Inspiring Bookworms

A More Economical Way to Acquire and Recycle Books

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:36:00 +0000

I love books. I almost think that I’m a book-a-holic because I drool over and snap up books like some women do shoes. Like many, as the economy dives, I’ve had to cut back from my usual book buying haunts in search of cheaper and more economical resources.

In the beginning, I went cold turkey and started to get any book that I wanted from the library – test drive it to see if I really wanted it. Then I really started to pay attention to the library’s annual book sales and, of course, the books that they have for sale in the foyer every day. Can’t go wrong with $1.00 hard cover and $0.50 paperbacks! I’ve gotten many ‘steals’ from browsing this selection.

Unfortunately, the selection can be quite limiting. Thankfully, I stumbled upon a new and upcoming online bookswap service called BooksfreeSwap.com. It was created earlier this year as an easier way to swap books and audiobooks online. Swap as in, FREE!

Here is how it works: Create a free account and create your own wish list of items that you would like to receive. When BooksfreeSwap.com finds someone with the item that you want, you will be notified so you can initiate the swap. You simply pay postage and handling.

The site has a very active forum of passionate book lovers. I look forward to my first swap and while I haven’t figured out how to add friends yet, you can find me as InspiringBookWorms; being a ‘friend’ is not required to swap books.

Go to www.booksfreeswap.com to get started and I look forward to *seeing* you there!

~Shanna

Get Two Free Books!

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:04:00 +0000

I'm so excited to share with you an offer from Early Moments. What better way to start or add on to your book collection than with Free Books? I loved Dr. Seuss when I was a child and I am grateful to be able to share them with my children now. We are currently reading "Go, Dog Go!" and have enjoyed "Are you my Mother?", and the classic "Green Eggs and Ham". You can probably list off a few titles yourself.

Remember, there is no commitment to buy more books from this offer. You may cancel at anytime. It's a win-win.

Gt 2 books FREE! Just buy "The Cat in the Hat" for only $4.99 plus S&H.

If you are already a book club member, I know your little bookworms thank you. Please feel free to pass this on. I know, I for one, have seen this offer many times and put it off and put it off, then when I came time to wanting to sign up, I couldn't find where to actually sign up. Funny how those things work.

Here's to helping you inspire your little bookworms one book at a time.

Mother Goose

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:39:00 +0000

Twinkle, Twinkle: An Animal Lover's Mother Goose painted and photographed by Bobbi Fabian (Ages 4-8)

Here's another Mother Goose book; however, she's never looked so wobbly and interesting. It was interesting and fun read. The little ones giggled how Goosey, Goosey, Gander swirled around on the page.

You'll find some of your favorites...

Mary Had a Little Lamb
Old Mother Hubbard
Twinkle, Twinkle
The Cat and the Fiddle

Which they all loved.

Unless you already have your favorite Mother Goose book, this may be a good start. If you do have a favorite, please share as I'm always looking for a good book.

Happy Reading!

Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Treasure by Suzanne Bloom (Ages

This book is an absolute treasure! I received many giggles and laughs all the way through.

Two very unlikely friends - a goose and a polar bear hunt for treasure, only in the end to have found the perfect treasure - each other.

I caution you though. If your children have not started the, "Are we there yet?" groan from car rides. They will. However, here's a fun response that will be sure to toss those boredom blues out the window when you say... "Let's look!"

I'm looking forward to getting her other book, A Splendid Friend, Indeed. I'm sure this one will be a treasure too!

Tractors

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Tractors (By Air, Sea, and Land) by Paul Strickland (Ages4-8)

"Tractors" is a colorful illustration of different types of farm tractors, then and now. Children who love different kinds of vehicles will also enjoy this short book. It's not a story, almost a what's what or how to book.

This is what tractors looked like fifty years ago. They were smaller and less powerful. These tractors did not have cabs or protective coverings.

This old tractor has a wagon that can carry lots of different things, like sheep or other animals.

At the end it give you an opportunity to ask your little readers what they learned. The questions are already there for you. For those not familiar with farm equipment, tractors specifically, this is a fun way to get to know them.

