DVD Review - Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove

About the Book
Relive every touching moment of the “uncynical, lulling and sweet” (People Magazine) drama, when “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove” Season Onecaptivates on DVD July 15 from Cinedigm. Starring Andie MacDowell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Hallmark Channel’s first-ever original scripted series is based on the bestselling book series by #1 New York Timesbestselling author, Debbie Macomber, a leading voice in women’s fiction with more than 160 million copies of her books in print. “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove” was number one in its time slot during its entire first season run, elevating Hallmark Channel to the number one cable network on Saturdays from 8-9 pm.

Co-starring Dylan Neal (50 Shades of Grey) and filled with breathtaking scenery, the touching drama follows municipal judge Olivia Lockhart (MacDowell) who resides in the small town of Cedar Cove. Recovering from both a divorce and the death of her son, Lockhart works to find a balance between the challenges of her family and her career, while a potential new romance arises.

The second season of the fan-favorite series will debut on Sunday, July 20 on Hallmark Channel.




My Take on the Book
If you enjoyed Season 1 of Cedar Cove on the Hallmark channel last year, you will want to acquire this DVD of all 13 episodes and behind the scenes footage. It was released just in time before the Season 2 began last week. Remembering where the characters came from, the events that took place, the individuals with their challenges, and looking ahead to where the story will lead to next is all part of reviewing the DVD available. I enjoyed watching the 13 episodes again, but liked it even more because there were no commercials to interrupt the story. If you welcome Cedar Cove's second season, I think you will enjoy reviewing the first again.


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Loom Band It: 60 Rubberband Projects for the Budding Loomineer

About the Book
Crafting for kids is back in a big way, but don't take our word for it. Just check the arms, fingers, and even feet of kids around the nation. They're all wearing super funky accessories made of multicolored rubber bands! Woven by hand, or with a small inexpensive loom, rubber band crafts are the latest craze, inspiring both boys and girls to put down their digital devices and start looming unique items to wear, share, and sell.


My Take on the Book
Using small rubber bands of various colors to make decorative objects , with our without a special loom, is a popular craft. For the child who enjoys this craft, like my girls, this book offers a wide range of projects to choose from.

There are bracelets, rings, earrings, pencil grips, hot drink holders, and various 3D animals and other objects.

The authors included detailed photographs and step by step directions. On some pages diagrams of the loom were included too. The projects ranged from beginner to advanced.

If your child enjoys using these bands to make projects, I feel this book will offer many hours of craft fun.



----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Reality Shock!

About the Book
Reality Shock! is the 2015 edition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! bestselling annual series. This incredible collection is loaded with unbelievable facts, amazing stories, and incredible animals. With amazing photography, zany stories and unbelievable facts and figures, this book is sure to be a favorite with adults and children alike.

Reality Shock! Is filled with more of the amazing facts, unbelievable stories and extraordinary photography that makes Ripley’s Believe It or Not! so popular. Read all about the amazing things that people all over the world have done- from insane stunts to crazy traditions. Take a closer look at the extraordinary images nature produces, such as mutated animals and amazingly impossible vistas. Crystal clear photography paired with zany stories, amazing facts and figures that are undeniably true but incredibly hard to believe will make this book a must have for every household.


My Take on the Book
This book is the latest collection of stories and photographs and facts. As I read each page I was amazed that the information of the entries was true . Some seemed beyond real.

Some of the fascinating topics covered were: dangerous walkways, a man who pokes out his eye for a religious festival, and interesting facts about Sir Ernest Shackleton who saved his crew when they were stuck in the Antarctic.

Many photos were so unusual.

There were so many stories and factual information. You could read for hours and return to reread.



----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - The Student Bible Dictionary

About the Book
Here's a concise, easy-to-use Bible reference book especially for students of all ages who seek to learn more about the Bible and its times. The Student Bible Dictionary features definitions and explanations of hundreds of Bible words, names, places, and concepts. Scores of full color charts, maps, photographs, and illustrations help to clarify the text, and add visual appeal. Special color coding, meanwhile, adds special emphasis to important topics-which feature additional information geared toward the student reader. From AARON (AIRn). Older brother of and early spokesman for Moses (Ex. 4:14-16). Became Israel's first high priest. The Aaronic priesthood (priests of the tribe of Levi) was named for him (ex. 28:1; 29; Lev. 8; Num. 18) to ZIPPORAH (zip POH ruh). Wife of Moses and daughter Jethro, also called Reuel, priest of Midian (ex. 2:16-21; 3:1)the Student Bible Dictionary is a whole library of accessible, useful information!


