Being A Captain Is Hard Work: Review

First, I love the book dedication:

For Halle, you are the calm in stormy seas, a voice of reason in chaos.

About the Book

Captain No Beard is determined to travel to Dew Rite Volcano. He won't listen when Mongo predicts a storm or Linus indicates they are headed in the wrong direction. He insists Polly cook in the galley even though the seas are getting rough. What's a crew to do with a stubborn, know-it-all captain? 
Will they convince the captain he is barreling headlong into danger, or will Captain No Beard jeopardize both his safety and the crew’s with his single-minded determination to go where he wants?

The Friday #56

The flag lay on the floor. It was torn and limp.
The crew looked at the crumbled heap, then to Dew Rite Volcano, and finally at the captain. They were not happy.

Book Review

Very entertaining and educational, too. It's a great book for the little ones who love pirate stories, from preschool to early elementary school. What a winning combination, to have a fun story line woven with wonderful, exciting illustrations! I might add, the book is very engaging for the children to point to so many wonderful animals. There's Linus the lion, Mongo the monkey, Fribbet the frog and Polly the parrot. I especially like the creative artistry the author has in choosing many visual descriptive words that families will enjoy reading aloud. Example:

Captain No Beard

Captain of the Flying Dragon

Dew Rite Volcano

The crew is about these characters, Halle, Cayla and Zachary. While working hard, Polly Parrot brings them pretzels! The author has my grandchildren's attention (huge connection) from the beginning! Then introducing kids to types of clouds in the end notes is the best learning part of the story. Farther along, the captain and crew face a raging storm.  You will want to read about how the conflict is resolved and discover a fantastic truth, a life principle towards success. My favorite line, "But I'm the captain. I know everything!" Oh, really? You've got to read on concerning the stubborn little boy! We love the book and it's great for gift giving! 

5/5 stars! Highly recommend!

About The Author

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born."Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Exceptional Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. Strangers on the High Seas has won second place in the Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards 2013. It has followed with six more books to the series. This year, Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis was named to Kirkus Best 2015. The entire cultural non-fiction series If You Were Me and Lived in... was named Best Series by Shelf Unbound. She has begun work on two new series that will be released in early 2016.
Motivated by her love of yoga, Roman has written a book that not only teaches four poses, but shows how easy and accessible yoga can be. 
Her new non fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Non Fiction 2012. France, South Korea, and Norway. Rebecca's Reads has given If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway an honorable mention in the 2013 Choice Awards. If You Were Me and lived in ...France won second place. ForeWord Review has nominated If You Were Me and Lived in...France for best in children's non fiction literature 2013. They will be followed with Kenya, Turkey, India, and Australia. She plans to do Portugal, Greece, and Argentina next year.
Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.

Lovely February sky from the Oceanside Pier. Enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean.

Happy reading and Skywatching!







“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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LadyD Books

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Meet Rhina: The Guitarfish

The guitarfish are a family, Rhinobatidae, of rays. The guitarfish are known for an elongated body with a flattened head and trunk and small ray like wings. The combined range of the various species is tropical, subtropical and temperate waters worldwide. They often travel in large schools.

Guitarfishes have a body form intermediate between those of sharks and rays. The tail has a typical shark-like form, but in many species, the head has a triangular, or guitar-like shape, rather than the disc-shaped formed by fusion with the pectoral fin found in other rays. More information can be found at Wikipedia

The shovelnose guitarfish has an unusual body shape, intermediate between that of a shark and a ray, and is named for its long, pointed, shovel-like snout and broad disc, with wide pectoral fins that give the body a distinctive triangular shape. The tail is relatively thick, with a moderately large caudal fin that lacks a distinct lower lobe, and there are two equal-sized dorsal fins located towards the tail. A row of thorny projections runs along the mid-line of the back and tail. The shovelnose guitarfish ranges from olive to sandy brown in color, with white underparts, and a clear, somewhat translucent area on either side of the snout. More information at Shovelnose Guitarfish.

I just happened to be taking a stroll out on the Oceanside pier... watching the fisherman bring up their daily catch is always exciting. This time, I wasn't quite sure what I was looking at. One of the locals told me that the shovelnose is always hanging around the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and most guys release them back into the water. I was fortunate to get a few photos of this guitarfish. I think he or she is appropriately named. I have called her, "Rhina."

