LadyD Books: October 2014

October Sunrise

So blessed to have seen this marvelous October sunrise. Photo for Skywatch Friday

Here's an interesting read regarding Christians and Halloween

I have had some fun times seeing the children dress up but there's a lot of evil running around out there. (scary times) If the children go trick-or-treating, please make sure you take your kids out tonight and watch over your family. I'm just sayin'...

As always, thanks for your encouraging words as I continue to learn about my camera, Nikon D200.

I'm looking forward to seeing your photos as well. Happy weekend to all!

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

Book Review: Adventure Bible, NKJV

Book Description

The #1 Bible for kids, now available in the New King James Version!
The bestselling Adventure Bible® for children is now available in the modernized but classic text of the New King James Version with full color throughout! Kids will be even more captivated with learning about the Bible and growing in their relationship with God. Along the way they'll meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of things about the Bible. Here's a quick tour through the features:

Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days
People in Bible Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of the Bible
Let’s Live It!—Hands-on activities help kids apply biblical truths to their life
Did You Know?—Interesting facts help kids understand God's Word
Words to Treasure—Great verses to memorize
Book introductions, a concordance, and 8 pages of full-color maps
Available in Italian Duo-Tone and durable hardcover editions

Recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids!

Adventure Bible, NKJV

Friday #56

"Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and cried out, "Make everyone go out from me!"

Excerpt from Genesis 45:1 Joseph revealed to His Brothers

My Thoughts

I am so impressed with the professional quality and artistic layout of this wonderful children's Bible. Not only are the 20 full-color pages absolutely gorgeous but they're filled with tons of important information. From the very beginning the reader is drawn into learning new things and finding rich treasure in God's word. Then, children can read the directions on 'How to use this Bible' by getting acquainted with book names and chapters, section head, chapter and verse number. I especially like the page on 'How to know you are a Christian' with the invitation to grow in your new life in Christ.

My grandson's Sunday School class has a similar jungle theme as the Adventure Bible. While reading God's word, boys and girls will have so much fun with these particular features inside:

1. Memorize Verses

2. Bible Facts

3. Pictures of Bible Life

4. Book Intros

5. Bible Application

My favorite section of the Adventure Bible that I find so engaging with all of my grandchildren, is the section called Live It! One example for personal application is about rich rewards in Ruth 4:1-22. Here kids learn to make cards for each guest at their birthday party and buy little presents with their own money. How precious to learn to be a thoughtful, loving friend. One more fine example of this great nurturing bible is from Live It! John 14:15-21 Paste a photo of yourself on a sheet of paper. Draw a big, bright circle around your photo. Let the picture remind you that God is with you, to give you strength to do right. The Adventure Bible is a great overall investment in planting seeds into your children and grand-children's lives. After all, it is the #1Bible for Kids!

5/5 stars! Highly recommend for home and church library. Great for kids 8-12!

About the Author

Lawrence O. Richards is currently a full-time author and speaker. He has written over 200 Christian books, including commentaries on every book of the Bible and Zondervan bestselling Adventure Bible and Teen Study Bible, which he did with his wife, Sue

Adventure Bible, NKJV

What are you reading? Enjoy the weekend!

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

Skywatch Friday: Pumpkin Skies

I enjoy the fall season around this time of year. We bring out our autumn decorations and place them around the house and the front entry way. Usually we have pumpkins and gourds growing around the ranch but this year we chose to visit a pumpkin farm instead. One particular October morning here in SoCal, seeing this warm sunrise was a pleasant surprise!

The sky seems to change so rapidly from one minute to the next but the mountain silhouette pretty much stays the same.

You can tell it's getting lighter as the orange colors begin to fade away. I like the color orange more and more. It's a "pumpkin sky" morning for sure. Photos for Skywatch Friday

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

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

Review: BJ Bear's Adventure at Sea Life Aquarium

About The Book

BJ Bear's Adventure at SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND® California Resort in Carlsbad, California: An Unofficial Guide for Kids, Their Families & Friends (BJ Bear Adventures Book 1)

Why in the world would a bear decide to visit an aquarium???

Find out in this wonderfully imaginative marine life adventure for kids ages 2 to 10. (A must for families planning a visit to SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort in Carlsbad, California OR for those who want to get kids excited about aquariums!)

Along the way, discover:

How BJ Bear managed to pad about an aquarium without scaring other visitors silly
The fish that "smiled" at BJ Bear
Why BJ Bear feared venturing into The Lost City of Atlantis tube
Fascinating fact about Leopard Sharks
BJ Bear's favorite "wild and crazy" SEA LIFE Aquarium creature

This bear's-eye view of an aquarium contains 40+ captivating photographs --- some breathtakingly beautiful, others just plain "cute" --- spiced, of course, with BJ Bear illustrations! You and your kids will enjoy looking at your favorites over and over --- while planning "your" aquarium visit!

The Friday 56

"Suddenly, BJ Bear saw something that made him laugh out loud. He quickly covered his mouth with a paw!"

