Lititi Water Squirt Gun

TIME FOR A WATER FIGHT

~ What ~
Made of an environmentally safe ABS plastic, this toy pistol can be filled with water as it shoots out a stream approximately 8 to 10 feet long. Able to hold 12 ounces of fluid, the gun measures 6.8 by 1.5 by 4.5 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces. Made for those 3 years or older, it is white with 3 random colors of blue, purple, and green with no instructions in a cellophane bag.

~ Why ~
With three grandkids who visit from out of state, we like to have plenty of fun toys around. This gun works great during the summer time as it shoots a steady stream by pushing a red trigger. It is easy to fill by adding tap water in its wide-mouth opening that has an attached lid. I like that it is has a white body but clear colored areas so one can see where the water level is.

~ Why Not ~
Some may be wary of water guns as their spray can hurt if shot directly in the face. Others may think the plastic is thin and will crack easily. The water does leak out if you rest the toy on its side.

~ Wish ~
With the first photograph online showing 3 guns, it would be helpful showing only one so it is not misconstrued there are more in the bag.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a fun water gun, this is is a viable option that will keep kids busy and cool during summertime; you may want to buy more than one for a water fight.

Thanks to Lititi for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to review.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

* CONTEST * Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump ~ Book Giveaways!

WIN CAROLE P. ROMAN’S CHILDREN’S BOOK,
OH SUSANNAH: THINGS THAT GO BUMP

The first 10 responders to post will win FREE from the author this 2nd in the Oh Susannah series book!

TEASER: “She had wasted all that time being afraid of something that wasn’t even real,” Susannah acknowledges in Carole P. Roman’s children’s book, Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest:

1.  Follow my blog if you do not already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Like at least one of Carole P Roman’s sites on the internet.

http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanCulturalBooksForChildren

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the%20crew%20goes%20coconuts&sprefix=the+crew+goes+coc%2Caps

https://www.facebook.com/cnbbook

http://www.caroleproman.com/

5. If you are the winner, please consider posting a review regarding what you thought of the book.

This is a FAST CONTEST ending Tuesday, July 25th, 2017, after 5 PM PST so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a book that is mailed from the publisher directly to you! Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I read & reviewed this 5 star book –

https://connywithay.wordpress.com/2017/07/23/oh-susannah-things-that-go-bump/

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump

Title: Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator: Mateya Arkova
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781947188136

“She had wasted all that time being afraid of something that wasn’t even real,” Susannah acknowledges in Carole P. Roman’s children’s book, Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump.

~ What ~
Second in the Oh Susannah series, this sixty-two-page paperback targets early elementary school-aged children and readers who like short chapter story books. With no profanity or violence, it would best be read to beginner readers based on some complicated words. Every two to nine-page chapter has a small black and white illustration at its beginning. The ending includes the author’s biography and the first chapter of the prior book in the series.

In this continuing short story, Susannah has been invited to sleep at her best friend’s house, but she is wary as she thinks a ghost lives there. After helping a blind girl, Susannah learns that others can be frightened of things too, including something innocuous as a unicorn. When Susannah goes to the sleepover, not only is she surprised by what she finds, but she also realizes that being afraid can be conquered.

~ Why ~
With this story being told in many short chapters, the book will engage young readers who can relate to having anxiety of the unknown. I like how a blind girl helped show Susannah the way to understanding fear and realize we all are scared of something. Having the chapters short and to the point keeps a new reader interested.

~ Why Not ~
The book contains many multi-syllable words so it may be hard for beginner readers to comprehend. One chapter is almost ten pages long so the reader may want to split it into two sections. Since the story ends with a teaser, it may frustrate some that they have to wait for the next book in the series.

~ Who ~
Award-winning author, Roman has written complete series for children of books based on countries, civilizations, and pirate genre as well as non-fiction for adults. She lives in New York with her husband and close to her children and grandchildren.

