Month: March 2020

Although this book is title Yoga to stay Young, I think that it will be welcomed by anyone who is new to yoga and wondering about giving it a try.  The author is a highly experienced yoga teacher.  She is a gentle and reliable guide to all of the poses that are included in the text.

The book begins with some basics including a brief history of yoga, a section on why yoga works and another on making yoga a personal practice.  This is followed by poses in sections that focus on different body parts such as the neck and shoulders, the hips, buttocks and hamstrings, the knees and more.  The book next includes yoga sequences that are related to different kinds of activities; included, for instance, are poses for waking up, walking or lifting heavy things, followed by yoga for activities such as running, swimming or biking. There is even a section on yoga for exercise recovery and one for aches and pains.

I highly recommend this title for readers who are looking for a helpful introduction to yoga.  Order your mat and begin!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#YogatoStayYoung #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Macie seems to be the most popular girl in her class until…you guessed it, someone else seems to be claiming that spot. Macie is very upset and does not go to school the next day. With a magic mirror and a loving dad, Macie learns to accept and love herself while knowing that she does not have to be perfect.

I liked the idea of this story and its central message of self-acceptance. However, I do feel that this book could have been a bit more. The spots that the mirror gives Macie are symbolic and represent what she sees as flaws but this concept may not be clear to children. However, it may be a title that will be helpful to young perfectionists. It could open up discussion between adults and children.

Thanks to NegGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I found this amusing and pleasingly illustrated book to be delightful. Zippy Chippy, whose owner had this as the third choice for his name, was a real racing horse who….just could not race. Zippy was a bit like Ferdinand the Bull; there were so many things that he wanted to enjoy that he often forgot to take off at the start of a race or just could not finish. Zippy NEVER came in first although he had a few places and shows. This left him with a unique record. Nonetheless or because of this, Zippy was very loved. At his horse retirement home, he was the main attraction.

The author tells the story of Zippy with a positive message for children about trying and how being yourself is enough. There are additional resources at the back of the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

This is the second entry in the series about Cosmo. These books are for readers who are starting to enjoy chapter books. The first book ended with the cliffhanger of a missing grandmother. This book picks up where that one left off.

The premise of the series is that our allergic protagonist has created her own pet from Slime with the help of a little moon dust. Cosmo only comes to life for her and her good friend. Cosmo is an important part of their adventures.

What did happen to Grandma Sadie? What will Piper and Cosmo do to find her? Will they succeed?

Along with the story line, the author includes some facts as, for example, information about the constellations or Keith Haring. These brief sections are not heavy handed but may encourage readers to learn more.

This is a fun book with some bright, colorful illustrations that enhance the text. I think that young readers will enjoy it. As a bonus there is a slime recipe at the end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#CosmototheRescueMyPetSlimeBook2 #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 7, 2020

This is the second book that Luke Reynolds has written about “Fantastic Failures.”  I gave the earlier title four stars observing

“This book, written by a seventh grade English teacher, is replete with the biographies of those who faced significant challenges in reaching their goals.  Each entry starts with a fantasy description of how things went, before, more accurately, detailing the setbacks that were faced along the way. The author believes that it is important that young people focus, not on being perfect, but on risk taking and learning. He tells his own story of having been a poor student and then turning things around. The author offers comments to students suggesting coping mechanisms when they face challenges. This book is broad and expansive. It would be an excellent resource for students and school libraries.”

I stand by these earlier comments while noting that in the introduction to this title readers will learn about the author’s baseball experiences.  The message remains the same. Some of those featured in this volume include Socrates, Emma Gonzales, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joan of Arc along with many more.  There are also sections called “The Flop Times” that are about people including Michael Phelp, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others.  Some of the entries in these sections are also about groups as for example the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.

This title is an inspiring resource that is written in a very readable style.  I highly recommend it for elementary school aged children.  The message of the book is so encouraging and hopefully will be welcomed by its readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  September 15, 2020

Right now so many of us are preoccupied with the state of our own health.  While this title has nothing to do with what is currently happening, it is a resource for those who would like to take better care of themselves.

The journal is set up to be used for thirteen weeks though I am sure it could be used for longer either by purchasing another book or moving your goals to a notebook using what was learned here.  The idea of being able to look back and see one’s progress often helps in achieving goals which is why a book like this may be better than just resolving to “do better.”

This is a simple journal that may be helpful to readers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TrainingforaHealthyLife #NetGalley

The author of this lavishly illustrated title encourages readers to make sketchbooks that are uniquely theirs; she emphasizes that perfection is not the goal.  Rather the book is designed as a guided journey and exploration as readers create their own books.  The author points out that a sketchbook is a safe place, kind of like a journal it seems to me.

In our current time when it feels that there is so much to stress about, this book will be welcomed by those who need a venue to express and show feelings, thoughts, artwork and more.  Throughout the author is encouraging and non-judgmental; she is a welcome companion on the journey. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ExpressiveSketchbooks #NetGalley

Geraldine is a second grader who has trouble concentrating at school; at times, her head is literally in the clouds. Geraldine’s teacher describes her as feisty while her fellow students find her to be silly.

One day at school, Geraldine perks up. Her teacher has announced the science fair contest. This speaks to all of Geraldine’s interests and talents. What will her project be? Will it be well received?

Young readers will enjoy this story of a girl who follows her own path and uses her imagination and talents to show her world the planet Mars. It can be read as a story of finding your own way and not being overly focused on how one is viewed by peers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

There is so much talk about immigrants these days. Children, of course, become aware of what is going on in the world around them as well. This book will be a good conversation starter for both emigrant children and those who go to school, play and live along with them.

In this picture book, Salma is newly arrived in Vancouver and is adjusting to life there. She misses home and notes that her mother is very sad as well. Salma would like to cheer her up. How she goes about doing this is the subject of this story.

I liked that in Salma’s world adults tried to understand and help her. This is a perfect model to put forward.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

There is an impressive range of puzzles in the book including code breakers, word searches, crosswords, mazes, spot the difference puzzles and more.  Geared to 7-10 year olds,  this title will keep kids happily occupied and entertained.  It is colorfully illustrated and engaging.  Definitely worth a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#NationalParksoftheUSAActivityBook #NetGalley