Book Review - Rhyme Crime by Jon Burgerman

Photo Credit - Amazon

Words have gone missing! Someone stole Marlow's smile. Who took Dingle's sneeze? What happened to Tumble's orange? There must be a thief going around taking words and replacing it with a rhyme. Can you help put the clues together to help capture the thief? 

I found the book to be silly and fun to read. The little tots I read it to found it hilarious and they ended up becoming a big pile of giggles. However, the children who were a bit older (around 5-7) found the book silly. They found the illustrations to be "gross". Overall, a fun and entertaining book that let kids guess out the ending.

Engagement Activities- 

1. How many rhyme pairs can you come up with in one minute? 

2. What is your favorite word? Why?

3. Can you draw your favorite toy? What rhymes with it?

4. What is your most prized possession? Why?

5. If you can have any silly superpower, what would it be?

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - One of a Kind by Chris Gorman

Photo Credit - Amazon

The child in the story details the ways he is unique from his peers. He listens to punk rock music, dresses differently and expresses himself in his way. He realizes he is lonely and wishes he had someone to share his uniqueness with.

I thought the kids I volunteer with would enjoy the way the book was illustrated but didn't like it. I found the message of a confident kid proud to be different and unique. However, I did find it a bit odd that he wanted people who shared a common interest when he was mentioning the ways that made him unique. But I think the underlying message is being unique good but everyone needs a community where you can have share common interests together.

Engagement Activities -
1. What are the traits that make you unique?
2. What are different the unique traits your friends have?
3.  What are the common traits do you and your friends share?
4.  What unique trait are you most proud of?

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Christmas at Grey Sage by Phyllis Clark Nichols

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maude and Silas deck out their adobe house with all the holiday trimmings that delight and thrill family and friends alike. Christmas at The Thornhills' Gray Sage Inn is always a day to remember until a tragic accident occurs. Now, Silas and Maude go on vacation during the holiday to escape the painful holiday memories. When Maude's best friend, Lily asks her to open the inn during the holidays for a group of eccentric travelers, she was hesitant to agree.

When the group of travelers arrives, they are surprised that Grey Sage Inn isn't decorated with Christmas decorations. After a snowstorm hits Santa Fe, the guests find themselves stranded and try to make the best out of the holiday as possible. Will Maude and Silas be able to heal and appreciate Christmas again?

The novel started with Maude's appreciation for Christmas; going into detail about her favorite decorations, traditions and moments. Then we get to meet the group of eccentric travelers and from there we find out why Silas and Maude don't celebrate Christmas anymore and the backstory of each traveler. I found the first few characters really boring and halfway towards the book, it finally picked up, but by then I was already over reading this book. It is a nice cozy reading novel for readers who loves Christmas stories, but this wasn't really my cup of tea.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Berenstain Bears Easter Fun Sticker and Activity Book By Jan & Mike Berenstain

Photo Credit - Amazon

I remember growing up watching Berenstain Bears on TV. I was so excited to see this book to share with the young ones in my family. This wonderful Easter theme children's ( I may or may not have helped with a few activities) book is packed with fun activities such as puzzles, crosswords, coloring, sticker activity pages, and over 50 reusable stickers. The kids once they saw the books, they didn't want to wait until Easter to play with it. They had fun time and I was glad they had so much fun (and the best part they were entertained for a few hours). A definite fun treat for the kids during Easter!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Max at Night by Ed Vere + Giveaway!

Photo Credit - Amazon

A cute story about a little black kitten who is about to go to sleep but can't find his beloved moon to say good night.  Max has many nighttime rituals before going to bed; brushing his teeth, drinking milk and saying good night to the moon. However, tonight Max can't find his moon and goes on a journey to find the moon. Will Max be able to find the moon?

A darling book with gorgeous illustrations. A great addition to your little ones' bookshelves and it teaches about bedtime rituals. My nephews enjoyed reading along to this!

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Max at Night landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/maxatnight/

Download the activity kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4ZhGcf82dneVdyYlBJUzdNMUk/view?pref=2&pli=1 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.edvere.com/

Twitter: @ed_vere

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_vere/

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