Alex Rider Secret Weapon gets 4 Stars {ya lit, action/adventure}

I know books, but I am not a music expert.  However, with the spy and adventure theme of this book I couldn't get the theme music for James Bond and Mission Impossible movies out of my head. If I had to create a Playlist of sorts for this book, it'd definitely include those songs. 

It's not all action and adventure. There is some humor. ;) "Of course it'll work!  I mean, I hope it'll work. But it is a prototype, you know..."

"You should be careful whom you choose to trust." 

Alex Rider, aka the teenage James Bond.  He's a teenage spy for MI6.  Therefore, he gets really cool gadgets, he's super smart, a linguist, martial arts master, and he just seems like a good 14 year old.  This book has seven short stories, which make for a super fast read that'll have you keep turning the pages. You'll finish before you know it, and if you are anything like me you'll love that reality is briefly suspended and that things work out for Alex.  I'm such a sucker for the happy ending.  To be honest, I didn't know the Alex Rider books were for more than just middle and high school boys.  I'm actually a big fan of Alex Rider now, and don't worry, you don't have to have been an AR fan and have read the other books to enjoy this one.  Horowitz does a great job including any necessary background information.  

Basically, this Alex Rider book is fantastic.  At times there are a few gaps in the action, but otherwise I felt the writing was great.  The story moves quickly and there is enough development, but this is definitely a plot driven story.  Definitely a great book to hand to a kid in 5th grade and up; middle school libraries should most definitely have this book on the shelf. 

Alex Rider Secret Weapon by Anthony Horowitz
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 12 and up, action/adventure fans will love this fast read. 
# of Pages:  336
Clean Read: Yes. There is action and violence, but it isn't gruesome. I think an 11 year old could enjoy this.   
Worth a Check Out: Yes. It is such a fun quick read. It's worth a read when you are looking for a page turner that will help you escape reality. 
Buy It or Not: Maybe.  If you are an Alex Rider fan then you definitely should. 
Read Aloud:  Actually, it could be a fun read for 6th-8th grade classroom. 



I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

National Pet Day aka Pet Book List {book list}

It's National Pet Day, and I'm so excited to share some fun "pet" books.  These books are hilarious, funny, and make awesome read alouds.  Some have won awards.  Some are great for beginning readers, and some are entertaining and better than I thought they'd be.  Definitely give them a check-out. 

Pet Books

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

This novel with illustrations is hilarious, but I know about an alien cat warlord that becomes a pet sounds awfully weird.  However, it's hilarious and fun and definitely worth a check-out.  I found myself laughing and enjoying it far more than I thought I would.  It'd make a great classroom read aloud, or nightly read.  The reading level is a little higher, but I think the interest is lower.  Therefore, a class read aloud in 2nd or 3rd would be awesome.    

Best for 3rd-5th grade.  

Flubby by J.E. Morris

Flubby is a pet cat.  He is your typical, lay around the house cat.  Tho, the endings of Flubby books have a surprise. The text is simple and short and perfect for the beginning reader, the pictures are fantastic, and the book series is all around fun!

Best for Preschool through 1st grade. 

One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo

This picture book won a Caldecott Honor b/c the pictures are fantastic.  However, the text and story is super fun as well.  These pets are not your normal pets, and the ending will make you smile.  

Best for Preschool through 4th grade. 

Arnie, the Doughnut by Laurie Keller

I love Arnie; this book has been a favorite of mine for years.  Arnie is a doughnut, but he is also a pet.  This picture book is a must read, but it is a longer read.

Best for 3rd through 6th grade. 

Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin

Charlotte, like many children, just wants a pet to take care of.  However, her parents give her an unusual pet that becomes even more unusual.  Charlotte is fun, and finds the good in all things.  This would be a great picture book for a teacher to read aloud and complete a Venn Diagram to compare Charlotte's pet to the student's pet.  

Best for 1st through 3rd grade. 

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne

This interactive picture book is less about her pet dog and more about what happens to her dog, but it is funny.  Definitely a fun read for a classroom or with your child. 

