Tag Archives: review

June 19, 2023 · 7:00 am

My Secret Recipes by Pixie Publishing House (Book Review)


RECORD ALL YOUR SECRET RECIPES: This Blank Recipe Book is perfect for recording all your favourite recipes. It is beautifully designed, easy to use, well-organized, and includes large spaces to write in. You can write down your most loved recipes.

CUSTOMIZED RECIPE PAGES: Each Recipe page includes the Recipe Name, Number of Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Ingredients, Instructions and Notes which makes it easy to write down your most loved recipes in one place so you can create and share them in years to come.

BLANK RECIPE BOOK FEATURES:
Premium Matte Color Cover, space to record your most loved recipes, extra space for Notes- such as recipe source, tips and tricks etc.

GREAT GIFT IDEA: Lovely Gift or Present for foodies, cooks, friends, spouse, wife, husband, dad, mom, brother, or sister for Birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Holidays & Christmas.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

We all, at some point, need inspiration on what to cook. Pictures of what people are eating and how-to videos for preparing different cuisines are hot commodities.  

If you’re lucky, you have a family recipe book that houses delicious food passed down from one generation to the next. Whether you have a book, binder, or recipe box full of recipes or want to start one of your own, I’d consider using My Secret Recipes by Pixie Publishing House. This cooking journal lets you store seventy-five recipes in one location.

Each card has basic information: recipe name, ingredients, and directions. There was also a serving size chat and preparation time. While this was standard information for a card, I was pleasantly surprised to see there was a place to mark which category the recipe falls under: vegetarian, dairy-free, low carb, sugar-free, and low salt. There are countless diets and dietary restrictions on the market, so this check box area benefits those seeking a specific recipe to fit their nutritional needs, families, and guests. 

Another feature that impressed me was the star rating. Have you ever looked through your recipe box and tried to remember if the food was a hit or miss? Was there an aspect of said recipe that needed tweaking? If so, this portion allows short notes. For instance, you could shade 3 out of five stars and add “too spicy” or “bland” under the rating system. 

My Secret Recipes would make an excellent housewarming gift. It would also be a fantastic idea for birthdays, bridal showers, Christmas, etc. It’s perfect for any gender, age, avid cooks, and individuals looking to spend more time in the kitchen and less on take-out. 

I recommend you purchase a copy for yourself and another for a friend or family member. And remember, “A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe (Thomas Keller).”

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Click HERE to be redirected to Pixie Publishing House’s website. 

 

 

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June 16, 2023 · 7:00 am

Happy Valentine’s Day BOOK OF 31 Cute Cards Plus 6 Teacher Fun Valentine’s Day Cards by Pixie Publishing House (Book Review)

This Valentine’s Day Book of Cards is unique perfect for all ages. Easy cut and fold design, these are a breeze to prepare and feature adorable designs that are sure to be loved by all. The pack includes 31 cards for friends and family, as well as 6 teacher’s cards for classroom exchanges or parties.

Highlights:

– Easy cut and fold design
– 31 cards for friends and family
– 6 teacher’s cards for classroom exchanges
– Adorable designs for all ages
– No envelopes required

Benefits:

These Valentine’s Day Book of Cards are not only adorable, with a simple cut and fold design, they’re easy to prepare in a snap. The pack includes enough cards for everyone, whether it’s classmates, friends, or family. Plus, the addition of teacher’s cards.

Usage:

This cute card book is perfect for Valentine’s Day classroom exchanges, love notes, or any occasion where you want to show someone you care. They’re suitable for all ages.

Quality Assurance:

We take pride in the design and production of our Valentine’s Day Card Book, and we stand behind the quality.

Order your Valentine’s Day Book of Cards today! Visit our website at www.pixiepublishinghouse.com for new releases.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Holiday parties and school-time fun go together like peanut butter jelly. Food, candy, games, what’s not to love? Valentine’s parties are delightful because children love trading cards. While store-bought cards are typically used, I’ve noticed a rise in homemade or printable cards. 

Pixie Publishing House has compiled 31 cute cards that children from two to ten will love to give and receive. Subjective matter included squirrels, cats, bears, balloons, butterflies, unicorns, insects, children, hearts, and more. The only image some kids might not like is Cupid. The picture might not appeal to all ages, as the description says. 

