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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime by DK is a great craft source that is not only fun but a learning experience. It also encourages kids to experiment to perfect their recipes. I found the chapter on edible slime interesting. The format makes these recipes easy for younger kids yet adds a level to challenge more experienced kids. The addition of difficulty level and time required helps with choosing what slime to make.
This book is a great way to introduce slime making to school age children. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The illustrations support the content well. Different slimes may entice children to make them first based on glow in the dark, sound effect, edible, or other qualities. Warnings are present when necessary. There are plenty of options and "fixes" if your slime is not behaving as expected. This is sure to appeal to young scientists, and parents will appreciate the reminders to keep things clean (including your hands) and dispose of any mess.
I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
This book is a great way to introduce slime making to school age children. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The illustrations support the content well. Different slimes may entice children to make them first based on glow in the dark, sound effect, edible, or other qualities. Warnings are present when necessary. There are plenty of options and "fixes" if your slime is not behaving as expected. This is sure to appeal to young scientists, and parents will appreciate the reminders to keep things clean (including your hands) and dispose of any mess.
I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated 50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America's cities with 50 fact-filled maps in Books
Jun 18, 2018
50 Cities of the U.S.A. by Gabrielle Balkan is an informative book about famous people and places in some of the United States' best known cities. The book contains beautiful illustrations and the trivia. Each city gets a two-page spread, and the author and illustrator Sol Linero do a great job in packing the two pages with as much information as possible.
This is a book that will inspire great thinking about travel, the United States and different events, structures, and people. The book has so much to offer and sets it up in a fun, easy to read format. Children could look through the book to find just facts about buildings in the city or people. I find this to be such an excellent book because it provides in depth information for children who already have a geographic passion, but will also inspire new thinking for children who have yet to discover geography.
I recommend this book for children who enjoy learning about the U.S. and geography.
I received an ARC of 50 Cities of the U.S.A from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
This is a book that will inspire great thinking about travel, the United States and different events, structures, and people. The book has so much to offer and sets it up in a fun, easy to read format. Children could look through the book to find just facts about buildings in the city or people. I find this to be such an excellent book because it provides in depth information for children who already have a geographic passion, but will also inspire new thinking for children who have yet to discover geography.
I recommend this book for children who enjoy learning about the U.S. and geography.
I received an ARC of 50 Cities of the U.S.A from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Lost in Translation (Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels, #19) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Geronimo Stilton #19: "Lost in Translation" by Geronimo Stilton finds the mice travelling in time to stop the pirate cats. These are fun adventures with a bit of history thrown in. The history this time was the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in Egypt during Napoleon's campaign in 1798. The pirate cats have their own agenda for what to do with it. It may alter the world that Geronimo and his friends know.
This is a cute time-travel story of a Mouse, Geronimo Stilton, who is also the editor of the Roden's Gazzette. This is the 19Th in the series, and apparently he has gone on a lot of adventures, but this particular one was to the time of the Neopolonic Wars, when the French were in Egypt, uncovering artifacts to take home with them, such as the Rosetta Stone.
I like how history is taught in this series. Every so often there is a blurb about how important the Rosetta Stone is and was, and what the French were doing when they are in Egypt.
I received this ARC from Papercutz via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute time-travel story of a Mouse, Geronimo Stilton, who is also the editor of the Roden's Gazzette. This is the 19Th in the series, and apparently he has gone on a lot of adventures, but this particular one was to the time of the Neopolonic Wars, when the French were in Egypt, uncovering artifacts to take home with them, such as the Rosetta Stone.
I like how history is taught in this series. Every so often there is a blurb about how important the Rosetta Stone is and was, and what the French were doing when they are in Egypt.
I received this ARC from Papercutz via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Trail Blazers: An Illustrated Guide to the Women Who Explored the World in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Trail Blazers: An Illustrated Guide to the Women Who Explored the World by Lisa Graves is a picture book full of famous women explorers. I found it interesting and educational. There’s not a great amount of information, but what’s here is enough to give a sense of these women’s accomplishments, as well as their determination, in just enough detail to whet the reader’s curiosity.
Graves introduces readers to thirteen women who were influential explorers. Each woman gets one spread with a column about their life and most famous accomplishments. Further textboxes on the spread highlight major accomplishments, places travelled, etc. Some of these women are well known names, like Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart, and Sacagewa, others are not so well known like Ida Laura Pfeiffer, Harriet Chalmers Adams, and Gertrude Bell. They explored any time between the mid 1700s to mid 1900s, used different methods of transportation, explored different areas of the world, but all were intrepid adventurers and left their marks in society, literature, science, archeology, geography, and more.