Pajama Cardinal Fish

Why I Like The Book

If you're planning a road trip to Legoland's Sea Life Aquarium or any aquarium in the near future, then you'll want to read this fantastic unofficial guide book. What a wonderful introduction to the magical world of so many beautiful sea creatures, along with 40+ stunning photographs to see marine life up close. It all begins with a curious Bear named BJ, believing he could walk right inside the place and be invisible. Chuckling to himself because no one could see him, here's a list of some of the fish BJ saw and that our grandchildren like:

Pajama Cardinal Fish

White Sturgeon

Moon Jelly

Porcupine Puffer Fish

Giant Pacific Oysters

Sea Anemone

Giant Spined Stars

Giant Spider Crab

Cow Nose Rays

Leopard Shark

Horseshoe Crabs

What I liked most about the book is that it is so engaging for the children and their families. This moves the story line forward with many educational fun facts to explore. For example, we learned that the White Sturgeon can live to be 100 years old, and an Octopus has 3 hearts, blue blood and can change the color and texture of its skin. My favorite line in discovering this very interesting place that houses many colorful sea life is, "That fish smiled at me!" Get the book and truly see if a Giant Spined Star looks like a plump cookie sprinkled with sugar! This is a great book, very informative and I recommend to friends.

5/5 stars!

About The Author (Marya Charles Alexander)

A former long-time resident of South Pasadena, California, Marya is a fervent booster of Carlsbad, California -- known for wonderful people and fabulous attractions -- her home for the past 10 years.

And although Marya has developed a reputation as a rabid fan of the Carlsbad High School Volleyball program, she is better known as the editor/director of the website, SoloDining.com™
www.solodining.com

Check out the illustrator, Ros Webb at https://www.facebook.com/roswebbart

We've been to Legoland but since I live in SoCal and have read the book, I plan on taking my grandchildren to this aquarium!

BJ Bear's Adventure at SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND® California Resort in Carlsbad, California: An Unofficial Guide for Kids, Their Families & Friends (BJ Bear Adventures Book 1)

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

Review: Frog on a Log

About The Book

Kids Book: "Frog on a Log" - rhyming counting books for children is a must have for kids who love numbers and finding things. If you love picture books for kids then you will love our full color, full page pictures. Learning to count is one of the basic foundations of math and children's books usually don't include the layering effect that his book does. More than just a counting book, each page adds visual items for your child to find then in the latter half of the book, takes them away again in reverse order, helping the beginning of subtraction but in a visual way that young children can grasp. If your child loves to find hidden objects then this book is for you.

Using the numbers 1 - 10, Frog on a log is a kids counting book that will not only teach your child to count, but the concepts of addition and subtraction, long before they can understand the actual processing of numbers.

Visually appealing with bold colors, the illustrations add new things each page. In rhyming verse, our poor little frog who is sitting quietly in his pond, gets more than he bargains for.

If you watch closely, his emotions change slightly with each page as he becomes more and more frustrated, that is, until things start disappearing!

Frog on a Log is one of many rhyming children's books that Diana F Acheson has written. If you are looking specifically for rhyming picture books for children, then this book will also teach your child colors, numbers and matching concepts.

Repetition is also a feature of the text which has been shown to be really important for young children in learning language and sequencing.

Delightful enough for very young children 2-4 or also fun for older children to find objects that are hidden all over the page, this one of many counting children's books will have your child coming back time after time.

Frog in his pond with unexpected guests.

The Friday 56

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!"

Short post, I know. I've been busy making sure all my little ones have their costumes for upcoming school and church events. Weather has changed a bit here and the aroma of Fall activities is in the air!

So, what are you reading these days?

Review: Why I Like The Book (Frog on a Log by Diana F Acheson)

Little ones will enjoy meeting a frog who lives peacefully in his pond. There's many shapes and colors to discover. This is a very engaging book for children to find objects and lost animals, like fish, bees, spiders and leaves around the pond. Plus, they'll learn addition and subtraction by counting from 1- 10. The rhyming with repetition is easy to remember with colorful nature scenes to enjoy. My youngest grandson loves this one.

5/5 stars!

Rhyming Picture Books For Children : "Frog on A Log" (Illustrated Children's Books to Learn Counting)

We happened to spot this local turtle sunning himself on a log in a nearby pond. My grandchildren enjoy the Franklin The Turtle series and I posted a review, Franklin and the Thunderstorm

A glorious 'turtle sunrise' from the eastern hills of SoCal. Photo for Skywatch Friday

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

Review: Lunch in a Flash

Book Description

One of the reasons we love to spend our money on greasy fast food is because of how quickly we can get it. We don't have to spend a lot of time preparing food when we can swing by a drive through and immediately have an entire meal brought out for us. Unfortunately, when done too often, constantly purchasing fast food can take a big chunk out of our pockets and our health. Lunch in a Flash is the perfect alternative to buying your lunch every day. It offers a way to save your wallet, your health, and your taste buds (because the same lunch menu everyday does get a bit repetitive). The book offers a wide variety of ways to create your own healthy lunch, so you'll be able to look forward to trying out your new lunch whether you're at home or stuck in the office. Of course, our schedules change from day to day. One day, you may have plenty of time to sit down and create a large lunch that you can pack away from the next few days. Other times, you'll barely be able to gather enough time to scrape out a meager quick lunch or sandwich. That's why the book offers lunch ideas with a variety of preparation times, so you'll be able to make a great tasting lunch for yourself (or others) no matter how long you have.

