Book Review - Making Friends

About the Book
Sometimes making a friend is a lot easier than keeping one!

Sixth grade was SO much easier for Danny. All her friends were in the same room and she knew exactly what to expect out of life. Now that she's in seventh grade, she's in a new middle school, her friends are in different classes and forming new cliques, and she is totally, completely lost. What Danny really needs is a new best friend! So when she inherits a magic sketchbook from her eccentric great-aunt in which anything she sketches in it comes to life, she draws Madison, the most amazing, perfect, and awesome best friend ever.

The thing is, even when you create a best friend, there's no guarantee they'll always be your best friend. Especially when they discover they've been created with magic!


My Take on the Book
Below is a review that my daughter wrote about this book.

I love graphic novels. When I heard about this I was excited to read this and see what I thought. As I got into the book I really liked the characters. My favorite character was Danny because she was nice and I could relate with her wanting a best friend as I cannot imagine life without the best friends that I have in my life. I found myself wishing that I had a magic sketchbook. I don't know if I would draw a best friend but I would dram a monkey as I have always wanted a pet monkey. I also loved the illustrations throughout the book. The illustrations allowed me to feel connected to the characters and the story which made me read through the book even faster than usual.



----------------------------------------
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 Major Eights 3: The Goo Disaster!

About the Book
In book three of the Major Eights series, Maggie has to ace her science fair project or she won't be able to perform with the band at the annual arts banquet!

Maggie is thrilled to perform with the Major Eights at the school's annual arts fund-raising banquet. But when Maggie's science grade starts slipping (her one difficult subject), her mom refuses to let her play at the banquet unless she can get an A on her science fair project. Can Maggie and the girls find a way to make sure Maggie aces the project?



My Take on the Book

Below is a review my daughter wrote about this book!

What I liked about the book. The Major Eights was about four girls: Becca, Jasmine, Scarlet and Maggie that are in a band together. Maggie's dad in in the Navy so he had been gone for more than 6 months. The book is mostly about Maggie and starts with Maggie as she gets a D on her science test and her teacher says she can get her grade up by doing the science fair. The problem is that the big concert that their band is in is two days before the fair which will cause problems in getting the science fair project completed.

Maggie is going to work with her neighbor Kevin to make a goo for their science project. When Maggie and her friends where practicing Kevin came in and asked if Maggie could work on the goo. She could not but Kevin asked if he could stay and watch the band and they said yes. Then something strange happens while the goo was on the speaker and while Maggie was playing the drums - the goo jumped like it was dancing.

On the day on the performance they perform great and everything goes well and even Maggie's dad can come to see the performance.

I thought it was a great book and I really enjoyed it and you will 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 - My Life in Smiley: It's All Good

About the Book
Follow the middle school misadventures of Max, as recorded in his hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid–style journal that is unconventionally illustrated with the internationally recognized emoticons of the SmileyWorld brand.

WARNING - Do not read until 2026

My Life in Smiley: It's All Good is meant strictly for people of the future, chronicling the life and times of Max, an average eleven-year-old. Annoying siblings, stage fright, love at first sight—can you believe what kids in the 21st century had to deal with? Follow his illustrated diary as has embarks on a great journey—the first year of middle school in France. Max’s journal entries, humorous drawings, and colorful smileys recount his adventures in making new friends, dealing with bullies, and surviving a ruthless P.E. teacher. Along the way, Max starts to figure out how to interact with his peers, and he realizes that at the end of the day, no matter what life throws at him, it’s all good!




My Take on the Book
For anyone that enjoys a Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you will find this book to be an equally fun book. This book is in a diary format and both the characters and the plot itself was so much fun. The book
is one that my daughter and I loved to read together. The book has some humor, just not as much as I would have first expected. It does have great characters and more and was a very quick read. You get to see Max having to deal with his arch nemesis and live a life that I know my daughter could relate to. The book also has great illustrations throughout the book and of course emojis.  We are looking forward to a future book 2!

----------------------------------------
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 - Quinny & Hopper: Smart Cookies

About the Book
Breaking news from Whisper Valley Elementary: -Sweets are now against the law -A mysterious third grade "smart list" has appeared -No one uses the new Friendship Bench (shocker) In times like these, Quinny and Hopper need each other more than ever. Quinny is determined to overturn the sweets ban. Cookies make school a happy place! But how can she focus on her petition when horrible decimals and fractions are taking up all her time? Hopper can't stand that a mean and untrue list hurt his best friend's feelings. He has an idea of how to make school a better place and reinvent the Friendship Bench—but is crushed when others take credit for his actions. Hopper may not love the limelight, but he isn't invisible either! In the third installment of this acclaimed series, Quinny and Hopper learn that friendship makes life's happy and hard times that much sweeter.



