'A is for Awesome' by Dallas Clayton Book Review

'A is for Awesome' by Dallas Clayton is a book about learning the

alphabet. That gives you many picture examples of what words that start with the letters the book is on. 

The art work is kind of childlike for the sake of your child just liking the book a bit more. After that, there isn't much about this book to distinguish it from other books.

The large format makes it easy to read this book with your child and ask 'so what is that word?' and is designed for parent child participation. 

Who should read this book? Parents with their children

Books read: 124 of 5000

Day of the Dishes

29^th January 2015

Dear Cassi,

     

I came home directly and filled the dishwasher with every one of my blender jars and cutting boards, and as much silver where as would fit and set the thing to run before taking pickle to the store. It so happened that Pickle wanted to go to so many stores that he and his best friend doubted he would get to them all.

     

As I was re-washing the silverware, bleaching the sink, and cleaning the silverware tray I figured we could take care of a few of Pickle’s shopping needs. It is often his custom to go to eat before shopping as this curbs the appetite for more at the grocery.

     

Pickle has been complaining about his spending, and so has opted to only go to the store once every four weeks. Somehow I think this is negated by going to the three stores but Pickle doesn’t see it that way. Vegetables only last as little as three days in the crisper with things like lettuce or as much as a month with carrots. How can you keep things with one trip in four weeks?

                                                 

In any case, we went to a store he liked and spent nearly a hundred dollars on vegetables, protein, and pastas. Went to another store and he filled the basket again buying enough to fill the trunk of my car and then some. If his experiment is a success it will surprise me but he spent a lot of money today.

Keep perspective, little sister,

Richard Leland Neal

Loud and Quiet: An Animal Opposites Book By Lisa Bullard Book Review

'Loud and Quiet: An Animal Opposites Book' By Lisa Bullard is a

book that compares animal sounds. That's good in that every nugget of information you can give to your child will help them in the future.

The problem with this book is that it gives you very small nuggets of information.  It entertains children with pictures, but what are pictures? 

If you're looking for a book for your preschool child then I guess this is a good choice but once they start hitting the books this will just be to little for them. 

Who should read this book? Very young children. 

Books read: 123 of 5000

I Call My Grandma Nana by Ashley Wolff book review

'I Call My Grandma Nana' by Ashley Wolff is a great book for the

future linguist. For the rest of us this book is a fun read, but not a useful learning tool. 

Again, this is a simple idea for telling a child what everyone calls their grandmother in language after language. That is a reasonable premise for a story book but how useful will it be in the future? 

It may open the imagination of children to the world of linguistics and so give them a job in the future. That is assuming the job isn't taken by computers. 

I don't no. I'm really on the fence with this book but it was a fun read. 

Who should read this book? Children who's parents want them to become linguists. 

Books read: 122 of 5000

Girls A to Z by Eve Bunting Book Review

'Girls A to Z' by Eve Bunting is a book that depicts girl children

playing in both traditional and nontraditional societal roles. This is a great way to tell your girl child that she is not limited by society or tradition. As for boys, well, they can still enjoy the fun artwork and detailed images.

As ABCs books go this one is better than a number I've read and it's a fun read. I would have to say that this was a great idea for an otherwise overdone format.   

Who should read this book: Everyone.

Books read: 121 of 5000

Nothing Wrong

28^th January 2015

Dear Cassi,

There was nothing wrong with my dishwasher. Pickle has simply failed to clean his plates before putting them in the sink and so had clogged a tube under the sink. It cost me ninety five dollars to learn that and a hundred and seventy two to get my dryer to stop chirping.

Pickle did not pay for any of that, but then I guess not hearing him complain about it was enough to keep me quiet. I tell the man over and over not to put food in the sink, scrape your plate over the trash, don’t let food dry till it’s hard, but he never listens.

Normal people, Cassi, clean when cleaning is needed, wash dishes after they use them, and can fold their own towels. I was not brought up as a normal person so these things are hard for me. However, Pickle has all the time he needs to do whatever he wishes and so could do a fair job at cleaning these things.

There are times in my life that I feel as if I’m not human. As if I’m an experiment in trying to be human. It is as if I am the retype of some other manufacture’s trying to make a copy of someone else’s product. This is me, the Neal 3, third experiment where we tried to figure out what makes a human work.

