Goodbye Google Friend Connect

lego blocks at legoland: LadyD Books


Dear Readers,

If you follow LadyD Books RSS Feed in Google Reader, you'll need to make a change before July 1 (tomorrow) when Google Reader will be closed. I like Blog Lovin and you can follow my blog, here.

As you know, Google Reader (Google Friend Connect) will be on its way out tomorrow. There's still time to transfer the blogs you read over to Bloglovin. Here's a few blogs that show you how to do that.



Nutritionella

Hello Bloglovin!

Lego Man: LadyD Books

I am thrilled that so many of you take the time to read my book reviews and the fact that many authors will wait for me to get to their 'labor of love' in posting an honest review, warms my heart immensely.

From LadyD Books, thanks for following my blog!

With appreciation,







 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Verdi Skies

Safari River winding through the park


Tall trees with scattered clouds in the sky


This is the Safari River in the heart of Africa at the San Diego Safari Park, looking up to a few scattered clouds. Oh, what a lovely day at the park. Joining others to share photos for SkyWatch Friday

My husband and I had another wonderful outing together at our local local preservation park. It's a huge place to spend the day walking about, seeing all the endangered species and wildlife plants.


Verdi for Kids


I'm reading a book this week by  Helen Bauer that's for the young musician, ages 9 and up. I'm very impressed with the book and can't wait to post my review.

Helen Bauer is the author of Young People’s Guide to Classical Music. A classically trained musician and former piano, music theory, and reading teacher, she worked with Leonard Bernstein on his nationally televised Young People’s Concerts and performed at Carnegie Hall. Helen has also written another book, Beethoven for Kids: His Life and Music with 21 Activities (For Kids series)


I'm joining in with so many others for The Friday 56. Here's my quote from the paperback book:

"The Russian tzar, Alexander II, realized that serfs, forced to fight for a cause that did not matter to them, were no match for free men fighting for something that they believed in."

Verdi for Kids: His Life and Music with 21 Activities (For Kids series)

Happy weekend,






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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The Goodwill Vultures Club - Review and Interview


Chapter book by Hugh Willard: LadyD Books

I received a gracious invitation from Hugh Willard, the author of The Goodwill Vultures Club: A Day Of Heroes, to review the young readers chapter book shown above. I was so curious to see what it was all about because the cover art grabbed my attention right way. The clubhouse, animals and the children are so cool but I wondered about the black vulture and how it related to the story. Immediately, I replied with a yes because I was interested and Hugh Willard also agreed to do an author-interview. I was pleased!

About The Book

“A heart-warming story of a boy who learns that while some see his disabled pet vulture as ugly, others can see her as inspiration and joy. The story of "Buzz" and Rob is a lesson in acceptance of disabilities as normal, not different." – Mark Lawton Thomas, author of My Lemonade Stand Can’t Stand Me and Amazon Best Seller, When Farts Had Colors There is no shortage of heroic stories laden with love and loyalty between humans and their four legged friends. But there are very few about vultures - at least not the kind with wings. In The Goodwill Vultures Club, Roberta, AKA, Rob, is just such a furry friend. – Ann Eisenstein, author of Hiding Carly (2012) “You’d better keep that wrinkled-headed, alien freak away,” was not an uncommon thing to hear when 10 year old, Elton “Buzz” Stewart takes his pet vulture out in public places. Roberta, who prefers to be called Rob, is a gentle spirit and often misunderstood by people who don’t see beyond her outward appearance. The Goodwill Vultures Club is the story of Buzz and Rob who learn that even an ugly, ailing bird is capable of bringing life and happiness to the lives of others.

Book Review

I love the book and admire how the author weaves layers of complex issues and making them simple to understand, like a loving and nurturing dad surviving divorce and his children adjusting to the changes that goes with divorced parents. Then, there's a bird named Roberta, famous for being on TV, and her owner Buzz who provide support and a way of healing for a special girl who has autism. Plus, you'll discover a bad boy coming around when Rob and Buzz show others how to find a way to rise above people's ugliness when they're afraid and do not understand animals who are unusual and people with disabilities. I especially like the fun approach to relationships and communication with brothers teasing, friends joking, animals bonding and mostly all happening in a tree house!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend. An enjoyable read and a great message for children and adults!


