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: Bet You Didn't Know! From National Geographic Kids

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW!
Fascinating, Far-out, Fun-tastic Facts

Published: August 8, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction

I've been subbing in the elementary classrooms long enough now that the students know I usually have a few fun books to share in my teaching bag. I recently taught remedial readers in fourth and fifth grades and their treat for getting their reading done was to look through this book. Each of the kids was allowed to read one fact off of the page I chose and they LOVED THIS BOOK and didn't want to go back to their regular classrooms.

BET YOU DIDN"T KNOW is full of fun, interesting (to kids AND adults) facts from various topics. Kids might learn about space, sea creatures, snow, bees, money, caves, the brain, and many other cool things. Of course, every page is full of fantastic photography that National Geographic does best and then numbered facts to give kids just enough information to stay interested. There is truly a page of facts for everyone!

The book is a larger size and at nearly 200 pages, it's hefty. But, that's because it is so jam-packed with knowledge. Some of my favorite facts from the book included:

Some cats are allergic to people.

A mummy was once found with its tongue sticking out.

In your lifetime, you will eat an amount of hamburger meat equal to the weight of a family car.

In Japanese, the word tsundoku refers to buying books that you don't actually read. 

There are so many more facts in this book that it will keep kids interested for days. If you are looking for end-of-the-year teacher gifts, this would make an awesome addition to an elementary classroom. It would also be a good book to keep your child reading over the summer. 

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.

To purchase a copy of Bet You Didn't Know! click the photo below:



Other posts you may like:

Just Joking Jumbo

National Geographic Kids United States Atlas

Science Encyclopedia



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. 

Children's Book Review: The World of the Bible By Jill Rubalcaba

THE WORLD OF THE BIBLE
Biblical Stories and The Archaeology Behind Them

By: Jill Rubalcaba

Published: November 7, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction/Religion/Reference

Are your children intimidated by reading the Bible, yet you still want them to know the stories and lessons from it? This book tells the important stories from the Bible like Noah and the Flood, Joseph's Robe, Jesus Walking on Water, and The Good Samaritan in a condensed version based on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Vivid and detailed illustrations and classical portraits fill the page along with the story to hold your child's attention. There are also "Did You Know" bubbles on the pages to share other historical facts that go along with the story. The pages also reflect which Book of the Bible and chapter/verse this story came from in case you want to dig deeper into the story.

These brief versions of the stories offer the main points and the lesson God was trying to teach us...as in Jonah's story (above) after disobeying God, his fellow sailors threw Jonah overboard to his death to stop the raging storm that God had created. Jonah was then swallowed by a whale just before he drowned. After three days, he was spat out onto dry land. The next time God asked Jonah to do something, he complied. This story from the book of Jonah can be found in Chapters 1-4. The "Did You Know" bubble offers factual information on Nineveh and the Hanging Gardens.

The other parts of the book share historical and archaeological finds related to stories from the Bible. Archaeologists in Israel found ancient beehives that uphold the truth of God commanding Moses to lead the Israelites to "the land of milk and honey". Honey was in high demand in ancient times because it was used for medicine and as a sweetener. I had no idea jars of honey were also placed in tombs as part of a ritual to feed the dead in the afterlife. Many of the other archaeological finds shared in this book are just as fascinating.

As a mom who frequently read her children stories from the Bible and also taught Sunday School, this book would have been a wonderful resource to add more layers to the story. All of the information in this book has been reviewed by biblical scholars to make sure all the facts and details are up-to-date and accurate. This book is a bit larger than normal and the pages are heavyweight paper. It is well-written and full of details, much like any other National Geographic quality book would be. It would make a great addition to a church or homeschool library.

To purchase a copy of THE WORLD OF THE BIBLE, 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.


You may also like these posts:

Questions and Answers for Kids

The Great Carp Escape

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia




Thanks to the publisher for providing copies of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the 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: It's A Puppy's Life By Seth Casteel

IT'S A PUPPY'S LIFE

By: Seth Casteel

Published: March 20, 2018

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction

Today is National Puppy Day (yes, it's really a thing) so sharing this new book from National Geographic Kids is the perfect way to celebrate. Through amazingly adorable photographs of all kinds of breeds of puppies, children can be introduced to the fun of being a puppy. The puppy photos fill the whole page and their expressions are priceless. Warning: You may be making a trip to an animal shelter after reading this book.

Photography by Seth Casteel. Photo provided by Publisher.

With just a few words on each page, children are taken through a day in a puppy's life starting with eating some dog food, to exploring, to napping, and playing, more exploring and playing, and eventually more sleeping. As the book says, "It's ruff to be a pup!"

Photography by Seth Casteel. Photo provided by Publisher.

Over 30 different breeds are featured in the book to offer cuteness for every dog-lover. Aside from all the cuteness, this book also teaches that puppies need attention, care, and lots of love. Children and adults will love looking through the pages of adorable puppies and with a repetitive verse, younger children will also be able to read along.

