Little Flower Yoga for Kids Book Review

Book: Little Flower Yoga for Kids

 

Author: Jennifer Cohen Harper

 

Given by: New Harbinger via Goodreads First 

Reads

 

Rating: 5/5 Won-derfuls (AMAZING!)

 

This is an incredible book! It provides wonderful ideas about helping children practice mindfulness and yoga. I work with parents and young children in a child abuse prevention program. I plan to use what I learned in this text with my families in their homes when discussing emotional regulation and exercise. Everything I need to get started is in this one book. 

There are tons of step by step exercises and helpful tips for initiating the program at home. It has very specific instructions and illustrations which are very useful. I have done yoga a few times, but do not practice regularly. Without a book like this I would have no idea how to introduce these valuable techniques to the families with whom I work. Teacher or parent, experienced or not - this book caters to all. Jennifer Cohen Harper has created a very user friendly guide that is going to be a valuable asset in my professional library. I highly recommend this book!

You can click here to purchase the book or learn more about the Little Flower Yoga program.

Merry Bookish Christmas to Me!

 

I had myself a merry bookish Christmas! I am so spoiled. Santa brought me Book Lover's Jenga which is a great game to play at book club. My Goodreads Secret Santa sent me two zentangle books: Zenspiration Dangle Designs and Yoga for Your Brain. My mom gave me some color books and three books from the Booktown Mystery Series. I love cozy mysteries! Finally, my WONDERFUL fiance gave me Harry Potter Page to Screen. This book is so beautiful. The pictures and illustrations are quite amazing. I must say, I made out like a bookish bandit this year. Thanks to my marvelous family and friends!

Harry Potter Travel Part Ten

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando

My final stop on my Harry Potter bookish travels tour: Orlando, Florida. It felt a little odd thinking of walking through Hogsmeade in Florida, but I was not disappointed. The attention to detail on every building, bench, and character was incredible. The line up to the castle for The Forbidden Journey went through classrooms and the greenhouse which made the wait very worth the long line. I rode every ride, walked through every shop, and enjoyed a butterbeer while listening to Hogwarts' frog choir. Although this is all of my Harry Potter traveling for now, I will be returning when Universal opens up Diagon Alley!

Darkness and the Devil Behind Me Audiobook Review

Audiobook: Darkness and the Devil Behind Me

 

Author: Persia Walker

 

Given by: Marti Dumas (narrator) via Goodreads First Reads

 

Rating: 1/5 Won-derfuls (Not my cup of tea)

In fairness, if I removed my emotional frustration, this book would get two or there won-derfuls instead of one. However, I was so frustrated and unable to concentrate from beginning to end that I had to give it a one.

The hero of our tale is a single, black, female, society columnist living in 1920's Harlem. She investigates the disappearance of a young and talented pianist. Though she is put in frequent danger, she refuses Harlem mysteryany help. Over and over and over and over again. Instead of seeming brave, this protagonist comes across and infuriatingly obtuse. Yet she comes out on top. Every. Single. Time. If I had not promised myself that I would read any book for review in it's entirety, I would have quit early on.

Also, despite the frequent references to popular clubs and famous individuals, I could not buy in to the 20's setting. The language felt off, although I'm not sure if this was the writing or the narrator. 1920's lingo seemed randomly inserted, almost as an afterthought.

The other part of this may be my own ignorance about the time period, but having a young, single, black female stand up against every power she encounters and then be able to afford living completely independently, in New York, with a private phone line seems highly unbelievable. I get that it was the Harlem Renaissance and the heart of progression. I understand the popularity of society columns in the era. But for some reason I could still not buy into the idea of this particular woman, who openly fights the powers that be, living such a life in an era festering with racism and sexism.

The whole thing rubbed me the wrong way. It seems that I am alone in these views, however. This book has received some excellent feedback. Although I have not seen many opinions about the audiobook as it is a much newer release than the text.

