Cold Absolute Truth - Gabe Suico

Gentle as Real Strength - Ralph W. Sockman

Running Inside You - Rwandan Proverb

All Lives - Bill Gates

Don't Get the Impression - Richard Milhouse Nixon

The Palest Ink - Chinese Proverb

Counting Butterfly - Rabindranath Tagore

Tell Me, Show Me, Involve Me

This Thing We Call Failure - Mary Pickford

Sweet Pickles: Turtle Throws a Tantrum By Richard Hefter Book Review

'Sweet Pickles: Turtle Throws a Tantrum' By Richard Hefter is a book about an anthropomorphic Turtle who wants someone else's bracelet.

This is a book about how silly children look when they throw tantrums and how throwing tantrums shouldn't get you what you want. I have to say, good show, Richard Hefter, good show. This is the kind of book that teaches children that they can't always have what they want. I like that idea.

Further along the lines this book is solidly made and the right kind of book for children to play with. 

Who should Read this book: Young children.

Books Read: 42 of 5000

How the Stars Fell into the Sky by Jerrie Oughton Book Review

"How the Stars Fell Into the Sky" by Jerrie Oughton is a telling of a Navajo legend about the placement of the constellations. Permit me to be clear that I have little understanding of how to address this story because I have no idea how the Navajo think of the tale. They could think of it as part of their religion or they could think of it as just a folk story. I have no intention of insulting their tradition. 

That said, the first woman is setting the stars in the sky in order to record the laws for all the people to see and so know them well.  Then Coyote arrives and tries to help but in his haste throws the stars into the sky preventing her from writing the laws. 

You can see this as a cautionary tail about letting the wrong people help you or as point about getting a job done right or not doing it at all. From a story standpoint I rather liked this book. I found it entertaining.  

Further along these lines, the book is well crafted with rich artwork and a strong spine. 

Who should read this book: Everyone

Books Read: 41 of 5000

Sayings and Actions - Kahlil Gibran

Sophia the Snoop by Lara Bergen Book Review

"Sophia the Snoop" by Lara Bergen is one in a series of books about the titular Sophia and her quest to find a definitive name and in a larger sense her identity.  

In this case Sophia has found an old Sherlock Holmes hat and has resolved to become the worlds greatest detective. Unfortunately for Sophia she finds her self at the center of every mystery and isn't that great at resolving them. 

The great thing about this book is that it teaches kids that failure is not that big of a deal, they should never try to be something they are not, and that they should not jump to conclusions. The bad side of things is that it discourages children from trying new skills and permits them to give up. Sophia doesn't learn about forensic science and her positive growth is questionable.

In short, this is not a bad book but it's not going to encourage your child to go into law enforcement. 

Who should read this book: Young Girls

Books Read: 40 of 5000

Height of Mountains - St. Augustine

Peanut Butter Rhino By Vincent Amdriani Book Review

'Peanut Butter Rhino' by Vincent Amdriani is a children's primary about a Rhino who sits on his sandwich.

 It's a flimsy soft cover that your children will almost certainly destroy but the story is funny enough and the art work will make them laugh.

Who should read this Book: three to six year olds and their parents.
Books Read: 39 of 5000

Philosophy of the Soul - Russ Kolibas

Reputation and Character - Thomas Paine

Like Nose Picking - Roald Dahl

'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' Book Review

One of the odd things about "Tails of Beedle the Bard" is that it's printed in China. If I had known that I may not have gotten a copy because even as the book is sold for children's charity I'm not sure it was not made with child labor. It is so hard to responsibly source things in the modern day.

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard" does not feature a character named Beedle but rather is a take off on the 'Grimm Fairy Tales'. As the Grimm tales are collected by the brothers Grimm "The Tales of Beetle the Bard" are collected  by Beetle and are are stories of magic folks as if they were normal. 

Now, this book is very short and will take very little of  your time. In the respect of entertainment for your money it's not a great buy. However, if you think of this book as more of your Harry Potter collectibles I figure it's a better deal than a broom you can't sweep with. Then, if you live where it's cold a Harry Potter scarf would be more useful. 

Who should read this book: Harry Potter fans

Books Read: 38 of 5000