My Take on the Book
This is a great book set for elementary school readers. I read this with my daughter and I have to say that we loved the main characters of the book. With these characters being in 3rd grade the book is great for upper elementary readers. The book is one that will definitely grab your attention and will keep you connected from beginning to end. My daughter loved that she could relate to the characters as they were just a little younger than she is and they have experienced some similar situations as well. I could relate to the busy schedules of the parents in the book as my life has become this! The book was fun but also had some great teaching moments as well. This was a quick read that was fun to share with my daughter.


----------------------------------------
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 - Star Wars Most Wanted

About the Book
Set before the events of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Han and Qi'ra don't have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They're street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia's criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi'ra are on the run--from pirates, a droid crime syndicate, the Empire, and their boss--and will have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.



My Take on the Book
This is a great book that ties in well to the Solo: A Star Wars Story movie. In this book you get to focus on Han and Qi'ra as they work to allude the ire of Lady Proxima and the White Worm. This story is an adventure. You get to have a heist (of course) but the book also builds on the characters so you can get to know them at a deeper level. The book is a fun story that works well as a tie-in story and keeps you guessing at what is coming next.


----------------------------------------
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 Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear

About the Book
When Chewbacca the Wookiee finds out that a job he thought was just ferrying tooka cats is actually much more, he's excited to have something to do! But when he, a young bounty hunter/librarian, and a droll cargo droid--who, unbeknownst to the others is rebel spy droid K-2SO--land in the middle of a blue forest that emits a fear-causing mist, Chewie realizes the job may be too dangerous for his liking. He and his companions will have to fight off snarlers, sniffers, and their own fears as they try to recover a sacred book--and rescue Han Solo in the process! Perfect for reading before or after seeing Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters!



My Take on the Book
This was a very fun story with some characters that you know and a number of ones that are brand new. This book has Chewbacca, Mayv (a bounty hunter librarian), Rogue One's K2-SO, and a bunch of tooka cats. This book really was fast paced and filled with humor, adventure and more. I loved seeing Chewbacca on his own adventure as it allowed him and the other characters to shine without being overshadowed by Han Solo. The other characters were all unique and fun to get to know. This book does expand on each of them and by the end you feel like you have gotten to know them more! All-in-all this was a very enjoyable book for all ages!

----------------------------------------
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 - Cat Lady Embroidery: 380 Ways to Stitch a Cat

About the Book
Fat, striped, cheshire, or grumpy, this books offers more than 300 embroidery stitch patters for cat lovers. Each set of patterns offers a range of ideas in different styles, shapes, genres from simple to more complex. A purrfect book for embroidery beginners or those looking for fun and simple patterns. Original designs and clear instructions make this book a must have for any embroidery enthusiasts library.


My Take on the Book
This is a great book for anyone that loves both cats and embroidery. The book is filled with great tips with patterns and photos that will give you opportunities to create some very fun looking cats. In the tips you will learn new stitches and more and the book walks you through these stitches and more. This is a great 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

Book Review - Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

About the Book
It's midnight and the moon is full, but Darth Vader isn't scared.

OF COURSE I AM NOT SCARED.

Nothing can scare Lord Vader!

CORRECT.

Not monsters or witches or ghosts, and especially not the dark.

So what is Darth Vader scared of?

Read on in Adam Rex's hilarious and spooky Star Wars tale to find out!

YOU WILL LEARN NOTHING.

My Take on the Book
This is a very cute book that is funny in so many ways. I loved reading this to my daughter, both of which are Star Wars fans. They loved to see Darth Vader in a new way and through this book you get to read some of his iconic sayings but you also get to see him interacting with some fun other characters too. This is a great story that any Star Wars fans will love!


----------------------------------------
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 - Cookiesaurus Christmas

About the Book
Cookiesaurus Rex may not be your usual holiday treat, but he has plenty of Christmas spirit. He would like nothing more than to make it onto Santa's cookie plate. After all, the Big Guy should have only the best cookie to take back to the North Pole. But Mr. Spatula chooses Star, then Bell, and finally Gingerbread Boy. . . . WAIT ONE STINKIN,' STOMPIN' MINUTE! Looks like Cookiesaurus Rex is going to have to take matters into his own tiny arms. Will his Christmas dreams come true, or will his holiday dreams be crumbled?



My Take on the Book
This is such a cute story! Just when you think you know what Cookiesaurus wants, think again and things may change. This story shares a lot of messages. As a parent I loved how Cookiesaurus goes from thinking of himself to thinking of others and in the end he gets what he really wants. The illustrations in this book are spectacular and really bring the book to life!