My Take on the Book
This is an excellent Bible dictionary. If you read the Bible, teach a Bible study class, or read Bible stories to your children, you find this to be a great resource.

The authors included easy to understand definitions with specific examples and references to Bible verses. There were excellent photographs of places and photographs of paintings related to the definitions. The dictionary was easy to use.

This would be a wonderful gift for someone who uses the Bible frequently.


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Hank Has a Dream

About the Book
In this poetic tale, Hank dreams that he can fly. Come along for the ride as he recreates the dream for his little friend. How far will Hank fly? What will he see? How high will he go? These dreamland mysteries capture his friend's imagination and they will capture yours too. The enchanting images of Rebecca Dudley's meticulously crafted dioramas set the scene for this gentle fantasy. Readers will set sail, gliding through Hank's world as he discovers the wonders of flight and the magic of friendship. This gentle, uplifting fantasy by the author of the bestselling Hank Finds an Egg highlights the magic of friendship and lets young readers' imagination soar. Rebecca Dudley's highly praised, hand-crafted dioramas and characters -- combined with minimal text -- will entertain and delight.


My Take on the Book
Rebecca has written a sweet story for young children. The beautiful dioramas she created to illustrate the story make you feel you are right there with the main character as he tells his dream to his hummingbird friend. It is almost like a 3D experience.

Hanks dream takes him flying, walking through woods, visiting the sea, swinging on a vine, and floating down a river.

What other adventures will Hank experience? Maybe you and your child could use your imaginations to create a Hank story too.



----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Counta Block

About the Book
Following on the heels of a successful abecedary, Countablock features thick pages cut into the shape of each numeral, creating a peek-through guessing game around the number form itself. One acorn becomes . . . one oak tree! From snowmen to puddles and eggs to chicks, quantities are illustrated twice: both before and after their “transformations.” As children interact with the pages, they will familiarize themselves not only with the numbers 1–100 and associated quantities, but with each numeral’s physicality—angles, holes, and curves, both front and back. Die-cut numerals include 1–10, and 20–100 by tens. Illustrated by hip British design team Peskimo, this fresh take on the 1-2-3s encourages readers to manipulate numbers in a whole new way.



My Take on the Book
This is a creative counting book. It goes the extra mile to make it fun to read and fun to count. It takes your child counting from 1 to 100 in very imaginative ways. You and your child will enjoy the book together. There were many pages that made me laugh because of the humor infused in the text. Such creative writing by this author.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism

About the Book
Psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas puts her gentle, yet straightforward approach to work in this new addition to Barron's highly acclaimed A First Look At...Series. This book will help children understand what autism is and how it affects someone who has it. A wonderful catalyst for discussion that will help children to better understand and support autistic classmates or siblings. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them. Full-color illustrations on every page.


My Take on the Book
If your child has autism or you know a child with autism, this is an excellent book to read to your children so they can understand the challenges a child with autism has in our world.

Pat Thomas has written a story that explains autism beautifully in terms children would understand. Children will be able to relate to the circumstances and events that children take for granted and are more difficult for children with autism.

Today our classrooms have children with many talents and challenges. Your children are part of that classroom and community so for them to understand differences in children is a priority. Anyone who has challenges because they are different need compassion and understanding. It begins with the adults who help children learn about the challenges these children face and to become friends with them in their own way. I believe this book is a great resource to assist with the understanding.



----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - I Am Feeling Bashful: A First Look at Shyness

About the Book
Psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas puts her gentle, yet straightforward approach to work in this new addition to Barron's highly acclaimed A First Look At...Series. Everyone feels shy at times, even grown-ups and other children who seem very brave. But excessive shyness may leave children feeling lonely and left out. This book will help children take the first steps toward feeling more confident. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them. Full-color illustrations on every page.