Now I think I know why my mother wanted four children. She was thinking that number four would have been the one she got right.

Keep to the right, little sister,

Richard Leland Neal

Finding a Friend in the Forest by Dean B. Bennett book Review

'Finding a Friend in the Forest' by Dean B. Bennett is the story of a

couple who spend time at a cabin in the woods and their observation of a relationship between their dog and a dear. This is based on true events and is one of those happy stories that are great for children. 

Past that this is a nice wide format book with rich illustrations perfect for bedtime story reading.  It's a nice calming tale that will help put your child to sleep. 

Who should read this book? Everyone

Books read: 120 of 5000

Live Clean

27^th January 2015

Dear Cassi,

My dishwasher has been out of order and I have so been washing my dishes by hand until the repairman comes tomorrow. This has made its largest impact on my smoothies which I make often. A blender is one thing they didn’t have back in the day. As best I can tell, the blender was first patented in 1922 and the first home dishwasher in 1924. This is to say that blenders are commonly washed in a dishwasher.

This is because, at least to me, getting the dang things clean is hard work, and you can never be sure you got them properly disinfected. The heat of a modern dishwasher deals with that nicely. This is not to say that my blender jars are always clean when coming out of the dishwasher, but I am confident in them being disinfected.

I have six blender jars and they’re all dirty. Most have water in them to prevent the goo from drying and making them hard to clean. I have not had this many blender jars dirty since I took over the bulk of the dishwashing.

As I’ve mentioned, I make my smoothies with red wine to cure them, and this may kill the bacteria, but I’m not sure. I never use milk as Pickle is lactose intolerant, but I do use yogurt. The vast majority of certain nutrients in my diet come from smoothies. It’s where I use all my blueberries.

Tomorrow the washer will be fixed and then I’ll likely wash every blender jar at once just to be sure they are all clean. That goes the same for the silver where, colanders, and the cutting boards.

Live clean, little sister,

Richard Leland Neal

Comparing Bugs: Bug Parts by Charlotte Guillain Book review

'Comparing Bugs: Bug Parts' by Charlotte Guillain is one of many

books in this series that describe the nature of bugs. That is not to say insects but all kinds of creepy crawlies that roam your garden. 

Now, this book is great for the parents wanting their child to learn about insects, but it would be for very young children. I mean, about preschool level. Then again if your kid is just into bugs this may be a great book for them. 

Who should read this book? Preschool kids

Books read: 119 of 5000

'At Night' by Helga Bansch Book Review

'At Night' by Helga Bansch is a book that halfway describes

animals sleeping, and the other halfway describes dreams of a reverse reality. This is a very artistic way of writing given that the second half of the book is backwards and upside down. This means that half way through you turn the book over and start at the back cover. 

It took me a few seconds to get that idea when I was reading and it does make this book stand out. It's something of a parlor trick, to be honest, but it's fun for kids. 

Who should read this book? Anyone. 

Books read: 118 of 5000

Ten Birds: Read Aloud Rhymes to Bend and Break by Jurg Amann and Helga Gebert

Ten Birds: Read Aloud Rhymes to Bend and Break by Jurg Amann

and Helga Gebert is a book that teaches children to count to ten. It revolves around, you guest it, ten birds that have nothing in common other than they hang around together. We count down as the birds get separated. 

One of the great things about this book is that it's shaped to allow parents and children to read together. The artwork is cartoonish and fun but not too fun. I really had a good time reading this books, and I think many children will do the same. 

Who should read this book: Parents and kids. 

Books read: 117 of 5000

Computer Sickness

26^th January 2015

Dear Cassi,

I had the strangest dream today. I dreamed that a video game was taking over my computer. It caused the computer to grow into the floor and leave purple and red patches where it became one with the world.

I turned the thing off, and it laughed at me then I unplugged it and this worked for a time before people with a computer infection came after me. They were not dangerous, even when armed with shovels and picks, and only served to annoy me.

Further, I had the same infection which I could discern from the silver markings on my skin. That was the telltale of computer sickness, silver bulges coming out of your skin. I took an ax handle and struck at these silver bulges in my attackers and so cured them of the sickness before returning to my computer and waking up.

