Early Book Review: Natural Hair Coloring: How to Use Henna and Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical-Free Beauty by Christine Shahin Wood

Natural Hair Coloring: How to Use Henna and Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical-Free Beauty by Christine Shahin Wood is currently scheduled for release on May 17 2016. This book shows readers that they do not need to choose between ditching boxed dyes and dying your hair. Natural hair care expert Christine Shahin shows readers how they can use nontoxic natural plant pigments;henna, indigo, amla, and cassia to color hair naturally.  There are clearly written instructions and step-by-step photography, along with comprehensive information and details about each of the ingredients and processes used in the book. Shahin shows you exactly how to apply these pigments, alone or in combinations, to achieve a full range of shades of brown, black, and red. She also includes instructions for transitioning from chemical dyes to natural ones and for using chemical and natural dyes together.

Natural Hair Coloring is a detailed resource for anyone that really want to give up boxed or salon dyes, or someone that wants to change up their hair color without starting to use them. The information includes details about hair health, the ingredients she uses in her recipes, and how readers can create their own recipes and proportions depending on the results they want and the health of their hair. I think the fact that she includes specifics for every hair type, color, and ethnicity makes this a resource for individuals, library collections, and those that want to help others ditch the chemical treatments. The fact that the ingredients and tools that she uses are fairly easy to get a hold of makes everything even better. Now I have to explore and experiment a bit more on my own hair- I sense several purchases in my near future.

Natural Hair Coloring is a detailed and comprehensive resource for anyone looking to try all natural coloring. It is not for everyone since it is time consuming, but for those interested in making the jump this book would be a great introduction or clarification for any questions or difficulties.  

Early Book Review: Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies by Judith Durant, Edie Eckman

Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Projects for Infants & Toddlers is a nonfiction book that is currently scheduled for release on May 3 2016. This book collects one hundred and one patterns that use one skein of yarn or less. Projects include Hats and caps, bootees and socks, mitts, dresses, tops and bottoms as well as blankets, bibs, soft toys, bottle cozies, diaper bags, and more. Most of the patterns are accessible to crocheters of all skill levels, although there are some stitches and patterns that will keep more experienced crafters thinking as they work as well. A nice collection for crocheters that are looking for small projects and cute gifts to make.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies is a nicely organized and varied collection of crochet patterns for young recipients. Single skein projects are great for keeping in the car, working on while traveling, or for stash busting. I will admit to using these projects for all three. The patterns are interesting enough for all crocheters, with plenty that can be done by all skill levels. These are all original patterns were contributed by 54 designers from around the world. Each project comes with complete instructions, charts, schematics, and beautiful photographs so that no matter how you like to work (I like following a pattern while the charts only confuse my many times) you can complete a perfect project. Particular favorite patterns of mine from the book are the April Showers Cape, Dad and Me Necktie, and the Kitty Kat Lovey.

I would recommend Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies for crocheters that love crafting for the little ones, and will get much use from these patterns.  

Book Review: Last of the Giants: The Rise and Fall of Earths Most Dominant Species by Jeff Campbell

Last of the Giants: The Rise and Fall of Earths Most Dominant Species by Jeff Campbell is a nonfiction book for children and adults. Today, an ancient world is vanishing right before our eyes: the age of giant animals. Over 40,000 years ago, the earth was ruled by megafauna: mammoths and mastodons, saber-toothed tigers and giant sloths. Of course, those creatures no longer exist, due to the evolution and arrival of the wildly adaptive human species, among other factors. Many more of the world's biggest and baddest creatures—including the black rhino, the dodo, giant tortoises, and the great auk—have vanished since our world became truly global. Last of the Giants chronicles those giant animals and apex predators who have been pushed to extinction in the modern era.

