National Geographic Kids -- The Ultimate Food Atlas (ages 8-12, paperback and hardback library edition), a culinary tour around the world that reveals the rich diversity of foods and cultures from many different countries.   My thoughts:  This is quite an interesting book and would be a great resource when doing school reports on continents or countries. Kids could incorporate food resources and preparation into the report making it a bit different and interesting. As the reader peruses this interesting book, they might be enticed to experiment a bit in their own kitchen ..read more

My thoughts:  It was fun and interesting to read a book set in the area I was born and raised in - Wilmington, North Carolina. It's a historic Atlantic coast city sandwiched between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. There is a lot of water in the area. Historically, the city is pre-American Revolution and played a key role in the Civil War. During World War II it was riddled with military importance. I say this to give an idea why this story about the Coast Guard contingency in the Wilmington/Coastal area is credible in possibility. The story begins explosively with an attac ..read more

Frog vs. Toad by Ben Mantle My thoughts:  This is such a funny, delightful book that involves name-calling, mud-slinging doings down in the woods. The audience grows as frog and toad begin their fitful challenge of ownership over a fly caught by both of them at the same time with their tongues.  The author uses this verbal and real life mudslinging to teach differences in frogs and toads - their ability to hop high or low, the movement of their eyes, etc. The teaching is achieved in an immensely entertaining way utilizing the mode of storytelling. The lesson is actually hidden in ..read more

The dull, tired, life and experience that is the "Covid-Pandemic" needs a bit of cheering up and we need some bits and pieces of niceness to brighten our days. https://www.ebay.com/ActorsKloset11375 Trendy Vax-Card Holders Some places of business and travel require proof of Covid vaccination and those vax-cards are like minted-gold. So we protect them. But why not do it in a trendy, unique way that denies the dreary drudgery of a pandemic existence. You can with adorable, trendy, vax-card-holders. Just look at these cuties..... "Made in NY" and each is unique. They also have a clip-on ..read more

My Dadima Wears a Sari by Kashmira Sheth & illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi My thoughts:  This is a beautifully illustrated book and the story is an excellent account of multigenerational respect and love. The story is an authentic presentation of Indian culture lived out in America. It will give those of Indian heritage an appreciation and respect for their own heritage and give non-Indian readers an opportunity to glimpse into the home of a family that spans three generations. The beautiful traditional sari is represented lovingly and I think shows the gracious living one can accompl ..read more

My thoughts:  This engaging story delves into the dangers and risks facing individuals, corporations, and world governments today from intrusive and devious hackers into cyber systems. These cyber systems are incorporated into major and minute tools of today's world. Our phones, our home systems, our computers, our cars, our machinery, our weapons, our defense and offense systems. Everything! As a young teen our heroine, Mackenzie, was involved in illegal hacking and regrets her participation. She has turned her life around and is now a cybersecurity professor. Her family's corporate fo ..read more

Welcome to the Museum’ series, Oceanarium is the perfect offering for kids who want to learn more about our oceans and marine life and summer-time is the perfect time in which to dwell on all things "ocean."  Readers gaze at stunning illustrations by Portland artist and naturalist Teagan White. Learn from expert text written by marine biologist Loveday Trinick and vicariously travel the world from frozen Arctic seas to shimmering coral reefs learning why it is so important that we protect our oceans. ISBN: 9781536223811 US $37.99 / CANADA $47.00 My thoughts:  The "Welc ..read more

My thoughts:  As with Mary Connealy's other books, Inventions of the Heart provides a light-hearted read that touches on villainous characters, strong male leads, beautiful ladies, and sweet romance. There are giggles that keep the reader entertained and that relax the mood set by the evil machinations of mean characters. The series features three sisters who are raised in the loving arms of their father, the lumber baron, and his wife. Unlike other ladies of their generation, these are highly educated in fields uncommon for ladies. And in book two, the heroine is Michelle who ha ..read more

Old Wood Boat by Nikki McClure My thoughts:  This is such a lovely story about an old boat that sits in dry dock. It is constructed of wood as boats of yesteryear were wont to be. Made prior to aluminum and fiberglass boats that are lighter and more modern, constructed after the model of boats of centuries past, and surely long past its ability to take to the sea in safety, this sturdy boat is claimed again by those who envision sea going bliss. Bought, hauled away, and lovingly restored to a state of sea-worthiness it sets sail again on a sea of green. Beautifully told story. I highl ..read more

Strawberry Hand Cream (find it here) All #natural & #vegan As hot, dry, sunny days of summer beam warmth and well-being on us, the wind cools and invigorates, salt or pool water frequently washes over ourselves removing our natural oils, we don't want to forget to apply lotions that smooth, lubricate, and comfort our skin. And the good folks at Good Earth Beauty have just the hand cream (I love it for arms and legs, too) that provides this comfort and lubrication. And they have delightful "flavors" that simply reek of seasonal delights. Thankfully, in today's world fresh berries are ava ..read more