Ella Freda Organics Facial Moisturizer [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: Ella Freda Organics Facial Moisturizer was surprisingly effective for a product in this price range. It has been said that Retinol is a standard go-to product for results in the care of your skin and to slow the signs of aging we all disdain. No one wants dry, wrinkled skin. We don't want tiny wrinkles and we most definitely don't want those deep wrinkles.

This new product from Ella Freda Organics is a Facial Moisturizer. It has a texture somewhat between serum and cream in density. I apply a moderate amount to my entire face (avoiding close to eyes), chin, neck, and ear lobes and behind ears (neglected area). It goes on smoothly and I use smoothing upward strokes that rotate massaging the tension away and the moisturizer into the skin. My hands have a slight "tacky" feeling to them as does the face, but it soon dissipates. 

After moisturizing my skin, I cream around my eyes (using whatever current product I have) and occasionally use a nice skin oil to further moisturize. After caring for my skin, I apply my makeup for the day whether it is a stay-at-home day with little or no color added or a one of my full-out makeup days. Beauty products work well with the Ella Freda Organics Facial Moisturizer.

Anti aging skin care is a multi step process. Genetics plays a part in how our skin ages and we can't control that. Stress and living in a highly emotional state is highly detrimental. You need to protect your face from sun damage while still getting sun to maximize your Vitamin D - balance is key. Also, a healthy diet is good. I prefer a pretty well rounded diet that provides the nutrients we need without the extra calories and harmful foods and additives. Then finally, one needs to protect the skin from the elements and environmental pollutants by using a good moisturizer. Use the best you can afford looking for those with preventative and anti-aging ingredients. 

As with the Ella Freda Retinol Moisturizer Cream used in the evenings, this Facial Moisturizer used in the evenings prior to bedtime, has my facial skin looking amazingly good with the wrinkles surprisingly diminished and the "sleep wrinkles" pretty nonexistent. The product has a caution warning about getting it too close to one's eyes, but of course I don't use it real close to the eyes - that's a definite no-no for me because I have very sensitive eyes. But I  apply it liberally all over my face and chin and then a bit on the ear lobes and just under the ears. Using this Facial Moisturizer in the morning and evening works very nicely.I can only imagine what regular, long-term use could do. (Find on Amazon)

Ella Freda Organics Facial Moisturizer (anti-aging) is pictured here with their Retinol Moisturizer, and Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Find at https://EllaFredaOrganics.com
Use Coupon Code - BOGOHP (Buy one get one half price)

I think this is a good product and suggest you give it a try. Check out the Ella Freda Organics website.  Click Here

Product information: This anti wrinkle cream gently and thoroughly moisturizes without stripping, pore minimizer, drying or leaving build-up. Softens, repairs and reverses damage with natural healing, anti-aging ingredients. Our Face Moisturizer, an acne scar cream is perfect for all skin types. Improves condition of the pores and latisse. 

What we put into our products is just as important as what we leave out. This anti aging cream is formulated with 5 proven Bio-Active ingredients: Retinyl Palmitate -the ester of retinol, Aloe Barbadensis, Sodium Hyalurate. Green Tea & Licorice root Extract.

Suggested Use: Liberally apply to clean, gently-dried skin twice daily.

Caution: For external use only. Avoid direct contact with eyes.Rinse with water if direct eye contact occurs. Do not use on broken skin. For adult use only. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help right away. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and persists.Use sunscreen and avoid long term exposure to sun.

Ingredients

• Deionized Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice,
• Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid,
• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Collagen
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Allantoin
• Sodium Hyaluronate, Polydimethylsiloxane, Carbomer,
• Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate,
• Glycosaminoglycans, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate

Can't wait to see if you win the giveaway? Order now  

10% DISCOUNT = Use VERA10

BOGOHP = Buy One Get One Half Price 

GIVEAWAY

Ella Freda Organics Facial Moisturizer

Begins May 30

Ends June 23 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 
DISCLOSURE: I received a product cost free or highly discounted to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone after using the product and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided by Ella Freda Organics and shipped directly to the winner.

