A Snack for Confetti, Farmer's Market Day, What a Wonderful World, I Want My Mommy Book Reviews (Tiger Tales)

Snack Time for Confetti by Kali Stileman

 

Confetti is really hungry and is telling all her friends.  They offer her the food they like to eat.  But she says "Yuck!"  Then she comes home to mama and gets wiggly worm, a beautiful beetle, a speedy spider, a creepy crawling caterpillar, and a skinny stick insect.  She says "Yum!"  Everyone else says "Yuck!" This is a great book for learning about what other animals eat and the pictures are very colorful to capture the attention of young ones.

 

 

Farmer's Market Day by Shanda Trent

 

 

A little girl is ready for farmer's market day.  Armed with her wagon and cute purse she walks with her family through the variety of fruits and vegetables.  She's excited to try bread, honey and hats.  But she finally finds what she wants the most- a watering can.  Kids will learn that a farmer's market is wonderful place to visit and this is a great book to introduce kids to the upcoming season.

 

What a Wonderful World by Suzanne Chew

 

 

This gentle and quiet book shares the beautiful world that God made with hymn-like prose set in soft colors following a mama bear and her cub.  This is a great book to share awe and reverence for our Creator.

I Want My Mommy!  by Tracey Corderoy

 

Arthur the mouse is not excited to stay with grandma without his mommy for the WHOLE day.  He grows like a dragon, but knows he has no choice in the matter.  His grandma tries to distract him by playing games with him, but he is not put off especially when he hears the doorbell.  But it is either the mailman or the neighbor.  When mommy finally comes he is having so much fun!  This is a great book to read to kids who need to spend extended time away from mommy.  Mommy will always come back.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

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Soo's Boo Boos She's Got 10, Red Riding Hood and Sweet Little Wolf, The Three Billy Goats Fluff Book Reviews (Tiger Tales)

Soo's Boo-Boo's She's Got 10! by Tilda Balsley

You never knew a little girl could come up with 10 boo boo's all over her body.  But her mom is smart and can figure out a solution for each one.  Enjoy this rhyming book with your little girl and see if she can't find 10 boo boo's on her body as well.

Red Riding Hood and the Sweet Little Wolf by Rachel Mortimer

 

Sweet Little Wolf is not like her parents- Big and Bad.  She loves things pretty and pink and fairy tales.  But she is asked to get dinner for her family.  She follows Red Riding Hood to her grandmothers house.  Red is reading a  fairy tale and Sweet Little Wolf forgets her mission.  Sweet Little Wolf cries when discovered by Red and Red writes a letter to Sweet Little Wolf's parents explaining that she wants to be a good and kind wolf.  Surprisingly the parents agree.  What a funny spin off of Little Red Riding Hood!

The Three Billy Goats Fluff by Rachel Mortimer

 



The Three Billy Goats Fluff are afraid of Mr. Troll who lives under the bridge.  He threatens to eat them.  Meanwhile, the mother, who own her own knitting stores knits up 12 booties for her kids to walk over the bridge so as not to disturb the troll.  She writes a nice letter asking the troll to be nice if the billy goats are quiet.  He agrees and tries with all his might to hear them, but the booties cover the noisy hooves.  Then the mother sends him a nice set of earmuffs and a blanket.  This is a unique spin off from the classic Three Billy Goats Gruff.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

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The Christian Parenting Handbook...Coming Soon!

I cannot recommend this book enough!!!  The Christian Parenting Handbook by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller is coming next week.

Summer Survival Calendar + Action Guide Review and Giveaway!!

I am so excited to have discovered Susan Heid's blog The Confident Mom last fall.  I have been truly blessed by her blog, audio blogs and resources.  Since I found her after the summer was over I missed the chance to utilize her Summer Survival Calendar.  But not this year!  I am thrilled to experience the summer with my kids armed with a variety of activities and ideas.

What is a parent to do with their kids all summer long?  The days can seem endless and filled with echoes of  "I'm bored."  That's where having a plan comes into place.  Not only can you have a plan for the summer, but it is already planned for you!  That's right, Susan has done extensive research to bring you the best free and frugal ideas to keep your kids busy, engaged and enjoy time together as a family.  I look forward to spending intentional time this summer with my kids and having fun!  This will be a summer to remember!

