A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

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Unleashed

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Unleashed) through Raincoast Books.

Jinxed, which I have not read and now wish to, is the prequel to Unleashed by Amy McCulloch. Imagine a world where humans and machinery/technology are linked together.  Baku come in different levels with a variety of capabilities to be used for good.  The question is… what happens if someone programs them for personal gain?  Therein lies the story behind Unleashed.  Can Jinx (the baku) along with his human friends keep people safe? 

Affiliate Links will be used in this post with no cost to you, it just helps to support my blog.

Unleashed

Unleashed is the second in a series by Amy McCulloch.  Produced by Sourcebooks, This non-fiction read runs at 352 page and is written for youth 8-12 years of age.  It’s a good introduction in to the world of science fiction, and who couldn’t love a book where one of the main characters is a cat!  In this world humans are paired with “baku”―a customizable “pet” with all the capabilities of a smartphone.  These Baku are available ability levels 1-4. 

I am reviewing Unleashed on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

Before I get too far into this review can I talk about the cover?  Wow… draw a person in!  As soon as I saw the cover I was intrigued!  I just love the colours used and the implication of action.  My curiosity was piqued by the animals (that didn’t look quite right) running alongside the youth.  

Digging into Unleashed

Amy McCulloch brings her characters to life with keen descriptions and real-life dialogue.  Quick-pacing draws you into the story wanting to know just what will happen next.  The only slow-feeling bits are when she’s worried over her mom, and I would expect that section to feel slower, out of concern you know? 

This hardcover novel is easy to hold in your hands with a font size that is comfortable for reading. I appreciated the font type difference between internal thoughts, baku thoughts, and the rest of the book.  Helped with keeping everything straight. 

The artwork within is very simple. Each of the 43 chapters starts with this logo.  The five sections are simply labeled with an overall theme. 

Should you get Unleashed?

If your teens have a fondness for science fiction or are just branching out in this genre, Unleashed is a well-written tome.  With a visually compelling cover, well-developed characters, and a storyline that makes sense you’ll find it a good read (or at least your middle-schoolers should!)  Mind, you might want to read Jinxed first! It will fill in some of the gaps that I felt while reading. 

The themes about using technology to force an ideology could make for an interesting discussion.  Was Eric wrong in what he wanted for people and his method wrong?  Or was his ideology just plain wrong?   Only you can truly decide that based on your paradigm of thinking.  Thought-compelling to consider both the positive and negative implications of having a talking, interactive, cellphone smart pet at your beck and call.   But overall, a good read. 

Voices Raised

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Miss Kate has brought us the word disagree this morning for our prompt.  Disagreements can be hard to get through, to come out on the other end of them in as good, or even better place, as when you started. I was talking with a young girl and her mom this morning as they were purchasing a bunny from me.  I mentioned how when you have two bunnies you always need to be prepared to separate them as just between people, disagreements can happen.  But unlike people who will come with voices raised, bunnies will come with tooth and claw. 

Voices Raised

Voices Raised

Hot weather
No end in site
Sweating, hot
No relief in sight.

Rain promises
Then like vapor fades
Clouds roll on
No rain for days.

And with the heat
Sleep doesn’t come
Misunderstandings
Soon do come.

A spark flares
A hurt is felt.
Voices raised
Suddenly blares.

With love remembered
Forgiveness sought
This sudden temper
was it for naught?

Softened voices
Conversation ensues
Tiredness forgotten
We sit bemused.

Wondering at our
Silliness over
Such a thing.
Need perhaps a do-over?

Laughter healing
like sudden rain
There it’s done
No more pain.

Lessons learned
Remember to think
Heat beside
Tiredness blink.

Leave it aside
Remember it now
Relationship first
The rest can bow.

Scriptural Insight

“A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

“You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” — Psalm 30:11

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”  Job 8:21

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’”  Psalm 126:2

Something’s Wrong!

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Something’s Wrong) through Raincoast Books

 I love the full name of this book: Something’s Wrong! A Bear, a hare and some underwear.  Doesn’t that just intrigue you right off the start?  I can well imagine that youngsters would be curious indeed.  A fun read, friendship reigns supreme in this cute picture book. 

