My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln by Robert L Bloch Review

Product: My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln - A Tale of Two Boys from Indiana
Author: Robert L. Bloch
Illustrations: John W. Ewing
Publisher: Castlebridge/ Big Tent Books
Category: Books, Children
Price: $13.95

Story Summary:

In 1820, Sam Harding and Abe Lincoln forged a strong friendship, based on their love of learning and of the outdoors. This timeless story is about the special bond between two boys, the experiences they shared growing up in early America, and how one of the boys eventually became the sixteenth President of the United States.

Review: 
My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln - A Tale of Two Boys From Indiana is a wonderful story written by Robert Bloch geared toward readers aged 5-8 years old! This book is about the budding friendship of two boys... Sam Harding (a fictional character) and young Abe Lincoln. It takes the reader on a historical journey through Abe's childhood on upward into adulthood where Abe eventually earns the title of President of the United States. The pages are full of amazing artwork thanks to the talented illustrations of John Ewing, who has previously worked with Disney animation in such works as "Winnie the Pooh" and "Sleeping Beauty".

What I loved about this book is that it inspires a love for history! Although the book is fictional, the plot interweaves fact and fiction so delicately that it allows for the reader to learn interesting facts about our sixteenth president in a way that is not too preachy, but more of an insider's view of the type of life Abe Lincoln might have had up until his presidential election.  It touches lightly on political issues of the time such as poverty and slavery, giving children a glimpse into what life would have been like during such trying times. The suggested age range is appropriate in both reading level and interest and I would even recommend it to earlier readers if you want to read it aloud to your child, as there are enough interesting and entertaining illustrations that a younger child can easily associate the pictures with the spoken words.

If you are looking for a book about Abraham Lincoln based solely on fact, then this is not the book you are looking for, but if your goal is to make your child more interested in learning about history and you want a story that will start their natural curiosity, then this book will definitely be on your "must read" list!

Author Questions and Answers:
Describe the specific event that occurred which inspired you to write  the book.
I was in an antique shop a few years ago and had a fun, “Walter mitty” type experience. I imagined I found the missing diary written by the childhood best friend of my hero, abe lincoln. then I saw it in my mind as a fun children’s book.


Why did you decide to write the book through the eyes of a best friend?
I know from raising my own kids that children enjoy hearing stories about other children. they naturally relate better to the characters in books in this way. I also wanted to tell a story about a close and personal relationship between two boys who had a lot of fun together, and one grew up to become famous.


How did your research into the times and life of lincoln influence the adventures you chose to write about in the book?
History books have relatively little personal information on  lincoln’s childhood years. I built the story around the few facts I did find—lincoln family history, pioneer farm, knowledge that abe worked hard and went to school, small descriptionsof his personality and physical appearance to name a few.
then I researched the pioneer era in the little Pigeon Creek region—log cabins, one-room schoolhouses, fishing creeks, caves, bats, Indians, and slavery. I tied it all together in the form of a fictional tale geared to four through eight year-old readers.


How were you personally influenced by President lincoln as a child, and how did that carry over into your adult life?
My parents took our family on a trip to Washington, DC when we were old enough to appreciate the fact that our great-great grandfather knew Lincoln. He had also been a guest in their home. 
I was extremely impressed with the imposing and powerful lincoln memorial. (It also didn’t hurt that 
he was on the $5 bill and the penny.) The older I got the more I wanted to learn as much as I could 
about this great leader. I am impressed that he stood up for his high principles that changed America forever!


What advice would you give to parents about how to help their children form values of hard work, honesty, humility, and building good relationships?
Reading biographies is a great way to learn how to live one’s life. Lincoln sets great examples 
because he always learned from his difficult experiences and mistakes in life. this made him a very 
powerful and wise leader. more important than anything, true wisdom is attained by learning from 
our mistakes.


What will be the focus of future books you are planning?
I intend to create a series of “My Best Friend” children’s books. Kids are inspired by all types of 
people who can enrich their lives. the series will include famous artists, explorers, political leaders, 
famous women, scientists, and athletes

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About the Author:

Robert Bloch has worked at the H&R Block Foundation since 1989. He lives in Mission Hills, Kansas, and has four sons and a wonderful wife. Bob graduated from Menlo College in Menlo Park, California, (1974) and the University of Missouri at Kansas City (1979). His passions are Art History and American History.

Bob's great-great-grandfather, Jonas Wollman, was one of fifty-two Leavenworth merchants and businessmen who signed a letter written by Mark Delahay requesting that Abraham Lincoln visit Leavenworth, Kansas. Lincoln obliged by traveling there to give his first campaign speech in December, 1859.

About the Illustrator: 

John Ewing attended Chouinard Art School in Los Angeles before joining the team at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. In his eleven years there, he worked on many projects, including Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book. In addition to John's illustration work with Dragonpencil, he is also an art professor and an avid flight enthusiast.

Work can be seen at www.Dragonpencil.com.

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How to Connect:

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Four Free eBooks for the Collector in You

Photo Source

If you are an avid collector, then you will love this great deal! From now until July 4, you can download four great eBooks courtesy of Krause Publication and F+W Media, Inc, an offer extended in consideration of our nation's birthday!!

