All Around Bustletown 4-Book Series: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

Prestel's new All Around Bustletown series (Board Books, $12.95 each; Ages 2-5; 14 pages) by Rotraut Susanne Berner

This cute series follows the activities of a charming, bustling town over the course of all four seasons! If you look closer, you'll recognize the same characters appear on every page, each with their own story.

In the tradition of Richard Scarry and Where's Waldo, this series encourages kids to return again and again to each spread, following along with the characters and inventing their own stories. They'll recognize parts of their own world, while also learning about the endless ways we live, work, and play in each season. Kids will spend hours poring over these oversized pages of vibrantly detailed drawings in this joyfully illustrated series.

"What is it about cross-section illustrations — the kind where you can see everything going on inside a house, upstairs and down, all at once — that makes them so mesmerizing? Berner, one of Germany’s best-known children’s authors and illustrators, excels at these fascinating dollhouse-type scenes, a staple of the German genre known as Wimmelbooks. Hers are jam-packed with old and young characters engaged in prosaic, silly or mysterious activities that young readers can spend hours poring over...Parents and grandparents may be especially susceptible to this giant board book’s old-fashioned charms." —The New York Times

In All Around Bustletown: Spring (2/18/2020; ISBN: 978-3791374093), a house gets a top-to-bottom spring cleaning and farm fields are being prepared for planting. People are shopping, commuting to work, constructing buildings, and meeting friends. If you look closer, you'll recognize the same characters appear on every page, each with their own story. There's Wilfred the jogger slipping on a banana peel and his friend Erica who comes to help him. Three cheerful nuns shop, chat, and share a snack at the cafe. A stork surveys all the activity from the sky while a mischievous fox scampers through the streets.

My thoughts: On the back cover of each season in the Bustletown series, individual characters are drawn and it will be fun to watch for them in each of the books. Some are repeated and some are not. That is the case in any town and especially in Bustletown.

Beneath the characters on the back cover there is also a question, thought, or statement parents care read to their child to guide them in looking for actions and objects on the pages. Other than this page of text, the books are essentially "wordless."

The parrot gets lose and you can find him in different spots on each page. Someone drops a banana peel. Can you find it?

The possibilities of observation and story telling are virtually endless with the individuals, activities, buildings, seasons, and life in general.

I found it quite interesting to open all four books to the same scenes and compare the activities for each season. Also, it was interesting to see the progression of a project taking place - such as repair of the church.

Spring simply bursts forth on the pages giving opportunity to relate to activities children see depicted on the pages.

It's summer in  All Around Bustletown: Summer (4/21/2020; ISBN: 978-3791374208) and that means flowers, picnics, thunderstorms, and bike rides. It's a busy time for construction workers, farmers, and house painters. Playgrounds are filled with kids and vacationers are boarding trains in droves. In the sky a pair of balloons drifts through every scene, while on the street people of all ages make their way to an outdoor birthday party. There's even a big storm that turns umbrellas inside out, sends hats flying, but ends in a lovely rainbow.

My thoughts: Summer is just brimming with fun times around Bustletown. It is warm and folks are out and about enjoying the sunshine. There is free time. There is community to enjoy.

The leaves are blowing off the trees and the birds are flying south in All Around Bustletown: Fall (7/21/2020; ISBN: 978-3791374222). Farmers are preparing the fields for winter and kids are back in school. And look, there's a water main break that's causing havoc and a chimney sweeper perched on a roof! Each time readers look at these delightfully detailed spreads they'll discover something new, whether it's what's for sale at the outdoor market or how many pumpkins they can spot on a single page. Familiar characters appear on each page--a maestro and a violinist, a balloon-toting nun, and a mom with her baby. All the activity culminates in a harvest celebration lit by dozens of paper lanterns in every shape and size.

My thoughts: Bustletown in the Fall is a delight. So many delightful activities to talk about. The Fall Festival. The Fall dance. The kindergarten pumpkin walk. The weather is cooling off, the air is brisk, the leaves are everywhere. A delight!