Last of the Giants is a highly informative book that will appeal to readers that love animals, care about the environment, and see the connection between the two. I was glad to read about animals I had never studied before, and see the thorough and thoughtful way their existence and extinction. The use of history and biology together give readers a better picture of how thirteen large animals became extinct, or nearly so. I really like that the author includes some hope for readers that some of these creatures, and others on the brink of extinction, might yet survive. This hope includes information on conservation efforts, which just might encourage young readers to make some effort and changes to help locally or with the larger efforts already in place.

Last of the Giants is a very interesting and informative book. I learned new things, and liked how the author made what could have been fairly dry reading quite engaging. This will be a valuable resources for anyone that wants to learn about extinction, for the environment and people can greatly effect the world around them, and the creatures we share it with. 

Blog Tour with Excerpt: Mind Matters: Self Help by Tanya j. Miller

Mind Matters Self-Help by Tanya J. Miller

DESCRIPTION

Do you ever get lost in the maze of your mind? When your thoughts start spiraling in a continuous loop—positive or negative—it can seem impossible to consider a different idea or even catch your breath.

If the way you think greatly influences the way you live, then it’s important to know how to manage your thoughts and channel their power to improve your life, rather than hinder it.

Mind Matters explores practical ways you can bring balance to your thought life, from replacing anxious thoughts with hopeful ones to curbing unnecessary thinking altogether. It also points out traps that keep you stuck, like “clearing your mind” by airing your thoughts on Facebook.

As you learn the art of controlling your thoughts, you will be able to focus on what you can do in the present to experience the life you want in the future. Whether you struggle with anxious thoughts or just need a few tips to better manage your mind, this easy-to-read guide provides you with simple instructions you can immediately put into practice.

PURCHASE

ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - YouTube

Tanya J. Miller is a certified life coach with over eighteen years’ experience working with youth, young adults, and women throughout the community and in ministry to pursue purpose, passion and destiny.

Tanya holds a BBA in finance and business management from Northwood University and an MBA from Regent University and is also certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Scrum Master.

Her lifelong passion for writing eventually led her to start the blog Talking with Tanya in 2005. Mind Matters is her debut book. Tanya is married and currently lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Don't Forget About the Mind Matters Journal!

Your thoughts are powerful, which means what you are thinking matters. However, it’s easy to get trapped in your mind whether by blissful daydreams or anxiety spirals and held back in your life.

In Mind Matters the book, it taught you simple steps that will enable you to keep your thoughts in check so you can focus on and improve your present reality. You will now need to ensure that you will do what it takes to stay out of your head and be a part of life.

With the Get Your Mind Right journal, you will have a way to talk through those tough times or hard situations that you may face or go through in life. Those unfortunate moments, those devastating memories, those challenging problems - they won’t own you. You will have the tools in this guide, and you will be able to put in the work necessary to take care of your mind matters.

Live well. Live life alive, on purpose, and out loud!

Excerpt from Tanya J. Miller’s Mind Matters: Get Out of Your Head, and Jump Into Life

Chapter 4:

Control what you can control – your thoughts – and leave the rest alone. You have no power or authority to do anything but that. If you didn’t know, know this: who you are at your core begins with your thoughts. What do you think about yourself really?

You need to realize that deep down inside, in your centermost thoughts, lies what you could be.  A core is defined as the essential, basis, root, foundation, and bottom line. This means that the very makeup of who you are, what you are about, and where you want to go all come from your thought life. So whatever you think, so shall you be. It’ll come into fruition.  It’ll become your real life.

What do you want your real life to look like?  Do you want to allow yourself to be overwhelmed, bogged down, caught up in your feelings, going every which way but right? Or do you want it to be better, to be balanced, with you caring about the matters of your mind? If you want to jump back into life, you need to do the work. Get ahold of yourself, and make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. You can’t do this for anybody but yourself. You have to want this for you.

If there’s something in your control that you can change,

 don’t be afraid to do something about that!

