The Day Punctuation Came to Town

Title: The Day Punctuation Came to Town
Author: Kimberlee Gard
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke
Publisher: Familius
ISBN: 978-1-64170-145-7

“We’re the Punctuation family, and we all work together to help letters and the words they make,” the Period explains in Kimberlee Gard’s children’s book, The Day Punctuation Came to Town.

~ What ~
The second book in the Language is Fun series, this thirty-two-page hardbound targets children five to eight years old who want to learn about using punctuation with writing sentences. With no scary scenes but colorful illustrations, it is about a family of four punctuation symbols who come to town and go to school with alphabet letters that make words. Its jacket cover includes a synopsis of the book, nine habits of happy family life, and biographies of the author and illustrator.

In this charming story, the Punctuation family moves to town and goes to school with a bunch of letters. As each introduces itself to the class, it explains what it does. While the exclamation point explains it adds excitement, the question mark asks questions; the period ends sentences, and the comma keeps the words organized. As the day progresses, the comma feels left out so sneaks out of the room, and the other punctuation marks find it, showing how important it is to letters when making words and sentences.

~ Why ~
I am fanatical about punctuation and sad to see so many people today do not know the correct rules, so it is important to teach young ones the proper way to use the exclamation point, question mark, period, and comma. I appreciate that this story is fun and interesting while educating first and second graders how and when to use them.

~ Why Not ~
The book contains many multi-syllable words that may frustrate beginner readers, but it also is a way to learn new words. The comma is not thoroughly explained, but its simplification makes sense based on the age group targeted for the book.

~ Wish ~
I found the rudimentary illustrations with limited backgrounds may not engage some readers. I hope more books are added to the series that is focused on language.

~ Want ~
If your child is starting to understand the need and purpose of using punctuation, this is an excellent way to teach them about the four symbols in a cute, clever way.

Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2FhElyK

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Tescat Magnetic Key Holder 6 Pack

SAY GOODBYE TO KEY RACKS

~ What ~
Made of magnets and plastic, this packet contains 6 round white discs that have strong magnets that can hold up to 3 pounds of metal key rings. Measuring 0.75 inches in diameter and 0.25 inches deep, they can be easily attached to any flat, clean surface with their added 3M tape. They arrive in a cellophane bag, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
It seems my husband and I continually misplace the key to our mailbox, so these are great “button-sized” magnet that can be stuck on a wall, the refrigerator, or even the door for easy access. They are simple to attach by peeling the 3M tabs and placing/pushing onto the flat surface. It is thoughtful instructions with a couple of extra 3M tapes are added. I was impressed with their magnetic strength.

~ Why Not ~
Those who like to carry a lot of keys on a key chain that are heavy may think these holders will not be strong enough, but take a look at the photo I posted and note the weight of the keys I attached to the magnet on our refrigerator: 2 heavy FOB keys, 9 regular keys, and a filled cylinder pillbox on a metal hoop – so yes, they hold a lot of weight! Some may not like having to stick them to the wall, uncertain they could come off, but I had no issues or residue when removing the sticky pad. I appreciate that I can use them for other uses due to the strength of the magnets.

~ Wish ~
I wish the online dimensions were in inches instead of millimeters so one realizes how small they are. It would be great if several different sizes were in the package.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a way to hang your keys on a small space magnetically, these would work amazingly well.

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

#RankBoosterReview #SponsoredbyJohnson #Tescat #MagneticKeyChainHolder

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/2RnAQvI

 

SoulKoo Resistance Hip Band

USE FOR PILATES

~ What ~
Made out of a stretchy pink double layer cotton with elastic latex inner bands, this 25-inch long band that is a little over 3-inches wide is for strengthening the legs and back muscles to make them firm and trim. It comes with an instruction manual and a one-year warranty.

