FOREST MAGIC FOR KIDS: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic by Susie Spikol [Review & Giveaway]

New Children's Book "Forest Magic for Kids" Sparks Imagination with Fairy Hunts, Secret Forts, and Enchanted Outdoor Adventures!

 

Publisher: Gibbs Smith
Hardcover | $19.99 
ISBN: 978-1423665533
Age 5-9 Years

My thoughts:  This is a delightfully charming non-fiction book that is designed to invoke a desire to learn about the natural world of the forest. While the idea of "magic," wee-folk, fairies, and such conjure a world of make-believe, this book conversely takes them into the real world of life in the forest from the majesty of the trees to the pure delight of the tiniest creatures and smallest flowers.

The book is heavy on text so will necessitate adult guidance and reading. The book is a grand addition to science class or school libraries, and perfect for families that love nature.

Whilst the book introduces the child to aspects of the real world of the forest, it doesn't shun the tales and folklore shared through the ages. There are activities and projects both educational plus some that are fun and fanciful.

A charming educational tool to have on hand and a perfect gift for the upcoming spring and summer days.

About the book:  Your enchanted guide to 50+ magical activities for everything from finding hidden flower fairies in your own backyard and making a special wizard staff to creating a tiny woodland village and making your own forest potions.

Come discover the wild magic tucked into the nooks and crannies of forests, thickets, and meadows. Search for fairy dusted glow-in-the-dark mushrooms. Find secret worlds hidden in trees and uncover the tunnels, trails, and dens of gnomes and trolls, and mice and moles. Learn to listen to the forest, make sun-warmed pine tea, and wear an evergreen crown to an elf picnic.
 
Look inside to learn how to:

• Keep a secret notebook filled with maps, notes, and pockets for all your discoveries
• Go on a quest for wild treasures
• Follow a queen bumblebee to her castle
• Make your own forest teas and potions
• Become best friends with a tree
• Create tiny gnomes and build cozy gnome homes
• Seek where mushrooms grow after a fairy dance
• Carve a walking stick wizard staff
• Build your own hidden forest fort

 A delightful outdoor handbook to ignite curiosity and a passion for nature, this is a great resource for nature units as well as hands-on activities to bring a creative writing program to life. -- School Library Journal

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. A lifelong animal lover, Susie now helps people of all ages connect with the natural world. She is the author of The Animal Adventurer’s Guide (Roost Books, 2002). Secret word: nature. You can find her at www.susiespikol.com.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 22

Ends April 25 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped/mailed directly to the winner by publicist, publisher, or author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

How to Train Your Amygdala by Anna Housley Juster [Review & Giveaway] (nonfiction)

 

 

My thoughts:  Unless you've studied pre-med or advanced biology you probably are like me and have no clue what an "amygdala" is. So this children's book will educate parents as well as children about this part of the brain.

So, it's a little piece of you that helps you get an alarm telling you when you're in danger; and helps you act appropriately - run away, freeze, act strong, be angry. Also, it helps you to know when there is danger and you need to run or hide.

But sometimes we are alert to things from which we don't need to run, hide, or be angry about; so that needs to be controlled. We are overly anxious. And this cute little children's book is about learning to know when we (or our amygdala) needs fast reactive action and how we can act appropriately. The book teaches guided steps to help us keep control.

This information captured from Google
search & shared here by Vera.

About the Book: Your amygdala works hard to protect you from danger, but what about when it gets things wrong? This amusing character-driven narrative helps children learn to calm their amygdala and control their fight-flight-freeze impulses. Secret word: impulse

The amygdala is the brain's alarm system that alerts for danger, but sometimes it gets things wrong and needs help calming down. In this picture book, young readers receive kid-friendly information about the amygdala from the amygdala, how it can sometimes get confused, and simple ideas to calm and train it. 

The amygdala in How to Train Your Amygdala makes complicated concepts accessible to children so they can understand their bodies, practice impulse control, and boost their self-regulation. "You have probably never seen me before, but I am right here in your brain. There is an amygdala in everyone’s brain. It’s true! All humans have one. Many other animals do too."

Throughout the book, the amygdala and the reader practice anxiety-calming and mindfulness strategies such as deep breathing, visualization, and progressive relaxation. With anxiety on the rise among children, learning how to calm the amygdala is a critical life skill.  

Additional content at the back of the book includes an amygdala's training playbook for kids and more information for adults to help reinforce the book's message.

About the Author and Illustrator: Anna Housley Juster, Ph.D., LICSW, is a child and adolescent mental health clinician and early childhood education consultant. She began her career as a Head Start teacher and has over two decades of experience supporting children and families across a variety of contexts including schools, museums, libraries, and clinical mental health settings. During several years in children's media, she served as director of content for Sesame Street developing curriculum for the series, publishing, product development, and interactive technology. Anna is a firm believer in the power of play, her favorite number is 3, and she lives with her husband, two daughters, and one very soft dog near Boston, Massachusetts.