Seth Casteel and his dog, Baby Nala - source

Seth Casteel is an award-winning photographer and author of UNDERWATER DOGS, UNDERWATER PUPPIES and a trio of children's books. In February 2012, Casteel's series of photos showcasing dogs diving into swimming pools became an overnight Internet sensation, reaching more than 100 million people in less than 24 hours. This sudden attention results in the Underwater series. Now with more than half a million copies in print around the world, UNDERWATER DOGS is one of the best-selling photography books of all time. Casteel has traveled the world in pursuit of his passion for animals. His nonprofit campaign, One Picture Saves a life, inspires, empowers, and educates animals ambassadors around the world to improve rescue and adoption services through positive photography. His rescue dog, Baby Nala, is his very best pal. People often say that Seth and Nala have similar hairstyles. To see more about Seth and his photography, visit his website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of IT'S A PUPPY'S LIFE, 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.


Thanks to the publisher for providing copies of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the 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: 1,000 Facts About the White House By Sarah Wassner Flynn

1,000 FACTS ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE

By: Sarah Wassner Flynn

Published: September 26, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction

In celebration of President's Day this week, I'm featuring a book that gives you a personal tour inside the White House. This book is full of interesting facts, history, secrets related to privacy, and funny anecdotes. Kids and parents will enjoy reading this book and learning much about the most famous house in our country.

With over 40 sections of this book, there are facts on everything from the building and grounds to state dinners, food, Christmas, the Easter Egg Roll, rituals, decor, and security. Nothing is missed in this book full of fun information. History and political fans will love reading through this book.

Some neat things I learned from this book include:

• At the flick of a switch, windows in the Situation Room frost over to give the president privacy.
• President Theodore Roosevelt's daughter Alice kept a pet garter snake named Emily Spinach in the White House.
• First daughter Susan Ford held her school's senior prom in the East Room of the White House in 1975.
• There are 35 bathrooms among the six levels of the White House and they also have low-flush toilets to save water. 
• Each year, some 300,000 people enter the lottery for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Just 35,000 tickets are available. Ticket holders get a two-hour time slot to play and roll before they are ushered out and the next group brought in.
• President Thomas Jefferson had an ice house built on the White House Grounds so that he could have ice cream all year long. 

The book ends with a glossary of keywords, a timeline of dates in White House history, and a listing of all the Presidents including their name, nickname, term of office, political party, and First Lady. Hundreds of photos are included in the book featuring Presidents, their families, and their staff. It's definitely an inside look into the private world of the White House. I have family that works in the White House and I still learned so much about the White House from this book! Now I have all kinds of questions to ask them this summer when I see them!

This is a bigger, hardcover book and one that stands out on the shelf. The paper is high quality and glossy. The photographs are clear and detailed and give the reader even more to learn besides the facts on the pages. I highly recommend this book for libraries, classrooms, and homes! Planning a family vacation to Washington DC? Get this book first!

Sarah Wassner Flynn - source

Sarah Wassner Flynn is a freelance writer, author, and editor. She has authored numerous nonfiction books for National Geographic and contributed to their National Geographic Kids Almanac and their WEIRD BUT TRUE series. She is also an amateur triathlete. She lives in the suburbs of Washington DC with her husband and three children. For more information, check out her website, HERE. 

To purchase 1,000 FACTS ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE, 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.


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

Children's Book Review: Somebunny Loves Me By Parry Gripp

SOMEBUNNY LOVES ME

By: Parry Gripp

Published: December 26, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction


I have never heard of Parry Gripp before but I have heard of his "Raining Tacos" song. Gripp writes this sweet story for kids about loving our pets and how to care for them. His poems share the love and care it takes to have a pet, but most importantly, the fun you can have with a pet. Whether it is a dog, cat, bunny, turtle, lizard, fish, pony, or guinea pig, there are all kinds of pets to love.

Gripp shares a photo of his bunny at the end of the book with a few paragraphs about the importance of keeping our pets safe and taking care of them. But also, how much joy they can bring to you and your family. The photos on each page will make you want to have one of every kind of pet. They are adorable, playful and your kids will probably ask for each one as you turn the page. This book would make a wonderful gift for Valentine's Day or for Easter Baskets. Don't miss this story full of love for our pets. 

Check out the video of the book as well. Super fun way to have your child read the book - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/somebunny/

Parry Gripp - source

PARRY GRIPP is an Emmy Award-winning singer-songwriter and lead singer and guitarist of the band Nerf Herder. An animal lover, he also writes songs for StoryBots (JibJab's kid's app) and Disney shows like The 7D and Phineas and Ferb. His popular YouTube channel, which averages 2.3 million views each month, is a hit with kids and is featured in YouTube's Kids app. Gripp also participates in the Make Your Pet a Rock Star contest with National Geographic Kids magazine, turning winning pet video submissions into songs. Check out his Youtube channel, HERE. 


