David Travels to the Past ~ Review and Giveaway

David Travels to the Past
By Gonzalo Martínez de Antoñana
       and María José Mosquera

This book has two stories that explore the origins of art. Each story is set in a different time thats very uniqueness shaped art then and even in a small measure now.

The Rock Painters
Art of the Upper Paleolithic Period

David is determined to learn all there is about art and his tutor Master Messina comes up with an ingenious plan to help David learn.  Traveling back to prehistoric times in an unique manner David is transported to the beginnings of art. 

But a fun art lesson turns into something more when David and Master Messina join up with a group of prehistoric hunters who in their movements bring them into the LasCaux caves. David and Messina take part in the day-to-day lives of the ancient artists who were hunters of what they painted.

The Babylonians
The Art of Mesopotamia

In their second adventure into the past of art David, Master Messina and Angela travel into the time of the Assyrian, Babylonian and Sumerian people hoping to learn all they can about the art of Mesopotamia. And when David makes a comment about wanting to learning the beginnings of Mesopotamian art the three are taken into the past by a most unexpected guide to the Ninive Library! 

But the chance to hunt with Assurbanipal draws David while the library lures Messina and Angela to its treasures of knowledge. But the origins that they are searching for can't be found here so when a little help they again change times seeking the assistance of Hammurabi in their quest. The art of the Mesopotamians took many forms painting, etching, sculptures, and even the architecture. Along the way they learn about the rulers, myths and gods of the time that helped shape the culture and the art. 

This Graphic Novel will capture the attention of readers with the 2 stories. Entertaining while educating in a subtle manner the early art movements that have had a lasting impact on art through the ages. Reluctant readers will enjoy this book at 72 pages it will hold their attention through both stories.


I received this book free of charge from the publisher all opinions expressed are my own.

Book Description:

David is a young and restless apprentice painter who wants to know everything about painting. His intelligent teacher, the Master Messina, invents a way of transporting David through time to prehistory. They go there looking for the origins of art, but once they are there nothing will be as they thought.

In a second adventure they travel towards the unknown art of Mesopotamia. This time they won´t go alone. The sympathetic and intelligent Angela will travel to the past with them bringing her particular point of view.

Buy the Book:

​USA: Amazon  ~  Kindle ~  Barnes and Noble

​UK: Amazon  ~ Kindle

Australia: Fishpond  ~  Booktopia ~ Kindle

Author and Illustrator:

María José is a teacher. She won international illustrations awards.

Gonzalo has a degree in art history. He works in museums and as a tourist guide.

Connect with them: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Pinterest

Giveaway:​

Prizes ​

Win a print copy of the graphic novel

David Travels to the Past

(open int’l / 5 winners)

Ends Dec 10

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Natural Color ~ Review

Natural Color
By Sasha Duerr

Vibrant plant dye projects 

for your home and wardrobe

Natural Color is a delightful and educational look at the world of natural plant-based dyes. There is a wide range of projects for both your home and your attire. The projects are detailed with the needed ingredients and equipment and step-by-step directions. The accompanying photographs are gorgeous. 

Natural Color addresses the healthy attributes of dyes that are based from natural sources. But the safety concerns are addressed as well as what steps to take both in the making and disposal of the dyes.

The sections discussing fibers, water types and mordants are completely fascinating. I also enjoyed learning about the different dying processes and that some dyes can take up to a year to complete (using persimmons). 

For those looking for an added benefit of creating your own unique look, depending on what plants one uses can, one can have a health boost from this process and not just from absence of harmful chemicals from commercial dyes. 

This book would be a great gift to give to the family making for some fun memories as you work towards various projects.  With the options for changing the colors subtly or drastically you could end up with a rainbow of projects that you love.

I'm looking forward to working with the citrus based dyes along with some of the fragrant herbs. I can just imagine how much fun it will be to explore all the colors that can be created at home. There is a time commitment involved but I believe it will be worth it. 

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

A beautiful book of seasonal projects for using the 

brilliant spectrum of colors derived from plants to 

naturally dye your clothing and home textiles.

Organized by season, Natural Color is a beautifully photographed guide to the full range of plant dyes available, drawn from commonly found fruits, flowers, trees, and herbs, with accompanying projects. Using sustainable methods and artisanal techniques, designer, artist, and professor Sasha Duerr details achievable ways to apply these limitless color possibilties to your home and wardrobe. Whether you are new to dyeing or more practiced, Duerr's clear and simple ingredients lists, step-by-step instructions, and detailed breakouts on techniques such as shibori, dip-dye, and block printing will ensure beautiful results. With recipes to dye everything from dresses and sweaters to rugs and napkins, Natural Color will inspire fashion enthusiasts, home decorators, textile lovers, and everyone else who wants to bring more color into their life.   