Have you come across a shark or two? I've heard that some folks eat the tail while others fillet the fins for good eating. I've eaten thresher shark before but not this particular fish.

Photos for Skywatch Friday

Here's an interesting read on The Biology of Sharks and Rays

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind." -- Matthew 13:47

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

Book Review: Surf Angel

I had a wonderful opportunity to meet author, Terry Winn - Kraszewski while shopping at the Carlsbad Street Fair earlier this November. She is a lovely woman and passionate about life and all the wonderful treasures of the sea. Terry is warm and caring in hoping there will be a cure for Cystic Fibrosis one day. I fell in love with this gentle soul (kindred spirits) and purchased her picture book, Surf Angel. It will be a very special present of fantasy and sheer delight for our granddaughter who lives by the sea. Surf your dreams, little Flora!

• Product Details

Age Range: 4 and up

Grade Level: Preschool and up

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Sunbelt Publications; first edition (September 1, 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0982198906

ISBN-13: 978-0982198902

• Amazon Snippet

Join the Surf Angel on her magical adventures to the ocean kingdom below, where she visits her sea life friends to prepare them for a safe night of sleep.

Surf Angel includes delightful illustrations that will captivate children of all ages and remind us to be respectful stewards of the sea s natural treasures.

This book also includes an audio CD, in which the story is lovingly narrated by surfing legend, the original Gidget, who is accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the ocean and it's friendly inhabitants.

• My Review

A magical journey for young ones and adults who love the ocean and all of its treasures. You will enjoy this special story read aloud while listening to the shore flow in and out. The gentle barking of the sea lions is amusing, too. This is the perfect bedtime stormy for young and old alike because it is so relaxing. If you believe in angels and the wonder of nature, you will find inspiration amidst the gorgeous illustrations of colorful starfish, a fun-loving seahorse family, along with a mother and her baby whale. This sweet story is a wonderful way to wrap up the day, knowing that a charming surf angel, lovingly watches over her ocean friends and brings everyone closer in appreciation of the sea. It's a beautiful book and just right for my granddaughter. We love it and highly recommend this one! 

5/5 stars. Highly recommend!

• About The Author

Terry grew up in sunny Southern California, soaking up the sunshine, saltwater, and a love of the surfing lifestyle.

She has a degree in Early Childhood Development, and considers the ocean a wonderful place to raise two beautiful and talented daughters.

Terry owns a surf boutique called Ocean Girl in La Jolla, California, which features her own brand of surf inspired clothing called "Surf Angel."

An "anything is possible" attitude created her optimistic approach and influences her involvement in issues ranging from protecting the environment to finding the cure for Cystic Fibrosis.<Br>Co-Author, Heather Dawn Kraszewski

Heather was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at four months of age. Living a positive life full of laughter, she inspires and teaches valuable lessons about how life should be enjoyed and treasured each and every day.

Heather has a degree in Film and Television and has worked on many television shows and feature films. She is also a gifted writer and story teller.

Having the beach as her playground, Heather has always felt a strong connection with the sea and the wonderful animals that share the ocean with her.

For more information, visit http://www.surfangelbook.com

• About The Illustrator           

Bonnie Bright grew up in Malibu. Her parents, Mike Bright (surfing and beach volleyball legend and Olympian) and Patti Bright (volleyball Olympian and all around great mom) taught her a love for the beach and the value of hard work. When Bonnie is not busy producing artwork for clients, she enjoys her favorite pass times - playing beach volleyball, paddling and watching the sunset.

In addition to book illustration, Bonnie Bright's art and animation appear on a wide range of educational computer games. Her other creative talents include portraits, 3D background art, 2D animation and web design. Bonnie is a full time, freelance artist and enjoys a healthy balance between hard work, volleyball, and family.

Best wishes and much continued success, Terry Kraszewski!

See what others are saying about Surf Angel.







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

Book Review: Something Fishy

I was thrilled to hear from Caitlin Eck, Publicist for Independent Publishers Group regarding a possible book review for 7-9-year-olds. I've got to say, I am pleased to introduce you to Mr. Polisar's great new book, Something Fishy with excellent illustrations by David Clark. First, let me share a brief description to give you a feel of this cute hardcover children's book. Thank you, Caitlin!