Best for preschool through 1st grade. 

Too Many Moose by Lisa Bakos

If one moose is a good pet then many moose would be even better, right?! This picture book will answer that question in a fun way. 

Best for Kindergarten through 4th grade. 

Molly Mischief: My Perfect Pet by Adam Hargreaves

Molly is definitely silly, and it's quite obvious when she is trying to find the perfect pet.  

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

Fairy Tale Pets  by Tracey Corderoy

What happens when a kid wants to earn a little extra money by pet-sitting?  It becomes quite the adventure for Bob when he pet-sits for fairy tale characters. 

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

Hopefully today you give your pet some extra love and then enjoy snuggling in with some of these fun books. 

Happy reading!

Some of the books were given to me for my honest review.  All books, thoughts, and opinions are my own.  

Edible Cookie Dough for 1 {healthy, gluten free, low carb}

Who doesn't love cookie dough???  Seriously, cookie dough is yum!  Now, a low carb Healthy Edible (aka egg free) Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough may be the best thing since cookie dough ice cream.  

Holiday seasons are always so tough in regards to the amount of sweets lying around.  With the new year it's always nice to start it off on the right foot with your nutrition.  However, I am definitely not a fan of depriving myself; it just makes me binge and want more of what ever I am being deprived of.  I can't say that I won't eat any sugar, but I can say I am going to make healthier treat options.  I am a big fan of healthier options.  

This Edible Cookie Dough for 1 is a quick and easy treat you can make.  I used a combination of brown coconut sugar and the KetoseSweet Steviva granulated sugars as healthier options.  Both are low carb and low calorie (KetoseSweet has 1 calorie) sugars.  I personally found using a combination of sugars (especially in regards to sugar substitutes) helps with flavor as well as avoiding a sometimes bitter taste that occurs with sugar substitutes. 

This Healthy Edible Cookie Dough recipe is super quick and easy to make (10 minutes tops) and will definitely help satisfy any sweet cravings. 

I was lucky enough to be given some KetoseSweet Steviva Granulated Sugar to participate in a little recipe challenge.  Baking and creating with something new is right up my alley. Baking and creating with something that is new and healthy is definitely mind kind of fun. I loved experimenting and having fun with a product I knew wasn't going to completely derail my fitness and healthy living goals.  KetoseSweet by Steviva is a keto friendly sweetener.  

For more up to date Steviva products you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.  
    
Happy Healthy Delicious Treat Making and Eating! 


Healthy Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 or about 1/2 cup

Ingredients:
1/3 c. and 1 Tbsp oats (quick or old fashioned)
2 Tbsp butter, softened
1 1/2 Tbsp *KetoseSweet Steviva Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp brown coconut sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt (approx 1/16 tsp)
dash of cinnamon, ground
1 tsp milk
3 1/2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips (or any chips of your choosing)

Directions: 

1. Ground oats in a blender or food processor to make oat flour. 
2. Add the oat flour, butter, sugars, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon to a stand mixer or a bowl.
3. Combine the bowl ingredients and add the milk as your stand mixer is mixing or as you are stirring.  You may need to scrape the bowl or the mixing paddle to ensure everything is well combined.  
4. Finally, add the chocolate chips and mix until just combined. 
5. Spoon cookie dough into a small bowl or serving dish and enjoy.
6. Cookie dough can be covered or placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

If you don't have KetoseSweet Steviva, though you should definitely think of it as an option, you can use another healthy sugar substitute or plan sugar at the same ratio. 

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? gets 4 Stars {

The Illuminati aka a secret society about enlightenment that began long ago in a forest in Europe has possible connections to the Freemasons and other secret societies.  To be honest, I've never been one to think and ponder conspiracy theories.  To be honest, I didn't know much about the history of the Illuminati before this book.  However now... who knows, maybe I'll drive my husband bonkers with my Illuminati spottings.  😉

I Spy the Illuminate Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan is a fun read.  It's an easy read, and it would make a great book (or gift, b/c books make great gifts *hint*hint*) for a middle school or high school student that doesn't  like to read.  The pop culture references and the secret societies are sure to engage every reader.  