These great titles are compatible with the Nook, Google and iTunes! To view available titles, visit their site!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

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Thanks to Krause Publication and F+W Media, Inc. for this gracious offer! FTC regulations require that I disclose that no compensation was offered or accepted for the sharing of deal. 

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Beat Sugar Addiction Now by Jacob Teitelbaum Review

Product: Beat Sugar Addiction Now
Author: Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.
Co-Author: Chrystle Fiedler
Published by: Fair Winds Press
Category: Books, Health and Fitness
Price: $16.99

Are you a sugar addict? Do you have fatigue on a regular basis that you use coffee, caffeine and sugar laden foods to help you overcome? Do you get cranky and irritable when you are hungry? How about frequent migraines, or sinusitis?  Do you find yourself grabbing for the chocolate or Twinkies when your Aunt Flo arrives for her monthly visit? If so, you more than likely have some form of a sugar addiction.

In Jacob Teitelbaum's new book, Beat Sugar Addiction Now, he helps you to identify if you have a sugar addiction, what sort of addict you most likely are, and how to overcome your addiction. The book is simple to navigate and is very thoughtful laid out. In Part 1, you will determine what sort of sugar addict you are...ranging from Type 1-Type 4. He uses simply questionnaires that are designed to determine how sugar is interacting in your life.

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Example: Type 1 Sugar Addict questionnaire asks-- Do you feel tired much of the time? Do you need coffee to get jump-started in the morning? Are you working more than forty hours a week? And so forth. Simply tally your score and determine if that is your type. If not, move on to the Type 2 questionnaire. It is important to note, that it is possible to have more than one type of sugar addiction, and many will find this to be the case.

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After figuring out what type of sugar addict you are, the next step is to find a solution. This is by far my favorite part of the book. This is what it aims to do:

• Eliminate the underlying problems that are driving your sugar addiction
• Learn how to enjoy sweets in moderation
• Eliminate the physical and psychological problems caused by sugar addiction

Notice that last one: Eliminate the PHYSICAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL problems caused by sugar addiction. Now that's something worth reading about. 

Dr. Teitelbaum does not try to trick you. Straight away he tells you that in order to beat the sugar addiction, you must eliminate it from your diet.  He goes on to tell you what to expect from your body during the sugar withdrawal process. He warns about the dangers of certain sugar substitutes and helps you to learn other methods of eating that will help you to overcome your dependency on sugar. 

By the time we are addicted to sugar, our bodies are already starting to show symptoms of how the sugar we have been eating over the course of many years, has effected our bodies. For this, we need to treat our bodies and attempt to reclaim them to their pre-sugar addiction status. For this, Dr. Teitelbaum suggests the SHINE protocol.

• Sleep
• Hormonal Support
• Infections (treating)
• Nutritional support
• Exercise

He teaches the importance of sleep. Being a person who suffers from chronic insomnia, it was interesting to read how sugar cravings can result from poor sleep. What I like about Beat Sugar Addiction Now, is not only does Dr. Teitelbaum address the illness, but he also offers natural and herbal remedies to help heal you from the ailments the addiction has created. Also, he lists some of the common prescription medicines that might assist in this healing process as well. I truly like the fact that he covers both angles on this, and his information is current and thorough. It is here that he explains how sugar addictions can lead into other ailments such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hypothyroidism and so many more. This book is an essential tool if you are seriously wanting to remove the sugar addiction from your life so that you can feel better and enjoy a better quality of life. 

Beat Sugar Addiction Now even includes information about foods that raise your blood glucose, and further includes information about finding a practitioner that can address your health concerns. It is a complete book that is well thought out and organized so that you can use it as a workbook that will help you identify, treat and banish your sugar addiction once and for all! 

This is one of those books that you will keep in your library for future reference as it offers so much valuable information. I was highly impressed with the presentation and execution of this book and recommend to anyone who seriously wants to address the affect sugar has on their body.  I give it my seal of approval! 

About the Authors:

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the most frequently quoted integrative medical authorities in the world, and appears often as a guest on Oprah and Friends with  Dr. Mehmet Oz and on CNN, Fox News Channel and local news and talk shows  nationwide. He is the author of the best-selling From Fatigued to Fantastic! (3rd edition, Avery/Penguin Group USA), which has sold over 500,000 copies. As a leading expert and researcher in chronic fatigue and pain, Dr. Teitelbaum has helped thousands worldwide to regain their energy, overcome pain and start enjoying their lives again.  

Chrystle Fiedler is the author of over a hundred articles on  health topics for many publications including Woman's Day, Better  Homes  Gardens, Prevention, Natural Health, Medizine's Health Living,  The Health Monitor Network, Great Health, Vegetarian Times, Bottom Line/Women'  Health, Heart Healthy Living and Health magazine. Chrystle  also writes the "Good Nature" column for Remedy magazine  and is the author of The Complete Idiots Guide to Natural Remedies.    --excerpt from Fair Winds Press and Beat Sugar Addiction Now

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Where to Purchase: Fair Winds Press, Amazon.com

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CInch! by Cynthia Sass Review and Giveaway

Product: Cinch!
Author: Cynthia Sass
Category: Health and Fitness, Books
Price: $25.99

Did your waistline expand after all that Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham? If so, then Cynthia Sass's book Cinch! will help you to get back into those favorite pair of jeans! Cinch! is the new book just released by Cynthia Sass, the coauthor of the Flat Belly Diet which became one of the New York Times bestselling books. Cinch! will help to conquer your cravings, drop those pounds and lose inches!

