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Introductory thoughts: The concept of biographic books for the very young is somewhat new in the genre of picture books. True, more detailed picture books have done this in past years, but to introduce individuals of fame to the "board book" crowd (think, preschoolers ages 1 to 5), stretches the imagination of authors, illustrators, and publishers. Nevertheless, we're looking at two well-known people who influenced greatly the lives of black people in America. The Story of Rosa Parks My thoughts: Though this is a small board book, the text and understanding would preclude it's being appropriate for preschoolers. I can see letting first and third graders read it, though they might be a bit put off with a board book. This little biography shows Rosa Parks disobeying the law about riding the bus. It is hard for people today to understand these laws. Her actions make me think a bit of the defiance of the Patriots of the Boston Tea Party when they defied the British and to...

ISBN13: 9780807594971 Hardcover - $14.99 Albert Whitman & Co. Pub. My thoughts: This is my first exposure to Freddie Ramos and his wonderful shoes. This early chapter book has just the amount of text in the vernacular that will engage the young reader, especially boys, and a sprinkling of pen drawings. I love the positive attitude portrayed in the character of Freddie Ramos and his desire to be helpful. But this is not an overtly sweet, do good to others book. No, this is a fun book about a young boy who perceives he has super powers from the wonderful wristband (previously given to him by his friend, Mr. Vaslov) and his Zapato shoes. If you've every truly watched a small child when they have a brand new pair of colorful sneakers, especially those with flashing lights, you know the personality lift the shoes seem to impart. Well, Mr. Vaslov has previously given Freddie a pair of purple Zapatos and now they are too small. Almost magically, Mr. Vaslov brings a new pair to Freddie...

Valentine's Day is just around the bend or coming faster than a blink of the eye. Yep, if you want to get something a bit different than a heart-shaped box of candy or a few roses that will whither and fade away, a box packed with some beauty goodies might be just the thing. Good Earth Beauty has a wide selection of boxes from which you can choose (even one for the man in your life if you want to "Valentine" them). I thought the "A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose" box spoke volumes about the sweetness of Valentine's.  These rose scented products are sheer lovliness and the fragrance is that of a beautiful rose. The Rose is a Rose is a Rose box is $20 and there is NO SHIPPING charge in USA. The rose scented samples of hand cream (lotion), shower whip, and roll-on fragrance are sheer loveliness and simply do not overpower the senses. Just a lingering gentleness of scent of pure roses. The full-sized lipstick is a red but not too harsh red. The feel on the lips is ple...

My thoughts: This is giggly, tug-at-your-heart, tickle-your-funny-bone charming. There is just so much fun and, yes, sweetness blooming on each and every page. Just how many different kinds of hugs are there? Bear hug? Well, it would be crushing, big, furry, warm. But what about all those other hugs? I just love Cooney's lyrical text as she hugs her way through the cornucopia of hugs .... I'm going to give you a cat hug. A simple purr, stroke my fur, don't do more than that hug.  ....a sheep hug. A lamb's wool, blanketful, don't make a peep hug. The illustrations by Tim Warnes are sweetness and charm rollicking with fun and gentlenesss. Softly colored but bright enough to engage the attention of the young child. A child can picture him or herself amidst all this fun. And as it began.... " way beyond compare hug," it ends with a bear hug that is " A just right turn off the light, sleep tight, say your prayers and kiss good night, way beyond compare hug...

My thoughts: I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in the Beacons of Hope series about keepers of lighthouses in the early years of our country. These men, and women, have lived strong, fearless lives on the brink of disaster as they maintain the lights that keep those on the seas safe. True, these are works of fiction, but they are based on true encounters, events, and personages. In Never Forget  the storm lashed yacht of wealthy Nathaniel Winthrop is in a perilous situation and Nathaniel is washed overboard while struggling to keep it afloat. He is found unconscious by Abbie, the young lady who helps her aged and dementia afflicted grandpa take care of the lighthouse. She takes him back to the cottage and nurses him back to consciousness though his memory is gone because of a blow to his head. What follows is a sweet tale where Abbie tries to manage the lighthouse and her grandpa's condition and keep the superintendent of lighthouses from firing them from their position. T...

After using these two Élan Rose™ products in the prescribed manner for a few days, I haven't noticed a drastic change in my facial skin. I am thinking these products are best used earlier in life to achieve prevention from the appearances of aging on one's skin. However, I have high hopes that continued use will help to tighten and soften my skin achieving a level of improvement perhaps not available with other products. This is a simple two--step program using only the two products that Élan Rose™ provides. Noteably, I find the ingredient list of these two distinctly different from that of other similar products. I have never used anythinng with Gorgonian Extract or Chestnut Extract and I'm not familiar with 7-dehydrocholesterol. These are definitely products to pay attention to for this product's effectiveness and that of future items that show up on the market. After cleansing my face in the evening, I applied the night serum. Sometimes it has left a slight stinging ...

