Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 978-1951836542
Age 5 - 7 Years

My thoughts: Absolutely adorable illustrations that capture a child and devoted dog at play on a boat throughout the day. Imaginary or real? I can't tell. But I sense that this is a child in a sea-faring town who is familiar with life aboard a ship and hence a playday embarked on an imaginary boat with faithful, seagoing dog as first mate.

The text is beautifully written using repeated alphabet letters yet not true alliteration. Words of similar cadence yet not rhyme nor rhythm. So it is engaging.

The Laws of Attraction (Wyoming Sunrise Book #2) by Mary Connealy [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780764241147
$16.99 Paperback

My thoughts: I just love how this author's books are such fun to read. They have lifted my spirits and got me tickly gigglely enough until the bah-hum-bugs have been thoroughly pushed aside.

The characters of three unusual women settled in the state of Wyoming are covered in this series. Book two follows lovely Nell; a seamstress who dearly loves to sew ruffles and lace dresses, but for which there just doesn't seem to be much of a market. Instead, all the men want are leather chaps which she graciously provides and which is making her a wealthy woman. But the wild west isn't just about dresses and chaps. There is meanness afoot, stage coach robberies, and murder.

Next we get a lovely little family of 3 young girls and their dad who are homesteading. They lost the girl's mother years ago, but dad is seemingly making things work just fine. Until they aren't. 

Fun "outdoor" stories to encourage activity in the fresh air and build confidence and strong bodies [Review & Giveaway]

Get Outdoors!

Spring is here! Now is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it be bike riding or star gazing, these books will inspire young readers to go out and find adventure!

Joy Ride by Sherri Duskey Rinker | Ages 4-8

My thoughts:  This is a story of a delightful girl, full of energy and creativity, who is bored during summer break and of her interaction with her grandfather. It is a beautiful generational story of care and respect. I absolutely love how this "tinkering" grandfather helps his granddaughter take a beat up old bike and transform it into a one-of-a-kind object of pleasure and fun. 

The story takes on a darker side as she encounters peers who look down on her re-done bicycle and poke fun at it. This brings out the darker side of Joy as well and she becomes angry and tosses her bike down a hill. The bike her grandfather so lovingly had worked with her to rebuild.

Veil of Confusion (The Kessler Effect #2) by Vannetta Chapman

My thoughts:  Compared to some of today's dystopian and "end times" stories, the author writes a pretty mild story. Even though it isn't as gory and off-the-chart scary with aliens, etc., the story still causes one to pause and reflect on the status of civilization and man's continued ability to cope with circumstances as they exist without modern technology and conveniences. We know that even in our world man can quickly become violent and amass groups whose single minded behavior is that of controlling others and taking what they want from those who possess it.

In Veil of Anarchy we saw the beginning of a dystopian existence in Texas (and yes, world wide). In the second book, Veil of Confusion, we see that life in El Paso has become fraught with danger; and we follow Cade and Harper as they flee El Paso and begin their journey to seek a quieter, safer, more civil life.

Little kiddie sports books: [Review & 3 winner Giveaway USA]

Karate Kids  by Holly Sterling

Gi? Ready! Belt? Ready! Let’s go! It’s karate time. HAI-YAH!

Join Maya and all her friends as they get together at the dojo for their Saturday karate class! There are moves to remember, blocks to practice, and punches to perfect. Maya is a white belt, which means she’s still a beginner, but with focus, balance, and determination — and a little help from her friends — can she show Sensei what she’s got? Written and illustrated by Holly Sterling, a karate champion and teacher, this is a joyful and uplifting celebration of the sport and a must-have primer for any child hoping to be a karate kid one day.

When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder

 My thoughts:  The story begins with the destitute plight of two young children who have been left at a tavern with a woman of dubious character to care for them while their father returns to the sea. They are left for years and are currently living on the streets of London. Then little Nan is stuck by a carriage and injured. She is cared for by the well-to-do man who was in the carriage, and ultimately ends up in his home being raised along with his own children.

Little Nan's older brother knows what has happened to her and that the gentleman has taken her into his care since she was alone and in need of care.