The Cinch! plan that Cynthia has devised is based on a twenty-five day plan. You have the option to start with the 5-Day 5-Food Fast Forward plan that helps to jump start your weight loss by eating a combination of  five delicious ingredients including spinach, raspberries, almonds, eggs and yogurt. I know it doesn't sound like much food, but don't worry, you will have plenty to eat as you will use these five ingredients to plan four great meals a day!  She gives you some basic rules:

• Eat Like Clockwork
• Think "Five Pieces Four Times a Day"
• Make Flavor Your Focus

just remember:

• Eat your first meal within one hour of waking up
• Eat one of each meal per day, in any order, but be sure to space them out evenly throughout the course of the day
• You can only eat the foods, beverages and seasonings listed 

The 5-Day Fast Forward is designed to help you lose up to seven pounds in one week, giving you the motivation and the confidence to embark on the journey to cinch that waistline! During this time, Cynthia encourages you to keep a diary that helps you to record the changes that are going to occur within your body,  such as if you are experiencing more energy, as well as other physical signs that the diet is having a positive effect. She also encourages you to record the emotional challenges that you might be facing at the start of this diet. Change is hard and so often we use food to help us quell our personal grievances and daily stressors, and this opportunity allows you to identify the emotions felt while you are omitting some of the foods that you have been accustomed to eating. 

After the 5-Day Fast Forward, then you are ready to begin the Cinch! plan. During this time, Cynthia shares with your the best choices for foods to eat, beverages to drink and spices to use to help you on your journey toward losing the pounds. She gives you great clues toward learning portion sizes at a glance, such as:

• 1 cup = a baseball
• 1/4 cup = a golf ball
• 3 ounces = a deck of cards
• 1 tablespoon = your thumb, from where it bends to the tip

These are quick and easy tricks to help you identify proper portion sizes! She urges you to use organic foods whenever possible, but gives the okay to substitute non-organic food selections if you are not able to find organic in your area. In Cinch!, you will find out why processed foods are not healthy, the role digestion plays in your health and foods that are actually considered "super foods" as they help to increase your metabolism, which in turn helps you lose weight even faster!

My thoughts: This book is good start for someone wanting to make a lifestyle change, as often starting a diet is the hardest thing. However, I found the book a little hard to navigate as it seemed as if the chapters jumped around too much and the organization was not the best. Cynthia Sass does have a lot of information to anyone who has never dieted prior, but I don't feel there is enough new information in her book for anyone who has been in a dieting situation in the past. The foods for the plan do not fit my tastes, and even though some substitutions are allowed, I don't feel I could stick with the choices available. I am not crazy about nuts, raspberries, or eggs and only eat them in slight moderation. Therefore, the quick 5-Day Fast Forward would not be an option for me. There were plenty of recipes included for the month long plan  that actually sounded good....such as the Citrus Salmon Salad, the Mediterranean Shrimp Pizza, and the Chilled Lentil and Wild Rice Salad. Therefore, some of the combinations are feasible and even desirable to eat, and I especially loved that she encourages you to eat chocolate everyday!!  The concept is that denying yourself of a little guilty pleasure will make you more apt to abandon your diet, so allowing yourself a portion controlled dessert is the best way to keep the motivation to maintain the diet. 

What I loved about the book is that Cynthia provides grocery lists to make shopping for the recipes a cinch! It does allow you to remove the unhealthy options from your diet, which in return will allow your body to detox from the unhealthy diet you have been used to, and for this reason alone, this book could help prepare yourself toward a healthier eating plan.  I like that it included options for vegetarians and vegans as well. It's a great starting point, and if you like the main ingredient types listed in the plan, then you will indeed see some result from this diet, especially if you combine it with proper rest and exercise. 

Where to Purchase: Amazon.com

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I was able to do this review due to my membership with the One2One Network.

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WIN A COPY!!! One lucky winner will receive a copy of Cinch! for themselves. Simply fill out the form below for a chance to win. Please fill the form out only once and include the information for the bonus entries altogether on one form. 

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Stepping Stones Together Review and Giveaway (Closed)

Product: Stepping Stones Together
Created by: Erika Burton, Ph D
Price: 90 days for $19.99, One year for $39.99




I want to share with you a program that was designed by Dr. Erika Burton. Dr. Burton created Stepping Stones Together, an online emergent reading program designed for children between the ages of 3-7 to  provide beginner readers with the tools necessary to improve and fine-tune their reading ability. Children can choose their favorite category of books from the online library and participate in daily skills that will develop their reading ability, all within a parent's busy schedule. The exercises are designed so that the parent and child can pick out a story that can be printed off and read at leisure. Each printable storybook is also a coloring book, giving your child a fun, learning experience. For each story there is a daily writing exercise and critical thinking questions that assure that the child is comprehending the story in its entirety. The program is meant to be done over a period of time, and membership can be for 30 days on up to one year. The program will utilize 220 high frequency words and more then 200 vocabulary words, including more than 90 common nouns This is designed to prepare the early reader to recognize words in the print form as well as get them excited about reading!!! Considering that most children are learning how to read in kindergarten, it is essential that they are prepared prior to that first day of school. Stepping Stones Together understands how busy life is, especially in households where both parents must work. Time is precious, and this program will give parents the ability to prepare their child with the skills they need to succeed, and at a pace that all family members can manage!