What's on My Nightstand - August

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:11:00 +0000

It's that time again when 5 Minutes for Books hosts the monthly carnival - Whats on Your Nightstand? Click on over and see what everyone else is reading, or better yet, link up yourself and share with the rest of us what you are reading. No blog is necessary. You can always join in by leaving comments on what you are reading.

I've been reading a lot of books with the kids for the 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog, so I have not had much time for reading of my own. Because of that, I've tried to scale down the number of books that I am reading. I truly love our library system!

So, among the children's books they love me to read, I am also juggling time for a few of my own.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
I was at my annual sales conference in July and one of our speakers referenced this book. Just from her highlights, I wanted to read more.

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.

These are just a few. There are more, simple, easy, common courtesy things that could make the world a better place. Even though I am at a business sales conference, the same principles hold true and I'm so glad it was part of the speakers agenda.

And I'll add my own. Always leave things better than which you found them.

The book is filled with short stories of valuable life lessons. If you haven't read it and are curious, get it, you'll love it.

Becoming a Person of Influence by John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan
I picked up this gem at the library, while browsing titles in the self hep section. I picked it up mainly because I recognized the author (John C. Maxwell) and more importantly of the subtitle How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others.

Everyone has influence. Think about it. If you connect with anyone, you influence them in one way or another. I've always wanted to positively impact those that I come in contact with, but most times (I've learned) that good intentions don't always mean the message is perceived that way. I've learned a lot about myself and other people in the few short chapters I've covered. I look forward to reading and learning more.

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
note: I selected this book from Thomas Nelson to review as part of their Book Review Bloggers program. It is a free book to me in exchange for my honest review - positive or negative. You can join also, just click the button on my side bar.
I've just started reading this one and all I can say is this. If someone had talked to me about the Gospel when I was younger the way that Richard Stearns is through this book, I'd be a different person today.

Take a peek for yourself and be sure to visit often to read my final review.


Buy		Read

Thank you for stopping by and "reading" along. Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Life's a Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:16:00 +0000

"Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift; that is why we call it the present." ~Unknown

Until now, this blog has served primarily as my place to keep track of books that I and the kids have read, in addition to reviews for Thomas Nelson. One of my mini goals in life is to inspire my children to have a passion and love for reading and learning. That will not change moving forward, however, I'm adding an additional subject matter. It fits right in actually.

For sometime, I've been researching the ins/outs/howtos of homeschooling. By definition, to homeschool, homeschooler or homeschooling simply states to educate one's children at home instead of sending them to school.

As a family, we've been educating our children since birth. ABC's, 123's, pottie training, please & thank yous, self care, etc... Why does it seem for far fetched to continue educating them? My family doesn't see it that way.

So, my decision, for now, is to let the kiddos go to school. They actually started earlier this month. They are enjoying themselves so far.

I am not closing the door on homeschooling. My family tells me that I can't do it, they play the socialization card and tell me I'll ruin them, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I plan to continue working with them {kiddos} at home, be super involved at school and see how it goes. I am disappointed that I am not getting any support from my family. None. Although, I am not surprised.

I have talked with a local homeschool group and know I do have support through that channel and I am grateful for it. :)

I gave into my family because right now my family situation is quite... unfamily oriented. I'll spare you details, but know the pressure of having my husband 1300 miles away, makes it difficult. I am stressed and feel as if everything is crashing in on me. I'm taking the time that my children are in school to regain the control & confidence that I've lost.

The homeschooling community is so supportive, give more to others and don't ask for anything/much in return. At least that has been my observation. If that observation is true, then that is a community that I want me and my children a part of. It just fits with what I feel in my heart.

Which brings me back to my quote from the beginning. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is uncertain, make the best of today, because it is what you have. You may or may not agree with my interpretation, but that's ok.

Have a great day! I hope you come back to share this journey with us and I look forward to getting to know you and you get to know us.

TBR

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:35:00 +0000

BTT asks:

Do you keep all your unread books together, like books in a waiting room? Or are they scattered throughout your shelves, mingling like party-goers waiting for the host to come along?