Have a campout, create a scavenger hunt, do magic tricks, make lemonade, learn origami, play balloon ping pong!  The ideas are endless.  And they are all on the calendar with clickable links.  So excited to start this summer!

Summer Survival Calendar includes:
*4 month calendar (May 1- Aug 31)
*120 activities
*low-budget/free activity ideas
*crafts projects
*kid-friendly recipes
*clickable links
*list of blogs where many of the activities came from

10 Strategies for Your Best Summer Ever Action Guide:
This Action Guide is a step by step guide to help you make your summer plan unique for your family.  This guide includes an audio from Susan who explains exactly how to plan your summer including worksheets that help you accomplish goals.  Both parents and kids are involved in the planning.  This is an excellent resource to help make your summer exciting, adventurous and also plan the best summer you have ever had.

Here’s what’s included:

•       Summer Goals worksheet
•       Ideas for Summer Fun checklist
•       10 Strategies for Your Best Summer Ever Action    Guide
•       Your Best Summer Ever Audio Workshop
•       Quiet Time Activities worksheet
•       Important Summer Dates checklist
•       Standard Operating Procedures worksheet
•       Weekly Menu Planner/Grocery List
•       Summer Weekly Planner
•       Be Summer Organized checklist

 *I was provided with a copy of this product for review.  All opinions are my own.*

 

 

Summer Survival Calendar- $5

10 Strategies for Your Best Summer Ever Action Guide- $3

Bundle- Both Calendar and Action Guide- $7

 

Buy your Summer Survival Calendar and Action Guide at

The Confident Mom

 

2013 Summer Survival Calendar

 

 

I love how Susan has organized everything for me!  I am glad to offer both the Summer Survival Calendar and the 10 Strategies for Your Best Summer Ever Action Guide as a GIVEAWAY!! ($7 value)

Giveaway ends Wednesday, May 1!

 

Ways to enter: (Be sure to fill out the entry form at the end of this list)

1. Make a comment on my blog- What are you looking forward to most this summer? (required)

2. Be a follower on my blog (see sidebar)

3. Subscribe by email

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

4. Like Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow on Facebook.

5. Post about this giveaway on another site (1 entry for each)- Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Other.

Entry FORM for Summer Survival Calender & Action Guide

That's My Daddy! and That's My Mommy! by Ann Hodgman Book Reviews (Tiger Tales)

 
That's My Daddy!  by Ann Hodgman

 
That's My Mommy! by Ann Hodgman

These two little books are great gifts to give for Father's Day and Mother's Day coming up.  Both books share unique activities that kids can experience with their parents.  And in the end daddies and mommies can show love to their little ones with a special hugs.  These books are great to read with kids and to find out what else they like to do with daddy and mommy.  Enjoy your relationship with your children!  They are only little for a short while.

Padded Board Book

22 pages, full color

Ages 2-5 

  

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

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It's Spring Time! by Elizabeth Bennett Book Review (Tiger Tales)

 
It's Spring Time by Elizabeth Bennett

Enjoy a sweet little rhyming story about all the fun things spring brings.  Join the bunny family as they plant and watch things grow, see birds nesting, spring clean, play with friends, escape thunderstorms and look for the beautiful rainbow to come out.  This little book has glitter shimmers that are good for tactile learners.  Your little one will look forward to spring!

Padded Board Book

16 pages, full color

Ages 2-5

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

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Music Notes: Whatever I Want To Be by Young Avenue Kids CD Review

