Dad of Divas' Reviews: July 2015

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Book Review - Creative Card Making Pack

Creative Card Making Pack

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About the Book


Young kids don't need to be artists to make amazing, home-crafted cards that are brimming with color, flair, and style. All they need is this kit and their imagination
The Creative Card Making Pack lets them tap into their artsy side with this collection of pre-folded cards (or use a blank card of your own), templates, picture sheets, and step-by-step instructions to help them create:

  • Pop-up cards
  • Collage cards
  • Cut-outs
  • Free-standing cards
  • Birthday cards
  • Christmas cards
  • So much more

Kids will discover some simple techniques for cutting and folding, the art of surface decorating, beautiful design ideas, and more that will help them make cards that shine with creativity and fun.



My Take on the Book
The CREATIVE CARD MAKING PACK supplies your child with hours of fun and creativity. The authors have done a very good job giving the reader an introduction to the book, the equipment necessary to complete each card, creative ways to add details to the cards, step by step directions with illustrations, and even a template for creating an envelope for the finished product.

My seven year old daughter and I decided to make three cards. The flower pot card was the easiest. Once she learned how to make the pop up box for the inside of the card, then the frog prince card was easier for her to finish. Her favorite was the flapping butterfly. The only assistance needed here dealt with the accordion folds for the pop up butterfly.

The difficulty level of the card varies. Many card making techniques are introduced in this book. There are plenty of colorful preprinted pictures to use to make the cards. The child is encouraged to use their imagination once they make a few cards following the directions. 

I think you and your child will enjoy making cards using Linda and Elise's book.
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Book Review - The Complete Walt Disney World Fun Finds & Hidden Mickeys: The Definitive Disney Field Guide

The Complete Walt Disney World Fun Finds & Hidden Mickeys: The Definitive Disney Field Guide

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About the Book
Think you’ve seen everything at Walt Disney World? Think again. Add a playful sense of adventure to your Disney vacation with this unique guidebook, which uses easy-to-scan lists and eye-popping color photos to reveal thousands of fascinating Fun Finds and hundreds of Hidden Mickey three-circle shapes. Written by the award-winning authors Julie and Mike Neal of The Complete Walt Disney World, it’s perfect for families, friends, couples, and Disney fans of all ages.



My Take on the Book
Reading this book will inspire you to become for appreciative of all the large and small details you will find throughout Walt Disney World. The parks, resorts, restaurants, water parks, and shopping establishments contain special hidden Mickey's and amazing specialized elements. If you are the casual observer those details are not evident. Look closely next time you visit this magical place.

The authors have done an excellent job filling this book with colored photographs and written descriptions. Each photograph is labeled and the authors tell you specifically where to find the object described.For example , if you were going to ride the attraction known as the Haunted Mansion and had this book with you, you would be able to locate the hidden Mickeys and become aware of the humor in the grave stones and the interactive section as you wait in line.

The authors make sure the reader has the history of Walt Disney World, facts about Walt Disney and the many professionals who assisted in developing it. You will read about all four of the parks, some specific attractions, and even the water parks.

If you are a Disney fan, I encourage you to add this resource to your Disney library.
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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Book Review - Moving Target

Moving Target

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About the Book
In this exciting and action-packed adventure by an award-winning author, a young girl discovers her secret ancient bloodline. The fate of her family, and the world, may rest in her hands . . .

Cassie Arroyo, an American studying in Rome, has her world ripped apart when someone tries to kill her father, an art history professor at an Italian university. Is she their next target?

Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.



My Take on the Book
This was an action-packed thrill ride and as a fan of Indiana Jones and other such series' this was a book with characters that really reminded me of the intrigue, adventure and mystery that all was intertwined together in this book. You get all of this with great characters that kids can relate to. This was such a fun read, that will get you to turn page after page after page - you will not want to stop!


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Book Review - Courage & Defiance: Stories of Spies, Saboteurs, and Survivors in World War II Denmark

Courage & Defiance: Stories of Spies, Saboteurs, and Survivors in World War II Denmark
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About the Book
Critically acclaimed Sibert Honor author Deborah Hopkinson brings to bold life the remarkable story of the Danish resistance and rescue of over 7,000 Jews during WWII.

When the Nazis invaded Denmark on Tuesday, April 9, 1940, the people of this tiny country to the north of Germany awoke to a devastating surprise. The government of Denmark surrendered quietly, and the Danes were ordered to go about their daily lives as if nothing had changed. But everything had changed.

Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson traces the stories of the heroic young men and women who would not stand by as their country was occupied by a dangerous enemy. Rather, they fought back. Some were spies, passing tactical information to the British; some were saboteurs, who aimed to hamper and impede Nazi operations in Denmark; and 95% of the Jewish population of Denmark were survivors, rescued by their fellow countrymen, who had the courage and conscience that drove them to act.

With her talent for digging deep in her research and weaving real voices into her narratives, Hopkinson reveals the thrilling truth behind one of WWII's most daring resistance movements.



About the Author
Deborah Hopkinson is the acclaimed author of over forty award-winning books, including Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt and Dear America: Hear My Sorrow. Her nonfiction books Shutting Out the Sky, an NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book and a Jane Addams Peace Award Honor book; Up Before Daybreak, a Carter G. Woodson Honor Award winner; and Titanic: Voices from the Disaster, a Sibert Honor book, have garnered much acclaim. Deborah lives with her family near Portland, Oregon.

My Take on the Book
WOW! This was an amazing story of courage, ambition and so much more. The author was so detailed in her descriptions and creating an environment that was so tangible for the reader. The book was riveting and somewhat scary. She re-creates the environment with the Nazi's taking control of Denmark and the people having no say. What was most powerful was how the author weaved in the voices of real people, sharing their experiences, and making the story so powerful. You will get lost in this story and before you know it, you will be finishing the last page (it is that compelling of a read!).





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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Cavemice: Get the Scoop, Geronimo!

Geronimo Stilton Cavemice: Get the Scoop, Geronimo!

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About the Book
Join Geronimo Stilton and explore prehistoric times in this fun spin-off series!

Sally Rockmousen, host of Old Mouse City’s Gossip Radio show and Geronimo Stiltonoot’s rival, challenges Geronimo to a hunt for news. They’re competing for journalism’s most coveted prize in prehistory! Just as Sally is on the verge of victory, Geronimo uncovers a shocking scoop. But is he in time to win?



My Take on the Book
This was a fun romp through journalism. You will find that you will be laughing (or at least smiling BIG) within the first few pages within the book. That is the best thing about this and all of the Geronimo Stilton books, you get a great story that is funny and well written. You also get great cartoons that really make the book come alive! This was a great book, that you and your kids will love reading wither together or apart!


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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton: Mouse House Hunter

Geronimo Stilton: Mouse House Hunter

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About the Book
When you're with me, Geronimo Stilton, it's always a fabu-mouse adventure!

Sally Ratmousen broke some shocking news: The Rodent's Gazette was out of money and in danger of closing. Then Grandfather William broke even worse news to me: I needed to sell my comfy, cozy house in order to save our paper! How terrible! But could I sell it -- and find a new home -- in time to help?



My Take on the Book
YIKES, the Rodent Gazette, out of money??? Will it close? This was another fun Geronimo Stilton story that you will want to read with your kids. You will laugh, groan and simply have a ton of fun while you watch and see what happens in these tight financial times! The story is a ton of fun and you will love sharing this with others too!




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Book Review - Prince Fly Guy

Prince Fly Guy

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About the Book
Once upon a time, Buzz writes a fairy tale for a class assignment and Fly Guy becomes a handsome prince!

In the latest installment of Tedd Arnold's NEW YORK TIMES bestselling Fly Guy series, Buzz has a homework assignment to write a fairy tale and he asks Fly Guy to help. Fly Guy doesn't like to think of himself as some of Buzz's suggestions--an ugly troll, a smelly pig herder--so he becomes a handsome prince instead! Prince Fly Guy flies to a dark castle, fends off a giant, and rescues a beautiful princess.

Even reluctant readers will enjoy this fun, zany story about Fly Guy's adventure in a fairy tale!



My Take on the Book
These books are always so much fun and his installment of Fly Guy also does not disappoint. The book is funny, and has memorable scenes that you will not want to forget. The story itself was cute and unique and you will see this fun character in new ways that you did not expect that you would!

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Book Review - Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: In Harm's Way

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: In Harm's Way

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About the Book
The threat to the Keepers doubles in the fourth Keepers of the School adventure from Andrew Clements, the master of the school story.

Benjamin Pratt and his friends Jill and Robert are determined to save their school from destruction! But just when it seems they’ve finally gotten the upper hand over that awful Janitor Lyman, they’re caught completely off guard by his next move: Lyman has called in reinforcements, and suddenly Benjamin, Jill, and Robert find themselves dodging not one evil janitor, but two. That’s right: Lyman’s got himself a partner. And it quickly becomes clear that Wally, the new guy, is even more corrupt and menacing than Lyman.