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

My thoughts:  A  wonderfully well written and interesting foray back to the 1880s showing the restrictions and obstacles facing women during those times. Nora, the leading lady, was lovingly raised by her mother  and her professor father who was key in developing her sense of presence, worth, and intelligence. He introduced her to his field of study - entomology, which she found great joy in sharing with him. This eventually led to her  attending Cornell University and studying the world of insects. 

This career goal of Nora's was dismissed as frivolous by her step-father. He tries to rule with an iron fist, making decisions and giving orders to Nora impacting her future college education, employment, and marriage - and to whom she will be married and when. She goes into full-Nora mode.

This means Nora is a free-thinking, highly-vocal, quite opinionated, impulsive, precocious lady that is quite ahead of her time. 

She does manage to be included in a field experience for several months where she traveled to India along with her fellow classmate, Her experiences in India are beautifully described and well articulated by the author. I am definitely not an insect enthusiast, but the author's descriptions of the country with its beautiful scenery and vast population of various insects, butterflies, and other living creatures was well written and I enjoyed reading it.

Nora learned that women and girls in India had less freedom than she herself. Her friendship with a young Indian girl was lovely and permitted Nora to grow personally. It also was her major pitfall as she made some rash decisions that placed her in danger.

A lovely read and a tremendous first publication by this new author, Kimberly Duffy. 

About the book: Determined to uphold her father's legacy, newly graduated Nora Shipley joins an entomology research expedition to India to prove herself in the field. In this spellbinding new land, Nora is faced with impossible choices—between saving a young Indian girl and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Ask a Southern lady what makes the South different

From my rambling thoughts in 2013.

Did you ask a Southern lady what makes the South different?

Ah, you ask a Southern lady what makes the South different? Well, we say "Yes Sir" and "No Sir" in these parts. We show respect. We call someone older than our self Mr. and Mrs. XXX and we hold the door for ladies and old folks.

We still expect baggers at the grocery to bag groceries and help the eldery get them to the car. Of course, the budget and the yanks have just about taken that away from us.

We like our tea strong and we like it sweet and we like it cold and not diluted too much with ice. Just enough to break a sweat on the glass if its warm outside.

We like our vegetables cooked tender and soft - not tender crisp (or raw). We do enjoy a nice cool salad but salads and cooked vegetables are two entirely different things.

Most of us talk slow enough so you can understand what we're saying and take it in. It usually gets pretty warm down here and we just can't rush things as much or our "boiler" will burst wide open.

Here in the "new South" we enjoy other things and foods as well as the next person. Just keep within the bounds of proper cooking. No "wave offering" of warmth over that food. We like it cooked hot and long. We like our grits - morning and night. We enjoy them with butter and we enjoy them with cheese. I don't like sugar and milk on mine and have never known a Southerner who does.

Now if you're from the North or from California (or Seattle) you might think we're a bit slow around here. Not so. We just take it easy because as I said..... that boiler might just explode in the heat. But if you'll be patient with us, we'll try to be patient with you and your fast talking, fast driving, fast living (well, they're doing that everywhere aren't they). We'll let you tell us about your ways and maybe you'll be courteous enough to let us share a bit about us, too.

Now, what 'r you having for supper tonight? Grits?

WHERE IS WISDOM? by Scott James

ISBN: 9781535965965
B&H Publishing

My thoughts:  It is surprising how much "theology" one can glean from a children's book. The author, Scott James, delves into Job 28 (click to read) to pull a nugget of wisdom for young readers or listeners.

The book of Job in Scriptures is difficult to comprehend. All that pain and suffering. All that advice. All that seeking. In Where Is Wisdom? the search (of Job 28 for wisdom) begins with an understanding that men are smart and searchers. Man searches for food from the Earth. For minerals that glisten and gleam from the depths of the Earth. And still he won't find Wisdom.

Beautifully illustrated the book begins with man seeking for hidden things. The text tells the story of man searching and working hard to find. And then the story, as does the Bible, brings home the truth that man can search but what he finds is a generous gift from God. And man needs to seek after God. The God of all. The one who will help man find wisdom.

A lovely book and one that can take parents and children deeper in understanding with each reading.

