Looking for a longer picture book that is written in a lyrical way and treats readers like their aren’t too young to understand bigger concepts?
Egor KLooking for a longer picture book that is written in a lyrical way and treats readers like their aren’t too young to understand bigger concepts?
Egor Klopenko has done just that. His books are sweet and have great messages but are also fun. The illustrations are a cutesy style that fit just right with the books. I preferred The Book of Kindness although there is mention of kindness in The Great Magician too.
The picture books contain a few stories each in them.
Overall my children are a bit old for these books but they would be a nice addition to a home library for those with kids 4-9....more
Looking for a longer picture book that is written in a lyrical way and treats readers like their aren’t too young to understand bigger concepts?
Egor KLooking for a longer picture book that is written in a lyrical way and treats readers like their aren’t too young to understand bigger concepts?
Egor Klopenko has done just that. His books are sweet and have great messages but are also fun. The illustrations are a cutesy style that fit just right with the books. I preferred The Book of Kindness although there is mention of kindness in The Great Magician too.
The picture books contain a few stories each in them. I love The Gift from The Book of Kindness. If you need a story to encourage your children to do nice things for each other more, that story will help.
Overall my children are a bit old for these books but they would be a nice addition to a home library for those with kids 4-9....more
I received a copy from Moody Publishers to review.
I’ve always wanted a bible atlas so I jumped at the opportunity to review this one. I think knowing I received a copy from Moody Publishers to review.
I’ve always wanted a bible atlas so I jumped at the opportunity to review this one. I think knowing where the stories take place is important. Looking at a regular atlas only shows you what the area looks like currently, not what it looked like then.
The Moody Bible Atlas has 119 full-colour maps of Canaan, the Mediterranean, the Near East, Sinai, Turkey and more. There are also over 100 colour photos of various locations and artifacts. Plus 800+ endnotes for in-depth study.
I wasn’t prepared for how much text was in this atlas. Perhaps that is normal for a Bible Atlas, I wouldn’t know. But this is for in-depth study of the geography of the areas in the Bible. I loved the colour photos the most, then the maps, then the text. Since there is so much text, the text size is fairly small. Even with that the book is pretty big and heavy. I found the smaller text hard to read but that might just be my age.
I think it’s important to point out that the book is bound so that it will sit open on the table. This is important because if you are studying the Bible along with the Atlas or even making notes, you will want the books to stay open. I personally dislike when books don’t stay open on their own. So this is a good thing.
While it’s a bit much for my needs, I can see this being a very good book for those who want to deep dive. The author clearly knows his Bible geography and was a good pick to write the book. It’s well made as well to not break down a few times after using it. Very good quality spine and pages....more
If you’re looking for some healing words but you aren’t necessarily religious, try this book of 101 Healing Blessings. The author created this collectIf you’re looking for some healing words but you aren’t necessarily religious, try this book of 101 Healing Blessings. The author created this collection of non-denominational poems/sayings that provide healing words.
They are all short, one page or less, some are even one line. It’s a great gift for those in the hospital or to read to someone who is unwell and needs healing.
The poem collection is beautifully written, timeless and can be read over and over easily. Whether it’s yourself that needs healing or your family/friend, this little book will make you feel better and who knows, maybe it will heal.
I received this in exchange for an honest review...more
In this unusual memoir you will get to know the author well but in an alphabetical way. She goes through the alphabet picking a word related to her liIn this unusual memoir you will get to know the author well but in an alphabetical way. She goes through the alphabet picking a word related to her life that starts with that letter and then she expands on that. Some of the titles are Beauty, Depression, Kindergarten, Night, Pain, Religion, Umbilical Cord and Zen.
She discusses her past and present in a bare everything type way. There is swearing and sex talk so if that’s not for you, take note. However it’s an eye opening look into the life of someone with anxiety. Obviously anxiety is different for different people. I have anxiety so I could identify with a lot of what the author said, but not all. That’s to be expected.
I’m not the biggest fan of books that are chronological though so that bugged me a bit. However I like that it’s because it’s alphabetical, and not just seemingly random.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...more
This will be a short review since the book is outdated and hard to find. However if you find it at a library it might be worth the read. It would be nThis will be a short review since the book is outdated and hard to find. However if you find it at a library it might be worth the read. It would be nice if a new version was made.
