Books Archives - Persevering Momma

Holiday Gift Guide For The Little Book Lovers 2018 Edition

November 29, 2018 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post and these opinions and gift suggestions are all my own.

The Christmas That Almost Never Was

I love buying at least one new Christmas book each year and sometimes it gets tough finding the perfect one for each year. This year our new book is The Christmas That Almost Never Was and it will be wrapped and placed under the tree to be opened on Christmas Eve as is our family tradition. I love being able to share all of these amazing traditions and stories with my son each year. So if you are looking for a great new Christmas book for your family then this one might be the one for you.

T. Rex Generations

My son is obsessed with dinosaurs which is why I am giving my son this T. Rex Generations book even though this book is a little above what a toddler would normally read I still plan on slowly reading this to my son. It is written in a graphic novel styled book that appeals to many kids big and small. This book starts 66 million years ago and moves forward in time as it talks about the lives of T. Rex starting from birth. If you have a dinosaur lover in your family then you might want to consider this as a great educational gift for your kid this year.

Adventures in Petlandia

If you have both pets and kids in your home then you might want to consider getting a copy or two of the Adventures in Petlandia book for your family. This book is personalized to have the pet look like your pet and have the same name so that your children can read all about your pets adventures in Petlandia. This is a super cute book that when it is personalized makes for a great addition to any family library. I can almost guarantee that your children will love reading about their pets.

Gus’ Fortunate Misfortune

The book Gus’ Fortunate Misfortune is the perfect cute story for a child who is young and is still learning the ins and outs of life. This book shows children how to turn a very bad day into a new beginning with compassion, patience, and kindness. The author thought that this would be a great child-friendly introduction to some Buddhist teachings to help emphasize compassion, patience, kindness, and consideration for others. So, if you are working on any of these concepts with your children I would consider getting them this book for the holidays this year.

The Love of a Bingle Lancer

If you are looking for a book for your little princess or your child with an adventurous soul then I would look into The Love of a Bingle Lancer as a great book option for your child. This beautiful poetic story has a timeless mix of poems blended together with painted illustrations that you’ll never forget. This story will keep any reader captivated for hours on end as we visit the lands ruled by King Bandini and the far off kingdom of Fettuccine. Love conquers all for Prince Bandini: many a King is good at sitting and forbidding, and many a Prince is good at prancing and romancing, but when it comes to Spanish Fancy Dancing, there’s no one like Hoochie Coochie Smoocherini!

Journaling Into The New Year – Ellie Claire Art Journals

November 19, 2018 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post and I received three Ellie Claire Art Journals for this review.

It is the end of the year and that means many people are starting to think about the new year and they are starting to weigh their options on how to change and/or improve their lives in the upcoming year. This does mean resolutions and one thing that I always consider is journaling. I love the idea of journaling, but as an adult I have never gotten into it on a regular basis. As a pre-teen and teenager I journaled on a regular basis and really found that it helped me to feel connected with myself in a new way. This is something I am hoping to finally bring back into my life which is why I am reviewing three different Art Journals today.

I am quite analytical and I am always unsure on what option is the best one for me. The only way I could really figure out what the best option was for me was to look closely at multiple options. In this post I will talk about the in’s and out’s of all three of these journals. Each journal is unique in it’s own way and will be better suited for different people. I hope that this break down review will be helpful to others as it was helpful for me. Now let’s see what these art journals are all about.

Art Style

Faith & Lettering

The art style in Faith & Lettering is definitely one that is of modern design. While there are aspects that remind me of calligraphy it is something that you would find in most modern stores and appeals to a wide audience. I love that the artwork looks like something that isn’t over the top and is something you would see in many people’s homes. This art style is done this way because it is something that people can learn to draw and express themselves with.

The Illustrated Word

This journal is special and unique in its own way and follows the adult coloring trend that has been going on for the past few years. Within this journal is forty illustrations that appear in full color as well as blank for you to color. These illustrations come from the archives of the Museum of the Bible. Each piece tells a story and leaves you thinking about your own devotion to God. You can choose to color your pictures to match the original or to make it your own and showcase your own creativity.

Illuminate Your Story

The art style in this journal represents an ancient art, a historical art, that we don’t want to die with age. Instead this journal teaches the history and process of creating Illuminated Letters. This journal uses this art as a way to create your own story and your own expression through something beautiful and though provoking. The pages within this journal are for artwork and to write about your process and experiences while learning a new form of expression. Each piece helps you to create unique pieces of art that will express your own unique voice.

