Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

I was taken with this book from the start. Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland has been a favorite for almost one hundred and forty-five years now. Truly it is one of the most beloved children's stories of all time. This book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is the text that we have come to know and love with illustrations by many different artists. That is what I enjoyed so much about this book - it is looking at the story the way countless artists have imagined the story - all together in one book. I loved looking through this and can't wait to share it with others.

*I was provided a copy for review from Chronicle Books.

The Handy Law Answer Book

David L. Hudson Jr. has written a book that I have been working my way through and finding incredibly useful. The Handy Law Answer Book is not a sit-down-and-read-for-enjoyment book, but it will answer so many law questions that I find it one I will highly recommend to our library patrons. It covers so much - from how our law system evolved to how laws affect you as a citizen of the United States. It is a great reference tool that covers a vast amount of information. Here are just some of the questions and answers you will find in this comprehensive book:

*Where did the word "tort" come from?
*How are state court judges selected?
*Where did the first U. S. Supreme Court meet?
*How does the law define "marriage"?
*What should you do if facing too much debt?
*What is a "wobbler"?

Great tool - highly recommend this one!

** I was sent a copy for review by Visible Ink Press.

Sylvan Dell's Latest

Another box I never tire of is Sylvan Dell's latest releases. I LOVE their focus on Science and Math and the supporting materials they offer. Their website is just loaded with great resources for teachers and parents - really, they are NOT to be missed!

Their latest titles are:

Ready, Set...Wait! by Patti R. Zelch. This is an interesting book - all about what the animals do to prepare for hurricane. Something I have not considered before, but based on research and observations, Zelch describes what animals of all types may do when a hurricane is coming. Really an interesting read - one that kids will enjoy. (Ages 4-9)

A Day on the Mountain by Kevin Kurtz. GREAT read on the habitat of the mountain. You meet animals but also explore the plants that one can find on this interesting location. Erin Hunter's illustrations are beautiful and lend authenticity to this title. (Ages 4-9)

Fur and Feathers by Janet Halfmann. What can I say - I do enjoy Janet Halfmann!! She never ceases to write books that kids just enjoy. This is a sweet story of Sophia - a little girl who wants to make clothes for each of her animal friends - but seeing that they won't work - she then decides to make just the right coat for each of them. Each animal proceeds to tell her what they need in a coat and thus begins the wonderful teaching of animal coverings and even animal classification brought to life in a fun, readable way! (Ages 4-9)

Astro: The Steller Sea Lion by Jeanne Walker Harvey. This is a fun story of Astro, a sea lion that is cared for and raised at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. This is a true story that will make you cheer for Astro. When the Mammal Center eventually decides to let him go back into the wild - Astro has other ideas, he just keeps coming back to the center and will not stay in the ocean. You will enjoy this story and learn about sea lions in the process! (Ages 4-9)

Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too! by Sherry North. This is a story that so many will relate to - whether you need a book explaining the effects of cancer or a story for a little child that has lost someone to cancer - this is a great starting point. When this young boy's dog develops cancer, children can follow along to learn the treatments and feelings that may go along with this disease. It is a tender story that children will come back to - one we can really use with kids that need an "understanding read"! (Ages 4-9)

**All of these titles were provided to me for review on this blog.

Little Bee

Chris Cleave has written a book that will make you think - and think again. Little Bee is POWERFUL! This is a story that horrified me but attracted me at the same time. The circumstances are raw but the reality of humanity is fresh.

This is what the book jacket says:

"This is the story of two women. Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice, the kind of choice we hope you never have to face. Two years later, they meet again - the story starts there..."

The Heart and the Bottle

Oliver Jeffers' The Heart and the Bottle is a children's book that I feel is really for adults - I read this book, re-read this book, and even read it a third time. It's message is amazing - it is subtle and yet so profound. I am sharing it with so many of the parents here at our library, but yet putting it in kids' hands too.