About the book: Where can we find wisdom? Down in the deep caverns? At the bottom of the ocean floor? This visual tour through the poetry of Job 28 parallels Scripture and leads readers on a treasure hunt through the wonders of God’s creation.

Among all the dazzling treasures this world has to offer, we learn of an even greater treasure—wisdom—and of the mighty God who alone can lead us to it. Beautifully illustrated, Where Is Wisdom? is a unique celebration of the words and imagery of Job, one that guides young readers high and low to marvel ultimately at the true end of wisdom, Jesus Christ.



DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from B&H Publishing, B&H Kids, to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl & illustrated by Lauren O’Hara - Walker Books US [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

ISBN: 9781536210224
Hardcover $18.99
Ages 5 - 8
Walker Books US
A Division of Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  This is sheer delight to read. You must read it aloud to a child or group of children who will certainly listen with rapt attention. Mabel is a precocious child and is the daughter, only child, of the owners of the Mermaid Hotel.

The hotel is Mabel's home, her playground, her fascination. And Mabel is fascinated or consumed with being a quirky, vocal, spying imp that is everywhere finding things and doings that fascinate her and of which she forms far-flung opinions of who, what, when, where.

And Mabel spies on Madame Badobeday and determines that she is an ancient (hint - old lady) spy who is currently hiding from those whom she has spied upon. The conclusion is simply she awaits her next assignment.

The story is in three sections and would make great read aloud sessions to build the suspense. Or your older youngish reader will be enthralled to read it all by themselves. It is a lot of fun reading about just who Madame Badobedah is (or was) and discovering about all the fascinating, odd, and beautiful items she has. Meanwhile, quirky, inquisitive Mabel is a darling going about in her inquisitive manner ferreting out information.

The real charm of the book is the multi-generational friendship that forms between the two. How a child can grow to like (even love?) an older, non-family person who is at the sunset moment of their life and needs someone to care is a gold nugget to pass along to children.

This book is a winner.

About the book: There’s a strange new guest at the Mermaid Hotel — a very old lady with a growly voice, bags stuffed with jewelry and coins and curiosities, and a beady-eyed pet tortoise. Mabel, whose parents run the hotel, is suspicious. Who is this “Madame Badobedah” (it rhymes with "Oo la la") who has come to stay indefinitely and never has any visitors? To find out, Mabel puts on her spy costume and observes the new guest. Conclusion? She must be a secret supervillain hiding out from the law. The grown-ups think Madame Badobedah is a bit rude — and sad — but when she invites “dahlink” Mabel for a cup of forbidden tea and a game of pirates, the two begin a series of imaginary adventures together, and Mabel realizes that first impressions can sometimes be very wrong. Conjuring two quirky heroines that young readers will love, Sophie Dahl adds her talented voice to a grand tradition of books that celebrate the alliance of the old and young in the face of humdrum adults, while Lauren O’Hara’s illustrations are as packed with intriguing details as Madame Badobedah’s suitcases.

GIVEAWAY - 2 Winners

Begins May 19

Ends June 15 at 12:01 a.m EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

NO P.O.Boxes & Canadian winners must provide phone number.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and sent directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.

Hungry for delicious beef stew

Occasionally I get a hankering for something that I cooked when my family was growing up. Of course, it was in larger quantities than I need these days, but still I sometimes just simply get hungry for some old fashioned comfort food.

So the other day when I was putting together an online grocery order that I would pick up nearly a week later, I thought of stew. What's not to like about a good pot of stew beef slow cooked for hours. Of course, sometimes it is a flat out bust when the meat isn't tender. But I had high hopes.

I ordered a pound of rather expensive stew beef. Angus beef. Grass fed. That's good stuff!

Of course, you don't always get what you order these days. It can be a missing item (sold out) or it can be a substitute. But I had faith that it would be the good stuff and would be in-the-bag. And it was! Not only was it there, the quantity was 1 1/2 pounds! Banner shopping day!

Since it has been a long time since I've cook stew and since this was such a premium item, I Googled for tips. Here's what I decided to do.......

