1. Escape to Clown Town
Love to read and looking for a new book to read? I’m always on the hunt for new books to read. I may not always have much time for reading, but I certainly love it. I love when you can curl up with a good book and read. Right now is the perfect time to do that too with the weather getting cooler. The holidays are coming up and now is the perfect time for reading books. There is a book I just heard about for the first time, and it’s called Escape to Clown Town.
My business platform is and always will be Service, Education and Thought Leadership. My business is founded on more than just revenue. It’s about serving and building up communities, leaving a legacy and influencing thought for the better. I view business like an eco-system that requires balance; almost like farming. If you take from the earth and never plant seeds you will deplete your resources. As businesses we cannot only consume; we have to give back. My journey into the world of writing and the launch of Tephra Miriam Publishing resonated very deeply, and started with a cause. My cause turned into my business, and my business gave birth to publishing the first book in my Clown Town Adventures series for youth and young adults.
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Chicago, Illinois when I was 18 years old, where I currently reside. My search for adventure took me far and wide at a young age and I continue to mentor, learn, work and speak here in Chicago. I am a firm believer of redefining the way we think and live. I’m also a wellness advocate and I often write/speak about organizational development, challenging the status quo and creating a holistic work environment as a Contributor for Kivo Daily and other various outlets. I believe that creating space in your life to play, imagine and dream is vital in problem solving, stress management and innovation. As a product of 12 years of homeschooling, I started out at Harold Washington College in Chicago, Illinois before transferring to DePaul University and receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Communications and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Professional Studies with a concentration in Authorship and Entrepreneurialism.
What does TEPHRA MIRIAM mean?
Tephra = Volcanic material ejected during an eruption.
Miriam = Rebellious
Tephra+Miriam = I am a force to be reckoned with… I am a positive disruption…I am Tephra Miriam.
I thought the cover of this book was extremely catchy. I thought all the colors were very beautiful, and the illustrations were just amazing. I completely loved the cover of this book. It really stood out to me. This book is worth getting because it’s very inspirational. I personally love inspirational books. They are always so touching and moving. If you’d like to learn more about this book, head over HERE. You can find the book on Audible HERE as well.
2. The Cards Don’t Lie
Love books set back in the 1800’s? Then I have a book that is going to be great for you. If you love the old history type books, then The Cards Don’t Lie would be a great choice for you. This is a book set back in the 1800’s when there was a war. This is a great book for anyone who may love reading about the history.
1814: It’s the third year of the United States second War of Independence. The British are on the verge of capturing the strategically important port of New Orleans. In the midst of the Americans’ chaotic preparations for battle, three women play key roles in the defense of the city: Catherine, a free woman of color, voodoo priestess, and noted healer personally summoned by General Andrew Jackson; Marguerite, a pampered Creole plantation mistress prone to out-of-body experiences; and Millie, a plucky, patriotic prostitute inspired by her pirate lover to serve in the most dangerous capacity of all. These three women’s lives and fates become intertwined as they join forces to defend their country.
Inspired by the contributions of real-life women during the Battle of New Orleans, The Cards Don’t Lie is a story of love, rebellion, intimacy, betrayal, and heroism in the face of terror and barbaric brutality.
This is a great book for those who love books that are more on the topics of war/history. If you’d like to learn more, just head over HERE.
3. My Mama Loves Me: I’m Her Little Girl
Looking for some books for your children this year? I have some great books that are nice for the little ones. My Mama Loves Me is a great story for boys or girls. There are ones made just for boys and ones for just the girls. Since I have two daughters myself, the “I’m her little girl” is great for them. This is such a cute book too. I know that kids will really love it. The illustrations are beautiful too!
Internationally and Nationally awarded children’s picture book series “My Family Loves Me”, created by Shanalee Sharboneau strengthens the bond between a parent and a child. In the titles, “My Mama Loves Me: I’m Her Little Boy”, “My Mama Loves Me: I’m Her Little Girl” “My Daddy Loves Me: I’m His Little Boy” and “My Daddy Loves Me: I’m His Little Girl” provides books of adventure through gorgeous illustrations by Israel Dilean showing the imaginative journeys of a parent and child with fairies, mermaids, dinosaurs and dragons. The illustrations show the beautiful bond between a parent and child in places like ancient Egypt, safari treks in Africa and magical castles.
A little about My Mama Loves Me: I’m Her Little Girl:
Enjoy the adventures of mother and child as they go on an African safari, travel to Egypt to search for dinosaur bones or undercover an Egyptian queen, take a pirate adventure or become mermaids swimming under the sea, all with the sweet rhythmic tone of this lovely book showing the beauty of a mother and child relationship.
My mama shares with me. My mama cares for me. My mama teaches me to dream.
My mama plays with me. My mama stays with me. My mama loves me all life long.
Awards include Readers Favorite – Five Stars, Twice, Moving America Forward, Finalist by the International Book Awards for Best Picture Book for Children 0 to 5 years and Royal Dragonfly Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Books Age 5 & Under.
These books are available through Barnes & Noble, Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon and book retailers all over the nation. You can head over HERE to Amazon to check the book out.