About The Book

Exploring a delightful world of truly exotic and unusual sea creatures, Something Fishy is filled with intriguing facts about an array of fish and animals that live in or near the water. Written entirely in verse, Barry Louis Polisar’s witty and thought-provoking poems introduce children to some of the oddest creatures in the animal kingdom, including many rare and endangered species. Children will be captivated by the lively illustrations while learning and laughing at the clever rhymes.

My Review

A unique and fun approach to verse and rhyme, these witty and lively poems will have you smiling and learning about many special sea creatures such as the crab, puffer fish, and killer whale. If you know the way of a jellyfish, children will enjoy silly descriptions like yuck and gelatinous muck. The author is exceptionally creative with the poem, The Smallest Fish along with a myriad of exciting illustrations that adults will enjoy, too. Don't be surprised when you hear your Dad chuckle aloud while reading the Pot-Bellied Seahorse. Baited is another nice poem woven with a hint of wisdom in letting go. The book ends with a wonderful explosion of symphonic praise for all sea life with educational endnotes in the back of the book. This is a delightful book that one will enjoy reading again and again.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend.


About The Author

Barry Louis Polisar is an author and singer-songwriter who writes children's music and numerous children's books, poems and stories.

Barry Louis Polisar is a four-time Parents Choice Award winner and the author of the Rainbow Morning Music Picture Books series and numerous other books. He has written songs for Sesame Street and the Weekly Reader and has been featured regularly on the Learning Channel. His song “All I Want Is You” was featured on the Grammy Award–winning soundtrack to the movie Juno. He lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. David Clark is a nationally syndicated cartoonist whose work is featured many newspapers, including the Washington Post. He is a winner of the Reuben Award for Newspaper Illustration from the National Cartoonist Society and has illustrated almost all of Barry’s books, including Peculiar Zoo, Snakes and the Boy Who Was Afraid of Them, and The Snake Who Was Afraid of People. He lives in Luray, Virginia.     

I love the book! If it were possible to rate a book 10 stars, then this is the one! 
Of course, maybe it's because I like to fish, along with my entire family...
Thank you, Barry Louis Polisar!     

Something Fishy (Rainbow Morning Music Picture Books)







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

Book Tour and Review: Bella Saves the Beach

This is the third book from Nancy Stewart's best selling children's picture book Bella and Brit series, Bella Saves the Beach.

About The Book

Bella and Britt are worried about all the trash appearing on their beautiful beach.  But what can they do?  Britt is leaving on vacation, and Bella can’t solve the problem alone.  Without adults to lend a hand, can they possibly save their beach?

Excerpt:

Bells, Britt and all their friends built sand castles and filled moats with salty sea. But this summer, the girls were worried.

“Look at all this trash, Britt,”said Bella.

She nodded. “Yeah, and I leave on vacation tomorrow. I can’t help pick it up!”

Next morning, Bella walked along the beach alone. “Hello.” Bella said tot he old crooked beak pelican, perched on his piling. “Somebody has to help, and I guess it’s me.”

My Review 

Children love the sights and sounds of the salty ocean and sandy beach, but not when it's covered with trash. Two dear friends, Bella, and Britt have concerns for the safety of mammals, birds and fish. With Britt willing to help, Bella shows great leadership skills in launching a campaign to save their beach where everyone gets involved with picking up beach trash. What I enjoyed most about the story is the realistic approach to a dream coming true along with a practical plan. In addition, it just takes one sincere girl and lots of helpers to make a clean beach happen. An additional educational bonus is the author's end notes on the dangers of beach trash with solutions to this problem, along with a list of some birds we all enjoy at the beach.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend this well-written story with beautiful art by Samantha Bell.

 

Purchase from:

NANCYSTEWARTBOOKS.COM
 GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING 
AMAZON
 BARNES AND NOBLE

About The Author

Nancy Stewart Bio:

Nancy is the bestselling and award-winning author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children:  One Pelican at a Time (eighteen weeks on Amazon Bestselling List), Sea Turtle Summer, (which won the Children’s Literary Classic Gold Award), Bella Saves the  Beach (which won the Gold)  and Mystery at Manatee Key.  The authorized biography, Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage, is the story of Katrina Simpkins and Winter, the dolphin. One Pelican at a Time and Nancy were featured in the PBS Tampa special, GulfWatch.   All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. 

