A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Reviews

Kat Wolfe Investigates

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Kat Wolfe Investigates is a cleverly written mystery for middle schoolers that moves at a fast pace and keeps you glued to your seat as you race to an answer. 

From The Cover

After a break-in at their London home, Kat Wolfe and her veterinarian mum decide it’s time to move to the country. Dr. Wolfe’s new job on England’s Jurassic Coast comes with a condition: They have to adopt Tiny, …… Kat starts a pet-sitting agency to make pocket money, but then the owner of her first client, an Amazon parrot, vanishes from his gadget-filled mansion. Only one person shares Kat’s conviction that he’s the victim of foul play: Harper Lamb, an American laid up with two broken legs thanks to her racehorse. Kat and Harper team up, but what starts out as mystery-solving fun turns deadly for the duo. When all clues point to a nearby army base, can they count on their unruly animal friends to save the day – and their lives?

What you Get

A well-written chapter book full of intrigue and mystery, the love of animals, and new found friendship!   Tiny is an interesting cat (you will just HAVE to meet him).   Fast paced action, good characters, along with animals that just might surprise you. Entrepreneurship and family that cares deeply for each other, it was so good to see.  

The town that Kat and her mom move to gives them a warm welcome that carries through into daily activities.  One mystery leads into another and before you know it, it all comes together in the end.   

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book.  So many details that Lauren St John pulled together. It was fun,and very quick paced.  I did have to stop and go back a time or two when I felt like I missed something. Kat and Harper are interesting girls.  Well written characters with interesting twists that made them quite real. 

Kat Wolfe Investigates
  • Kat Wolfe Investigates
  • Lauren St John
  • Farrar Straus Giroux
  • Series: Wolfe & Lamb Mystery
  • 304 pages, Middle School, Chapter book
  • Mystery, Girl Sleuths, Detective
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World War II Night Before Christmas

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Study the World Wars this year has opened my eyes to the tremendous hardship the soldiers faced in the first World War. The Great War was hard, but the Second World War brought it’s own difficulties.   Those are pointed out in World War II Night Before Christmas. 

From The Cover

Santa visits the Allied troops in Normandy on Christmas Eve, 1944.  He brings them blankets, rations, coffee, and warm winter clothes…items that the Allied troops lacked in the frigid temperatures of Normandy.

What you Get:

Full Colour images and a poem reminiscent of The Night Before Christmas.  The lines bring out the dangers the soldiers faced, as well as their fears and dreams.  And who should appear at the end?   Santa of course (you’ll need to read of his gear). 

I appreciated that he listed names of soldiers in the war, and carefully wrote in a way to educate without alarming children listening to the familiar lyrics of Night Before Christmas. 

My Thoughts

I have to admit I did struggle with the Nazis are evil and we are good.   Do not misunderstand me, I do not believe that Nazism is a good mindset to follow.  But I do struggle with the notion of Santa saying Americans are good and those they fight are evil.  It is very much a “yay, America” book.  That aspect came across stronger than I would have preferred.

What I do like is that in the midst of worry and fear hope happens.  Santa comes and brings the soldiers exactly what they where in need of, just when they most needed it. That message is one that children need to hear.  Perhaps not that Santa is the answer, but that hope always exists for those who wait for it. 

  • World War II Night Before Christmas
  • Mike Guardia
  • Melanie Stephens (illustrator)
  • Magnum books
  • 36 pages, softcover, picture book
  • Christmas, WW2, Santa

Reviewed for the author.

Other books by Miake Guardia

It’s Snowing in Hawaii.

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Pup 681

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Don’t you just love picture books?  I do!!!!  I especially love picture books that tell a true to life story.  Pup 681 is a great book to introduce children to rescue work and lovely world that is sea otters.  Reviewing this picture book taught me a few things about sea otters and is definitely worth reading. 

Pup 681 a sea otter rescue story

From the Cover:

Washed ashore alone, a tiny sea otter pup needs help! Soon, a rescuer is there, to take her in and keep her warm and fed. The pup faces challenges in her new life without her sea otter family. But with the love and care of her rescuer, she flourishes in her new home. Inspired by a true story, this is a heartwarming and hopeful tale about family and love.

What you get:

You get a heart warming, sweet story. Pup 681 is such a little fellow. Needing help and then finding it.   Can’t you just hear him call “Meeeh Meeeh”.  The cry of a baby wanting family members to come and help.  

Pup 681Stunning pictures dot the pages, sometimes as a full  two-page spread and other times as single illustrations.  The colours are so reflective on the environment this wee otter would have found himself in.

Pup 681Don’t the illustrations just bring the story to life?   You can just see little otter getting better can’t you?

“and there she was warmed … and fluffed….and fed“

pup 681The care and concern given this wee pup was evident on every page.  The hearts of the rescuers could be seen shining through as they worked to save the life of one wee pup washed up without his momma.  Words so gentle, helpful and instruction… the way this tale was written suits the nature of the story. 

My Thoughts:

I think this is a fantastic book which gives a good introduction to otters and some of their unique features. It is a fun, well written story with great illustrations. I would be an excellent introduction to a course of study on sea others or other oceanic life.  Knowing that there is a real Pup 681 (though this work is ficitional)  gives a personal touch to your study. 

