Book Review - Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath

About the Book
In book one of the series, our heroes' destiny is tied to the past, when a prince named Hrothgar begins a quest for power—one that leads him to a fiery dragon, an enchanted sword, and an oath sworn in blood. But when Hrothgar breaks his oath he breaks his kingdom, and the only thing that will save it is a family he’s forgotten and heroes not yet born…


My Take on the Book
Alexis E. Fajardo was inspired to write this book after reading the epic poem BEOWULF, THE KID BEOWULF. This is the first book in his series.

The story is full of fantasy and unusual characters like sea serpents, a dragon, monsters, and more. There is adventure and challenges for Beowulf. Beowulf finds out about his past history and that is important for the reader to know as you read the story which involves the present situations he finds himself involved in as the story progresses.

The story is written in a comic book style. The book is colorfully illustrated. It is easy to see the emotions of the characters and for the reader to experience fear, elation, anxiousness, etc.

There are battles to fight with other characters and monsters. It is a fast moving exciting story which an older child would probably enjoy.

The author included at the end of the book short biographies describing the major characters. There is a map of the area in which the story takes place. The author included information about the Beowulf epic poem and its origins. The reader has a few pages of key words used in the story that are defined.

If you have an older child who enjoys action packed adventure stories which include fantasy, you might want to consider this book.
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Nepali Trekker Tiger Stripe 5x8" Leather Journal Brings Paper To A Whole New Level

About the Journal

The Kathmandu Valley Co. journals are handmade in the Himalayas of Nepal. 

The rustic paper is also handmade and comes from the Nepali Lokta bush. The fibrous inner bark of the Lokta bush is cooked into a mash and then hand applied to boxed screens. The paper forms as the mash dries in the Himalayan sun and is assembled into our journals in Kathmandu.

Lokta Paper is non-tree source (the Lokta bushes regrow quickly after being cut), and the paper is resistant to humidity, mildew, and insect damage and has been a product of Nepal for over 1,000 years. It is still used today for official Nepalese government documents.

The Trekker Tiger Stripe journal is made from strips of water buffalo leather, vegetable-tanned with black walnut husks for the dark brown and mimosa bark for the caramel color.

My Take on the Journal
This was a beautiful journal that was amazing in the way that it was created. The paper that was included was so lightweight, but also was very cool as it was made from something that was not trees. I love the story behind the making of this journal. The bushes that these are made of make paper that is a bit fibrous, but that being said the paper is still easy to write on and being that the journal was lightweight I could take this with me anywhere that I wanted to. The journal was well put together and was held together solidly too. The outside has a nice leather feel and even smells of leather too. This was a wonderful journal that really has encouraged me to start journaling again!

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Book Review - The Minimalist Mom: How to Simply Parent Your Baby

About the Book
The Minimalist Mom isn't a manual for your first year with your new baby. It also isn't a long list of unnecessary things to buy. It's an intentional guide to living with less and enjoying your brand-new life with baby more. By learning how to clear the things you don't need--expensive baby gear, piles of tiny clothes, a new SUV, an overscheduled calendar--you'll be able to simply and joyfully embrace the space, time, money, and peace they leave behind.



My Take on the Book
This was a great book that will help any new parent as they are figuring out what to purchase in the first year of life for your child. What was great about this book was that it showed you that you do not need to worry about getting the most expensive things to be a good parent, but you have to be smart about the decisions and the products that you will want to consider when you become a parent. This is a great book that has a ton of great ideas and resources!


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Book Review - Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch

About the Book
The third novel in Serena Valentino's (Fairest of All, Beast Within) 'VILLAINS' trilogy, featuring the story of the Little Mermaid from the perspective of the sea witch Ursula



My Take on the Book
This is a new look on a great story that everyone knows. You get a good feel for Ursula but you get to see the story of The Little Mermaid through Ursula's eyes. This is a great story and as someone that loves to be surprised, this story delivered. You really get to experience the story in a new way. The book is so much fun!!!