~ Wish ~
I wish the story were complete, but it forces the reader to anticipate the next book in the series. If four or five books were bundled in the complete series, it would be a nice box gift set for a young reader.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a short chapter book in a series that offers warranted lessons of life such as dealing with fear, this read would be an excellent choice, especially for young girls who love to read.

Thanks to the author for furnishing this complimentary book that I am reviewing freely.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales

Title: Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales
Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Illustrator: Kay Nielsen
Publisher: Racehorse Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-63158-133-5

“But the most memorable stories in the collection you are about to read, by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, are equally popular and unforgettable in a way that makes them unique, just as Andersen himself was,” the foreword by Joan D. Vinge states in the book, Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales.

~ What ~
At two-hundred-and-eighty-eight pages, this hardbound targets those who enjoy short stories from the iconic author. After a foreword, sixteen fairy tales are told that include a dozen colored illustrations plus black and white drawings by Kay Nielsen.

From four to fifty-two pages each, the stories include famous ones such as The Flying Trunk, The Nightingale, The Snow Queen, and the Elder Tree Mother to name a few. Whether they are fanciful or frightening, they are enjoyed by both young and old readers.

~ Why ~
Those who love Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales will appreciate this collection. When I first opened the book, I felt like a child opening my McGuffey Reader with the old-fashioned block font. I could easily envision reading the stories at bedtime to our grandchildren when they come for an overnight visit. After reading the tales such as The Real Princess, one may notice how many other tales are told regarding peas hidden in a mattress.

~ Why Not ~
Some young children may be frightened during some parts of these tales while others may not be able to comprehend their meanings. Others may want more simplified plots.

~ Wish ~
Since the book are dated fairy tales, it would be nice to include the background of why Andersen wrote each or when as that would be intriguing to learn.

~ Want ~
For those who enjoy Andersen’s classic tales, this would make a nice addition to a book collection for any age group.

Thanks to Bookpleasures and the author for this book that I freely evaluated.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

Night Night, Train

Author: Amy Parker
Illustrator: Virginia Allyn
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-7180-8932-0

“Night night, boys,
Night night, girls,
Night night, God, and night night, world,” the story ends in Amy Parker’s children’s book, Night Night, Train.

~ What ~
At twenty pages, this board book with a padded front cover targets children ages three to five years old. With no scary scenes, it is a nice story about a train with a family of dogs that heads to Sleepytown. Full page color illustrations of the animals on the train cover the pages.

Written in rhyme with some complicated wording, this tale involves a dog family of six boarding a train and getting a ride to bed while on it. With the furry pets getting tickets and entering the train, they find their seats, share a meal, read a book, take a bath, get into their pajamas, pray to God, climb into bed, and get a good night’s sleep, knowing that God is in control.

~Why ~
Having two granddaughters who are ages four and one years old, their routine is similar to this book in that they take a bath after dinner, read a book, and then get tucked into bed. I like how the book involves a train ride to bedtime and God loving us. The puppies are cute and adorable.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books that mention God may not approve of this book, but He is mentioned only three times. Some may not have the same bedtime routine as the book explains.

~ Wish ~
There is nothing I would change about this read.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a book to read at bedtime that is short and sweet, this one may gently rock a child to sleep as it chugs along the bedtime rails.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for furnishing this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

Nutrition Champion Krill Oil 500 mg

TAKE 2 – 4 A DAY – ONLY 2 WEEKS TO 1 MONTH’S WORTH

~ What ~
This bottle of 60 gel capsules contains 500 mg each of Antarctic krill oil along with dosages of EPA, DHA, and Omega-3, 6, and 9. Used to support heart and brain health, the oval red capsules are large, being about a half inch long. Ingredients included are krill oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, and natural lemon oil. Suggested use is to take 2 to 4 soft gels with meals per day. An expiration date of 05/26/2019 is posted on the bottle.