I think all this came as the result of eating pizza before sleeping. Cheese is known to make the dreams lucid and that dream was very lucid. I can’t call it a nightmare, because I wasn’t afraid and it wasn’t night when I dreamed.

Further along, I dropped Pickle off at his group then went to Costco to do my shopping, where I had the pizza, and then picked pickle back up to take him home. He had silver paint on his hands from his art group. On the way home I stopped at the water store and got fresh water as we were running low.

I think part of it was that I just had a very busy day. Well, dreams are how our brain levels itself.

Keep dreaming, little sister,

Richard Leland Neal

Spicy Hot Colors (LittleFolk) by Sherry Shahan Book Review

Spicy Hot Colors (LittleFolk) by Sherry Shahan is a book that

teaches children how to say the colors in English and Spanish. I have to admit that this is a great idea, but the obvious limitation is that learning the colors on their own has very little value for speaking a language. 

Still, this is a great idea for getting children interested in learning another language, and I wish I owned this book. I really need to learn Spanish.

Who should read this book? Folks who want to know the colors in English and Spanish. 

Books read: 116 of 5000

No Matter What by Emma Dodd Book Review

'No Matter What' by Emma Dodd is a poem in the form of a

children's book. There isn't much to this book but it's full of fun but soothing imagery. 

This is a great book for bedtime, and well constructed as well. The small size of the overall book is something of a negative in terms of children and parents reading together. 

This book is more of a toy for a nerdy child than it is for folks to read to their children. Still a good book. 

Who should read this book? Everyone.

Books read: 115 of 5000

A Child's Day: An Alphabet of Play by Ida Pearle Book Review

'A Child's Day: An Alphabet of Play' by Ida Pearle is your simple

run of the mill alphabet book. The imagery is simple and the examples are few. There is nothing wrong with this book, but there is also nothing that will stand out about it. 

There is nothing to grab your child and make them want to read this over and over again. That makes this something of a good bedtime story rather than a good learning book. 

Who should read this book? Anyone

Books read: 114 of 5000

The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman Book Review

'The Dangerous Alphabet' by Neil Gaiman is a dark look at the

alphabet and learning your letters. I don't know if this is a good idea or not because it has references to death and child abduction. 

I mean, if you have an older kid who loves horror films but is having problems with reading this would be a great book, but the images may be too dark for some children.

I really feel this is more of a fun book for adults than it is a learning book for children. 

Who should read this book? Folks who like it dark. 

Books read: 113 of 5000

Bring Joy

5^th January 2015

Dear Cassi,

An article of my work tack often asked about is a heavy green ammo can I carry my coffee gear in when traveling to and from the job. A good number of folks mistake this for a lunch pail or the like, and I have been asked why I carry a car battery to work with me.

I take this to work with me because it has a complete seal, and if my coffee brakes open or there is a leak of some kind it will not mar my car. I could fill this case with water and seal it then bring it to work. In the time before I used this case I had coffee stains all over the place.

Now, when I mean coffee what I mean is filters, coffee, cream, sugar, and a jar to keep the old grounds in so I can feed them to my worms. This is to say that I take a full coffee service to work with me and make the coffee fresh to my liking. It has been noted that my arrival is known by the smell of my coffee which is welcome in a shelter for the homeless.

       

It comes to me that I tend to bring joy along with me when I come to a place. Bringing some kind of small joy may seem insignificant, but if we all did the same the world would be better, for a small joy from every one is a big change.

Bring joy, little sister,

Richard Leland Neal

Learning and Sharing with a Wiki by Ann Truesdell Book review

Learning and Sharing with a Wiki by Ann Truesdell is a book about

the kind of website called a Wiki. I didn't really know this was a kind of website before I read this book. 

All and all, this was a good read, but I'm not sure their is much of a point to this kind of book. The topic is so short that you don't have much to talk about, and without a lesson plan to go with the book it's useless information. 

Again, I'm on the fence with this one.

Who should read this book? Teachers who want to share it with their class. 

Books read: 112 of 5000

Elsie Clarke and the Vampire Hairdresser by Ged Adamson Book Review

'Elsie Clarke and the Vampire Hairdresser' by Ged Adamson is a

book about a young girl who fears haird dressers and then finds this one who happens to be a vampire. This is kind of funny as vampires were scary at some point. 

