TIME FOR KIDS BIG BOOK OF HOW
Author: Editors of TIME For Kids
Source: Goodman Media
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Time For Kids (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 160320184X
ISBN-13: 978-1603201841

SUMMARY:


TIME For Kids The Big Book of How presents kids 8-12 years old with answers to the kinds of intriguing questions that appeal to their sense of curiosity. Colorful graphics, spectacular photos and clear, engaging diagrams will help answer such questions as: How does a chameleon change colors?; How can a person survive in the jungle?; How do you build a teepee?; How do diamonds form?; How do light sticks work?; How are 3-D movies made?; How do astronauts train for a space mission?; How do we get cavities?; How does solar energy work? 

Divided by subject area-from animals, the human body and technology to sports, food and green issues-kids will discover the background behind the questions through the book’s photos, diagrams and art as well as its clear text. Of course, TIME For Kids goes beyond just answering the question, and engages kids with hands-on activities at the end of each chapter that bring life to a topic or idea they just read about. For example: If in the technology chapter kids learn how an airplane flies, the “How to” spread might include step-by-step instructions about how to fold a paper airplane or create a rotating helicopter. TIME For Kids The Big Book of How is a must-have book to satisfy the most curious of kids.


MY THOUGHTS:

I know that this is a book out of the norm for this blog, but every once in awhile a book comes along for review that I just have to read!  With a curious six year old in the house, my ears are constantly being flooded with questions on who, what, when, where, how and why.  When I simply don’t know, it frustrates my child to no end.  So when reading this book, I marked a bunch of the pages for those questions that I know are on the horizon.

One of the best things about this book is the rich in color photographs and special attention to detail that is present on each page.  For instance, my child wanted to make a paper airplane.  Now it has been years since I have made a paper airplane and I couldn’t even remember how.  I looked in the index and sure enough it had it listed.  I turned to the correct page and it gave me step by step instructions to make one.  I must say, it helped tremendously and my airplane actually flew through the air!  Score one for Mom and TIME For Kids!

Then with all of the news coverage of the recent NASA launch, my child had to keep asking how that rocket made it in the air.  I grabbed my copy of this book and looked it up again.  Sure enough, there was a page on how to launch a rocket!  We looked at the explanations and diagrams and figured out how and why a rocket launches.  Now, we didn’t try this out because I didn’t have the time that day, but I see a future Science Fair Project!

This book was amazing and my child can’t stop looking through it.  If you are a regular reader of TIME books, or if you are just wanting a great way to explain those curious questions your child likes to ask, then you need to get this book.  Everything is discussed with a child’s understanding in mind and explained easily for them to understand.  Now if you will excuse me, we are going to go and test out the theory on what makes Popcorn Pop and enjoy our treats!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading! 5 STARS


HUNTER’S FALL
The Hunters #13
Author: Shiloh Walker
Source: Blog Tour through The Book Vixen

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Original edition (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425241807
ISBN-13: 978-0425241806

SUMMARY:

Nessa lost her memory following a near-death experience. Dominic is a Hunter dealing with his own problems with memory and sanity. When the two are put together to battle the forces of darkness-while trying to restore what they’ve lost-their all-consuming passion becomes an even greater unknown.

MY THOUGHTS:

First, I will admit that I have not read these books in order.  I know that is a bad thing to do, but when you find an awesome author to read you can’t help yourself! What makes it easier is the fact that the author writes the book to where you don’t have to read previous books to understand the world that is created on the pages.  I love it when an author can suck you into a series that is this far along without confusion.


Nessa was an emotional character to read about. You could feel her pain and you could sympathize with her even at the lowest of times.  After losing her husband at an early age, she is desperate to just end things.  Oh, and by the way, Nessa is a witch who is hundreds of years old.  The author did a wonderful job of conveying her pain into words for the reader.  It tugged at my heart and I wished I could jump into the story and hug her.


Dominic has been having dreams of a mysterious woman.  You would think men would love to have these sort of dreams, but Dominic is no ordinary man.  He is a vampire hunter who is curious to know who the mystery women is.  Dominic decides to go on the hunt to find this woman when he realizes she could be real and in need of help.  When he finds her, you can feel the connection between the two.


Yes, the book is action filled along with some steamy scenes that this author writes beautifully!  At times, I found myself wanting to skip everything else just to see the connection between the two more!  If you are a new reader to this series, I feel you could enjoy this book just as much as if you have read the other books in the series.  The author created another masterpiece to add to her library of great achievements!  Even though this book is still a week away, I am anxiously awaiting the next book!


MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!
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Want to read more reviews on this amazing book? Stop by each blog on the tour to get a different view point from different bloggers!
THE BILLIONAIRE’S UNEXPECTED HEIR
By Kathie DeNosky

SUMMARY:
Becoming the new owner of Hickory Hills Thoroughbred farm was not in billionaire Jake Garnier’s plans. Becoming a father was even more unimaginable. For his new business came with one Heather McGwire, ranch manager…and mother to Jake’s secret child.

After barely surviving his own father’s desertion, Jake knew he couldn’t walk away from his responsibilities. Marriage seemed the only solution. Yet Heather wouldn’t settle for simple sweet talk and seduction. If Jake wanted a real family, he’d have to saddle up for the long ride.

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Thanks to Harlequin Ambassadors, I have three copies to giveaway!
Three books = THREE WINNERS!

CONTEST RULES:
  1. To enter, please leave a comment with an email to contact you with.
  2. Entrants must be 13 years of age or older
  3. Contest deadline is June 4th, 2011
  4. Contest open to USA only!
  5. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON! 



Just wanted to wish everyone a safe Memorial Day Holiday.
After my family enjoys the festivities today celebrating those men and women who have fought for our country, I will be posting a contest.  

Stay Safe everyone!