My Take on the Book
Shyness is an emotion many of us feel in some time of our life. This book deals with shyness in children. It does an excellent job of explaining what shyness is and possible causes. . It has some insight into how this shyness can be overcome.

I feel this is an excellent story to share with chlldren.



----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Don't Call Me Fat!: A First Look at Being Overweight

About the Book
Psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas puts her gentle, yet straightforward approach to work in this new addition to Barron's highly acclaimed A First Look At...Series. This book explores why someone might be overweight, gives advice on fitness and diet, and discusses how some people are bullied because of their weight. It also provides guidance for a healthier lifestyle as well as notes for adults. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them. Full-color illustrations on every page.

My Take on the Book
We constantly hear about obesity in children. Often a discussion with children who are overweight is difficult if not avoided. Pat Thomas has written a story which is sensitive and factual and will help adults with a discussion with children.

The book illustrates the possible causes of obesity in children and then the challenges those children encounter in society, their families and in school . Bullying is so common in our schools today and often children who are overweight are victims of comments by other children.

I feel this book can be an excellent resource for parents and teachers. I feel it will assist them with a discussion of obesity and bullying. The children that are overweight have feelings, talents ,and want to be friends with other children. We need to encourage our children to be more compassionate and understanding of those with weight challenges.



----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Disney Club Penguin Launches Music Jam Event

Disney Club Penguin today launches its annual Music Jam event, letting players rock out alongside penguins inspired by players’ favorite Disney music stars. In the Music Jam event, players can watch their favorite artists perform on the all-new musical cruise ship, and then make music with the new SoundStudio.

While on the Music Jam cruise, players will be able check out performances from DJ Cole Plante, Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Violetta and Cadence on the cruise’s main stage, eat at the buffet, stomp out rhythms together in the Engine room and watch as day turns to night on-board. With the new SoundStudio, all players can make unique music mixes. Members will be able to save their music creations and share them with others in the Dance Club where all players can ‘like’ the music.

Additional Music Jam activities include:

• Brand new single from Cadence and the Penguin Band, “Best Day Ever”
• New nautical outfits and Music Jam styles for members to enjoy
• Music Jam prizes to unlock every other day for all players
• An exciting new Tour Bus Igloo and music-inspired furniture for members
• Cadence and the Penguin Band mascot appearances

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

DVD Review - Wrinkles

About the DVD
Wrinkles is a 2011 Spanish animated drama film directed by Ignacio Ferreras, based on the comic book with the same title by Paco Roca. The story is set in a retirement home and revolves around the friendship between two elderly men, one of them in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.


My Take on the DVD
I am a fan of animation of all sorts and seeing this for the first time, I have to say that I am a fan. This was a fun story that really drew me in and kept me engaged from beginning to end. I love the writing in the story itself and see that the writers really wanted you to grapple with all aspects of the film and what it was trying to say. This is to say that you experience the humor of the situation, while understanding the reality and the horror of disease that is prevalent in some of the residents of the home. You come to love the characters, or at least I did, and you do not want ill things happening to them, although you know that this is ultimately the reality of what will happen for most. I appreciated the message that was being shared as it is not always something that is shared, but all of us have to deal with this and understand the reality. The movie is not dark or heavy, but instead light and fun and in the end you truly do come to love the characters and what they represent for all of us.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

DVD Review - Magic School Bus: Takes a Dive

About the DVD
Wahoo! Welcome aboard The Magic School Bus! Are you ready for a wild ride? Grab a seat and hang on for three episodes of the Emmy Award-winning animated science-adventure series based on the best-selling books. Watch as Ms. Frizzle transforms her magic bus and encourages exploration and discovery from the smallest cell to the largest galaxy.

