A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Book Review

The Truth About Crocodiles

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The Truth about Crocodiles is a whirl-wind tour of all things crocodilian. Learn about their cousins, their lifestyle and how to stay safe.  With humour and excellent illustrations, Maxwell Eaton helps children learn about this amazing class of animals. 

The truth about Crocodiles

What I am Reviewing

The Truth About Crocodiles: Seriously Funny Facts about your Favorite Animals.
Maxwell Eaton III (author and illustrator)
Roaring Brook Press
4-8 years
Softcover picture book
Non-fiction, animals, nature study, crocodiles,

From writer/illustrator Maxwell Eaton III, The Truth About Crocodiles is the fifth installment in his hilarous series offering another lighthearted look filled with useful facts about crocodiles that will make you laugh so hard, you won’t even realize you’re learning something!
Did you know that crocs often keep rocks in their stomachs in order to stay underwater longer?
Did you know that baby crocs make sounds similar to kittens when they hatch?
Did you know that crocs have a lot of teeth, but don’t actually chew their food?
Discover these facts and more in this addition to the popular series that combines raucous amounts of humor with a surprising amount of information on beloved animal friends.

The truth about Crocodiles

The Details

As you can see, the fun starts from the time you open the book.   Bold illustrations bring excellent into play as you learn about a large, armoured predator, zipping through life with large teeth.

The truth about Crocodiles

We learn about the types of crocodilians, the food they eat, nesting habits, where they live and what threatens them.  We also learn how to stay safe when around them. 

The truth about Crocodiles

I love the brilliance in the illustrations, the humour… even though this book is geared to younger kids, made me laugh.   Like really… a coon with kitchen utensils coming to feast on crocodile eggs being threatened by mama.. turns away muttering “who put these in my hands?”   I snorted.

Should you Get it?

The truth about Crocodiles is a fun little book.  Full of quips and interesting facts about crocodilians.  If you are doing a study on crocodiles and want to meet their cousins this book will surely help.  The bright images and the humour contained within, while providing good facts… makes this book a winner.

Crocodilians live in a wide variety of locations, you might find this unit study to be a perfect go-along.

If you want to know more about Crocodiles and their cousins.  SchoolhouseTeachers.com has a course called the world of animals and one of their units focuses on this remarkable part of the animal kingdom. 

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Tiny T. Rex

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Oh.. I LOVED this picture book called Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug.   Jonathan Stsutzman did an excellent job of bringing the struggles of one little T-Rex to life. 

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible hug

What I am Reviewing

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug.
Jonathan Stutzman
Jay Fleck (illustrator)
Chronicle Kids
Picture book, Hugs, Dinosaurs, Emotions, Friendship
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
48 pages, ages 3-5.

Tiny T. Rex has a HUGE problem. His friend Pointy needs cheering up and only a hug will do. But with his short stature and teeny T. Rex arms, is a hug impossible? Not if Tiny has anything to say about it! Join this plucky little dinosaur in his very first adventure-a warm and funny tale that proves the best hugs come from the biggest hearts.

The Finer Details

Tiny T. Rex starts his story off with a problem.  His best friend is ever so sad and Tiny T. Rex wants to help.  This leads him to another problem. 

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
sample from Tiny T. Rex

Like everyone with a problem Tiny T. Rex seeks advice from those with more experience.  Some advise he gets is simply no good, but then he receives the best advice. And he follows it with his whole heart.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

And before you know, one tiny T. Rex has managed to solve two problems.

My Thoughts

Other than some time line issues… I thought this book was well made and cleverly done.  Interjected humour (in just the right places) and simple drawings brought this story to life.  An excellent story for any age reminding us of the importance of being (and acting like) a friend despite challenges that might come our way.   How to ask for help and the need to be determined to follow through.  A wonderful book I highly recommend. 

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Explorers by Matthew Cordell

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At the book sale this past Friday I chatted with a lady about a book I was selling.  It was a wordless book that my son and I had so much fun with when he was little.  This lady shared my love of wordless books.  Today I have a Matthew Cordell book entitled Explorers. 

