Children's Book Review: Adventures in Science - The Human Body By Courtney Acampora

ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE 
The Human Body

By: Courtney Acampora

Published: December 12, 2017

Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books

Non-Fiction/Activity Kit

Stop the summer slide and keep kids excited to learn about science by teaching them about our amazing human body. This kit is more than just a boring book.

Besides the book, there is a poster with stickers, flash cards and a skeleton for kids to put together. The book covers all parts of the human body from cells and tissues to the five senses, to the brain, digestion, and even the importance of exercising to stay healthy. 

The book offers lots of photography and small fact sections to give kids just enough information to keep them interested and not overwhelm them. Explaining how our muscle and tendons or even our digestive system work can be confusing, but the details in this book make it easy for kids to grasp. 

The flash cards included are just the right size and offer a way to quiz or find information quickly. I would have loved playing school with this set as a kid. This is also a great set for homeschooling families or students that need extra help with science.

I was excited about the included skeleton, but unfortunately found it quite frustrating to put together. I finally gave up. I was able to get part of it together until it would fall apart and I would have to start over. I can see that this would definitely frustrate elementary aged children and would need parent support to help put this together. 

The accompanying poster and stickers are also an excellent way to quiz and check for understanding of all the body parts including the bones and internal organs. I was disappointed in the fact that these stickers are a one-time use. It would have made more sense to make this a laminated type of poster with reusable stickers for multiple uses. For a homeschooling family that may want to reuse this resource several times, the stickers were not made for that. 

So, even though this is a great resource, it does have its limitations. There is still much to learn from the book alone about the how the amazing human body works and offers lots of important information. This kit can still be a helpful resource for elementary classrooms and homeschooling families. 

To purchase a copy of ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE: The Human Body, click the photo below:

All summer I'll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies. See all the Summer Read-to-Learn books, HERE. 

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Other posts you may be interested in:

Two Books for Back-to-School

B is for Breakdancing Bear

How to Ace the National Geographic Bee

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

Three Career Books from National Geographic Kids

Science Encyclopedia

How Things Work

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Book Review: The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life by Erica and Jonathan Catherman

THE GIRLS' GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE
How to Ace an Interview, Change a Tire, Talk to a Guy and 97 Other Skills You Need to Thrive

By: Erica and Jonathan Catherman

Published: May 15, 2018

Publisher: Revell

Non-Fiction

As a parent, I hope that I send our kids off into the world as fully capable adults able to handle situations and tasks on their own. Teaching them things like doing their own laundry, boiling water for pasta, leaving a proper tip, or cleaning their bathroom seem obvious. This book covers all of these plus many others that didn't see as obvious, but just as important.

From Guys/Dating/Social Skills/Manners to Work Ethics and Money Management there are several great tips about self-confidence, listening skills, manners, and handling yourself in a job interview. For the Health/Beauty/Clothes and Fashion sections, there are lots of personal hygiene tips as well as tips for caring and shopping for your clothing. The book shares basic lessons in sports like how to throw a football or how to throw a dart. There are several recipes included to cover all kinds of meals. Car care and fix-it jobs round out the chapters. When I lived in my own apartment after college, I had to learn a few of these things through trial and error, but for the most part, my parents did a great job of teaching me all the things I needed to know. This book fills in the gaps.

Each lesson offers an illustration, items needed, the time required, steps to take, and then a fact or quote at the end. This book offers an easy-to-read format and makes it convenient to look up what you want to learn or to read a few tips at a time. Everything is explained, for example, when cooking pasta it states to place a colander in the sink. For those who maybe wouldn't know what a colander is, that is also explained. Everything is detailed and precise.

Tween-teen girls are the target audience for this book making it a great gift idea for graduations, confirmations, and birthdays. This book gives girls a head start in life, making sure they are ready for various situations and going into them with confidence and knowledge.

Erica Catherman - source

Jonathan Catherman - source

Erica Catherman has spent more than twenty years mentoring young women as a coach to middle school, high school, and college students. Committed to raising up the next generation to be kind, confident, and capable, Erica has served as a youth group leader, community volunteer, and advocate for gender equality in sports. She is a certified Yoga Alliance and Group Fitness instructor.

