Review: The BFG by Roald Dahl

The BFG by Roald Dahl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I read a children’s book, I try to imagine what kind of read-aloud experience it would be for me and my children when they were small. My review reflects that scenario.

But first… this was a tree book. When I was younger I wouldn’t have found the font difficult. But I could only read a few pages at a time now. Thank goodness for the smaller paragraphs and pictures.
Pictures! Why don’t adult books have pictures? Even simple ones like in this book are such a blessing to tired eyes and an inspiration to the inner artist. But I don’t think the pictures would have won my young critics hearts.

The story, on the other hand, would have been a tough bedtime read. Thinking of how comical it would have been for Mom to be reading the words of the giant. Word of warning to parents about to try that, READ AHEAD. That way you can pronounce the words silently before exposing innocent ears to words you didn’t mean to say. No, the Giant’s words are all G-rated. But there are tongue twisters I know I would have fallen for. I can see my kids now rolling on the floor laughing at Mom for the mistakes.

Some say this story is scary. I suppose that may be true but my children would have been delighted.
The child, Sophie, and the Big Friendly Giant were great characters. The bigger giants were scary but the reader feels protected by the intelligence and common sense of BFG and Sophie.

I wish, though, that the bad giants were given a chance to show they could learn to be good. All in all, this was a fun book that I was glad I got to read. Now I can watch the movie!

By the way, I want to thank Julie at our library for picking this up for me. Yay! Librarians!

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Review: Loom Knitting Stitches: My Top Ten Volume 1 by Denise M. C

Loom Knitting Stitches: My Top Ten Volume 1 by Denise M. Canela

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Denise M. Canela has been my online teacher for loom knitting. It is because of her and my Hugger Hats group that I am addicted to making hats (and other things) with the loom. My other thanks goes to Carol who took the time to teach me to make my first hat in person. But Denise is there night or day when I have a question I look it up on her web page or YouTube page to learn a new stitch or pattern.

This book isn’t items to make, just patterns for stitches you can use to create whatever you choose to. I like that because I can get creative with my hats, scarves, gloves, etc.

Though not free, any book by Ms. Canela is well worth it as there are links to videos to take you step by step through the pattern. And her mission with these hats is similar to that of Hugger Hats. She makes many of her creations for charities all over the world.

I will keep this book on the carousel of my biggest Kindle as I can see the pictures better. It is a great reference for all the things I want to make.

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Review: Wedding Crochet: Create Your Dream Wedding With These Fabulous Patterns by Lisa Garland

Wedding Crochet: Create Your Dream Wedding With These Fabulous Patterns by Lisa Garland

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Here is another book for the young crocheter. It has a little intro to crochet. Then the patterns follow. This would be a fun find for a young woman planning her own wedding. It contains a pattern for a beautiful gown, garter, lacy gloves, bouquet, and clutch, oh, and ring bearer pillow. It isn’t for a beginner but with the help of YouTube the young bride could work her way through some gorgeous patterns for her own special day.

For the rest of us… the patterns for the gloves and the flowers and clutch are worth trying. And the dress could be made for other events. The sizes vary from 8-18 and the dress is beautiful. I could see it in black or any other color than white for multiple uses. The patterns seem easy to follow so it might come in handy for me someday. The gloves might be fun for the Hugger Hats group–or gifts for friends.

The book was free when I picked it up but it may be worth the $2.99 for those brave DIYers.

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Review: Summer Crochet: 15 Gorgeous Crochet Projects That Are Perfect For Summer by Adrienne Black

Summer Crochet: 15 Gorgeous Crochet Projects That Are Perfect For Summer by Adrienne Black

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay, once again, I didn’t READ this book. I leafed through the pages, looked at the pictures and decided if it had any patterns I would like to try.

Oh to be young and fit! There are some sexy beachwear, bikinis and the like in the beginning of the book. If you feel confident enough to try these, go for it! Unfortunately, even when I was young enough or fit enough, I lacked the gall to try wearing them. These are not for beginners but the patterns seem easy to follow. I still need more pictures for some stitches but, hey, that’s what YouTube’s for!

