The Lonely Penguin by David C. Lee: Book Review

ISBN: 978-1-4349-1227-5

This children's book involved a penguin who is lonely and who eludes entrapment by a penguin hunter.  It also involves an inanimate object - a pillow with a picture of a happy penguin.  The pillow is the creation of a lonely old lady who is robbed by three boys and who steal the pillow.

Along the way, the lonely penguin discovers the happy penguin pictured on the pillow and draws emotional support from it.  This is a bit bizarre, but we must remember that children do garner emotional support from their dollies, bunnies, teddy bears, and yes penguins.  So a child will most likely identify with this concept.

The most bizarre part to me, though, is that in the end the penguin pillow has real penguin babies which are the babies of the lonely penguin who is the "dad."  The story nor the pictures are not appealing to me though they certainly may capture the attention of children.

I received a complimentary copy of The Lonely Penguin as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Bugs Galore by Peter Stein & Illustrated by Bob Staake WINNER CHOSEN

Gather the kids around you and prepare for a giggling, tickling, squinting, rollicking read through this delightful bouncy rhyme feast coupled with a plethora of adorable buggy wuggies  of all shapes, color, stripes, plaids, and spots.  Big and little. Long and stout. Flying, crawling.  These critters will enthrall the kiddies and capture their imagination as their own little fingers just itch to draw some of the bugs for themselves.  So be prepared for them to want to draw, color, and scare you with their own creations.

The imagination of illustrator Bob Staake holds no bounds.  He has so many bugs and critters on each page that the kiddies will be searching and finding for hours or days delighted with each unique find.  There are the specific bugs representing author Peter Stein's delightful rollicking rhyme, and there are the accompanying varieties creeping and flying all around.

A sample of this delightful book....

Big bugs, small bugs,

creep bugs, crawl bugs,

Sky bugs, land bugs,

Slime-your-hand bugs!

(did you catch that giggle?)

Love bugs, Shove bugs,

Head bugs, Bedbugs,

Cute bugs, Fruit bugs,

Live bugs, Dead bugs.

I recommend that you find yourself and your kiddies a copy of this book and get to enjoying it.  Available at your favorite bookseller.

GIVEAWAY:  Candlewick Press will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of BUGS GALORE.  Open USA only. entries:  Begins June 29 and ENDS July 15 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what child or children you would enjoy reading this book with.  Leave a comment with your email contact information.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @Candlewick #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one daily for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.

isbn-10/isbn-13: 0763647543 / 9780763647544

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Bugs Galore by Candlewick Press for the purpose of rending my honest opinion in a review.  The giveaway copy is provided directly to the winner directly from Candlewick Press.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Downs

My thoughts:  This is not a major archeological treatise on the land of Israel nor is it a book revealing the character of the Israeli kings.  It does not appear to be intended for the scholarly community interested in detailed archeological digs or retrieved treasures.  It seems to be a beautiful presentation of quality paper and pictures showing locales and archeological finds that survive to this day in the area where the Israelites began and where they journeyed and lived.  It follows chronologically the Israelites as their leaders interacted with the peoples and land during their own sojourn.

The book opens with an introduction to the challenge facing the authority of the Bible and its historical reliability.  As the book progresses through the Biblical accounts of the flood, the Exodus, the kings it is revealed by the author, David Downs, that archeological finds are supporting rather than discounting Biblical accounts as being historically accurate.

The book is a good introductory tool for youth into how mankind prefers to discount as a fable the Biblical account but that upon study it can be seen that man has left a record in the sands of time and in the stones left still standing of his archeological achievements that do indeed support what God has inspired as the Biblical account. Inscriptions retell stories that support Biblical accounts.

I envision families utilizing this lovely book as a devotional tool where they learn how God recorded His people's journey through history and also how they can "see" where it took place, "see" how they interacted with civilizations and nations whom they encountered. 

I envision children and teens passing the time by traveling with the Israelits, the Egyptians, the Canaanites, the Assyrians by "seeing" these revealing stones and revealing inscriptions.  This book will be a tool of learning for both child, teen, adult as they remove it from the book shelf or coffee table and simple turn its pages and grasp a bit of knowledge here and there.  Or perhaps it will facilitate a report for a student in high school.  Regardless, there is a lot in this book to fascinate, teach, and substantiate.

ISBN: 9780890516096  Publisher:  New Leaf Publishing Group/MasterBooks

I find myself desiring to further investigate with the book: Unwrapping the Pharaohs by John Ashton, David Down.

DISCLOSURE:     I was provided a complimentary copy of Unveiling the Kings of Israel by the publisher New Leaf Publishing Group/MasterBooks to facilitate my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to render a positive review.

"The Director's Cut" by Janice Thompson: Book Review

My thoughts:  Typically, I don't equate ANYTHING from Hollywood or show business with genuine Christianity.  I just finished reading a contemporary Christian fiction novel by Janice Thompson, Director's cut, which - although I KNOW it is fiction - tends to change my mind a bit.

First of all, the main character is Tia Morales and she has carved out a successful niche in the cut throat world of TV and is an award winning director.  The show she directs is a comedy.  The characters behind the show (you know, the real live folks who are doing the acting of the pretend characters) are really a trip in and of themselves.

Next in the lineup of folks you will love meeting, is Jason Harris.  Now he is the camera man.  He makes what Tia wants done come alive on the screen.  But he also seems to be making Tia come alive in a sense that she is beginning to awaken to some really positive vibes between Jason and herself.