Dive into oceanic and wetland adventures with three Frizzle-tastic episodes:

GOES TO MUSSEL BEACH: Ms. Frizzle’s Uncle Shelby wants the class to look after his beachfront property. The kids soon discover that this “luxurious” accommodation is only a tiny spot on the shoreline. Topic: Tidal Zones

GETS SWAMPED: Should Walkerville get rid of the swamp and replace it with a new shopping mall? The class learns that the swamp is an important habitat and natural water filter, but the town council’s not convinced until…FLOOD! Topic: Wetlands

TAKES A DIVE: When Wanda discovers that one of Ms. Frizzle’s ancestors was Redbeard the Pirate, she wants to follow the treasure map he left. The map leads the class to a coral reef where they learn firsthand that life there is risky. Topic: Coral Reefs


BONUS FEATURES

One bonus episode: The Magic School Bus For Lunch, the class takes a trip through Arnold’s digestive system.
My Take on the DVD
This was a great series of episodes that not only allows you and your kids to learn, but Ms. Frizzle really takes you on an adventure and allows kids to use their imagination and learn everywhere she takes them. What I loved about these episodes as well as the books I have read with my kids is that Ms. Frizzle allows kids to know that learning can be fun and can be found in so many places in the world around them. Learning does not just happen in the classroom, which is so important for them to learn and for parents to support and nurture. I have a six year old and she still loves Ms. Frizzle and this DVD Set just sweetens the stories that we read together even more and makes Ms. Frizzle come to life outside of the pages of the book!

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

DVD Review - Eleanor's Secret

About the DVD
In a dusty old attic Nat discovers a magical library where famous storybook characters come to life. But Nat soon learns that his fairytale friends are in danger and the only way to save them is for Nat to learn to read an ancient spell.





My Take on the DVD
With the fact that my wife is a librarian, this DVD was perfect. While I had never heard of this character, now this DVD prior to watching it, I have to say that we really enjoyed it altogether and we all we entranced by the artwork and the story itself. We loved how the books and characters came to
life, as in a good book that is what we want to happen. In this movie however, the characters themselves come to life literally! The DVD offers action, adventure, a nemesis and much more, what more could you ask for! While I do not always watch foreign films, this was a great DVD, and my kids and I loved watching it and imagining a world like this for ourselves too!

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

DVD Review - Transformers Cybertron: The Complete Series

About the DVD
Unicron has been defeated, but his destruction has created a black hole, which is threatening the Autobots’ home world of Cybertron. It’s up to Optimus Prime, his team of heroic Autobots and their new human friends (Coby, Lori and Bud) to secure the four mystical Cyber Planet Keys, in order to destroy the black hole. Unfortunately, Megatron and the Decepticons are always lurking. And if the Cyber Planet Keys fall into their hands, it could mean the end of life as we know it. The race is on!



My Take on theDVD
This was a great series and one that I had yet to experience. The series itself was a thrill ride of action and with each episode I found myself wondering what would come next and whether the autobots would prevail or not! As someone that truly enjoys the Transformers I have to say that this has been one of my favorite recent series of shows to date, which says a lot! The action and the writing kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want to keep watching until the very end of the series. At the end though I said to myself, I want more, but alas I was done... so now to wait until another great series comes along!


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Creating Multicultural Change on Campus

About the Book
Embrace the best practices for initiating multicultural change in individuals, groups, and institutions

Higher education institutions have begun to take steps toward addressing multicultural issues on campuses, but more often than not, those in charge of the task have received little to no training in the issues that are paramount in serving culturally diverse students. Creating Multicultural Change on Campus is a response to this problem, offering new conceptualizations and presenting practical strategies and best practices for higher education professionals who want to foster the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for multicultural change on an institutional level. In Creating Multicultural Change on Campus, the authors of the classic text Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs delve deep into key concepts in multicultural organizational development, guiding readers who want to enact change not just at the individual level, but also at the group and institutional levels.

Readers will be introduced to frameworks that are crucial for creating inclusive, welcoming, and affirming campus environments. You'll also find comprehensive examples from several institutions along with specific examples of effective multicultural practices that are useful for real-world situations. The book:

• Provides the strategies, frameworks, and expert guidance for recognizing and addressing multicultural issues in institutions of higher learning
• Offers a rich understanding of both Multicultural Organizational Development (MCOD) and the Multicultural Change Intervention Matrix (MCIM) and how these models are important for evaluating environments and outcomes
• Is appropriate for those who serve students directly, as well as higher education leaders and administrators who create professional development programs
• Is designed as a practical guide and filled with specific examples to help readers apply strategies to their own campuses
• A much-needed resource, this book can help lead institutions toward meaningful action that will have a positive impact for all individuals in a student body and the professionals who serve them.

