Monday, January 27, 2014

Book Review: Summer of the Woods by Steven K. Smith

Summer of the Woods



I became acquainted with Steven Smith- through twitter. He's a dad of three boys and an author! After reading the teaser introducing his first book,
 I thought," this might be a book my boys would love! I've got to get my hands on it!"
 
"When ten-year-old Derek and eight year old Sam moved with their family to Virginia, they have no idea what adventures the summer will bring. As the brothers explore their creaky old house and the deep surrounding woods, they uncover the mystery of a valuable coin collection stolen from the local museum sixty years earlier. Join the boys as they spend their  summer running from danger and searching the woods, secret caves, rushing waters, and hidden passageways for treasure and the rare 1877 Indian Head cent coin!"
 
 I contacted Steven and asked to review his book, Summer of the Woods.
He graciously sent copies for my son's book club!

To see ideas you can use for a book club- based on this book. Visit my book club outline pages. or click HERE.

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year!




Happy New Year!!!
 
I love the beginning of things... be a New Year, the beginning of a new school year, Mondays- the start of a new work week and even MORNINGS- the beginning of a new day!

I have been thinking about goals and resolutions a lot.
Blogging really motivates me to stay on-top of my goals.
One of the reasons, I have persisted in hosting book clubs for my sons... is because I have held myself accountable to this blog! To YOU! (I mean- yes all the benefits my sons have gained from hosting a book club are wonderful. And really that should be reward enough. But I knew it would be a labor of love- that sometimes they might not appreciate. I like having all these activities documented and posted- so when I hit those blue moments as a mom- and feel like a failure... I can scroll my blog and get a boost. It helps me not wallow in slumps.)

So I hope this doesn't annoy anyone- but I am going to be adding another feature up on the menu bar- "A Minute for Mom"

Here is where I am going to post about just ME things I am working on. Not at all related to books, book clubs, reading tips, preschool, etc. I've got some amazing goals for 2014 and I want to track them. Since I know from experience that blogging really keeps me motivated- I will be tracking my progress in this new section: Minute for Mom



Sorry about the lighting of this picture- this is a wall at my doctors office! I thought it was amazing!
I really love it. Especially the letters that aren't really letters: A-C-L-O-T-U-V

Really cute- and might be fun in someone's preschool.