Having never used a rose water, I was curious about its purpose and how to incorporate it into my daily regime. Being provided an opportunity to evaluate the InstaNatural Rose Water product, I agreed to the offer. First of all, just what is Rose Water?..... About ROSA DAMASCENA (ROSE) FLOWER WATER:  Rosa Damascena Flower Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the flowers of Rosa damascena.  source Simply spritz a bit over face or body for instant hydration that smells really nice. Or you can spritz/saturate a cottonball and use as a toner to effectively remove last traces of makeup. This is a very pleasant, softly scented water that seems intended to help cleanse the skin of residual makeup and skin cells after washing. It is also a product that can be misted onto the skin and hair to hydrate at any time.  It can also be used to set makeup after applying one's makeup. I used it in each of these manners and it feels quite nice and is certainly p...

Review:  Focus on the Family Radio Theatre has produced another masterpiece in their powerful retelling of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.  The cast will have you mesmerized in moments as you listen to this heart-wrenching tale set in 19th century England.  Dickens wrote of very difficult times, and he shines a powerful light on both evil and redemption.  These themes are just as timely today as they were when written, and this radio theatre production of the story of Oliver will grip your heart and mind.  Due to the nature of life on the streets in 19th century London, parents should take note that this production is recommended for ages 12 and up. As you get to know Oliver and the people surrounding him, you will be entertained by this masterful story, but you will also be challenged to look at the Olivers of today and how you can make a difference in the modern world.  (rev. R.A.S.)

Posted by Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware A little less than two years ago, I wrote a blog post that focused, in part, on Author Solutions' declining share of the so-called assisted self-publishing market. According to a report by Bowker on ISBN output in the self-publishing market between 2008 and 2013, the number of ISBNs issued by AS dropped 15% between 2011 and 2013, from an all-time high 52,648, to 44,574. (ISBN output is not a meaningful method for assessing the self-publishing market as a whole, because so many self-publishers don't bother with ISBNs. But it is an effective way of tracking Author Solutions' activity, because all AS publishing packages, even the ebook-only ones, include ISBN assignment.) At the time, I speculated: We'll have to wait for 2014 stats to know whether this trend will continue, but my guess is that it will. In part, ASI is reaping the fruits of its poor reputation and the large amount of negative publicity and commentary it has re...

ISBN: 9781426326851 Hardcover  My thoughts: This is an amazing book! Designed to present each of the 43 individuals who have been elected to serve as America's President, it far surpasses a book of mini-biographies of people. It is a compilation of factual information relating to the Office of President of the United States of America, how the Presidency came to be, how the Electoral College works, voting rights, etc.  Sequenced chronologically, the reader can follow through how the country developed under the leadership of each of these Presidents. From our Country's inception and formative leadership, through years of discovery and expansion and on into the atomic age, America has grown guided by our governing principals and leaders who strove for America's best The January 2017 edition of Our Country's Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency  was designed for the inclusion of the most recently elected President, Donald Trump, and released just days...

This book is not  to be missed ! My thoughts: I thoroughly expected an expertly crafted story by Patrick E. Craig since I have found his previous works to reveal his prodigious skills as a word smith. I did not expect such a powerful story that plowed deep into the heart and mind of frontiers people as well as the Indians whose land and way of life was being stolen. The spirituality of this book encompasses the naturalist belief of tribal Indians and the Christian faith of Amish and Moravian Christians as they each confronted life and their own faith in the midst of horrific events. There is a great deal of intensity and terrible tragedy powerfully described by Craig's pen as the struggle and battle to own the land is waged.  And who is the Amish Princess? And such is quite a misnomer as the Amish are, traditionally, quite a self-effacing people who would shy away from claiming to be Princess or highly elevated or esteemed. The Amish Princess is the daughter of a mighty Indian...

My thoughts: Children love activity books especially when they are themed to a special holiday. The key for parents, grandparents, and aunties and uncles is finding an activity book that is pretty, teaches a bit of goodness, and is loaded with fun things to do. ZonderKidz has a real talent for providing fantastically fun and morally insightful books that kids love. I absolutely love the Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses sticker and activity book for Valentine's this year. The focus is based on God's love and Biblical love. Made of quality paper and filled with a variety of activities that mostly the upper age level (for children 4 to 8 years) will enjoy, it will provide hours of enjoyment. It won't break the bank, either at just $6.99. I would encourage adults to get a copy for those favorite kiddies ages 4 to 8 for creative play activity that focuses on love. You might want to start looking right away as these won't stay on the shelves long. About the book:  Celebrate V...