The exercises available for each book include:

• Comprehension questions
• Fact Recall
• Inferences
• Summarization
• Critical Thinking
• and much more!!

The books are divided into different levels from Level A-Level C. Keep track of the books completed by check marking the ones that you and your child have finished. When all of Level A books are completed, your child will be ready for Level B.

It is easy to keep track of your child's progress with the included Incentive Chart where you can record your child's daily progress. This can be printed off so that your child can feel the satisfaction of putting a sticker or checkmark on the chart to signal they have completed a section!! The program includes daily writing practice sheets, flashcards that correspond to each book, and additional practice sheets that incorporate games into learning the high frequency words.


In less than 20 minutes a day, your child can learn to read!!!

To begin, your child and you will pick a book from the appropriate level. Your child will read each book for two days as the repetition gives them the confidence they need to begin the next book. At the start, you will read the title out loud to your child. Ask them what they think the story might be about and then go through the book, talking only about the pictures and see what they think the pictures are saying is happening in the story. Then, read the story aloud to your child. Have them read it with you and let them follow along by placing their finger on the sight words. This will help them to identify the words the next time they see them. Have your child attempt to say the word or sound it out according to the letters. Help them through this. Then,  print out the coloring pages and let them complete the exercises. When they have completed this book at least twice and all the exercises are finished successfully, then it is time to print out the Certificate of Completion that your child can hang proudly in his/her room!!

Sample of Level A story book

The levels include different categories of topics, such as:

• Animals
• Fairies
• Princesses
• Sports
• Superheroes
• Transportation

Coloring pages make learning fun!

Writing prompts and exercises help assure comprehension

I truly believe this concept toward learning to be effective. Children have the ability to build upon their skills and can work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Each book has illustrations that appeal to a child's playful side, which helps to engage them with the story-line and makes them more apt to want to read more! I like that the books can be printed as kids love hands-on activities and the coloring is not only fun, but teaches hand-eye coordination as well. This is a great way to introduce your young child to the world of reading. I recommend this program to any parent or caregiver!!! 

For an example of how Stepping Stones Together works, try their FREE E-books!! These 3 books will introduce you to the world of Stepping Stones Together and 4 video tutorials will show how the programs work! 

Where to Sign Up: Stepping Stones Together website

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ONE Winner will win ONE YEAR Membership to Stepping Stones Together.

The sponsor has asked that the following criteria be met:

1. Watch the WGN video and share something you learned. You can find it here: Video
2. "Like" Stepping Stones Together on Facebook
3. Follow Dr. E Burton on Twitter

Giveaway is open to anyone aged 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be chosen by randomizer and will have five business days to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway ends on January 12, 2011. 



WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! Winner has been chosen and is Irvin W. Congratulations!!!!

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Amazing Cows by Sandra Boynton Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Product: Amazing Cows
Author: Sandra Boynton
Publisher: Workman Publishing
Category: Books, Children
Price: $10.95

Holy Cows! Cowabunga! Don't Have A Cow....or a Herd!! Just wanted to tell you about this exciting new book published by Workman Publishing!!! 


The new book, Amazing Cows, written by Sandra Boynton is now available!! 


Do you love cows? Those irresistible cows that come in all shapes and sizes....of which my favorite is the Belted Galloway. Well, if you do, you'd be in good company. My step-daughter loves cows so much that she often says "I Love Cows" randomly. She has cow purses, cow stuffed animals, cow keychains, etc and I wouldn't be surprised if she decorates her future home in a cow motif!

If you're unsure about your love for cows, you will absolutely fall in love with them after reading Sandra Boynton's new book about "Amazing Cows".  Here you will find two cow stories, three cow poems, eleven or so cow jokes, one cow myth, one cow comic book, hidden cows and much more!!! It's "UDDER ABSURDITY FOR CHILDREN" and adults!!

Each and every page is filled to the brim with brilliant illustrations, ridiculously funny photos, stories, jokes and more! The fun begins on the front cover and doesn't end until the very back cover!!

What is the book about? What's in it, who is it for?

Author response: AMAZING COWS is a book with lots of amazing cows in it. It's for people who like books with lots of amazing cows.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

Author response: Now and then, I would write something and suddenly realize it had maybe some basis in reality. So then I had to carefully rework i until I was pretty certain that it was total nonsense. It takes vigilance and discipline.

There's a free download that comes with the book. But it seems to actually have nothing at all to do with cows. Can you explain this?