Tia's family is a riot.  There are issues at play with each member of her family.  Unfaithfulness. Uncertainty. Alcohol. Slothfulness.  For each of these problems, it seems Tia is the one who comes to the rescue.  The dynamics in this family are simply crazy but you will see some beauty trying to peek through in each of the characters .

The romance element of this story - and YES there is a bit of romance - is low-key and definitely non-offensive. 

Throughout the story, Tia and Jason are clearly living their lives dependent on the faith that sustains them.

Yes, I recommend this as a breezy, comedic, romance, faith-filled story of folks who are like your neighbor next door who have successes, problems, and grace filling their lives.

About the author:  Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and former screenwriter.  An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson affords an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter.  She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Star Collide and Hello Hollywood!  She lives in Texas.

Available June  2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Price:         $14.99
ISBN:         978-0-8007-3347-6

Publisher:  Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of The Director's Cut by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion.  No requirement for a positive review was made.

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Review & GIVEAWAY-ENDED

It''s been said...."You can't teach an old dog new tricks."  Or perhaps..... "Old folks can't learn new ways to do things."  Well, I'm here to say, "It can be done!"  I'm Southern through and through. Born and raised in the South.  Lived in the South my entire life.  Learned to cook in the South - Southern Style.  So somewhere along the way, I learned that some of that delicious Southern Style cooking wasn't really that good for you.  So I learned some new ways.  Bacon fat was switched out for margarine.  Then I learned that the trans fats in margarine were not good for you at all, so I learned to cook with Olive Oil and other good-for-you oils.

Recently, I learned that there was another good-for-you oil out there.  One that had been given a bad name a few years back by nutritionists and cholesterol gurus - COCONUT OIL.  Yes folks, coconut oil is being presented as a very good for you oil.  But how often do you see anyone using coconut oil to cook with and how much of it do you see on the grocery shelves?  Not much! But that is beginning to change.

I have been given the opportunity to try Tropical TraditionsGold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  Then if I desire, I can write a review of what I think of  this coconut oil and even offer a giveaway for one of my lucky readers. I have tried it and here is what I think....

My thoughts:  Like most oils, it has an aroma.  It has the fragrant essence of coconut but it is not strong.  I personally don't care for things that "smell" of coconut such as suntan lotions, soaps, and perfumes.  I avoid them.  But the aroma of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil is mild and I don't mind it at all.

You can cook with it at a high temperature without a problem  so that makes it ideal for sautéing and frying.  In fact I "fried" some chicken breasts in it for tonight's dinner, and the chicken browned beautifully, was very crisp, and remained crisp.  I was exceptionally pleased and so was my husband.  I only used 3 tablespoonfuls of the coconut oil in the bottom of the frying pan and it worked so nicely.

I have flavored several vegetables with the coconut oil and it works great for that as well.  It only takes a very little.  Now let's talk about how I cooked the chicken:

Debone the chicken breast and remove skin.  Separate the "tender loin" from the main breast, cut off the thin tip of the breast to make a small serving size portion, then slice the thicker portion of the breast horizonally so you have 2 flat pieces.  This will give you 4 pieces from each breast.  Salt and pepper the chicken and refrigerate at least 1 hour.  Mix  1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs with about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of (2% fat) mixed shredded cheese.  Really mix the bread crumbs and cheese with hands to crumble it all together nicely.  Dip chicken in evaporated milk and then roll in mixture of crumbs and cheese to thoroughly coat.  Fry on medium-high heat until nicely browned on each side.  This doesn't take long as the chicken is not too thick and you want it done, and not tough.  Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY - ended:  1 of Chat With Vera's  lucky readers can receive a quart size jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil shipped directly to them from the company.  Entries to win are easy but each entry must have your email contact included.  Begins June 21 7:30 p.m. ENDS July 7 at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

Mandatory entry:  Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!  Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions email Newsletter. Leave a comment saying you have done so and an email contact.

Extra entry: Follow us on Twitter @troptraditions and @ttspecialdeals & leave a comment with your Tweet handle (mine is @GG_Survey, what is your's?)
Extra entry:  Tweet using #troptraditions #giveaway (repeat daily, if desired) & leave your email info in the comment here with Tweet URL.

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About Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:  

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

Disclaimer:  Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

"Almost Home" by Wendy Lawton: Book Review (Daughters o the Faith Series)

Mary Chilton was a very mature 13 year old in the group of Pilgrims and Strangers or Saints and Sinners when she sailed for America aboard the Mayflower in 1620.  This book in the Daughters of the Faith Series, published by Moody Publishers, and written by Wendy Lawton is an excellent read for the tween-teen.  It is intense, just the right length, and filled with facts.  The story line is written true to history and yet entertaining and enthralling enough to capture the fleeting interest of the young reader.

The descriptions of the storm at sea, the cold, the illness, the filth aboard and the emotions of these dear souls who forged the path for the forming of a country where one could worship according to the dictates of one's heart are truly top quality.

"Almost Home" is a biographical novel about a real girl and a real situation.  Conversations are, of course, fictional but the story is true to historical evidence and is one I would recommend for young readers at home, home schools, and Christian schools.

ISBN13: 9780802436375

List of Mayflower passengers (characters in the book "Almost Home" are listed as real passengers)

DISCLOSURE:  I received a complimentary copy of "Almost Home" by Wendy Lawton from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.  There was no requirement for a positive review.

Dvořák Humoresque Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman (shared with much appreciation for the beauty)

When I read "The Fiddler" (see review below), I wanted to Google some of the music referred to by the concert violinist in the book.  So I just did and here is one that is absolutely breathtaking!