I received an ARC from Xist Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Graves introduces readers to thirteen women who were influential explorers. Each woman gets one spread with a column about their life and most famous accomplishments. Further textboxes on the spread highlight major accomplishments, places travelled, etc. Some of these women are well known names, like Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart, and Sacagewa, others are not so well known like Ida Laura Pfeiffer, Harriet Chalmers Adams, and Gertrude Bell. They explored any time between the mid 1700s to mid 1900s, used different methods of transportation, explored different areas of the world, but all were intrepid adventurers and left their marks in society, literature, science, archeology, geography, and more.
I received an ARC from Xist Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Malevolent Gateway (S.P.I.R.I.T., #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.
Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)
Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!
5 stars
People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.
Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)
Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!
5 stars
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Scion's Surrender (Seven Seals #2) in Books
Jul 23, 2018
Scion's Surrender (Seven Seals #2) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Surrender is the second book in the Seven Seals series, and we meet Chago. He is the Scion of War, and has moved to be close to his host, Irena. She has fallen in love with Chago over the period of three years, but doesn't think she has a chance. That is, until Chago has a bit too much to drink, and confesses his feelings, and what he is.
Like the first book, this is a fast-paced novella that still has plenty of story for you sink your teeth into. Kagan and Mira's story is also involved with this (as the overall story arc) so we see progression with that too, plus appearances by them.
A very good continuation of the series, with a great story for Chago and Irena, a catch up for Kagan and Mira, and an introduction to Wyck. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Like the first book, this is a fast-paced novella that still has plenty of story for you sink your teeth into. Kagan and Mira's story is also involved with this (as the overall story arc) so we see progression with that too, plus appearances by them.
A very good continuation of the series, with a great story for Chago and Irena, a catch up for Kagan and Mira, and an introduction to Wyck. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sue (5 KP) rated Lethal Licorice (Amish Candy Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Lethal Licorice is the 2nd book in the delightful new Amish Candy Shop Murder series by author Amanda Flower.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Kings of the Wyld in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I can't emphasize enough how much I love this book! From the minute I read the synopsis a couple months ago I absolutely could not wait to read it. Having just finished it, I can't come up with any sort of criticism for the purpose of this review lol it was truly a superb fantasy adventure. The author went above and beyond creating a world so richly detailed and immersive that I half expected to see some of the creatures running around outside any time I was forced to put the book down. The characters were all well developed and relatable. The writing style was great, it had me hooked from the start and was detailed without being bogged down with unnecessary information and had me laughing out loud numerous times. The story develops at a nice pace, everything falls into place without feeling rushed or drawn out and the action never lets up. Kings of the Wyld is definitely one of my all time favorite fantasy adventure stories! I would love to see it as a tv series. Super excited to read the next book in the series!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Alice Anonymous (Project Scion) in Books
Nov 11, 2018
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I was really glad I did as it was a super good read and would recommend it.
The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.
Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.
It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.
It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.
The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.
Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.
It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.
It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.
The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol. 4: End of Games in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The final entry in Kieron Gillen's 'Darth Vader' run of comics set in the period between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, I have to say that the series as a whole (I felt) ended more with a sputter than with a bang.
Starting off impresively, I think it peaked at around about the time of the cross-over comic [b:Vader Down|27247275|Vader Down|Jason Aaron|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462909901s/27247275.jpg|47296344], and never really hit the same levels again - I think, for me, part of the problem may be that I was never really all that sold on the new characters of Dr Aphra or the killer droids Triple-Zer and Beetee introduced as part of the ongoing arc through the previous entries.
I did think, momentarily, that the ending of this would rescue the series as a whole (with Vader showing just why he was so feared, and being such a bad-ass), but then the rug was pulled out from under me with the actual ending - and not in a good way.
Still, at least I can now say I've finished the series!
Starting off impresively, I think it peaked at around about the time of the cross-over comic [b:Vader Down|27247275|Vader Down|Jason Aaron|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462909901s/27247275.jpg|47296344], and never really hit the same levels again - I think, for me, part of the problem may be that I was never really all that sold on the new characters of Dr Aphra or the killer droids Triple-Zer and Beetee introduced as part of the ongoing arc through the previous entries.
I did think, momentarily, that the ending of this would rescue the series as a whole (with Vader showing just why he was so feared, and being such a bad-ass), but then the rug was pulled out from under me with the actual ending - and not in a good way.
Still, at least I can now say I've finished the series!