Author response: It's a full-length recording of Ravel's "Bolero," arranged for orchestra and kazoos. There is a limerick in AMAZING COWS that mentions this performance, and so I thought it only fair to make the recording available . I imagine it will change people's lives. Though not necessarily for the better. 

Sandra Boynton has gone out of her way to assure that you will find only fun and humor in her amazing book. I feel a bit deprived, as I had never read a book by this author in the past, and this was my first experience with her books. From the rumors I've heard, there are a few other books that include lots of pigs and chickens too!! My kids and I simply had a ball reading the short stories and those cow jokes have found their way around the dinner table a few times now! 

Lots of pictures, lots of cows and lots of fun! A definite MUST GET book! I think we read through most of the book in one sitting as the kids would turn the page and laugh and laugh that it was hard to put up!! It's a book designed for all ages! I don't know anyone who won't get a giggle reading this book!! So invite the family for a MOO-Vie night, find MOO-sic to sing (the book contains the song "It had to be Moo") and engage in some dancing and MOO-ving around!!! Have an UDDERLY fun time!

How many cows can you find?

Amazing Cows is full-color, 96 pages long, and packed with the kind of silly fun that young readers adore, especially when they can read it to themselves—and then read it to their parents, and then to their little brothers, and then to the family dog. Or the family cow.   ---excerpt from Workman Publishing

Where to Purchase: Workman Publishing website



Excerpted from AMAZING COWS by Sandra Boynton 
Copyright 2010 by Sandra Boynton
Used by permission of Workman Publishing Co., Inc. New York
All Rights Reserved

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ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive their very own copy of "AMAZING COWS". Simply fill out the form below. Mandatory entry must be completed or all entries will be void. 


Mandatory Entry: Visit Workman Publishing and share another title you would love to read! 

Giveaway open to United States residents, aged 18 years or older. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be chosen by a randomizer and will have five business days to respond to winning email or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway ends on January 8, 2011 at midnight, central standard time. 


Quick Links:
Critique of the Unique on Twitter
Sandra Boynton's website



WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!  Winner has been chosen and is Tracey A!! Congratulations!!!

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The Games Bible Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Product: The Games Bible

Author: Leigh Anderson

Publisher: Workman Publishing

Category: Books, Adults

Price: $15.95

My family loves games....board games, dice games, card games. We even play dinner games like "20 Questions" and "I Spy" while eating our nightly meals together! But, as much as we love games, there is one thing I dislike about them and that is how much space it takes up to store all those games! In our old house, we had a dedicated "game closet" but since we moved, we have not designated such a space. The end result is that our games are scattered here and there, and it doesn't take long for the pieces to end up missing. Have you ever stepped on a Monopoly hotel in the middle of the night? It isn't a pleasant experience, that's for certain! That is what drew me to Leigh Anderson's book, The Games Bible! 

This wonderful book has over 300 games that are sure to put the fun into any occasion! The games are adaptable for one, two or more people, on up to the whole neighborhood! It's easy to navigate as well, as the Contents section lists each game by name according to chapters. The index gives quick and easy reference for the games you might search for and if that weren't enough, it also includes a Zagat like index as well, which allows you to look up the games in the index according to type and category, such as Athletic Games, Cocktail Party Games, Family Games, Games for the Waiting Room and so forth. This allows you to plan a game night or a spur of the moment game in no time!

Although The Games Bible has some family friendly games such as Sharks and Minnows, Jinx, Charades and more, it is not designed to be a book of games solely for children. Inside, there are many games designed for adults which are meant to break the ice and help liven up a party! In the front of the book there is an "Icons" page that explains how each game is intended, so that you will know what to expect from each game. For example:

• For super game geeks, there is a pair of glasses depicted beneath the game
• A pair of lips icon means that the game is potentially naughty
• A cocktail glass means that the game is even more fun after a few drinks
• The family icon lets you know that the game is good to play with adults and children alike!
• For a noncompetitive game, look for the peace symbol
• and so on!!

Just remember, the book covers the gamut from children on up to adults and some of the titles and games may be inappropriate for children to play or read. Therefore, I do recommend that an adult help the children pick out the games in the appropriate categories so that the children do not learn games which are not suited for their age group.

One game that you can find in The Game Bible is Family Jeopardy:

"Family Jeopard requires you to make 5 categories--family vacations, memorable holidays, school days, etc .Just like the game show, you should pose an answer to your family: "This person was Jeff's first girlfriend at summer camp" and someone responds with the right question: "Who is Linda?" Write both answer and question on the index card. The person with the correct question gets to read the next answer off a new index card. The winner is the person with the most index cards at the end of the game.   ---excerpt from Workman Publishing and The Games Bible

What I really liked about The Games Bible is that the game cards, score cards and game pieces for some of the games are located in the Appendix and can be photocopied for multiple use. No need to create your own!! When other items may be needed to complete a game, it is clearly defined. Anderson has designed the book for ease of use and it is definitely organized to the fullest!

Author, Leigh Anderson, is a game expert and writer/reporter who researched each and every game in the book, as well as consulted with top game inventors in the process of writing her book to assure you the best gaming experience ever!

Let the fun begin!!!