Thoughts on Inspirational Persons ~ Born This Way Trailer and Giveaway

Inspirational Persons

What makes a person inspirational?  Is it a selfless act?  An act to champion a cause? Or is it the quiet person behind the scene who sees a need and just gives of themselves?

Any of these can be a source of inspiration, but in my life I'd have to say the people whom I've found to be inspirational are those who gave of themselves to help people whom society would have said were unnecessary.  Giving of their own time to make sure that there were places that these unique individuals could feel at home and safe.

An example of this is D.B. who wanders the streets of town, she needs a walker to get around and she looks forward to her daily visits to the businesses along the town's main street.  She only ever carries a few coins with her as she makes her way.  D.B. is well known for her delight in baked goods, but her few coins aren't enough to purchase them. But an employee who works where D.B. purchases her baked goods covers the price difference - never making mention of D.B.'s lack of funds.

This is a true inspiration - one that most people know nothing about - only those who work with this individual know of this selfless deed.

Those who do because they can and don't seek out acclaim for their deeds are those who I find inspirational.  There are inspiring people all around us some working in secret while others are more visible.  Inspiration can be found where you least expect it but if you look you will find it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Born This Way is premiering its second season on A and E on Tuesday, July 26. 

And I'd like to offer a quick peek at what this inspirational show has to offer.

About the show:

Learn more about the show here

Giveaway:

Who is the inspirational person in your life?

Reply in the comments section below to 

nominate this person for a Target Gift Card.

Rules:

You must include the first name of the person you are 

entering and why they are an inspiration to you.

The winning nominated person will be sent the

gift card along with a copy of why they won.

Nominations will be accepted Monday July 25 through Friday July 29 11:59 pm CDT.

Open to US mailing addresses only.

Jesus and the Jihadis ~ Review

Jesus and the Jihadis
Confronting the Rage of ISIS
By Craig A. Evans
   and Jeremiah J. Johnston

ISIS is almost constantly in the news, but what do we really know about this ideology?  Craig Evans and Jeremiah Johnston offer thoughtful insight through this book.

To get an understanding we must go back thousands of years to Abraham and the choices he made when he followed God out of the land of his father. Abraham was promised a land for his descendants, a land that would be theirs. But the children of Abraham and Sarah had a problem - they were forever turning from God, worshiping other gods, going through periods of captivity and restoration. Israel's history comes to it most important moment with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This is one of the most important differences between Christianity and Islam - God died for us while Allah desires that you die for him.

Jesus came from a world that had stability with synagogue attendance, knowledge of Scripture, and prayer. Muhammad came from a world of paganism, polytheism, and tribal rivalries.  But Muhammad was free to develop his religious system how he desired - the monotheism of Judaism appealed to him, as did Jesus as a prophet - not as God's son. He combined these with some of the beliefs of his own upbringing.

With nonviolent beginnings, Muhammad's preaching and evangelistic works became coercive and militant in the face of opposition from the Arabs of his day. Where Jesus commands us the love our enemy, Muhammad's God does not want us to befriend or love our enemy or his.  This is a noted difference one that can be traced to the differences in one's understanding of who God is. To battle one's enemy is the greatest service one can do in the name of Allah and live or die one will be rewarded in pleasures.

In order to counter the threat that the has come to our very doorstep we must learn about the religion of Muhammad. Shockingly this was a sentiment put forth nearly 500 years ago by Martin Luther as Europe was under the shadow of the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Our very ignorance is undermining our sharing of the grace of God and the hope found in Jesus and His sacrifice.

This is a book that will make you think more deeply about the world we live in and the ever present threat that we now live with.  To understand ISIS we need to know the roots from which they grew. This was not an overnight transition but one that has been centuries in the making. The saying knowledge is power couldn't be more true.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Book:

The book that Christians want 

and need

For this urgent hour in history   

As ISIS dominates news headlines, attention is given to the terrorist group’s ideology… when the true motive of their mayhem is actually revealed in their theology!  

Major General Michael K. Nagata of the Special Operations forces in the Middle East explains that “we do not understand the movement… and until we do, we are not going to defeat it.”
 
The key to defeating ISIS’ regime of terror is understanding its theology.
 
This is why two leading Biblical scholars offer this go-to guide to understanding ISIS’ distorted theology. Through fresh historical and Biblical insights, discover how ISIS’ acts of violence, terrorism, and persecution impact your life and your faith today.
 