Winter has arrived in All Around Bustletown: Winter (10/2019; ISBN: 978-3791374154) and everywhere you look people are embracing the season. At home there's baking, reading, and sleeping in, while on the farm the fields are fallow and quiet. Outside people are bundled up against the cold as they are skating, sledding, and running to catch a crowded bus. The town's buildings are alive with activity--piano lessons, a dentist appointment, shopping for presents, and visiting the museum. (Read Chat With Vera's review here)

GIVEAWAY

1 Set of 4 Bustletown Books

Begins April 11

Ends May 9 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to addresses in USA & CANADA only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's books are provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.

Luxurious, healthy, delicious and available. Laumière Gourmet Fruits bring joy and delight to all

I am so pleased with this beautiful package of delicious, nutritious, and healthy goodies. Ordered for myself, I would share with family, but the dreadful Covid19 pandemic doesn't allow for gatherings.

I have eaten the different items in the beautiful superfood collection and thus far my most favorite is the apricot "sandwich". I couldn't imagine what the middle layer consists of but it is absolutely delicious. So I checked for the ingredients and it is an almond/honey paste. Delicious!

I have totally enjoyed these luscious, healthy snacks that will go from nibbling at home to the finest party food to serve your guests. Comes beautifully and protectively wrapped which is essential for quality as well as health issues. The apricot items are my "most favorite."

With such a shortage of items available now and with "shelter in place" in effect, this is a perfect item to order for your home or to gift to family and friends. And my product arrived securely wrapped and in great shape plus a protective layer of wrap which is so needed in these uncertain times. I truly love this beautiful and tasty Laumière Gourmet Fruits product.

All the products are preservatives free, gluten-free, sugar-free & dairy-free. All the products are suitable for a vegetarian and vegan diet.

Products readily available & FREE SHIPPING in USA!

DISCLOSURE: Products reviewed on Chat With Vera are sometimes free or at a reduced cost to me. I was not compensated to provide a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and given without requirement to post a favorable review.

THE ENGLISCH DAUGHTER by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

My thoughts: Typically, stories about the Amish portray a group of separatists whose faith is strict and one to which they dutifully adhere. Each faith community is a unique community of believers who blindly follow the rules of their order and the bishop that presides over their faith community. Community is inclusive of farmers, business people, families, singles. Their rules for entering the church and the community are to be completely followed or result in shunning of the individual. But the shunning impacts the individual's family in a emotionally disturbing way.

The Amish community in which The Englisch Daughter takes place is somewhat different. Typically, the Amish do not allow for phones on one's person and in the home. They also do not allow for computers. The exception is occasionally made when it is required for a business and must be approved by the bishop. In The Englisch Daughter the use of cell phones and knowledge of computer usage is extant and seemingly not frowned upon. They still don't have their own cars and trucks relying on buggies. However, they do call for an Uber using their cell phones. So the community in which this story takes place is strict in some of the Amish constraints but not others.

The co-authors have beautifully written how men and women interact in marriage both Amish and otherwise.The overbearing and all-authoritarian status of men with the wife and mother being homemakers and servants in the home without any decision making capabilities is typical of the Amish. It is, too, typical of many non-Amish homes. This story brings out the struggle of women to be appreciated, respected, and involved in more than a servant's role in marriages.

As with other Cindy Woodsmall beautifully crafted stories, The Englisch Daughter is a wonderful read that will take the reader through a series of emotional rides as they become mentally involved with the plight and heartbreak of Jemima, the betrayed wife, and as they bear the heartbreaking distancing of Abigale and Chris. The book's ending has a superb twist that could only have been discovered through the use of cell phones and computers - how surprising in an Amish story.

I highly recommend.

About the book: What happens when your spouse has become a stranger?

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima Graber has put her marriage and young children ahead of herself for years. For the last decade she’s set herself aside while her husband, Roy, invested in the family’s successful horse farm. While raising four little ones, she’s followed all the rules and patiently waited to finally chase a dream of her own.

But now, at the time when her dreams are about to be realized, Roy has grown distant from Jem, and she doesn’t know what to make of his unusual moods and absences. Is his erratic behavior somehow connected to the tenant in the family’s rental property, an Englisch woman Roy dated during his rumschpringe days? And if so, how far does God’s forgiveness extend in impossible situations?