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Book Review - The Amateurs

About the Book
As soon as Seneca Frazier sees the post on the Case Not Closed website about Helena Kelly, she's hooked. Helena's high-profile disappearance five years earlier is the one that originally got Seneca addicted to true crime. It's the reason she's a member of the site in the first place. So when Maddy Wright, her best friend from the CNC site, invites Seneca to spend spring break in Connecticut looking into the cold case, she immediately packs her bag. But the moment she steps off the train in trendy, glamorous Dexby, things begin to go wrong. Maddy is nothing like she expected, and Helena's sister, Aerin Kelly, seems completely hostile and totally uninterested in helping with their murder investigation. But when Brett, another super user from the site, joins Seneca and Maddy in Dexby, Aerin starts to come around. The police must have missed something, and someone in Dexby definitely has information they've been keeping quiet. As Seneca, Brett, Maddy, and Aerin begin to unravel dark secrets and shocking betrayals about the people closest to them, they seem to be on the murderer's trail at last. But somewhere nearby the killer is watching . . . ready to do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried. First in a new series by the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Pretty Little Liars series, Sara Shepard, The Amateurs is packed with the twists and turns, steamy romance, and stunning revelations that her fans have been waiting for.


My Take on the Book
This was a great mystery that has intrigue, adventure and more. The characters are ones that are are slowly unveiled throughout the story and while you do not know what is happening at first, clues emerge and you are able to try and unpack the mystery for yourself. Be aware though that there are a ton of great twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the book. This was the type of book that was exciting and will draw you in further and further as you read along. I did not want to stop and you will not either!


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DVD Review - Transformers Robots In Disguise: Mission Discovery

About the DVD
Your favorite robots in disguise — Bumblebee, Strongarm, Sideswipe and Grimlock — along with their human allies, Denny and Russell, return with five new adventures, continuing their quest to recapture the band of evil Decepticon prisoners that have escaped and hidden on Earth!


Bonus Features

• Toy Featurette

My Take on the DVD
For anyone that is a fan of the transformers  this is a great DVD that will truly has some great action and battles. You will find that this has some great stories within it and that you will see the transformers coming together as a great team. My girls loved watching this and to be honest so did I!!

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Book Review - Disney Parks Presents: The Haunted Mansion

About the Book
The song "Grim Grinning Ghosts," composed in the late 1960s, continues to reside in the dark corridors and spooky cemetery of the Haunted Mansion. Millions of guests leave the mansion with not only a hitchhiking ghost but also this jaunty tune catching a ride all the way home.

In this hardcover jacketed picture book, James Gilleard's shadowy, textured illustrations accompany the lyrics of the classic song, and together they take readers on a guided tour deeper and deeper into the mansion, from the portrait gallery and seance room to the grand hall, the creepy attic, and more.

This charming picture book including a CD featuring the song "Grim Grinning Ghosts" is the first of the Disney Parks Presents picture books.



My Take on the Book
I know from the moment I opened the book (even without the CD) I found myself singing the Grim Grinning Ghosts song to myself. This has always been a song I loved hearing when visiting the mansion for myself. The book walks you through parts of the ride with wonderful images and a great cadence.  The book will have you humming, singing and simply having a great time with your whole family.

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Book Review - The King of Kazoo

About the Book
Scatterbrained Cornelius, King of Kazoo, and his resourceful daughter, Bing, explore a mysterious cave at the top of Mount Kazoo. There they discover a famous alchemist named Quaf is planning a dangerous and forbidden experiment. Now Cornelius, Bing, and the brilliant royal inventor Torq must go all out to stop Quaf before his crazy undertaking threatens the entire kingdom.




My Take on the Book
This is a great story that has a great story. The characters are very memorable and you will find that you are drawn into the story. My daughters love graphic novels and this had a plot filled with adventure, humor and more. The art in this was wonderful and by the end you will be wanting more or at least this is what we wanted!

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Book Review - How to Write Your Best Story Ever!

About the Book
Aspiring writers love to dream up stories…but getting them down on paper may be a challenge. That's where How to Write Your Best Story Ever! can help. This book is bursting with creative ways to help youngsters craft all types of stories. Helpful features include:

• Hints and tips to create amazing characters and settings
• Story Sparks to help young writers come up with exciting plots
• Word Webs that offer choices that add flair to stories
• Ways to wrap it all up with a brilliant ending
• Inspiration along the way from fantastic fiction and advice from bestselling authors
• Chapters devoted to writing stories such as Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction, Mash-ups, and more

With this essential guide to writing and a little bit of imagination, kids can write their best story ever!