Get revealing answers to questions such as:

• How did three faiths come out of one man—Abraham?
• Why does ISIS utilize social media and technology for terrorist propaganda?
• Is ISIS Islamic and would Muhammad himself join this group?
• How do the Gospels and the Qur’an see Jesus differently?
• How does Biblical history address the development of ISIS?

 
The question millions are asking is Why? Why the hate? Why the persecution? Why the murder? To find the answer, you will trace the origins of ISIS’ radical theology and discover why these acts of terrorism are happening, what they mean, and where they are taking us.

About the Authors:

Craig A. Evans received his Ph.D. (1983) in New Testament from Claremont Graduate University. Evans appears regularly in various specials on History Channel, History Television, Discovery Channel, Day of Discovery, National Geographic Channel, BBC, and NBC Dateline. For fun Evans participates annually in archeological digs in the Middle East and volunteer-teaches at schools world-wide. Professor Evans lives in Kentville, Nova Scotia, with his wife Ginny; they have two grown daughters and a grandson.

Dr. Johnston is a New Testament scholar, teacher, apologist, and speaker. His passion is equipping Christians to give intellectually informed accounts of what they believe. Dr. Johnston completed his doctoral residency in Oxford, in partnership with Oxford Centre for Christian Studies, and received his Ph.D. from Middlesex University (United Kingdom) with commendation.

Dr. Johnston currently serves as the founder and President of Christian Thinkers Society, a resident Institute at Houston Baptist University where he also serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Christian Thought. For more information, visit www.ChristianThinkers.com.

Jesus Helps Me ~ Review

Jesus Helps Me
By Callie Grant
Art by Missi Jay

Jesus Helps Me is part of the Knowing My God series from Graham Blanchard and is one of their Learn books.  This book focuses on John 12:44-47 helping children to learn and grow in their understanding of faith.

Focusing on different variety of birds as they live and raise their own young, children are made aware of the different aspects of what faith is and how it applies in our own lives,  This is a book that can grow with your child as you focus on the different aspects as they grow.  The Scripture references are the foundation and the lessons about faith and birds are the building block that will add to one's understanding of the world around us and personal faith.

The pictures of the birds will capture children's attention as you spend time reading the book to and/or with them.  This is a board book so it can withstand some rough book love.  At 18 pages this will hold even the shortest attention span.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK (18 pages):

Jesus Helps Me, new to the Knowing My God series, offers four levels of exploration: a quoted Bible passage, beautiful real-world photographs, supportive captions to relate the passage meaning to a child’s life, and thinking questions to personalize the experience. A parent guide gives tips for involving a baby, toddler, and child. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Jesus Helps Me is a Learn book, which makes personal Bible study accessible to young children who, alongside adults, build a foundation for faith and a lifelong friendship with Jesus. These books grow with your child! Find out more about our Learn, Absorb & Praise™ framework for children’s books at GrahamBlanchard.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com.

Reef Libre ~ Book and DVD Review with Giveaway

Reef Libre
CUBA The Last, Best Reefs in the World
By Robert Wintner

Political forces have kept Cuba's waters and reef habitats relatively safe over the years from tourists, economic development, and the destructive aquarium trade.  But this protected world may soon be threatened as barriers to Cuba are dropped.

Reef Libre explores the untamed beauty that lies beneath the surface of the sea while examining the Cuban culture and the potential changes that may be coming as travel restrictions are lifted.

Unlike most of the world's reef systems Cuba's are alive and thriving with an abundant and vast variety of species coexisting within this self-sustaining environment.  The aquarium trade has decimated most of world's reefs as "collectors" harvest species that are vital to the health and vitality of these fragile ecosystems.

The book is filled with photos of this Cuban excursion from both land and sea.  Much of the land focus is Havana  - the life style, the people, and the political ideologies that have shaped this land isolated from industrialization and capitalistic greed.

But the true beauty comes from the sea - images most will never see for themselves are brought vividly to life.  Vibrant colors, graceful artistry that no artist's brush could ever create.

But this beauty and vibrance lies not only on the pages of this book as there is an included DVD Reef Libre The Movie.  Much that can be found within this book can be seen on this DVD, but where the book offers still images the DVD captures the reef as it lives.  We are brought into the very essence of the life of the reef.  With over 45 minutes of video one can almost feel as if one is actually there. To experience such beauty one can only be grateful to the author, Robert Wintner and his team for allowing us to take part in the experience.

This set would make a lovely gift - perfect for the armchair world traveler, the ocean aficionado, or anyone with even a passing interest in Cuba.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Cuba reefs host apex predators and coral cover at optimal levels. While Cuban reef vitality may be linked to economic default and no shoreline development, no agricultural pesticides or fertilizers and limited human population growth, the Castro regime is aggressively developing its reef potential.