Lunch in a Flash: Fast Food from Home

The Friday 56

All of the above ingredients may be used or just use your favorites, and thread as desired onto the skewers. This is fun for picky eaters to choose what goes on their skewer.

Lunch Ka-bobs

Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese (1" pieces)
Cooked Tortellini
Grape Tomatoes
Bread slices (1" pieces)
Deli Ham (1" strips)
Seedless Grapes
Lettuce, if desired

Place on 5-6" long wooden skewers. 4 servings. Prep time - 15 mins.

Well, sometimes you find a real good cookbook. You hold on to it dearly and use the recipes over and over. You especially like sharing your findings with friends and family. This is NOT the case here with this one. I didn't enjoy it. So, tell me what you're reading...

Book Review

I chose this rating because there wasn't anything new except for the very last recipe in the back of the book. It's true, it costs less and tastes better when you fix lunch wraps, pasta salad and Southwest bean salad. These are the recipes I enjoy and if you're not familiar with the author's tip, try boiling frozen broccoli with the Ramen noodles. Just my opinion but I wouldn't recommend the book.

3/5 stars

I think I just like to cook so much from scratch, instead of fast meals...

Lunch Box Cake

I haven't tried this one because I'm allergic to chocolate but here it is for my readers.

2 1/4 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/4 c. butter
1 (17 oz.) can fruit cocktail, undrained
1 c. chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients (except chips) with electric mixer til blended. Beat 2 more minutes at medium speed. Spread in 13 x 9 greased dish. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Lunch in a Flash: Fast Food from Home

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

10 Recommended Reading for 1st and 2nd Graders

LadyD Books: Recommended Reading for 1st and 2nd grade

I try to visit our local library at least once a week. I love hearing my grandchildren read aloud and of course, I'm always available to read a story with the children by my side. I've put together a little list of some very cool books for 1st and 2nd graders.

1. It's a detective story by David A. Adler
Young Cam Jansen and the Molly Shoe Mystery

Will gumshoe Cam find Aunt Molly?s shoes? Aunt Molly is in town. Cam Jansen and her best friend, Eric Shelton, are at the airport to greet her. They find Aunt Molly, but her favorite high heels are missing! Did she leave them in Peru, or China, or behind a trash can? Cam clicks her way through this brain-twisting easy-to-read mystery.

Recommended Reading for 1-2 grades: LadyD Books

2. It's a Horses and Friendship story by Catherine Hapka

Meg has pony books, pony toys, and pony clothes. And on her first day at a new school, Meg meets two girls who are as pony crazy as she is!

Pony Scouts: Pony Crazy: I Can Read Level 2 (I Can Read Book 2)

3. Humor by Jim Jinkins

Pinky Dinky Doo: Where Are My Shoes? (Pinky Dinky Doo Series)

Pinky can’t find her shoes, so she goes to school with food on her feet. That’s right — food! Then she finds out that lunch will be slipper salad, barbecued cowboy boots, and frozen flip flops. This is one crazy mix-up! What will Pinky do? She’d better Think Big!

4. It's about a new kid in school by Katharine Kenah

With a nudge from the teacher, a little girl shares her idea of a midnight circus with the rest of Room 75—and saves the Family Night show!
The Best Teacher in Second Grade: I Can Read Level 2 (I Can Read Book 2)

5. Cowboys, outlaws by Catherine Lukas
Can the cowboy Pablo and Cowgirl Tasha save the train from the bandits?

Trouble on the Train (The Backyardigans) (Ready-To-Read Backyardigans - Level 1)

6. The book is about horses by Cari Meister

Meet Jack! Taking care of a pony is fun, but it’s a lot of work, too. Readers can follow along as Lacy grooms her pony, Jack—from brushing his coat and tail to cleaning his hooves. This simple story with irresistible illustrations showing lots of visual clues is perfect for children just learning to read on their own. A picture glossary of terms is included.

My Pony Jack

7. Humor, families by Diane Z. Shore

Do you have a big sister?
Do you know how to drive her crazy?
With a rubber snake, some bubble gum, and a really great hiding space, Bradley Harris Pinkerton shows you just how easy it is!

How to Drive Your Sister Crazy (I Can Read Book 2)

8. Friendship, building by Jean Van Leeuwen

Oliver wants to build the biggest, tallest, strongest, best fort ever. It will be so cool. But there are a few problems along the way. Luckily for Oliver, his good pals James and Albert are eager to pitch in. It’s a big job. Find out in four funny chapters just how they do it.

Oliver Pig and the Best Fort Ever (Oliver and Amanda)

9. It's about mice, sleep, rain by Sarah Weeks

It's raining, and Pip Squeak's roof is leaking. He tries to catch the water with pots, pans, cups, and cans -- he even tries using a shoe! But the drips and the drops just won't stop. What will Pip Squeak do?
Drip, Drop (I Can Read Book 1)

10. Best friends, surprise

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

I Will Surprise My Friend! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

What additional reading would you suggest to add to the list?

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