About The Author


Hugh Willard is a writer and psychotherapist living and working in Holly Springs, NC. He has two daughters, two dogs, and two minds (one serious and one silly), all of which keep him busy and happy. You can learn more about Hugh at www.hughwillard.com     



Author Interview      





Tell us a bit about your book and where it’s available.



The Goodwill Vultures Club: A Day of Heroes is the story of Buzz, a most average 10 year old boy whose life becomes anything but average when he happens upon a wounded vulture while camping one summer with his father and brother. The bond between boy and bird becomes an uneven path to healing for Buzz in the aftermath of his parents’ divorce

Right now, it’s available at Amazon.com as well as through my publisher (www.peakcitypublishing.com)  I anticipate it being available later this summer at numerous independent bookstores locally (Raleigh, NC area) and possibly through the larger chains such as Barnes and Noble.



What was the inspiration for your book?


I had a remarkable dream several years ago about vultures that gave me a whole new way of looking at these much maligned creatures.  I came to appreciate how they do their job as nature’s refuse collectors with no fanfare, but also no complaints.  And their flight is quite beautiful.  Using the vulture character as a target for the fear and rejection that arises due to lack of information and understanding felt like a great means to highlight the experience that we humans face at times given our own differences.



What was your aim for this book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?

A few things:  This book takes a fairly straightforward approach to the harder themes of intolerance, loss and redemption, and ultimately affirms the contradictory nature of our experiences and relationships. It seeks to shed further light on the humanity of persons with physical and mental special needs. We need not treat these persons exceedingly different. We need not avoid interaction or conversation with persons having experienced loss. The answer in all of our interactions with persons (or beings) different than us lay in presence, which really is anathema to ignorance and intolerance.  I want to affirm this natural mindset for my young readers.

Additionally, this book tilts more in the direction of prominent male characters, including the main character Buzz, and in a more subtle, understated role, his father. The casting of these male characters is, of course, intentional. It will hopefully draw in greater interest by boys who may otherwise trend away from literature in the pre-adolescent years. It captures some of the playfully derisive quality of interactions among young boys while steering back into the direction of cultivating and validating boys’ emotional terrains. The father represents an emotionally available, nurturing parent; a stark departure from the buffoonish, irresponsible depiction of dads all too prevalent in today’s media. We need more models of effective loving fathers today, for both our sons and daughters.

Do you have any other books currently available?

I have an earlier self published book, entitled Alphatorts: With X-tra Yummy Zucchinis, also available on Amazon.com  This book is a playful antidote to the erosion of our language skills that is paralleling our deeper immersion into technology with its accompanying language shortcuts (lol, omg, idk, etc)


What will you be working on next?

I’ve already finished the second Goodwill Vultures Club book.  This one extends the narrative begun in the first book, and has the two dogs in a more prominent role.  It highlights pet therapy/service animals in conjunction with illustrating the impact of war on returning military vets and their families.  This sounds like a heavier theme, but the book respectfully remains true to the balance of lightness and churn characterized in the first book.  I definitely want to strike the balance between fun and entertainment with education.


How did you originally get into writing?

According to my father, I’ve been a natural storyteller going all the way back to age 3.  I’ve always had the desire, and actually began to dabble more in writing in my 20’s.  Family life and career demands pulled me away, until just a few years ago.  In addition to the fun and joy I experience in the whole process, I also find it to be very therapeutic for me to write.  It’s actually a great de-stressor (deadlines notwithstanding!)


What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

The creative process, wherein I have a general idea before I begin, but once into the piece, it seems to partner with me in creating itself.  It’s a blast to see it unfold before my eyes in real time.  There are always surprises.


What do you find hardest about being a writer?

Turning off the inner critic that wants to write the perfect phrase or sentence in the initial draft.  It’s very freeing to remember that I can just write and know that I will come back to edit and improve upon what I have.


Who or what would you count as your main influence?

There are many that inspire me.  Most animals do.  Even as they follow their instinctual drives, the consistency of their character is endlessly refreshing.  And with most mammals, there is great capacity for connection.  Not coincidentally, a number of the human animals that influence me share the kindred spirit with animals.  This includes my mother, who is now deceased but was an avid reader and writer herself, Jane Goodall, Barbara Kingsolver and Diane Ackerman. From the perspective of writing for children, Judy Blume has long been a highly admired and dominant influence for me.


What do you enjoy reading?

