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Raisie Bay

Our Library - Book Reviews

Sooper Books Free Bedtime Stories

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I’m so happy to be writing about Sooper Books for you. If you have not heard of them before and you have a child who loves bedtime stories, then you are in for a free treat.

sooper books get kids reading. A young girl standing beneath a large amount of flying books and papers

Sooper Books Free Bedtime Stories

Sooper Books is a popular online children’s library where families can enjoy book-shop quality children’s stories free of charge at the click of a button. The collection includes contemporary classic fairy tales and award-winning original stories for 4-10 year olds. All stories are optimised for perfect read quality on mobile, tablet and desktop and are 5-15 minutes in length. Just right for busy modern families!

KFC sooper books - a six foot chicken sitting on top of a huge pile of books with another huge pile of books next to her

Sooper Books is founded by Charlene and Simon, an award-winning creative married couple from London (with a baby on the way). Charlene trained as a professional illustrator at one of the UK’s top art schools, works with clients all over the world and has her own line of greeting cards on sale. And Simon is an award-winning author, who escaped the world of Investment Banking to follow his dream as a storyteller.

Why Do We Love Sooper Books?

Sooper Books is just an adorable online library of fabulous reads along with amazing illustrations. Charlene and Simon have created something really special between them and it’s really worth popping over for a look.

Since launching in December 2019 the books have been shared 23,500 times and it’s easy to see why. They are working alongside narrators to have their own stream of audiobooks on the site. They are also working alongside teacher’s and schools, (Although this is disrupted at the moment due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic,) to produce curriculum based lesson plans based on their most popular stories.

Sooper Books also support a Children’s Reading Campaign to help parents the importance of getting kids to read and provide lots of interesting literacy videos as well as free short stories.

The covers of 12 story books in a row

All of the Bedtime stories are free and come with stunning illustrations. Some are familiar some are new, but they are all great for that little read at night. My favourite is Kentucky Fried Chicken. The short funny children’s story of a very clever giant chicken plotting her revenge.

KFC revenge. A six foot chicken holding up too young children upside down in her wing and she is wearing an apron.

It might put you off fried chicken for while though, even if it gives you a giggle. I love that it rhymes and the illustrations are fantastic.

So what do you think? Will you give Sooper Books free bedtime stories a try?

I’m telling you about these books because I genuinely think they are great and also because the lovely Charlene may have just bribed me with an illustration just for me.

a drawing of me in a wheelchair with a butterfly on my hand.
Yes, Its Me!

Thank you Charlene and Simon and good luck with the new baby x

The Plastic Problem – a Review and giveaway

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I was sent this book, The Plastic Problem, for review in return for my honest opinion. I also have two books for the giveaway which you will find at the end of this post. Read on to find out more about The Plastic Problem and how you could win a copy. This page also contains affiliate links which if you click may earn me a little money at no extra cost to yourself, so thanks in advance.

The plastic problem
  • ISBN: 9781788689359
  • Writers: Lonely Planet Kids, Aubre Andrus
  • 112 pages, 112pp color, 0 maps
  • Dimensions: 172mm × 215mm

The Blurb

Help Solve the Plastic Problem

Plastic is everywhere! Its almost impossible to get through a day without using it. That’s causing major problems for our planet.

In this practical guide, you’ll discover loads of easy ways to reduce the use of plastic in your life.*

Your actions, however small, can make a big difference. With each change, you’ll help our oceans become a cleaner and our planet a little healthier.

Are you up to the challenge?

*This book is 100% plastic free. \it may not be as glossy as others on your shelf but its better for the environment.

60 Small Ways to reduce Waste and Help Save the Earth

This handy hardback book is aimed at 9-12 year old’s but it contains lessons that can be learnt at any age.

The first section focuses on what types of plastic there are, the history of plastic and where you can find it. It simple but informative blocks you will soon learn the basics you need to know about plastic before you make up your mind what you are going to do about our worldwide problem.

The next section talks about the problems that plastic causes, why it’s so hard to recycle and what happens to plastic waste. And also how it affects our oceans which has an immense effect on our planet.

zero waste

What you Can Do.

Once you have learnt about plastic then hopefully you will be inspired to do something about it. First the book talks about how we can build a better future just by taking action with our plastic use.

There is always something new to learn. I have often bought my girls water bottles only to have them lose them. So I buy bottled water but reuse them throughout the week with filtered water. However, these bottles are PET, easy to recycle but not safe to reuse because PET absorbs bacteria and is hard to clean after it has been used. So these bottles should not be used more than once. I’ve now vowed to buy the girls metal bottles to re-use, I have warned them to be careful not to lose them.

I knew that PVC was not the best to wrap sandwiches in, so now that Star is having packed lunches I’ve decided to buy her some re-useable sandwich wraps.

Then there are a full 60 ideas on how you can take action against plastic, in your bedroom, your, wardrobe, your bathroom, at lunch time, when eating out, at the supermarket, at school, out and about, at a party and around your community.

Finally you are encouraged to take the ‘plastic patroller’ pledge and to help you keep your pledge there is a handy checklist. Once you have done any of the 60 ideas you can tick them off. Then hopefully you will have habits formed for your lifetime.

Today is the perfect time for a change. As a future guardian of the planet, you can say no to plastic. Your actions, however small, can make a big difference every day. And with each change, you’ll help our oceans become a little cleaner and our planet a little healthier.

Are you up to the challenge?

plastic problem

Give Away

I have two copies of The Plasti Problem to give away to my readers. Just fill in the widget below for your chance to win. Good Luck!

Terms and Conditions:

  • The competition prize is one of 2 books
  • The winner must be living in the UK
  • No information is collected other than for contacting the winner
  • The prize cannot be exchanged for cash
  • The competition starts on 9th March 2020 and ends 6th April 2020
  • Prize winner will be selected from the widget.
  • Not all parts of the competition need to be completed, but you need to have completed the part you have been selected for if you win.
  • Winners will be contacted by e-mail
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Warrior Queens Book Review

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Warrior Queens book cover
Warrior Queens £16.99
  • Hardcover: 160 pages
  • Author: Vicky Alvear Shecter
  • Illustrator: Bill Mayer
  • Age Range: 8 – 12 years
  • Publisher: Boyd Mills Press
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-13: 978-1629796796
  • Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 1.8 x 21.7 cm

The Blurb

They Were Rebels, Renegade – And Royal

Thousands of years ago, Hatsheput, Artemisia, Amanirenas, the Trung sisters, Boudicca, and Zenobia ruled with savvy and ruthlessness. From 1492 BCE in Egypt to 269 CE in Syria, each queen seized her moment of power and fought for her land, her people, and her own glory. Loyal, brave and fierce, these bold women defeated enemies on the seas and rode into battle on elephants and in chariots. They proved that even in eras of male domination, women could, and did, fight to victory – or to the death. Although history may have tried to erase many of their accomplishments, these warrior queens prevailed. Now their stories fascinate anew in Vicky Alvear Shecters informative and witty accounts.

Our Verdict

There is nothing more empowering to young girls than to hear of women who have been strong and fought for everything. This book looks at six of the fiercest queens in history, uncovering a lot of things that are not often highlighted. Most of the historical events were recorded by men and as women were already oppressed during these times, the men did not like to record their victories accurately. However, modern scholars and archaeologists have been able to fill in some of these holes.

Vicky Alvear Schecter records these findings with wit and vivid detail, making each chapter a very interesting read. Captivating to all youngsters and proof that women can be just as powerful as men.

Illustrations

page illustration

The book is full of lovely black and white illustrations by Bill Mayer, which are really impressive. There are also plenty of black and white photos of artifacts and excavation sites. These really help to bring the stories to life.

History is a compelling subject and this will interest any young historian, help with understanding school work, and give both young girls and boys an interesting view on the women of the past.

Read more of our book reviews in Raisie Bay’s library.

Disclosure: We were sent this book for review and it is available from most good bookstores. Please note the links in this review are affiliate links and although they will cost you nothing to click they may earn me a little cash. So thank you.