Nancy is a frequent speaker and presenter at writer’s conferences throughout the United States.  She conducts workshops and seminars and speaks to school children on writing and helping save their planet.  A blogger with a worldwide audience, she writes of all things pertaining to children’s literature.

Nancy’s travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. She is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education.   She and her husband live in Tampa and St. Louis.

 Visit her online at www.nancystewartbooks.com and her blog at http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

 

A special thanks to Pump Up Your Book for the opportunity to host today's book tour. I do hope you'll take the time to visit other bloggers along the way to read more perspectives of Nancy Stewart's picture book!

 

Bella Saves the Beach Tour Schedule

Thursday, May 2^nd

Book review at Kid Lit Reviews

Friday, May 3^rd

Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner

Monday, May 6^th

Interview at Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways

Tuesday, May 7^th

Book reviewed at The Picture Book Review

Wednesday, May 8^th

Book reviewed at My Devotional Thoughts

Thursday, May 9^th

Book review at It’s About Time Mamaw

Friday, May 10^th

Book review at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Monday, May 13^th

Happy Reading!

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

The Crawdad Song: Lyrics and Chords

The serene location is near the African Village at the San Diego Safari Park. It looks like it just may be the perfect spot for crawdad fishing. A crawdad looks like  a small lobster (also called crayfish.) Have you ever been crawdad fishing? When I look at this peaceful scene, an American Folk Song,  The Crawdad Song comes to my mind. You can hear the song and download the free sheet music Freebies Crawdad. I play this southern song in the Key of F, too.

Crawdad Song Lyrics

 Crawdad Song Chord Chart

 On YouTube listen to the children violinists play and sing The Crawdad Song

Alongside the numerous nature trails inside the park, I noticed these pretty orange flowers growing everywhere. I'm not sure of the name but they have an appearance similar to a red trumpet wildflower.

Later on in the day we took a drive over to the harbor to see if anyone caught something for the day and we spotted the two fishermen with a sun perch on the line.

 No worries here because this little fish quickly was scooped up and put right back in a bucket of water. Do you remember the funny part in Nemo where the pelicans say, "Mine."?!

I think you can see the puzzled look on my grandson's face since he was so excited to climb up the rails of the pier, but seems a bit perplexed and not so thrilled in finding his way down. He made a safe landing, so all is well!

The Essential seafood Cookbook

From crab cakes in a New York eatery, to moules mariniere in a French bistro, or salty fish and chips on a windy boardwalk, seafood is deliciously at home anywhere. Today, caviar is a costly extravagance, and fish is a highlight on pricey restaurant menus, so it is hard to imagine that seafood was once poor man's fare. But tastes and values have changed and The Essential Seafood Cookbook - with over 600 full-color photographs - shows how fresh seafood now enjoys respect and popularity around the world.

The Page 56: "Lobster, Rock also known as crayfish, cray, spiny lobster is firm with sweet flavor. Barbecue, grill, pan-fry, poach or steam."

Photos for: 
Skywatch Friday
The Friday 56
Color Connection
Orange You Glad It's Friday

Blessings,

 

 “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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Wordless Wednesday: Starfish

Tide Pool Starfish

"Now the tide turns, and water flows back up the beach. Starfish creep from hiding places between the rocks looking for mollusks to eat. Starfish have no heads or tails, so when they move, any arm can lead the way."

For ages 7 and up

From The Ocean Tide Pool by Jeanne Bendick:

"A tide pool is more than just water. It also is home to many animals. Some may live their whole lives here. Others may come and go with the waves. But one thing is certain. The tide pool will never again be exactly as it is right now."

Did you know that starfish are not fish at all? They are echinoderms, spiny-skinned sea creatures. Starfish have hundreds of tiny tube feet beneath their arms. Each foot has a suction cup to grip onto rocks.


Exploring an Ocean Tide Pool (Redfeather Book)

Have you been to an aquarium before? It is a great learning center to discover where the great wonders of the sea come alive. In La Jolla, we have Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Rednesday,  Watery Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday

A surfer catching the waves, West Coast style, on his red surfboard. Temperatures are warming up again here in Southern California. How is it where you are?

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Happy WW!

“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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