THIS TOUR IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY WORLDWIND VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS

Early Book Review: Science Comics: Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks

Science Comics: Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks is part of a series that uses the graphic novel format to engage children in science. This volume: in Coral Reefs, we learn all about the tiny sea animals that are our coral reefs. This absorbing look at ocean science covers the biology of coral reefs as well as their ecological importance. There is an entertaining and informative combination of serious cuteness and in-depth science.

Coral Reefs is a cute and informative graphic novel that will fascinate readers that love cute graphic novels, non fiction about science, and information about animals or the environment. I think this combination of science and cuteness will keep a wide audience interested and reading about science. The illustrations are very detailed and help in the information gathering by readers, while keeping them amused. The informative text alternates between very in depth and tidbits of information that will recapture the attention of any readers starting to drift.

Coral Reefs is a good resource for capturing the attention of a wide variety of readers and getting them excited by science, informed, and hopefully curious to learn more.

Early Book Review: Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman and the New England Wild Flower Society

Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman and the New England Wild Flower Society is currently scheduled for release on March 9 2016. This book is a comprehensive guide which describes and illustrates more than 900 species of wildflowers commonly encountered in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. It includes perennials, annuals, and bulbs; both native and naturalized. The plants are organized first by flower color and then by petal shape.  this helpful guide boasts thousands of color photographs.

Wildflowers of New England has thousand of color photographs showing the details needed to positively identify any of the over 900 included species. There is a good amount of introductory information for those using the guide. This information includes an explanation of plant parts, keys to the plants, and information on plant names. Each plant's photograph is paired with the scientific and more common information about the species such as state they are found in, whether parts of the plant are toxic, and so much more. There is so much information included in each entry, and the organization and detail make this a wonderfully helpful guide for anyone interested in identifying the plants that might spring up in their yards or that they might discover on a hike or while foraging.

Wildflowers of New England is a great tool for those looking to identify plants, and to get detailed information on the species that they see around them. 

Early Book Review: Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! by Dawn Cusick

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! by Dawn Cusick is children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. This book details some of the less appealing aspects of the animal world. From blood-squirting reptiles to blood-sweating mammals to nose-picking primates, learn about some of the most disgusting creatures in the animal kingdom. Animals have developed some weird, wacky, and just plain gross habits and skills that help them survive.

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! has a host of interesting facts about the bizarre habits and skills that animals have developed to help them survive. some are disgusting defenses to protect them from predators, others are symbiotic relationships or grooming habits that help keep them comfortable and healthy, and some are to help them find and devour their own prey. Some of the facts I already knew, like the teamwork between certain birds or fish and much larger animals that might otherwise consider them food or pests, but I did learn some new things as well. I liked the detail about the whys of the gross facts, rather than just the information about what each animal does and why it is gross. This would be a great book for readers that love learning about animals, and those looking for some information on the icky side.

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! is a wonderful resource and I think it will be appreciated by animal and ick lovers alike. A great addition to home, school, and library collections. 

Early Book Review: Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing Natural Skin-Care Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola

Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing Natural Skin-Care Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola is a currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016. This is a great starter and instruction guide that explains the benefits and details of making your own cold process soaps. The book offers complete instructions, including the science and safety precautions needed. There are 32 recipes that range from simple castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. There are photographs that guide you through the step-by-step instructions of cold-process soapmaking.

Pure Soapmaking is a well written and thoughtful instructional guide to the craft of making soaps. I find the idea of making cold-process soaps more than a little intimidating. However, I very much like knowing exactly what is in my skin care products- and those my children use. In this, the idea of crafting my own custom soaps is intriguing and desirable. I found the photography and text came together in a way that makes the process much less intimidating and much better understood. I think this is a much read for those just starting out in cold-process soap making and a handy resource to keep around and use for recipes and information even after feeling like you have mastered the basics. 

Pure Soapmaking is a wonderful and detailed guide to making your own soaps.  I have made my own soaps in the past, but never tried cold process soaps, since I find the use of lye more than a little intimidating. However, this book with its instructions and encouragement might help me make the leap. 

