We celebrated E's 13th birthday and my 47th this month! E had a few close friends come over and stay the night and we had a fun little family gathering for mine.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Happy Birthday E (And Me)
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Timberdoodle's Social Skills Activities for Ages 6-7 Book Review
I want to share with you a book on social skills I'm finishing up with G, Social Skills Activities for Ages 6-7. This book is geared for kids 6-7 years old or 1st - 2nd grade. Since this is an activities book, it is consumable so if you are wanting to use it with multiple children I would recommend getting one for each of them.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
A Whale of a Time Review
I want to share with you today a fun book of poems from Timberdoodle, A Whale of a Time. A Whale of a Time is geared for kids 7-10 years old or 2nd-5th grade.
Friday, August 16, 2024
Hidden Systems Review
I have an amazing hardcover book to share with you from Timberdoodle, Hidden Systems. Hidden Systems is published by Random House Graphic with 272 pages and is written and illustrated by Dan Nott. Hidden Systems is recommended for kids 12-18 or 6th grade and up.
So, what's a hidden system? A hidden system is one that powers our everyday life but is something we rarely think about unless it fails. This book explores 3 main hidden systems: the internet, electricity and water. Nott's comic illustrations are truly masterful at breaking down large systems into smaller pieces emphasizing how we think about concepts, how they work, the history behind them and even the imagined future possibilities.
The graphic format of this book keeps it light and engaging. I like that it encourages the reader to ponder both the past and future of technology. We highly recommend this thought provoking read.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Happy 8th Birthday G
G turned 8 over the weekend! We went on a family vacation to the beach to both celebrate him and get in one last hurrah as a family before A and B head off to college.
I love the cake the girls made him! We took everything with us so he could still get a homemade cake.
Monday, July 29, 2024
When Stars Are Scattered Book Review
I want to share with you today a fun graphic novel from Timberdoodle, When Stars Are Scattered. This book follows Omar and his brother Hassan's journey in an African refugee camp and is recommended for kids 10 and older or 5th grade and up.
This book dives into the refugee experience of Omar and his brother Hassan, who has developmental disabilities, and their foster mother. This book is based on a true story and it really highlights the bond between siblings and the importance of family.
As many graphic novels, the illustrations are fun and really help tell the story along with the words. Even reluctant readers will be drawn to the graphic novel style. This story helps readers become aware of life with poverty, how valuable education really is, and the strength and importance of family. There are some hard topics that come up that I think is great material for discussion and general conversations. I'm looking forward to having F read it next and talk with him about it! If you are looking for a fun, graphic novel, we recommend you pick this one up!