4. Absurdimals
If you’re looking for a great kids book that can be helpful for kids, than I highly recommend the Absurdimals. This is a great book for those who may have been bullied or told that they’re “odd/weird” because of something they may do or possibly look like. Has this ever happened to you before? I’m sure some of you know what I’m talking about, and this is a good book to help children through this. Being different is actually a great thing in my eyes, and I think we should all be kind to one another.
Absurdimals is about a group of hybrid animals who encourage children to embrace what makes them unique and be open minded to others different from themselves. The first book, about a belephant (bunny/elephant) named Lola, was published last December, and there is a second one releasing in the series for this holiday season, along with plush toy counterparts.
An Absurdimal is anyone who has ever felt, or been told, there is something “absurd” or “too different” about them. We all have our understanding of being different, but as a part of the Absurdimals family, we embrace all of those differences as essential pieces of our individuality. Importantly, we recognize that- though our experiences may not be the same- we are connected by the shared emotions they elicit from us.
This is such a wonderful book. I think it is going to be so helpful for many children. If you’d like to know more about this book, just head over HERE.
5. Grace + Soul & Mother Wit
Do you love to cook or maybe you love cookbooks? There are so many wonderful cookbooks out there. I’m always on the hunt for new cookbooks. I always say you can never have enough of them. If you love home cooked meals, then you must check out the cookbook Grace + Soul & Mother Wit. This book has got a lot of amazing recipes in it. There are a great wide variety of recipes in here too. I think you’ll all find something you’ll love in this cookbook.
Everyone remembers Daphne Maxwell Reid as an iconic TV mom of the 1990s, from her three seasons as Aunt Vivian on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” These days Reid is a Renaissance woman, respected artist and designer, and education activist. Working from her home in Virginia, and still happily married to pioneering television actor/producer/writer/director Tim Reid (“WKRP in Cincinnati,” “Frank’s Place”), Daphne Maxwell Reid is living proof that a passion for creativity and a dedication to hard work can ensure a lifetime’s worth of success.
Breaking new barriers is nothing new to Reid, who decades ago became the first African-American homecoming queen at Northwestern University and shortly thereafter one of the first African-American women to appear on the cover of Glamour magazine. But many fans of her modeling and acting career probably don’t know that Reid is a lifelong shutterbug, a hobby passed down by her father that has now become a focal point of her career. With five books and 5 annual calendars already published, Reid specializes in fine art photography that features doors and doorways from around the world, including Cuba, Venice, France, China, Germany, and Belgium. Now she’s added to her publishing resume with her first cookbook, “Grace + Soul & Mother Wit,” which offers her favorite recipes spiced with personal memories and reflections from her life and travels.
Reid has also been a seamstress for much of her life, creating many of her own outfits and costumes as a young actress and model, and has now developed those skills into an exclusive, custom clothing line called Daphne Style, making Chinese silk brocade jackets that are wearable works of art. She also keeps busy as the Host of Virginia Currents (PBS), and as a spokesperson for Virginia State University, a historically black college/university (HBCU), doing outreach, public relations, and speaking engagements that allow her to preach the importance of education and career prep for students of color.
A thoughtful, inspiring, and fascinating professional with over five decades of experience, Daphne Maxwell Reid continues to demonstrate that mastering a new skill is always possible for an artist with a generous spirit and self-determination. Head over HERE if you’d like to learn more.
6. Books by Sandy Weinberger-Sloane
Looking for some great children’s books for someone for the holidays? I always get my kids books for the holidays. We do these holiday boxes each year, and there is always a book for them in there. I’m always looking for some fun books for them, and Sandy has made these wonderful children’s books. She’s got these six that all different and beautifully illustrated.
Sandy Weinberger-Sloane has been delighting children with her imaginative stories for decades. After her own daughter and son along with the neighborhood children begged her to write down her stories so they could enjoy them over and over, she has finally complied. Six of her stories, published by Createspace, are now in print to be shared with the young and the young at heart. Each beautifully illustrated book features characters that children can easily relate to and each story teaches an important life lesson.
“The Magical Paintbrush” is the story of a little boy who is able to make his imagination come to life and the lessons he learns and shares with others, about using his powers in a kind way in order to live by The Golden Rule.
“Mischa, My Sweet Little Puppy” is the story of an adorable, mischievous puppy and the little girl who loves her just the way she is, despite the trouble she always gets into.
Mischa reminds us to forgive those closest to us, simply because we love them.
“Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Which Do You Like Best of All?” demonstrates that every season has its own beauty and magic. This is the story of one little girl who shares her reasons for enjoying all four seasons. Illustrated in beautiful watercolors, this romp through the seasons provides something to smile about, 365 days a year.
“Mischa, The Hanukkah Hound” tells the story of how a little girl’s wish came true on the 8th night of Hanukkah in the form of a furry puppy. Mischa reminds us to never give up on our dreams and to remember the miracles of Hanukkah.
“H is for Hanukkah” is a rhyming alphabetical romp through the many joys of the Festival of Lights that will delight the young and the young at heart on the journey of Hanukkah from A to Z.