Before dismissing the book, check out some other reviews as they are largely positive. It is entirely possible that I do not know enough about this place in time to appreciate the story. All I can say is that I'm glad it's over.

For other reviews or to purchase look here.

Harry Potter on Stage

telegraph.co.uk

Thank you J.K. Rowling! I am so excited that the early years of Harry Potter will be made into a new play! Sweet! According to Reuters we should be able to see the production in 2015. You can see the article I read here,, although there are tons of other snippets besides this one out there already. Some people seem kinda pissed about the whole thing. I think it is pretty cool though. Why not milk that cash cow? If I wrote that much magic into the world I would too. Can't wait!

Simply Bookish Ornament

I had a left over glass ball from another project, so I decided to put in some curled up strips from book pages. This is how it turned out and how you can make one too.

 What you need:

• Book pages

• Empty glass or plastic ornament

• Scissors

• Writing stick

 Step 1: Cut paper into strips.

 

Step 2: Curl strips around writing stick until you have a bunch of twisty bits. (I know. Very technical terms here.)

 Step 3: Stuff your twisty bits into your ball until you are happy with how it looks

 

Step 4: Hang it on your tree and gaze in bookish Christmassy wonder at your creation.

Happy Christmas Crafting!

Heartfelt Letters from Santa Book Review

 

Book: Heartfelt Letters from Santa

 

Author: Veronica Christine Steck

 

Given by: JKS Communications

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it)

 

This beautiful set comes in two parts. The first is a parent's guide to writing letters to their children from Santa. It provides a clever and fun way to make a keepsake for children to have as they grow. The author talks about her experiences with writing letters to her children from Santa and offers practical advice for readers on how to do the same. From how to engage children in the idea of receiving letters from Santa to helpful hints at answering awkward Santa related questions, Steck covers it all.

The second book in the set is the keepsake book itself which has plenty of space for years of letters from the big guy. It can then be passed on to the children when they grow up and possibly have children of their own. The keepsake book is beautiful on its own or could be dressed up with craftiness or a picture from each Christmas.

This set is a great tool to add an extra dash of magic to already existing Christmas traditions. I fully intend to do this every year with my children!

Interested? You can buy it here.

Easy Peasy Bookish Ornaments

I completed this project last year with my Girl Scout troop using old magazines. They loved it! I decided I wanted to try with book pages. It was just as simple. I think I saw the tutorial originally on Martha Stewart crafts a few years ago, but couldn't find the site to link. If you have it, please share so I can give credit.

 

What You Need: 

• Book pages (about 10)
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Something round to trace
• Pen
• Ribbon or string

1. Stack book pages and trace a circle on the top page

 

2. Cut out the circles

 

3. Place a staple in the center of the circle. A large stapler works best, but I improvised because I only had a small one at home. Staple string or ribbon to the circle

4. Fold out pages in each direction to form a ball.

 5. Hang up you ornament. Oooh and ahhh at the bookish wonder!

 

Alternative: This craft is very flexible.You can use books, magazines, maps, sheet music, or old greeting cards. I have made them in diamond, square, and bell shapes too. These also make cool garland if you make smaller shapes and string them with a needle and thread.

Happy Christmas!

The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp Book Review

Book: The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp (a demon's story)

 

Author: Michael Siemsen

 

Given by: Fantome Publishing

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it) 

 

A prequel to A Warm Place to Call Home, this is a great book with solid plot and characters. It is a bit dark and twisty around the edges, but mostly it is the tale of a young demon discovering what it means to be a new member of the species. 

Samuel dies as a child but his spirit sticks around and learns to move between different bodies. He works, he loves, he develops friendships, and he continues to live his life. In his twenties he begins dating his gorgeous, but sadistic, girlfriend. This is the point in the book where things start heating up. All I will say is there is a big fat plot twist at this point that makes the book well worth the read. 

This story has some physical and sexual violence, which usually turns me off a book. In this tale, however, these scenes felt like critical elements to the overall story - not cheap or random ploys to shock the reader into an emotional reaction. Still, it is definitely an adult only read. 