Luckily, Ben’s team has been growing, too. Plus, thanks to the latest safeguard, they also have a secret fund of millions of dollars. But all the money in Massachusetts isn’t enough to stop Lyman and Wally, not when they’ve come this far, and not when they are just about to put the most harmful part of their plan into play. Could the next safeguard give the Keepers what they need—or has their battle to save the school already been sunk?

My Take on the Book
My family loves mysteries, and this book, as a part of a larger series, is a great one for any mystery lover! The author has created some very strong characters that you will find have great courage, but also great loyalty. That being said I was very impressed with how well this book also holds onto its' secrets when it comes to the mystery held within. There were twists and turns and the author keeps you guessing. The book also touches on some deeper topics such as the possible divorce of a child's parents. Best of all, was the relationships and bonds between the three main characters. The author truly creates deep characters that you can relate to, and ones that grow throughout the book too.


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Book Review - Scholastic Almanac for Kids 2016

Scholastic Almanac for Kids 2016

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About the Book
Updated for 2016 with the newest, most exciting facts and stats.

Need help with studying? Love trivia? Just want to impress your friends or teachers? The Scholastic Almanac for Kids 2016 has information about practically everything! If you have questions, this book has answers. Packed with hundreds of facts, stats, and all of the info you need to keep boredom away and get your homework done. The 2016 edition features an eye-catching cover, completely updated facts and stats throughout, and new pop-culture sections.

My Take on the Book
Get ready for 2016 early with this fact-filled book that includes everything that will help you to be the trivia king or queen in your home, school or anywhere. This book is filled with so many facts, stats and more, you will be blown away by the breadth and depth of the book, as well as the full-color beautiful images placed throughout the book as well. My eldest daughter was particularly intrigued by the pop-culture section and came down after reading this spouting off tons of information about some of her favorite musicians, actors etc. This was a very complete almanac for young readers that I would highly recommend!

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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy: The Phoenix of Destiny

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About the Book
An adventure of epic proportions!

I, Geronimo Stilton, had returned to the Kingdom of Fantasy on the wings of the Phoenix of Destiny! Blossom, Queen of the Fairies, needed my help once again.

But Blossom was behaving strangely. She sent me off on quest after magical quest, each one more bizarre and dangerous than the last. It felt like my missions were building up to something truly terrible right under my snout. Could my friends and I put things right again? It's a story full of twists and turns, mazes and puzzles, and tons of fantastical creatures!

My Take on the Book
This was an epic Geronimo Stilton book. At over 500 pages this is an adventure grander than any other Geronimo Stilton book I have read thus far (and my daughters and I have read a lot of them!). That being said, this book was filled with almost every type of creature you could think of, and you will be able to truly dust off your imagination to have a ton of fun in the world that Geronimo is exploring. That being said, the book was a fun read, and with all of the illustrations included, while it is over 500 pages, you get through it in no time. Since we received it, both my 7.5 and 11 year old daughters have read this and loved it too. This is a great book, and even if you have not read the other books in this arm of the Geronimo Stilton series, you will still love this as a stand-alone book!


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Book Review - The Real Princess Diaries


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About the Book
This inside look at real-life princesses will explore the true and often inspiring stories behind happily ever after.

A deep dive into the royal world of a princess! Featuring princesses from around the world and all of time. The Real Princess Diaries explores everything it means to be royal. Each spread includes portraits of the princesses, in-depth bios, crowning achievements, and family trees. Learn which princesses have official royal duties, and which ones simply reign. Plus bonus sidebars about ladies in waiting, the crowned jewels, royal outfits, and princes, this will be the definitive royal guide. Full-color photos, with a modern layout make this a must read for princess fans everywhere.

My Take on the Book
For my two girls this was book that was very exciting for them to read. They have grown up knowing that there were real princesses in the world, but not really knowing much about them. This book walks the reader through getting to know these women in a much more intimate way. The book was an easy read, and by the end it really made them want to explore even more, and they hit the internet and our local library for more information. This was a fun and educational read for them and it will be for your kids too!


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Book Review - Ripley's Believe It Or Not Special Edition

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Special Edition

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About the Book
Another year's worth of wild and wacky information from Ripley's Believe It or Not!

This new special edition features 144 pages of awesomely weird information and photos, behind a cover with eye-catching special effects! From a life-size gingerbread house in Texas to a real underwater city in China, or a dolphin with an artificial tail to an ex-soldier with a bionic arm--you really won't believe it until you see it!



My Take on the Book
This book was filled with so many amazing facts, figures, people and more! I am always amazed at how many things I do not know when I read through this book and how many crazy, bizarre and strange things that people will do to be listed! My daughters love reading through this and while some of the things gross them out, I think that they remain intrigued by everything (and so do I too). All-in-all this was a great book, with amazing photos and facts. You will have hours of reading and learning fun ahead of you if you select this book through the link above!