After brewing the lovely English Breakfast tea, I served it for just myself with a bit of natural sugar. Lovely! Tasteful! Relaxing! Warming! The cold, stay indoors days and evenings of Winter call for warmth. We generate warmpth with fireplaces, furnaces, candles (warm lights), and delicious hot beverages. Brewing our favorite tea provides a time of relaxation, peace, and gracefulness admist the bone-chilling cold. Preparation and serving your tea whether just for yourself, you and a family member, or you and a guest provides you with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and taste of a lovely cup of tea that is well brewed and beautifully served. The EnjoyingTea company has everything you need for that special cup of tea you love. Beautiful tea cups and tea sets and absolutely wonderful teas to choose from. English Breakfast Tea from EnjoyingTea.com is brewed to a lovely color and brisk flavor in the Eternal Sunrise Glass Teapot. I brewed a lovely English Breakfast Tea today from Enjoyi...

#Instanatural My thoughts: This Vitamin C moisturizer from InstaNatural™ surprised me with the inclusion of Niacinamide. Curious as the the use of  Vitamin B3 in a topical skin care product, I did a bit of internet cruising. I found that it is considered a really good anti-aging ingredient that helps with skin clarification, stabilization of skin's outer layer, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Wow! When I used it, I found that a very small amount  goes a long  way to thoroughly cover the face and neck. It readily absorbs into the skin. I help it along by massaging my face in an upward, rotating manner to help it absorb and sink into the skin. After application, I noticed a slight stinging which is actually a refreshing feeling. What I've done for the past week or so is to use the InstaNatural Age Defying Skin Clearing Serum ( click here to see my review ) in the evening and then applying the InstaNatural™ Vitamin C Moisturizer after the serum absorbs. I reapply the mo...

My thoughts: The Kare Kids adventure is fast moving and exciting. The story is packed with bits of information about Norway and the historic crystal considered to be a navigational tool of the Vikings prior to the invention of the magnetic compass. I found the story a quick read and filled with conversations and excitement that would grip the adventure-seeking reader. Charles A. Salter's series of The Travel Twins (The Kare Kids Adventures) is a good series. My Concerns : This story is about a 12 year old set of twins on an adventure to foil a theft of a mysterious object. Before undertaking it, they have a conversation with their uncle...... "Children, I don't think your parents would approve your your darting off on your own like this." To which they replied....  "Just give us 24 hours before you tell them. O.K.?" Somehow, parents of children reading this story will need to strongly tell them that this is fiction and that 12 year olds simply do not go of...

ISBN: 9780310757559 Hardcover $16.99 ZonderKidz ~ Ages 4-8 My thoughts: This is an absolutely lovely book that can take the child at varying ages through learning and understanding The Lord's Prayer. There are three elements to the text in this book. First and foremost is the King James Version of The Lord's Prayer as it is presented line by line on each two-page spread. The illustrations are bright, beautifully done, and clearly defining the meaning and expression of the prayer lines on that page spread. Also included in the book is Rick Warren's carefully worded and easy to understand explanation of the prayer line presented on the current page. And then there is a short one sentence prayer to accompany this. Example: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:" (KJV)  "God helps me to do what is right and good. And he helps me to not do what is wrong. I can ask God for help any time!" (Rick Warren)  (Prayer) "Thank you, God, for p...

My thoughts: There have been many "takes" on teaching little ones how God made them. How God made each and every part of them and made them special. In God Made You Nose to Toes  the child is carried through the sweet rhymes with a little boy and his pal, the Toucan. The illustrations are especially colorful and have a sweetness that has a real cuddle-factor. Just like the cuddle-factor that children have. Leslie Parrott takes a little different approach to teaching that the body of the child is designed and made by God. I love this way she says things like.... God placed on the beaches some shells and some sand, and he gave you five fingers and called it a hand.  You see what she is doing? She is talking about something like the beach, shells, and sand and the image shows a child playing on the beach. Using.... ??? You guessed it, his hand. God made many sounds that he wants you to hear, so on each side of your head he planted an ear. And then the author talks about the ear ...