Weinberger-Sloane is the President of Rochester, NY based Special Events/Workforce Training and Development/Public Relations consultancy Solution
Her books can be purchased through Amazon and on SolutionsbySloane.com. Weinb
7. Letter From Santa Clause
How about a great book about Santa Clause for the holidays this year?! I’m always looking for some books that are related to the holidays. These are the kinds that my daughters really enjoy as well. We love to read them around the holidays. There is one book that is called Letter From Santa Clause, and it’s a great book for children. This book has such great photos in it as well. Such an awesome story for kids!
It’s the winter of 1949 and five-year-old Robin is very sick with pneumonia. His family takes him to the Toronto hospital where he receives good care from the nurses and the doctors. Though his father works hard during the day, he is always sure to visit Robin and read him stories.
One night, dad wakes Robin to share a special letter he received. It’s from Santa Claus, and it tells the little boy about the exciting things happening at the North Pole in preparation for Christmas.
That heartwarming letter from Santa is just what Robin needs to get better and leave the hospital in time for Christmas. You can head over HERE to learn more.
8. The Red Oak Rocking Chair
Love children’s books that are about family? Those are some of the best books for families. Being able to see your own kids grow up is so lovely, even if we don’t want them growing up so fast. Have you ever had one particular item that everyone in your family has used? This story follows a rocking chair that shares a lot of great memories and stories.
The Red Oak Rocking Chair tells the story of one particular rocking chair that shares surprising, heartwarming, joyful, and sorrowful details of a family. A handcrafted, wooden rocking chair, intended for giving comfort and pleasure to others, goes on its own journey of love, joy, discomfort, excitement, pleasure, and pain as a new baby comes into the family. As it first rocks the baby and then witnesses her grow up, the red oak rocking chair gives readers details of each sensation, from stinky diaper smells to being bitten by the baby’s incoming teeth!
Along with the excitement, joys, and laughter of a baby and exploring toddler are the bittersweet times of detachment when a child must all too soon grow up and begin her own journey into the world. The Red Oak Rocking Chair provides a unique perspective on life and love. You can learn more about this book HERE.
9. Prisoner Without Bars
Looking for a great book to read? This time of year is perfect to curl up with a good book. I’m always on the hunt for something to read. I may not have the most time to read, but I try to make time for it. There are so many great books out there. If you haven’t read Prisoners Without Bars yet, you may want to check it out. It’s got a great story line that I think you may all really enjoy.
Donna called 9-1-1. David slipped into a coma. At that moment, Donna was thrust onto the path of caregiver for her best friend and the love of her life. In her debut memoir, Donna shares how a neurosurgeon said that David would make a “great organ donor.” She writes of arrogant doctors, uncaring visitors, insensitive ambulance drivers, and problematic nurses. She also tells of the many compassionate doctors, nurses, therapists, staff, strangers, family members, and friends who helped them on their journey. Donna compellingly describes her ability to appear positive as she experiences the horror of making life-or-death decisions. As her world crashes, she credits laughter as her lifesaver. More than 13 years later, Donna and David are living a “new normal” together.
If you would like to hear more about this book, just head over HERE.
10. Under A Dark Sky
Love a good mystery book? Murder/mystery type books are some of my favorites. I love to try to figure it out before I get to what really happens in the book. Just like a movie where I try to solve something, these books are just like that, except I’m reading them and not watching them. If you love these kinds of books, than you may love the book called Under a Dark Sky.
Only in the dark can she find the truth . . .
Since her husband died, Eden Wallace’s life has diminished down to a tiny pinprick, like a far-off star in the night sky. She doesn’t work, has given up on her love of photography, and is so plagued by night terrors that she can’t sleep without the lights on. Everyone, including her family, has grown weary of her grief. So when she finds paperwork in her husband’s effects indicating that he reserved a week at a dark sky park, she goes. She’s ready to shed her fear and return to the living, even if it means facing her paralyzing phobia of the dark.
But when she arrives at the park, the guest suite she thought was a private retreat is teeming with a group of twenty-somethings, all stuck in the orbit of their old college friendships. Horrified that her get-away has been taken over, Eden decides to head home the next day. But then a scream wakes the house in the middle of the night. One of the friends has been murdered. Now everyone—including Eden—is a suspect.
Everyone is keeping secrets, but only one is a murderer. As mishaps continue to befall the group, Eden must make sense of the chaos and lies to evade a ruthless killer—and she’ll have to do it before dark falls…
Head over HERE if you’d love to learn more.
11. The Secret Mountain Books
Looking for some great books for kids this year? I’ve got some great choices for you. Below you will find some books that your kids are sure to love. If they love the classic sing a longs, then they should really love all these. Check out more info on these below!
BOOKS:
This charming, original audio picture book features a collection of short illustrated texts evoking the simple pleasures that fill a day in the life of Little Sun, a fearless, adorable pig with a big heart. She’s always on the lookout for challenges, big and small, and never seems to get discouraged as she embarks on all kinds of adventures with playmates Little Mouse and Miss Rabbit. A funny and endearing tale of friendship that will delight and enchant the whole family. A 20-minute recording, with a recurring sound of a musical instrument as a signal for the young reader to turn the page, can be listened to for free on The Secret Mountain website.