Interested? You can read more about it or buy it here.

Harry Potter Travel Part Nine

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

This gorgeous 13th century location was used in the Harry Potter films for some classroom, hallway, and spooky nighttime scenes. The architecture and history here are incredible. I would love to have the opportunity to see it at night. This magical location was definitely a good choice to bring the books to life.

Silent Echo: A Siren's Tale Book Review

Book: Silent Echo: A Siren's Tale

 

Author: Elisa Freilich

 

Given by: Diversion Books via Goodreads First Reads

 

Rating: 3/5 Won-derfuls (I liked it)

I should start by saying that my 16 year old self would have given this book an OMG five star review. It definitely caters to the egocentricity of the teenage years. My adult sensibilities enjoyed the book but were a bit less enthusiastic.

The premise of the book is very unique. A teen, Portia, that has been mute for sixteen years finds her voice and gets some bonus powers too. Her relationships are complicated by hormones already, then the hellish teen years are made even "better" by some drastic mythical changes.

There were some parts of this book that had me completely gripped. Freilich had me begging Portia to keep going or to stop at two critical points in the book. Other chapters were a bit too highschool-flashback for my tastes. Also, I really enjoyed the modern take on the mythical siren, but was a bit put off by the modern interpretations of some other well know mythical figures. It was tough to believe that immortal gods and goddesses would give a hmph about a high schooler going through a particularly tough adolescence. The author does offer explanations for some of their interests, but I felt a bit stretched to believe them. (Although it was kind of fun thinking of Dionysus logging on to check his email...)

Basically, this would be an awesome book for the 15-21 crowd. It is still a good book for those who enjoy young adult reads and mythology, but it wouldn't be at the top of my personal list at this time in my life.

Interested? You can see more reviews or buy it here.

Harry Potter Travel Part Eight

Lacock, Wiltshire

The village of Lacock and Lacock Abbey were probably my favorite stops in my Harry Potter travels. I could have spend a week roaming in the Cotswolds if I had had a bit more time on my hands. I enjoyed a bite at the village pub before wandering the streets to Lacock Abbey. I will start with pictures from the village itself. There are many scenes filmed in this beautiful place. Harry and Dumbledore walked these streets together. There are also two very familiar houses from the films that you will see. In the next post I will have pictures from the Abbey where many classroom scenes were shot. I hope to go back to spend more time in this area again someday.

Doctor Lovebeads Book Review

Book: Doctor Lovebeads (#5 in the Asphalt Warrior series)

 

Author: Gary Reilly

 

Given by: JKS Communications 

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it)

Part mystery, part philosophy, and wholly awesome, this book was entertaining from beginning to end. Our favorite cabbie, Murph, fails once again at minding his own business. He becomes intertwined in a missing persons case and claims he is only involved out of self interest (I don't believe him).

Murph's constant sidebars add to the narrative and infuse the story with his contagiously thoughtful personality. Chapter 22 starts: "I won't bore you with the detailed descriptions of my 'plan.' I know what you're thinking. Why did Murph put the word 'plan' in quotation marks? What is it about quotation marks that absolves people of responsibility for the things they try to do? I don't know the answer. All I can say is thank God for quotation marks." And then he gets right back to his "plan". I love it.

Harry Potter Travel Part Seven

Christ Church, Oxford

I had such a great time at Oxford! I was able to climb the 16th century staircase beneath the stunning vaulted ceiling used to depict the the Grand Staircase in the Harry Potter movies. It was exactly as I pictured it when reading the books. There were also several hallways and a courtyard used in the films. The Great Hall of Christ Church, Oxford was replicated at the filming studios to create the Hogwarts Great Hall. Unfortunately, I was not able to enter the library or trophy room locations as they were closed on my touring date. This was an amazing historical spot with many bookish ties. I will make another post about the links to Lewis Carrol and Alice at Oxford soon.