Personally, I enjoy non-fiction essays, memoirs and biographies.  I’m currently reading An American Childhood by Annie Dillard.  I read Pilgrim at Tinker Creek years ago and enjoyed it immensely.  


Who is your favorite author?

Ohh, that is so hard to say.  If I say JudyBlumeBarbaraKingsolverDianeAckermanMarkTwainSueMonkKidd without leaving any space between them, does that count as one?

What would be your ideal writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin somewhere or an iPad on the beach?

Thank you for the easiest question to follow the toughest.  A home in the North Carolina Mountains with my laptop.  I would write indoors to avoid the computer screen glare, but would be next to a window with a stunning view.  I would take frequent breaks to meander outdoors while drinking in nature’s solitude.

Dear Readers,

I so much enjoyed getting to know the author a little bit more and many thanks for this wonderful interview. best wishes and much continued success to Hugh Willard!
The Goodwill Vultures Club: A Day of Heroes (Volume 1)







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

3 eBook Reviews for Young Children


My Gift To The World, Kindle Edition

Miriam Lizette Geisler: My Gift to the World, Kindle Edition

About The Book

Like fingerprints, snowflakes and trees, each of us has a unique set of traits and talents, which I call “gifts.” My Gift to the World aims to inspire children to discover their true interests and natural abilities - their “gifts to the world” - and then to consider what they will do with their gifts.

The story, My Gift to the World, is about a little girl named Valentina, who, upon asking her mother why she became a piano teacher, finds out that this was her mother’s “gift to the world.” The mother gives Valentina numerous examples of unique gifts and talents various people have, and how they share them with the world. Ultimately, Valentina is told that finding and doing what she loves will be her gift to the world.

Having taught in both public and private elementary schools for years, and as a contributing author for the book, It’s All About Kids: Every Child Deserves a Teacher of the Year, I have noticed that at the beginning of the school year, we always talk about what the students want to be when they grow up and what kind of jobs they would like to do.


Review

It is so true that the greatest gift is love and I applaud the author for showing children the dance of accepting the uniqueness of each person's special gift. Embracing our differences and celebrating the many talents, services and vocations of any community enriches perspective and growth at any age. I love this story, it has value!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend.
My Gift to the World


Where Hummingbirds Come From, Kindle Edition

Adele Crouch: Where Hummingbirds Come From, Kindle Edition (English/German)

About The Book

This delightful little story tells of a young girl's time with her grandmother as she relates to a legend of Where Hummingbirds Come From. Grandmother explains the magic waters and the beauty of this tiny bird. Where Hummingbirds Come From may well become an all-time children's classic and a perfect book for the young reader. As well as a wonderful study guide for English as a second language students.


About The Author

Adele's memories of her grandmother are filled with warmth, happiness and love. "My Grandma Tony was one of those story-book grandmas. She was cheerful and loving and her house always smelled like fresh baked bread. She had a 'snuggle up' lap and plenty of affection to go around for all of her grandchildren", Adele comments. Her passing was difficult, but did not dim the wonderful memories Adele still carries in her heart. One night, many years after her Grandma Tony's death, Adele woke to the sound of her grandmother's voice in her head. She got up, went to her computer and typed what was streaming through her mind. The end result, How The Fox Got His Color. Less than a week later, Adele awoke once again in the pre-dawn hours and went to her computer. By daylight, Where Hummingbirds Come From was complete. How The Fox Got His Color and Where Hummingbirds Come From are fun books for children, ages pre-school through elementary school. Although older children, adults, and English as a second language students will also enjoy it. See: www.creationsbycrouch.com If you wish to contact Adele, you can email: adele@creationsbycrouch.com              


Review

I like a story that weaves tradition and magic together. Young children will enjoy the country scenes, seeing a gentle breeze singing and flowing above a gentle moving brook. Kids will learn where and how these beautiful little birds come and go, especially gathering nectar. It's remarkable timing for each family member to witness this special sight of colors, flowers, birds and water. It's a sweet story, introducing another language.    

5/5 stars. Cute story, recommend it.
Where Hummingbirds Come From


How The Fox Got His Color, Kindle Edition

How the Fox Got His Color, Kindle Edition (English/Japanese)

About The Book

This delightful little story tells of a young girl's time with her grandmother as she relates a legend of how a mischievous little white fox with all his grand adventures going over and under and through became the red fox we all know today.
How the Fox got His Color may well become all-time children's classic and a perfect book for the young reader.
Now that Japanese is a supported language, I have updated the content of this book. The Japanese is no longer in jpg format and Kindle users are able to adjust the font size to their liking.