She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain
Striking illustrations, rich in color and texture, offer an original interpretation of this popular traditional children’s folk song recorded by exceptionally gifted singers and seasoned musicians.
Striking illustrations, rich in color and texture, offer an original interpretation of this popular traditional children’s folk song recorded by exceptionally gifted singers and seasoned musicians.
12. Easy to Bake Unicorn Cookbook
Know someone who loves unicorns? This year unicorns have become a huge hit with some, and it’s great to see all the fun unicorn items that have come out. I’ve always loved the beautiful colors that have been associated with unicorns. If you or your kids love unicorns, then this Easy to Bake Unicorn Cookbook may be for you. Cook together with this book and make some great unicorn recipes!
Cinderly’s Easy to Bake Unicorn Cookbook includes beloved childhood classics, “Unicorn Hot Chocolate,” “Slumber Party Unicorn Balls,” “Rainbow Cake Nirvana,” “Jurassic Sugar Cookies,” and more. With recipes that can be made in as little as 20 minutes, the hardcover edition cookbook is filled with 90 pages of vibrant and full-color photography, step-by-step instructions, and a decorating guide. With a mission of making cooking a more whimsical and carefree experience, Cinderly’s recipes are designed for moms, tweens, and children, who dream of creating their own wild masterpieces in the kitchen.
When they started, the only thing they knew was that cookbooks were hard to follow, complicated, and never very simple. But when they were kids baking was fun, whimsical and carefree! So their main objective was to create a fun easy to bake cookbook that gives every kid an option to build their own wild masterpieces in the kitchen. They set forth spinning their grandmothers’ worn recipe cards into the most amazing Rainbow Unicorn Classics ever! Head over HERE to learn more.
13. Folk Art Fusion
Do you love to paint? If you are a painter, or just have a love for painting, then you’re going to love this Folk Art Fusion book. It is great for helping out with painting. There are a lot of great styles and steps to help you learn along the way. If you have always had a passion for painting, then this could be a great book for you.
Folk Art Fusion shows you how to blend classic subjects with new techniques to create unique works of art. In this re-issued hardcover gift edition, professional artist Heather Galler explores a colorful combination of art styles and presents them step by step in her modern folk art paintings. Learn how traditional folk art continues to influence today’s painters as you learn to create your own contemporary folk-art paintings.
Even if you’re new to creating art, Folk Art Fusion will have you following along easily with step-by-step projectsthat are as varied as they are colorful. You’ll create art from classic subjects, including: flowers, animals, architecture, sugar skulls, portraits, and more. Some of the vibrant folk art pieces you’ll learn to replicate are Frida Kahlo, Day of the Dead, Maneki Neko, and Russian Nesting Dolls.
Colorful, contemporary, and inspirational, Folk Art Fusion allows artists of all skill levels to quickly discover the joy of creating modern, globally inspired art in this time-treasured genre. Head over HERE to learn more.
14. Portrait Drawing
Do you love to draw, or know someone who does? If you know someone who loves drawing portraits, then they’ll love this portrait drawing book. This gives some great step by steps on how to do portraits. I wish I would have had this back when I was in school. I think this would have been extremely helpful then. I think this is going to be great for when my daughters get a bit older and start drawing as well.
This lively, graphic approach to explaining concepts will have you looking and learning with step-by-step illustrations and expert tips straight from London-based artist Joanna Henly (aka Miss Led). This compact 112-page book is just right for carrying in a backpack or pocket for when you’re learning on the go.
Henly begins by guiding you through your initial set up, then moves on to “Understanding the Face.” She takes you through every detail of capturing facial features and expressions, and mastering the rendering of hair and skin. Her exercises demonstrate and reinforce everything you learn as you go along. Head over HERE to learn more.
15. Manga Drawing
Love to draw Manga? Then I have an awesome book for you. The Little Book of Manga Drawing is a great book for helping you learn how to draw Manga. This book is filled with so many great drawings. All of these are going to help with drawing these people too. It’s a really nice book filled with so many great drawings.
In this new series from Walter Foster Publishing, artists and art hobbyists alike will delight in learning a variety of fun and interesting art topics in a portable format boasting a fresh, contemporary design. Filled with open practice pages, creative exercises, and art prompts, The Little Book of Manga Drawing encourages interactivity for immediate results, while also teaching beginners the fundamentals of the featured medium in an engaging and fun way.
In The Little Book of Manga Drawing, beginning manga artists and aspiring illustrators will discover a variety of basic manga drawing techniques through step-by-step projects, creative prompts, and engaging ideas to ignite creativity.
From learning how to master the proportions and shape of heads and bodies, to understanding how to create personally relevant manga characters, this fun guidebook covers all the basics.
After an introduction to the tools you’ll use when creating manga, you’ll dive into how to draw and colorize your own manga artwork with the help of dozens of techniques and helpful instructions. You’ll also learn to draw props, costumes, and color, as well as how to draw manga chibis, to round out this comprehensive book. Head over HERE to learn more.
