight. It is National Geographic Kids Weird but True! USA. 

Facts and More from National Geographic Kids

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Last year Hazel became known for the "Did you know..." cards I put in her lunch and snack. Her teacher had her share them with the entire class and the kids loved it. This year I wasn't doing it and Hazel came home saying the kids are asking where they are. Now one of my favorite places to pull from is National Geographic Kids books like the two I am sharing today!! The first book is Why Not? Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer. 

Christmas Fun -- a Merry Monday Review

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Well today I am going to share our final Merry Monday review. I have saved some great ones for the end. Is your child counting the days until Christmas? I know Hazel is. She is so excited and anxious for the holidays. Today's products and free printable games will be perfect to help calm her a bit or at least distract her. Our first book is Christmas Paper Play by Lydia Crook. 

A Look at Massachusetts and Its History

Disclosure: I was sent these books free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This year and last year Hazel's social studies unit is on the history of Massachusetts. As a result I have been gathering all the books I can find with a connection to our home state. (The truth be told I'm gathering books about all the states so I can expand our knowledge on each of them, but more on that below.) We also spent time doing some of the historical things in our area and looking at some of our past adventures. So today I am going to share two books about famous Massachusetts residents and share some of our adventures. The first book is Imagine That! by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.