Explorers by Matthew Cordell

What I am Reviewing

Explorers.
Matthew Cordell
Feiwel and Friends
2-6 years, or PK-grade 1
40 pages
Picture book, wordless books, museum, friendship
Children’s activity books
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

When a family goes to a local museum, a boy notices a homeless man sitting outside, making brightly colored origami birds. He convinces his dad to buy a bird the man makes just for him.
Once inside the museum, his little sister takes the bird and launches it into the air. Is it lost? Soon another boy helps him look, and the paper bird brings two families – and two new friends – together.

The Details

Explorers by Matthew Cordell

I adore the colours and drawings.  You can just sense the excitement and wonder in the children as they embark on their visit.  A new toy, dinosaurs, Egypt and more. 

Explorers by Matthew Cordell

The emotions!  Wow!   So clear eh?   Can you imagine talking to a little girl or boy?  Asking them what they think the boy is feeling?  Can you imagine a little child wondering about a two-headed boy?  Or talking about the shock of the lad when his sister snatched his toy?  Books can bring out amazing conversations with children if you take the time to have them. 

Explorers by Matthew Cordell

My Thoughts

I have to tell you, I love wordless books.  I do!  I find them so much fun to walk through with children as there is so much potential in where the story can go.   Matthew Cordell draws us into a story of a boy, his frustration with his sister, and his joy at finding a new friend.   OR you could read it as the excitement of the hunt, can he find his new toy that is much loved sister made a mistake with?  Same book, different twist, what twist could you make?  What about the littles in your life?

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Loving My Actual Neighbor

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I freely admit that I have only read 3/4’s of the way through Loving My Actual Neighbor.  This isn’t the result of lack of trying, rather a result of  a busier than expected month. Alexandra Kuykendall has written a heart compelling treatise to help us love the neighbor who lives right next door.

Loving my Actual Neighbors

What I am Reviewing

Loving My Actual Neighbor.
Alexandra Kuykendall
BakerBooks
220 pages
Reviewed for Nuts about Books.
Christianity, personal growth, spiritual growth, bible study

The Details

Seven chapters, plus and introduction and conclusion round out the pages of this 220 page book.   Written in a personal tone, Alexandra walks us through what it means to love your neighbour, giving us practical helps along the way.

Chapter titles are 

  • Holding a posture of humility
  • Asking questions to learn
  • Being quiet to listen
  • Standing in the awkward
  • Accepting what is
  • Lightening up
  • Giving freely
Loving my Actual Neighbors

Each chapter follows a similar format 

  • Quote along with bible verse
  • Lesson with a personal story to illustrate the point
  • A cut out to help you think more deeply
  • A call to Saturday living
  • Questions for Reflection
  • Practicing the Practice
  • Scripture to digest

Ms. Kuykendall shares freely from her personal life about things she has learned in meeting with her neighbours, and about how she has been challenged in her faith to be involved more deeply in their lives.  It’s a hard push sometimes to be vulnerable, it’s hard sometimes to step into gaps and help others you are not as familar with, but it’s good and necessary.

Loving my Actual Neighbors
A cut out to help you think more deeply

Saturday living.

“A neighborly life marinates in the Saturday life. Saturdays are for mowing the lawn, hanging out on the sports sidelines, and heading the grocery store. They are days of proximity, with natural interactions happening all around us. …… There is another element to Saturday living, a tension we hold as Jesus followers that is found most profoundly on Saturday — Holy Saturday, that is. We are people defined by the resurrection. … While we stand in the Friday pain of the world, we have the Sunday knowledge of the hope found in Christ. We are to operate out of both. This is Saturday living.” (p.21)

Loving my Actual Neighbors

I found the questions for reflections to be well done.  Challenging without being, I’m not sure of the right word, challenging without being wrong, or superficial or asked without meaning.  Sometimes reflection questions just seem to be asked without regard for the reader.  I didn’t find that to be so with this tome.  Ms. Kuykendall really wants her readers to think hard about who are our neighbours are and what we need to do to truly be neighbours.  We NEED to be neighbours who matter and try to touch the lives of those around us, impacting them for the Lord. 