My favorite line: "...the girl thought the best thing was to put her heart in a safe place. Just for the time being. So, she put it in a bottle and hung it around her neck. And that seemed to fix things....at first." It resonates - isn't that what we all think? Just keep our hearts safe - protect them?? But we can't love that way - and that is what this little girl learns as well. I tear up every time I read it - it is one I will NEVER be able to read in story hour, in fact, my girls know that when I try to read this one out loud, I cry every time. But share it with your little ones AND your old ones - it is WONDERFUL!!

Divanomics

How could you not love a book that has as it's subtitle - "How to still be fabulous when you're broke"???? I love it, and it piqued my interest. Michelle McKinney Hammond has written, Divanomics. Hammond, a self-proclaimed DIVA (Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude), shares what she has learned about her own spending, wants, desires, and needs.




Michelle had it all - fame AND fortune - but what she shares is that it didn't last long for her and she was forced to change her lifestyle. I love it that she UNDERSTANDS - she's BEEN THERE - and she has learned how to look good on a tight budget. She starts right off by saying she is no Suze Orman, but she has learned a thing or two along the way. She gives you principles and ways to get your budget under control AND still have some of the "fun things" in life. It all starts with giving back, as she says, "...when you share what you have with others (with no ulterior motives), no matter how little it may appear to be, it will increase before your eyes."



I love it that she bases her whole premise on the fact that God comes first - it's Him we are trying to please - after that, we can make our purchasing decisions and decide what is necessary and what is not. She gives practical tips for shopping for things from food to houses and covers other issues like weeding through what you have and making some money off of that! It really is a worthwhile read - one that makes you think and maybe re-evaluate where you are with your finances.


**I was provided a copy of the book by the Tyndale Network for review purposes.

The Voice

I appreciate a different "take" sometimes when reading the Bible, so I was excited to try The Voice. Sometimes it feels like you've read certain passages so many times that they lose their "freshness" - I have SO enjoyed reading The Voice - it brings a new enjoyment and even some new insights I hadn't maybe seen before.

"The Voice™ is the product of the best minds in this emerging generation of Christian leaders. Together they are helping young people fall in love with the Scriptures. Instead of confining God’s Word in the framework of biblical criticism, The Voice™ highlights the beauty of God’s communication to His people. In The Voice™, the voice of God is heard as clearly as when He first revealed His truth. This is the first-ever complete New Testament in The Voice™ translation. Writers include Chris Seay, Lauren Winner, Brian McLaren, Greg Garrett, David B. Capes, and others."

To me, this Bible feels like I am just chatting with a friend - I read it and it is a welcome voice. It is a translation that I really want my teenage sons to read - it will be great for their daily Bible reading and I think they will appreciate the ease with which it reads.

This translation is available in flexible cloth/leather editions as well as a designer cloth edition - another thing that helps to make it such a great gift idea! Visit Their Website to learn more about the project - Hear the Voice. (Oh yes, you can even download the Book of John for free right now!) I highly recommend this translation to add to your "Bible" library - it will add a freshness to your study and/or your daily reading.

I am excited about the new edition as well with Psalms and Proverbs included - make sure and check this out!


**I was provided a copy for review from Book Sneeze.

Wild Soccer Bunch

I am excited to tell my "younger sports readers" about a new series I was introduced to. The Wild Soccer Bunch by Joachim Masannek is a fun ride for kids that enjoy soccer. Masannek was a soccer coach, himself, so he knows the thrills that can go along with kids' soccer teams. I know my younger readers will enjoy this new series - even the girls - because Masannek has purposely incorporated girls on his team as well! Fun books - AND a fun website to go along - visit WildSoccer and learn more.

*I was furnished a copy for review purposes by Impress Media.

DK Box of Goodies

When I get a box of titles to review from DK - I am just over-the-top-excited!! (Yes, all copies were provided as review copies from DK.) So imagine all these goodies in one box!! These are great titles and I want to make sure you do not miss them!!

Nature Explorer - this is PACKED with wonderful ideas for nature: rocks, birds, insects, weather - you name it!! There are experiments and activities in here that will provide HOURS of fun and learning. (Ages 8-14)

I'm a Scientist - Kitchen - Another great experiment book all based on things you can do in the kitchen, to teach science - LOVE it!! Geared to ages 4-7 so our young set can experiment as well. Who wouldn't want to build with uncooked spaghetti noodles and giant marshmallows!?!?!?