Seas to the south are now 100% shark protected.

Most Cuba travelogues advise “getting off the beaten path,” but Reef Libre examines that path, to see where it might lead as things change. Will Cuba reefs remain protected? Or is this perilous age of natural decline a last chance to see a healthy reef system?

Robert Wintner and the Snorkel Bob Jardines de la Reina Expedition herein provide narrative insight with photos and video. First stop is the baseline: Havana urban density. Down south at Cayo Largo, reef collapse seems imminent with 600 guests changing daily, and the phosphate-laden laundry water flowing directly to the deep blue sea. Will Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism step up with the Jardines de la Reina paradigm? Rising from the Golfo de Ana María, Jardines is a thousand square miles of mangrove estuary, for ages compromised by constant extraction of its biggest predators, taken as food. Protected, it now rises on the world reef stage.

A DVD comes with the book in a paper sleeve glued to the inside cover. Reef Libre, the movie, runs about an hour.

Buy the book:    Amazon    Barnes and Noble

Watch the Trailer:

Author's Bio:

Best known as Snorkel Bob in Hawaii and around the world, Robert Wintner captures Cuba above and below the surface with urgency and hope. As a pioneer in fish portraiture, Wintner demonstrated social structure and etiquette in reef society. Reef Libre goes to political context, in which human folly will squander Cuba’s reefs as well—unless natural values can at last transcend political greed. As pundits joust over who did what to whom and why, Wintner ponders reef prospects in view of political changes.

Robert Wintner has authored many novels and story collections. Reef Libre is his fourth reef commentary with photos and his first overview of survival potential in a political maelstrom. He lives and works in Hawaii, still on the front lines of the campaign to stop the aquarium trade around the world.

Connect with the author:     Website  ~   Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win a $25 Amazon gift card (open internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Animals Have Feelings Too ~ Review with Excerpt

Animals Have Feelings, Too!
Exploring Emotions from A to Z
Written by Karen Lee Stevens
Illustrated by Teri Rider

Have you ever wondered what your pet is feeling?  If so you need to read Animals Have Feelings, Too! which explores the different emotions that you and your favorite pet just might be sharing.

Working through the alphabet from A to Z this is an excellent educational and entertaining book. The adorable illustrations of Sandy and Willow will delight children as they work their way through the alphabet of emotions.

This book is recommended for ages 4 and up.  One could almost view this book as an emotional dictionary for kids, for example R is for Relaxed -- Free of worry or anxiety.  The soft rumbling of Willow's purr helps me feel relaxed.

You now have a new tool to help your little reader learn their ABCs while they learn to understand their favorite pet at the same time.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Author:

Karen Lee Stevens is the founder and president of All for Animals, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a compassionate world for animals and children through humane education and literacy programs that nurture the human-animal bond.

Karen is also an author and a Certified Humane Educator who, for the past 14 years, has given presentations to thousands of elementary school children and has helped them learn how to treat animals with love and respect.

In February, 2013, Karen launched ARF! (Animals + Reading = Fun!), a unique literacy program that gives children from all walks of life an opportunity to improve their reading skills and inspire them to become life-long readers by reading aloud to specially trained therapy dogs.

Her latest children’s picture book is Animals Have Feelings, Too! Exploring Emotions From A to Z.

For More Information:
Visit Karen Lee Stevens’ website.
Connect with Karen on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Karen.

About the Book:
Title: Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z
Author: Karen Lee Stevens
Publisher: All for Animals
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Filled with humor and whimsical illustrations, this enchanting and educational A to Z guide takes young readers on a journey through the alphabet with a lovable Labrador retriever named Sandy, who shows kids that animals and people share many of the same feelings. From A is for Affectionate to Z is for Zonked, Animals Have Feelings, Too! helps children to understand and express their feelings and to treat animals with kindness and respect.

For More Information:
Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z is available at Amazon.
Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

Hi Kids,

My name is Sandy and I’m a yellow Labrador retriever. Most of the time, I’m a happy-go-lucky pup, but once in awhile, I feel lonely or grumpy, too. Just like you, I experience lots of different emotions (that’s a BIG word for feelings).

When I’m happy, I wag my tail and let out a soft ruff-ruff-ruff as if to say Let’s play!  When I’m annoyed or frightened, I may grumble and growl, meaning Back off, buddy! Stay away!

My feline friend, Willow, likes to remind me that I’m not perfect, but I love her anyhow.  And that’s why I’ve asked her to help me introduce you to my very favorite feeling words. I hope you’ll share them with your human family and, of course, your furry and feathered friends!