If you are looking for other resources to help you in your study of Sea Otters you may want to consider:

Marine Mammals.    Saving Sea Otters.    National Park Service.

My only concern was the “bambi syndrome” where human emotions were applied to this little otter.  One doesn’t know if a rescued otter baby would be feeling an emptiness inside.  We shouldn’t apply human emotions to animals like that.  It might make for an easier story to write but doesn’t really respect the otter as a wild animal. 

Pup 681: A sea otter rescue story 
Pup 681: a sea otter rescue story.
Jean Reidy
Illustrator: Ashley Crowley
Godwin Books
Henry Holt and Company
40 pages, trade paperback,
Picture book, age 4-8
Biology, Rescue, Sea Otter, Science

Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

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Junk Drawer Geometry

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Pretty soon my lad will be taking a geometry course, so imagine how delighted I was to get a review copy of Junk Drawer Geometry.  I now have 50 hands-on activities to help my son make sense of polygons, mobius strips and angles. 

Junk Drawer Geometry

From the cover:

Geometry is a hands-on subject.  What better way to explore the concepts of area, perimeter, and volume than actually measuring area, perimeter, and volume?  With this helpful resource, you will polygons out of pipe cleaners and flexible drinking straws, explore Mobius strips made from index cards, model the Pythagorean theorem using cheese crackers, and much more.  Junk Drawer Geometry proves that you don’t need high-tech equipment to comprehend math concepts – just what you can find around the house or in your recycling bin. 

What you Get:

Divided into three chapters

  • Geometry tools: 14 sections such as Pencil Compass, Right Angle String, Unit Circle Glove etc.
  • Geometry labs: 18 sections such as Inscribed Angle Circles, Straw Triangles, Thumbs Up etc.
  • Fun Geometry activities: 18 sections such as Math Triangles, Circle Art, Tangrams etc.

There’s not an area of Geometry that this book doesn’t cover.   Shapes, theorems, tangents, graphs, compasses, calipers, area and volume and so much more!

It was ever so helpful that each project comes with a materials list.   I found that most materials are easily found around the house, OR easy to find at your local dollar or hardware store. 

Junk Drawer Geometry

Step by Step instructions walk you through exactly what you need to do.  The pictures clearly showing what you need to do, eliminating confusion. 

Junk Drawer Geometry

I particularly appreciated that math behind the activity was clearly explained.  From understanding the importance of circles, the relevance of figuring out area, why it works to your hand to measure items at a distance, and why marshmallows work so well to understanding volume. 

Junk Drawer Geometry

My Thoughts: 

Junk Drawer Geometry follows a similar pattern to Junk Drawer Engineering.  Grayscale images with clear instructions make it so easy for the student to complete the activity.  There is an excellent range of activities, some very simple, and others that are a bit more complicated. Step by Step instructions along with understanding the math behind the activity.  Robert Mercer brings geometry into the real world for his readers.   All of the activities are quite doable and you should have no problem finding the materials to make them.   Definitely worth adding to your study of Geometry. 

 

Junk Drawer Engineering: 25 Construction Challenges that don’t cost a thing Bobby Mercer Chicago Review Press Ages 9 and up 208 pages Type: STEM Challenges, Trade Paperback Series: Junk Drawer Science

 

Junk Drawer Geometry: 50 Awesome Activities that don’t cost a thing
Bobby Mercer
Chicago Review Press
Ages 9+, 208 pages
STEM Challenges, Math, Geometry, Hands-on
Trade Paperback
Series: Junk Drawer Science

 

Reviewed for Chicago Review Press.

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The Selfish Giant

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Do you remember the story of The Selfish Giant?  I don’t recall when I first read this story, but as I looked through all the new illustrations, I was brought back in time and I smiled.  Come along, I want YOU to smile too!  🙂

The Selfish Giant, book review

From the Back Cover

A beloved tale that has lasted for generations, The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, one of the world’s greatest writers, tells the tale of a very selfish giant, his wonderful garden, the curious and playful village children, and, of course, the little child who changes the giant’s heart. A beloved classic in English literature, The Selfish Giant may be Oscar Wilde’s greatest story of redemption and forgiveness.

Newly illustrated by renowned artist Jeanne Bowman, this fantastic edition of this famous tale showcases Wilde’s story in a pallet and composition that will delight and inspire both young and old and will become a family treasure to be read again and again.

What you get

This is a beautifully illustrated.   Jeanne Bowman has done an excellent job of showing the before and after in The Selfish Giant.

Before

The Selfish Giant

The after

The Selfish Giant

Don’t you just love the detail and colour in the pictures?   The cold of the snow and the anger of the giant, and then follow that up with the colour and life in the garden?   It’s just so lovely.   There is so much vibrancy in the illustrations, it draws you in. Really it does.   You just want to know in the cold of winter…why is there now a spot of colour in the garden?  What happened?

My Thoughts

I can just totally see sitting down with a child in my lap and reading the story, but also stopping to point out the angry giant, or ask how many animals can they see, or can you count the different flowers?  Learning about kindness and sharing, and what selfishness and angry hearts can bring.  A book filled with learning but also delight!  And the question: would you be the child who dared?