My thoughts: First of all, I was struck by curiosity about the probability of a "Moonbow" (think.... "rainbow" but at night). So as I began reading Laura Frantz's latest frontier story, I did a bit of research - specifically into the Moonbow in the Kentucky area. Fascinating bit of information and, yes, they do exist! The first pages of A Moonbow Night  left me feeling the cold icy sting of a Winter storm in the mountains of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. As the surveyors trekked through the woods trying to avoid the Indians by being as quiet as possible and not lighting the fire that could warm their feet and cook food that would bring their body temperatures to more normal range, the cold seeped into their very being. It is 1777 and the surveying party of men was surprised to find three women and a man managing an inn of sorts in an isolated part of the wilderness, but they were delighted to partake of the wonderful food and shelter from the elemen...

My thoughts: InstaNatural™ Age Defying and Skin Clearing Serum is a refreshing product that is designed to protect the skin and aid in preventing the visible effects of aging. It is also intended to aid in clearing skin conditions. My experience with this product is that is feels really good on my skin. The fragrance is citrus and invigorating. The product is liquid and yet not watery making it easy to apply. I allow it to dry and absorb thoroughly before applying moisturizer. Directions indicate that it should be used nightly. With the inclusion of retinol it is best to avoid use during the day. I have used InstaNatural products in the past and enjoyed them and have liked how this InstaNatural Age Defying Serum works for me. About the product:  Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum from InstaNatural™ is a comprehensive solution that addresses lines, wrinkles and blemishes on the skin. This lightweight serum contains Retinol and Lipo Hydroxy Acid to increase cell turnover and clear...

ISBN: 9781628558531  Paperback $9.99 Hardcover $17.99 Reading level: Mid-Elementary My thoughts:   While the story narrated in A Case of Sense  is a folk tale in numerous cultures, primarily Asian, it is new to the American reader. In it a greedy cook decides he will cook up a way to enrich himself without cost by preparing a variety of dishes that are highly arromatic. Once he does this, he goes about the city knocking on doors and demanding payment from the people because they benefited (according to him) from smelling his food. They rightly refused to pay him and Fu Wang takes the people to court. Young Ming has observed this and continues to observe the proceedings in court. After listening to the demands (the case) presented by Fu Wang, the judge instructs each of those being sued to remove all the coins from their pockets. He then has them shake and rattle them creating sounds. His decision is that Fu Wang has now been compensated by the people because he has "heard...

ISBN13:  9780764217654 Bethany House Publishing My thoughts: When you crack the spine of Conspiracy of Silence  by Ronie Kendig, you'd best prepare for an enthralling read packed with fast paced action. Having never read a Ronie Kendig book, I wasn't prepared for the detailed action description and the intriguing multi-layered story. This was a hard-to-put-down book; although when I first looked at my copy, I thought to myself this is going to be a long, strung-out read. I was so surprised that those 400 plus pages just rapidly flipped by with multi-continental locations, a dip into ancient and medieval history involving holy censors and the Codex (early bound Biblical leaves, sheets), and a plague of Biblical proportions. I can hardly wait to read book two in "The Tox Files" to see just what Cole 'Tox' Russell gets himself involved. I loved the interaction in the team of men that worked with Tox and, of course, the character of Kelsy and her history and curre...

Hardcover ISBN: 9780763688400 On Sale March 21st, 2017 About the book:  For kids who march to their own drummer — or are especially attached to a comfort object — here is a completely adorable character who wears his singularity in style. Jameson only ever wears green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his cousin’s wedding, he’s going to have to wear a tuxedo, and that means black pants. It’s an impossible decision: Jameson would love nothing more than to be in his cousin's wedding, but how can he not wear green pants? Will Jameson turn down this big honor, or will he find a way to make everyone happy, including himself? In this pitch-perfect ode to individualism, acclaimed author-illustrator Kenneth Kraegel creates a character readers of all ages can root for — whatever color pants they wear. My thoughts: Bringing the theme of children's attachment quirks (is that the best word?) to a picture book that seems to be a fun book is a bit...

New year's resolutions to exercise more sometimes need pain relief aids to keep on goal Summer and all the activity that you engage in during those warm (or hot) days is long past. Winter has arrived and with it the tendency to slow down or actually stop "doing" those things that keep our bodies strong, active, and alive. After the indulgences of the holidays, our bodies feel sluggish and, yes, perhaps a bit heavier or thicker around the middle. That means we've got to get moving. Get stretching. Get exercising. And doing those things after a few weeks of inactivity can prove to cause bone wearying and muscle aching. And if you've not done those treadmill jaunts or bike rides, lifted or pulled on the weights for awhile, then your body is going to give you a rude awakening. You're going to feel it! I have found that my first line of defense is heat (or for some, ice) and then applying a topical product. Sometimes a gel, a spray, a cream, and one of the patches....