I put a bit of plain flour in a nice, clean brown paper sack (no seasonings). Tossed in the chunks of beef a few at a time. Shook the bag after each addition. When all the beef had been coated with the flour. I placed a few chunks, spaced a bit apart so they would brown nicely, in my slow cooker that sautes as well as steams and slow cooks. A fabulous piece of kitchen ware to own.

I browned them at 400 degrees in 1/2 stick of butter and about the same amount of extra virgin olive oil. I like the taste of butter and I like the health benefits of olive oil. So I strike a good compromise. As each batch was browned, I gently lifted the pieces out - avoiding piercing them because I didn't want to let those juices escape.

When all was browned, I returned them all to the slow cooker. I added one envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix (beefy one) and one standard size can of Muir Glenn Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes. I rinsed the can with about 1/3 of a can of water. Stirred the mixture gently and put the lid on.

I simmered and slow cooked this for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. I didn't keep track.

This makes a rich, thick stew that will go with lots of veggies and perhaps rice or mashed potatoes.

I ate some and it is rich, tasty, and very very tender! I share some with my son and his wife.

Who are you going to bless with a bit of comfort food today? What will you cook?

Yoga Animals: A Wild Introduction to Kid-Friendly Poses - National Geographic Kids [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781426337529
Hardcover $16.99
National Geographic Kids

My thoughts:  Get ready for a super heaping load of cuteness as you and your little ones read this adorable book, with rhyming text and animals of all types reaching, stretching, slither and sliding and then you and your little one do the same thing.

A bit of yoga or simply exercises that promote flexibility and strength for both you and your little ones.

The book is a delight to look at. Straight forward in design with bright colors and flowing text. Explanations for the poses for humans (you and your young ones) to follow. And then at the back of the book, a few pages devoted to telling about the animals featured in the book and more on the various poses.

A winner! Hey, National Yoga Day is June 21.

About the book: Get ready to reach like a giraffe, curl up like a cat, and bounce like a bunny!  Rhyming text and stunning photos of animals in their natural habitats encourage young yogis to stretch along with nature-inspired yoga poses. Learn all about your favorites animals, practice mindful movements, and unleash your inner animal.  Named the “Coolest Yoga Instructor Ever” by Vanity Fair, Strala Yoga founder Tara Stiles assures yogis young and old to have fun, go with the flow and do what feels right and informational back matter make this a perfect introduction to yoga for little ones. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins May 17

Ends June 11 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.

Standoff (The Natchez Trace #1) by Patricia Bradley

My thoughts:  I never thought of park rangers as having to face dangers like murder, drug traffic, etc. but "Standoff" reveals the hazards of the job in this fast moving, suspense story. As the first in a series, "Standoff" delivers a compelling read that excites one to upcoming books along the same theme.

The Natchez Trace is a park ranging from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. The setting is real and the reality that crime on the trail truly exists is vividly painted in word pictures in Standoff. So while totally fiction, you have the feeling you're reading the behind the scenes saga of a major crime investigation and the off shoots of criminal acts associated with it.

The dirty deed is an undercover investigation into major cartel players.

Brook Danvers is a second generation Park Ranger and is about to be promoted. The death of her father throws her life into disarray as she copes with the fallout from that and her upcoming promotion. But then things get really complicated and convoluted.

I had a hard time keeping the characters straight and was surprise at some of the endgame results. Keeping the good guys and the bad guys straight in my mind and drawing conclusions as to who-dunnit was difficult.

Loved the book and am really looking forward to seeing what else is afoot on The Natchez Trace.

Read an Excerpt - Click Here

About the book: Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father's suspicious death, but she'll need the help of Luke Fereday--a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke's skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Two STEM titles from a middle school teacher that use real-world scenarios to make scientific inquiry relatable: THE ACADIA FILES SPRING and GEOMETRY IS AS EASY AS PIE

The Acadia Files: Book Four, Spring Science by Katie Coppens and illustrated by Holly Hatam (Tilbury House Publishers; 3/2020; Hardcover $13.95; ISBN: 978-0884486107; Grades 3-7; 88 pages) 

My thoughts:  This is a delightful series of books for inquisitive readers. My granddaughter simply loves the earlier books in the series and I know she will love this Spring Science book as well.

