Bonnie Ferrante's Blog, page 9

Sunny Days by Jesse Byrd. Illustrated by Anastasia Ku. Book Teview.

This large 8 by 10 inch picture book is printed on sturdy glossy paper. The large format would make it ideal to share with children. The illustrations are double-page spreads featuring an expressive and lovable little girl named Martine. Martine is a shouter. She is so happy that she inadvertently startles her neighbors with herenthusiasm. … Continue reading Sunny Days by Jesse Byrd. Illustrated by Anastasia Ku. Book Teview.

If You Catch a Dragon

If anyone has sitting disease in addition to office workers and computer programers, it surely must be writers and illustrators. I’m not sure if it’s because I have Parkinson’s or I am getting older but I’ve become more obsessive about finishing something when I start it. It’s a bit disconcerting when the sorest part of … Continue reading If You Catch a Dragon

Animal Ring Toss – Toy Review

  Durability 5 The pieces are made from painted wood and rope. So far they have survived well but I believe that they shouldn’t be thrown or banged together to keep them looking good.   Play quality 5 It’s great to have an indoor activity (which could also be used outside) that encourages large motor skills and … Continue reading Animal Ring Toss – Toy Review

Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl. Book review.

This is a delightful picture book for the imaginative child. There are only a few words on each page; the detailed and intriguing gardens filled with secretive hidden fairies dominate. If I remember my grammar lessons correctly, the book is written in present perfect tense thereby pulling the reader into the story and engaging them … Continue reading Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl. Book review.

When by Daniel H. Pink. Book Review.

I am blown away by this book. If you like Malcolm Gladwell’s books such as The Tipping Point, you will love this one. Infinitely readable, insightful, valuable, relevant, and current. It isn’t just about time in the way you’re probably thinking. Pink examines high and low productive periods in the day, the importance of beginnings, … Continue reading When by Daniel H. Pink. Book Review.

Melissa and Doug Reusable Vehicle Sticker Pad – Toy Review

  Durability 5 The vinyl stickers are very durable. You need to be a little bit careful when removing them for the first time.   Play quality 5 Children can do a lot with these stickers beyond the obvious of making a picture. With an adult’s input, they can learn a great deal about the modes of … Continue reading Melissa and Doug Reusable Vehicle Sticker Pad – Toy Review

Three Random Questions Interview with Deborah Bruss and Matt Forrest Esenwine

Bonnie Ferrante: Today I am trying something new in my Three Random Questions Interview. I’m chatting with the joint authors of a children’s picture book entitled Don’t Ask a Dinosaur, Deborah Bruss and Matt Forrest Esenwine. Welcome to you both. My first question is for Deborah. Your book was originally entitled Don’t Ask a Porcupine. … Continue reading Three Random Questions Interview with Deborah Bruss and Matt Forrest Esenwine

Recycled Sundays – Who Has Been Eating the Bird Seed?

I have difficulty saying no to charity canvassers. If I’d known about the great mice hoard, have forced myself. A gentleman was selling bird seed for a children’s charity. We have a feeder. It was mostly frequented by sparrows who seldom eat sunflower seeds. The gentleman left the bag in my front hallway. Sit stay … Continue reading Recycled Sundays – Who Has Been Eating the Bird Seed?

Mother’s Day Ideas

On Threadless bonnieferrante.threadless.com   Serious or funny. For sweet or tough moms. These heavy musicians use metal instruments. (More for music lovers.) More than clothing.   LOOKING FOR CARDS? Head to: https://www.zazzle.ca/collections/gre...

Melissa and Doug – Hammer and Bench Toy Review

Durability four stars The toy is made out of wood and it looks like it would last a while. I don’t know how well it would handle severe pounding since my granddaughter didn’t play with it much because it doesn’t work.   Play quality one star The holes are too big for the pegs. Not only do … Continue reading Melissa and Doug – Hammer and Bench Toy Review