In any case, this is a book about acceptance and that's a good thing but given that vampires are supposed to drink blood and kill people I don't know if it's right to compare them to anyone. I guess the moral here is 'Love your children no matter what'. That's a fine idea but the whole vampire things is just odd. 

Who should read this book? Frustrated parents. 

Books read: 111 of 5000

Religions of the World: I am a Latter Day Saint(Mormon) by Gayla Wise Book Review

'Religions of the World: I am a Latter Day Saint(Mormon)' by 

Gayla Wise is exactly what it sounds like. It's a book that teaches children what a Latter Day Saint is. It gives you a respectable view of what these folks are like as a group. 

I didn't have much in the way of information I didn't already have from common knowledge so it's something of a dry read for adults.  

Who should read this book? Children who may run into Latter Day Saints. 

Books read: 110 of 5000

'Wear a Silly Hat: Sign Language for Clothing' by Dawn Babb Prochovnic Book Review

'Wear a Silly Hat: Sign Language for Clothing' by Dawn Babb

Prochovnic is a book designed to teach children the basics of sign language about clothing. There is no story but characters and fun images. 

The big issue with this book is that unless you intend to learn sign language this book is of no real interest and there is so little in the book that the point of it's use is questionable. 

It makes for a fun lesson.

Who should read this book? People learning American sign language. 

Books Read: 109 of 5000

Force of Arms

4^th July 2016

Dear Cassi,

The fireworks have come and gone but still a few rise into the burnt sky were the stars are blackened into to darkness by the actions of the human animal.  I still struggle with depression and the hunt for a job and the dark night has proven cover for a few drinks to sooth my angry mind.

As I look into that broken sky I remember a story I read once of a tyrant from space who brought a fleet of ships to earth and rained death on all the world. The story was called ‘Force of Arms’ and there are times I figure that this would be the only way to get a few things done in my life.

Sadly, I have no fleet of ships and no force to bring down. I have my drawings and photographs, which I bring to bear with blogs and videos. I keep thinking that if I work hard enough I’ll get somewhere but that doesn’t look like the case.

In the end of the story the fleet of ships were destroyed and the tyrant died. Is that my future, to die and be forgotten?

Sometimes I just don’t know,

Richard Leland Neal

When You Were Born by Emma Dodd Book Review

'When You Were Born' by Emma Dodd is a poem made into a story

book that gives a pleasant mood. I love this as a heart warming bedtime story that affirms the love between child and parent.  

Now, there isn't a lot to this book. It's a primary that even your preschool child should be able to read. You can tell this book is designed for children to handle because of it's robust construction, flashy silver leaf, and lack of a dust jacket.   

All and all, this is a solid by for parents, but it may not make the best bedtime story because of the colors used. 

Who should read this book: Everyone 

Books Read: 108 of 5000

The Man in the Blue Uniform

4^th January 2015

Dear Cassi,

It comes to me that you and I have lived at a distance from each other for some time. I couldn’t tell you the names of the children you look after or the street you live on, and I wonder if you could tell me the color of the car I drive. It’s blue by the way.

     

In any case, a point to make is that I still where a blue uniform to work every night with white letters on my back spelling out security. They would rather I have ‘safety’ there now, but I call a spade a spade. I where dark navy at work, both pants and shirt, with black undershirt, belt, and boots. In my normal dress the old gray Dikies have been handed down to Pickle, and I tend to where khaki with a light gray work shirt. 

     

In my sleep and leisure I have black sweat clothes to lounge about in, but I need to take off the shirt when I do dishes. Waterlogged sweats are a trial to where. I guess you could say I’m not much for wardrobe. I’ve never had an eye for fashion, and I rarely leave the house.

So, so that’s me right now. A man in a blue uniform, humble in nature, and common as dirt.

Stay safe, little sister,

Richard Leland Neal

A Funny Little Bird by Jennifer Yerkes Book Review

'A Funny Little Bird' by Jennifer Yerkes is a children's book about

accepting who you are and making your weakness into a strength. In the story the bird first rejects its appearance and them embraces what makes him different from all the other birds. 

In addition this book uses a unique art style were the main character is part of the negative space of the book. This makes the book fun and interesting. This book stands out among the many that I have read. 

Who should read this book? Everyone. 

Books Read: 107 of 5000