*sigh*

Hmm... Books that I want to read, have started reading, need to read or said I'd read, did I miss any?

Again, I *sigh* as I think of all the books that I SO WANT TO READ and there is just not enough time in life to read them all. It's depressing if I think about it, so I try not to.

My books are every where. I even have some in storage, I know, abuse. I can't help it. I move a lot. Otherwise, you can find them next to my bed, on the table in the dining room, in my purse, on my dresser, on hold at the library for me to pick up or my over-flowing bookshelf. Not to mention all of the children's books I read aloud to my kids. Those are floating everywhere too, just in case they want to pick one up.

No rhyme, no reason, they are just every where. Even books that I have read, that I like, I keep around. Others I give away. It can be maddening sometimes.

I sometimes read more than one book at a time and sometimes, I read a book more than once. Not sure if that is really a good idea, but hey, I'm not reading a 'how to' on building a rocket ship or splitting the next atom bomb, so what can it hurt.

If you'd like to read how other readers handle their TBR's click on over here. That way, you won't feel so alone! :)

Booking Through Thursday (BTT) is a weekly meme that is about (mostly) books and reading. It's fun to connect with other readers and it's easy to join.

Have a Great Day!

A Great Read to Prepare your Little Ones to Visit an Art Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Visiting the Art Museum by Laurene Brown and Marc Brown is a wonderful book to get you and your children ready to visit an art museum.

It's illustrations and photos of real life art make it a fantastic starting point. Journey from Australia to Samoa to America to the Ivory Cost to Mexico. See sculptures and paintings and learn something yourself along the way.

A nude Frisbee player? Really? Pharaohs all wore false beards. Interesting.

Follow a young family of five as three children and their parents navigate through the ups and downs of visiting a museum.

Can you imagine?

Comforting your six or seven year old afraid of a ceremonial costume while your tween is making comments about that nude Frisbee player. Oh, and don't forget the toddler sneaking out of their stroller while you gaze at a portrait too long.

Luck

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Although I don't remember it very often and it is something I need to work on, but I love it when I realize how lucky I can get sometimes.

A couple of weeks ago I snagged a classic at the library for my little ones. I couldn't resist. It is a classic. Or at least I think it is.

Here is the lucky part. The kiddos started school last week and on Friday my son brings home his first homework assignment. He's in Pre-K.

Please work with your children on the following sight words. This will help them have a head start in kindergarten. Thank you so much for your cooperation!
go
at
here
down
and

These same words are all throughout this short and sweet board book. Go and See. It's perfect! I hope to find more of these gems.

I can do it!

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:31:00 +0000

I do it! I do it! LET meeeeee doooooo it!!!!!
Jumping up and down on the verge of tears.

Wait honey, let me help you.
Trying to finish helping her little sister... doing whatever. Brush teeth. Comb hair. Pour milk, juice, etc...

No! I do it, myself!

Ever get that?

If you have little ones fighting for their independence, you get me. If not, well, then maybe you do, maybe you don't.

If you do, you and your little freedom fighters will love this cute Little Critter story, All by Myself by Mercer Mayer.

Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address all major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites of parents and children.

Yep, I'd have to agree. The littles loved the story and ask for it again and again for story time.

If you'd like more fun beyond story time or to incorporate with story time, go to Little Critter's website here.

Lazy Days

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Ever have one of these days?

I love days like this. Exploring and learning where imagination (with a little prompting) inspires further curiosity.

Ever try to recognize those white puffy clouds into something you know and just, well, can't? I can only imagine how the title of this book came to be.

It Looked Like Spilt Milk
by Charles Shaw

While reading, I would say, "Sometimes it looked like a" and before I could say whatever it was, my kids would blurt it out laughing and giggling. While I finished, "But it wasn't a ...". It didn't matter. We were laughing the whole way through.

Again.

And again.

And again.