My Take on the Book
My daughter loves to write stories. This book is filled with a ton of great tips and resources about how to come to come up with an amazing story and to collect and write a coherent story that people will want to read over and over again. The book was easy to read and my daughter learned so much as it came to writing a quality story and as you or your kids read this you will learn more too!

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Book Review - If You Were Me and Lived in...the American West

About the Book
Join Carole P. Roman and travel through time to visit the most interesting civilizations throughout history in her exciting new series. Learn what kind of food you might eat on the Oregon Trail, the clothes you wore in in the American West, what your name could be in the 19th century, and what children did for fun once their many chores were done. If You Were Me and Lived in...does for history what her other award-winning series did for culture. So get on-board this time-travel machine and discover the world through the eyes of a young person just like you.



My Take on the Book
Carole P. Roman has written an excellent nonfiction book for children about family life if you lived when many were traveling by covered wagon from the eastern part of the U.S. to the western part of the U.S. Carole researches her topic extensively and writes books in such a way that they are interesting for adults and children. She uses details and makes sure terms are defined. She always includes a glossary and other interesting facts at the end of many of her books.

In this book your child will learn first hand what it would have been like to live in the days of the migration from east to west. There are details about the food eaten, where they slept on the trail, the people they met, the chores the children had to do each day, and the emotions and difficulties of trail life.

Paula Tabor's illustrations complement the text beautifully.

I recommend this book as an avenue for parents to educate their children on this important time in the history of our country. It is a way to illustrate how brave these travelers were and the challenges they met for a better life.

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Book Review - Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World: Famous Artists and the Children Who Knew Them

About the Book
Children will be delighted by this newest addition to the highly-acclaimed Anholt's Artists Books for Children series. This time, award-winning author and illustrator Laurence Anholt tells the charming story of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World. When a little girl named Mariana is sent to have her portrait painted by Frida, she is scared. "Well, that's okay," Frida tells her. "Everyone feels scared sometimes. Now take my hand and let's go inside." Soon, Mariana meets all of Frida's pets, from a handsome parrot and funny spider monkey to a little dog, baby deer, and beautiful eagle. Frida's home is full of wonders, and her studio is brimming with strange but beautiful paintings. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida's life, and begins to think of her as the bravest woman in the world. Frida thinks Mariana is very special too--and she's got a wonderful surprise in store for her! Once again, Laurence Anholt inspires children with this much-loved art history series, which has sold more than one million copies around the world. The story, enhanced with Anholt's illustrations on every page, include several that are reproductions of Kahlo's famous paintings.



My Take on the Book
Before reading this lovely book, I had not heard of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. She was an amazing woman who died very young. The illustrations included in the book, were portraits of a family and this is how Frida met the young Mariana who was to become a cherished life long friend.

The story is told through Mariana who visited Frida. Frida was going to paint her portrait. As the painting sessions began, Mariana and Frida became good friends and loved each other very much.

Frida had endured many health and physical challenges in her life. She took on those challenges head on to become a strong and independent woman. Frida died at the young age of 47 years old.

Laurence Anholt has written other books about famous artists. Some of those artists are Picasso, Monet, Degas, and Leonardo. After reading this book, I would love to read his other nonfiction books.
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Book Review - Brunhilda's Backwards Day

About the Book
Brunhilda the witch loves making trouble. Each morning, she wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, puts on her ugliest dress, eats spider mush for breakfast, and brushes her teeth with candy. Then she looks in the mirror and happily observes, “You are utterly repulsive!” As soon as she leaves the house, she begins to spread her misery. No one is safe from her rainy-day spells or her wart-growing charms!

But one night, Brunhilda’s cat makes trouble instead.

When Brunhilda wakes up that next morning, she is on the right side of the bed. All she can find to wear is a fluffy pink ball gown. And her spider mush is replaced with oatmeal; her candy replaced by toothpaste! The day has gone completely backwards. What will happen when Brunhilda casts her all-time favorite misery-inducing spells?