Book Review: Build, Beaver, Build! by Sandra Markle and Deborah Hocking

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam is an easy nonfiction book written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Deborah Hocking. This nonfiction picturebook follows a year in the life of a young male beaver as he swims, plays, helps his family build and repair their dam and lodge, and learns how to flap his tail to ward off predators.

Build, Beaver, Build! is a wonderful book for reading aloud with young children, or for letting newly independent readers read to you. The text details the names and development of young beavers, as well as the basics about their lives, homes, and abilities. Readers will learn when a young beaver can do certain things, how quickly they grow, and the dangers they face. The facts are in story format, so even readers that do not usually enjoy or seek out non fiction can get involved in the story. I liked the additional facts that are included at the end of the book. I will admit to learn some new information, and enjoying the lovely and realistic illustrations.

Build, Beaver, Build! is an enjoyable and informative read that young readers and older siblings or caretakers can enjoy as well. My daughter loves learning about animals, and loved the book, and would have loved it even as a young reader. 

Early Book Review: The Culinary Herbal: Growing and Preserving 97 Flavorful Herbs by Susan Belsinger, Arthur O. Tucker, Shawn Linehan

The Culinary Herbal: Growing and Preserving 97 Flavorful Herbs by Susan Belsinger, Arthur O. Tucker, and Shawn Lineman is a wonderful resource about herbs which is currently scheduled for release on January 27 2016. This book details 97 different variety of herbs including how to use them, how to care for them, and a variety of other important information. Plant profiles are organized alphabetically by herb type and have wonderful full color photographs. Additional information includes step-by-step instructions for harvesting, preserving, and storing, along with techniques for making pastes, syrups, vinegars, and butters.

The Culinary Herbal is a well organized and very informative guide to culinary herbs. I found the information to be comprehensive and useful. I grow many herbs that were included in the book, and thought that the collection of information was very useful and I enjoyed reading more about the herbs that I have never grown. The herbs are categorized alphabetically and are complete with full color photographs and important information. The photographs were particularly helpful, showing multiple views and varieties of the herbs to add in identification and proper usage. The scientific and growing information was also complete and well organized. This is a great guide for herb growers and those that enjoy using fresh herbs in their kitchen. 

The Culinary Herbal is a fantastic resource for reference and planning a home herb garden. It offers complete information on each herb, even some less common varieties, as well as usage and care information. I think it would be a valuable reference guide for anyone interested in getting serious about growing and using herbs. 

Early Book Review: Seven Continents by Mohan Bhasker

Seven Continents is a collection of photography by Mohan Bhasker which is currently scheduled for publication on January 28 2016. Mohan Bhasker is a physician and landscape photographer that has traveled a round-the-world to some of Earth's most exquisite sites. This book collects over 220 photographs that Mohan has taken over a fifteen years, along with the information about the journeys and conditions that he experienced while traveling to take the pictures. Some of the locations include a Laos jungle, Antarctica's icebergs, Nepal's Himalayan mountain range, and Brazil's scorching sand dunes. 

Seven Continents is an interesting collection of photographs from all seven continents taken over a period of fifteen years. The images and stories behind them are wonderful and show the beauty of each landscape and in many cases the animals that inhabit them. I liked the concept and the execution, however found that no images really captivated me as unique. so many images are available for viewing through so many forms of media that it really takes a lot to stand out these days. None of these pictures really struck me as overly original or capturing something new. They are all lovely images, capturing the differences and overall beauty that can be found in the world, but none left me awestruck or needing to add the book to my permanent collection.

Seven Continents is a lovely coffee table book or addition to a photography or travel buff's collection. I enjoyed looking at the photographs, and found some very beautiful, but did not find the book to be a must see or must have.