~ Why ~
One of the best features is that this product is made in the United States in a GMP approved facility. Since I am a fan of krill oil, I notice when taking it that my brain and memory works more efficiently than when taking only an Omega-3 or fish oil. I like that this bottle contains capsules of 500 mg each instead of 250 mg.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like there are only enough pills for 2 weeks to a month in the bottle if you want to take 1000 mg of krill a day (the bottle states to take 2 to 4 daily). Some may find their fishy smell and taste a problem, but I noticed no effects and the scent was limited to the bottle only. If you do not like swallowing gelcaps, these may not be for you.

~ Wish ~
I wish each capsule contained the 1000 mg instead of only 500 and more than a month’s worth were in the bottle.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for krill oil that is made in the United States and a good source of daily Omega-3, this is a viable option but take note you will have to reorder often as not enough are in the bottle.

I purchased this discounted product and am under no obligation to review it.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

100 Favorite Bible Verses

Title: 100 Favorite Bible Verses
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-7180-9695-3

“You’ll find that each passage offers its own gifts of comfort, direction, hope, and inspiration,” the introduction states in the book, 100 Favorite Bible Verses.

~ What ~
At two-hundred-and-twenty-four pages, this small hardbound devotional that targets women centers on a hundred verses from the Bible. Using mainly the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, also referenced are the ESV, KJV, NAS, NCV, NIV, and NLT versions. After a table of contents and introduction, each verse covers two pages, and ends with four lined pages for writing down additional verses.

Containing a hundred of the most favored Bible verses, each verse in a random order has a theme title on the left side of the page with several paragraphs of a devotion under it and a short prayer. The opposite page has the written-out Bible verse with a few words highlighted in a fancy font. Both Old and New Testament verses are included, with numerous ones from Psalms, I and II Corinthians, and Philippians. Colorful designs of flowers, flora, and leaves border the writings.

~Why ~
I appreciate devotionals that have little information about the author but focus on God in day-to-day living, and this book does that by having favorite Bible verses. The topics are brief and to the point, often beginning with a question but rarely using the words “I” or “me.” Sometimes Old and New Testament characters are noted as they correlate to the struggles, goals, and achievements of daily life with Christ.

My favorite verse of Philippians 4:13 is included and titled “Giver of Strength,” with the devotional about Paul’s trials and tribulation as he learned to rely on Jesus’s unwavering source of strength. The prayer asks God to enable us to trust Him more.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not want to get a book that concentrates on Bible verses. Others may not find their favorite verse included.

~ Wish ~
With the Bible verses being the focus, it would be ideal if there were an index to look up a verse quickly. Including an attached ribbon to use as a page marker would be helpful.

~ Want ~
If you like devotionals that rely on Bible verses that can be memorized, this would be a thoughtful and appreciated gift for any woman who loves the Lord.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for this complimentary book that I am freely evaluating.

GRAMMARY was used to check for errors in this review.

Kakalu Infant Girl Socks

SET OF 5 NON-SLIP LITTLE GIRL SOCKS

~ What ~
Made of 80% combed cotton, 15% polyamide, and 5% elastane, this 5 pair of infant girl socks fits 12 to 36-month-old toddlers. With solid colors, they have reinforced toes and heels and animal designs at the top of each item as well as 2 non-slip rubberized sections on their soles.

~ Why ~
Our growing 11-month old granddaughter grows out of clothes weekly, especially socks. I like that there are 5 pairs in solid colors of white, light yellow, salmon, light and dark pink, and light purple that will match most feminine outfits. The upside-down animals include dogs, cats, and frogs. The socks are soft to the touch and stretchy while their bottoms have white non-slip bumps. Unlike others, they are longer so rise higher on the calves.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like that this pack contains only pale, feminine colors, but other options are available. Others may think the socks have dull designs with small animals, but they go with a varied of clothing options.

~ Wish ~
I wish cleaning instructions were included in the cellophane bag.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a pack of 5 pairs of socks for girl toddlers, this would be an excellent purchase.