CINDY WOODSMALL is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Cindy’s writing has been featured on ABC’s Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives outside Atlanta with her husband.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.


ERIN WOODSMALL is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of four. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. More recently she and Cindy have coauthored five books.

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep published by Barbour Publishing (Christian historical fiction)

My thoughts: I am enjoying the writings of Michelle Griep in recent months and look forward to each new release. The House at the End of the Moor was an interesting read allowing the reader to peek into the historical period and glimpse the class struggles, cruelty, inhumanity, raw/rank prisions, and sheer devious contriving of man.

The dwelling about which the title comes is a secluded older home where a "widow" resides with her housekeeper and manservant. She has no visitors nor desires any. She doesn't go into the village to shop or visit; that is left to her servants so that she can remain a recluse.

The story behind her self-imposed seclusion stems from her past as a famous opera star who suddenly disappeared. She isn't truly a widow but uses the presumption as a means of disguise.

Then her life is disrupted when a nearly dead and desperate young man is found by her housekeeper. He is brought into "the house at the end of the Moor" so they can nurse his injuries.

Then the world encroaches upon her isolation and danger lurks everywhere.

This was an interesting, though not a challenging read. I enjoyed the glimpse into the ways and social mores of the times. The characters were interesting. I found myself being surprised a few times with their relationships and resolution of  their differences.

The story has a happy ending, which is something I find enjoyable. Cliff hangers are fine, but I do like to have a conclusion; and when it is happy it makes for a nice "warm fuzzy" feeling.

I recommend the book for its being a good, clean, Christian historical fiction read.

About the Book: What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

IMIM Anti-Aging Face Cream Moisturizer with Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid

Our face expresses our emotional lives, experiences both pleasant and unpleasant, and the years take a toll. The environment takes its affect on our skin as does damage from too much sun. By applying creams to our face, we can slow the appearance of winkles created by the joy and stresses of life.

The IMIM Anti Aging Moisturizer has hyaluronic acid and retinol  in a light, quickly absorbed cream base that I can use day and night. It feels wonderful on my face. Though light weight, it is non-greasy and it does a good job of moisturizing. Makeup goes on quite well over this. Also, my face has a nice soft "glow" without makeup for those "stay-at-home" days. My skin is still soft feeling hours after using. Priced in the mid-range, it is quite affordable.

A note for when you're applying moisturizer... Be sure you don't neglect under your chin, your ear lobes, and the area behind and under your ears. They develop creases as we age and the skin naturally has a way of drying out on its own. A bit of moisturizing cream in these areas does wonders.

Previously, I reviewed the IMIM Neck Cream. You can read that review here

Product information (find it on Amazon)

Helps your skin build a moisturizing barrier. Restore your skin tissue regeneration, improve skin texture, self-healing ability. Effectively reduce your skin dryness, flaking, peeling, relaxation, and eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet. Make your skin moisturized firm and elastic.

• Ultra-Effective Anti-Aging Cream: Rich in Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Nicotinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Xanthan Gum, Squalane, Allantoin and other organic ingredients, which have super moisturizing, anti-oxidation and will continuously stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Use it will improve your skin resistance, get rid of allergic skin. Let your skin appear young and supple.
• Premium Whitening and Brightening Cream: Non-greasy advanced formula can inhibit melanin production, relieve skin pressure, restore your skin tissue regeneration, improve skin texture and self-healing ability. It will effectively solve your uneven skin like acne, sunburn, freckles, spots, scars, stretch marks, dark circles, dullness, enlarged pores, etc. Reveal your true beauty.
• Mild & Non-Greasy: Can sensitive skin use it? Yes, absolutely! Our product never tested on animals, and have no binders, thickeners, fillers, sulfates, parabens or fragrance. It fully absorbs quickly, leaves no residue and won’t clog pores, can't causing breakouts, blackheads, pimples even irritate. Great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary product to use and review. Opinions are mine, alone and determined only after using the product. 

Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit (Book #4 in series) [Giveaway 4-Book Series]

For EA, a spotlight is terrific and yes, a giveaway of all 4 books would be great!