16. Fidget Busters
Love fidget toys? My kids are huge fans of all the fidget toys. We love making our own fidgets too. If you have kids who love fidget toys, then they may love this Fidget Busters book. It’s got a lot of great ideas in it for doing fidgets. It’s an awesome way to keep kids busy!
FIDGET BUSTERS 50 WAYS TO KEEP KIDS BUSY WHILE YOU GET THINGS DONE makes a terrific stocking stuffer along with all the cool stuff you need for touchy Fidget Busters makes a terrific stocking stuffer along with all the cool stuff you need to make touchy feely stringy, slime-y, lulling mesmerizing fun. We are talking dried beans, glue, cornstarch. Nothing expensive. The true gift is for mom or dad because the fidgets keep kids happily occupied and off the screen!
Fidget spinners, slime, and other sensory toys have spiked in popularity for their ability to calm anxieties and improve concentration. In an age where children have ample amounts of screen time, gooey, stretchy, and bumpy projects are a fun, educational way to engage their senses.From fake snow and edible finger paint, to sensory balloons and rainbow foam, these anti-fidgetDIYs will keep kids entertained and learning by working with their hands. Parenting expert Donna Bozzo also includes suggestions for buying and using ready-made fidget busters and toys. Keep kids busy with:Unicorn Kinetic SandCrunchy SlimeLava LampsStress balls and more! Head over HERE to learn more.
17. Once Upon A Time
I love doing personalized items, especially when it comes to my children. They love when I give them items that are personalized. The ones we all love the most, are books. They love it when I bring them books that are personalized just for them. I know they love to see their very own names in the books. That’s something that is so special and unique for kids to be able to have. These kinds of items make some of the best gifts too.
Fairytale Baby Books are uniquely written and charmingly illustrated tales about a royal family and their desire to have a baby prince or princess. From “Once upon a time…” to “…happy ever after,” we take factual information and a photo you provide to develop a personalized storybook in fairytale form about the family and child being showcased.
Each 15-page manuscript is typeset in a beautiful Old English font surrounded by corresponding colorful artwork. Upon approval, the fairytale is printed onto antique parchment-like paper. The pages are bound in an 8” x 9” leather-look, hardcover book featuring ornately designed borders and embossed gold glitter titles—front and back. The end result is a treasured handcrafted keepsake to cherish forever. Head over HERE if you’d love to learn more.
18. Books That Sow
Looking for some fun books for kids this year? I’m always on the hunt for books for my children. I always get them some for the holidays too. I think books are great, and my kids like to read too. It’s always fun when your kids enjoy books. My kids can read on their own, but they do enjoy it when I read to them as well. My youngest always loves it when I read a story before she goes to bed. These books by Cherrye S. Vasquez are some great ones for children. You can learn about each of these books below.
CRISSCROSS APPLESAUCE
The teacher was shocked to learn that the girls were bickering amongst themselves. Pinching? Spitting? Pulling braided ponytails? Oh no! Could there be a bully in the learning group? Once the teacher realized the girls weren’t using their classroom manners, there just had to be a share-pair social skills lesson and discussion of how to get along, play fair, and care for one another.
TEACHER, TEACHER, CAN’T YOU SEE?
Everyone gets excited about the first few days of school–meeting the teacher and making friends especially. The teacher is busy doing all the wonderful things teachers do–preparing reading and math lessons and more–but doesn’t notice a problem in her classroom.
THE CHRISTMAS SWAP
Was Mrs. Claus hearing things? Did Santa Claus really want to swap jobs with her this year? The elves were not alone in their disbelief. The elves, Ms. Mati, Ms. Carli and even Santa’s dog, Louis, seemed puzzled, too. Follow the pages of this cute little Christmas tale, and you too will wonder — What in North Pole was Santa thinking?
Head over HERE to learn more about these books and see what other books they have to chose from.
19. Workman Books
Looking for some fun books for the kids this year? My daughters love books that they can do activities in. I find them to be great for long car rides too. We always bring books along when we know we’re going to be in the car for a long time. There are all kinds of books out there that have fun activities in them. My daughters love drawing a lot, so books like those are very interesting to them. They also really enjoy ones with stickers in them as well. Overall though, they love them all as long as they have some kind of activities for them to do. Workman Books actually have a great variety of books to choose from that are full of fun activities for the kids.
Paint by Stickers: Cats (September 18; $14.95) includes everything needed to create 12 full-color portraits of favorite felines. Simply find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space. Add the next, and the next, and the next—soon, a vibrantly colorful cat image emerges from the black-and-white template. The perforated card-stock pages allow artwork to be easily removed for framing or display.
Gods and Heroes: Mythology Around the Worldby Korwin Briggs (August 21; Ages: 9-12 years; $19.95)celebrates the world’s myths and legends in an A–Z compendium that draws not only from Greek and Roman traditions, but also Norse sagas, Egyptian history, Shinto pantheons, and more. Modern, illustrations, and a humorous narrative voice revive the enduring appeal of each tale.