Who's In Charge? - This is an interesting look at politics - from ancient Greece to modern governments - this book covers it all. It is full of great pictures that DK is known for, and fun factoids throughout the book. Geared to ages 7-12 but I know even older readers will enjoy this one!

The Little Brainwaves Investigate...ANIMALS - This is what I TRULY love about DK. Amazing up-close photography and tons of great asides that make learning fun! This one will NOT disappoint!! Geared to ages 5-10 - great information in here on a variety of animals - young and old alike!!

The Big Idea Science Book - I would say this is the GURU book of Science - to say it is comprehensive would be an understatement!! WOW - a HUGE book of science all linked to a website that has 200 specially created digital links that give readers hands-on, interactive learning. (Ages 8-17 - and older, I say!!)

Lastly, two books in the same One Million Things Series - Space and Human Body - both amazing visual guides that again, will NOT disappoint learners, young and old alike. The pictures, alone, are worth looking through the book, but the information given is presented in such a great format - kids will WANT to pick these up! (Ages 8-17)

What's On Your Nightstand?

I love these monthly posts that 5 Minutes for Books does - What's on Your Nightstand? - is a time to list what we "have on our nightstand" - or, in other words, our current or upcoming reading!! So here is my list:

* Linger - Wolves of Mercy Falls book 2 - I did, surprisingly, enjoy book one so now am starting book 2!!

* A Praying Life - I just LOVE this book - so much so that I am reading just a chapter a night to savor it and let it really work on me!! Great, challenging read.

* Bringing Up Girls - my next "nightly" read. I so enjoyed his title on boys that I am excited to get started on this one as well!

* 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed - this is another book that has SO much in it, that I am savoring it slowly. It is powerful and has just the words I need to hear right now.

* Lucky Girl - next fiction book on my nightstand - Can't wait to start this one - I have heard amazing things about it!

* Sacred Influence - I have only read 4 chapters in this one and find it to be another book that I honestly can't wait to read. Thomas' words are "right on" and challenging to me. I know this sounds like a mantra - but another that I am savoring slowly to get the most out of it!

Join us this month - I'd love to know "What's on Your Nightstand" as well!!

Dear Teacher

Dear Teacher by Amy Husband is a title I was sent by Source Books to review on my blog. I opened the package and started reading and laughed right out loud! This is SUPERB!! How many kids are apprehensive about the first day of school?? How many kids would LOVE to write their teacher a letter and explain why they will not be there the first day of school?? It just cracked me up - we've all thought of it - but Husband brought it to life with her fun illustrations and witty humor. This one will keep you laughing - yes, one I am DEFINITELY showing to all my reluctant readers as well!!

Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself

Nomad Press has a wonderful educational resource department. Their books focus on different parts of history, science, math and link them all to hands-on projects - such a great idea and so fun for the classroom! I was sent a copy of Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself by Laszlo C. Bardos to review on the blog. I was just so impressed - it is easy for the younger reader to explore on his/her own and yet has experiments and ideas that will intrigue even the older learner. This ought to tell you something - Math is NOT my thing - never has been and I daresay, never will!! BUT, after reading through this fun book - I am tempted to try some of these - just to broaden my horizons and delve into the math arena!! What a great resource and MANY more that are available on their website as well!

Secret Daughter

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somay Gowda had a theme that touched right where I am as an adoptive mom. This story was told from a birthmom's perspective, an adoptive mom's perspective, AND an adoptive daughter's perspective. The stories run together and form one complete life journey. It provided great culture and insights on India, as well as many insights into adoption. It was well-written and kept me going all the way to the end - I highly recommend it - whether you've adopted or not - there is something in this one for everyone.

Word After Word After Word

Patricia MacLachlan has done it again! That is about all I would have to say and then close my post, but I'll continue just so that you TRULY make time to read it!! Word After Word After Word is in one word, DELIGHTFUL!! This story is not just for our young readers - this is one that you can read to teens AND adults - it focuses on writing and writing skills - so if that is your audience - you've got a whole writing curriculum right here! Told from the perspective of a group of 4th Graders - you get the inside scoop when Ms. Mirabel, a famous author, comes to share her thoughts on writing. Just don't miss this one - it is truly for ALL ages and so worth the quick read!