The book has lots of good information on sleep and specifically “sleep thieves” meaning those things that make us lose sleep. This includes the usual like shift work and caffeine but also includes lesser thought of things. It had some good knowledge in it, it just is outdated like I said. Most of it is still applicable, but it’s missing the affect of smartphones on our culture. That is a BIG sleep thief.
This book is part of the Who Is Series of books from WhoHQ. I love these books as they introduce my kids and I to different people in a fun and easy wThis book is part of the Who Is Series of books from WhoHQ. I love these books as they introduce my kids and I to different people in a fun and easy way. There are also Who Was, What Was, What Is, etc books so you can learn about more than just people.
Beware reading this book to younger kids. It doesn’t state in the summary section above something bad that happens to Malala. This is a SPOILER if you don’t know her story but I feel it’s important to know. Malala is shot in the head. While she ends up okay it can be a little scary for some kids. I recommend 10+.
I love this story because not only did she survive a crazy event but more importantly, she fights for education rights and was the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. It shows girls especially but all kids that even kids can make a difference and be recognized for it. Reading it with my children also showed the ones who don’t like school that it’s a blessing that she are able to do school when so many others cannot or cannot safely....more
I was very interested to read this as I am familiar with DBT, having taken it as a teen. DBT was originally a therapy for a specific set of symptoms o I was very interested to read this as I am familiar with DBT, having taken it as a teen. DBT was originally a therapy for a specific set of symptoms or certain conditions but has since been recognized to be helpful for lots of people with mental health problems or those who are neurodivergent. The authors show us that DBT can be helpful for EVERYONE.
DBT has a LOT of acronyms (words that each letter stands for something.) TIPP, STOP, DEAR MAN and so much more. Each one is designed to help make it easier to remember the tools they teach.
The book is laid out in the same way for each chapter:
About This Skill Kate’s Tips Michelle’s Tips Pitfalls Benefits Exercise I like that not only do they teach the skill but they do it by giving tips on it’s use and including the pitfalls as well as the benefits. Most teaching books only tell you why you should do it that way, not what might make it difficult. This is helpful.
DBT teaches the skills of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness. You’ll find prompts for your toolbox for each of these skills.
I love that the book is from two authors with very different backgrounds. I appreciate that their tips are separated so you can see how someone with a life similar to yours uses the skills.
If you’re having trouble with wild emotions, socializing effectively, dealing with distress or your thoughts are running you ragged, this book may help.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review...more
Nurture is the perfect book if you want advice on raising your kids to love food, their bodies and themselves as the title says. The book does exactlyNurture is the perfect book if you want advice on raising your kids to love food, their bodies and themselves as the title says. The book does exactly what it says it will. The only problem I found was that I should have read this book when my children were younger. There WAS advice for older children too for sure. But it would have been easier to change the mistakes I was making earlier.
The book teaches you why dieting isn’t the answer, how to respect and speak well of bodies, why depriving your child will backfire, who is in charge of what they eat, social media, joyful movement and more.
It’s a small book at less than 200 pages which is a good thing because parents, especially of young children, don’t have a lot of time to read.
Each chapter has a summary and reference and resources. So if you want to read more on the subject, you can see what resources to check out.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review....more
Whether you have a diagnosis of OCD or you just have some obsessive or compulsive tendencies you will find this book helpful. The book is designed to Whether you have a diagnosis of OCD or you just have some obsessive or compulsive tendencies you will find this book helpful. The book is designed to help you overcome compulsive checking & reassurance seeking.
Not sure this book is for you? Do you worry that you did something wrong when there is no proof that you did? Do you doubt every decision you make or have an excessively hard time making decisions without knowing things for SURE? Are you worried you might be having inappropriate feelings toward someone?
The chapters include: The Limits of Reassurance, How Voices of the Mind Can Set and Release the Trap, Recognizing Your Trap, Are You Sure? The Psychology and Biology of Uncertainty, Therapeutic Surrender: Four Mindful Steps for Escaping the Reassurance Trap, Breaking the Bonds of Compulsive Reassurance Seeking, Addressing Obstacles to Recovery and The Benefits of Tolerating Uncertainty: Living in a World of Maybe and Good Enough.