50 Ways to Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life(Flow) by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst (April 17; $24.95)shares secrets and techniques for rendering the kinds of things seen and interacted with every day. Along the way creatives will learn about color, perspective, and the power of tracing. Includes bound-in goodies, from postcards to colored paper, and an inspirational poster on the underside of the jacket.
If your kids love these kinds of activity books, I’d highly recommend checking out Workman Books. They have a whole lot of ones to choose from, so just head over HERE to check them all out.
20. Heartfelt The Special Reindeer
I’m all about books that are going to be helpful for children. I love hearing special stories because I know these really catch kids attention. Since the holidays are coming up, I’m always looking for holiday books for my girls. They love it when they get them for the holidays, and I love that they love books so much. This Heartfelt book is amazing, and I think kids are going to love it. It truly has a special meaning to the whole book, and I really loved that about it.
Heartfelt is not only a “special” reindeer, with the power to see inside people’s hearts and know their most heartfelt wishes, she is also a “special needs” reindeer: Her rear legs are way shorter than her front legs, and her back slopes sharply downward. Heartfelt’s own most heartfelt wish is to be a regular member of Santa’s team and not just one of his “backup reindeer,” who join the team only if one of the regular nine gets sick.
Meanwhile, Santa is very troubled this year, all because of a sad little boy named James. Can Heartfelt solve Santa’s problem and help him help James? And can Heartfelt ever hope to become a regular member of the team?
This heartwarming story introduces a new character, Heartfelt, to the Santa legend. Heartfelt is sure to win your heart. Head over HERE to learn more about this book.
21. Bullied at the Dog Park
I love buying children’s books for my daughters. If these books have a lesson that can be learned, then I love them even more. How many of you have ever had a problem with bullying? Whether it’s you being bullied, your children, or maybe even your pets, bullying is a problem and it needs to stop. There is this amazing book called Bullied at the Dog Park that I think every child should be able to hear.
“Bullied at the Dog Park” is a children’s book for young readers. A story about a lovable Boston Terrier with a “smushed” face and the new friends he makes on his journey to find out why they have all been bullied. The group quickly becomes friends, while learning valuable lessons about treating all dogs (and people) with respect, and the importance of simple kindness.
The book is based on a real-life incident Heather’s own Boston Terrier, Herbie, had when he encountered a much larger dog at the dog park one day. The book follows Herbie’s journey of learning why he was bullied, what bullying means and what he can do about it. It’s about Herbie and the new friends he makes during his investigation to find out why they have all been bullied. The group of friends quickly learn valuable lessons about treating all dogs (and people) with respect, and the importance of simple kindness. As other dogs chime in with their stories, Herbie’s advice is to always tell someone if you’re being bullied, to step in when others are victims and to confront one’s bully with questions about their anger. It also helps, Heather says, when schools have anti-bullying policies.
Head over HERE to learn more about this book.
22. Grandpa Magic
Do you or someone you know love to do magic? I’ve always been interested in magic ever since I was little. I was always wondering how magicians could do some of these tricks. Now that I have kids of my own, my youngest daughter has been in to magic as well. It’s great to be able to share this love of magic with her too. She’s been finding out how to do some of these magic tricks on her own, and she’s very good at it too. If you’re looking for a magic trick book, then you should check out the Grandpa Magic book. It’s got a lot of great stuff in it, and they’re actually pretty simple to learn.
From a professional magician and New York Times bestselling author, 116 tricks, stunts, and brainteasers that will engage the grandchildren and provide giggles, jaw-dropping awe , and wonderful memories.
Guaranteed to make grandparenting even more fun, Grandpa Magic is sure to entertain—and crack up— the grandkids. From the old pull-a-quarter-from-behind-a-kid’’s-ear trick and “removing your thumb” to card tricks, stunts for the dinner table, and verbal puzzles that surprise and delight, there’s something for everyone. Step-by-step illustrations make them easy to learn.
Head over HERE if you’d like to learn more.
23. The Book Club Widowers
Do you enjoy reading books that are full of suspense and are thrilling? These are certainly the kinds of books I sure love to read. I love reading all kinds of books honestly, but when they’re full of suspense, then that’s what really gets me on the edge of my seat, even while reading. These books are just full of so much mystery, and I seem to love that in a book. If this is what you love too, then you may be interested in hearing about the book The Book Club Widowers.
In this suspenseful, page-turning thriller, three suburban mothers take their wine-filled, literary discussions on a girls’ beach trip. And mysteriously vanish. The husbands and fathers remain behind, balancing their personal ambitions and failures with trying to help their bewildered children move forward into a new normal. Detectives seek evidence of a crime, as ambiguity reigns as lines blur between friends, lovers, and enemies.
If you would love to learn more about this book, just head over HERE.
24. Murder in her Stocking
As the Moonlight Magnolia Agency revisits old memories on Christmas Eve, Granny Reid takes the reins back thirty years to the 1980s—back when she went by Stella, everyone’s hair was bigger, and sweaters were colorful disasters. But murder never went out of style . . .