Review

The author has captured a warm relationship between a loving grandmother who enjoys story-telling and an attentive granddaughter. Children will enjoy these nice illustrations, seeing the adorable white fox embarking on a playful journey. Plus, the ending will bring a smile to your face. I really liked the story and how wonderful it's available in many languages.

5/5 stars. Warm and tender story.

How the Fox Got His Color Bilingual Japanese English (Japanese Edition)

These 3 eBooks range from $.99 - $2.99
I viewed them on my iPad and love the illustrations in the first book.

What are you reading on your Kindle?






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Operation Dinner - Book Review


cook book cover art


First of all, I love cookbooks, and this one is a keeper! I wasn't familiar with Lori's writings but my hats off to her organizational skills. You’ll  find over 75 recipes with shopping lists included for each.

For fans of

  • Sandra Lee
  • Linda Larsen
  • Ree Drummond
  • Trisha Yearwood

About The Book

Bring your family back to the dinner table every night with a few simple strategies. Operation Dinner shows you: • The Essential Elements of Meal Planning • Strategies for Monthly Shopping • How to Make a Meal Planning Binder • Organizing Your Kitchen • How to Prep Your Ingredients for a Months Worth of Meals • Interpreting Food Labels • Choosing the Right Cuts of Meat You’ll also find over 75 recipes with shopping lists included for each.

About The Author

Lori Loomis is the mother of five children, ranging in age from kindergarten to college. She is a professional blogger-turned-author and licensed nurse. For more information, visit her website at http://momsbyheart.net/

My Review

Being Greek, you know how much I love to cook. This fabulous book has 3 basic parts: plan, shop, and prep, to help you provide easy meals for your family. I was very impressed with the author's organization, not only providing recipes from beef, chicken, and pork but to special diets and healthy options. The slow cooker chapter is a must read and the stir-fry sauce is mighty tasty. If you're looking for corner's to cut with time-saving meals and wanting to see joy around your table once again, then this book will not disappoint. Lori's ten tips for stress-free dinners is an encouraging welcome, too. With meal planning guides, nightly theme ideas, freezer section, and shopping tips, you're on your way. My favorite part is some new chicken recipes, along with the delicious veggie section. You'll find a great free printable in the back as well.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend. I really enjoyed the book!

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Operation Dinner: How to Plan, Shop & Prep for Easy Family Meals

Happy reading and cooking!






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Gray Matters




cloudy overcast sky: LadyD Books






Gray skies: LadyD Books



There are days when the skies in the early morning hours turn to a dull gray with a hint of lavender and we wait for the overcast sky to break up and go away, hoping it will be a bright sunny day. Usually this is quite typical for May-June weather in SoCal. With the average temps in the 70s, it still remains a great day for an outdoor adventure. Now that another school year has come to an end, how will you be spending your summer days? I think we'll be going to the beach often while collecting shells, watching fly-by pelicans and enjoying some summer reading. How about you... what's on your reading list?

girls playing in the pacific ocean


gray pelican flying with the ocean breeze


Photos for Skywatch Friday


The Goodwill Vulture Club


Currently, I'm reading a chapter book by Hugh Willard, The Goodwill Vultures Club. I'll be posting my review soon. Here's a brief description of what you'll find inside the cover.

“A heart-warming story of a boy who learns that while some see his disabled pet vulture as ugly, others can see her as inspiration and joy. The story of "Buzz" and Rob is a lesson in acceptance of disabilities as normal, not different." – Mark Lawton Thomas, author of My Lemonade Stand Can’t Stand Me and Amazon Best Seller When Farts Had Colors There is no shortage of heroic stories laden with love and loyalty between humans and their four-legged friends. But there are very few about vultures - at least not the kind with wings. In The Goodwill Vultures Club, Roberta, AKA, Rob, is just such a furry friend. – Ann Eisenstein, the author of Hiding Carly (2012) “You’d better keep that wrinkled-headed, alien freak away,” was not an uncommon thing to hear when 10 year old, Elton “Buzz” Stewart takes his pet vulture out in public places. Roberta, who prefers to be called Rob, is a gentle spirit and often misunderstood by people who don’t see beyond her outward appearance. The Goodwill Vultures Club is the story of Buzz and Rob who learn that even an ugly, ailing bird is capable of bringing life and happiness to the lives of others.