Loving my Actual Neighbors

Once you have listened to the wisdom contained within these pages, scenarios to practice the skills you have been taught are provided. They followed the format of those I’ve shown below. One that I found to be a good reminder for me was “Stop and pay attention to the people you are serving. Let them interrupt you.” This is SO important. I find at the foodbank I can be very focused on organizing shelves that sometimes I forget about the people I am organizing the shelves for.

Loving my Actual Neighbors

My Thoughts

I admittedly like this book.  I do have some hesitations.

  1. Some quotes are from books by people that I question their belief in God. I admit that sometimes a quote is just a quote, but I am cautious about giving the nod to someone who has some questionable beliefs/ideals. 
  2. Often the practice scenarios seem devoid of any mention of God.  It’s like “find a person and see if you can find a way to love them”.  It’s all man done.  I wish the each practice session had a distinct connection with God.  Even “which of your neighbours are you led to pray for, or Pray for your most difficult neighbour asking God to help you love them, and then later on .. how can you show love to that unlovable neighbour?”

I love the focus on “how can we treasure our neighbours?”   That challenge lies before me.  How can I love the people that surround me?  How can I let them know that they matter…not only to me but also to God?

Alexandra Kuykendall has done an great job at challenging me (and will challenge you) in how to show love, in an active meaningful way.

So go on… get out of the house.  Live like Saturday is here now.  Connect with your neighbours, learn to love them well.  Show the heart of God.

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Peter & Ernesto: the Lost Sloths

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Okay, this book is just fun. Graham Annable writes a fun story about friendship and overcoming trials with Peter & Ernesto the Lost Sloths. The question asked throughout the book is : Can Peter and Ernesto save the day? Can they find the sloths the home they so desperately need?

Peter & Ernesto: the Lost Sloths

What I am Reviewing

Peter & Ernesta: the Lost Sloths.
Graham Annable
FirstSecondBooks.com
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
128 pages, jacketed hardcover, ages 6-10
Friendship, overcoming trials, perseverance, cooperation

Peter and Ernesto loved their tree.
Then a hurricane came and blew it away!
Now, Peter, Ernesto, and the rest of their sloth friends must venture into the jungle to find a new – great – tree. But the jungle is full of dangers, including angry ants, slithering snakes, and a ravenous jaguar!
Can cautious Peter and confident Ernesto work together to keep their tribe safe? They’ll have to, if they want to find the perfect tree to call home!

Peter & Ernesto: the Lost Sloths

Details About this Book

Peter and Ernesto are friends living in a tree with all their friends. A hurricane happens. Their tree… well.. a hurricane happened! Whatever would they do?!?!?! Peter and Ernesto to the rescue!

Through a graphic novel format we watch as Peter and Ernesto make new friends and discover all the life in their forest.

Humour is abundant throughout (watch out for the peccaries). Teamwork is important, and problem solving dangers is real.

The text is larger than normal for a graphic novel, making this a great introduction to elementary students to the graphic novel format. The story is carried along nicely from frame to frame, predominately using a conversational format. I enjoyed the use of colour in the illustrations and how it fit with a forest theme and rainy weather.

Peter & Ernesto: the Lost Sloths

Recommendation

The story is simple, the forest fraught with danger, but friendship holds true. It’s a fun read. Go borrow it from your library or order it for your book shelves. 🙂

Peter & Ernesto: the Lost Sloths
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Elon Musk

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Occasionally I get a review book in the elicits a response from my 13 year old. Elon Musk: a Mission to Save the World is one such book. Crammed full of pictures and interesting tidbits we learn the story of Elon Musk’s life.