Christmas has arrived in sleepy McGill, Georgia, but holiday cheer can’t keep temperamental Stella Reid from swinging a rolling pin at anyone who crosses her bad side—and this season, there are plenty. First an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit’s identity . . .
Turns out Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list, and suspects pile up like presents on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more fears she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the futures of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th . . .
Head over HERE to learn more.
25. Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge
Freelance writer Jaine Austen is feeling festive about spending Christmas house-sitting at a posh Bel Air mansion, accompanied by her friend Lance and her cat, Prozac. But when a grumpy neighbor gets himself iced, she’ll have to find the culprit or she may spend the New Year in jail . . .
Scotty Parker is a former child star who once played Tiny Tim, but now he’s grown up into the role of neighborhood Scrooge. He cuts the wires on his neighbors’ Christmas lights and tells local kids that Santa had a stroke. And his miserly, bah-humbug attitude lasts year-round—a fact known all too well by his current wife, his ex-wife, his maid, and many more.
Scotty thinks he can stage a comeback with the screenplay he’s working on (The Return of Tiny Tim: Vengeance Is Mine!), and Jaine’s been reluctantly helping him edit it. So when Scotty is bludgeoned with a frozen chocolate yule log and the police start making a list of suspects and checking it twice, Jaine’s name is unfortunately included. True, she’s been under some stress, with Lance trying to set her up on dates and her fickle feline taking a sudden liking to someone else—but she’s not guilty of murder. Now she just has to prove it, by using her gift for detection and figuring out who committed this holiday homicide.
Head over HERE to learn more.
26. The Peppermint Mocha Murder
It’s beginning to look like a merry Christmas for Hayden Mundy Moore. On vacation from providing her sought-after expertise in all things chocolate, Hayden heads to snowy New England with her friend and financial advisor, Travis, for the opening of his pal’s highly-touted holiday musical. But when the show’s producer is murdered, Hayden trades sampling Chocolate Santas for finding the killer—especially since this time, Travis is the one asking for her help . . .
Soon Hayden discovers there’s more to Travis’s chic hometown than mulled wine and cocoa cookies. But that’s just the beginning. Almost no one, including Travis, is quite what they seem. Did the show’s lead have more savage motives than stardom? Could the dead producer’s husband have felt a murderous envy for his successful wife? Getting behind the mistletoe and jingle bells will take all of Hayden’s savvy—along with some super caffeinated Peppermint Mochas—if she hopes to catch a killer with a heart more bitter than the darkest truffle . . .
Head over HERE to learn more.
27. Premeditated Peppermint
Someone’s sweet on revenge . . .
Christmas is Bailey King’s favorite time of year. For her first Yuletide in Harvest, Ohio, the former big-city chocolatier is recreating a cherished holiday treat: peppermint combined with molten white chocolate. But her sugar high plummets when her former boyfriend walks into the candy shop she now runs with her Amish grandmother. New York celebrity chef Eric Sharp and his TV crew have arrived to film an authentic Amish Christmas. Bailey’s not about to let her beloved town—and Swissmen Sweets—be turned into a sound bite. Unfortunately, she gets more publicity than she bargained for when Eric’s executive producer is found strangled to death—and Eric’s the prime suspect.
With Bailey’s sheriff deputy boyfriend out to prove Eric’s guilt, her bad-boy ex tries to sweet-talk her into helping him clear his name . . . and rekindle their romance to boost ratings for his show. Now, between a surplus of suspects and a victim who wasn’t who she seemed, Bailey’s edging dangerously close to a killer who isn’t looking to bring joy to the world—or to Bailey—this deadly Noel . . .
Head over HERE to learn more.
28. Bells, Spells, And Murders
Someone’s spreading deadly holiday cheer through Salem, Mass . . .
Lee Barrett has landed her dream job at Salem’s WICH-TV. As the new field reporter, she’ll be covering events live as they’re unfolding. Next on her holiday checklist is an interview with the beloved chairman of a popular walking tour through Salem’s historic districts. But it may be his ghost walking this snowy Noel season after Lee finds him murdered in his stately offices, bloody Santa hat askew.
With her police detective boyfriend working the case and a witch’s brew of suspects—including some bell-ringing Santas—Lee chases down leads aided and abetted by her wise cat O’Ryan and some unsettling psychic visions of her own. When a revealing clue leads to another dead body, not even a monster blizzard can stop Lee from inching closer to the truth . . . and a scoop that could spell her own demise this killer Christmas.
Head over HERE to learn more.
29. Christmas Cake Murder
It’s Christmas many years ago, and topping young Hannah Swensen’s wish list is becoming the go-to baker in Lake Eden, Minnesota. But as Hannah finds out, revisiting holiday memories can be
murder . . .
With her dream of opening The Cookie Jar taking shape, Hannah’s life matches the hectic December hustle and bustle in Lake Eden—especially when she agrees to help recreate a spectacular Christmas Ball from the past in honor of Essie Granger, an elderly local in hospice care. But instead of poring over decadent dessert recipes for the merry festivities, she instantly becomes enthralled by Essie’s old notebooks and the tale of a woman escaping danger on the streets of New York. Hannah’s surprised by Essie’s secret talent for penning crime fiction. She’s even more surprised when the story turns real. As Hannah prepares to run a bakery and move out of her mother’s house, it’ll be a true miracle if she can prevent another Yuletide disaster by solving a mystery as dense as a Christmas fruitcake . . .