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Book Review - LEGO Elves: Quest For The Keys

LEGO Elves: Quest For The Keys

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About the Book
Welcome to the enchanted world of LEGO(R) Elves, where building a magical adventure is just the turn of a key away!

When Emily Jones was walking through her grandmother's garden, she never dreamed she would end up in another world. But after crossing through a secret portal, Emily finds herself in Elvendale, the mystical land of the elves... with no way to leave!

Luckily, she meets the elves of fire, earth, wind, and water. Together they set off on a quest to find four legendary keys that have the power to open the portal to Emily's world. But it will take imagination and courage for them to succeed as they encounter riddles and powerful magic on their way. Can they unlock the mystery and get Emily back home?

Young readers will be enchanted by this exciting chapter book series based on the newest LEGO(R) Elves toys!

My Take on the Book
A very cute, short book that introduces you to Emily and the Elves of Elvendale. The book has some great action and the author does a great job at creating characters that were memorable and ones that you will want to see in future books! The book was a fast paced read and one that will make you wanting to head into your own backyard to see what you can find, seeing if you can find your own secret portal!


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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Spacemice: Rescue Rebellion



Geronimo Stilton Spacemice: Rescue Rebellion

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About the Book
Geronimo Stilton meets outer space in this cosmically fun spin-off series!

Geronimo Stiltonix and his crew head to the planet Jurassix to warn its inhabitants of a giant comet heading straight toward them! But the creatures there turn out to be ferocious, dinosaur-like beasts . . . who like to eat rodents. Squeak! Can the spacemice save these aliens and still make it out alive?

My Take on the Book
Another great addition to the Spacemice series! If your child enjoys science-fiction, they would love this book. Filled with high-paced action and great illustrations throughout, you will get great insights into the world of these mice through humor, intrigue and action. My daughter read this and right after she wanted to go to our local library to get the rest of the books from this series!


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Book Review - LEGO Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III


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About the Book
This hilarious and action-packed story is perfect for LEGO(R) Star Wars fans of any age!

With the whole galaxy falling apart, it's up to Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda, and the rest of the Jedi Knights to save the day. But Palpatine needs help and asks Anakin to join the Dark side. Will Anakin become the greatest Jedi Knight or will be become the galaxy's biggest bully?


My Take on the Book
This book takes this Star Wars episode in a completely new direction, adds humor and a ton of fun! The book was a quick read, but completely fun to read as a family. If you are a Star Wars fan, you will love this book!


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Friday, July 24, 2015

Hungry Girl Pizzas Make Dinner Easy


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About the Pizza

From the kitchens of Hungry Girl comes the delicious, portion-controlled pizza you've been waiting for, yes, Hungry Girl Original Pizza !

With a crispy sprouted-grain crust, real Wisconsin cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, this pizza is perfect for any occasion. Take it to the office for lunch or serve it to your family on pizza night! The best part? Each individual pizza is high in fiber with 280 calories or less!

My Take on the Pizza
My family loves a good pizza, but the challenge is that it is not always healthy and definitely not always easy to have around. All that changes with the new Hungry Girl Original Pizza. This pizza is fresh - you find it in the Deli section. The pizzas are personal sized and perfect for at home meals. The pizzas cooked quickly, were thin but had amazing flavor in general. For quick dinners or a dinner that you know is healthy, Hungry Girl pizzas are a great addition to any family kitchen. Best of all I was able to find this at my local Meijer, so it was very convenient too!

 
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Thursday, July 23, 2015

The Samson Meteorite May Be Small But It Is A Powerful Microphone!



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About the Microphone
Upgrade the audio quality of your video blog, improve your skype conversations, and accesorize your desktop with the sleek Samson Meteorite USB microphone. Featuring a magnetic stand for optimal positioing, the ultra portable Meteorite USB Microphone provides studio quality audio to your computer at an unbelievable price. The Meteorite is easy to use, just plug it in using the attached USB cable and start recording or communicating with natural and detialed audio. The Meteorite is compatible with iPad and iphone using the appropriate adapters..




My Take on the Microphone
This small microphone takes up so little space, but it picks up a ton of sound and really provides high quality for recording purposes. I loved how the microphone simply sits in the magnetic cradle ans wirelessly connects to the base - talk about high-tech! The audio quality for the microphone was very clear and I had a hard time noticing a difference between this and my other microphone, except for the fact that I did not have a wind screen in front of this one as I do for the other one that I own.

For the price for how small this microphone was I was very impressed with the microphone itself. You get a ton of power in the petite size of this microphone!

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