And when I hinted that I'd had enough by saying, "Ok, what's next?" They stopped laughing. LOL I've had to extend my library loan to the max and we have to take it back tomorrow. Not LOL. So, we'll be adding this one to our wish list. thankyouverymuch

Anyway, even though it's recommended for children 4-8, go ahead, get it. Even, if just for you to remember those lazy days when you kicked back to watch those puffy white things stroll by.

Difficult Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Perfect Pigs : An Introduction to Manners by Marc Brown & Stephen Krensky (Ages 4-8)

I'm not sure about you, but I really feel that during my short tenure as a mom, that teaching manners to children has to be one of the toughest challenges thus far.

The practice of 'please' and 'thank you' is not necessarily easy, however, it is the easiest to teach. Ensuring our children practice this specific behavior correctly is a common lesson that is able to be taught each day and eventually, it sets in with little or no "What do you say?" prompting.

I must confess. This book jumped out at me while at the library. One, it had the word Pig and Manners in the title - two words you don't see together often. You see, my beloved daughter is a very messy eater and sometimes, I think she does it on purpose.

Well, ok, all of the time and I try my best not to tell her what I am thinking... that she is eating like a pig and I don't approve, my frustration does get the better of my sometimes and she does hear it - which only seems to encourage her.

It's a vicious cycle.

Anyway, I saw this book and I thought it was, well, perfect.

This book goes through twelve manners scenarios such as During Meal Time, While on the Phone, With Friends, At School, During Games, etc...

While some of the topics, such as While on the Phone are a bit over my three's heads at this point, I know they are paying attention and like the book because while out and about one day, my son said something along the lines of being a good sport which is covered in the During Games section.

Oh how that makes me smile and my heart flutter.

Although not meant to be your all out resource, nothing can replace your lead by example teaching and loving encouragement, this book really is a great Introduction to Manners as it claims.

Do you have a resource that you'd like to share that you have used to introduce manners or other character building skills to your children? I'd love to hear more and learn.

The Honey Makers

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:05:00 +0000

The Honey Makers by Gail Gibbons (ages 4-8)

Did you know that bees and pollinators are responsible for every third bite of food? Yeah, me either.

Nor did I realize how fascinating and orderly a bee colony could be!

The Honey Makers is an informative book with wonderful illustrations.

Busy bees work hard to produce the honey that we and an occasional Pooh Bear love to eat. And each have their own assigned job assigned for each stage of their life.

When I say informative, I mean INFORMATIVE. This book is chock full of information.

For example:

Are you aware of the Bee Dances?

How about Beemilk or Royal Jelly?

Forager bees can visit up to 10,000 flowers a day, but all of the nectar collected throughout her entire lifetime will only produce one teaspoon of honey!

I look at bees in a whole new light after reading up on them more. They are not something to be feared, but respected and shown gratitude.

I Spy a Freight Train

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:29:00 +0000

I Spy a Freight Train by Lucy Micklethwait (ages 4-8)

While at the library my son spotted this gem and asked if we could bring home. He loves trains, so of course I said yes.

We have a large freight train station in town, so it is rare that we not see a train. It's fun to see his excitement when he sees a train, but it hard to also watch him panic as the train keeps going and disappears.

I called this a little gem because I didn't realize that the book about more than just freight trains.

We got to spy on airplanes, row boats, horses, sleighs, a baby carriage and many more. Not to mention the other 'made up' things we spied while making a game of it. It was fun. Even more so, my children haven't heard the term baby carriage or sleigh, so that was fun to see what they thought was it.

Here's another excerpt of the book.

Oh, and while I am not much of an art know it all, in the back of the book are the credits for all of the pictures used. You will find the likes of Van Gogh and other works found in museums.

This book truly is a gem. I think I may put it on my wish list for our personal library.

I Love Our Library

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:26:00 +0000

Have you visited your library lately?

Most have summer reading programs for the kiddos to help keep them educationally active.

I love ours because I can reserve books online and pick them up when they are ready. I can even wait a couple of days to pick them up while more become available or until I get in there. Usually about once a week or week and a half. I am so grateful for this service, as having three small children in tow can be quite challenging.