Jonathan Catherman is the author of the bestselling The Manual to Manhood and The Manual to Middle School. An award-winning cultural strategist and a leading education trainer specializing in the character and leadership development of youth, Jonathan speaks worldwide about the principles and strengths that empower greatness in children, teens, and young adults.

The Cathermans live in North Carolina, where they work together to raise their family, which includes teenagers and a couple of big dogs. Learn more at their website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of THE GIRLS' GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE, click the photo below:

All summer I'll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies. See all the Summer Read-to-Learn books, HERE. 

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Other books you may be interested in:

I Will Always Write Back

One Good Thing About America

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: History's Mysteries By Kitson Jazynka - Summer Read-to-Learn Series

HISTORY'S MYSTERIES
Curious Clues, Cold Cases, and Puzzles from the Past

By: Kitson Jazynka

Published: October 17, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Kis

Non-Fiction

National Geographic has taken some of the biggest mysteries in the history of our world and dug deeper into what may or may not have happened. Think Stonehenge, Amelia Earhart, the Yeti, and UFOs. These mysteries aren't solved in the pages of this book, but instead, the book offers the theories, the research, and the best guess for the what may or may not have happened.

A lot of the mysteries were ones I had already heard of, but there were several that I had never heard of before. I had no idea there was a monument in Elberton, Georgia that no one knows how it got there. You assume that this monument had been there for ages, but no, it appeared in 1980. No one knows who had this large granite sculpture created and moved to this spot and what its message means.

For curious children, this book encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Children and parents can read the mysteries and then talk about all the possibilities. By comparing their solutions with those by the researchers your child can come up with their best guess as to why the mystery occurred. If your child likes solving puzzles, asking all the questions, and satisfying all their curiosities then this book is for them. The end of the book includes an interview with National Geographic explorer and archeologist, Chris Fisher. Kids may find this is a dream career for them.

To find out all about the author, Kitson Jazynka, check out her website, HERE.


To purchase a copy of HISTORY'S MYSTERIES, click the photo below:

All summer I'll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies. See all the Summer Read-to-Learn books, HERE. 

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.



Other books you may be interested in:

Bet You Didn't Know

Ultimate Dinopedia

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

Shackles from the Deep

How Things Work

History Series from Carole P. Roman

The Boo-Boos that Changed the World




Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: Pink is for Boys By Robb Pearlman - Summer Read-to-Learn Series

PINK IS FOR BOYS

By: Robb Pearlman

Illustrated by: Eda Kaban

Published: June 5, 2016

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Fiction


Your gender doesn't have to dictate what colors you like. Both of our sons enjoy wearing pink dress shirts or vibrant colored ties. Girls are allowed to choose any color as a favorite, but if a boy says he likes pinks or purples, there is sure to be laughter and jeering.  But, this book isn't as much about fashion and instead, more about stopping the gender stereotypes early in young children.

Pearlman offers simple verse to take children through the colors of the rainbow and making sure that children find the joy in every color. Whether it's red race cars or black and white puppies and kitties, colors can be fun for everyone. Kaban's illustrations are super fun and her characters on the pages are delightful. Even though the book is a paperback, the pages are glossy and a heavy quality.

All the colors are for everyone and you don't have to stay in the "gender box" to choose your favorite. You can even change your favorite color every day if you want. This book introduces colors to your child early and offers an opportunity for kids to choose any color to be their favorite.

Robb Pearlman - source

Robb Pearlman is the author of many books, including GROUNDHOG'S DAY OFF. Today, his favorite color is blue, but it may be purple tomorrow! He grew up in New York City and now lives in a white and green house in New Jersey with his husband and Oscar, the butterscotch-colored best puppy in the world.

Eda Kaban was born and raised in Turkey and has had a passion for drawing, reading, and monkey bars since a young age. She is the illustrator of a number of books and when she's not drawing, you can find her climbing rocks or biking the hills of the Bay area. She and her husband live in Oakland, California.

All summer I'll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies.