Affiliate links will be used in this review. No cost to you, helps support my blog. 

Something's Wrong

The details for Something’s Wrong!

Jory John brings us a highly relatable book for 3-6-year-olds in Something’s Wrong! A Bear, A Hare, and Some Underwear.  Erin Kroon does a wonderful job of providing forest-themed colours to tell the story of Bear and Hare, and of course…that underwear!  The publisher of this 40-page book is Farrar Straus Giroux this is a Junior Library Selection.  This hardcover picture is easy to hold and share with a group of children. 

I am reviewing on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

A nice sized text fills the pages of this fun picture book.  What is a bear to do when he’s certain he’s forgetting something but just can’t remember what!??!?!  He’s such a friendly bear even is his problem is weighing on his mind.

I can just see children chortling with delight as bear goes through his day trying to figure out what is wrong.  And all his friends were too polite to tell him!  Then his best friend Hare comes to the rescue! Isn’t that what friends are supposed to do?   Not only telling the truth to his friend Bear, but also helping him out of a touchy situation.

Do you think Bear might start a new fashion trend? 

I would love to read this with a group children and then stop along the way asking questions.  So why do you think his friends didn’t say anything?  Do you think his friend Hare will be able to help?  How could Bear forget such a thing?  What would you have done? 

Should you get Something’s Wrong?

If I were a teacher I’d add it to my stash of books to read with my children every year.  I wouldn’t hesitate to add it my library or go borrow from the library.  I found nothing objectionable, unless…you are a person who believes undergarments should not be spoken of.   

The Tale of friendship and the colours used to tell the story fit the scenes so well, and I loved it.   As a bonus, it’s a fun read.  The ending of Something’s Wrong made me laugh!   You’ll find it a good book to add to a unit study on being a good friend and learning empathy.

Well done Jory and Erin. 

Decisions To Make in Homeschooling

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Homeschooling has become a very popular option lately.  Some people make the decision spontaneously and others research and plan before taking the plunge.  REGARDLESS of which method dropped you into schooling your children at home there are ALWAYS decisions to make in homeschooling your youngsters. 

What decisions you ask?  Well there tons of things to consider as you consider the decisions to make in homeschooling.   

Decisions To Make in Homeschooling

Questions to ask

I won’t go into exhaustive detail here, I just want to prod you into some of questions you might wish to ask.  This list should get you started and possibly generate more for you. 

  • What style will you use and what curriculum will fit your style? 
  • How do your children learn and how will that influence your day and teaching methods?   
  • Are there books you should read to further your knowledge base? 
  • What around homeschool groups… do you join one or keep visiting homeshool groups on facebook? 
  • Where will you find your curriculla?
  • Will you go for purchased or free options?
  • Textbook or living book style?
  • Hands-on, get dirty and right into it?  Or videos, textbooks, online teaching? 
  • Will you make a vision or mission statement?
  • Self-taught, parent-taught, or teacher taught, or some combination thereof?
  • Will you combine grades and subjects?
  • Will you partake of any public school offerings? (dependent on your school board of course)
  • Faith-based, secular, or a meld?
  • Ebooks, physical books, online.
  • Will you embrace a methodology of teaching such as Charlotte Mason, Child-led, Eclectic, Classical etc. 
  • What type of scheduling will you lay out? 
  • Will you school year round?  Take regular breaks?  Do modified summer school?
  • Many homeschools are mom-led, but sometimes grandparents teach, or even dad.  How will it look for you?
  • How about co-ops?  Is there one close by or do you need to start your own? 
  • What about where you will do your schooling?   Designated room or use of your entire house? 
  • How will you manage younger and older siblings?  Keeping toddlers busy whilst helping older students grasp difficult concepts. 
June 2021 Social Media Challenge Graphic

Christ will be my Hideaway

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We were listening to Grace Toronto Church this morning and one of the songs they did was Christ will be hideaway. 

I don’t know how old this song is so I’ll just link to the lyrics as I don’t want to violate copyright.  🙂 

Basically, I liked it and thought I’d share it with you.  🙂 

This lovely song is based on Psalm 91.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

Christ will be my hideaway

What do you think of Christ will be My Hideaway?   Are you, like the author, called to remember that our trust needs to be in the Lord?  Remembering that he is our safety in a time of storm or uncertainty? 