The Selfish Giant

 

The Selfish Giant
Oscar Wilde
New illustrations by Jeanne Bowman
Familius
32 pages, 5-8 years, trade paperback
character, selfish, picture book
giving, good choices

Reviewed for: Raincoast Books.

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Secrets and Scones

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Yo!  I need to tell you about this book!  Secrets and Scones… oh my.. I enjoyed this middle school read.  Recipes, teenage angst (with cause), communication struggles and friendship blooming.  A touch of mystery with growth in different directions… a good quick read.  I urge you, especially my female readers, to pick up this delightful book.

secrets and scones

From the cover:

Scarlett is sick of being the star — and victim — of her mom’s famous blog.  Her solution?  Become completely boring and deprive her mom of embarrassing material.  The only problem is, being boring is, well, boring. So when Scarlett finds a gorgeous kitchen in the house next foor, left empty by an elderly neighbour during a hospital stay, it’s too tempting to resist. 

Before she really knows what she’s doing, Scarlett is whipping up a batch of scones…. and making an unexpected friend.  But can they keep their baking a secret?   And can Scarlett find the secret ingredients — to cake, family, and friendship?

secrets and scones

What you get:

A well written chapter book geared to middle school.  Scarlett is a character you can wrap your teeth around, so well developed that if I met her on the street I’d know her… and want to help her in her quest. It’s actually quite hard for me to tell you about this book without wanting to gush out the whole story.  I want to tell you about Rosemary, Mr. Kruffs, Scarlett’s mom, Violet, Gretchen, Nick and Alison.  To have you meet all these characters and learn all about them.  I want you to see the mischief that happens with Scarlett and that gorgeous kitchen.  For you to see the strength of character that develops. 

My thoughts:

Now… as much as I love this book.. I don’t see it as a book for boys.  It feels like it written for girls and perhaps that’s why I enjoyed it so.  A light touch of romance (like what you would find in a teen) with a situation that needs resolving and learning how to communicate to reach that end.  Seeing family relationships worked on and lives changed.  Just a well done book and I would happily read another book by Laurel Remington.  She has a good way with words and character development.

Secrets and SconesSecrets and Scones
Laurel Remington
Sourcebooks
288 pages, trade paperback, middle school
chapter book, recipes, friendship, teens

Reviewed for Raincoast books.

Click picture below for amazon link


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Draw & Be Happy

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Do you like to draw?  I know that I like to doodle and doodling often makes me feel happy inside, but not always.  Do you ever wonder why that is?  Well Draw & Be Happy has given me some answers. Sometimes, my doodling doesn’t have an imagination behind it.  Draw & be happy will help you to rediscover your imagination.

Draw & Be Happy, a book to help you find happiness through your own art.

From the Back Cover:

Draw & Be Happy, if it sounds easy, that’s because it is.   Yes, drawing really make you happy!

Inspired by art therapy practice, the drawing exercises in this book are thought provoking, meditative, and always fun.  Each new page offers a simple strategy to help you find contentment and fulfillment through creativity.  With activities that are perfect for any skill level (no previous art experience reequired!).  Draw & Be Happy will help boost your confidence, reduce stress, and teach you to express yourself in meaningful and joyful new ways.

What do you Get:

160 pages that are bright and vibrant, with all kinds of helps to make you a joyful and dare I say it… a happy drawer!  🙂  How you ask?  Well let me walk you through this easy to read, and fascinating book.

Have you ever considered changing your perspective when you draw?  Bringing the background to the fore and vice versa.  How about making a flip book of your years growing up?  Or drawing a map from your place to your favourite grocer’s or coffee shop. 

Draw & Be Happy

Eight chapters run you through warming up to finding your confidence.

  • Warming up
  • Find Calm
  • Get Happy
  • Build Self-Awareness
  • Energizing
  • For Positivity
  • To Relax
  • Find Confidence

Draw & Be Happy

Every two page spread gives you a new vision, a new way to approach your drawing.  Perhaps you want to take a moment to draw your future, or sketch out some fun placemats for your favourite dining room, or let a dance flow across the page.  Who knows where your muse might take you if you just have a touch of inspiration to guide you.

Draw & Be Happy

My Thoughts:

This is a neat little book. 160 pages of creative fun. Ideas I hadn’t thought of!  It reminds me in a way of those 642 drawing books that I’ve reviewed in the past.  Giving you all sorts of ideas that might spur on your interest, but giving you some depth to go with those thoughts.  So as you consider making a linear drawing of your day, think about what made you happy or sad, causing you into dig deeper into your short term memory.  Remembering the good, considering the not so good, and before you know it, you’ll be looking into your days more creatively.  In the end, make drawing your therapy, and find yourself happy!

Draw & Be Happy

 

Draw & Be Happy: Art Exercises to Bring You Joy.
Tim A. Shaw
Illustrator: Cachetejack
Chronicle Books
160 pages, trade paperback
Art, Drawing, creativity

Reviewed for: Raincoast Books.

Where to find. Amazon.

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