Where to Purchase: Workman Publishing

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One winner will win a copy of "The Games Bible" by Leigh Anderson. Simply leave a comment below telling me what your favorite family friendly game is!! Be certain to leave your email address or have it available in your profile so that I have a way to contact you or your enter will be invalid. Winners chosen by a randomizer and will have five business days to respond to winning email or another winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

Giveaway open to United States residents, 18 years of age or older, void where prohibited by law. Ends at midnight, central time on January 5, 2010.




Congratulations to Larry H!!!! You have won your own copy of THE GAMES BIBLE!!! 

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Potato Chip Science Book & Stuff -High In Saturated FACTS! Review

Product: Potato Chip Science Kit
Author:  A.Kurzweil & Son
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Category: Books, Kids
Age Range: 8-12 years old
Price: $17.95

Okay...bear with me y'all, as I have found something that I want to talk about....uh oh. I am a sucker for educational toys, books and so forth, and so when Workman Publishing sent me the Potato Chip Science Book & Stuff, I was more than a little excited. Let me tell you why!

The author of the book is Allen Kurzweil and his son Max and together they have formulated a kit that is "high in saturated facts" as they so put it...and that's just an understatement. This is not just a book but an EXPERIENCE that you and your child will not soon forget!  Have you ever heard the saying that "presentation is everything"....well let me tell ya, these guys must have received an A+ in design with this product!

The Potato Chip Science Book & Stuff comes to you like a loaded baked potato (which, I have a delicious recipe for such if you find yourself making a loaded baked potato soup or potato salad with all the leftover spuds), jammed packed with fun and exciting materials to use toward 29 experiments....err...I mean,  snacktivities!  The kit and all its contents arrive in a (take a wild guess) ....Potato Chip bag! How clever and cute!! This bag is cleverly designed and illustrated on its own, but wait until you see what's inside!!!

What is all of that you say? Well...let's see:

• 96 page book of step-by-step instructions
• digital sound clip
• Propulsion pipe
• Starch base (biodegradable)
• 6 optical stickers
• 6 chip lids
• digital clock mechanism
• zinc and copper electrodes
• googly eyes 
• wire connectors
• starch knife
• packing "chips" (don't worry they have a purpose too, everything in the kit does, including the....)
• potato chip bag

All of these items will be utilized to help you and your child construct and decipher 29 different science experiments!  As they figure out how to make a bag blaster, bird feeder, chipmobile, Windmill, Shrunken head and many, many more experiments, they will also be learning physics, ecology, forensics, biology, acoustics, aeronautics, animations and so much more!!! Some simple supplies might be needed from your own household, such as tape, scissors, straws and of course the main ingredient....potatoes!!! Other than that, all the tools are right there inside the bag! 

This hands-on adventure will excite your child to the fullest and will give you complete satisfaction that they are learning and having fun while doing so! What I liked most is that nothing goes to waste, so this entire kit is great for the environment as well!! How great is that?! 

What I found is that even after all the ingredients from this kit are utilized, your child will still have the step-by-step instruction book that will allow him to complete further experiments in the future!! It made my children want to start recycling more and now they look at trash in a whole new light!! We have found new ways to reclaim soda cans, bottles, lids and many more objects as this book inspired them in a creative and ingenious manner that makes me a happy parent!! 

Fair Warning: Some of the experiments will leave you puzzled at first, but anytime you get confused, simply stop and restart and usually you can find your mistake. Some require a bit more patience and careful attention to detail. This was great for my kids as they both have difficulty in Reading The Directions and so this exercise was good for them on that regard! I think it really helped them to understand the importance of directions and following them step by step and not jumping ahead. I just don't have enough positive words to describe my satisfaction with the Potato Chip Science Book!! Thank you to Allen Kurzweil and his son Max and Workman Publishing for creating and supplying the world with this innovative product!! You can see all the thought that went into the design and it makes me happy to see that someone cares about the experience one will get after purchasing an item. So many products on the market are a big fail/flop and simply a waste of money. Rest assured that this is not one of those products!! You will be happy with the entire experience, from start to finish...just like in the old days!  

Potato Chip Science has won the 2010 Nappa Award as well as the 2010 Tillywig Brain Child Award!! 

Where to Purchase: Workman Publishing (currently out of stock), Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Powell's Book, Indiebound

Quick Links:

Potato Chip Science Official Website

Potato Chip Science on Workman Publishing website

Potato Chip Science on Facebook

Potato Chip Science on Twitter

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The Night Before Christmas in Africa book Review

Product: The Night Before Christmas in Africa
Author: Jesse, Hannah and Carrol Foster
Illustrator: Jean Christodulou
Published by: Pelican Publishing Company
Category: Books, Children
Price: $16.99

What was on your children's Christmas list? My son asked for: Nintendo DS, basketball and Lego Star Wars. My daughter was a bit more simplified with her list: Barbies, a jumprope and CDs. What do you think children from other cultures ask for during the Christmas season? In the book, The Night Before Christmas in Africa, readers are told the tale of Father Christmas and find out what it is the children in Africa wish for on Christmas day.