----------------------------------------
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 - Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker, Book 2 Incognito

About the Book
In book two of the delightfully energetic Beatrice Zinker series, Operation Upside is finally in full swing! But when Beatrice's overenthusiasm lands Mrs. Tamarack with a Strictest Certificate, the team has to hold off on any new missions to avoid suspicion.

Lying low is not exactly Beatrice's strong suit, especially when she sees someone who desperately needs to be recognized. But when the certificate meant for him falls into the wrong hands, Beatrice and Lenny must find a way to widen their circle once again to save Operation Upside, and themselves, from trouble.



My Take on the Book
This is another great book in the series. We love the spirit of Beatrice and she brings so much life into all of the activities for which she is a part. The book has some great adventures as well as some twists as well. This was a quick book o read but definitely a fun one. Highly recommended!


----------------------------------------
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 Trials of Apollo - The Burning Maze

About the Book
The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus, is now an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to regain his place on Mount Olympus, Lester must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. But he has to achieve this impossible task without having any godly powers and while being duty-bound to a confounding young daughter of Demeter named Meg. Thanks a lot, Dad.

With the help of some demigod friends, Lester managed to survive his first two trials, one at Camp Half-Blood, and one in Indianapolis, where Meg received the Dark Prophecy. The words she uttered while seated on the Throne of Memory revealed that an evil triumvirate of Roman emperors plans to attack Camp Jupiter. While Leo flies ahead on Festus to warn the Roman camp, Lester and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor--and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles--somewhere in the American Southwest. There is one glimmer of hope in the gloom-filled prophecy: The cloven guide alone the way does know. They will have a satyr companion, and Meg knows just who to call upon. . . .


My Take on the Book
I finished the 2nd book in this series quickly and because I had not read that book right when it came out I was lucky enough to be able to find that the 3rd book was now available so I jumped right into this book as well. This series has been a great one to read. Even as an adult I find that it is a series that I love to read as the characters are strong and with each book you learn a bit more and you see each of them going on a journey of their own with the help of friends along the way.  This book finds Meg, Apollo and Grover having to get through the Maze to meet up with and challenge the 3rd Emperor (who is supposed to be the worst of the three). They also have a journey to rescue another oracle. This book is filled with drama, action and adventure, but you will also find that the story is also filled with great moments of figuring out what friendship means and what the characters will do and endure to reach their goals. If you have never read this series, it is a must read. Also, I can honestly say I am sitting on pins and needles waiting to see what will happen next!

----------------------------------------
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 - Squidtoons: Exploring Ocean Science with Comics

About the Book
Dive deep into the latest, most interesting (and weirdest!) science about underwater creatures with Squidtoons!

These beautifully drawn, educational comics combine fun science facts about marine life, kid-friendly wit, and a strong environmental message. From whale vomit to bone-eating worms, narwhals to sea dragons, Squidtoons presents real ocean science in a series of entertaining, easy-to-understand comics. Venture from the seashore to the deep sea, and learn about the ocean’s diverse life forms straight from the experts.




My Take on the Book
Talk about a fun way to learn! This brings together great science facts about fierce and strange creatures and allows you to learn without even knowing so. This book offers amazing images throughout that give you the opportunity to learn on every page. The book is a quick read, but as my daughter said at the end, "this was so cool." Hearing that from her, I started reading it myself and I agree, it was very cool! If you have a child that loves comics, but also loves science and animals of the water, this is a book for them! Get ready to learn!

----------------------------------------
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 - Brush Pen Illustration

About the Book
Curious about the world of brush pens but aren't sure where to start? Brush Pen Illustration shows how to draw pretty much anything in 2 – 4 steps.

Brush pens have taken the illustrating world by storm! This unique medium comes in hundreds of colors and produces a beautiful, soft, watercolor effect which has had lettering artists buzzing. Now, though, illustrators in all walks of art are incorporating brush pens' into their repertoire as a simple way to include color and motion into their art.

Brush pens' style is reminiscent of Chinese brush painting and drawing. They offer a gentle, paint-like quality that replicate watercolor paints without having use paint and brushes. Brush Pen Illustration is a comprehensive guide which shows you how to draw pretty much everything in 2-4 easy steps; apples, zebras, penguins, flowers, this book shows you how to draw everything under the sun with fun and colorful brush pens.


My Take on the Book
This is a great book for any artist that wants to learn more about brush pen illustration. I have not used brush pens in the past, but had some around the house. Through the reading of this book I truly learned a ton about using these brush pens in the right way to create some very fun images. I was impressed by the way that the author was able to walk the reader through the steps that they needed to follow to create these fun images. It took a bit to get the technique worked out, but after trying and learning more I was able to fix my technique to be able to get the image to look more like what I was seeing in the book. This is a great book for any artist that wants to learn more about brush pen illustration, I know I learned a lot and you will 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 - Ten-Step Drawing: Animals

About the Book
Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 different animals, Ten-Step Drawing: Animals breaks down each subject into 10 simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!

