The Word Collector...#BookReview

About the book:

Some people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And Jerome? Jerome collected words . . . 

In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him—short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. 

From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words—and the impact you can have when you share them with the world. 

A couple of years ago I saw a video where Michelle and Barack Obama read a story for a library family day. I fell in love with that story and had to purchase it. I realize I never shared it here. 

I love words. I love reading them. I enjoy writing them. And, in this story, Jerome collects words.  

Jerome finds his words and shares them. He makes scrapbooks to keep them. He arranges them and sees how they work together to form sentences. He learns how words help and how they hurt.

Language makes civilization possible. Language allows us to communicate and share thoughts and ideas and feelings. The words that make up our languages can hurt and heal; incite and inspire. The right words at the right time in the right place can create magic. Words will make people weep and cheer, often at the same time. 

 

The most important thing to remember about words is that they are incredibly powerful. 

Over the past few years we have seen many words being shared; we have seen them inspire some and incite others. We have seen them unite and divide. The next year looks to be much the same.

How are you using your words?

This is an absolutely delightful story with such a good message. I have gifted this book and will continue to do so.

*****

5/5 Stars

 

Tweet

Пятница Ponderings: Be kind. Love is a verb.

Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate 

Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian

-------------------

I think I should write and then I don't. I think, "Who cares about what I have to say?" Do people even read blogs anymore? I don't do anything about advertising anymore or SEO or whatever the latest thing is. So if people read, they don't comment.

I used to read and review books. I don't do as much of that anymore. 

I do puzzles. I started doing puzzles during the early days of the pandemic. I've kept it up. I created an Instagram to share the puzzles I do and I've discovered the puzzling world. It's so cool. 

No judgments. No politics. No one cares that I am vaxxed and still wear a mask in the office. No one cares that I voted an almost all blue ticket in this election. Instead, we like each other's puzzles and compare notes and share favorite puzzle brands.

It's so refreshing.

I have read 4 books this year, which is fantastic, considering I read none, zero, zilch, for review last year. I stuck with old familiar favorites and fan fiction. I love a good Bucky fanfic any day.

I am still so tired. So very tired. Tired of politics. Tired of meanness. Tired of hate. Tired of selfishness. 

The last three years of this pandemic have shown me the best and worst of people. And because of the overturning of Roe V. Wade and the polarizing elections of the last 6 years, it hasn't gotten any better.

Our words are often mean and angry, especially on social media. Our judgments of each other have become harsh. Political leaders have made bullying and meanness acceptable, where it shouldn't be.

What are we coming to? What are we afraid of? 

And yet, I see kindnesses every day. I see people stepping up and helping one another. Letting a car merge, paying for the person behind them. Smiling. Sending a sweet text.

This week, a patient brought me the stuffed moose in the above picture. We named her Millicent Moose and she is sitting on our counter through Christmas. It was such a thoughtful gift and one that touched me greatly.

The holidays are here. So many people celebrating so many holidays. Whichever ones you do, take the time to consider what you can do for someone else. Can you leave an uplifting comment on a FB post? Can you just scroll past a post you disagree with instead of sounding off? Can you donate? Can you serve? Can you smile and show interest and listen? It doesn't take much to initiate a good ripple of kindness.

In this world of political upheaval and drama, kindness is ever so important. More kindness and love brings peace. And peace is sorely needed.

Be kind. Do good. Love is a verb.

  

Tweet

Puzzles...Nancy Drew

I knew I needed this puzzle as soon as I saw it. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and had every single one of these books. 

Most Cobble Hill puzzles come with a small poster for reference and this one did not. The only frame of reference was the picture on the box and the box was half the size of normal Cobble Hill boxes. I don't know if this one was an older version or not, but my old eyes really could have used the sample poster for help.

Nancy Drew

1000 pieces 

Cobble Hill

Tweet

T-Rex and Tuck Enjoy the Zoo...#BookReview

About the book:

In the first installment from the T-Rex and Tuck Explore series, Tuck uses his imagination to transport himself and his best friend, T-Rex, to the zoo. In this wonderous escape from the rainy day inside Tuck's room, they learn interesting facts about different zoo animals and get to have a little fun along the way. 

Tuck is a little boy with a big imagination! He and his (stuffed animal) best friend, T-Rex, go on amazing adventures. Read along as T-Rex comes to life and they explore new and exciting places together. From the rainy day inside Tuck's room to the grand playdate through the world of make believe; you will learn interesting facts about zoo animals and have fun along the way. After all, Tuck's best friend is a dinosaur and with an imagination like that there are sure to be some giggles. 

This picture book is a heartwarming tale of friendship and a wonderful example of imaginative play. T-Rex and Tuck Explore the Zoo will bring laughs as well as knowledge to any little reader! With the captivating illustrations you can't help but feel inspired by Tuck's creativity and adore his adventure with T-Rex. This book is best suited for ages 3-6, but children of any age can enjoy!

It's no secret that I love children's books. And this one is a sheer delight. Tuck wants to go to the zoo, but it's raining, so he and his best friend T-Rex imagine what it would be like to be there anyway. Tuck tells T-Rex all sorts of amazing facts about the animals at the zoo as they visit different animals and explore. 

Tuck reminds me so much of my youngest. He loved dinosaurs and elephants and could tell you fact upon fact about them. I remember being at the zoo with him and we were at the elephant exhibit. He was probably 6. A girl was drawing the elephants and had a book open next to her. He walked up and very politely told her that the elephant in the book was an Asian elephant and the one she was drawing was an African elephant. She was very sweet with him. It's a fond memory and one that was very much him. 

This is an adorable story, geared towards littles, but a delight for anyone to read. The illustrations are beautifully done. It's the first in a series and I can't wait to see what other adventures Tuck and T-Rex have. This is a book I will share with my grandchildren.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this darling story. You can purchase your own copy here or at your favorite indie bookstore. You can learn more about Katie Marie Brown and Tuck and T-Rex on her website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Read 11/22

* * * * *

5/5 Stars

Tweet

Puzzles...House Crests

Harry Potter for the win. This was a quick puzzle that came together in about an hour. I may reassemble and frame it one day.

Fun, because our family is sorted into each house. I am Hufflepuff (the best), my husband is Slytherin, one son is Gryffindor and the other is Ravenclaw.

 

House Crests Puzzle. 

300 pieces 

Spinmaster Brand

Tweet