Clement C. Moore wrote the story "Twas the Night Before Christmas" over a century ago and it has been a part of our culture ever since its first printing! When Carroll Foster's children (Jesse and Hannah) asked their mom why there wasn't a tale that combined African culture with the holiday season, Carroll did not know the reason, and as a result, they worked together to write The Night Before Christmas in Africa. The book uses the same rhyming song-like structure made famous by Clement C. Moore those many years ago, but the details are slightly different. You see, things in Africa are quite different and as a result, the children wish for completely different items!

From the cover flap:

 "On the arid South African plain, families sleep on floor mats waiting for Father Christmas to arrive with his bag of goodies. However, members of the Shangaan tribe only wsh for simple items such as candy, soccer balls, and chickens during the holiday season. They long for relief from the hot, dry climate, but they dare not bother the man in red with such a large request. When his donkey cart arrives, pulled by kudu and a black rhinoceros, Father Christmas is willing to try."

 This tale shares how the children simply wish for rain and crops to grow to feed their livestock and give some relief from the humid culture. They do not wish for materialistic items nor do they fret if what they need is not provided. Instead, they rejoice for whatever it is Father Christmas may bring, no matter how big or how small! This cherish the simple gifts he brings! It is a story of hope, appreciation and virtue and it is no wonder that O, The Oprah Magazine selected this book as one of its "Favorite Things" in 2005.

When I read this book to my two children, I sat them down in a circle and laid the book flat on the floor between us so that they could see the beautiful illustrations of Jean Chistodoulou, a well-known South African artist, who graces the pages of this book with her artistic talent and eye for detail. The children enjoyed the illustrations very much and we had a wonderful time discussing the differences between Santa Claus and Father Christmas. They loved how Father Christmas wore the traditional duku and sported a long black beard! We learned a mix of African language such as Kulu (pronounced koo-loo) which means Grandfather and GoGo (pronounced go-go) which means Grandmother as well as many other terminology provided in the glossary section. We took turns saying each word aloud as we came across them in the story. We talked about what we seen in the illustrations,  and I explained to the children what the word "'parched" meant in reference to the cattle being thirsty due to the rivers running dry. They knew that a "kudu" was a large African antelope as we had seen them in person on our trip to a drive-thru zoo and it was exciting to them to see them pulling Father Christmas's donkey cart.

This is a wonderful tale that will surely become a tradition to read in your home! It is definitely one that teaches children that there is more to life than materialistic things and I love that it opens their eyes towards how others live. Love love this book and highly recommend!!!

Pelican Publishing Company carries many "Night Before Christmas" tales, including this title and many others, such as:

• Witches' Night Before Christmas
• Trucker's Night Before Christmas
• Texas Night Before Christmas
• Nurse's Night Before Christmas
• Ozark Night Before Christmas
• Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas
• and many many more!!!

I think it is so important to teach the children the cultures of others and love this book as it does this and so much more! Also, every book sold supports a child at Sparrow Schools, which strives to assist disadvantaged, learning-disabled children and youth to realize their full potential.

Where to Purchase: Pelican Publishing Company

"IBA NOKISIMUSI OMUHLE"

 (pronounced ee-bah no-kee-see-moo-see oh-moosh-ley)

Translation: Happy Christmas to You!!!

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BANANAGRAMS - The phenomenon continues in these two great books!

Product: 10 Minute Bananagrams

Author:  Joe Edley

Created By: Abe and Rena Nathanson

Category: Books, Teens, Adults

Price: $8.95

If you love word games like Scrabble and Boggle, then you will absolutely love BANANAGRAMS!! The game was created by Abe Nathanson and his daughter Rena (as well as help from grandchildren Aaron and Ava) as they were spending time together during the summer of 2005 at a beach house in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Ever since they first designed the game, they have worked hard to grow the game and it is a game that is spreading like wildfire!! The original game comes in a banana-shaped bag and holds 144 letter tiles where the goal is create words in an exciting fast paced game of fun! Joe Edley, the author of this book and three time National Scrabble Champion, is an expert Bananagrammer. Here, he has created a book of Banana-Grams that are sure to challenge even the most skilled bananagrammer (such a fun word to say)! 

The puzzles are labeled by the difficulty level from a half a banana to a whole banana!! This assures that anyone can learn to become an expert bananagrammer in no time!! The puzzles are designed to be fast-solving and fun, and with over 500 games to choose from, it will keep you busy for hours! They include such games as:

• Banana Peels (add letters to words, then anagram)
• Banana Pudding (extend two letter words into six letter words)
• Banana Bites
• and many more!!!

There is an answer key at the back too, but NO CHEATING!!!! 

I like to do these puzzles during commercial breaks, or while the supper is finishing up. Makes for a great distraction to a busy and hectic schedule and allows some "time-out" for a little bit of fun and relaxation!!! 

And, if you have children, then you have to check out another book offered by Workman Publishing titled Banana-Grams for Kids!!! Read about it below!