My Take on the Book
Creating change on campus is always hard. Creating multicultural change on campus is many times harder still. I know this first-hand, as in my professional role I am tasked to work on diversity issues within our division. Daily I work to create opportunities for people to interact, engage and more, through programs and other experiences. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't, but the challenge is that the change that I work to enact, i slow in coming and I, nor others, do not typically see this change happening quickly, which is sometimes frustrating.

As someone that really did not get any training on this role in my job description, I was please to read this book as it is an amazing resource for anyone working to create multicultural change on their own college campus. The book provides guidance, resources and more to aid people like myself through the steps that need to be taken to support students and to continue on the path toward sustainable change for campuses.

One of the things that makes this book powerful though in my opinion were the practical examples that were shared. I loved being able to read about the other campuses and gain a better picture of how the concept/idea could manifest itself into attainability on my own campus.

All-in-all this book was a great resource and I wish that I had this book long before I started in my current role. However, now that I have it, I plan to use it to the best of my ability!


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

DVD Review - Clue

About the DVD
Six very different teenagers – Dimitri, Liz, Lucas, Agnes, Seamus and Whitney – are all enjoying their everyday lives when they witness a dramatic incident. Unfairly accused of creating a hoax, they team up to find out the truth. On July 15th, 2014, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will unleash the family mystery adventure Clue: A Movie Mystery Adventure on DVD. Join the young sleuths as they work together discovering and deciphering a succession of clues.

Clue: A Movie Mystery Adventure features the beloved characters inspired by the world’s most famous crime-solving board game, Clue. Follow six very different young sleuths as they embark on a mysterious adventure beyond their imaginations. As they work as a team to discover hidden treasures, decipher cryptic knowledge, and uncover a secret society, they learn they have more in common than they thought.

Written by Raven Metzner (Elektra, Daybreak, Six Degrees) and starring Sterling Beaumon (Lost), Sarah Desjardins (Endangered), Kendall Amyre Ferguson, Ana Golja (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Stephan James (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Zach Mills (Super 8), Clue: A Movie Mystery Adventure will have you on the edge of your seat until the final exciting reveal!

My Take on the DVD
As a fan of the original movie I was intrigued to see how this would hold up. When I first heard about the DVD, I thought there might be some type of connection between the original movie and this, but it really is a completely different story with different characters and a different plot. My kids ended up watching this with me and I have to say that they were hooked from the beginning. The cast is very diverse and the actors do a great job with their characters. The writing was strong and through non-stop action you are drawn into the mysteries that are being shared with you. By the end of the movie my kids were asking whether there were any other DVD's from this series. While I do not think there is more than this, maybe there should be! This was a great DVD, with great mystery action being shared, it will keep you guessing!


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - The 39 Clues: Unstoppable: Flashpoint

About the Book
Kicking off a “39 Clues” spin-off series that will run for four episodes, this setup reunites siblings Amy and Dan Cahill with various squabbling cousins. Ruthless media tycoon J. Rutherford Pierce has stolen a serum that endows him with super powers and has set out to conquer the Earth. His grand scheme involves eliminating the Cahills, so Dan, Amy, and the others find themselves racing from Ireland to Anatolia to procure ingredients for the serum’s antidote. Meanwhile, the kids are pursued by a squad of superstrong hit men, who turn out to be astonishingly incompetent; the Cahills survive at least six assassination attempts early on in the story—but, then, the tale still has a long way to go, and it wouldn’t do to start killing off cast members yet.



My Take on the Book
First and foremost, I have to say that my daughter and I love reading this series together. We have gone from book to book always engaged, always intrigued and wanting to read more in the end (which is always a good sign of a good book). In this book you see the main characters Dan and Amy Cahill just wanting to have a normal life, but with them, this is never possible. Thus, you get drawn into the story itself with tons of action, twists and turns. My daughter and I really enjoyed this book and with the mix of adventure, humor and action, the book is a quick read and one that will make you come back for more and more.


----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com