This would be a good book for anyone struggling with these symptoms. Very well written and helpful.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
BPD is a difficult to understand mental health disorder and this book does a good job of explaining what it’s like to live with it and what treatmentsBPD is a difficult to understand mental health disorder and this book does a good job of explaining what it’s like to live with it and what treatments there are for it. I have Bipolar but it was thought I had BPD when I was younger. They are similar in a few ways. I even did DBT (a therapy for BPD) when I was a teen. I definitely had some BPD traits at least when I was younger but I don’t have BPD.
My point is I feel that I can analyze the book quite well to say that it’s a good book. It includes all the symptoms but in details and possible treatments. Examples are given to help you understand what it’s like to live with BPD or live with someone with BPD. Recommendations for websites and books are given at the back of the book.
The book is laid out well and is a must read for understanding a BPD loved one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
This workbook is different than anything else I’ve seen. It analyzes the lyrics of songs by Tupac Shakur and includes questions you can ask yourself oThis workbook is different than anything else I’ve seen. It analyzes the lyrics of songs by Tupac Shakur and includes questions you can ask yourself or a group of adults (or perhaps older teens) to discuss racism, civil rights and similar concepts.
Each chapter analyzes a different song starting by listing the lyrics. Following that is an analysis of what the song means or refers to and/or the reaction by Tupac fans and haters of the song. Questions are peppered throughout such as:
Can you forgive a person who will not acknowledge that they causes you harm? Can music be detrimental to children? Why or why not? Are you open to opposing opinions or facts that challenge your belief systems? What is your definition of poverty? How often do you stop and imagine the world from someone else’s point of view? Is there a timeline for grief? As you can see these questions are very deep and require thought. They would be good for self reflection but even better as a group discussion. Another thing included in the book in between songs is some timeline period reference photos which show newspaper articles and such from the time period to help set the scene. This is especially helpful for younger adults who might not have been around in the time periods mentioned.
Please note the lyrics often include the N word and the questions do talk about tough or controversial subjects such as Black Lives Matter, racism, poverty, KKK, drugs, suicide, police brutality and more.
What an interesting resource.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review...more
This book has lots of full-colour photographs which helps the reader visualize what to do. It’s a great book all about growing cannabis OUTDOORS. ThatThis book has lots of full-colour photographs which helps the reader visualize what to do. It’s a great book all about growing cannabis OUTDOORS. That’s my only problem is I was looking for container gardening. I didn’t realize it was for outdoors. But if you are looking for outdoor cannabis growing than this book will be a good choice.
If you like step by step instruction this is your book.
In addition to growing guidelines and tips, you will find healing remedies you can make with cannabis. There are ideas for oils, salves and edibles you might want to make with healing in mind.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
If you’ve ever wondered how Google came to be THE search engine, this is a very interesting story. It’s crazy how they got to where they are because tIf you’ve ever wondered how Google came to be THE search engine, this is a very interesting story. It’s crazy how they got to where they are because they had to take risks that you wouldn’t have thought would pay off normally but here we are.
The story is interesting as I said but also the book is laid out in a pleasing manner. The fonts used are easy on the eyes and there’s little sidebars throughout that explain terminology such as conversational text or PageRank. There are also screenshots of early Google which is sometimes amusing and a blast from the past for those of us older than Google and probably very interesting to those who aren’t. There are some asides presented on darker paper too. The colour scheme of blue, white and grey is pleasing to the eyes.
This would be a great read for anyone interested in how the internet came to be where it is today or anyone who loves biographies of science and technology people....more
This book is awesome. I took two heart health books out of the library and the other one gave me bad advice (countered by my pharmacist) and seems reaThis book is awesome. I took two heart health books out of the library and the other one gave me bad advice (countered by my pharmacist) and seems really out of date while this one is much better. The weird thing is they are both more than 10 years old which is a lot in health care. However this one doesn’t seem out of date and was easy to understand and follow.
It’s a hardcover with glossy pages which is my favourite type of nonfiction. It’s laid out well and makes everything clear.