Cynthia Cliff is a self-taught artist and author who grew up in a tiny historic village in rural Virginia surrounded by her large superstitious family, and farms and woodlands where she spent every waking hour. This upbringing provided her with a deep love and appreciation for history, family, nature, and folklore—themes that find their way into much of her whimsical, folk-art inspired, and optimistic artwork. She resides in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., with her partner and four-legged family.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 12

Ends November 7 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to winner by publicist on behalf of author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Dining with Dinosaurs: A Tasty Guide to Mesozoic Munching by Hannah Bonner [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: Kids love dinosaurs. They love books about dinosaurs, playing like they are dinosaurs, and playing with little plastic figures of the various "saurs." Dining with Dinosaurs: A Tasty Guide to Mesozic Munching holds real kid appeal with the cartoonish drawings, side bars of information, "Ask a Scientist" cartoon strips with great bits of information, general kid interest "stuff," and the plethora of dinosaurs located in various parts of the World all lend special appeal. Lots of humor and fun facts. Frankly, I never realized there were so many different types of dinosaurs.

Realistically, this book holds a  bit of speculation on the part of the author and that is noted on occasion. Scientists have discovered fossilized remains that appear to give quite a bit of insightful information into what dinosaurs ate. The author has compiled the findings of research with a delightful and fun sense of humor to charm all dinosaurs lovers. Hence this cute book.

Lots of fun filled "back matter" pages to further enhance the child's learning experience: "Who Eats Who Today?", "The Food Web," "Photosunthesis (sugar from sunshine)," and a great pronunciation guide, glossary, and index.

National Geographic has carved a nich into the entertaining educational world of children's books. And in Dining with Dinosaurs the children's interest will surely be tweaked.

A word of caution to those whose beliefs are based on the Biblical creation of a young earth. They will find this does not match up with a young earth. That being said, I think any parent can utilize this book beneficially for their children, guiding discussion points.

About the book: Sure you know that T-Rex was the meat-eating king and that brontosaurus muched on leaves, but what else was on the dino dining menu during the Mesozoic era? In this hilarious book, paleontologists reveal all! Meet the 'vores: carnivores, piscivores, herbivores, insectivores, "trashivores," "sunivores," and omnivores like us. Readers will be surprised and inspired to learn about all the crazy stuff dinos ate and they'll get insights into how scientists can tell which dinosaurs ate what just from looking at fossils! Journey through artist and author Hannah Bonner's whimsical world to learn how the dinosaurs and their contemporaries bit, chewed, and soaked up their food.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 29

Ends November 19 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own alone and I was not compensated.

Extreme Wildfire: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire Fighting by Mark Thiessen [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN13: 9781426325304
Paperback $12.99

My thoughts: National Geographic Kids publications have a knack for being spot-on with interesting materials that are captivating to the young reader (and the parents, too). Their publications prove entertaining and educational providing information in a manner that appeals and grabs their attention - many times over.

Extreme Wildfire: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire really goes way beyond the old "Smokey Bear" fire prevention materials. The stunning photographs of Mark Thiessen are definitely close up and personal. He is truly a brave heart with the use of his camera and has captured the danger, intensity, and destructive beauty of raging fire. But this is not just a book of stunning photographs, the reader will learn that fires are a necessary part of the ecological system. Well, we just don't want ecology to get out of hand, though, so when fire rages, firefighters engage in preventive protection.

Some "famous" fires are recounted. I found it interesting that famous fires are tagged with names. Not dissimilar to the naming of tropical storms. The book has boxes of special information tucked away along the sides of the pages that are interestingly presented and packed with tidbits of information. "Fire Fact: You might think that attacking fire from the air is free of risk. But there's no such thing when it comes to firefighting. In fact, from 1990 through 2006, nearly a fourth of the 310 deaths of wildland firefighters in the United States came from aircraft accidents."

I found the section on Smoke Jumpers interesting. A smoke jumper is a firefighter that parachutes right onto the scene of a raging fire. "1-2-3- Jump! The plane approaches the fire's location. Twelve or so smoke jumpers are ready to go. But they don't just pile out and take their chances. Here's a 3-step procedure to make sure they hit their mark safely: 1) Find a safe place....., 2) Check the wind...., 3) Jump...."

It is also interesting the comparison of the United States and Russia in fighting fires - especially smoke jumpers. I like that Thiessen includes pictures from Russia as well as the United States.

I had a nephew that was a firefighter and fought wildfires all over the United States. It was fascinating to delve into this book of Extreme Wildfire information and see pictures that told the story that could easily have been his experience as well as that of many who have served to save our homes and our forests.

About the book: In one moment, there’s a simple spark, and then roaring flames surge 200 feet into the air, devouring forests. Trees, from root to canopy, are burned to the ground. Airtankers and helicopters hover above, executing an air attack. Brave firefighters, equipped with flame resistant suits, leap from helicopters onto the treetops and descend to the blazing forest floor.

In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author.

Author info: Mark Thiessen has 20+ years of photographing fires up close. From a searing expanse of flames in Russia to barreling blazes in California, no wildfire is too extreme for Mark Thiessen. Based in D.C., he has traveled across the globe investigating dangerous infernos and working alongside courageous firefighting teams. Mark is available for interview and can talk about his why his idea of a vacation is placing himself in the middle of blazing fires, fire prevention techniques and tips and the effects of fires on the environment and wildlife.  Here is a terrific video featuring Mark and his adventures:

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 12

ENDS October 1 @ 12:02 a.m ET

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my opinions without compensation. Giveaway copy will be mailed directly to the winner by the publicist or publisher.

