Home Maid Simple

Category: books

Time for Kids Presidents of the United States + Book Giveaway

I received Time for Kids Presidents of the United States for review. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Happy Presidents Day! One of our less celebrated holidays, that mostly for the kids just means a day off from school to play and make memories.

I love Presidents Day because it gives me a chance to feel a little extra patriotic. In this day and age, the political divide seems to be stronger than ever causing hurt feelings between family and friends. I try not to let my political views cause contention so I mostly keep them to myself. Here is what I do allow to be known, though – respect for our country and the process every person goes through that runs for POTUS.

Time for Kids Presidents of the United States is an awesome introduction for kids to the 45 men that have presided over our great nation. They’ve all contributed what they thought was best for the good old U S of A, whether the people of their time agreed with them or not. This inside look allows kids to connect with POTUS in a real manner.

Last fall, Chloe and I had a fun discussion on what it takes to be President. In the midst of an election year, she was coming home with all kinds of ideas and opinions from other kids at school. In that discussion, I asked her what she would do if she were president. Here is her response

I’d get rid of all the bad guys.

That led to a discussion on who she would consider a “bad guy”, and what a difficult decision that would be. Thank goodness no one of us, including POTUS, gets to make that final decision on who is a “bad guy” and who isn’t.

There’s just so much awesome in this book, but all in bite sized pieces easy for kids to read and explore by themselves or peruse with a parent. Each president has a page dedicated to their life and presidency, but one of my favorite pages is in the back – the First Ladies! There may not be a woman in the 45 presidents, but many were backed by some pretty awesome First Ladies like Eleanor Roosevelt.

Download this Free Presidents Day Activity Kit

So, while you may be just enjoying this day off with your kids, remember it’s a great time to look back at our nation’s great history. In honor of that history, Time For Kids is giving one copy of Presidents of the United States away to one of you! Enter on the Rafflecopter below.

Giveaway is open to US residents only. Ends 2/27/2017

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 20, 2017
Truly Global by Anna N Schlegel

I received Truly Global in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Truly Global: The Theory and Practice of Bringing Your Company to International Markets

Today’s economy is increasingly borderless. Every company that seeks to grow beyond its national boundaries needs a globalization team to help develop, translate, adapt, and promote products to international markets. This team is vital to ensuring that customers receive product information and support in their own language in a personalized and seamless way. From a company’s website to product interfaces and documentation, to telephone and online support, providing this culturally specific experience is essential to building a brand across international borders with a solid enterprise approach.

Ideal for global corporate leaders, board members, employees, and students, Truly Global provides an insider’s look at how large companies move into international markets to successfully deliver their product to customers across different cultures and languages. It covers everything you need to know, to globalize your company from start to finish, including who to recruit as members of a globalization team, how to integrate globalization in each department, and how to use the team’s research to build your brand’s presence in new markets. This book will help your company succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, and lay the foundation for your growth from a national company to an international household brand.

My thoughts on Truly Global

Truly Global by Anna N Schlegel came at the perfect time for me. I was head deep in my 3rd economics class for the year this past December – and the water was beginning to wash over my head. I love that I’m back in school. I love my chosen major – Marketing Management. Economics was killing me, though. I just want to play around with designs and stories that speak to people’s hearts. The making money and establishing all the stuff behind that, it gets confusing. I thought if I read Truly Global, I may come out of my last class – Global Business – with a better understanding of it all. While the book didn’t really help me in the class, it was a nice fresh perspective on the nitty-gritty business side of things.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand how to build an international business, in the middle of going global, or those just purely interested in what it takes to be a global business. The book is not long because while it can get complicated to go global, the steps themselves aren’t that complicated. Ms. Schlegel has put together an informative step by step guide book to get your company out in the world and leave the borders behind.

Are you ready to take your business global? But Truly Global on Amazon now!

January 23, 2017
The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson + Paypal Giveaway

About The Book:

The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson

To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notley must give up her riches for rags.

