product review

Jonah’s Adventures in the Enchanted Garden by Rodica Niculescu

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Grandmother pens and illustrates children’s fable for grandsons

Jonah’s Adventures in the Enchanted Garden by Rodica Niculescu is this stunningly illustrated children’s read-aloud story for ages two to six, Jonah gets to spend the whole summer vacation at his grandparents’ farm. Grandma’s garden always feels like a faerie land with its crickets and katydids singing, bees buzzing, the fresh air filled with the smell of roses, and all the little gnomes and their little houses scattered among the flowers. Jonah has brought along his new pet, Froggy, to play with, but by accident the little frog gets loose outside. Jonah is very sad. That night he wishes upon a star, and suddenly like magic, he can talk to the gnomes in the garden. He asks for their help to find Froggy. The oldest gnome, Elder, leads the search, and with the help of the birds and insects, they they find Froggy stuck in the reeds by the lake. On the advice of The Great Owl, King of the Night and Luna, the Faerie Queen of All Little Creatures, everyone helps rescue the little frog and take him down to the lake. Jonah sees how happy Froggy is in his new home. Despite his disappointment, Jonah knows that loving someone means giving them what is best. And the lake is what is best for Froggy. For the rest of the summer Jonah spends his time getting to know the gnomes and everyone else in the enchanted garden, and visiting Froggy at the lake.

Parents and teachers are sure to enjoy this colorful and magical book.

About author: Radical Niculescu is a retired veterinarian, with east European roots and a lifelong love for folk stories from all cultures. Born of her deep love for her grandsons, she decided to write and illustrate some faerie tales of her own. Rodica lives in the Pinebarrrens of New Jersey surrounded by her loving family and her birds (domestic and otherwise), and she enjoys painting in her free time.

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product review

These Unlucky Stars: The Brightest Friendships are unexpected by Gillian McDunn

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These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn is the heartfelt story of a girl’s unexpected friendship that changes her forever. Annie has always been the odd one out in her family. Her dad and brother just don’t understand her creativity or spontaneity, They are so practical…so predictable. And ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has been reluctant to get close to anyone. When a poor decision lands Annie in hot water, she must make amends by watching her elderly neighbor’s weird dog all summer. As Annie begins to connect with her neighbor Gloria, It becomes clear that Gloria won’t be able to live on her own for much longer. But it’s this brief and important friendship that gives Annie the confidence to let people in and see how rich life can be when you decide to chart your own path to happiness.

From the highly acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer comes a sweet and heartfelt story that beautifully captures the complexity of tween life and shows us that even the most unexpected friendship has the power to change us forever. After her mother leaves, Annie feels like no one understands her and is reluctant to get close to anyone, including her own family. But when she befriends her elderly neighbor Gloria she’ll learn to love her whole self and let people in again.  Acclaimed author Gillian McDunn has crafted a delightful and touching story, showing that even the most unexpected friendships have the power to change us forever.

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Entertainment, Family, recipe

Pan Cooked Brussels Sprouts

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I had one job for Thanksgiving. Make the Brussels Sprouts, so here is the recipe I used.

  • 1 Lb Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • Garlic
  • 2 TB olive oil
  • water/apple juice – optional
  • 1 tp kosher salt
  • pepper to taste
  • Lemon Zest and Juice or splash vinegar

Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add garlic, sprouts in hot skillet until bright green and beginning to brown on edges, about 5 minutes. Salt and pepper. I added water and Apple Juice mixture to help cooking. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Add lemon zest and lemon juice at end. If you don’t have lemon. splash some vinegar at end. Serve and enjoy. You can double recipe, if you like, I did.

Easy Peasy.

product review

Cue Cards for Men: A Man’s Guide to Love and Life by Christina Steinorth-Powell

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Each day, there are fewer, and fewer places men can go to seek advice without being judged or demeaned.  Men are afraid to talk to women because they’re fearful their words may be held against them at some point, and at the same time, men are reluctant to talk to other men for fear of looking socially inept or in some manner less-than. So where is a guy supposed to turn to if he needs advice today? Through a series of  “Cue Cards” in the book, men can get practical, effective and confidential guidance and advice for all phases of their love relationships and their eventual relationships with their children. There’s even a chapter for divorce in case there’s a need to navigate this emotional roller coaster which includes tips to pick up the pieces after all is said and done. One of the most appealing aspects of Cue Cards for Men, is that it will teach men how to improve each love relationship in their lives with every day small interactions that do not overwhelm in size of scope. In short, change becomes easy and not overwhelming.

Every man who reads this book will benefit from it pure and simple. It is the perfect gift for young men who are in need of uncomplicated, non-judgmental and practical guide to improve their love relationships and their lives in general.

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product review

Thankful: A Fill-in-the-Blank Keepsake by You

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Celebrate your favorite people during the holidays with this quirky fill-in-the-blank book.

THANKFUL: A Fill-in-the-Blank Keepsake By You! • Illustrated by Salli Swindells a reflective, fun fill-in-the-blank book for you and the wonderful people in your life! It joins Gibbs Smith’s new series, with each book featuring more than 95 fill-in-the-blanks to make your story unique. Perfect for the holidays, these joyful, silly, and thoughtful prompts bring back the memories that make your relationship such a gift. Reminisce in the cheeriest season of the year with prompts like these: “Even the small things are important! For example, __________”; “If I could wear a T-shirt to dinner that says ‘__________” I would, just so people stop asking me every year!”; and “Maybe, just maybe, if we all try really really hard . . . we can eat that last bite of __________”!

Thankful is perfect for the holidays. These joyful, silly, and thoughtful prompts bring back the memories that make your relationship such a gift. I plan to give a copy to my Mom since the tablecloth we draw on every year at Thanksgiving is getting a little too full.

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