After beginning this book with very little secret society knowledge (besides the movie Skulls that I watched way back when Blockbuster was a thing) I found myself engaged and wanting to keep turning the pages.  It's a fun book. Definitely check it out. 

If you are, or become an Illuminati believer, you may start seeing signs of the Illuminati all over.  Have you ever seen: 

• The eye on top of the pyramid found on US money?
• Someone make a symbol of a triangle? 
• A triangle drawn inside a triangle? 
• Seen an eye tattoo? 

The book even shows that the White House Lawns (shaped like an owl), and the top of the Washington Monument (looking down it's a circle with a dot in the middle) are both Illuminati symbols.  

Honestly, this book is quite a fun read, but I'm not sure I can say I'm an Illuminati Believer.  However, since reading I Spy the Illuminati Eye I've caught myself noticing little things here and there and it makes me chuckle and wonder for a second.  

What about you?  Do you find yourself saying "Illuminati Confirmed?" 

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 10+, 4th grade and up
# of Pages:  111
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If conspiracy theories are fun for you, and you want a quick non-fiction read, then definitely give this book a check-out.
Buy It or Not: Maybe.  This book is a quick easy read and a good choice for middle school and high school reluctant readers.
Read Aloud:  No.  Non-fiction usually do not make the best read alouds, but they are fun to browse and read here and there.
Lesson Ideas: Illuminati, Secret Societies, Conspiracy Theories. 

Not that you could tell me if you are in the Illuminati or another secret society, but are you a conspiracy theory/secret society fan???


A few aspects I love about I Spy the Illuminati Eye that may make you grab a copy sooner rather than later:

There are instructions for making invisible ink. (pg 47) So cool! 


The Bohemian Grove, aka quite the gathering of people in a secret society, is a fun party like meeting every July in a redwood forest near San Francisco.  (pg 70)

The Illuminati Charts with famous musicians like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Eminem and their "supposed" Illuminati connections or signs. (pg 100-101)


Thank you Penguin Young Readers for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

2018's Twenty-five Best Christmas Books {picture books, book list}

Do you love 🎔 reading holiday books?  We are a Christmas family, so we like to pull out all our books (from our shelves and from the library) and read them starting the day after Thanksgiving.  

The hardest, but most fun part for me is narrowing the books (I usually start with approximately 50 books) down to 25 that we then read each during the month of December leading up to Christmas.  

I know some awesome people that wrap each of the books, and then unwrap one book each night.  I'm not nearly that cute.  First, my wrapping skills are sub-par.  Second, life is busy.  Third, I like having the books out for the kids to read and re-read all month long.  

Without further ado... 

My Favorite, aka 

The 25 Best Christmas Books for 2018

December 1st-

  Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

Such a sweet and fun story about tradition, some say the most important tradition, of picking out the family Christmas tree. 

December 2nd- 

The Last Christmas Tree by Stephen Krensky

Such a tender story about the smallest little tree in the lot that has high hopes he'll be someone's Christmas tree.  

December 3rd- 

The Queen and the First Christmas Tree by Nancy Churnin

I absolutely adore this historical picture book that shares the origin of the Christmas tree. 

 Please read this fabulous book!

December 4th- 

 If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff

Definitely a fun Christmas book in the classic If you... Numeroff formats.  Plus, I felt it was fitting b/c going to the movies at Christmas is definitely a thing.

December 5th-

 Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway

At first you think this is just another Gingerbread Man story, but this original story is just fun.  Plus, there are a couple recipes in the back which are fun to make.  

December 6th- 

  Cookiesaurus Christmas by Amy Fellner Dominy

Cookies at this time of year is a big deal, and a Santa Dinosaur cookie that just wants to be appreciated makes for a fun story.  It's a fun book especially if you've read, Cookiesaurus Rex.

December 7th- 

The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray

If you are going to read a Christmas Gingerbread stories this one is my favorite.  It has great rhythm, fun, and a bit silly.