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

Children's Book Review: Just Joking Jumbo from National Geographic Kids

JUST JOKING JUMBO
1,000 Giant Jokes and 1,000 Funny Photos Add up to Big Laughs

Published: October 17, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books

Non-Fiction

A thousand jokes may seem like a lot of jokes, but this book is sure to keep your kids interested for a long time and keep them supplied with endless jokes and stories. I love giving books for Valentine's Day and I think this is a great book to give. It would also make for fun family dinner-time entertainment.

Throughout the ten chapters, you'll find jokes about Space, History, Food, Nature, and Athletics to name a few. There are the typical question/answer types of jokes like "Why did the carpenter yell when he hit the nail? It was his thumbnail. HA! HA! There are Knock Knock jokes, Knock Knock. Who's there? Goose. Goose who? I don't need to guess. I already know who you are. There are also funny lists like Bad Gifts to Give a Snake for Its Birthday. Then there are also tongue twisters and funny facts like Some fish, like herring, break wind to communicate with each other. Find a kid that wouldn't find THAT funny!

This book is jam-packed with hilariousness that all kids will love. There are amazing photos and facts sprinkled in so kids won't even realize they are also learning something while having fun. Our boys loved joke books and I could have seen this book as our "car book" perfect for car rides and keeping each other entertained. I have a feeling this will be a popular book to keep in my subbing book bag, but it isn't one I will want to use if I want to keep the kids quietly reading! Any kid won't be able to keep the jokes and silliness to themselves!

To purchase a copy of JUST JOKING JUMBO, click the photo below:



In fact, there is a whole series of JUST JOKING books that you can find, 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.

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

Children's Book Review: Hey, Baby By Stephanie Warren Drimmer

HEY, BABY!
A Collection of Pictures, Poems, and Stories from Nature's Nursery

By: Stephanie Warren Drimmer

Published: November 14, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Non-Fiction

No matter whether they are human babies or animal babies, they take a lot of work, but they are sooooo cute! Through poems, stories, folktales, and descriptions we are introduced to some of the most amazing and adorable baby animals from all over the world. The book is divided into geographic areas like Mountains and Plains, Jungles and Savannas, and Ocean and Sea Babies for example. Then animals from each region are shown through pictures with an accompanying tale, poem, or description about its life.

This sweet baby bobcat made me want to cuddle him! I learned numerous facts about baby animals and their parents, but my favorites were the folktales and legends in the story. I had never heard the legend of the pink dolphins or how the zebra got its stripes and the baboon got its bare bottom. I had no idea Paul Bunyan had a connection to why whales aren't found in lakes. The back of the book also gives a bit of background on each of the legends and folktales and how their stories have continued for generations.

The photography is amazing, of course. The babies are just the cutest and the photos of moms with their babies remind the readers that animal or human, mothers just want to protect and love their babies. This is a coffee-table-sized book that can be pulled out and looked through over the course of several weeks or read in a few sittings. The pictures alone will keep kids looking through the pages over and over again.

Stephanie Warren Drimmer - source

Stephanie Warren Drimmer writes about science and nature for kids. Seh is a regular contributor to magazines like National Geographic Kids. Stephanie studied science journalism at New York University's Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, dog, cat, and five chickens that she raised from teen baby chicks.

To purchase a copy of HEY, BABY!, 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.

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 the book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.  

Children's Book Review: National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS
ULTIMATE DINOPEDIA
The Most Complete Dinosaur Reference Ever

By: Don Lessem

Illustrated by: Franco Tempesta

Published: October 10, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic

Non-Fiction

National Geographic is the powerhouse when it comes to resource books for children. This updated reference on dinosaurs covers every imaginable species you could ever imagine. Paleontologists have recently discovered ten new dinosaur profiles that are included in this jam-packed book.

This large hardcover is full of detailed illustrations and begins with covering the various habitats, family tree, migration, predators, and maps of some of the greatest finds over the years. Then each species of dinosaur is described with a detailed illustration, basic facts, pronunciation of the name, and a descriptive paragraph.

I have to admit that I had no idea there were this many different types of dinosaurs. I think it is extremely fascinating that paleontologists have been able to decipher the various differences just from fossils. Sharing how they lived and what they ate is quite an amazing discovery, even when finding pieces of fossilized dinosaurs recently. Tempesta's illustrations are extremely detailed and show the uniqueness of each dinosaur.

Even though this is written for elementary-aged children, I think any dinosaur fan would love to read this book. I know a high school student who dreams of being a paleontologist and I think he would even be intrigued by this book. I plan to pass it on to him. This reference would be a great asset to science and history classrooms as well.

Don Lessem - source photo by Dennis Oda

Don Lessem is the ultimate source on dinosaurs. He's authored numerous science books, with most of them being about dinosaurs. See some of them HERE. He is the founder of the Dinosaur Society and the Jurassic Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for dinosaur research.

To purchase a copy of ULTIMATE DINOPEDIA, 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.


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 the book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.