But, I'm especially lovin' my library today because I scored a book for $0.50 that I've had on my wishlist at Amazon!

~You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay

I also picked up an interesting read at the same price. Double Yeah!

~A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines

"This majestic, moving novel is an instant classic, a book that will be read, discussed and taught beyond the rest of our lives." -- Chicago Tribune

I can't wait. So, what do you love about your library? Hmmm...

Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:01:00 +0000

As a mom to three little ones, I'm always searching for appropriate entertainment for them. Something that will engage their curiosity, have a positive message without violence and keep them occupied while I get some things done that don't require little helpers. As much as I love to have them help me with household chores, they can't be tied to my {invisible} apron strings all of the time.

As a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson, I was honored to have the opportunity to review Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure by Max Lucado on DVD. The video is about 60 minutes in length is based on Psalm 139:13-14.

At the first viewing, none of my children managed to watch the whole thing. Not even 10-15 minutes into the program. I'm not sure if it was the talking in the beginning or because they realized it was not Miss Spider's Sunny Patch that didn't captivate their attention.

With that, I put the video up for a later day. After a few more attempts, they are now asking for the video. This was accomplished by not plopping in the video and walking away for them to soak it all in. This program is best suited if you sit with your children, at least the first time, to talk with them about what they are watching. There are many opportunities for talking points -- match real world experiences.

Skeeter has a crooked stinger and feels less important than his brother who is a bit more worldly and has a straight stinger. Differences that can be matched with your own children and their peers such as height, eye or hair color, etc... No matter what, each is special in their own way.

I'm so glad that I waited to write this review. Although I am not obligated to write a positive review as part of my Book Review Blogger status with Thomas Nelson - I felt that it wasn't the message or the format that didn't capture my kids' attention - rather it was my presentation. I knew that this met my criteria for appropriate viewing so I went ahead and popped in the DVD and expected them to sit and watch it... without me. Lesson learned.

A Boy and His Book

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:12:00 +0000

It's Kids' Picks Day over at 5 Minutes for Books. Click on over to check it out! There is always an open invite to join in or follow along. Either way it's a great way to see what other parents are reading to/with their children and what they have to say about the books and stories being read. If you don't have children, but love to read... Click here to view the other carnival themes that you can participate in or again, just follow along. Avid readers must stop by!

Where does the time go? This spring as I get the kids ready for school in the fall... My son in Pre-K and the girls in Preschool. Honestly, what is the difference? If you have been to my other blog you may know that I've been struggling with whether to homeschool or send them to public school. It's not an easy decision, but alas, I have their applications in and we'll see.

I highly doubt this months pick by my son has anything to do with school, but he's taken a serious interest in a book that I used as a reference book in High School. {Yes, I still have some.}

The Visual Encyclopedia of Science has intrigued him so much that I will catch him perusing through it sometimes during the day, but always, always it must be read and reviewed each night before bed.

I love this book. All three of them ask so many questions, about everything. Literally. I love it.

I remember my first fascination with a reference book. Quite similar to this one, but in the cover it had the Solar System and I would look at it and read it as often as I could. Which probably inspired my childhood favorite - the Mushroom Planet Series by Eleanor Cameron.

To many more inspired reads, I love you.

What's Age Got to do With It?

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:35:00 +0000

What's Age Got to do With It? Living Your Happiest & Healthiest Life by Robin McGraw

What's Age Got to do With It? honestly took some time for me to get through. Although it is only 213 pages in 9 Chapters, I found myself trying to decipher between her life versus the advice and long list of experts that backed up her claims. The extra jargon (for me) was distracting; however, I understand if it was required for liability purposes. Personally, I would have much rather read through the advice and personal experiences without all of the "medical-ease" and long list of experts - most of whom - I don't know. I would have preferred it to be at the end where if I had wanted to get more info, it would be there.