~ Why ~
Now that I do pilates a couple times a week, I need a stretchy band to work on my core. I like that this one can be worn on my ankles, lower legs, upper thighs, shoulders, and forearms as resistance to strengthen the muscles. The band is lightweight and well-made so does not curl or tear easily. I like the included exercise guide as it has kicks, clamshell, bridge, squats, lunge, and lift directions.

~ Why Not ~
Some may think these are hard to stretch but that is their purpose as they work the muscles. Others may not like the concept of exercising or stretching with bands. I felt it did not stretch as far as my other rubber bands, but that may be a personal preference.

~ Wish ~
I wish it stated online what the band’s measurements and that it was available in longer lengths. It would be nice if it came in other colors besides pink.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a quality exercise resistance band in pretty pink, this is a nice addition to your workout regimen.

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

#RankBoosterReview #Sponsoredbyjqdz #soulkoo #BootyButtBand

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/2FcAKSE

 

SlickyNotes Reusable Sticky Notes

 

STICK NOTES WITH NO STICKY GLUE

~ What ~
Made of glossy colorful specialty paper, these innovative handy small notes are electrostatic so stick on any flat surface such as wood, wall, glass, ceramic, tile, and more without using any glue. Available in multiple sizes, the 3-by-3-inch pads come in 95-sheet packs of 6, 12, or 24 in bright or pastel colors. Being 100% recyclable and eco-friendly, they are double-sided, reusable, glue-free, rewritable, removable, and versatile. All arrive in a cellophane wrapping.

~ Why ~
The best thing about these sticky notes is they stick without any glue. I love that I can stick them on my desk or computer and slide them around to a perfect position. They give me so much freedom to write on, move to another location, or even erase and rewrite on the white (back) side). Our grandkids love playing with a few of them,  repeatedly placing them on a flat surface, moving them around, and replacing again without slipping down a wall or window. The notes stay firmly in position until removed and do not bend or curl.

~ Why Not
Some may not care for the size of the notepads, but they come in a varied amount of square and rectangle dimensions. If you are looking for something larger, do check out their poster-sizes that come in white or clear. Some may not like the color choices, but there are several options. I found that fine-point pens did not work as well as medium or felt-tip pens.

~ Wish ~
It would be nice if they came in a gift set that included colored pens to give as business gifts.

~ Want ~
If you want a way to keep notes nearby without having glue that wears out while moving them around often, these long-lasting SlickyNotes are great for business, school, or home organization.

Thanks to Slicky Notes for this product that I am under no obligation to review.

#RankBoosterReview #StickyNotes #ReusableNotes #NotesStickAnywhere

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KZH0kc

The Reluctant Belle

Title: Reluctant Belle
Author: Beth White
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2690-4

“What do you want from me? We can’t be confidants any ore. We can’t even be—argument mates anymore,” Joelle is told in Beth White’s novel, Reluctant Belle.

~ What ~
The second in the Daughtry House series, this three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance set in the South during the middle of the Reconstruction Era. With no profanity, topics of abuse, torture, and murder may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a note to the reader, an excerpt of another novel, acknowledgments, and the author’s biography with advertisements.

In this tale set in 1870 in Mississippi, twenty-two-year-old Joelle Daughtry has her hands full being betrothed to the local pastor while she helps run a resort hotel and writes under a male pseudonym newspaper articles that promote helping former slaves. However, knowing she rushed into accepting her marriage proposal due to the ongoing frustration with Schuyler Beaumont, a hotel investor she has known since childhood, their love/hate relationship has to be put on the back burner to uncover who murdered his father.

~ Why ~
I enjoy novels where I learn about America’s history, especially when slavery was abolished. I appreciated the details of the Southern culture. The story focuses on how freedom started spread among slaves and lines were drawn between the Lincolnites, Union League, and Ku Klux Klan. The bantering between the two protagonists was charming and engaging at times.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories of the persecution of freed slaves may pass on this book. Others may wish some of the characters were not stereotypical and the romance predictable. I found Joelle to be a bit too flawless as a teacher, journalist, and hotel manager who seemed wishy-washy when it came to love.

