How we come to be: All Ways Family by Noemí Fernández Selva

Adults often feel flummoxed when the time comes to talk to children about “how babies are made.”  This book with its appealing multicultural illustrations helps come to the rescue.

All Ways Family is geared towards six to ten year olds, although I would just recommend this as a guideline.  The  book’s approach is to have children talk about their families.  Readers starts with Paula, who goes to see the ultrasound with her heterosexual parents.  When Paula returns to school with the ultrasound, her teacher talks to the class about reproduction.

This book is very inclusive.  The classmates go on to hear from children where there was assisted reproduction and families formed by adoption.

The book provides an introduction to talking about “All Ways” families may be formed.  It can help adults to begin a discussion with children who are at that age where adults need to begin this conversation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book ine exchange for an honest review.

#AllWaysFamily #NetGalley

You can do it: 5 Weeks to Self Confidence A Guide to Confronting Your Inner Critic and Controlling Your Relationship with Your Thoughts by Lynn Matti, MA, LPCC

This resource begins with a chapter entitled Understanding Your Self-Confidence followed by Beginning Your Journey. Then follow chapters that go week by week. The first is on Setting Goals, the next on Meeting and Confronting Your Inner Critic, the third is on Transforming Your Relationship with Your Thoughts, the fourth is about Beliefs and Values,  with fifth, Communication and last a chapter entitled Your Confident Future.  In addition there is a list of resources at the back of the book.

The author shares her personal journey in the introduction.  She has clearly suffered and moved to a better way of living her life, breaking away from addiction toward understanding and becoming a therapist after returning to school in her 40s.

This book is grounded in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) nad Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  Both involve well known and respected therapeutic methods.  The book also includes many quizzes and other activities that focus on understanding one’s self and being able to make positive changes.

The author relates to the reader in a conversational style.  She makes it easy for the reader to consider her points without becoming defensive.

All in all, I found this book to be an excellent resource.  It could be used on its own or perhaps used together with a therapist. Buy it if you would like to feel anywhere from a bit to a lot better about yourself.

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

From the publisher: 

self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidenceself confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence

#5WeekstoSelfConfidence #NetGalley

You can do it: How to Cook for Beginners An Easy Cookbook for Learning the Basics by Gwyn Novak

The author of this book states that it is truly for beginning cooks so don’t be afraid to engage with it, even if you do not think that you are a kitchen whiz.  The writer begins by letting you know what you need to have in your kitchen.  She then moves on to skills including boiling, pan cooking and baking.  The last part of the book includes a number of recipes that are described as easy.

The author explained concepts very clearly as for example the differences between sell by date, use by date and expiration date.  There is also a section on “cooking lingo” which includes definitions that are quite helpful.  Readers will also learn what it means to whisk, fold, and stir and also how to rough chop, dice and more.

The recipes themselves are presented very clearly.  For example the recipe for Pasta Bolognese first describes what the dish is.  Next the tools that are needed are listed, followed by the ingredients and the recipe.  The recipe itself is easy to follow as are the other recipes in the book.

This cookbook has many beautiful photographs and also pictures that show techniques.  These very much enhance the text.

I rate this cookbook highly.  It would make a perfect gift for anyone who is starting to live on their own or who needs to boost their kitchen confidence.

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

From the publisher: 

#HowtoCookforBeginners #NetGalley

Cookbooks for Beginners,Cookbooks for Beginners,Cookbooks for Beginners,Cookbooks for Beginners

SAMPLE RECIPE: CACIO E PEPE

Rolling Boil: A very vigorous boil in which large bubbles continuously make their way to the surface and are not slowed by stirring the pot. Follow the directions for how to boil water (page 43).

1. Fill a large stockpot two-thirds full with water. Add the salt and stir to dissolve. Place the pot over high heat, cover it, and bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the linguine to the boiling water, stirring immediately so it doesn’t stick to the pot and itself. Cook the pasta for 9 to 11 minutes (depending on the pasta you use), uncovered, until al dente (see page 13).

3. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the pepper to the pan and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Using a ladle, pour 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into the pan. Use a whisk to incorporate.

5. Once the pasta is cooked, using tongs, transfer the pasta from the pot of hot water to the sauté pan. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce.

6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, continuing to toss the pasta thoroughly.

7. Add the cheeses, and toss the pasta continuously until they begin to melt. Remove the pan from the heat when you see that about half the cheese has melted.

8. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen the mixture.

9. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away if you add too much. Garnish the finished dish with extra cheese, if you like.

TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS:

  • Box grater, ladle, large sauté pan or skillet, large stockpot with lid, tongs, whisk
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, large grind, plus more as needed
  • 11/2 cups freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 11/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Now out: Search and Find A Number of Numbers 1 book, 100s of things to find! by AJ Wood

This book provides a fun way to consolidate the skills involved in learning to count. It starts with one, of course, and by the end of this title gets to 100. Along the way, children will find many things to count and look for. This title makes counting fun and I think that children will enjoy it. The illustrations are appropriately complex, fun and colorful.

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

From the publisher:

numbersCan you find 9 odd socks, 9 jumpers, 9 missing shoes, 9 t shirts, 9 pairs of glasses, 9 gloves, 9 pairs of underpants, 9 hats, and 9 pairs of trousers? What other clothes can you see?

numbersNow for a real counting challenge! Can you count 100 yellow safety helmets on the busy building site?