The book starts with a get going chapter to help you see where your heart health is at right now and set some goals. The 10 Steps to Heart Health starts with the three steps you need to work on first. It doesn’t just set out the guidelines though, it explains them thoroughly including the why and how. Then it continues with the other 7 steps again explaining as it goes.
The If You Have a Problem section goes over what to do and what you should know if you have Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Arrhythmias, Heart Valve Disorders, Vascular Disorders or Congenital Heart Disease. I was just diagnosed with Heart Failure and although I’ve done A LOT of research already on my own, I still found the chapter informative.
Finally the How to Support the Plan section goes over common diagnostic tests, eating obstacles (with recipes!), finding a healthy weight, complementary and alternative medicine and monitoring your mental health.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone interested in their heart health. It’s not just for those with heart disease....more
This book is just as old as the last heart book I reviewed a this month from the Mayo Clinic but this one is a lot more outdated for some reason. I hoThis book is just as old as the last heart book I reviewed a this month from the Mayo Clinic but this one is a lot more outdated for some reason. I hope they remake this book as it has a lot of information but it’s out of date. It would be a 4 star book at least if this was 2012 but now it’s a 3 star book. Specifically it gave me bad advice.
This book says when you are on the medications that normally say do not eat or drink grapefruit that you can have a little bit just not too much. My pharmacist says absolutely NONE as it interacts with your medicine.
However if you read it with a grain of salt it’s better than nothing. It just needs to be updated and fact checked. It went more in depth than the Mayo book and I especially enjoyed the sections on the different heart tests.
I would read it from the library but I do not recommend buying it....more
This is a book about the art of debate for kids. It uses the premise of a child trying to get their way and how they can debate what they want in a prThis is a book about the art of debate for kids. It uses the premise of a child trying to get their way and how they can debate what they want in a productive way. Common kid complaints are shown such as chores, screen use, eating your vegetables, bedtime and homework.
There are two sides to every story and argument so both sides are shown. There are example kids showing their opinion on opposite sides of the issue. You are shown their arguments and research that way done and how to use that research to debate your viewpoint. You are learning how to debate in a way that is interesting to children.
The illustrations that accompany the book are by Chanelle Nibbelink and are fun and inviting. The cast of kids is diverse and the words are easy to read. It is bright and colourful.
I highly recommend this book for use in schools to teach the basics of debate.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
This is a Canadian history book for children or teens. The chapters are divided into time periods such as 1867-1884 or 1900-1913 or 1967-1979. The difThis is a Canadian history book for children or teens. The chapters are divided into time periods such as 1867-1884 or 1900-1913 or 1967-1979. The differences between the years are not the same amount because the times are divided by what was happening in history, not a set number of years.
For each time period chapter, an important part of history is listed and then explained. The book is illustrated by Sydney Smith. The illustrations are really cute and fit well with the book.
You’ll learn about many things in the book from when O Canada was first sung to women fighting for the vote, to the world wars to the Canadian Bill of Rights. There are sidebars and quotes as well. The book covers 1867-2017 so it needs an update but is mostly current.
Canadian facts and events are obviously discussed but so are world events and how Canada was affected or participated. I think this is a good reference book for Canadian History, even for older people.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This is the story of pediatric heart transplants before they were more well known. The author, Nick’s Mom, walks us through his birth and early years This is the story of pediatric heart transplants before they were more well known. The author, Nick’s Mom, walks us through his birth and early years dealing with heart issues and a heart transplant. She shares it all and you’ll be moved as you read the memoir.
The book follows Nick from birth up to adulthood to show what living life after a transplant is like and what her son was able to do with his life thanks to that transplant.
The appendix contains tips and hints for parents of children who are chronically ill or who had a transplant....more
If you are an Empath, make sure you check out the author’s other books. This one is a guided journal and is a nice way to take what you’ve learned andIf you are an Empath, make sure you check out the author’s other books. This one is a guided journal and is a nice way to take what you’ve learned and really make it stick.
There are affirmations throughout the book. The first prompt after each is why is this affirmation important to me? After that are other prompts such as: As a sensitive person, how can my life specifically benefit from making this shift?
This journal is a good way to write out your feelings about being an empath....more