	Young Avenue Kids Whatever I Want To Be Young Avenue Kids 28 May 2013
KIDS SING THE CLASSICS! YOUNG AVENUE KIDS' WHATEVER I WANT TO BE My review: Young children need to be exposed to classics and Young Avenue Kids has a unique and entertaining approach.  Each song has fun and education lyrics that work well with the classic and the beautiful voices of these children is angelic.  There are 11 songs and then the songs are played again without the lyrics and the kids speak about the composers.  Kids will be exposed to true classical music and also learn about composers, instruments and the power of good music!  I turned this CD on the other day and both of my children played so quietly for about 30 minutes.  Classics can soothe and inspire young minds.  I recommend this new album. "If you are looking for a fun and playful introduction to classical music for your young ones, this is the perfect fit!" -- Academics' Choice "Smart Media Award" review of Whatever I Want To Be "Ilana Melmed has created lyrics to a set of classical music pieces as a way to interest young ears in this style of music -- and she nicely succeeds in her mission." -- Michael Berick, L.A. Parent LOS ANGELES -- With an Academics' Choice "Smart Media Award" proudly in hand, Ilana Melmed and Young Avenue Kids are set to send their first CD out into the world!  Whatever I Want To Be features Ilana and the children of Young Avenue Kids singing catchy, original lyrics set to well-loved melodies by Rossini, Hayden, Grieg, von Suppé, and more, providing a joyous introduction to classical tunes that all children should know. With a full schedule as a lecturer at USC, Ilana Melmed never envisioned that she would find herself producing a children's CD.  However, inspired by her children and grandchildren, and motivated by a strong desire to share her passion for classical music with families, Ilana took on the roles of producer, singer, and lyricist for Whatever I Want To Be, recruiting a superlative cast of talent to participate in the project, including Emmy Award winner Stephen Cohn as production supervisor and vocal arranger. A "family" feeling permeates Whatever I Want To Be with a sense of sharing and belonging and is part of the album's considerable charm.  The vivacity of the kids (six of whom are Ilana Melmed's grandchildren) is endearing, not only when they sing, but also when they're heard sharing their enthusiasm and a treasure trove of information through a special eleven-track feature of this CD titled "The Kids Speak About the Composers." Whatever I Want To Be takes off in grand style with everyone singing the "rocket ship" lyrics to the fanfare from Franz von Suppé's "Light Cavalry Overture" and proceeds in jolly fashion to "The Orchestra Families," which employs a marching tune by Johann Schrammel to capture the thrill and excitement of an outing to a symphony concert. Other highlights include the clever lyrics of "The Gorgeous Butterfly," which grace a Johann Strauss march, and the galloping tune from Rossini's "William Tell Overture," which finds new life as the humorous "William Tell Is Oh So Swell." Whatever I Want To Be will be available online at Amazon.com, iTunes, CDBaby, and in select retail stores throughout the U.S. # # # Check out the Young Avenue Kids website at www.youngavenuekids.com for information about the instruments of the orchestra, a fun-filled quiz, coloring pages, and more!
*I was given a complimentary copy of this CD for review.  All opinions are my own.*

Peek-a-Boo! and Hug! by Ben Mantle Book Reviews (Tiger Tales)

 
Peek-a-boo! by Ben Mantle

 
Hug! by Ben Mantle

Two special board books with a surprise cover!  The hands are magnetic for playing peek-a-boo or giving a hug.  Peek-a-Boo captures penguins, bear, bunnies, hippos, a cat, gorilla hiding and ends with a big party for everyone.  Hug presents many different animals and how they hug from twisty, tangly giraffes to upside down bats, sharing hugs is for everyone.  My little girl loves to look through these colorful books and especially like the magnetic hands on the front cover to cover and uncover.

Board Book

16 pages, full color

Ages 2-5  

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*

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April- Library Snapshot Month with Kathy Willis: A Reading Tale (Guest Post)

A Reading Tale

By Kathy Carlton Willis

I’ve always been a lover of books—the opportunity to visit a new world, a new time, a new way of life. What’s your rite-of-passage reading story? I’ll start with mine.

As soon as I started school, Mother encouraged me to learn to read. She was a voracious reader, eager for me to develop the same love of books. This Chatty Kathy enjoyed every form of communications since my first spoken word. The written word was no different—I took to it like gravy goes with biscuits. Remember those Weekly Reader magazines (oh, the delicious smell of the ink and paper!)? The SRA Reading Lab inspired me to read not just for speed, but for retention.

When I received my first public library card around age 6, Mom walked us to the library several times a month. Yes, it seemed like it was two miles uphill both ways, but it was worth it! Our little town of four thousand was blessed with a Carnegie library (built in 1905) full of well-loved books. Mom taught me how to follow my favorite authors—I read all their titles. I knew how to thumb through a card catalog and recite the Dewey decimal system. By the time I outgrew the children’s section, I had read every book and graduated to the “grown-up” shelves.

Most avid readers say their idea of a time-out from stress and life involves curling up with a good book—claw-foot tub or blazing fireplace optional.