 December 8th- 

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Everyone, and I mean every man and creature wins with this cute story.  

December 9th- 

Merry Christmas, Little Elliot by Mike Curato

It's another sweet Little Elliot book that reminds us friendship is a gift we can give and receive.

December 10th- 

The Polar Bear Wish by Lori Evert

The pictures and illustrations are gorgeous, and the story is adorably sweet.  🎔

December 11th- 

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison

A Christmas version of I Got the Rhythm.  It's such a fun sweet story of family.

December 12th- 

A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel

It's hard not to love this Bad Kitty, but it's impossible when you see how sweet this adorable feline is.  

December 13th- 

Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown and his animals have quite an adventure at Christmas time waiting for Santa.  I love the rhythm and the onomatopoeia's in this fun read aloud. 

December 14th- 

Tacky's Christmas by Helen Lester

Tacky is one of my favorite penguins!  He's definitely a little quirky, but "he's a nice penguin to have around." b/c he always seems to save the day.  

December 15th- 

Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Grumpy Mother Bruce, we all love him for his grumpy outer shell and soft lovable inside.  This Santa Bruce version is just as fun of a read.  

December 16th- 

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

Even though this book is 13 years old, it is still a favorite Holiday read.  The rhythm and rhyming makes for a great read aloud, and the adorable snowmen are hard not to love. 

December 17th- 

Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker

It's not as good as Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, but my construction loving kid can't get enough of this book. 

December 18th- 

The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

It's all about finding the perfect gift.  Tho, it's tough for the Pout-Pout Fish

December 19th- 

Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

The story follows the beautiful Christmas song, and the pictures in this book are absolutely stunning. 

December 20th- 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

This classic story had to make the list.  It's a long story, but I love it enough I even quoted it on my Christmas cards. #nerd 

December 21st- 

The Little Drummer Boy by Bernadette Watts

This sweet story combines the song with the story of the nativity. 

December 22nd- 

Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist

With beautiful pictures and the story of the nativity told with the classic rhythm of Twas the Night Before Christmas.  This book is definitely a book to read a little closer to the big day.  

December 23rd- 

The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell

It's a long story, but worth the time to read this beautiful and sweet story.  

December 24th- 

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Of course this classic book makes the list; I love the story and the illustrations. 

December 25th- 

The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story by Clement C. Moore 

For Lego loving families, this classic story that is illustrated with Legos is a winner.  It's a fun and unique take with the pictures.  If your family loves Legos give this version of the classic a read.  

Happy reading!  Reading Holiday books to your kids is one way to get your kid to love reading.  Holiday books are fun, and when reading is fun your child will want to do it again and again even when it is tough. 

Any of your favorite Christmas books that did not make this list??? 

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King gets 4 Stars {fantasy, middle grade fiction, series}

I have a few main goals on my blog.  First, I aim to be honest.  Second, I aim for quality. Third, I aim to have fun and try and make it fun and doable whether it's baking or reading.  

Today, I am being completely honest with you.  I've never wrote this on the blog, but a handful of friends who know me know, that I wasn't the biggest fan of Fablehaven.   Maybe you're shocked.  Maybe your disappointed.  Maybe you never thought about it.  However, if you check the reviews on Amazon or Goodreads you will see I am in the minority.  Either way, if you look at the top of this book, Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King, you will see it is a Fablehaven Adventure book, and many of the characters in Fablehaven make an appearance. 

I've read both Dragonwatch books, and I will say I enjoyed them. {Gasps from the crowd.} Hence, the reason for the review today.  I have enjoyed Dragonwatch more than Fablehaven. 😮    

I, honestly, enjoyed Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull.  This book honestly earned 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it. I really did.  I thought the storyline was unexpected.  I thought Kendra and Seth's character development was good.  I enjoyed aspects like the Barrel that transports you to the other location/barrel b/c it reminded me of the Vanishing Cabinet in Harry Potter.  