Beatrice and Virgil

I just finished this book, but, although I thoroughly enjoy Martel's writing, I was not as excited about this novel as I was Life of Pi. SO, I asked my husband to give his viewpoint, as he was "over the top" on this one!! He highly recommends it and thinks it would be a great book talk book as well. Here is what he says:

If you liked Life of Pi I would argue that most would like Yann Martel's new

book Beatrice and Virgil. I have always found Martel's work to be compelling, thought provoking and engaging. Maybe its my analytical, philosophical mind but Yann is able to observe the world and describe it in a way that is just "off" enough to really get you thinking. In the opening pages of his book there is a dialogue between Beatrice and Virgil. They discuss a pear. How would you describe a pear to someone who has

never seen or eaten a pear? It is this "slowing down" and observation of the "common" in life that makes me like him so much.

The topic of the book was also presented in a way that caught my attention as well. I am not one who often reads literature about the Holocaust. While the events that transpired are horrendous and the human suffering was unimaginable I find the stories to have a common theme. Nazi occupation and aggression followed by racism and hatred which leads to incarceration, suffering and death. I have seen and read about the atrocities that were done and the same image of grey, dark, emaciated

bodies fill my mind.

Beatrice and Virgil led me down a path of looking at the Holocaust with new eyes. To see it from a perspective and angle that sharpened and focused the tragedy in a different way.

The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World

When I saw this blog tour, I jumped at the chance to participate. Debbie Taylor Williams' book, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World is just what I needed right now! There are SO many times when our Plan A lives just do not follow what we thought - that is when they turn into Plan B. And what I am personally learning right now - which was reiterated over and over in this book - is that God can use Plan B and it can become a sort of "Plan A" for us! We just have to let Him have it and He can turn it into a Plan A. It really is an inspiring and encouraging read for any of us that have had disappointments - little or big!

About the Book:
(Kerrville, TX) – From the beginning of time women have dreamt about their “Plan A” - the perfect husband, cute children, immaculate home, size six wardrobe, prestigious job, fabulous friends. But it doesn’t take much of real life to set in before compromises, changes and disappointments manage to cloud those dreams. The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World: What to Do When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan encourages women to re-evaluate the Plan B route and discover the blessings of God’s Plan A.

Using nine landmines that often claim the God-given plan for women, author/speaker Debbie Taylor Williams helps women reclaim hope and teaches them how to manage those sabotaging thoughts that claim many minds. Sprinkled with humor, an obvious love for God’s Word, and discussion starters for small group study, The Plan A Woman promises to help woman believe that God does have special plans for her, even in this Plan B world.

About the Author:

Debbie Taylor Williams is the founder of Hill Country Ministries, an organization dedicated to spreading God’s Word and ministering to women. Best known as a passionate biblical expositor, Debbie uses humor and practical illustrations to communicate spiritual truths to women throughout the nation. She is the author of Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, Prayers of My Heart, and other books. She and her husband make their home in Kerrville, Texas. Learn more by visiting her popular Web site: www.debbietaylorwilliams.com

Interview Questions:

1. Your book focuses on living the Plan A life God designed specifically for you. What encouragement can you give for the woman who feels she's lived far too long on Plan B? Is there hope?

With God nothing is impossible! The Spirit who moved over the surface of the deep and created light and life is the same Spirit who abides in every believer. We can live the Plan A life God has for us because Christ lives in us and He is our hope of glory. Col 1:2

2. In your book you talk about hazardous landmines. What are a few common landmines women fall into?

Bitterness, discouragement, being fixated on the past, fear, feeling shaken by our circumstances, having expectations of how others should act are but a few of the land mines we can experience in a Plan B world. Left unattended, these land mines can cause devastating harm to us and others. God's Plan A is not for us to ignore these land mines, nor is it His plan for us to tip toe around them. Rather, He directs us to address and de-mine them. When we do, we can walk in bold assurance, confident of the ground upon which we walk. We're able to carry out the good works and plans God has for us; those that bring purpose and joy.