National Geographic Kids Books has always been the gold standard when it comes to making learning fun for kids.  During this time of widespread and extended school closures, their books are not only fantastic boredom busters that will keep kids engaged for hours, but they are also trusted resources that weave in important topics like science, technology, conservation, culture and codebreaking in a FUN way.

Continue the adventure with Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit, the fourth book in the popular fact-based fiction series (National Geographic Kids’ Under the Stars; March 2020, ages 8-12).   Deemed “captivating” by the editors at Parenting.com and “exciting, fast-paced” by Booklist, the series is filled with thrilling adventures, high-tech cadets, cool science, far-away lands, and codes to crack.

Follow 12-year-old Cruz Coronado during his time at the prestigious Explorer Academy, where he and 23 kids from around the globe are training to become the next generation of great explorers. In addition to making new friends and attending cool classes, Cruz must also work to unlock clues to his family’s shadowy past if he is to solve the mystery of his mother’s untimely death.   

In this exciting follow-up to The Double Helix, a major discovery catapults Cruz and the Explorer Academy team into the limelight and they head off to Africa.  Cruz and his fellow recruits tackle challenging missions to dispense life-saving medications to gorillas, thwart pangolin poachers and capture images of the last known cheetahs in Namibia — all the while discovering that protecting the world’s threatened species is dangerous business! 

After yet another strike from Nebula, someone close to Cruz ends up on the brink of death, leaving the ship in turmoil and Cruz and his team down a major player.  The discovery of his mom’s next clue leads Cruz to a vast desert — and just when he thinks he’s run out of leads for solving the mystery of her tragic disappearance, an unlikely ally helps him pursue another piece of the ongoing puzzle. Can Cruz and his team stay one step ahead of Nebula and find the next piece of the hidden cipher?

With four critically acclaimed titles in this series now available, two companion nonfiction activity books and literally hours and hours of videos, games, and info on real-life explorers at ExplorerAcademy.com, Explorer Academy is the perfect way to keep kids learning, reading and engaged.   An illustrated spread from The Star Dunes can be viewed here and Read the first chapter from The Star Dunes. CLICK HERE
 

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 1

Ends April 30 @ 12:01 EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of The Star Dunes to facilitate this post. Winner's prize of 4 books is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist.

That's Good That's Bad by Joan M. Lexau & illustrated by Aliki (Vintage 1960s reissue)

ISBN  9783791374192
Hardcover $17.95
Ages 3-7, 40 pages
Prestel Publishing

My thoughts:  This is a reissue of a cute, vintage children's classic, filled with eye-catching new reproductions of Aliki's iconic illustrations. It features a boy and a tiger and their simple, straightforward conversation.
The boy and tiger meet in the jungle and the tiger tells the boy to run or he will eat him. The boy then recounts his exhausting day escaping calamity in the jungle and the tiger responds with a "That's Good" or a "That's Bad."

The story lines are simply stated. Rather droll. But highly insightful. Consider a vulnerable boy and a mighty, dangerous tiger in rather close proximity and conversing. As the boy shares his story, unknown to tiger, the rhino is getting nearer and nearer. The boy escapes both the tiger and the rhino. Personally, I think the story is really cute and ultimately the wit and human thinking ability of the boy enables him to escape these two ferocious animals.

I had fun reading this book and loved the bright, stark illustrations that are so expressive.

About the book: A boy is sitting on a rock in the jungle when a tiger approaches him. "Run!" says the tiger, "or I will eat you!" But the boy is too tired to run and in order to avoid being eaten he tells the tiger a story. What follows is a thrilling tale that will captivate young readers just as thoroughly as it captivated the hungry tiger. Kids will enjoy waiting breathlessly for every flip of the page as the boy tells his story involving a rhinoceros and a crocodile. Originally published in 1963 and out of print for many years, this book by award-winning illustrator and author Aliki features fabulous vintage style illustrations. This new edition preserves the vivid colors of the original book while introducing a new generation of young readers to a skillfully told story-within-a-story with a surprising and satisfying ending.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.