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Product: Banana-Grams for Kids - An Official Book

Created by: Puzzability

Category:  Books, Children

Age Range: 8-11 years of age

Price: $8.95

The same concept as above but made to be kid-friendly!! Created by Puzzability, the premier puzzle-writing company whose work has previously appeared in Disney Adventures and Nickelodeon magazines, BananaGrams for Kids has over 100 great games!! What is unique about these puzzles is that they offer educational fun that helps to strengthen vocabulary, reward agile thinking and reinforce the idea that using your brain is fun! And don't fret mom and dad...the kid version even includes an answer key, so if your child wants to check their work, they can or if they simply need a hint, you can help them out a little!! The games are varied in difficulty level as well, from one to four bananas and include such games as: 

• Bunched Up (a mini-crossword)
• Monkey in the Middle (building a larger word out of two smaller words, with clues)
• Banana Pancakes (a stack of anagrams using letters in common)
• Going Bananas (complete a sentence with two different words made from the same letters)

I plan on purchasing the game BananaGrams to accompany this book so that my kids can have the full experience and appreciate the book a little more. These puzzles are a great way to introduce word building skills to any child and it makes learning fun, as it should be!!! The recommended age range is 8-11 years of age, and I think this appropriate as it will take some general spelling ability to solve these puzzles.

Where to Buy: Both of the books featured here can be purchased directly from the publisher, Workman Publishing, or at various online/retail venues. 

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This applies to both products reviewed here.

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The Little Book of BIG Brain Games Book Review

Product: The Little Book of Big Brain Games
Author: Ivan Moscovich
Publisher: Workman Publishing
Category: Books, Children, Teens, Adults
Price: $9.95

Do you think you have excellent problem-solving skills? Do you find yourself to be the voice of logic and reason? Do you ever wish you could harness all your brain-solving abilities into an easy to carry along book? Well, now you can! Introducing--The Little Book of BIG Brain Games. This is the baby of the giant sized book titled The Big Book of Brain Games (but of course!), and includes over 500 full-color puzzles from the original book. This smaller format and a pocket-sized price makes it the solution to taking fun on the run!

The Little Book of BIG Brain Games is written by Ivan Moscovich, an internationally known inventor, puzzler and artist, and is designed to give your brain a serious workout! It is organized by difficulty level (one to ten) that assures you hours of brain-boosting tests of skill and knowledge! Are you up for the challenge??!

My experience: I would love to tell you that I have mastered every puzzle in this book, but of course, I am still attempting to master them all!! These puzzles do make you think and it is no wonder this book has been referred to as a "pocket gym". It truly gives your brain a work-out!  In the book is a variety of puzzles, such as:

• Mental Games
• Illusions
• Visual Challenges
• Logic puzzles
• Riddles
• and so much more!!!

It is one of those books I take along with me to doctor visits, restaurants, and recently on a short road trip, as it truly helps to pass the time!! I have a hard time putting it down once I get started, especially if I am able to solve a puzzle, as then I want to share it with everyone around me to see if they can solve it as well. It makes me feel a sense of accomplishment when a particular hard puzzle is figured out, and really gets my old brain working! It fits nicely into my purse without being in the way due to its compact size! I love that! I am certain that it will take me some time to complete all the puzzles in this book, and for the price, I really feel it is a book worth giving as a gift and receiving!! Great and highly recommend!!

"The most wide-ranging, visually appealing, entertaining collection of brainteasers"....says Will Shortz, editor of The New York Times crosswords. 

Where to Purchase: Workman's Publishing, Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles and other online and retail venues.

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Star Wars:A Scanimation Book Review

Product: Star Wars: A Scanimation Book
Author: Rufus Butler Seder
Publisher: Workman Publishing
Category: Books, Children
Price: $14.95

Rufus Butler Seder is the creator of Star Wars: A Scanimation Book, and it is through a process that he designed that the action-packed pages of this book appear to come to life right before your eyes!  His process began with his creation of Lifetiles, which are murals that can b seen in places such as the Smithsonian, Sea World, and other museums, aquariums and train stations around the world. The intricate designs move through several scenes as a person walks by them, making them appear to come to life. He has used this same concept in a series of scanimation books. Scanimation is created by playing on your parallax perception with moire style multiple line patterns that create the illusion of movement. It is through the striped decoder layer that this series of sequential pictures is revealed and your brain is able to link the succession of these images as a fluid movement.   Seeing is believing, so check out Rufus Butler Seder's video on YouTube that explains the process of scanimation.

Star Wars: A Scanimation book is so unique. The book shares eleven different scenes from Star Wars, including the famous duel between Darth Maul and Obi-Wan and the ultimate battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader  (click to see for yourself).  If you have a Star Wars fan in your home, this is going to knock their socks off! As each page is opened, a new scene begins. The scenes capture some of the most memorable moments from all six Star Wars movies, so it is certain to capture the heart of young and old alike and will make a great collection piece. It is designed to be an easy-read book, but I do believe that anyone will be impressed with the unique graphics this book provides. Here is our little Star Wars fan:

I wish I would have captured his reaction to this book on film. His eyes got big as he turned the pages slowly at first over and over again and then faster and faster, making his duel as relaxed or intense as he wished! He keeps it close by him, just in case he wishes to conjure up another battle! Hours of fun guaranteed!

Where to Purchase: Workman Publishing, Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles and other online and retail venues.

Quick Links:
Rufus Butler Seder's website
Eye Think Inc. website

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