Inspirational Quotes

Faith & Lettering

The words in this journal are meant to be thought provoking and while many would say they are inspirational while I mainly find them to be thought provoking and to make me question different aspects of my life. This is not a bad thing. For me this is a good thing. I want to be challenged and I want to push my boundaries. Each quote is meant to be journaled about and with that I am pleased.

The Illustrated Word

I have to say of all three journals this one is the least about the quotes. In this journal the quotes lie within the artwork. Not all illustrations have quotes, but the ones that do stand out and are quotes that will help to uplift you and keep your faith in God strong.

Illuminate Your Story

The quotes in this journal feel especially inspirational to me. Maybe it is because the quotes come from a variety of different sources and not just from the bible. A quote that really stuck with me was “Joy cannot be pursued. It comes from within. It is a state of being. It does not depend on circumstances, but triumphs over circumstances. It produces a gentleness of spirit and a magnetic personality. Billy Graham”

Special Features

Faith & Lettering

This journal features a gorgeous hardcover with an attached pen holder on the upper portion of the spine. The pen-holder is made of sturdy elastic that will hold your pen in place thanks to its thick elastic and strong hold. This journal is called Faith & Lettering because it is all about learning how to do lettering on your own. The journal is built around the idea of working on a new lettering project each day and to then have pages to write down your thoughts and devotionals. For example, the first day of journaling says forgiveness and has a lettering activity where it quotes “Draw near to God & he will draw near to you. James 4:8.” This passage goes with the beginning thought helping you to focus and think about the passage and what it means to you while you practice your lettering art. This journaling style is definitely one suited for a crafty soul that wants to have a daily devotional.

The Illustrated Word

While this journal doesn’t boast any extra amenities it does feature a stunning cover full of colorful art that just beckons you inside. This journal is the biggest of all three journals and gives you the most space to color in the full page images that are strewn through the pages. It is one of a kind in its own way because it tailors itself to the creative people. It doesn’t need a pen-holder because with this book you will be wanting a whole pencil case to hold all of your colors.

Illuminate Your Story

This journal features a pen-holder along the top spine like the Faith & Lettering journal; however it also features an elastic closure on the book that can be used to hold it closed or used to hold your pages in place when you are using the book. I always love these elastic closures on my journals because I feel like it is more secure than just being laid down. On top of these additions this journal also features a built in ribbon bookmark and a keepsakes envelope in the back of the book. Each of these features make the journal a more versatile journal. With the elastic closure you can know that your keepsakes will stay inside the pocket even if dropped and you will always know where you left off in the journal thanks to the ribbon bookmark.

Picking a Journal

Picking a journal is still not an easy task. I intend to get a feel of these journals more and see what I think of them. I will be open and honest and admit that I am not a devotional type of girl and don’t find these to be ones that fit my personality perfectly; however, I already have a list of people that I believe would be suited for each of these stunning journals. They are meant for certain people with creative souls.

Do any of these art journals speak to you?

New Netflix TV Show: DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants

July 10, 2018 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post. I was provided with a Captain Underpants Kit in exchange for this fun informational post!

If you grew up in the 90’s then you will remember when the first Captain Underpants book released. Since 1997 it has only grown in popularity. There are now 10 novels, multiple movies, and this brand new Netflix TV Show, DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants. If you are an avid fan of Captain Underpants you won’t want to miss this new show. That means if you don’t already have an account with Netflix you will need to go and get an account so that you don’t miss out on any of these episodes.

DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants Premiers July 13th!

You have to check out the opening credits for this new show. I can almost guarantee that it will make you laugh as well as make you want to dive into the show right now! Don’t worry because that premiere is only days away!

While my son is still a little too young to enjoy and appreciate this silly cartoon he will still be getting peeks at it because my hubby and I plan on watching every single episode of season 1 when it airs on July 13th. Well, we plan non at least starting the season on July 13th there is no guarantee that we will actually watch it all in one day. (Cause who has time for that!? Lol.)

Getting Creative During Netflix Shows

Thank to my Captain Underpants Summer Fun Kit I am able to have a little extra fun while watching the new show when it airs. Even though you don’t have this fun little kit you can still have some fun while watching the Epic Tales of Captain Underpants. All you will need to do is a make a couple of sock puppets just like I did!