Acadia is an inquisitive child that simply absorbs information and turns it around in her mind to comprehend what she is learning. As each of the chapters closes, Acadia has experiments and conclusions of her own. She records her thoughts and how she derives the conclusions. Then she poses a question or so that presents "What if's?" to contemplate.

The Signs of Spring chapter is beautifully written and illustrated. Acadia tells her friends about triggers for the Spring awakening of flowers, trees, frogs. And then the chapter on Ticks is informative presenting what ticks are, how to find and identify them, and the danger they present to people.

The dangers of DDT are also covered in a different chapter and this provides information on how to care for our planet and the dangers that toxic chemicals are to the environment and to people.

A must have series for homes with precocious readers.

About the book: There are five stories of spring, each one followed by Acadia’s science notebook pages with her simple explanations and lively, whimsical drawings of natural phenomena by New York Times bestseller Hatam. The Acadia Files is a fun introduction to the wonders of science, using real-world scenarios to make scientific inquiry relatable and understandable. Parents and educators can use The Acadia Files to let kids discover for themselves what it’s like to be curious about the world and to satisfy that curiosity with scientific thinking.

Acadia Greene has done science in summer, autumn, and winter. In the fourth and final book of this series, she carries her search for answers into the spring, investigating meteors and mass extinctions; germination and pollinators; parasites, ticks, and Lyme disease; and pesticides and malaria. Finally, looking back through her notebooks, she puts together her scientific inquiries from all four seasons into a holistic understanding of the natural world. Acadia is curious, determined, bold, and bright―a wonderful STEM ambassador!

Geometry is as Easy as Pie (Tumblehome; 3/2020; Hardcover $17.95; ISBN: 978-1943431526; Grades 3-6; 40 pages) 

My thoughts:  This is an absolutely perfect introduction to geometry for the middle school student or precocious younger student. Readers will step into the kitchen and learn with real hands on experience how geometry is real in the real world and not just lines and equations on a sheet of paper.

Slowly, with clear and understandable terminology, the child will discover how making a pie has more than fruit, sugar, and flour to appeal to one's senses. How the beauty of presentation and construction of the pie is geometric.

I am simply awed that the author has so aptly presented this oft difficult concept and applied it in such a way that students won't ever see the world in the same way. They will mentally catalog the veggies on their plate. They will view the table laden with pie, cake, and other goodies in the world of polygons, triangles - acute and obtuse, and open and closed circles.

This is a must get book for homes with bright and inquiring minds to place on their home libraries shelves. In fact, it can easily pass as a recipe book since recipes using geometric discoveries are also included so the student can apply and discover these concepts.

About the book: With scrumptious-looking photos, easy recipes, and a variety of pies to bake or just ogle, this book provides a fun and memorable approach to thinking and learning about circles, polygons, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, tessellation, symmetry, area, volume, and more. This book will leave the reader with a taste for geometry!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Hand Lettered Truth by Debbie Bratton

Such a pretty, inspiring book. God's Word beautifully scrolled, lettered, colored brings comfort at a glimpse. I enjoyed reading through it and envy the talent displayed.


I like displaying a two-page spread of the book. It brings inspiration and joy to me as I pass it throughout the day.

A quiet moment of relaxation with a cup of tea and spiritual inspiration!

About the book: See Scripture in a whole new way with this inspiring gift book that includes 60 hand lettered verses by Instagram sensation Debbie Bratton.
Whether you are new to the Bible or are a seasoned reader, you'll see Scripture with new eyes through these elegant hand lettering designs from artist Debbie Bratton. Debbie began lettering in 2014 as a way to meditate on the word of God, using art to bring the Bible to life in a fresh way. She has since carved out a following on Instagram and Etsy of other creatives who find inspiration in her unique, artistic treatment of Scripture. Debbie's attention to detail and creativity make this a treasured and meaningful gift for any occasion.

Displayed on the piano for brief glimpses and inspiration.
Turn page daily to change. 