With that being said and out of the way, I must confess. I love this book!! It is truly chock full of great advice. What's even better... is that this advice is coming from a woman, whom may have it all compared to my or your standards now, but didn't have so much her whole life. Within the chapter, What's Fitness Got to do With It?, Robin shares how in the beginning, she and her husband (Dr. Phil) lived in a small apartment and couldn't afford "a good pair of tennis shoes or sports bra!" The point being that she gets it. She's been there. And it doesn't cost money to get in or stay physically fit and I think some of us forget that thinking that having a gym membership is the only way to get results.

Another chapter that I enjoy is, What's Skin Care Got to do With It? I've been struggling with adult acne for some time. I was oblivious to the fact how bad - and it's not as bad as some, so I'm not crying for me - but it really got to me when I saw my wedding photos. When they arrived, instead of being happy and excited to share, I was mortified. Not able to afford a dermatologist, I've tried many over the counter treatments and a popular mail order brand. The only thing that works is the mail order brand, but unfortunately, it bleaches out my clothing along the neckline. I canceled my subscription to the mail order brand some time ago and have been trying to create the right 'homemade' concoction. Some seem to work and others not so much. Now I can use Robin's advice as a guide.

Again, chock full of information, personal & expert advice and personal experiences. Take a look at other topics covered.

What's Age Got to do With It?

What's Fitness Got to do With It?

What's Nutrition Got to do With It?

What's Skin Care Got to do With It?

What's Hormones Got to do With It?

What's Hair Got to do With It?

What's Makeup Got to do With It?

What's Fashion Got to do With It?

What's Faith Got to do With It?

As with any self help material, take what you find useful to you and take action. If you don't take action, nothing will change.

With that, I leave you with a quote by Norman Vincent Peale.

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble, but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."

Using Your Head

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:47:00 +0000

A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban (Ages 4-8) 1970

I loved this story, although, I have to admit I was a bit hesitant as I was reading it to my children for the first time. I couldn't believe the conniving tactics that Frances' friend was using to swindle her out of her money that she was saving up for a tea set.

I was relieved as Frances thought of her own plan to set the record straight while saving the friendship.

My three are a bit young to understand the concept of the story, but they enjoyed the thought of a tea set. :)

Question for you though. Do you pre-read/screen stories before reading them to your children? I'm giving it thought now since this story and am curious what other parents do.

Happy Reading!

Booking Through Thursday - Authors Talking

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Do you read any author's blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?

Go here if you'd like to join this week's topic of conversation. You can link your own post or join just in comments.

Well, when I read this weeks meme, I first thought, "No", but then I remembered a newly published author that I've been keeping tabs on. I'm reading her first novel now, "Around the World in 80 Dates" and am looking forward to the next.

I'm just about as good with knowing authors of books as I am at remembering or knowing singers/bands of songs or details of movies. There are, of course, some that I know, but even some of my favorites leave me blank when I try to bring them up in conversation - so I don't, usually. Trivia, forget it.

What about you? Do you read author's blog to get more info on them personally, their work or something else?

Happy Reading!!

Booking Through Thursday - Too Much Information?

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:20:00 +0000

If you'd like to join in, go here.

"Have you ever been put off an author’s books after reading a biography of them? Or the reverse - a biography has made you love an author more?"

Since I haven't necessarily read a biography on any authors I've read, I guess I really can't answer this Booking Through Thursday question of the week. Of course, I'll read the backside of the book that has a snippet of the author or I may catch an interview on T.V., but that is about it. Either way, I don't feel it influences to read or not to read their works. **I do have one exception to this.. I recently learned that a girlfriend from high school has published two novels and is working on her third. Well, of course, I have to read 'em!! I'll be starting the first one tonight.

When I enjoy a book, I tend to look up other work by the same other and read those as well. I also like to get recommendations from friends or other readers to broaden my range or dive into something that I wouldn't normally.

How about you? Does learning or knowing more about an author make you want to read more or less work by an author?

Happy Reading!

What's on My Nightstand - January

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Each week, while I'm at the library, after I get my predetermined selections, I browse through some sections and pick a title or two purely based on the title and cover art. This week, PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern caught my eye and once I read the back cover, I had to get it. From the back cover.