After the sexy pages of young nubile mermaids, there’s chapter 3-Shoes and Such. Finally something I might be able to feel good about. Flip Flops and sandals. Chapter 4 has a picnic basket and blanket. Then chapter 5’s odds and ends include a baby hat and a flirty skirt. So, really, for me, there was only the baby hat that I might make for the hugger hats. If I remember where it is. SEE, that is why I write these reviews. I will come here to find more hats.

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Why I Won’t Apologize for Having Fun While Sick | The Mighty

A response to those who judge people who are sick for going out and having fun.

Source: Why I Won’t Apologize for Having Fun While Sick | The Mighty

Review: Bury the Living by Jodi McIsaac

Bury the Living by Jodi McIsaac

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: NetGalley is a wonderful program where you can find books to read and review. This is one of the gems I’ve picked up from them.

This was a good book! It started a bit slow, but it included a bit of history of Ireland that I’m not schooled in. I’m sure those who are well-versed in their Irish history may find that part a bit boring. But it’s necessary for those here in America who didn’t get that history in their regular education. Meanwhile, you’re getting to know the main character and what is going on in her life, and how history has affected her.

I thought writing this review would be easy, it was such an exciting book I couldn’t put it down! But I’m finding it hard not to put spoilers in my review leaving it sounding pretty boring.

Modern day, Nora O’Reilly turns to her Catholic church when it seems all is lost, finds sisters of the flame who lead her to new adventures in 1923. Can she change history by saving the right people? And how can she do that?

This book kept me up reading, two nights in a row. I love time travel books. And the concepts of possible changes to timelines. This one keeps you thinking.

There is only one problem in this book as far as I’m concerned. It doesn’t quite end. Though it doesn’t leave you on the cliffhanger, you know there’s more to read. I hope there’s a book two.

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Man Makes Thousands of Charity Hats While in Hospice / Lion Brand Notebook – Lion Brand Yarn

Yarn and Patterns for Knitting and Crochet

Source: Man Makes Thousands of Charity Hats While in Hospice / Lion Brand Notebook – Lion Brand Yarn

I feel like making the hats give purpose to my life when I can’t do much else. So I can identify him. He is now my hero!

Let’s Loom a Pumpkin Hat Today! :)

Today’s the day we learn how to create an adorable little Pumpkin Hat from beginning to end! 😀 Just some refreshers of the project and Loom/Crochet Along:  The pumpkin is created with loom k…

Source: Let’s Loom a Pumpkin Hat Today! 🙂

Review: The New Guide to Knitting and Crochet by Marie Jane Cooper

The New Guide to Knitting and Crochet by Marie Jane Cooper

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I did not read every word here. But there are a lot of patterns and advice on knitting and crocheting. Unfortunately. these are old fashioned patterns. You can tell by the titles of the patterns. Worst of all there are no pictures. I just don’t know how well the finished product is supposed to look without that reference. It might be fun to try.

Because of the frequent advice, I will not delete this book from my library as it may hold gems I need to be better at these crafts.

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Review: Bravo and Elphie by Hagit R. Oron

Bravo and Elphie by Hagit R. Oron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a delightful little book! It speaks to the shy one in all of us. Scared of something? Try to help someone else out of their fears and suddenly you are set free. This would have been a great book for my offspring when they were tiny and afraid.

Beyond the adorable illustrations, this gem offers plenty of conversation starters. Can elephants really climb up the slide steps? Would an elephant be friends with a rat? I remember a Mythbusters show that demonstrated how the big beasts seemed to shy away from mice. But it could just be that elephants care for their little friends of the plains and don’t want to hurt them. Who knows?

Of course we could talk about the main message of being afraid and thinking of ways to help others get over their fears. Even as adults, don’t we need that reminder every now and then?

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