Thanks to Kakalu for this discounted product that I am not obligated to evaluate.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

The Bedtime Book

Title: The Bedtime Book
Artist: Mary Engelbreit
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-73329-4

“From endearing poems and snuggly stories to sweet blessings and precious prayers, each page of The Bedtime Book features a way for you to read your little one to sweet dreams and sleep,” the inside flap cover states.

~ What ~
Focusing on bedtime, this numbered thirty-two page nine-by-eleven inch hardbound contains small to full-page colorful illustrations by the artist on almost all pages with short stories and poems about going to sleep. The target audience would be four to eight-year-old children, but any age group can enjoy it as well.

After an ownership page, cute short stories and poems of one to several pages are added with depictions of stuffed animals, friendly beasts, and playful pets. Some of the stories written out are”Twinkle, Twinkle,” “Sleepy Time,” “Sound Asleep,” “Counting Sheep,” “What Will Tomorrow Bring,” and “A Goodnight Prayer.”

~ Why ~
Immediately I enjoyed viewing the fanciful, fun, and engaging pictures of animals laughing, playing, or sleeping. Easy to read and see words in black are spread throughout, both separately and within the designs as the little ones get ready for bed and go to sleep. Some of the creatures are adorable and cute.

~ Why Not ~
Although the book has beautiful illustrations, it mainly contains content written by others. Those who do not believe in God may not want a book that mentions Him, but there are only five which include His name. Due to the complicated and three or more syllable words, the book would be hard for beginner readers.

~ Wish ~
With poems and stories, the book does not give the writers’ names, so I wish it had. With only five of the stories mentioning God, it would be ideal if there were more of them. I did not enjoy this book as much as some of the author/illustrator’s others as it mainly is other writers’ works, but the artwork is charming.

~ Want ~
If looking for a cute, quaint gift to give a young child or adult that enjoys fanciful drawings about animals and bedtime, this beautifully designed book has a few well-known poems and tales. It would make a lovely decorative addition to a child’s room.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to evaluate.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories

Title: 5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories
Content: Catherine DeVries
Illustrator: Diane Mielke
Publisher: Zonderkids
ISBN: 978-0-310-72970-6

“But the adventure isn’t over. The most important thing has yet to happen …Jesus is coming back!” the ending states in Catherine DeVries’s book, 5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories.

~ What ~
Part of the Adventure Bible series, this one-hundred-and-ninety-two-page hardbound targets children ages four to eight years old who are looking for quick Bible stories that can be read in five minutes or less. Using wide-sweeping, full-color, full-page illustrations, it references the New International Version of the Bible. The beginning has a table of contents, followed by thirty-three stories and ending with an advertisement.

In this oversized book with a padded cover, there are fifteen stories taken from the Old Testament and eighteen from the New Testament. With each covering four to six pages, the well-known stories range from Creation, Moses, Samson, and Esther to Jesus’s birth, miracles, death, and resurrection to name a few. At the end of each story is a scroll with an adapted Adventure Discovery and Words to Treasure.

~ Why ~
Many young children love to read or be read a Bible story at bedtime. I love how this book is laid out with detailed, realistic characters and scenery while the paragraphs are written in a black font over part of the background. The stories are told simply but contain enough facts to understand and comprehend. I appreciate the ending of each story includes a fact or tidbit and a written out Bible story.

~ Why Not ~
For those who want nothing to do with learning about the God and the Bible, this would not be a good choice. Although there is no explanation of Mary’s virginity, the plan of eternal salvation of Jesus shedding His blood on the cross for our sins and rising again is mentioned. Some young ones may be frightened seeing the depictions of angry men, vicious lions, dead Goliath, and Jesus being crucified.

~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If your preschooler to early elementary school age child wants to read more vivid stories from the Bible, this would make the perfect addition to his or her bookcase.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for furnishing this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.