When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow.

The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced for the position, yet there is something about her that that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe?

The Rise of Miss Notley is the delightful tale of a mysterious gentleman and a determined young woman, caught together in a web so tangled it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

Coming February 2017

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 1/25/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 6, 2017
Nina the Neighborhood Ninja by Sonia Panigraphy

I received Nina the Neighborhood Ninja for review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Nina the Neighborhood Ninja

Nina the Neighborhood Ninja is a creative and take-charge kind of little girl who is smart, strong and speedy. Fiona the Firefly is her loyal and trusty sidekick. She uses her brain and her muscles to complete the rescue missions. She doesn’t mind getting dirty and climbing trees. It’s all part of the life of the everyday girl superhero.

Through her teamwork and bravery, Nina and Fiona spend a typical day boldly rescuing animals in trouble: a baby bird fallen from its nest, a cat left out in the rain, and just when Nina thinks her work is done, she is called to action again!

My Thoughts on Nina the Neighborhood Ninja

We loved this book. It’s colorful artwork and storyline has been a great source of conversation with my 6-year-old girl every time we read it. Her first question was “Why is she called a ninja mom? She doesn’t fight bad guys or do karate like ninjas.”

That’s true, Nina doesn’t fight any bad guys in the sense we normally think of. So we talked about what a Ninja stands for. They do good. They save people – or in the case of Nina, animals – and they don’t worry about themselves. In this book, Nina did all that. She didn’t save anyone from bad guys, but rather tough situations. Situations my girls can find themselves or others in on probably a daily basis if they truly look.

In the book, Nina is given a type of mantra. It is reiterated throughout the book, and at the very end turns it on the reader/listeners. Are you smart? Are you strong? Are you speedy? YES!

Give your kids a mantra to start the new year off on a strong note. Buy Nina the Neighborhood Ninja on Amazon.

December 26, 2016
Grey Stone by Jean Knight Pace

I received a complimentary copy of Grey Stone for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

Grey Stone by Jean Knight Pace

In the land of the great red sun, dogs sing, wolves kill, humans serve, and wolf-shifters rule with magic and menace. Pietre is a human boy who has spent the last thirteen years afraid of the sunset, the Blodguard, and the wolf-shifting masters who rule his world. Wittendon is a werewolf prince who has spent the last nineteen years afraid of his father, his inability to do magic, and the upcoming tournament he’s sure to lose. But when Pietre finds an orphaned pup in the woods and Wittendon is forced to arrest the boy’s father soon after, both of them begin to realize that keeping the rules might be just as terrifying as breaking them. Now serf and master must learn to cut through their own prejudices and work together in order to turn their world before it turns on them. Grey Stone is a story of dogs who talk, wolves who kill, and a stone that – for better or worse – can change all that.

My thoughts on Grey Stone

I wasn’t sure with this one at first. The beginning left me feeling slightly confused, because instead of introducing the world, Grey Stone jumps right into the storyline. Once it got going, and it didn’t take long, I was hooked. This is one of those books I just couldn’t put down. I had to know what Wittendon would choose to do, or if he would ever realize his magical capabilities, and whether he would continue to just live his life or do more. Pietre’s story was also fascinating. His character grows exponentially from his experiences throughout the Red Sun World.

If you’re looking for a good book to read and throw yourself into a world of fantasy, I highly recommend Grey Stone. Jean Knight Pace assures me she is writing more within this world, although they will be stand alone books. I can’t wait!

Grab the recipe fro Zinnegael’s Cinnamon Oat Crispies from Jean Knight Pace, and whip up a batch to snack on while eating. Trust me, you’ll love the character of Zinnegael.

December 20, 2016
My First Book of Hockey: A Rookie Book by Sports Illustrated for Kids

I received My First Book of Hockey for review. All opinions are 100% my honest thoughts.

This year we have loved getting into the Sports Illustrated for Kids series. We’re back with the latest seasonal book, My First Book of Hockey! Kids and adults who love this contact sport will enjoy perusing the book before heading out to a game.

