book review

Build Your Own History Museum – Review and Competition

May 9, 2020 by Anne Sweet Leave a Comment

Build Your Own History Museum is classed on the Lonely Planet Kids website as a boredom buster, and we all need those for our kids right now. But as well as being a boredom buster it’s also full of interactive and fun learning. See my review below and how you can win one of two copies yourself.

Build Your own museum book cover — ISBN: 9781788689403
Writers: Lonely Planet Kids, Claudia Martin
24 pages, 24pp color | Dimensions: 282mm × 259mm

Build Your Own Museum – The Blurb

Suitable for children ages 6-8
Calling all archaeologists!
A crate has arrived for you and it’s packed with treasures from the ancient world! Can you assemble them and assign each to the right room in time for the museum’s big opening? Among the treasures to display are an Egyptian sarcophagus, a Greek temple and a Chinese Terracotta Army.
Fun, interactive and with lots of facts to discover, Lonely Planet Kids’ Build Your Own History Museum is a hands-on way to learn about ancient people, cultures and traditions. It’s packed with amazing facts and awesome illustrations that reveal how people all over the world once lived and worked.
Perfect for history fans of all ages, this follow-up to Build Your Own Dinosaur Museum features the ancient civilizations Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, the Maya, and the Vikings.

Our Review

My Little Man is 9 years old so a little older than the recommended age group. However, he still found this book fun and informative and still needed a little help putting it together.

history museum inside cover — *Archaeological finds*

The book comes in two sections. At the front you have a whole heap of archaeological finds which are cardboard cut outs.

They fit together on the relevant pages of the rest of the book to create a complete history museum.

From Ancient People, , Egypt, China, Rome, Vikings, and others you can learn in short bursts about their life and treasures and then go ahead and fill in the pages with 3D exhibits. The end result is a stunning fold out museum.

3D viking long boat — *3D Viking Long Boat*

Our Verdict on Build Your Own History Museum

I loved this book so much, it contains just the right amount of information to keep the younger ones entertained and learning. Then they can bring the book to life just by pushing out the cardboard pieces and building the exhibits themselves. It’s educational and fun, the best kind of book.

If I had any criticism it would be that the pieces are a little fiddly to fit in. I had to help my Little Man and he is 9 years. If I was to be fair, he is autistic and a impatient, but even I found it a little fiddly.

The good thing is, the exhibits do stay put once they are inserted and you end up with a pop-up book that you’ve made yourself. All kids love a pop up book and it’s exciting to be a part of making it.

Competition

I have two copies of this lovely book to give away to my readers. You can buy it from Lonely Planet Kids for £14.99 if you don’t want to wait or enter the competition.

Here’s the widget

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 May 2020 and ends 6th June 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
Prizes will be posted out as soon as possible depending on restrictions of lock down at end of competition.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book for review and two for the competition. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am also an affiliate for Lonely Planet and my links to their website may earn me a little money if you decide to buy anything from them. Thank you for your support.

Rewind – Book Review

April 7, 2020 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

Sometimes, chilling out with a YA book is the only way to go and Rewind is perfect for this. Ok, I know I’m not a Young Adult, in fact, the last time I looked in the mirror I appeared to have turned into a rather mature adult in what it seems to be overnight. However, I do have teens in the house and I like to encourage them into new reading material were possible and of course review it first.

When I heard about Rewind, by Carolyn O’ Doherty I was more than intrigued. This really is my kind of story. I like the idea of having unusual powers, I’m a big fan of The Umbrella Academy, so the characters in this book, called Spinners, really appealed to me. First, Let’s introduce the book, it’s the first of a trilogy.

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Highlights; Reprint edition (7 Oct. 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1684373727
ISBN-13: 978-1684373727
Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 1.7 x 22.9 cm

The Blurb

Sixteen-year-old Alex Manning has a rare gift: She’s a spinner who can freeze and even rewind time. Hated and feared, spinners are housed in Centers, where they are carefully monitored and medicated. They are let outside for only one purpose: to use their gift to help solve crimes. When Alex is secretly offered an experimental treatment to prolong her life, she suddenly sees a future for herself – no spinner has lived past twenty. But the drugh also brings with it an ability that would terrify the world and put other spinners in danger. Do the benefits outweigh the risk?

My Verdict on Rewind

This is a definite page turner. right from the start you are thrown into a crime scene. Can Alex help her detective find the bomb and get it made safe before it blows up the City Hall. It makes for a fascinating first chapter.

We then learn about Spinners, and in particular the ones in the Center where Alex lives. But Alex, despite knowing she doesn’t have long left to live, is determined to help her detective find the mastermind behind a lot of crime in the city. She’s quite enamored with her detective and wants to do all she can to help. So when he offers her a chance to carry on living with the aid of a new drug she is ready to take him up on it. Only confiding in her closest friend at the center, also a Spinner.

The story is fast past moving from action scene to action scene but also allowing for relationships to be described and developed.

The book keeps you guessing who are the good guys, who are the bad guys, who can Alex really trust? Even towards the end there are some uncertainties and a whole new adventure about to begin. I can’t wait to read the second book.

Overall I found this a very satisfying page turner and I’m hoping my teen feels the same.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book for the purpose of my review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Warrior Queens Book Review

January 27, 2020 by Anne Sweet 7 Comments

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

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.

A Strong Girls' Guide to Being

January 17, 2020 by Anne Sweet 5 Comments

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

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Be Happy Be You – Book Review

January 11, 2020 by Anne Sweet 4 Comments

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.