With Ten-Step Drawing: Animals, you will learn to create an awe-inspiring array of different animals. Step by step, you will create creatures both wild (bald eagle, armadillo, meerkat, dung beetle) and domesticated (donkey, camel, duck, goat). The animals include those from the sea (whale, sea turtle, jellyfish, walrus) and the woodland (snail, fox, raccoon, river otter). Even learn to draw your favorite pets (cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig).

Handy prompts encourage artistic individuality, and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book.

Ten-Step Drawing: Animals is sure to encourage even the most reluctant amateur artist to draw their heart out.



My Take on the Book
This is a great book that walks you step-by-step into creating some very fun images of animals that you love. The way that the author shares the steps for any artist will allow any artist to create things in a simple way. My daughter and I loved to create images together and if you love to create images you will love this book as well.

----------------------------------------
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 - National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019

About the Book
The world's best-selling almanac for kids is back and in demand! This year's includes the latest information about what's new and newsy in our world, special dates to anticipate, and fresh topics, and much more.

Have fun keeping up with our quickly changing world with the New York Times best-selling almanac, curated and created just for kids. It's packed with incredible photos; tons of fun facts, crafts, and activities; and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. New features include an updated "Fun and Games" chapter filled with all-new games, jokes, and comics; all new weird-but-true facts; "19 Facts for 2019" feature in every chapter; updated reference material; and cool stuff on topics today's curious kids care about.



Highlights of the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 (ages 8-12) include:

• What’s new and newsy in our world 
• Cool events to look forward to in 2019 like World Emoji Day in July ’19 and Scooby-Doo’s 50th birthday in September ‘19
• Hot movies coming in 2019
• Latest updates about animals like the new four-legged recruits in Brooklyn and Taipei that are currently in training to help their human friends in law enforcement and how a recent Tasmanian Devil baby boom is helping to ensure these marsupials are saved from extinction
• All About Animals — An entire section devoted to the wild and wonderful animal kingdom, including profiles of the awesome "Unicorns of the Sea," how dolphin’s brains work and the crazy antics of armadillos
• Science and Technology — Cool inventions, how the slinky came to be and which animals have the strongest sniffers — to name just a few
• Nature - Important and timely coverage of recent natural disasters, ideas for protecting our seas and examining wild weather and its impact
• 19 facts for 2019 feature in every chapter including 19 Amazing Facts About Vikings, Telescopes, Deserts, Big Cats and more
• Almanac Challenge 2019 — Lions Forever! 
• This year’s challenge encourages kids to get involved and make a difference. The focus is on highlighting the threats lions face and the importance of saving them. Kids are encouraged to visit natgeokids.com/almanac to create a lion poster and send a message with their entry about why they feel lions must be saved. Winner will receive a $500 cash prize!
• Crafts, Recipes and Activities
• Digital Extras (videos, games, and even how to set up a “Lion-Ade Stand!) at natgeokids.com/almanac

My Take on the Book
My 10 year old was just talking about this book and how excited she was to get this! She loves to read all of the facts and figures and become better informed about the world around her. This book definitely does just that. The book is full of so many amazing facts, figures and more on so many different topics. The book is filled with stunning pictures that really draws you in and I found that as my daughter was reading through this she was educating us as well! I also loved that there is new free digital extras that she could tap into as a part of this book too! All-in-all if you have a child that loves to learn, this is a book that they will want to read!

----------------------------------------
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 Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy

About the Book
Written by best-selling author and hand letterer Abbey Sy, The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy covers the basics and beyond for creative lettering techniques. 

 

The book begins with an overview of tools and materials, both traditional (pointed pen and fountain pen) and modern (including brush markers and chalk), then presents a visual glossary of letterforms, highlights the unique characteristics of the featured alphabets, and demonstrates how to draw letterforms to foster an understanding of how they’re created. The core chapters explore traditional, modern, and special effects lettering using a variety of mark-making tools, with in-depth how-to on adding flourishes and other special details, plus creative projects. There’s also an introduction to modifying and creating letterforms digitally, as well as practice sheets for the featured alphabets.

So whether you’ve never tried lettering before or you’d like to develop your skills and consider all your creative options, The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy will guide and inspire you on your lettering journey.

My Take on the Book
This was a very thorough book that explores so many different ways of lettering things that you want to keep for yourself or share with others. Both of my girls are talented with art but have never really explored this facet of art, so this book was a great primer on a new art form and they really appreciated all of the great information that was shared in the book. The book walks you through step-by-step on the different types of lettering and even talks about tools needed as well. This is a great book for anyone that is either first starting out or is in need of a refresher, and the images through the book are wonderful to follow along with 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