My favorite reading tip is this: Don’t waste time on a mediocre book. When reading for recreation, remember that you aren’t in school anymore. You aren’t being graded for reading every word. So if a book doesn’t appeal to you, put it down! Grab a different one. We have only so much time in life—definitely not enough time to get bogged down with a boring book or confusing storyline.

Just because a book earned rave reviews doesn’t mean it’s the right book for you, any more than gorgeous size 7 shoes will fit size 10 feet!

Think about your own reading tale. What was it like when you learned to read? When did you discover your local library? Do you recall the favorite authors of your early years? Who inspired you to read more? What challenges you today in your reading? We all have a story—even a reading story!

 

Kathy Carlton Willis Bio:

Kathy Carlton Willis gets jazzed speaking for women’s events and writers conferences across the country. She’s known for her practical and often humorous messages. Kathy enjoys fiddling with words as a writer and also coaches others. When not reading or writing books, she serves as a happy pastor’s wife.

Web: http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.

Wonderfully Made by Joyce Meyer Book Review

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Inspirational Speaker Joyce Meyer Teaches Kids Self-Love in an Endearing New Children’s Book

“God gives all of us unique gifts.

We just have to discover what they are.”

My review:
I have read the first two books from Everyday Zoo (Every Which Way to Pray and Field of Peace).  I have been equally impressed with each one and this is no exception.  Hayley Hippo is excited about the talent show, but as she looks around she feels sad because she thinks God forgot to give her a talent.  She admires each of her friends and takes a few pictures to inspire her, but she still is unable to pinpoint her special skill.  But one of her friends notices that her talent might be right in front of her.  The night of the talent show, Hayley proudly shares her new talent and thanks for God what he gave her and also for her friends.  I always tear up when I see how sweet these stories end.  Yes, God gives each of a talent.  Through this book, kids will learn that God has given each person a special talent.  

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Zonderkidz.  All opinions are my own.*


Following the success of her first two children’s books, Every Which Way to Pray and Field of Peace, #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer returns with WONDERFULLY MADE (Zondervan; May 2013; $15.99), the third book in the Everyday Zoo series.

Named one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America by Time Magazine, Meyer has penned more than 90 books and continues to create important lessons for children. For the third time, she teams up with illustrator Mary Sullivan to impart valuable Christian wisdom.  

WONDERFULLY MADE revisits the spirited world of Everyday Zoo with its familiar cast of quirky characters - Hayley and Harley Hippo, Boyd the Giraffe and Pouch the Pelican - as they prepare for the local talent show.

While the zoo is abuzz before the big event, Hayley Hippo still hasn’t identified her talent. She can neither fly, nor ice skate, nor sing.  Poor Hayley begins to fret that maybe God forgot to give her a talent!

With encouragement from her friends, Hayley learns that she’s just as special as everyone else and that God blesses all of his children equally. Just in time for the show, Hayley realizes her talent has been right there in front of her the whole time!

Dubbed by Publisher’s Weekly as “refreshingly unpreachy and theologically accessible,” Meyer’s children’s books examine the important themes of self-love, prayer, and treating one another kindly.

Beautifully depicted through Sullivan’s bright and dynamic illustrations, Hayley’s discouragement and struggle with self-esteem is a universal tale that children and parents from all walks of life will find inspiring.

****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joyce Meyer is one of the world’s leading practical bible teachers and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries. A #1 New York Times bestselling author and named one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America by Time Magazine, she has written more than 90 inspirational books, which have been translated into 84 different languages. She is also the author of two children’s books, Every Which Way to Pray and Field of Peace, the first two titles in the Everyday Zoo series. Meyer’s “Enjoying Everyday Life” radio and television programs broadcast around the world and are translated into 43 different languages. She travels extensively conducting conferences. Meyer and her husband have four children and ten grandchildren, and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri. www.joycemeyer.org

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Sullivan was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised all over central Texas. Sullivan studied at the University of Texas in Austin, earning a BFA in studio art. She has been drawing for as long as she can remember and is forever grateful to her parents for teaching her about music, art, and poetry at an early age. Sullivan lives in Austin, Texas, where she spends her days drawing and writing for children.

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Zonderkidz™, a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com.