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Other books you may be interested in:

Colorama

Somebunny Loves Me

Duck and Hippo: Lost and Found

One to Ten Squirrel's Bad Day


Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: Colorama By Cruschiform - Summer Read-to-Learn Series

COLORAMA
From Fuchsia to Midnight Blue

By: Cruschiform

Published: March 20, 2018

Publisher: Prestel

Non-Fiction

One of the first things you teach a young child is color. You point out the grass and the sky and the ball explaining the color and asking your child to then define items by color. This thick book takes the various shades of 133 colors and gives them a name and an identifier. By offering descriptions, children will start to notice the slight differences in the shades from the white of milk to the white of a cotton flower. There is a difference. The book follows the shades of the rainbow order, white to pink to red to orange to yellow to green to blue to purple to brown to black and grey. Then each of those basic colors has various shades of them, like Blue Shell, the blue-green of a robin's egg or Security Yellow, the yellow of a school bus.

Each color is given two pages, one page includes a photo of the item in the color described along with an explanation. The second page is a full-rectangle of the color. Flipping through the pages fast offers the reader a rainbow flipping in front of their eyes.

Colorama - Poppy 

The descriptions not only offer the color but why that color is the chosen color for that item. It could be a biological reason like Pink Flamingo is that shade of pink because of the shrimp the flamingo eats or because a color like the name Bluebonnet was chosen for the Texas flower because it was similar to the headwear of pioneering women.

I found this book so fascinating. As an adult, we see color all day long, but don't think about the various shades of that color. How school bus yellow is different from the yellow of an egg yolk or the pollen yellow in a flower. In this summer season where our world is bursting with color from the flowers in our yard, to the amazing sunsets at night to the bugs and frogs and popsicles and candy, children can notice the various differences and then look up the colors when they get home.

This is a book that would also be perfect for artists, decorators, or fashion designers looking for that perfect color. Think of it as a paint palette in a book or use it for inspiration when choosing a color. The end of the book offers an index of every color as well as a thematic index like modes of transport, precious stones, birds, or flowers, for example.

Cruschiform is a Paris-based creative studio that specializes in illustration and graphic design. It was founded in 2007 by Marie-Laure Cruschi. In researching for this book, the author used her childhood memories to guide her. Much like a scent or a sound can take you back to a place and time, so can a color. For me, the pink of a Star Gazer Lily will remind me of the flowers at my Aunt Emily's home and the love I felt there. This book has been meticulously researched and is a treasure. For more on Cruschiform, check out their website, HERE.

Marie-Laure Cruschi Quote from COLORAMA

To purchase a copy of COLORAMA, click the photo below:

All summer I'll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies.

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Other books you may be interested in:

Anna and Johanna

First Stories Fairy Tale Books and Beauty and the Beast Coloring Book

Putter and the Red Car

Nalah and the Pink Tiger



Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: Snail Mail By Samantha Berger

SNAIL MAIL

By: Samantha Berger

Illustrated by: Julia Patton

Published: May 1, 2018

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Fiction

Nothing says "Love" like a hand-written letter. That is the premise of SNAIL MAIL. A lot of love and heart is put into the writing and sending of letters. When was the last time you wrote or received an actual letter in the mail? Both of my parents worked for the postal service with my mom working the longest as a rural carrier for over 25 years. She personally delivered thousands of pieces of mail through sleet, hail, blizzards, heat, and flat tires. In this story, the love of sending letters is told through four snails who personally deliver a love letter all the way across the USA.

Snail Mail is a term used to describe the delivery of mail. Sometimes, it feels like it is going at a snail's pace. So, this story makes fun of the term and has four snails take on the task of delivering a letter from a girl on one side of the US to a boy on the other side of the US. The snails must deliver the letter and "neither rain, nor snow, nor heat, nor hail will stop a snail from bringing the mail."

I think children will find this story silly but also be inspired to write their own letter. In fact, it would be a great way to encourage your children to write letters to family members or friends, whether they live across the street or across the country. This book would be a great introduction to a summer project of writing a letter a week or maybe even connecting with a pen pal, a distant cousin, or friend who moved away.


The illustrations of the snails taking this letter across the country are adorable and the weather and landscapes of our country share the idea of the snails traveling a long distance to get this letter delivered. It is quite amazing that we can write a letter and have it show up in the receiver's mailbox within a few days. I think most of us are quite relieved that most of the time, the mail doesn't run at a snail's pace.