National Geographic Kids: 100 Things to Know Before You Grow Up & Awesome 8 (50 Top 8 Lists) [Review & Giveaway]

Today we're looking at two National Geographic Kids books for ages 8 and up. Actually, Mom and Dad will gain a lot of knowledge from these two books. In 100 Things to Know Before You Grow Up the adults might find themselves learning just as the kids are doing. And in the Awesome 8 book National Geographic gives a lot of lists and each has eight in the list.

And to make the adventure more fun, we're giving one of Chat With Vera readers a copy of each of these books. This will be a great addition to summer fun-learning!

About the book: 100 Things to Know Before You Grow Up (ages 9-12)

Jam-packed with tips, tricks and skills that every kids should master before turning 18, this is the ultimate guide to expanding ones horizons and becoming a fun-loving, well-rounded and confident young person. A perfect graduation gift or addition to a camp care package, kids will love the expert advice from Nat Geo Explorers, adventurers and masters of their craft from around the world.

My thoughts: There is such a plethora of information packed in this small book. Information of how-to-do these things is presented in a great graphic manner, bright and colorful, great photographs, and step-by-step instructions. Easily understood and easy to work through, each individual list is really going a fun way to learn. Each list is done by experts in that particular area. But not only are there how-to-do lists, there are also how-to-be list that help behaviorally. There are instructions on developing specific skills as well as lists that are curiosity solvers.

... Balance a checkbook .... Sooth a bee sting .... Tie Three Basic Knots ... Pack a Suitcase ...

Some things are "you really need to know this" types and some are "this is fun to know" types. This will be a great little book to have in the home and used kind of like a "bucket list of things to know how to do."

Awesome 8 (ages 8-12)

About the book: A new series from Nat Geo Kids Books,
Awesome 8 is the ultimate go-to guide for curious kids who want to know the who, what and where of the coolest things on the planet. With 50 top-8 lists, every turn of the page presents a different theme and counts down the greatest of the great top 8 of its kind. Awesome 8 lists include Coolest
Coasters, Haughtiest Hotels, Wicked Water Slides, Perilous Predators, Remarkable Ruins, Weirdest Wonders and Swankiest Subways. Great for reluctant readers, each Awesome 8 list appears in photographs, layered with fun facts and insightful stories.

My thoughts: Sometimes it is just fun to look at and learn about things a bit off-the-wall or just simply cool-to-know things. Sometimes it is fun to just see these awesome things - well, at least to see pictures of them, and be amazed that such is part of our world or such is part of the amazing inventions of people.

Complete with a great Table of Contents and an awesome Index, this will prove to be a grand source for delving into bits of research when the mind wants to take a journey to see some "awesomeness." Each two page spread is replete with 8 awesome things, places, critters, etc. and they are all shown in awesome photographs and enough text to tantalize the mind and senses.

This is a strong, well-bound, soft-cover book that will see lots of use and really help keep the kids and Mom and Pop out of the summer slump. Might even be helpful in making a "bucket list" of some awesome stuff and places to see.

GIVEAWAY

2 books for 1 winner

Begins June 26

Ends July 17 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

National Geographic The Angry Birds Movie: Red's Big Adventure by Christy Ullrich Barcus [Review & Giveaway]

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Paperback: 160 pages

National Geographic Children's Books

ISBN:978-1426216848

My thoughts: Putting the Angry Birds in a book just filled to brimming with wonderful factual information about islands, mountains, birds, animals, and other wonders of the world in which we live is simply enchanting.

Kids will get to individually meet the various Angry Birds in different sections and read a bit about Red's Big Adventure and then the author takes the reader into the paradise of islands, rolling mountains or jagged mountains. Birds of various types and places they live. Wonders of islands and types of islands (Yep! There are "types" of islands!).

There is a wonderful assortment of real photographs of these wonders running page after page of glorious reading enjoyment. Kids and parents alike will be enthralled with the bits and pieces of information they glean from within. And they will have lots of fun reading about these crazy, angry birds.  A unique book for Angry Birds fans.

National Geographic Children's Books has again brought forth a winning tome of education, entertainment, and enrichment for hours of great fun. Just the thing to have around for those lazy summer days. Kids will love it!

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 5

ENDS June 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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About the book: This latest entry in the National Geographic Angry Birds series will take you on an amazing journey with Red, the leader of the Angry Birds flock, along with Matilda, Chuck, Bomb, Terence, and the mysterious Mighty Eagle. Featuring The Angry Birds Movie (2016) story world, this book is filled with all the fun facts and information Red and the flock need to embark on their big adventure. From identifying wildlife to navigating by the stars to building a shelter and setting traps (for any roaming Piggies), this book will be sure to educate and entertain.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Media Masters Publicity on behalf of the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone. I was not compensated. Winner's prize is provided by and shipped by publisher or publicist.