Head over HERE to learn more.
30. Little Book Of You
Would you love to create your own personalized baby book? I love baby books because I get to look back at everything that has happened since my daughters were born. I have a few different baby books, but nothing is better then a personalized baby book. Little Book Of You is extremely special to me because of how personalized it really is. You can learn more then you actually knew about the day your child was born too.
The Little Book of You is a highly personalized and beautifully illustrated baby book. A personalized baby book that your family will love.
Please let us know if you’d like to receive a gift code which will enable you to create your own Little Book of You.
The Little Book of You includes:
- Unique details from the day your child was born including the place of birth, time, weight and length of your precious little one
- Pages of what makes their birthday special: what happened in history on their birthday, famous people who were born on the same date and more
- Two pages dedicated to a customized family tree to help your child learn all the important people in their life
- A personalized letter from you to your child
- Each book is proudly made in the USA and is priced at $49.95
This book is so beautifully illustrated too. It is sure worth it to get this book so that you and your children can look back at it whenever you want. I just love it so much and it’s even more special since it’s personalized with all your info. If you’d like to learn more about this book and where you can get one, head over HERE. I’m sure you’re going to love it too!
31. Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers
Following the success of Sunday Suppers, the Bridge family continues to grow, with two new contributors joining the team to bring us innovative recipes developed in classic Bridge fashion and delivered with signature Bridge humor and wit.
Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers serves up 175 recipes that are easy enough for our busy lives, are delicious, and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. The delectable weekday recipes include Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad, Pineapple Pulled Pork Buns, Stovetop Gnocchi and Beef Stew, Rosemary Lamb and Feta Meatballs on Lemon Garlic Potatoes, Curried Turkey Pot Pie, and Baked Mushroom and Herb Risotto.
Head over HERE to learn more.
32. 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Cookbook
The Instant Pot® is unquestionably the most popular and bestselling kitchen appliance of the last year, with many models performing the functions of a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a steamer, a sauté pan, a yogurt maker and a warmer.
5-Ingredient Instant Pot® Recipes is a perfect companion for the Instant Pot® and a follow-up to Marilyn Haugen’s previous bestseller, 175 Best Instant Pot® Recipes, which has over 20,000 copies in print. All of its 150 recipes, created especially for use with an Instant Pot®, contain a minimum of ingredients and require little effort.
There are recipes for every occasion and season, and for novices and well-seasoned home cooks alike. The recipes include favorites like Ham and Cheddar Egg Muffins, Hearty Black Bean Soup, Pepperoncini Beef Roast, Chicken Caesar Pita Pockets, Braised Herb Salmon with Asparagus, Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Chocolate Peanut Clusters.
Head over HERE to learn more.
33. The Complete Indian Instant Pot Cookbook
Traditional and modern Indian recipes for the home cook — officially authorized by Instant Pot®! The Instant Pot® is a game-changer for Indian cooking because it replaces a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, bread proofer and steamer. Gone are the days when preparing Indian food just seemed too intimidating or for weekends only.
In The Complete Indian Instant Pot® Cookbook, award-winning editor and author Chandra Ram shares 130 recipes from all over India, specifically designed for the Instant Pot®, that meld Indian ingredients with North American sensibilities. Recipes range from traditional to modern and go beyond the greatest hits that you see in Indian restaurants.
You’ll find tons of familiar favorites, including Butter Chicken and Chana Masala, less well-known regional dishes like dosas, biryanis and dal stews, and contemporary twists on Indian flavors, such as Orange Cumin Salmon and Chocolate Chai Pudding.
Chandra takes you through cooking all the parts of an Indian meal, ranging from yogurt and cheese to desserts and everything in between. She also offers suggested meal plans, easy substitutions and tips for building an Indian pantry. Cooking Indian food has never been as approachable, fast or easy!
Head over HERE to learn more.
34. 150 Best Toaster Oven Recipes
Toaster ovens are versatile, compact and convenient, doing the job of both a toaster and a full-size oven while using far less space and far less energy. They can do so much more than just toast — they can bake, broil, brown and keep food warm.
This updated edition includes 125 delicious recipes from Linda’s previous book, practical tips, and information on various toaster ovens, and, by popular demand, an all‑new “Basics” section with over 25 easy recipes.
All of the recipes are designed exclusively for toaster ovens and include delicious options for any time of day. Some of the new basics include Deli Tuna Melts, BBQ Meatballs, Vegetable Bean Chili, and Chocolate Chip Muffins. Still featured are old favorites like Salmon Satays and Stuffed Baked Potatoes.
With easy-to-prepare recipes and clear instructions, 150 Best Toaster Oven Recipes is perfect for students, singles and anyone looking to make a delicious meal in their toaster oven.
Head over HERE to learn more.
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