Pixie Publishing House has also included 6 Valentine’s Day cards for children to hand out to their teacher(s). Most teacher-appropriate cards only stated, “To my teacher – Happy Valentine’s Day,” in various writing formats. Meaning capitalizations of words vary from card to card. However, one card stood out from the rest. My favorite teacher’s card was “Teaching is heart work.” It was more creative and unique, and the sentiment rang true! 

Happy Valentine’s Day BOOK OF 31 Cute Cards Plus 6 Teacher Fun Valentine’s Day Cards is a lovely collection, suitable for any gender to give or receive. The designs were, as the title states, cute. 

A couple of things to note: No envelopes are in the collection, so you’ll need to clip and fold each card. For young children who struggle with cutting, they will require adult assistance. Older children should be able to tackle the task with minimum to zero help. 

Even though the book’s summary claims the collection is for “all ages,” I recommend the book for children in toddlers through third grade. Fourth and fifth graders might not like every image only because they might consider them too babyish. That aside, I recommend choosing Happy Valentine’s Day BOOK OF 31 Cute Cards Plus 6 Teacher Fun Valentine’s Day Cards for your next holiday party! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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June 12, 2023 · 7:00 am

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War (The Graphic Novel Book #1) by Ram Khatri (Book Review)

Justice is the story “with all too familiar human challenges,” says Paul Levitz, former president at D.C. Comics. He further adds that it seems like “the world keeps getting smaller” with the emergence of such graphic novels.

Ram Khatri’s Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War is the story of a young girl’s brave journey to reclaim the life she left behind during the unforgiving conflict of the Nepali Civil War. With its sublime settings, diverse characters, and riveting narrative, the young girl learns the truth about the life that she left behind.

During the decade-long “People’s War” in Nepal, more than 17,000 people were killed. Thousands of innocent civilians were also abducted and beaten by both government and Maoist forces. Even today, years after the war has ended, it is unknown what happen to many of the nearly 1,400 people who went missing. While the people mentioned in Justice are fiction, the story is based on events that actually occurred during and after the Civil War era in the country.

The graphic novel has two sections. The first section was illustrated in color by Sandipan Santra while the second was illustrated in black and white by Ingrid Lilamani.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War (The Graphic Novel Book #1) by Ram Khatri is based on actual events that occurred during and after the Civil War era in Nepal. The people and places mentioned are fictional, but the story shows the magnitude war has on a country and its people despite using a fictional cast of characters. 

Before the graphic novel began, I read “A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR.” In it, the author informs the reader the book is divided into two sections. “The first section was illustrated in color by Sandipan Santra while the second was illustrated in black and white by Ingrid Lilamani. The purpose is to show how different artists from diverse backgrounds visualize the unique Nepali settings, characters, and its historical events.” As an avid reader of comics and graphic novels, this unique feature intrigued me because I have never witnessed any other book mimicking this setup. 

Going into the reading, I was unfamiliar with Nepal and enjoyed the brief overview of it. I learned many new facts. For instance, the currency is the Nepalese Rupee. Since geography is not my strong suit, I liked the zoomed-in image of Nepal on the map. 

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War (The Graphic Novel Book #1) shows war’s effects on a country. It affects every component: economy, citizens, and livelihood. Both illustrators did a lovely job of making the reader feel the family’s fear, sorrow, and regret. As the illustrated story demonstrates, no matter how hard you try to avoid getting involved, often, there’s no hiding from the battle. 

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War ends on a cliffhanger, making any reader eager to read what happened next for the major character. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading comics and graphic novels. I would also recommend this book to those who want to share the effects of war with their children (elementary age and older).