Love,
Sandy

The Prince Who Was Just Himself ~ Review

The Prince Who Was Just Himself
By Silke Schnee
Illustrations by Heike Sistig

The third prince was a little different than his two older brothers.  He wasn't as quick as they were and he seldom spoke.  But he had a caring and loving heart.  This caring would one day save the kingdom he called home.  Because of his caring he was able to touch the heart of the kingdom's greatest threat - Scarface.

A simple act of compassion can touch even the hardest heart.  And sometimes the least likely person becomes a hero because he fights with his heart rather than a weapon.

The Prince Who Was Just Himself is a story that was inspired by the author's own son Noah, who, like Prince Noah, was born with Down syndrome.  The greatest lesson to take away from this story is that by being one's self - one person can change the world around them without making an effort to be someone they aren't.

There is also information about Down syndrome found at the back of the book that a parent or teacher can use to answer any questions that might arise after reading this story.

I was provided a copy of this book by Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book

 

The royal couple is looking forward to their third child. "He looks a little different," muses the king at Prince Noah's arrival. "He is not like the others," agrees the queen. Soon they notice what a very special person he is, even though he can't do everything his brothers can. 

When the youngest prince disarms the cruel knight Scarface, the nation's most dreaded enemy, with an act of compassion, everyone finally realizes how good it is that each person is unique. 

This delightfully illustrated fairy tale for children three years and older instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom. 

The author is Silke Schnee, who is a journalist and the mother of a child with Down syndrome. This book has wonderful insights into the joy children with disabilities can bring those around them. 

What Others Are Saying 

"A gentle fairy tale about a young prince with Down syndrome who saves his kingdom from a menacing knight.... [It] offers a special needs child in a positive, starring role and can be read simply as a satisfying fairy tale....The author, herself the mother of a child with Down syndrome, and the illustrator ably introduce a difficult subject in a fictional context with a light, sure touch." --Kirkus Reviews 

Heartbreak Trail ~ Review

Heartbreak Trail
An Andrea Carter Book 
Circle C Milestones 2
By Susan K, Marlow

Andi (Andrea) Carter is determined to take a part in this year's cattle drive.  And with her 15th birthday fast approaching this may be her best chance to finally get her wish.  But some wishes may be best left unfulfilled.

Cattle drives are not all fun and adventure as Andi and her younger cousin Levi are about to discover after being assigned as Cook's helpers!  Andi's dream has been to take part in driving the cattle or managing the horses not gathering wood and washing pans.

Dust, biting mosquitoes, bed rolls on the hard ground, and a hard wagon seat what more could a girl want?  But when a dangerous river crossing takes a wrong turn lives are in the balance and the drive is suddenly short-handed.  Can Andi and Levi cover this shortage and help get the cattle to Los Angeles?

Heartbreak Trail is just that as the hardships and the dangers of driving cattle to market are experienced through Andi's eyes.  Fans of Andi will love her newest adventure as she learns some important lessons about life on the trail and about herself.  Andi is about to grow up in ways she never expected.

Tweens and teens will delight in this determined young woman.  This book would be an excellent addition to any home or school library, and with school just around the corner this would be a great choice for any historical fiction book reports that may be coming up!

I was provided a copy of this book through Kregel in exchange her my honest review.

About the book:

Andrea Carter can ride, rope, and cut out cattle with the best of her brothers' ranch hands. Yet, her mother has always held the family's youngest daughter back from fully participating in ranch activities.

With the approach of her fifteenth birthday, even the ranch boss, big brother Chad, can't deny that his baby sister is better at ranch skills than some of his cowhands. When Andi announces that her quinceañera birthday wish is to join the upcoming cattle drive, her family is stunned. But after further discussion and multiple newspaper clippings about spirited women who balked at society's expectations, even Mother agrees that the only way to get this cattle-drive notion out of Andi's head is by letting her and her cousin Levi go along as Cook's helpers. Andi is elated. What can go wrong on a two-week drive to Los Angeles?

Andi quickly discovers that a cattle drive is a dirty, dangerous business with little sleep and the same food day after day. Between late nights, dust, mosquitoes, and an abrasive cowhand trying to win Andi's attention, it is definitely not a holiday. Andi grimly determines she will stick it out. When a river crossing goes wrong and Chad is shot in a gunfight with suspicious men who have been shadowing the herd, Mitch the trail boss finds himself dangerously shorthanded. Andi and Levi can no longer just give Cook a hand. It's time to pitch in and help Mitch get their cattle to market--any way they can.