I can’t honestly say where my love for the game of hockey came from. Growing up we spent most of our time playing baseball as a family, and attending baseball games. Whether they were for my brothers, or my own softball games, along with the occasional professional game. I remember those moments clearly.

Hockey, however, holds no memories that I can recall. Perhaps it was because my first middle school crush was on a guy who played the sport. Though, I never watched him play. Never attended any games. The closest I probably ever got to seeing hockey played was on the television, and maybe a few sticks being thrown around the frozen ponds we would skate on over the winter months.

I did, and still today, know more about the game of Hockey then I do Football. I also watch football more than hockey, but can not for the life of me understand anything other than the score. Give me hockey any day, and suddenly my heart is racing and I’m cheering for the teams. I’m in the game when it comes to hockey. So despite my lack of memories on how I came to love hockey, I’m thrilled to share the sport with my kids through another, easy to follow, book.

My youngest two, Rosalina and Lincoln especially got into the book with me. They thought the Goalie’s mask was the coolest, and were just as excited about the teams making a score as if we were actually at a game. Perhaps this year, to add to our gifts of experience, we’ll find a local hockey game to check out.

Do you love Hockey? One lucky reader will win a copy of My First Book of Hockey: A Rookie Book by Sports Illustrated for Kids plus 2 Hockey Reading Buttons! Open to US 18+ Ends 1206/2016

ENTER FROM MOBILE HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 28, 2016
Give the Gift of Reading with Book of the Month Subscriptions

Give the gift of reading! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Odds are there is someone in your life who loves to read. Someone who you buy a book for every time a gift is needed. Perhaps, though, you’ve run out of book ideas to match your friend and loved one.

If you’re like me, you’ve been giving books as gifts for so long that you’ve probably exhausted your library of favorites. As I’ve grown I’ve also found my own taste of genres widening and changing. Most likely, the people I gift books to have also had a slight change in their favorite genres. Perhaps they’ve branched out to more historical, or maybe they now find the science fiction fascinating.

Of course, that’s one of the joys of books. There are so many options out there, you’ll always be able to find something to give. However, my new favorite subscription comes from the Book of the Month club. Each month they put out new books to choose from, and with your subscription, the power to choose which book fits your current style is in your own hands! It makes it the perfect gift of reading.

Give the Gift of Reading

Book of the Month Club would make a fabulous gift to give that special book lover this year. You can choose from 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month gift subscriptions. Or better yet, buy yourself a Book of the Month Subscription, and give yourself the gift of reading in 2017.

Check out my bookshelf for more reading suggestions.

November 25, 2016
The Chameleon by Merrick Rosenberg

I received The Chameleon for review from The Cadence Group. All opinions are 100% my own thoughts.

Do you have a personality? Do you know someone with a personality? It was the subtitle “Life-Changing Wisdom for anyone who has a personality or know someone who does” that got me to pick up The Chameleon by Merrick Rosenbeg.

About The Chameleon:

Laugh and learn through twenty-two entertaining fables that reflect the challenges you experience in your lifestory. Guided by an all-knowing chameleon, four unassuming birds play the roles of the personality styles. The insights gained from their interactions and struggles will lift you to new heights of understanding yourself.

Join an Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl in their enlightening journey as you learn to Capitalize on your strengths, deepen your most important relationships, enhance your career, and live a more fulfilling life.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened The Chameleon. I thought maybe it would be like reading about INFJ’s, etc, type personalities. Would I really learn more about myself, and be able to improve my own life through the book? I wasn’t sure, but everything is worth trying if it could improve ourselves.

So I started reading. The Chameleon is separated into 4 sections, differentiated by the 4 seasons. The fables of the birds were written simply, so anyone can understand and not miss the meaning. What I truly enjoyed in the book were the chapters following the fables. The Chameleon’s wisdom taken and applied to my actual life.