Elon Musk: a Mission to Save the World

What I Am Reviewing

Elon Musk: a Mission to Save the World.
Anna Crowley Redding
Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan
256 pages, middle school, trade paperback
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
young adult non-fiction, Elon Musk, entrepreneur,
outer space, rockets, business, biography

Elon Musk is the visionary behind SpaceX and CEO of the electric car company Tesla. He is working on unique and daring improvements to both public transit and solar energy. And then, there’s his highly-publicized plans for colonizing Mars. . . 
But behind the mind-blowing headlines and legendary drive is the story of a bullied and beaten school boy, who through creativity and determination decided to rewrite his story and find his own way to make the world a better place. And to do so with a sense of fun and style.
From hosting raves to pay for college to re-writing the rules on space travel, Elon Musk has always gone his own way. 

Elon Musk: a Mission to Save the World

The Details

To be honest, I had no clue who Elon Musk was (much to my son’s horror). He then proceeded to tell me all about SpaceX, colonizing Mars, and much much more. My son gave me so much information you’d think he’d been listening to videos about him. 🙂 He still plans to read the book!

Anyways, you will find images crammed on to almost every page of this tome. I received an ARC version so some looked a bit grainey, I imagine this will be cleaned up for the jacketed hardcover that is due to be released.

Elon Musk: a Mission to Save the World

I am currently about 1/2 way through but just had to tell you how much I am enjoying this book. It has been very interesting watching his determination and following how his mind works. Determination to succeed seems to be built into his bones. It was great to see the family connectedness between two brothers as they each pursued their own paths in life.

Throughout each chaper (15 in total) are spotlights, road trip alerts, take away armour, bookshelf and many other tidbits. Occasionally a warning would be found such as don’t talk to Elon Musk about capacitors unless you want to know WAY more then you originally planned.

Elon Musk: a Mission to Save the World

Interspersed are dark pages which highlight different members of the Musk family. We learn the Kimball loves food and cooked for the firefighters who responded to 911. Justine (his ex-wife) writes sci-fi novels. Each member has a page devoted to them.

Recommendation

The easy reading style combined with loads of images and highly informational text makes this a good read for anyone middle school and up. Learn the life story and see the determination to succeed in one boy from Africa who made his way in the United States (travelling via Canada) .

For my son to willingly add Elon Musk to his reading pile speaks highly of his motivation! 🙂

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The Giant From the Fire Sea

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Once in a while I meet a book that totally surprises me. The Giant from the Fire Sea is one such book. The premise didn’t intrigue me, but once I started reading, I very much wanted to know what was going to happen with Jat and Newton.

What I am Reviewing

The Giant from the Fire Sea.
John Himmelman
Jeff Himmelman (illustrator)
Henry Holt and Co.
Trade Paperback, 256 pages, 8-11 years.
Friendship, bullying, coming of age,
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

Jat is a boy who wants more from life than collecting coal from the Fire Sea.
Newton is a misfit giant, cast out of his homeland for his love of science and reading.
Brought together by chance, the two become the best of friends. But when enemy giants threaten to ruin everything, it’s up to Jat and Newton to defend Jat’s village, leading to the journey of a lifetime.

My Review

I don’t know why I put off reading The Giant from the Fire Sea, after all. my lad kept asking me what it was about. Maybe I was trying to wait him out? He knows he can read my review books. Anyways, once I started it, I had this need to finish it. I was glad that I did.

Jat and Newton make an unlikely pair of friends. Like all friends they need to learn when to stay out of each other’s business AND when to get right in the middle of it. Their determination to do what is right and to stick together was excellent.

I loved the development of the characters, watching how they matured through difficult times. The bad characters were a mixed lot, which honestly surprised me. It’s SO good to be surprised in a book, especially one meant for the younger years.

Some bad things happen, but nothing I think that should alarm your average upper elementary youth. The story sets itself up nicely for a sequel which, I think, would be interesting to read. I have questions I want answered.

I liked the illustrations that introduced each chapter. They fit, sometimes rather sadly, but were appropriate for the chapter. Overall, an excellent book for upper elementary students. Some laughter, a good story, with children making friends and learning how to be good friends.

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