Bonnie Ferrante's Blog, page 10

Don’t Ask a Dinosaur by Matt Forrest Esenwine and Deborah Bruss. Illustrated by Louie Chin. Book Review.

This humorous picture book imagines what would happen if you asked for help with birthday party preparations and participation from dinosaurs. Although this scenario is obviously totally imaginary, the names and illustrations of the dinosaurs are up-to-date and informative. The children’s favorites, like tyrannosaurus rex, iguanadon, and stegosaurus are there, but some may be new to … Continue reading Don’t Ask a Dinosaur by Matt Forrest Esenwine and Deborah Bruss. Illustrated by Louie Chin. Book Review.

Recycled Sundays – Animal Karma

I am relieved to see that our Canadian animals are not following in the violent footsteps of their Old World Counterparts. I do hear stories of bear and cougar attacks every summer and nod. These animals know we are the enemy. They’ve seen us destroy their homes, clearcutting and pollution being the favored methods. They … Continue reading Recycled Sundays – Animal Karma

Chad Valley Kidpad – Toy Review

  Durability five stars This toy has been dropped on the floor, in the yard, in the car and on  the steps and is still going strong.   Play quality five stars There are a variety of activities to engage a child. Children learn numbers, counting, the alphabet, beginning letter sounds, songs, sounds of items … Continue reading Chad Valley Kidpad – Toy Review

My First Best Friend by Derek Washington. Book review.

This picture book is a sweet story of a father’s unwavering love for his child. He expresses his admiration for his son’s determination and his enjoyment of his boy’s growth. Throughout the book he builds the child’s confidence and sense of adventure. They do everything together and their lives are filled with joy and affection. … Continue reading My First Best Friend by Derek Washington. Book review.

Recycled Sundays – Defensive Ballroom Dancing

​ My husband and I are learning how to ballroom dance. I’ve always liked dancing but never learned the difference between a box step and an I-stepped-on-his-foot step. Square dancing is experiencing a revival. It looks like fun too, although I am kept from participating by the music. Country and western gives me a nervous … Continue reading Recycled Sundays – Defensive Ballroom Dancing

Don’t Ask a Dinosaur Blog Tour

April 6:       Michelle H. Barnes (Interview w/month-long writing prompt) April 8:       Kate Narita (Trailer & activity sheet spotlight) April 11:     Deborah Kalb (Interview w/Matt & Deb) April 13:     Yours Truly (Interview w/Louie) April 16:     KidLit Exchange (Blog post re: process of illustration) April 17:     Momma’s Bacon (and I’ll be promoting the book’s release on my blog, as … Continue reading Don’t Ask a Dinosaur Blog Tour

Lego Friends – Emma’s Photo Shop 41305

  Durability four stars  The pieces do not stay together very well. For example, whenever you try to put the pet in or on the flowerpot as suggested in the pictures everything around it collapses including the pot.   Play quality three and a half stars The pets are adorable as are the little attachments you can … Continue reading Lego Friends – Emma’s Photo Shop 41305

Monsters on my Mind by Lauren Tortora. Book Review.

This picture book is a hardcover 8 by 10 . The illustrations grab the reader’s attention. They’re made with acrylic paint and black ink and fill the pages with bright colors. The cover shows a child frightened and hiding below a blanket. From the title and picture, it seemed the book would mostly be about … Continue reading Monsters on my Mind by Lauren Tortora. Book Review.

Recycled Sundays – Brick by Freaking Brick

​ When my husband – Mr. not so handy – and I – Mrs. impossible ideas – bought a home needing “a bit of work“ we consulted an interior decorator. The only good advice she gave us was to move the bedroom dressers side-by-side. Another suggestion was to re-brick the fireplace. The real bricks in … Continue reading Recycled Sundays – Brick by Freaking Brick

Melissa and Doug Best Friends Forever Deluxe Magnetic Dress-Up Play Set – Toy Review

Durability five stars. These toys are tough. They’ve been banged together, dropped, and thrown into boxes without chipping, cracking, or flaking.    Play quality four stars. The dolls will provide hours of fun. The girls are from diverse backgrounds. There are enough clothes to provide a variety of scenarios of imaginative play.  The dolls could even fit … Continue reading Melissa and Doug Best Friends Forever Deluxe Magnetic Dress-Up Play Set – Toy Review