To my utter delight, I did find many useful bits of wisdom that have helped me lower my anxiety over situations I can’t control, and learn the language of my family so I can speak in ways they understand. Never did I identify with just one bird, though. Rather with each story, I found myself seeing qualities of each of the birds in my own personality. I’d almost say instead of the bird, I’m more like the chameleon – adjusting to my surroundings.

Check it out! What Bird personality will you identify more with?

November 2, 2016
Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals by Charles Ghigna + Giveaway

I received Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals for review from Blue Slip Media. All opinions are 100% my own honest thoughts.

What’s a good Halloween without a few strange and unusual facts about some fairly gross and some cool animals? This is exactly the book every family needs for those little boys who love finding animals to bring home and share with the family. Some girls love it too!

Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals has all the weird and wild facts you always wanted to know, including the ugliest animal on the planet. Oo doesn’t that cover just make you want to dive in? Doesn’t that cover just make you want to dive in? Personally some of it just gives me shivers, but then there is, of course, an unassuming picture of a hummingbird smack in the middle. I think maybe I can get through this book without shuddering the rest of the day.

Per the title of the book, this one is separated into 4 very distinct sections. It makes it easy to skip the really shivering inducing animals, or jump to them if you’re so inclined. The book opens with the Strange Animals, moves to the Unusual, then proceeds to the Gross animals, and ends with the cool ones.

I love that in the Animal Planets we’re not always reading cover to cover. We kind of skip around, and find a page that fascinates us. I thought I’d start with the Rosy Wolfsnail. It had such a pretty name, and looks to me like other snails. Oh no! No this snail is 3x faster than it’s brothers and it’s a cannibal! Thank you for that image.

So then I jumped to page 48 to check out the Newly Discovered Creatures. These are actually pretty cool, especially because it means we’re still discovering new animals on this planet! I mean really how awesome is that? Make sure you check it out to see the Ghost Octopus, and the Hog-nosed Rat.

Who is on the Poop emoji bandwagon these days? If you love that, you’ll love these gross animals and learning about their poop – and which animals you never knew ate their poop….GROSS!

I decided to end my first perusing of the book with the cool Glow-In-The-Dark animals. Most are found in the ocean, but we do get the pleasure of seeing fireflies in our own front yard. We didn’t have them living in Utah or North Dakota, so the kids are pretty thrilled with these little light up bugs.

What Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool animals will pull you in? Have an animal loving kid, who would freak over this book? Enter the giveaway today!

1 reader will win a copy of Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals by Charles Ghigna. Open to US 18+. Ends 11/14/16

ENTER ON MOBILE HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October 31, 2016
Animal Planet Summer Learning

I received Animal Planet books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Summer vacation has come to an end for us, but we’ve had a summer of fun and learning thanks to the new books from Animal Planet.

Two new books were introduced this summer to the Animal Bites collection, and an Animal Atlas as well. My kids have gotten really into these, and so have their cousins.

I have one nephew who loves to come over, but because he’s older than all the other kids, he doesn’t always have something to do at my house. When I showed him Animal Planet’s books, he was thrilled and spent a good hour browsing the photos and information and showing me which ones were his favorites.

What are your kid’s favorite animals? There are a lot of interesting animals out there, and some you can’t see in a zoo. The photos in these books are absolutely stunning! Check out some of our favorites.

This Tiger is probably my favorite of the photos. The eyes looking right at you, so close, it is just stunning.

The Komodo Dragon was one of my nephew’s favorites to find and point out. You can find both the Tiger and Komodo Dragon in the Animal Atlas Book.

Would your kids love the Animal Planet Animal Bites and Animal Atlas Books?

One lucky reader will win a bundle of the 4 Animal Bites books. That includes

Animal Bites: Farm Animals

Animal Bites: Ocean Animals

Animal Bites: Wild Animals

Animal Bites: Polar Animals

Enter on the Rafllecopter form below. Open to US 18+ ends 8/26/16

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 17, 2016