• 
  
• 
  
• Beautiful gift book featuring hand lettered Scripture
• Full-color interior design
• Presentation page for personalization
• A meaningful gift for any occasion

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch - from Kregel Publishing - blog tour & prize pack #giveaway

New Christian Regency Fiction book  for you to check out and a fabulous giveaway for you to enter. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Lost Lieutenant so much. The characters were delightful and the author fleshed them out beautifully in word pictures you could see in your mind's eye. You could feel their emotions of fear, anxiety, or joy as the story unfolded.

The social mores of the time were well addressed in the narrative clearly defining the distinct clash between social standings based on wealth and rank.

I grieved for Diana for her dreadful life at home with her harsh, unloving father. I cheered on Evan as he endures the effects of his wound in battle.

The sweet romance between Diana and her lieutenant, Evan, was a joy. The reliance on their faith to bring them through their troubles was inspiring.

I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in this series. 

About the book: He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

About the author: Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at www.ericavetsch.com or find her on Facebook.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize pack is provided by Kregel Publishing and/or publicist, "Read With Audra."

THIS RAINDROP (Has a Billion Stories to Tell) by Linda Ragsdale [Review & Giveaway]

Age Range: 5 - 8 years

Flowerpot Press

ISBN-13: 978-1486718177

My thoughts:  What a beautiful introduction to the life cycle of water told in a rather unique fashion with illustrations and textual positioning that provides interest and enjoyment.

Using a vocabulary and alliteration that is most likely beyond the age to which this book is targeted, it does, however, open the reader to share with the young listener the beauty of alliteration and to build their vocabulary in a way that is subtle and yet intentional.

This little drop of water has supposedly been here from the beginning cycling through cloud, rain, sea, river, on leaves and hills, flowing over and watering Earth's plants, people, and critters.

So while not a technical book, it does teach about the cycle of water. While the vocabulary uses words not familiar to young children, it begins to introduce the listener to unknown words identifiable in the illustrations. And while the alliteration is probably lost on the young listener, it is a beautiful exposure of this literary device that will benefit them throughout life.

"This drip is a master of mysteries!

Its magical molecules morph into thin air

then shape-shift back into something new,

like a single drop of dew in the morning."  

"Water is a witness to the wonders of the world."

"... sagas and secrets of travelers throughout time."

What an entertaining, educational book.

About the book: This beautiful tale follows a raindrop’s journey on Earth; from the time of the dinosaurs to the creation of the earliest cities an
d beyond. It explains how Earth has depended on the same water supply throughout its existence by flowing and falling all around us, fueling and forming much of what we have seen and used for millions of years.

Featuring a beautiful arlin paper cover with foil text enhancements and educational back matter including an explanation of the water cycle, the importance of water conservation, and resources for further reading, this book introduces a new understanding of our planet and encourages mindfulness and action when it comes to caring for the environment.
In partnership with Trees for the Future (TREES), each book sold plants a tree.

 💦 GIVEAWAY 💦 

Begins May 7

Ends May 31 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely give. Winner's prize is provided by publisher and/or publicist.

Big and Little Activity Devotional from Rachel Swanson and Jacy Corral

B&H Publishing

My thoughts: I know that during this trying time when families are having to remain at home and work from home (or be furloughed from work) and also teach their kiddies at home as much as is possible since the shelter-in-place or stay-at-home requirement is in place. So a break in the routine of required work is certainly in order.

This Big and Little Activity Devotional is quite unusual. Take at look at this really short video. It'll give you an idea of how it works and how it is different from any "activity book" you've ever seen.

I think the concept of the reversed pages where an adult or older child can work the activity while a younger child can access the other page. The book is flip style opening from bottom to top. The puzzles are pretty standard puzzles such as mazes, connect the dot or numbers, crosswords, color by number, etc. There is a devotional thought on each set of pages.

I found that for me personally the text is just too tiny on most every page. I don't know if slightly enlarging the dimensions of the book would make larger print workable.

Some activities are words, verses, and pictures simply for thinking about and coloring.  The choices of activities are quite varied and I think this would be a grand activity book for families.

About the book: Kids crave constant activities and attention. Adults crave quiet moments of refreshment. How can we achieve both? Big and Little Activity Devotional engages minds of all ages with biblical devotions, while providing a creative outlet through coloring and activities to diffuse stress.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.