This is a silly story about how sometimes being nice can be more rewarding than being mean. Brunhilda may decide to keep some of her warts in the end, but she’s a changed witch. Waking up on the wrong side of the bed just doesn’t work for her anymore.

A picture book for 3 to 6 year olds, this book teaches kids that being kind and nice to people actually makes you feel better than playing tricks and being mean. A good lesson for young children, teachers and parents will enjoy the message while kids will be enthralled with the bright, colorful illustrations and the silly, warty witch.




My Take on the Book
Shawna's story is meant for a young child. It is a delightful and funny story to read and enjoy with a young child. 

I enjoyed this story immensely. It put a smile on my face and was heartwarming to see how the author wove Brunhilda's trouble making antics into something positive. The author also illustrated beautifully how Brunhilda enjoyed the positive feedback she received when something she did made someone happy.

For example: on Brunhilda's backwards day, she was going to upset a little boy by making his ice cream cone fall to the ground. What happened instead was the ice cream cone grew more scoops and of course you can imagine the surprise and elation of the young child.

The author illustrated her story with beautiful pictures which showed the details of the emotions and added to the humorous events. 

I believe you and your child will enjoy reading this story together often.
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The Penlic Mouse R2 Wireless Promotes Happy Hands

About the Penlic Mouse R2 Wireless

Happy Hands

The Penclic Mouse places superior navigation at your fingertips. This ergonomic mouse will make day to day working and surfing more efficient.

Penclic Mouse looks, feels and moves like a pen. Simple to use, it offers users the ability to benefit from the natural control we all have in our fingertips and hands. The mouse provides a refreshingly different user experience when compared to a standard mouse. The mouse is so easy to use it feels like a natural extension to your hand, allowing comfort and precision.

The clever Scandinavian design of the Penclic Mouse creates a relaxed working hand posture. It allows the forearm to rest on the work surface whilst moving the mouse cursor around the computer screen precisely, quickly and effectively. Penclic Mouse helps to prevent static tension in arms, shoulders and neck.

Features:

• Unique, intuitive and comfortable design
• 5 buttons and scroll wheel
• Laser sensor
• USB connection
• Easy set up - no extra software/driver installation needed
• Operates on almost any surface without any pad or tablet

The Penlic Mouse R2 Wireless costs $80 from The Human Solution 

My Take on the Penlic Mouse R2 Wireless

This is a great mouse that is so unique. Upon looking at the mouse you will see that it is different that any other mouse you have ever seen before, at least it was for me. I have found that over time I get pain from clicking a typical mouse, but this one is very different and allows you to change the way in which you control your computer.

With this mouse, as you use it you will feel like you are holding a pen. The buttons on the pen itself take a little to get used to, but once you do it works quite well and you can really control your your computer easily.

I have been using this now for about a month and in this time I've found that the pain in my hands has lessened dramatically and even the pain in my forearm that I had been dealing with for about 6 months was less too.

As you use this you will see that it feels like you are holding a pen or pencil and the grip and feel is very natural.

It took a little to get used to the fact that the scroll on the device was on the pen itself instead of on the body of the device.

With the way that this is set up it is set to be a stable unit used in one place and not taken from place to place which is fine, but it is something to be aware of prior to purchase.

All-in-all though this was a great ergonomic mouse that helped the pain I have. If you are looking for a mouse that will help you this is one to consider!

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Book Review - Foxcraft: The Elders

About the Book
Isla's search for her missing brother, Pirie, has brought her to the vast Wildlands. The forest is a treacherous place for a fox cub, but Isla is talented in foxcraft -- ancient arts of cunning known only to her kind.

Skilled though she is, Isla's grasp of foxcraft is still new. And she's not alone... A cruel and mysterious fox stalks the forest, with the power to enslave others to his will. In order to survive, Isla must learn to trust in the rustic Wildlands foxes.

But there are tales of others -- a council of Elders who are masters of foxcraft, and who warily guard its most potent secrets. If Isla wishes to master her gifts and find her brother, then the Elders may be her only hope.



My Take on the Book
This was a great book with an amazing group of characters. The nice thing in this book is that there is a great plot within the book and with the few storylines that were happening you will be drawn in from page one and you will enjoy the book tremendously throughout the entire time that you are reading the book too. As a sequel this was a great add-on to the series!


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