Friday, June 3, 2016

Puppy Mind

Puppy Mind
written by Andrew Jordan Nance; illustrated by Jim Durk

Puppy Mind, written by Andrew Jordan Nance and illustrated by Jim Durk, makes a unique comparison of a child's mind to that of a puppy. You may say, what a weird comparison, but through the rhyming text and colorful illustrations the reader can easily follow this child's explanation and justify the comparison.

Whether because of boredom or a diagnosed attention disorder, children (and adults) can often find themselves daydreaming. Nance explains the feelings of losing time through a lack of concentration and the frustration felt by the young boy when his mind begins to wander. Through breathing exercises the boy is able to regain control over his "puppy mind".  I think this will be a useful book for parents and teachers at the beginning of the school year in helping students to focus on learning. 

Attention disorders are not a laughing matter and can be very difficult for a person to overcome. Puppy Mind is a great way to help educators and parents understand the very real symptoms faced by children who suffer from these conditions, while providing children a technical which might help them focus.

**To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Parallax Press, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this title for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company.


Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Summer Reading Kick-off

I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places
by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
I can't think of a better way to start my summer reading than with Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serritella's new book I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places! I have been friends with Lisa and Francesca for a number of years ~ I am one of their readers and according to Lisa if I'm a reader, I'm a friend! I will definitely accept that friendship.

This is their seventh compilation of essays and it is a perfect summer read for the beach or the couch. I love reading about the new products Lisa discovers, the reflections mother and daughter share, and the hilarity of being a Flying Scottoline. I will say I shed a tear a few times during this read, but for the most part I laughed. In one chapter I laughed and got a little sick all at the same time. (Once you read the book, I bet you will have the same reaction. Those who have read it will know exactly what chapter I referencing!)

If you haven't read one of these mother / daughter collaborations, I encourage you to start this summer. I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places will be released on July 12, 2016, so between now and then you have time to read the others.

  • My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space
  • Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog
  • Meet Me at Emotional Baggage Claim
  • Best Friends, Occasional Enemies
  • Have  Nice Guilt Trip
  • Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?
* To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, St. Martin Press Publishing has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this title for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the authors or publishing company.