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

 
 
 
Meet the Author
 
Translator of Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ in Nepali, Ram Khatri works in book publishing. He holds an M.S. in publishing from New York and an M.A. in English literature from Kathmandu. Ram is always fascinated by truly diverse, unrepresented, and heartwarming stories that touch lives.
Reedsy Link
 
 
 
 

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June 5, 2023 · 7:00 am

ASHA My First Pow Wow Dance by Jocelyn L Mackenzie (Book Review)


“ASHA My First Pow Wow Dance” is a heartwarming children’s book about a young girl who is eager to learn the art of Pow Wow dancing. Following in the footsteps of her cousin Kika, Asha begins her journey toward mastering the Fancy Shawl dance. With the guidance of her wise Gramma and the support of her loving family, Asha learns that through hard work and practice, anything is possible. Along the way, she faces challenges and setbacks, but with determination and the help of her family, she discovers the true magic of dancing. With vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, “ASHA My First Pow Wow Dance” invites young readers to join in the joy and excitement of traditional Indigenous dancing. This book is perfect for children ages 3-8 and families who want to share in the celebration of Indigenous traditions and culture.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

The story opens, showcasing Asha’s cousin Kika dancing at the Pow Wow in her beautiful regalia. The clothing represents community traditions and personal tastes. Gramma taught Kika how to dance to the drum song, and now it’s Asha’s turn to learn the heritage dance.

Gramma warned Asha that the dance takes practice, and Asha learned Gramma was telling the truth. We all react to failure in our own way, but it’s not uncommon for failed attempts to lead to tears, as in the case of Asha’s unsuccessful attempts to maintain her balance.

When Asha lay on the ground, she remembered an important life lesson from her Gramma, “When learning something new, it will take time and practice to get all the movements right.” In life, children must learn that success sometimes takes time to come. They must often put in time and practice to master a skill. Pick yourself up and try again when you fail, as Asha did in ASHA My First Pow Wow Dance.

This story teaches children not to fear asking for help when hurt or something is broken. Family is there to provide comfort, love, guidance, and support!

“ASHA My First Pow Wow Dance” references “bannock,” which I’ve never eaten. Lucky for readers, a recipe for “Poppa John’s Bannock” is included in the book. Baking with youngsters is fun, so I encourage you to read the book and then begin baking!

“ASHA My First Pow Wow Dance” is a lovely book spotlighting an important aspect of Native American culture. The illustrations, most importantly, the clothing, was spectacular.

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age: 3 – 8 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Jocelyn L Mackenzie resides in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. Her work is a celebration of family, community, and connection to culture. She believes sharing stories enables future generations to embrace all cultures.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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June 1, 2023 · 7:00 am

What Bird Heard (Traveler Series, Book 2) by Tricia Gardella (Book Review)

In Book 2 of this Traveler Series, Mouse and Bird are busy at work resolving Bird’s Book 1 mistake– trying to fly an airplane to the moon. Everyone knows it takes a rocket. But are there any other things Mouse and Bird need to be aware of?

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

What Bird Heard, book two in the “Traveler” series, picks up where its predecessor left off – trying to figure out how to get Mouse to the moon. 

We all have aspirations in life and reasons behind life choices/goals. Mouse’s reasoning for wanting to visit the moon is simple; he’s looking for cheese. Oh yes, this tiny rodent hasn’t gotten the memo that the moon isn’t made of cheese. 

The farm animals band together and use their resources from the scrap heap to construct a rocket. Their design was quite good based on the materials they had. The core was a soda code, and the base was from a can of tuna. The top, a funnel.

Construction, manufacturing, engineering, and space travel involve problem-solving. In the case of Bird and Mouse’s rocket, they need fuel. What Bird Heard teaches children to work as a team to brainstorm ideas. Why? Because teamwork makes the dream work, of course. 

When a creator’s design doesn’t go as planned, it’s essential to understand that alternative solutions must be considered and utilized. Good lessons to pass on to young minds!

Through talking to his friends, Mouse realized that the location was the issue; his goal was to see the world. Earth is a vast land with countless sights to explore. A trip to a library opened Mouse’s eyes to the wondrous world around him and made him realize they were so much to see, touch, taste, and experience here on Earth. Maybe one day the rodent will make it to the moon, but for now, he’s content to explore the planet he calls home. 

What Bird Heard had a couple of pages where the text overlapped the background; most of the text was clear. The illustrations were fantastic, like in “ABSURD,” SAID BIRD (Traveler Series Book 1).”

What Bird Heard encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. I recommend this book to children 3-8.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author
 

Tricia’s books are influenced by ranch, animals and family life. She has tried it all, and almost mastered some: canning, cooking, knitting, fiber arts, rug-making, gardening. She has a BA in Ancient History and lots of grand children, giving her much food for thought. She lives in California.
 
 
 
 
 

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