3. Talk about your P.R.A.Y. conferences and how women can learn more about your prayer ministry.

April 2, 2008 God woke me up at 4 a.m. and told me that I wasn't doing all that He wanted me to do. He then directed me to one of His Plans for my life: to take the principles from my book, Pray with Purpose — Live with Passion, to a church in every state in the United States. He told me to waive my speaking fee and travel expenses; that He had freely given me the keys to prayer that can change women's lives; and that I was to freely take them to my sisters. P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference was birthed as a ministry of my non-profit ministry. It has been a joy to see God powerfully open doors through women who hear about the conference and pass the word to their women's ministry leader or event planner. Women are coming to salvation. Spiritual breakthroughs and repentance is taking place among believers. A "pink heart s" club is spreading across America, one composed of women and men who come forward and receive a heart on which they write how God has spoken to their hearts. And God is speaking. If I haven't been to your church/state, contact lauren@debbietaylorwilliams.com ministries, call toll free 888.815.9412, or visit my web site for more information www.debbietaylorwilliams.com

4. In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I love being with my husband. Whether we go for a walk, watch the sunset, take a hike in the country, travel, play golf (sort of...I'm a beginner :), or go for a drive and breakfast on Saturday mornings, he's my honi and love of 35 years. Our two adult children and their spouses are so much fun to be with; as is our 17 month old grandson. Family, friends, sharing the Lord - for what more could we ask?

-Used by permission Leafwood Publishers

-Review Copy provided by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications

Take Me With You

Carolyn Marsden's Take Me With You is such a great read. It is written for the Junior High age reader - a touching story of two girls that have lived in an orphanage in Italy for as long as they can remember. Their stories and reasons why they are there are completely different, but they become fast friends. When Susanna's dad comes to claim her, that lives Pina dealing with her feelings of being left behind. It is really a sad story - of how the girls were treated while in orphanage care and even the parents' reasons for abandoning their daughters. But through it all, the girls come to learn about identity and what it really means to have a home. Marsden shines in this novel - you come to feel for these girls and the tough lives they have to live. The story is actually based on a friend of Marsden's that grew up in a home for unwanted girls in Naples - it is one that will stick with readers for some time!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Having read all of the Twilight Saga - I could hardly let this short novella go without a quick read. In my humble opinion - it was a bit disappointing - although, always interesting to see life through the eyes of one of the "baby" vampires. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the story of Bree who was actually introduced in Eclipse, so it is intriguing to go back and read her story. Not horrible by any means, but just not as good as I was hoping for! I am sure that her die-hard fans will not be disappointed however!

Prayers for Sale

Sandra Dallas' Prayers for Sale is such a touching story - I will be recommending this one in our library!! Hennie is a dear elderly lady that lives in Middle Swan, Colorado - a mining town that is way up in the high country. Her story is bittersweet - she has survived two husbands and now enjoys a life helping others. She has just been told by her daughter, however, that this will be her last year in Middle Swan because she wants her to move in with her and not spend another winter on her own. Hennie makes the most of that last year - she befriends Nit - a 17 year old girl that is new to Middle Swan and has so much to learn. Hennie shows her the ropes and cares for her like a mother. When Hennie finds out that Nit is expecting, that is her last wish, to be able to see the little one born before she leaves to live with her daughter. I really loved this story - touching to the very last page.

Bloodroot

Amy Greene's novel, Bloodroot, took me a bit to get into - I read for a few chapters before I really was "hooked". In fact, for me, a few times I caught myself thinking - should I finish or not??? BUT, I am glad I did. And yes, it did pick up. It is a tough read - that almost works its way backwards through generations. It is hard to watch woman after woman and man after man make really bad choices all down through generations of a family. You can see how their choices affect those that come after them and how this cycle will have a difficult time ever ending. But it is also a powerful read - you become attached to the characters, and I found myself silently cheering, "No, don't do that" or "Yes, do that". It is hard to watch all of these women, in particular, struggle but it is a read that opens our eyes to how people really do live and the cycle they get themselves into.