~ Wish ~
Since this is a part of a series and I did not read the first book, I wish there were a list of characters since there is a plethora of people mentioned. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a historical novel of the South’s conflict over race and politics, this is a quick and cozy read of romance that includes solving a murder.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KfLy6D

 

Weird Tails Dog Doorbell

 

DOG SOUNDS BELL WHEN WANTS IN OR OUT

~ What ~
Made of black plastic, this 3-piece wireless gadget is for letting a pet owner know when a dog has to go outside or come inside. With a plug-in main receiver, 2 small round battery-operated round transmitters can be placed on a door, glass slider, or wall. Having 55 different melodies, it has 5 sounds levels and comes with 4 double sided 3M precut tapes for sticking to a clean, flat surface. 2 installed 12v batteries, mini-screwdriver, and instructions are included in the box, ready for gifting.

~ Why ~
With our 2-year old beagle, he loves to lay next to the sliding door that accesses our backyard. We never know if he wants to go out or likes to lay there so this dog doorbell is perfect for him to press when he wants to go outside or come back in the house. I appreciated how easy it is to use by plugging it into an electrical socket within 950 feet from the transmitters, chose the ring sound and level, and stick on the door. I like that it can be used for other purposes too.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not want to hear a doorbell sound when their pet wants to go outside or get frustrated trying to train their dog to ring the bell. Others may think it is hard to set up, but it is simple and easy.

~ Wish ~
I wish other color options were available so it would match the décor of a room.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a way to know when your dog needs to potty outside or come in again, this is a wonderful training tool.

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

#WeirdTails #DogDoorBell #INeedtoPottyOutside

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/2I372Bm

Palram 4U Catshire Cat Tree

3-LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT/REST HAVEN FOR CATS

~ What ~
Made of durable polycarbonate, this white and gray 3-tiered rectangular cat tower measures 35 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep. With 2 carpeted areas and a 3-sided enclosed space, it also includes a scratching rope, 2 ball slider, and window flap. Needing no tools to assemble, the unit comes with detailed pictorial instructions in a box, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
Although we do not have cats, this is a marvelous way to keep a feline occupied while giving it a place to rest or sleep. Without taking up too much floor space, it can be placed near a window to view outside or tucked in a corner. I like its clean look and functionality. It was easy to assemble with push-tab pins.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like that this cat tower looks like a step-stair ladder or cabinet, but it is designed for cats only and is highly creative. Some may not like that it is only available in white/gray with gray carpeted pads.

~ Wish ~
I wish more push-tab pins were included as once they pop open, they cannot be used again and are a little tricky to get used to inserting. More color options would be ideal.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for an all-in-one cat entertainment/sleep center, this would be the perfect accessory to your home.

Thanks to Palram 4U for this product that I am under no obligation to review.

Palram 4U Botan Inside Planter

3-TIERED WHITE HEXAGON PLANTER

~ What ~
Made of durable polycarbonate, this 3-tiered white indoor planter has 3 areas for planting plants. With each hexagon section measuring 11.8, 19.6, and 27.6 inches tall, they are 6.8 inches deep and 11.4 inches in circumference. Needing no tools to assemble, the unit comes with detailed pictorial instructions in a box, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
I love displaying plants indoors, and this indoor holder is the perfect addition to any modern decor. I like how the set can be arranged in a line of short to tall holders or in a clustered triangle. More great features are that the unit is water resistant and there is a drainage area to collect the overflow of water in the smallest holder. Assembly was easy with the push-tab pins.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like that this plant tower is so lightweight at only 7.7 pounds, but due to its strong material, it does make it easy to move around. Some may not like that it is only available in white, but it could possibly be painted.

~ Wish ~
I wish more push-tab pins were included as once they pop open, they cannot be used again and are a little tricky to get used to inserting. More color options would be ideal.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a modern-looking but functional white 3-tier plant holder, this is an excellent idea.

Thanks to Palram 4U for this product that I am under no obligation to review.