"Holly and Gerry are the kind of perfectly happy married couple that others envy. Then, at the age of thirty, Gerry is diagnosed with a terrible illness. Months after after Gerry's death, Holly receives a package of letters that he's left for her, instructing her to perform a series of unexpected tasks. With the help of the letters - and her fun, quick-witted girlfriends and raucously endearing family that smothers, loves and drivers her crazy - Holly wobbles, weaves, and jokes her way toward a new life, even larger than the one that she's been force to leave behind."

What's Age Got To Do With It by Robin McGraw is one that I'm reviewing as an agreement with the publisher, Thomas Nelson.

The Revolution - A Manifesto by Ron Paul. Although I can't remember why I requested this one from the library, but it came in so it's added to my stack. :)

As much as I've had good intentions of doing so, I've never read anything by Dale Carnegie, so I picked up How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. I do tend to worry too much. I've done so my whole life, but then again. Who doesn't?

If you haven't stopped by here before, I have three small children. All born in 2005. Our son was born in January and our twin girls were born in December of the same year. All three of them are going through their stages in life - mostly at the same time. I worry about being a good parent. I recognize that bad kids are usually the product of bad parenting. I also know that the "bad parents" are not usually "bad parents" on purpose. So, in the pursuit of being a better parent, I've picked up Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leham.

I've thought about this book before, but never got it. Then while talking with a friend of mine, she suggested that I get it. So I did.

As I believed, this book is not about bad kids. It's about being a better parent. I've read through a few chapters and I'm anxiously waiting for Dr. Leman to cover topics that are specific to our situations, but we'll see. Either way, I'm happy so far.

I LOVE our library and I use it to test drive some books before I buy them, so right now, I'm test driving Parenting Preschoolers with a Purpose by Jolene Roehlkepartain, Homeschool Your Child for Free by Laura Maery Gold and Joan Zielinski and Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Laura Davis and Janis Keyser.

So, what's on your Nightstand?

Happy Reading!

Booking Through Thursday - Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:32:00 +0000

If you'd like to join in, click here.

"Since 'Inspiration' is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?"

My response:

Easy. I love to read. Books. Magazines. Blogs. Newspapers. Reading is such a fundamental skill.

I wasn't always like this.

I didn't get much of a chance when I was growing up and didn't develop an interest until later in life. I hated reading assignments in high school and never finished any of the assigned novels. I'd skim through to get the "jist" of the story and listen to classmates' reviews just so when it came time for me to write my own report or written exam, I'd at least get a passing grade.

Now, with three little ones, just as my blog titles states, "Inspiring Book Worms" is what I'm trying to do. I hope to instill in them what wasn't passed on to me or what I didn't grasp when I was young.

Thankfully I love to read now, they see me reading a lot and we read aloud stories most every day.

So what inspires you to read?

Happy Reading!

Search for Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Shanna) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:03:00 +0000

With all of the hoopla going on yesterday, I totally forgot that it was Kids' Picks Day over at 5 Minutes for Books. I'm posting late, but that's ok! Right?

Click on over to 5 Minutes for Books and check it out! There is always an open invite to join in or follow along. Either way it's a great way to see what other parents are reading to/with their children and what they have to say about the books and stories being read. If you don't have children, but love to read... Click here to view the other carnival themes that you can participate in or again, just follow along. Avid readers must stop by!

Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner (Ages 4-8) 2006

Grateful for the suggestion, I reserved this book from the library and it must be popular cause it took weeks for it to come in!

Right now we have a large stack of library books for the babes to pull their selections from and night after night, among the books I select for our story time, they make sure they tell me to get...

"...pitter-patter, pitter-patter, drip, drop, plop!"

Augustus the tiger was sad, he lost his smile. Through the short, fun, story he searched... through forests, seas, deserts and mountains - he even danced in the rain - only to find that his smile, was with him the whole time.

I love this story. Inner happiness is the underlying story, but the journey Augustus goes on to find his smile has enough material to spark multiple conversations. We'll be adding it to our permanent library.

Thank you Z-Dad for the recommendation!

Happy Reading!