Samantha Berger - source
Photo by Leo Morton

Samantha Berger is the award-winning author of more than eighty books for children. Check out her website, HERE. See more books by Samantha Berger, HERE.

Julia Patton is an award-winning author and illustrator of more than 25 picture book and educational titles published internationally. You can find out more about Julia by visiting her website, HERE. See the books illustrated and written by Julia Patton, HERE.

To purchase a copy of SNAIL MAIL, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Other books you may be interested in:

I Am Famous

PAW Patrol Rescue Time



Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: An Atlas of Imaginary Places By Mis Cassany

AN ATLAS OF IMAGINARY PLACES

By: Mia Cassany

Illustrated by: Ana de Lima

Published: May 8, 2018

Publisher: Prestel Junior

Fiction


This beautiful picture book is perfect for reading before bedtime to set up your child for imaginative dreams while they sleep. Or read this book before they head off to the land of make-believe for lots of playtime inspiration.

From volcanoes that spew bubble gum to animals that change their coats whenever someone sneezes, this book is full of imagination. The dreamy illustrations are soothing and yet full of mystery. Imagine your child climbing to the tallest lighthouse and drawing out new galaxies with their finger. That is the kind of magic you can imagine by reading this book.

My favorite page shared a sky full of butterflies that when we are sad, we can look up into the sky and be amazed at the variety of colorful butterflies protecting us. I felt calm just by reading this book to myself. I can't imagine how much a child would love reading this and looking at the pages full of make-believe.

So many kids don't know how to pretend or play make-believe so this book could be a great way to inspire children to think out-of-the-box and have fun. This book is perfect for children in preschool through lower elementary.

To purchase a copy of AN ATLAS OF IMAGINARY PLACES, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Other books about imagination and pretend you may like:

Aliens Get the Sniffles Too Ahh-Choo!

Duck and Hippo: Lost and Found

Alphabetter and How I Did It

Duck and Hippo in a Rainstorm 

Brave Little Finn

Sweet Pea & Friends the SheepOver





Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Children's Book Review: Mama's Belly By Kate Hosford

MAMA'S BELLY

By: Kate Hosford

Illustrated by: Abigail Halpin

Published: April 17, 2018

Publisher: Harry N Abrams

Fiction


Perfect for gifting and reading this Mother's Day weekend, MAMA'S BELLY shares the curiosity, love, and apprehension of a young girl awaiting the birth of her baby sister. As the older sister hugs, talks, and sings to her mama's belly, she also wonders what her baby sister will be like. Ultimately, she wonders whether mama will have enough love to go around for both of them. Mama assures her sweet daughter that she will be a wonderful sister and she has more than enough love for both of them. 

I found this story to be so sweet and it reminded me of being pregnant when our boys were three and four. They were very curious about my growing belly, the movement the baby made, and what their sister would look like. This would have been a wonderful book to read to them and answer their questions and help them be excited about their sister's arrival. 

The illustrations are gorgeous. The colors offer a calming feel to quell the anxiety your child may have about the upcoming baby. The story offers ways to interact with the baby still in mama's belly as well as ways to prepare for the birth by making a blanket so that sister doesn't have to share hers. 

This book celebrates motherhood, sibling love, and the joy of creating a family. If you have someone in your life expecting a baby, this would be a wonderful gift to give. 

Check out the book trailer for MAMA'S BELLY:

Kate Hosford is the author of several picture books, including Infinity and Me, which was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book award and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. Her books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, French, and Romanian. Kate lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. To learn more, visit her website, HERE. 

Abigail Halpin is the illustrator of many books for children, including Finding Wild. She lives in southern Maine. Visit her website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of MAMA'S BELLY, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Other posts you may like:

Tips for Quick Ways to Pamper Yourself from Take Lessons

Book Review: Little Things Long Remembered

Women Living Well

Book Review: Mom's the Word: The Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder of Motherhood

Book Review: The Baby Cheapskate - Guide to Bargains: How to Save on Blankets, Bottles, and Everything Baby




Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.