This means you can have your very own George and Harold to play out scenes from the TV show or books with. I don’t know if you are like me, but I just love to talk to the TV when I watch it. I know the characters can’t hear me, but it doesn’t stop me from talking to them and having a sock puppet to talk to just makes it that much more fun.

So, get ready for the fun to begin on July 13th!

Hey Baby! It’s a National Geographic Kids Holiday.

December 9, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Moms Meet. Free product was received as compensation for my honest opinion about National Geographic Kids products.

Hey Baby! Did you know that it’s a National Geographic Kids Holiday this year? It is in our house at least. We are celebrating the holidays early with a little bit of educational fun in with all of the the holiday spirit. I’ll admit that these books I’m about to talk about would make great presents, but in all honesty I wouldn’t be able to contain my excitement and actually wrap them instead of waiting to gift them.

My son is only 2 years old, but both him and his 4 year old cousin had a blast with the book Hey Baby! from National Geographic Kids on vacation this past week. We loved sitting and cuddling on the couch while we learned all about the different baby animals. This book says its for ages 4-8, but if you read it to be kids younger ones will enjoy it as well.

My son loves it because he is becoming obsessed with babies and he loves learning about the animals at the zoo. This book is a great way for him to get both things at once. This hardcover book is filled from front to back with so much information you won’t know what to do with.

What’s in the book?

This book is set up in such a neat way. It is set up by habitats so you will find each animal in their specific habitat and each animal’s section begins with a fun poem about the animal. In these profiles you will find more information about the animals and stories of unusual friendships between animals. However, my son’s favorite part is the photo gallery at the end of each section showcasing itty bitty babies called a Tot Lot. He just loves seeing pictures of babies knowing they are somewhat similar to him.

Where to find the book.

This hardcover book details for $24.99 and can be found at a variety of stores including Books-a-Million, Barnes & Nobel, as well as on Target, Costco, Walmart, and of course on Amazon.com.

Top Books To Give As Holiday Gifts For Big Kids

December 9, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

We can’t forget the big kids when it comes to books. I know most big kids won’t ask for books as presents, but that doesn’t mean that if you get the right book they won’t be excited about it. That is why you need to think about what the kids are interested in. These books are all fun and educational at the same time.

Amazing World: Sea Creatures

If you have a kid or kids that love fish and all things under the sea then you might want to check out this interactive, educational book all about Sea Adventures. This book will teach you kids all about under the sea creatures and plants. The stunning pictures help bring the book to life. This fun book even comes with a set of glow-in-the-dark stickers sea creatures that your kids can play with or put up in their rooms. You can find this book on Quarto Knows website.

Amazing World: Stars & Planets

This is another book to go with the first one. I love buying sets of books that are similar because if a kid likes one they will more than likely like another that is like it. This book is all about the stars and planets. It will teach your kids all about them again with stunning pictures and interesting facts. This book also comes with glow-in-the-dark stickers in the shape of stars and plants to decorate with! You can find this book on Quarto Knows website.

Creature Files: Dinosaurs

This is the book for dinosaur lovers. In this book your children will learn about 20 different dinosaurs. They will learn about a variety of different types of dinosaurs including carnivores and herbivores. With this book your child gets three replica teeth that they can try to match with teeth pictured in the book. You can find this book on Quarto Knows website.

Creature Files: Dangerous Reptiles

This book here is for the child that is interested in reptiles. This book includes 20 different dangerous reptiles between its pages. In the book your children will learn to identify different dangerous reptiles and learn what makes them so dangerous. Like the other books this one comes with teeth that your children can match up with teeth pictured in the book. This not only is a fun book, but also a great one if you live near any of these dangerous reptiles. It will help your children to know what to avoid. This book can be found on Quarto Knows website.

Creature Files: Predators

This book is all about the big ferocious predators out there! In it your children will read about 20 different predators. They will learn about predators from the arctic all the way to the savanna. In it they will learn about their claws and can even mast help them to the three replica claws they get with the book! This is a great interactive and educational book for your little ones. You can find this book on Quarto Knows Website.

Rocket a Journey through the pages by Mike Vago

In this fun book you have a plastic rocket that gets to fly through space! Move the little rocket ship along the route in the book to learn about things in space as you pass them by! The illustrations will blow your mind as you get taken from where you are reading to somewhere new! This is a great book to get your kids especially if they get Anya while reading. They will just love moving the space ship along the path. You can purchase this book on Amazon and still get it in time for the holidays!