To see what is not easy to see: Hidden Places An Inspired Traveller’s Guide by Sarah Baxter

The range of hidden places that is featured in this book is wide.  There are European spots in Great Britain, Scandinavia, France and more.  There are also destinations in African, Asia, Australia, Canada and the U.S.  Truly a world tour for armchair travelers.

In the introduction the author talks about what hidden means in the context of this book; her answer is wide ranging.  What I take from it is partly the amazing sense of discovery and opportunity for some insight that one can find in unexpected locales.

The text in this title is accompanied by lovely illustrations.  The paintings are appealing and definitely made me wish that I could visit some of these places.

The author writes evocatively as this example from her first hidden place shows:

Tyneham:

There are no parcels piled up in the post office these days; no jars of liquorice on the counter nor sounds of telegrams being relayed form the back room.  ..The terraced cottages once quaintly thatched, lie ruined and roofless…this solemn little village has lost its villagers.  Or rather, they’ve lost it.

Readers who continue on will learn why this is the case and how they can visit.

I found this unusual travel book to be intriguing.  I think that I will purchase a copy when it is published.

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

From the publisher:

#HiddenPlaces #NetGalley

Enjoy the culture: The Little Book of Scandi Living by Brontë Aurell

Much has now been written about hygge, lagom, fika and other takes on Scandinavian culture. Now that winter is here, this may be the perfect time to learn more about the Scandinavian countries and what makes each unique.  This gorgeously illustrated, at times tongue in cheek, book is a good starting point. Subjects covered include style, food, the outdoors, family life, culture and celebrations.  Enjoy your trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark with Bronte Aurell; he makes quite a guide.

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

From the publisher:

scandinavia

How to be more Danish

1. Wear black, a lot. From top to bottom. It shows off our (sometimes) blonde hair. Add a really big scarf. A black one.

2. Speak on your in-breath when you say ja (‘yes’), pronounced ‘yeah’.

3. Eat open sandwiches on very dark rye bread. Every day. Sandwiches were meant to be topless. Also, top your open cheese sandwich with strawberry jam.scandinavia

How to be more Norwegian

1. Go for a hike (ut på tur, literally out on tour) every weekend, ideally somewhere hilly.

2. Always take a matpakke (packed lunch) wherever you go.

3. Every weekend and holiday, go to a hytte (cabin). Any cabin. A garden shed can be used as a replacement. This is called hyttetur (cabin tour)

.scandinavia

How to lagom

Lagom is the most important Swedish word you will ever learn. It goes deep into the make-up of every Swede, at home or abroad, and is part of being quintessentially Swedish. The word lagom is said to derive from the folk etymology in a phrase used in Viking times: laget om – meaning ‘around to the team’ – which was allegedly used to describe just how much mead one should drink when passing the horn around in the group. This etymology is commonly accepted to be right, although some parallels are made with the Law of Jante and the common set of rules about how much one should have of something.

#TheLittleBookofScandiLiving #NetGalley

Let’s eat: Meal Prep for Two 8 Weekly Plans and 75 Recipes to Get Healthier Together by Casey Seiden, RD, MS, CDN

This cookbook’s photos are sure to make you hungry!  Hopefully, they will also inspire you to try some of the recipes.  There are suggestions for every meal of the day plus snacks.  A few of the recipes included are for Mushroom Asparagus Quiche with Quinoa Crust, Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Skillet Zucchini Lasagna and Angel Hair Pasta with Herb Roasted Asparagus and Halibut. The book includes shopping lists and needed equipment. The recipes themselves appear to be clear and easy to follow.  There are additional sections in the book on Measurement Conversions, Resources and References as well as an introduction that is packed with information.   All in all, this looks like a great cookbook.

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

#MealPrepforTwo #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep,Meal Prep

Sample Recipe: Loaded Lox Roll Ups

Prep 10 minutes • Makes 4 servings

These can be stored in plastic wrap or bags and stacked on top of one another, so they take up very little space in the refrigerator.

1. On a clean surface or cutting board, lay a single tortilla. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on it as a base. Layer 4 ounces of lox, a few red onion slices, and about 1 tablespoon of capers on the tortilla. Roll up the tortilla lengthwise.

2. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.

3. Wrap the rollups in plastic wrap or place in a food storage bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Ingredients:

  • 4 (8-inch) whole-wheat tortillas
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 pound lox or smoked salmon
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup capers

Poems Aloud Poems are for reading out loud! by Joseph Coelho

This anthology of poems by Joseph Coehlo is designed for elementary school aged children to read aloud.  The poet has included poems that illustrate concepts, for example homophones, diminuendo, speaking quickly or speaking slowly.  There are also action poems, poems that are meant to make one laugh and more.  Throughout, the book has amusing illustrations. Hopefully children will enjoy picking up this one and will have fun reciting as they learn.

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

#PoemsAloud #NetGalley

Now out: The Electoral College: A Kid’s Guide by Meister, Cari

This title is geared towards third to fifth graders but I think that many adults will also appreciate its clean, concise description of the role of the electoral college. Included is information on the college’s historical origins and the rationale for its formation. Readers will learn why the number 538 is an important one for elections and will understand where the number comes from. There is also a section discussing some of the feelings for and against the electoral college as compared to a system based on the popular vote.

This title includes a number of photographs. It is very readable and the author does his job well. It is important to engage kids in the political process. Hopefully, this book will help them to do so.

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

And please, register to vote so that you and your electors can have their say!

From the publisher: