30 Days of Books: 28: Boris and Bella

 Boris and Bella
By Carolyn Crimi

Definitely one of my faves for this "30 Days of Books". The author has an adorable concept and super cute names for her characters. It's a romance story of monsters. 

Short and sweet on this book. It's awesome!

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)  

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30 Days of Books: 27: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever

 the Biggest Pumpkin Ever
By Steven Kroll

I really liked this story. It's a great message about how two lives can cross each other's paths without realizing it. The best part is that the characters have wonderful ideas for teamwork so everyone can be happy. 

The kids were excited to hear the story progress. And it seemed to me it made them feel happy when everything worked out. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 26: Halloween Night on Shivermore Street

 Halloween Night on Shivermore Street
By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

Immediately, I fell in love with the art in this book. It's bright, fun, colorful, and artistic. To me, the definition of artwork for a child's book. 

I do think the art is far better than the story, but it's still kind of a cute story. The kids are having a great time, til a secret is revealed. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 25: Dorrie and the Pin Witch

 Dorrie and the Pin Witch
By Patricia Coombs

 This book made me feel like I was reading a kids version of the movie "Halloween 3". That part of the Halloween series strayed away from Michael Myers, and they don't often show it. If you've seen it, you will know exactly what I mean. If not, you aren't missing much. 

It's a cute idea about this little witch trying to stop some trouble. Not "A" material in my opinion.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 24: Skelly the Skeleton Girl

Skelly the Skeleton Girl
By Jimmy Pickering

This might possibly be my favorite book yet from this 30 Days of Books. I had a lot of fun with the art, the story, everything. It has such a Tim Burton feel I had to do a double take on the author. 

I always get into the books with the kids, but this one I decided to go all out with my character voices. My son had me rolling in laughter because right when I start in with the "voice" of Skelly, he says, "Wow, Skelly has a really cute voice".  He commented on a few more characters as well. I thought it was adorable that he seemed to think these were just the voices of the characters. He had me read it again right after. 

Thankfully, this story is short and sweet because my better voices take quite a toll on my throat. I highly recommend this book, and it looks like it has a sequel as well. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 23: A Handy Manny Halloween

 A Handy Manny Halloween (Disney Handy Manny)
By Marcy Kelman

This book is probably a little better for toddlers and preschoolers. It's from Handy Manny, which is a Playhouse Disney cartoon show. 

The book has a good length of story, with lift flap pages to explore. In the back you find some stickers to dress up the characters in the book. Cute story.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 22: The Night Before Halloween

The Night Before Halloween
By Natasha Wing

Most of us know the traditional Christmas Eve story. How many know of the Halloween version?

It's a super cute twist on the classic tale where you hear all about the witches and ghosts setting up for the next day. Join in the Halloween party fun with this cute kids book. The art is your typical kids book style. Every page looks like a lot of fun.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 21: The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat
By Stan & Jan Berenstain

We are a Berenstain Bears family over here. We have almost the whole collection. Naturally, we are fans of this Halloween themed book as well.

I really enjoy the books because the stories have good meaning, and are usually great lessons for kids and parents alike. They show examples of real situations kids may find themselves in, and this book is no different. Halloween can be spooky for little ones, and the book helps deal with that as well as safety on Halloween night.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 20: Zen Ghosts

Zen Ghosts

By Jon J Muth

This is a beautiful book. The story (well, it's a story within a story really) is very nice. There is certainly a Zen feel to the whole book and the artwork is just amazing! I think this is a wonderful addition to a Halloween book collection. It's not scary at all, so it is wonderful for all ages.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 19: Spooky House of Horror

 Spooky House of Horror
By Charles Fuge

My son found this one at our local Goodwill bookstore. He has entertained himself for hours ever since. He takes the book to kindergarten sometimes as well and all the other kids are just as enthralled as he is with the book. 

It's a really fun and detailed pop-up book with spooky decorations from top to bottom. What a fun house to explore!

 All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 18: The House That Drac Built

 The House That Drac Built
By Judy Sierra

I LOVED this book. I'm a sucker for those run on stories that are just like the old lady who swallowed the fly. I love to see how fast I can read them. 

This book is particularly fun because each page shows a small part of the next picture so you and the kids can guess what is going to come next.

The artwork is nice for artwork, but I thought it was a little creepy for kids. Though, my kids didn't seem freaked out by it. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 17: The Bumpy Little Pumpkin

 The Bumpy Little Pumpkin
By Margery Cuyler

The book is probably what you expect it to be from the cover and title. It's cute and fun to read. We had a fun time looking at all the pumpkins and talking about why we liked some and why we didn't like others. It also left open great opportunities for imaginative play with pumpkins and made up pumpkin patches. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 16: Cinderhazel

 Cinderhazel
By Deborah Nourse Lattimore

I see the interesting twist the author put on the classic tale, but I am not fully impressed. I would have liked it a little more if she had done her own thing instead. It's still a very nice story about being different and finding someone who is compatible with you where you least expect it. It's also nice to have a story that has a unique person feel totally confident with who they are. That is a great role model for young ones. For all of us really.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 15: Rattlebone Rock

Rattlebone Rock
By Sylvia Andrews

This book is set up like a song. It's cute and rhyming and looks like everyone is having a great time partying... which slightly thrilled the children to think about what fun it would be to be there. Not super exciting but worth a try to read it at least once.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 14: Big Pumpkin

Big Pumpkin
By Erica Silverman

I enjoyed this story. I thought it was set up like a typical children's book. You kind of guess what is going to happen, but then again you don't. There is a short and simple lesson about not underestimating someone, knowing strength is more than muscle, and the important effect of teamwork. However, the problem for us was the story stumped my 5 year old because he couldn't figure out why they wouldn't just do the simple solution. His idea was far more brilliant than the one in the book.... but I guess the simple solution wouldn't make a silly story now would it?

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 13: The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches

 The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches (I Can Read Book 4)
By Alice Low

This is such a cute book about a sweet little witch who is unsure about herself. Through the help of an unexpected friend, she finds her something special and gains confidence. 

The kids enjoy the fun throughout this book. It's broken down into small chapters and is easy for early readers. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 12: The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin

 The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with CD
By Joe Troiano

Spookly is pretty popular. I heard about him a few years ago from another blog, and was delighted when I scored a hardcover at the dollar book store. I've since heard alot about him, and seen many Halloween events for kids centered around the character.

It's a story about a pumpkin who is the "odd one" in the patch. All the others tease him, only to find later, he saves the day. Your typical, "love people no matter what they look like" story with a cute pumpkin twist. Certainly a fun one to add to a Halloween book collection.


All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 11: Which Way to Witch School

Which Way to Witch School?
By Scott Santoro

I'm a sucker for books that rhyme. I think they are a blast to read. I like to try and see how fast I can read them without messing up and I feel like I sound awesome if I succeed. Nerdy me comes out. 

Journey through a whole school year (in rhyme) with a group of young witches while they learn their craft from Miss Thornapple. One of those cutesy witch stories. I think it would make a very cute TV show as well.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 10: The Ghost of Wuzzleburg

 Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: The Ghost of Wuzzleburg
By Lauren Cecil

Even if you don't know Wubbzy, or aren't that familiar with him, this book is still a really cute story. We are fans of Wubbzy, so I try to imitate the character voices while I read it and that can be fun and challenging. 

Wubbzy and his friends are at a costume party for Halloween and he wants to create the scariest costume there. What happens surprises even him!

The book comes with a punch out Wubbzy mask for your children to play with after they read the book. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 8: Halloween Jack

Funny Faces Halloween Jack
By Roger Priddy

Here is a fun book for babies and toddlers. Large google eyes on the back cover show through holes on each page giving a fun Halloween character a silly look. Once you get to the back page, a vampire laughs his spooky laugh and a bats eyes light up briefly. Be prepared to hear the laugh over and over though, I'm surprised my kids haven't killed the battery yet. The front cover has soft velvet for some touch sensory as well.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 7: I Spy Spooky Night

I Spy Spooky Night

By Jean Marzollo

I Spy books are great for all ages, in my opinion. Even I enjoy looking for the hidden objects within the pages. The smaller ones can usually find the objects as well if you read the words to them. My son is 5 now, and he has been a major I Spy fan for at least the last 3 years. Now, he reads a little and helps his sister (2 1/2) find the hidden objects as well. 

This book has a a spooky theme going on in each page of riddles and searches. We keep all our Halloween books in our Halloween decorations box that comes out October 1st every year. (Same thing applies to our Christmas collection) So, seeing these Halloween books are a special treat. My son was so thrilled to see this book when we brought the box out. Searching for things is a great brain activity too!

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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What's For Dinner Wednesday Week 113

  Fresh Bacon Avocado Pizza

Pizza is usually a kid favorite even though mom cringes at the though of the greasy slices filling their babies tummies. Making your own pizza at home is a great way to cut the fat and calories, plus, you will know exactly where the ingredients you are consuming came from. Homemade pizza is also a great options for letting the little ones help, creating a bonding and learning experience for everyone involved. 

Ingredients Needed
1 Boboli 12 inch pizza crust (or your fave crust, or homemade crust)
1/4 - 1/2 cup pizza sauce (use more or less to your liking)
1 12-16 oz package shredded mozarella
1 large beefsteak or heirloom tomato
1 avocado
1/2 lb fave bacon

Supplies Needed
cutting board
sharp knife
frying pan
tongs
pizza stone or large cookie sheet
spoon

Directions
1) Preheat oven according to the pizza crust package. Usually 450 degrees.
2) Use the pan and tongs to fry the bacon and set aside.
3) While bacon is cooling, slice the tomato and avocado.
4) Chop bacon into crumbs.
5) Open pizza crust package and add pizza sauce to top, spreading with the spoon.
6) Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sauce.
7) Top pizza with the tomato and avocado slices, and chopped bacon.
8) On pre-heated pizza stone or large cookie sheet, bake according to pizza crust package. Usually about 10 minutes.



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