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A Strong Girls' Guide to Being

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book cover, a strong girls' guide to Being
Author: Lani Silvesides
Illustrator: Rebecca Prinn
ISBN: 9781454932826
Price: £12.99
Publisher: Stirling

A Strong Girls’ Guide to Being: Exercises and Inspiration for Becoming a Braver, Kinder, Healthier You (Paperback)

The Blurb

Relax and reflect, as you write in this inspiring journal that teaches the art of mindfulness. When school, friends, family and life become stressful, teens and preteens can forget they’re worthy, beautiful people, capable of achieving whatever they set their mind to. That is why it’s so important for girls to cultivate mindfulness.

This guided journal encourages them to practice exercises that promote positive changes, including carrying out random acts of kindness, noticing small moments in their day that bring joy, practising gratitude, unplugging and unwinding from technology, and so much more. Girls will be inspired throughout with quotes and short biographies of notable women in history who have changed the world.

As they write, and follow the simple exercises on positivity, girls will gain a sense of calm, ignite their imagination, and become the best, happiest, and strongest version of themselves.

This journal prompts you to Try power poses that display confidence and strength–and create your own! Bring more positive emotions into your life by jotting down the things that make you laugh–like an inside joke with your BFF Dream big, by coming up with the wildest, more outrageous goal you can imagine Gain confidence by writing a go-to statement that helps you face challenging moments

Pages from the book, responding instead of reacting and unplug and unwind
Unplug and unwind

Our Verdict on A Strong Girls’ Guide to Being

Did you keep a journal when you were younger? I know I did, I had quite a few secret journals where I would write down all my feelings as well as recording my daily activities.

My girl’s do this too, especially my tween. She loves writing in her books and drawing little pictures to go with it. A Strong Girls’ guide to Being has it all set out in chapters you can always choose which one to write in. From being positive, dreaming big, being healthier, braver and kinder. There is nothing more you could ask from a journal like this. Each page includes both something to read and space for you to write in.

Kindness counts, keeping a kindess journal
kindness journal

Throughout the book there are quotes from inspirational women and towards the end there is a chapter on who these women are.

Never doubt that you are valuable, powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to persue and acheive your own dreams.

Hilary Clinton

You can read all of our book reviews on the Library Tab above or by clicking here

Can I ask you favour? Would you consider nominating me in the 10th Anniversary MAD Blog Awards? I think my blog would fit in the Tween and Teen Influencer category. Thanks so much x

MADS 2020
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Be Happy Be You – Book Review

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Be Happy Be You

The Teenage Guide

  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Collins (9 Jan. 2020)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0008367566
  • ISBN-13: 978-0008367565
  • Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 21 cm

The Blurb

This positive and insightful guide gives you the tools to build your confidence, eliminate negative feelings and boost happiness in all areas of your life.

Being a teenager has its own unique challenges, but it’s also the perfect time to shape your own mental wellbeing and happiness. Scientists reckon 40% of your happiness is within your control, that’s A LOT of happiness and this book will help you to harness it…There are tons of ideas to try from creating an anxiety toolkit, to planning a digital detox and meditating, plus you’ll learn the science behind why they work. Carry out the activities by yourself or with family and friends and take your happiness into your own hands!

My Review of Be Happy Be You

I’m so excited to be reviewing this book, Be Happy Be You, written by my blogging friends Becky and Penny. I’ve not been asked to review the book and I paid for it myself. The link above however is an (obvious) affiliate link to the book on Amazon. The book can be bought from other outlets.

My first impressions was how bright and exciting the cover was. No need for images just a bold red background and big white text…and a smiley of course.

As a Mum of a Teenager and a Tween I’m always grateful of any help they can get through these difficult years. I do my best, but sometimes it’s so hard for them to talk about their feelings. Being able to dip into an informative book is the next best thing to Mum.

From how to make friends, and how to deal with peer pressure, to getting along with siblings. This book will give a teenager advice and coping strategies that are easy to read and digest. It also explains the science behind the advice, not in a long winded text book way, but simple and precise with some fabulous diagrams to help understanding.

With it’s 40 chapters covering all the thing a teenager may worry about, it will certainly teach them how to choose to be happy. My girls are already getting stuck in and I’m sure it’s going to be a useful resource for them.

pages from Be Happy Be You
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