Book Review: Discovery Spaceopedia: The Complete Guide to Everything Space by Discovery

Discovery Spaceopedia: The Complete Guide to Everything Space by Discovery. This book was created with Discovery Channel's leading space expert, Hakeem Oluseyi, and is filled with incredible facts, more than 400 full color NASA photos, and profiles of groundbreaking astronauts and scientists including Neil Armstrong, Edwin Hubble, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Readers will learn all about black holes, orbits, constellations and more with special features on the Curiosity and Rosetta Comet landings, and the current number of earth-like planets in the universe that may have intelligent life!

Discovery Spaceopedia is a comprehensive introduction to everything about our solar system, space travel, and all branches of science that relate to outer space. The illustrations, photographs, and facts  are all well organized and presented in a way that is understandable and interesting. I found that it was not necessarily new information, at least to me. I think older readers that have already explored other books about space and related sciences will have a similar reaction. It would make a good resources with all of the information in a single volume, or comprehensive starting point for interested readers. It is a well organized and informative text with pictures and tips that capture the interest and the imagination of readers. 

Discovery Spaceopedia is a comprehensive and interesting read. I think it will hold little new information for fans of the subject that have already done their research, but collects all the relevant information for reference in a single book. I think this would be a great resource for new fans to the subject matter, or for long time space fanatics that have been looking for a single book to cover their interest. 

Book Review: A Tower of Giraffes: Animals in Groups by Anna Wright

A Tower of Giraffes: Animals in Groups by Anna Wright is a non fiction picturebook. It introduces young readers to the words people use to refer to animals in a group and some information about each kind of group. The images are a combination of ink, watercolor, and fabric collage art. The result is brightly colored and unique. 

A Tower of Giraffes is a great easy non fiction book that will delight young readers that love animals and learning new words. I like that the book offers the collective nouns for so many animals, but that information like when the groupings happen, the numbers of animals often found in the group, and more interesting facts are included. Some of the words are particularly well matched to the animals they describe, such as a prickle of hedgehogs or a flamboyance of flamingos, that the information all on its own. To top of the information and introduction of new vocabulary is the colorful and unique artwork that can be found on each page. The art really adds something special and interesting to further engage readers of all ages. 

A Tower of Giraffes is a book that I highly recommend for school and public library collections. My daughter is an animal lover, and even though she is reading well above the level of this book, i can see it being a huge hit in our house. I cannot wait to share it with her.

Book Review: Forgotten Bones; Uncovering a Slave Cemetery by Lois Miner Huey

Forgotten Bones; Uncovering a Slave Cemetery by Lois Miner Huey is the nonfiction book that details the accidental discovery of a cemetery at a construction site, and the archaeological work that resulted.  

This particular story begins in Albany, New York, in 2005. Workers were putting in new sewer line when a backhoe driver dug up a skull. After police declared the skull wasn't connected to any recent crimes, a team of archaeologists took a closer look. They determined the skull was from an African American who had died more than one hundred years earlier. Suddenly the construction site turned into an archaeological dig. Scientists excavated more bones and realized that they had located a long-lost slave cemetery. Slavery had been legal in the northern United States, including in New York State, in colonial times, but the stories of these slaves are largely unknown. This site became just the third slave cemetery ever to be excavated in the North. The book explains how archaeologists pieced together the truth about these once forgotten bones, and what they learned.

I found Forgotten Bones; Uncovering a Slave Cemetery to be engaging and interesting. I found the details of the discovery, recovery, and museum work involved to be engrossing and important. I like that the author included the history of slavery and the details of the two previous excavations in the North. the timeline of the discovery and everything hat we have learned because of it was laid out in a way that was both understandable for middle grade readers and adults, while also being interesting and inspiring further research (at least on my part). I think the combination of scientific knowledge, respect for the remains worked with, and the history revealed are combined in this book in a impressive balance. 

I think Forgotten Bones; Uncovering a Slave Cemetery is a wonderful, informational text that middle grade and older readers will get a lot out of. The book is engaging and offers important insights. readers that are interested in history and/or archaeology will find the read particularly engrossing.