The Friday 56

"We had quite an eventful day yesterday. Roberta was a real rock star, not only with Chrissy, which was just huge but also with several of the other kids there at the community center."

-- Hugh Willard


The Goodwill Vultures Club: A Day of Heroes (Volume 1)


This is a good story and you guessed it... Roberta is the big black bird on the cover art! 


Best,






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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Silver Boxes by Florence Littauer: Dancing on the Water


Maine Harbor: LadyD Books

Maine Harbor

It's easy to see why more people visit the east coast during the summer months. Maine truly is a vacation playland. One day we were visiting our local pier and seeing the ships in the harbor with the sunlight reflecting off the boats. My five-year-old grandson said, "Look YaYa, silver boxes dancing on the water!" What a visual moment to record...

water reflection


 For a 'Mother's Day' gift, our daughter sent 2  live lobsters from Rockland, Maine. I'll be sure and post photos of those delicious bugs on my other blog next Monday. By the way, how many blogs do you have and where can I find you?

Belmont Harbor: Cousin Jane l LadyD Books

Belmont Harbor

My Cousin Jane is the host of Living Healthy Chicago on WGN-TV and CLTV. Being a TV host and radio personality, plus a great gal... I'm so proud! Oh, and Jane is Greek also. Here she is at Belmont Harbor. Such a dramatic sky in the background. For more wonderful photos, visit Skywatch Friday

silver boxes, the gift of encouragement

Book Description:

Humorous anecdotes and touching insights inspire readers to reach out with encouragement to people who are hurting and need help. Learn how to make others feel special, mend broken dreams and share the affirming message of the gospel through encouragement.

The Friday 56

Remember saying, "'ll never do that! I''ll never be like my mother?" Darlene told me that she grew up with a "negative-mouthed mother," and she promised herself that she would never talk to her children as her mother had talked to her. Darlene has worked at being positive with her two boys, but she told me that over the last year or so she has slowly begun to slip in her communication with her oldest who is five and a half. "I was slowly getting negative and saying ugly things just like my mother did. Your message on silver boxes reminded me of how I felt as a child. I am going to put silver boxes in each room to remind me. Thank you!"
-- Florence Littauer

Silver Boxes

I liked the book. It's an easy read and I think communication is so important. Beautiful writings on affirmation and encouragement. Have you read this one?

About the Author

Florence has written over thirty books which focus on areas of personal growth. She is best known for her work on the personalities, helping us to understand ourselves and improve relationships with others. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Southwestern Adventist University in Texas. The National Speakers Association has inducted Florence into their Speakers Hall of Fame. She been speaking and ministering since 1984.
              

So, do you believe words have the power to make a person into something or to make him feel like a nothing?

Let's uplift someone today!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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Accidental Pharisees by Larry Osborne - Review


accidental pharisees by larry osbourne cover art

Book Description

Zealous faith can have a dangerous, dark side. While recent calls for radical Christians have challenged many to be more passionate about their faith, the down side can be a budding arrogance and self-righteousness that “accidentally” sneaks into our outlook.
In Accidental Pharisees, bestselling author Larry Osborne diagnoses nine of the most common traps that can ensnare Christians on the road to a deeper life of faith. Rejecting attempts to turn the call to follow Christ into a new form of legalism, he shows readers how to avoid the temptations of pride, exclusivity, legalism, and hypocrisy.
Larry reminds us that attempts to fan the flames of full-on discipleship and call people to Christlikeness should be rooted in love and humility. Christians stirred by calls to radical discipleship, but unsure how to respond, will be challenged and encouraged to develop a truly Christlike zeal for God.

My Review

You've heard folks talk about the outside or the inside of the cup... well, this book talks about cleaning the cup. In other words, it's the kind of book that talks about blind spots and perspectives. The main goal is to look at your own heart with self-examination, leaving you with a compelling feeling to cry aloud, "Is it me, Lord?"

If you've ever felt that the church of believers holds to their higher standards that you just can't measure up to achieve, or perhaps you wish more Christians were like yourself and maybe you're hoping that Jesus isn't in shock when you act up, then you'll probably want to read this one. It's outstanding and should be on every believer's book list and in their home library.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend. I really liked it!

Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith

Best,







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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