Palram 4U Petangle Cat House

MODERN COZY 2-BED CAT PALACE

~ What ~
Made of durable polycarbonate, this 2-tiered cat bed measures 20 inches tall and 19 inches wide in a variegated hexagon design. With 2 soft brown cushions that are on the top and bottom sections, it comes in a silver/gray matte finish. Needing no tools to assemble, the unit comes with detailed pictorial instructions in a box, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
Although we do not have cats, this is beneficial for anyone who has a feline that insists on its own space. I like that the top bed is open and at an appropriate height for the cat to look at its surroundings. The bed below is well insulated and protected. It was easy to assemble with push-tab pins.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like that this cat tower is so lightweight at only 5.5 pounds, but due to its strong material, it does make it easy to move around. Some may not like that it is only available in silver/gray with brown pads.

~ Wish ~
I wish more push-tab pins were included as once they pop open, they cannot be used again and are a little tricky to get used to inserting. More color options would be ideal.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a modern-looking but functional cat bed furniture, this would be a viable option.

Thanks to Palram 4U for this product that I am under no obligation to review.

363 Days in Vietnam

Title: 363 Days in Vietnam
Author: Michael Stuart Baskin
Publisher: Primedia eLaunch LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64570919-0

“It may sound weird to say this, but I think lots of guys like to witness and/or trigger explosions, and I’m one of them,” Michael Stuart Baskin admits in his book, 363 Days in Vietnam: A Memoir of Howitzers, Hook-Ups & Screw-Ups from My Tour of Duty 1968 to 1969.

~ What ~
At two-hundred-and-fifteen pages, this paperback targets those who are intrigued reading about the personal experiences and memories of a United States serviceman who served during the war in Vietnam. With some profanity, the topics of drugs, prostitution, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. After a dedication page, map, and briefing, the short-chaptered book ends with a debriefing, taps, and the author’s biography. Black and white photographs grace the pages in chronological order.

This is a quick read that shows the multi-faceted sides of a young man who was drafted in the U.S. Army and went to Vietnam for almost a year in the 1960s. With detailed memories, the writer explains the good, bad, and ugly of how he survived a war ten-thousand miles away from home. From the mundane of KP,  R&R, and comic books to humorous tales of unauthorized tent awnings, a snake consuming a black rat, and doorless five-minute showers visited by Donut Dollie, it also includes the blatant depression, awkward loneliness, and ever-growing fear of Charlie when there was a sapper invasion.

~ Why ~
War is not pretty, and this short book focuses on how U.S. Army Specialist 4 Baskin had the wherewithal to get through what were probably the worst days of his life. Written as somewhat of a diary by listed numbered days in the service, the stories are not all gloom and doom but have added irony, sarcasm, and wit trying to survive another day at a job the writer felt, at times, was unnoticed and unappreciated. The short inserts are funny, sad, somber, and cathartic as awkward M14s are shot, heavy howitzers are explained, an Aussie mercenary squad is saved, and the VC enemy attacks. I was impressed by the many photographs and details since it has been over fifty years since the author’s service that I thank and greatly appreciate.

~Why Not ~
Those who do not like discussions and viewpoints about war, Vietnam, methedrine depression, and the frustration of the United States’ involvement in the overseas military engagement may not like this book. Others may wonder if there was any “God moment” Baskin had when facing a tragic situation or the possibility of his demise.

~ Wish ~
While I enjoyed reading this personal story of one man’s wartime experiences, I wish more of the actual dates were included so I could correlate them to what I was doing at the same time when I was eleven years old in America. The book would be perfected if it was professionally edited and some of the photographs were lightened.

~ Want ~
If you do not know much about how our U.S. boys arduously served in the Vietnam War, this would be an excellent reminder that portrays one’s personal fortitude, rampant loneliness, and continual attempts at normalcy while trying to survive the bloodshed, depression, and loss during the fog of war.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Thanks to the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2WwuZdk