I love that, through Christ, I can claim victory even when things are looking tough. There’s always a brighter side you know? 

We Want A Dog

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary ARC product (We Want a Dog) through Raincoast Books.

Want a dog?  So do the reading of We Want a Dog.  And boy oh boy… do they want a dog with oodles of different talents… or perhaps they want options!  (you decide!)   Come on for a cute book about all the things that dogs can bring into your life. 

Affiliate links will be used in this review, no cost to you, but helps me with my blog.  (a good thing yes?)

We Want a Dog… starts with a question.

We want a dog

All about We Want a Dog

  This fun picture book is written by Lo Cole and is published by Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky.  You will be taken on a fun, and somewhat unexpected journey through 26 amusing varieties of our canine friends.  Using humour Lo Cole helps us to see the fun and …sometimes questionable nature… of all things canine. 

I am reviewing an advanced readers copy from Raincoast Books for my review. 

You’ll find rhyming text throughout, some of the rhymes are perfect, others are near-rhymes.  This would be so fun to read with a group of children.

Red, black and white is the colour palette with each page varying the amount of colour.   You’ll find the text is a lovely size for reading as you discover all the different dogs possible.  Some are serious, others are funny, and yet more are downright alarming.  It’s perfect for children ages 3-8!    Mind, it might turn some children off of dogs if they take this book a bit too seriously. 

Just a heads up… the ending was totally unexpected!  Made me laugh!   I can see 6-8 year olds laughing too!  🙂 

We Want a Dog

Should you get We Want A Dog

Okay, We Want a Dog is just a fun book.  Lo Cole takes the fun and the bad of what makes a dog a dog.  He puts 26 of those characteristics into a fun colourful picture book.   My hesitation is that I am adult, I can see the fun in pulling out some of the animal in the dogs around us.  But three-five-year-olds are not adults. They sometimes take things seriously that are meant to be read in fun.   So getting this book depends on the children involved.

NOW…. if you are doing a unit study about dogs…this book would be a HOOT to go along with that.  It would be.  Make the kids laugh, give you the opportunity to talk about how you’d train a dog who did some of the things the dogs in this book do.  It would also give the opportunity to see dogs in a broader spectrum than most dog unit studies might include.    By the by, you might find this unit study on dogs extremely helpful to use with this book!  🙂 

unitstudy dogs

Slowness Has Purpose!

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So I almost had my post done last night, but was falling asleep so headed to bed.  Thought I saved it, but it vanished! Therefore we’re trying to do this again!  Miss Kate has graciously posted the Five Minute Friday post, this time her prompt is the word Slow.  I’m hoping I’ll recreate what I was going for last night, but don’t know if I shall.  Often my mind takes twists I didn’t expect.  …. Okay…. so my brain went a different direction coming up with Slowness has Purpose. 

slowness has purpose

Slowness has Purpose

Slow.  
The opposite of fast
Or quick.

It’s a word that
can be hurtful
used as a slur.

It’s a word that
can also be
plainly descriptive.

Describing a
state of mind,
or a way of being.

I remember in
my youth not being
thought of as smart.

Compared to
quick-thinking
family members.

Perhaps I’m not. 🙂
Or perhaps
I just think differently?

The question
I suppose
it this.

Does one allow
a potential slur
to be seen as good?

Can one
“flip it on it’s heels”
so to speak?

To recognize that
taking time to think,
or take time in life.

Is a good thing,
a time to reflect
and consider angles?

Or perhaps
realize that
Slowness has purpose!

Ooh…
I like that!
Indeed I do.

When I seen the
Mentally-challenge
With a ready smile.

The elderly with
time to listen
to a child’s prattle.

The ill
Taking time
to call and pray.

It’s a slower
Life, season,
particularity.

Why not see it
for what it is?
A purposed time.

I’ve started a new job so I’m feeling a bit rushed today.  If I have a chance I’ll come back and provide biblical support to my ideas expressed here…but right now I need food and to pack up for life on the streets for a couple of hours!  TTYL!