The pace of the story is a little slow in the beginning.  It takes awhile to get moving; however, once you hit Stormguard Castle the pace definitely quickens.  I also felt the secondary characters were not developed fully even though they were introduced.  Sure, we may get more development of their cousins, Knox and Tess, as the series progresses (b/c this series is definitely set up to continue), but I felt their development was more than lacking.  In my opinion if you are going to introduce them and have them involved enough to have their own chapter(s) you need to develop them a bit more.  

Basically, Wrath of the Dragon King is a great book, but it is necessary to read the first Dragonwatch book.  Boys, and girls that enjoy fantasy, in 5th grade or up will enjoy this series. 

Happy Fablehaven Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction Fantasy Reading! Feel free to email me or DM me on Instagram/Facebook if you have any other questions. 

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 11+, 5th grade and up
# of Pages:  406
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If you love fantasy books, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, or Fablehaven, and you have read the first Dragonwatch.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you bought the Fablehaven books. 
Read Aloud: Yes, this could be a read aloud with a parent, but  it's rare for a teacher to read aloud a series.   
Lesson Ideas: Courage. Siblings. Dragons. Fantasy. Fablehaven. Cousins. Discover or Be Told. Good vs. Bad.  

Are you a Fablehaven or Dragonwatch fan?  I'd love to know what you think of the series. 


A few quotes from Dragonwatch: Wrath of the Dragon King that I had to share with you: 

"I'd rather not hold hands the whole night," Seth said. (pg 31)

"You don't become a champion by relaxing." (pg 139)

"Tough week," Seth said. "Lots of running for my life." (pg 229)


Thank you for Smith Publicity for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

Matylda, Bright and Tender gets 5 stars {middle grade fiction, coming of age}

A co-worker and fellow-librarian was on a mission to get this book checked out more so it doesn't get weeded.  It just doesn't seem to get the love it deserves.  She loved the book, and I'm all about reading great books.  I will say I'm so glad I checked this book out.  

Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee is a beautiful, well written character driven story about loss/death, healing, and love.  

Sussy (short for Susquehanna) Reed and her best friend Guy Hose have a beautiful friendship, and do many things a child can relate to.  When they are in 4th grade they are able to convince Sussy's parents that they need a pet to "love all their own."  That's when Matylda makes her appearance, and she has a valuable roll in this coming of age story.   

Holly McGhee's debut novel is fantastic.  The writing and feel of the story reminded me of Sharon Creech's books, or Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl.  

Matylda, Bright and Tender gets 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a gentle moving story, but at 200 pages it's a quick read as well.  I loved the writing.  McGhee wrote the tough parts, like death, quite well.  She wrote the emotions Sussy was feeling well.  The only part I didn't love is the stealing part, and I wish there was more explanation in that connection and Sussy's healing and growth.  

This would be a fabulous book for anyone that wants to heal from loss and relate to someone.  This would be a great classroom read aloud, or nightly read with your kids.  All in all, Matylda, Bright and Tender is a fabulous book that deserves more attention.  

Happy Middle Grade Fiction Heartwarming Coming of Age Reading! 


Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 8 -14 yrs old, 3rd grade- 8th grade
# of Pages:  210
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  Similar feel to Sharon Creech novels.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you know a child or teen that lost a loved one.  This would be a great book for bibliotherapy reasons regarding death and healing.   
Read Aloud: Yes this would make a great classroom read aloud for 3rd-5th grade class room, or with a parent at night.  
Lesson Ideas: Death. Pets. Pet Care. Love. Guilt. Forgiveness. Stealing. Friendship. Family Relationships. Character Driven Story. 

Have you read Matylda, Bright and Tender? What did you think of it?



A few quotes from Matylda, Bright and Tender that I had to share with you: 

"That's when I knew I loved him- not in a fairy-tale way with a princess or prince or anything like that.  I just loved him, the way you love the people closest to you." pg 2

"Don't look down, forget you can fall, fool yourself that way." pg 51

"I know it sounds silly, but sometimes a simple change on the outside can make you feel new." pg 131